Mustafa "Zac" Mohmand

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport)—Congratulations and thank you Mustafa "Zac" Mohmand for his commitment to football in the Maitland community through his work with Maitland Football Club. Zac grew up in Afghanistan where in contrast to the manicured ground of Cooks Square Park, football was played on stone-covered pitches. Forced to flee his homeland after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Zac and his family endured unimaginable fear, hiding from those who sought to punish them for supporting Australian Defence Force efforts. Since arriving in Australia, Zac has channelled his lifelong passion for football into coaching, becoming a valued assistant coach in Maitland Football Club's women's program. His experience, including time with the Afghan International football program, is matched only by his generosity of spirit and commitment to nurturing the next generation of players. Zac's story is a powerful reminder of how sport can offer healing, purpose, and connection. Maitland Football Club women's coach Joe Wright says it best, the club is not only lucky to have someone of Zac's coaching calibre at the club, but also his character. Thank you, Zac, for everything you bring to our community. We are so thankful to have you in Maitland.