Nov 17th, 2017

I was at Wyreema Community Hall on Tuesday evening to announce funding of $125,000 for three community halls, Wyreema, Greenmount Returned Soldiers Memorial Hall and Black Plains Hall all of which are in need of improvements. I was pleased to be able to join the community of Wyreema for the Festival of Small Halls Summer Tour 2017: Wyreema which has seen folk and contemporary musicians travelling around small halls in Queensland and New South Wales in the lead up to Woodford Folk Festival. A vote for the LNP next Saturday will ensure this much needed funding is delivered to small halls in Condamine.

Nov 16th, 2017

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Today in Crows Nest, I announced $35,000 to fund flashing lights on the pedestrian crossing in the main street. This issue was raised with me during a recent visit and I will be pleased to get this done for the community if we win at the next election. I made this announcement outside Chic Shoe Store in Crows Nest which is owned by Carol Pearce.

Nov 16th, 2017

Yesterday I travelled around the Condamine electorate to make announcements on funding for various community organisations and needs. In Pittsworth, I was joined by Lawrence Springborg MP to announce $60,000 to fund lighting for the netball courts at the Pittsworth & District Wildcats Netball Club. 

Nov 11th, 2017

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It was a busy day in Oakey on Saturday as I held a Community Drop In Session outside Oakey Bi-Rite and also attended the Remembrance Day Service. I am pictured here with dignitaries including the President of the Oakey RSL, Trevor Steinmuller, following the wreath laying ceremony at the Oakey Cenetaph.

Nov 8th, 2017

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​This morning i enjoyed attending the National Seniors Association meeting in Dalby. I was invited to speak briefly about my time in Parliament as the Member for Condamine, and I thank the Association for their invitation to be part of the meeting.

Nov 4th, 2017

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Today, I was in Goombungee where I made the announcement for funding to upgrade the Goombungee CWA Kitchen and Goombungee Golf Club. An LNP Government will deliver these election promises to enhance and improve facilities for local community groups and clubs.

Nov 1st, 2017

Last weekend I was taking notice of the need to be SunSmart when I dropped it to the launch of Pittsworth Show Society Inc Miss Showgirl competition. Entrant Brittany Pearce was also SunSmart in her hat and is looking forward to her quest to be Miss Showgirl for Pittsworth in 2018.

Oct 24th, 2017

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Clifton Country Week kicked off on Friday and I attended the launch where I bought a watercolour of a diesel coming into Clifton Station at the auction, as well as being  on hand to congratulate Dot O’Leahry in her winning iris at the Country Week Iris and Rose Show. Dot’s iris is a truly magnificent bloom.

Oct 23rd, 2017

Last Friday, I visited the Churches of Christ Care Residential Aged Care facility in Crows Nest where I met with Service Manager Karrin Auld and Area Manager Donna Hart. I thank the staff for showing me around the facilities.

Oct 19th, 2017

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting Ros Bates MP Shadow Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and Shadow Minister for Disability Services and Seniors. We were joined by Ann Leahy MP, Member for Warrego and we enjoyed meeting with the wonderful providers of essential support services in Dalby, including staff (and clients) of Waminda Services, Dalby Crisis Support Association and Western Downs Outreach Project Inc., to discuss the enormous challenges they face. *pictured with Malcolm Irvine, General Manager at Waminda

Oct 10th, 2017

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Last Saturday, I attended Day 2 of the Pittsworth Craft & Fine Food Spectacular which was a very successful event for the Pittsworth community and event organisers yet again. I met with several stall holders who proudly displayed and sold their local arts, crafts and fine foods including Shirley Wilkins, member of the Darling Downs Potters' Club, Cathie Tanner from Jim's Jerky at Charlton and Lisa and her daughter from Cooks Soft Drinks, Pittsworth.

October 9th, 2017

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I was absolutely amazed by the incredible strength and resilience of the people of Oakey, Queensland over the weekend when they showed up in force for the Legends of League match between the Oakey Bears Senior RLFC and the Australian Allstars. I enjoyed watching the match on Saturday night and was joined on the sidelines by Mike Horan, (pictured) Chair of the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service. I also attended the Friday night dinner at the Oakey Cultural Centre with 440 other guests. The whole weekend proved to me yet again that the community of Oakey remains strong and united.

Oct 6th, 2017

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce was in Toowoomba yesterday to announce the multi million dollar co-investment in a cropping research facility to be located near Toowoomba. With joint investment by the Federally funded Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Queensland Government, and located on 740ha near Yandilla, the property will be a world-class grains applied research, development and extension facility. Here I am pictured with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Trevor Watts MP at the announcement.

