Reilly Mitchison

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport)—12‑year-old Ashtonfield resident Reilly Mitchison is an incredibly talented and passionate rising star in Maitland's performing arts community. A Year 7 student at the Hunter School of Performing Arts, Reilly is already making waves on some of our region's biggest stages. Last year, he enchanted audiences at the Civic Theatre in the lead role of Michael Banks in Mary Poppins—an experience he still calls one of his favourite roles. More recently, he starred in Dot and the Kangaroo Junior at the Civic Playhouse and is now preparing to step into the beloved role of Olaf in Frozen this July. Reilly's talent and commitment have not gone unnoticed. He and classmate Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa are set to make school history as the first Year 7 students to land lead roles in the school's production of Grease later this year. A proud member of Hunter Drama since age 10, Reilly thanks his teachers and mentors for inspiring and shaping his love for performance. With a bright future ahead, Reilly's joy, humour and dedication are already leaving a lasting impression on our local arts scene. Bravo, Reilly!