Aug 26, 2024

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Saturday, I attended the AGM of the QCWA Darling Downs Division and was honoured to be invited to speak a few words and catch up with the new executive, members and their guests.

Special congratulations to the two ladies who received Certificates of Membership, Susan Schultz 25 years, Highfields Branch and Moya Mitchell 70 years, Beauaraba Branch.

The guest speaker for the meeting was Dr Michael Rice, Director of the Foundation overseeing the GPs4RuralDocs Program. The Foundation supports rural doctors, helping them to continue practising in regional towns. Dr Rice’s speech raised many issues rural doctors face that most people would be unaware of.

Aug 22, 2024

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It was an honour to lay a wreath for and on behalf of the people of Queensland at the Oakey RSL Sub-Branch’s observation of Vietnam Veteran’s Day last Sunday 18th August.

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A day to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. A day to reflect on the service of Australians and those who lost their lives.

Aug 9, 2024

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Congratulations to the Oakey State School on the occasion of their 150th Anniversary.

A wonderful day to acknowledge and celebrate 150 years of education in the local community of Oakey. A credit to the students, parents and staff!

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Great cake cutting by the oldest past student and the youngest present student!

Special note for Kevin Byers, a former groundsman, whose family have attended the school across six generations.

Aug 7th, 2024

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It was a privilege to receive an invitation from the Incoming President Jenny Tate and Members of the Westbrook & Districts Inc Lions Club for their Annual Changeover last Saturday.

Lions Clubs are renowned for their service to their communities and beyond. They not only make communities more liveable but invest in causes both environmental and medical. They are also committed to providing leadership opportunities for young people.

Congratulations to the incoming and continuing club members and thank you for your service!

July 29, 2024

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Congratulations to the new executives of the QCWA Goombungee Branch and the QCWA Crows Nest Branch.

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Thank you for the invite to attend the combined Annual General Meeting's.

A wonderful group of members to be commended for working together to improve the everyday lives of their communities.

July 26th, 2024

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Congratulations to the new and continuing members of the QCWA Oakey branch executive. Thank you for the invitation to attend the branch AGM yesterday. The executive and the members are to be acknowledged and thanked for their service and dedication to the community. Well done!

Pictured here with Kara Grant, Sheila Campbell State President, Carol Lee, Wendy Gordon and Judy Byers.

July 15, 2024

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Saturday 13th July I had the great pleasure of cutting the ribbon to open the upgraded Pechey Stillhouse and the release of the Condamine Bell Rum. The new stillhouse will allow for the commencement of dark spirit - whisky and rum - production.

Congratulations to Ben O’Brien Chief Distiller (pictured at the ribbon cutting) and the Pechey family, leading a very progressive local family business that use local produce and the services of local businesses.

The upgrade to a medium sized distillery has followed on from the success of the micro distillery established when the Pechey family decided to diversify the tourism activity which had commenced in 1990.

The Pechey family spanning six generations have been in residence at Pechey since 1865 when Edward Wilmott (EW) Pechey established the Albert Timber Mill in the hamlet of Pechey. EW was the first state member for the electorate of Aubigny.

June 26, 2024

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I attended the official launch of the Queensland Country Destination Management Plan last night in Toowoomba and caught up with representatives attending on behalf of the High Country Hamlets. Pictured with Sandra Jenner, Jodie Ryan and Wendy Allen and Mayor Geoff McDonald.

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This event was a significant milestone for the region's tourism sector, reflecting collective vision, strategies and actions for sustainable growth and management through to 2028 and beyond.

June 19, 2024

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I spent an enjoyable morning yesterday visiting the Crows Nest Churches of Christ Aged Care Facility, meeting residents, staff, and management personnel and sharing morning tea with them.

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It is wonderful to see locals having such a facility in their community.

June 7th, 2024

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Out and about at Farmfest this week; local MP's supporting the ladies of Lumsden Psychology and 'Mental Health Matters'. Pictured here with Bryson Head Member for Callide, Ann Leahy Shadow Minister for Local Government and Jim McDonald Member for Lockyer.

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Also Deb Frecklington Shadow Minister for Energy and Cost of Living and Tony Perrett Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

May 23rd, 2024

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Last week I attended the opening of the new location for the YellowBridge Collectables Boutique Op Shop. Still remaining in the heart of Toowoomba's CBD at 589 Ruthven Street.

Pictured here with Steven, an avid collector of pens, with one of mine now added to his collection.

A great organisation providing people with a disability access to real-world retail skills and training.

May 14, 2024

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I thank the Crows Nest Show Society for the honour of opening the new canteen last Saturday during their 2024 show.

My congratulations to the show committee on a very successful show. Well attended, numerous exhibits and riders, and the first 'split post competition'.

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Special recognition was paid to Con O'Connor, who was a stalwart of this show and other shows in the area, including the Ecca, receiving recognition and success in equestrian events, along with his brother Pat, over many years. His two children, son, Brendan, and daughter Mary Ferguson were in attendance.

April 30th, 2024

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Had a wonderful Friday at this year's Toowoomba Show catching up with people, exhibitions and ring events. Great to see record crowds on the day.

April 25, 2024

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Today, I had the privilege of attending some of the local ANZAC Day Ceremonies starting with the Dawn Service at Westbrook and later in the day at Drayton with David Janetzki MP Member for Toowoomba South and then onto Clifton and Kingsthorpe.

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It was very encouraging to see all services well attended, especially by young people, keen to learn the history and tradition of ANZAC Day.

April 15th, 2024

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If any school, not-for-profit, community or sporting group within the Condamine electorate would like to use my marquee for any event/function, please contact my office on 45704100 or email condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au for further information or to book.

February 12, 2024

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A wonderful day enjoyed by all at Jondaryan Woolshed on Australia Day 2024, where visitors step back in time and discover Australia's heritage and history of the wool industry.

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The Friends of Jondaryan Woolshed are to be congratulated on their organisation and success of this event.