Oct 3rd, 2017

Last Friday, I was a guest at the Lions Club of Cecil Plains and Dalby Lions District 201 Q3 100 Years International Convention Civic Reception. The convention began on Friday and was held over three days with the Dalby community playing host to some 400 members from around the region. The Civic Reception and Welcome was held at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby and I am joined in this picture by Engelbert Krampl, District Governor.

Sept 26th, 2017

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I have recently visited some of the areas that will be part of the Condamine electorate after the next State election. I enjoyed meeting business owners and volunteers in the Meringandan, Queensland and Crows Nest, Queensland areas including the committee at the Crows Nest Museum & Historical Village, the owner of the Crows Nest Bakery, Barry Robinson at CROWS NEST News (pictured) and Geoff Murphy from the Meringandan Pub. I look forward to representing the areas of Crows Nest and Meringandan after the next election.

Like and Share my Facebook page Pat Weir MP to find out when I will be in your area.

Sept 18th, 2017

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It was a busy weekend around the electorate and I had the great pleasure off attending the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Mayoral Garden Party. I am pictured here with Wendy Agar, CEO of Sunrise Way, Jo Sheppard of Toowoomba Clubhouse and Jim McDonald - LNP for Lockyer. 

Sep 14th, 2017

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Yesterday I enjoyed a visit to the Early Learning Centre at Dalby Christian School, celebrating a princesses and superheroes day! It was wonderful to meet with the dedicated staff and enthusiastic students, and to see the facilities at the College.

Sept 11th, 2017

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On Saturday, I attended the Southbrook Deb of the Year Spring Ball and had the pleasure of being one of the judges for the occasion. I am pictured here with Deb Princess Kate Elsden, Jacqueline Fairweather and Belle of the Ball, Miranda Williams. The Ball was very well attended and I congratulate the young ladies on the occasion of their debut.

Sept 11th, 2017

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On Saturday, the Pittsworth State High School held their Morning Tea and Celebrations to mark Pittsworth SHS 50th Jubilee 2017. The event included the unveiling of the paved area with personalised pavers purchased by supporters including one with my name on it. Many past and present teachers, principals, families and students attended the Jubilee event making up a very large crowd of guests. I caught up with John McVeigh, Federal Member for Groom who was also on hand to mark the occasion. Congratulations to Pittsworth State High School on 50 years of education, a great milestone.

Aug 4th, 2017

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Pat has received a flood of complaints from constituents recently on the state of the Bowenville to Norwin Road which has recently been downgraded again to a 60km per hour speed limit.

Pat is continuing to push for major rehabilitation works to be carried out on this road and was out on site last week with some of the residents who are concerned about the unsafe conditions of this road.

July 27th, 2017

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​Pat recently attended the celebrations which marked three years of operation of Sunrise Way, a Toowoomba based organisation that helps rebuild the lives  of people suffering from addiction.

July 25th, 2017

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I recently had the pleasure of presenting Julie Richardson of Wyreema with her National Medal recognising 15 years of service to the Rural Fire Brigade.
Julie contacted the electorate office after her applications had been lost and stalled for over 16 months. Electorate staff were able to assist Julie in locating her application and following it up with State and Federal departments.
Julie has volunteered as a fire fighter in both Queensland and New South Wales over 15 years and has been involved in many fire, flood and storm events including the most recent floods of Oakey in 2011.
Congratulations to Julie on her award.

July 10th, 2017

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On Sunday I attended the Lions Club of Westbrook and Districts Changeover Dinner at the Westbrook Tavern. I am joined here by outgoing President Lion Col Koschel and incoming President Lion Gregory Freeleagus and they are holding the new puppet which was purchased for the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation with funds raised by the Westrbrook and District Lions Club.This puppet is designed for use in training paediatric nurses and comforting hospitalised children. This puppet came at a cost of $8000 and I am pleased to have provided a donation to the Westbrook and District Lions to aid their effort to fund the specialised training of hospital staff in the use of the puppet.

July 4th, 2017

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Residents of Oakey, Queensland are invited to a Health and Wellbeing Expo at the Oakey Cultural Centre on Sunday 16 July at 10am to 2pm. Toowoomba Region, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN and the Federal Defence and Health Department urges Oakey residents to come along and attend the Expo which includes special guest Brian Sams who will host workshops from Seed to Feed and Family Foodies. I know the difficulties faced by the residents of Oakey so I am pleased to see initiatives like this being held to help address some of those issues.

