Condamine News
Zonta Annual Human Rights Day
December 12, 2023
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Last Friday was Zonta's Annual Human Rights Day & Flag Raising Ceremony in Toowoomba, held during the 16 Days of Activism, 25 November-10 December, raising awareness of Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.
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I would like to acknowledge the work of local lawyer, Adair Donaldson, who is an ambassador for Rape and Domestic Violence Services of Australia. He has focused on helping those who have suffered abuse within various walks of life, including the development of educational programs.
Pictured with Libby Gleeson (President, Zonta Club of Toowoomba area) and Adair Donaldson.
McHappy Day Westbrook
November 24, 2023
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Great to lend a hand at McDonalds, Westbrook, last Saturday, in support of McHappy Day.
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McHappy Day has raised over $61 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities since 1991 - thank you McDonalds for giving back to the communities of our nation.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
November 16, 2023
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Always a pleasure to catch up with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). The team visited Parliament House last night and shared their vision and strategy for the future, moving towards 100 years.
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The RFDS has changed the lives of many regional Queenslanders through their life-saving care.
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Pictured with Townsville pilot Catriona Saunders.
Oakey Remembrance Day
November 14, 2023
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Remembrance Day 2023.
I am always honoured to participate in a service on Remembrance Day.
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This year I attended the service in Oakey with prayers delivered by Father Kerry Costigan, a high respected member of the Oakey community, and fellow attendees Chris Markham (President, Oakey RSL sub-branch), Cr Bill Cahill and piper, Stuart McIntyre.
Westbrook Halloween – Lions Club
November 7, 2023
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I joined in the Halloween fun at Westbrook last week helping out with the Westbrook Lions Club BBQ.
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An enjoyable evening had by all involved.
Crows Nest Men’s Shed
November 3, 2023
Out and about in the Crows Nest area last Tuesday and dropped by for a visit to the Crows Nest & District Men’s Shed.
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Established in 2018 it is a great organisation for men to meet up, socialise and work on projects together with their objective being to advance the health, well being and social inclusion of all members.
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For contact and information, click on the link below:
Clifton Country Week
October 26, 2023
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Congratulations to the organisers of the Clifton Country Week 2023. A credit to all involved.
I had the privilege of attending the official launch in conjunction with the 2023 Art Competition and Exhibition Friday 20th October and purchased the winning entry in the ‘Coloured Pencil’ division by Donna Hockey ‘All Aboard!’.
A great event for the Clifton community to promote their town in the Downs area and beyond.
Cecil Plains P-9 State School 125th Celebrations
September 11, 2023
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Great day at Cecil Plains on Saturday for the 125th Celebrations of the Cecil Plains P-9 State School, with a very large representation of past students and local community.
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Even better to stand outside the Principal’s office and for once not be in trouble!
It was an honour to be asked to cut the cake with the youngest student in the school.
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Spent the day catching up with past students including Wendy Stower (nee Duggan) and Michelle Redding (nee Bidner) pictured, both in my class at school.
New flag for Oakey RSL
March 1, 2023
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Mr. Pat Weir MP & Chris Markham (President) Oakey RSL Sub-Branch with the New Queensland Flag!
Locals thoughts on Resources Industry Development Plan
Feb 20th, 2023
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I visited the gem fields last week catching up with gem miners/fossickers from Sapphire, Ruby Vale and Willows. It was interesting to hear of their thoughts regarding the Resources Industry Development Plan.
I encourage all those with concerns to get their submissions in as soon as possible - https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/qridp/have-your-say as consultation closes Friday, 24 February 2023.
Central Downs Cricket 50th anniversary​
Feb 1st, 2023
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A wonderful catchup with many attendees last Saturday at the 50th anniversary of the Central Downs Cricket Association held at the Oakey RSL, including players from Millmerran Cricket Club's premiership winning team of 1986-87, of which, I (pictured top right) was part of.
Australia Day awards across the Condamine​
Jan 25th, 2023
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Well done to all the recipients of Australia Day Awards across the Condamine electorate!
It is great to know that so many community minded individuals and groups are being recognised for their generous contributions to their various organisations.
It was a great day at the ‘Back to the Woolshed 3 Day Event’ for the Australia Day 2023 festivities.
Quite an honour to share the judging task for the best looking raft and the best dunny with Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan at Oakey's Australia Day celebrations.
It was good to see locals and the many visitors joining in the events and experiencing the many displays of historical culture unique to Australia.
Youth crime crisis​
Jan 16th, 2023
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Nowhere is safe from the youth crime crisis gripping Queensland!
Another police pursuit of a stolen vehicle yesterday on the Darling Downs saw the arrest, without injury, of three teenagers at an Oakey service station around 5:30pm. This pursuit involved a large number of police resources, including PolAir.
The police have done their job in securing the arrest, now up to the Justice system to address.
The LNP has been calling for Parliament to be recalled to address the youth crime epidemic.
