Dec 12th, 2022

 

My congratulations to all award recipients from Kulpi State School's Annual Awards function last Wednesday, with special mention to Ally Groat who received my 2022 Pat Weir Enthusiasm Award.

Extending my best wishes to all in attendance for the Christmas/New Year period and forthcoming new year.

Sept 13th, 2022

 

I visited the Sister Kenny House in Clifton last Friday where the committee thanked me for the donation towards the cost of digitising a tutorial film from the 1940s of Sister Kenny.

The volunteers are to be congratulated in their tireless work to keep the memory of Sister Kenny alive.

The Sister Kenny Memorial hosts an amazing amount of material, covering with immense detail, all aspects of her life.

Photo taken by The Clifton Courier during my visit, includes: Tony Wallen, Tricia Wallen, Jan Lowing and John Warner.

Sept 11th, 2022

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Today I was honoured to sign the Condolence Book for Queen Elizabeth II at Parliament House where I attended Queensland's Proclamation of the new sovereign - King Charles III

Aug 29th, 2022

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I had the pleasure of attending the 2022 Oakey Mayoral Prayer Evening last Thursday.

 

This year's theme 'Love our Youth - our heart, our future', involving a panel discussing the challenges and opportunities to encourage and empower the young people of Oakey.

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Those present were entertained by a group of singers from the Solomon Islands and heard from a Pastor from the Cook Islands.

Aug 12th, 2022

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Great morning tea yesterday at the Oakey ‘Sconversation’ Centenary Scone Day.

The Oakey CWA ladies celebrated the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s 100th Anniversary by holding Centenary Scone Days.

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Oakey Branch President Wendy Gordon spoke of the ways in which the QCWA improves the lives of people living in regional, rural and remote Queensland.

July 27th, 2022

 

Last Thursday I attended the 48th Annual Changeover Dinner for the Lions Club of Crows Nest.

It was a privilege to be asked to propose the toast to the Lions Club International.

With a Lions motto of ‘We Serve’ the Lions Club of Crows Nest is to be acknowledged for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of their local community as well as encouraging peace and international understanding.

July 4th, 2022

 

The Western Clydesdales held their first Annual Origin Luncheon last Friday, with guest speaker 'Paul Langmack' (pictured below, who played in three winning premierships for Canterbury Bulldogs - 84, 85, 86).

The luncheon was also attended by Board Members from Canterbury Bulldogs (pictured), who have a three-year contract beginning next year with the Western Clydesdales, establishing a footballing academy in Toowoomba to foster development of young players, coaches and support staff.

It was great to catchup with Doug Muir, a past player of the Toowoomba Clydesdales from 1970-74.

June 29th, 2022

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Good to catch up with the children at the Oakey Skatepark and the crew from the PCYC Toowoomba.

Well done to Oakey Chappy, Sharon, who was busy conducting an ‘Amazing Race’ around the Oakey Community for the children.

The 'Amazing Race' took place after they had attended the Oakey Community Outreach Day where they had enjoyed various activities in the morning including face painting, craft activities and a free BBQ.

June 8th, 2022

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I and the LNP Deputy Leader, Jarrod Bleijie, caught up with Andrew O'Neil from ArrowQuip, and students with 'Specks', the cow, from Quinalow State School, during Day 1 of Farmfest 2022.

May 9th, 2022

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Shirley Cronk - 60 years involvement with the Crow's Nest Show as a cooking judge extraordinaire!

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Shirley has been officially recognised in the mural directly behind us. Well deserved!

May 3rd, 2022

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I attended the very successful Crows Nest Show Ball last Saturday night which celebrated 60 years since the inception of Show Princess's at their annual show. Past Show Princess's in attendance are pictured below.

I also had the pleasure of meeting past Show Princess, Mary Lou Simpson (nee Littleton), a descendant of William Henry Groom, and author of the book 'From Convict to Politician', which I have recently read.

William Groom was elected to the Qld Legislative Assembly seat for Drayton and Toowoomba in 1862, which he held almost continuously until 1901.

April 28th, 2022

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Yesterday I received my flu shot at the Oakey Pharmacy from Pharmacist Nathan Jervis.

I encourage all to do the same with the onset of winter approaching.

April 25th, 2022

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Today I had the honour of attending several ANZAC Day services throughout the Condamine Electorate.

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The Dawn Service in Clifton, and services in Drayton, Oakey and Westbrook, to remember those who have served to defend our country.

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ANZAC Day is a day for gratitude, remembrance and great sadness.

LEST WE FORGET.

Mar 24th, 2022

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Yesterday, I, along with Brent Mickelberg MP, Shadow Minister for Employment and Small Business, Training and Skills, visited a number of businesses in the Condamine Electorate - The Barn and Martin's Stock Haulage at Oakey, Pittstop and Cooks Soft Drinks in Pittsworth and Hagan Furniture at Drayton.

Raised issues - Covid knock on effects, staffing shortages, training/skills, supply chains.

March 21st, 2022

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Had an interesting meeting last Friday relating to the 'Commerce Corridor' with IPP Group's Vice President, Phillip Nguyen.

A freight service between Wellcamp Airport and Vietnam will commence in July of this year, with a proposed introduction of passengers as time goes on.

This is an exciting prospect and great potential for the Darling Downs region.

Mar 7th, 2022

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I attended the Pittsworth Show last Saturday and extend my congratulations to the Pittsworth Show Society.

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The Show was scaled back due to Covid, but it was great to see not only many livestock exhibitors and entrants in the horse ring, but also spectators wanting to support their local Show.

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I had the privilege of presenting the Champion and Reserve Champion Interbreed Bull ribbons for 2022.

Feb 14th, 2022

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Thank you to Quinalow State School for the opportunity to attend your 2022 Investiture Ceremony this morning.

My best wishes to all for the 2022 school year.

Feb 8th, 2022

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I attended the opening of the newly developed health centre at the Swartz Barracks last Wednesday.

This centre will provide Defence with a state-of-the-art purpose built facility to deliver health care to ADF members.

Am pictured with Major Trent Groves and LLTCOL Steven Stockley.