June 28th, 2017

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I am a huge fan of DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum at Drayton and I see the Federal Government's push for more tourism in the area as a positive move. DownsSteam Museum is well worth a visit and there are exciting plans there for the revival of good old fashioned rail trips out of the area which I hope will bring tourists in droves. Thanks John McVeigh.

June 26th, 2017

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Last Thursday I attended DISCO (Downs Industry Schools Co-Op) "Get Set For Work" Graduation ceremony at O'Shea's Windsor Hotel. The "Get Set For Work" program is an initiative of the State Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work program and these young people were pleased to accept their certificates marking the completion of their course. Well done to DISCO for providing young people of Dalby with the opportunity to gain more skills and become confident employees into the future.

June 13th, 2017

Tim Nicholls MP, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for the Arts and Major Events also enjoyed his visit to Farmfest. We are pictured here at left with Michael Hart MP Shadow Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply, and Tony Perrett Deputy Opposition Whip. At right, Tim Nicholls MP enjoying a laugh with Mr Allan Town.

June 5th, 2017

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This morning I attended the launch of the 'Give me 5 for Kids' Appeal which helps to raise money for sick kids at the Toowoomba Hospital. Thanks to Triple M Darling Downs and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation for your efforts with this campaign.

June 2nd, 2017

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Deb Frecklington MP, Member for Nanango joined me at Dingo Australia yesterday as I met with owner, Gary Briggs. Here we are getting to know some of the equipment as Deb drives a Dingo and Gary explains his new prototype Dingo Mini Fencing Machine, something he feels will revolutionise fencing in rural Australia.

May 26th, 2017

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Thank you to Tracy Davis MP, Shadow Minister for Education who accompanied me on a visit to schools throughout my electorate experiencing population growth. We visited Drayton State School, Bunker's Hill State School and Wyreema State School and we enjoyed the opportunity to hear from the Principals regarding the issues they may face in the future with growing enrolments.

May 23rd, 2017

I had the honour of unveiling the plaque that marks the 100th Anniversary of the Bell Memorial Hall on the weekend as well as having the opportunity to plant a crepe myrtle tree in the Centenary Avenue. I congratulate the community of Bell on the success of the celebrations and hope to see the Bell Memorial Hall prosper for another 100 years.

May 13th, 2017

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The produce display and the 300 strong rose section provided an impressive display in the Pavilion at the Crows Nest Show and was as good a display as I have seen anywhere.

I am joined here by local Crows Nest identity Lyn Vandersee and Lucy Galea who is the Darling Downs Miss Showgirl winner for 2017. Lucy won the Miss Showgirl competition at the Pittsworth Show and went on to be named the winner from the Darling Downs region. Lucy is busy attending the shows around the Downs and is preparing for the Showgirl finals which will be held during the Brisbane Ekka in August.
Congratulations to the community of Crows Nest for the success of their annual show.

May 6th, 2017

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Today, I attended Waverly Homestead, Kaimkillenbun for a Gala Luncheon marking 100 Years of the RSL hosted by the President and Members of the Bell, Dalby and Jandowae RSL Sub Branches. I gave a speech highlighting the history of our ANZACs and why our nation demonstrates respect for those fallen servicemen and women on 25 April each year. Over 100 guests attended the luncheon and I congratulate the Sub Branches on their Centenary.

May 3rd, 2017

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Congratulations to John Troe and John Perry who have both achieved 25 years of service as a Justice of the Peace. It was my pleasure to welcome them both to the Electorate office today to present them with their certificates.

April 28th, 2017

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Drayton State School held an Anzac Day commemorative service on Monday. It is always great to see so many children attend the services and recognise the sacrifices of our soldiers, past and current

April 26th, 2017

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Attending the local show is the highlight of the year for many rural towns. These events highlight our agricultural heritage and exhibit products and services for landholders as well as presenting displays of the many talented people of the region. I attended the Dalby Show last weekend and was impressed by the displays. And of course, the children all enjoy the offerings of sideshow alley with fairy floss, Dagwood dogs and the many rides and entertainment available. Undoubtedly, a good time was had by all

April 19th, 2017

Today I have had the pleasure of being escorted around the Felton area by David House, a grower from the Felton Valley and advocate for the amazing agriculture and horticulture on offer in the area. Our first stop was Eureka Stud where we were met by owner Scott McAlpine and his son Angus. Eureka Stud, founded in 1935 by the McAlpine family is one of the largest thoroughbred studs in Queensland. Their stallion Spirit of BOOM by Sequalo was bred at Eureka and he has attracted overwhelming support from breeders in his first years at stud. After lunch at Rudds Pub, we visited Alan Richards at Carramar Figs who is producing larger and jucier fruit by adopting hydroponic methods for propagating and growing the trees. Alan has 8 hothouses with some 3,500 plants at various stages of growth.
David and I couldn't help but stop and admire a magnificent crop of sunflowers in the Nobby, Queensland area which is further proof of the incredible growing capacity of this magnificent valley..

April 13th, 2017

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Moore Trailers, of Pittsworth, is another local industry providing a service to the region and beyond. Lionel Moore has established himself as a survivor in this tough industry. Moore Trailers is a name that has become synonymous with reliability and Lionel has built the business from the ground up to its present standing with 90 employees. He plans to further expand the business to 140 employees in the near future. It’s great to see these businesses thriving in rural areas like Pittsworth.

April 13th, 2017

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I am always impressed to see so much industry initiative within the Condamine Electorate. I met with Dave Robertson, from Quadbar Industries, in Clifton, yesterday. Dave showed me the quad bar which acts as a crush protection device on the quad bike. With so many injuries and deaths from quad bike rollovers, this device is a winner in my eyes. Dave also has easy-to-wear protective helmets for bike and horse riders.

March 30th, 2017

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It was a sweet treat visiting Pittsworth Confectionery this morning. Ashley and Michelle Porter have owned the business for 11 years and currently have eight full-time employees working for them. Pittsworth Confectionery produces sweets that bring back childhood memories, including conversation lollies, musk sticks, peppermints and the tasty sugar Easter eggs. Ashley and Michelle participated in the recent trip to China to promote their products which were received with interest.

March 29th, 2017

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Today, I presented a small booklet, "Memoirs to My Younger Self" to the Western Downs Outreach Project. The booklet is a compilation of personal stories of survival and hope in the face of domestic violence. Compiled by Diversity with Harmony Inc, the stories have the power to encourage and instill hope in the lives of those affected. I hope those who read it gain strength and courage from its words.

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Photo: Presenting "Memoirs to My Younger Self" to Jason Vella, Western Downs Outreach Project.

March 26th, 2017

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The Felton Food & Wine Festival was another great success this year with stall holders offering fresh produce from the region. While there, I caught up with Ally Martell, editor of Ruth Magazine.

March 25th, 2017

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I had the honour of officially opening the Dalby Baptist Church food garden on Saturday. The garden will be producing fresh produce to sell to the community and also encourages community involvement in the planting and growing of the food. Congratulations to all those involved with establishing this project in Dalby.

March 15th, 2017

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It’s not always necessary to go to the city for award-winning aged care. Beauaraba Living, located in the rural community of Pittsworth, offers a 106-bed facility with access to an onsite medical centre and an independently operated hairdresser, plus other allied health providers. Beauaraba Living focuses on care for the aged by providing the best, most innovative care to all its residents. It is the first facility in Queensland to run the ‘Montessori for Dementia’ program and ...one of only 72 facilities across Australia to be accredited for the ‘Music and Memories’ program. A wonderful facility for this community.

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Photo: Alex Metcalf, General Manager, Graham Clapham, Board Director, Pat Weir MP and Janet Newlands, Director of Nursing catch up with resident Col Polzin.

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March 13th, 2017

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Last weekend I fired the first shots to open the Sunday Shoot at the Toowoomba Clay Target Club's Annual 2 Day Trap competition. This year's event attracted a record 124 competitors from many visiting clubs and organisers say the weekend was enormously successful. I am joined here by Phillip Keller and Keith Simpson from the Toowoomba Clay Target Club.

March 11th, 2017

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On Saturday I was invited to officially open the Pittsworth Show 2017 and I was pleased to see one of the largest crowds in attendance. The Saturday night entertainment and Rodeo attracted a huge crowd and show organisers report they had the most exhibitors they have seen for many years. It is encouraging for rural communities to see such a surge in popularity for the local show and Pittsworth was no exception. I was joined here by the Junior and Senior Miss Showgirl entrants for 2017.

March 7th, 2017

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Today I attended the Zonta Club of Dalby's International Women's Day Breakfast at the Dalby Leagues Club. This event was very well supported again this year with tickets being sold out days in advance.
Guest speakers at the event were Young Australian's of the Year Lucas Patchett and Nic Marchesi from Orange Sky Laundry which is a service that provides homeless people with an outlet to wash their clothes.

Image: Pat with Teddie Ziesemer and Jenni Ziesemer from the Zonta Club of Dalby

March 6th, 2017

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The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies, multicultural and Indigenous groups. The grants are provided to assist with the preservation of locally owned, but nationally significant collections of materials that are publicly accessible including artefacts, letters, diaries, maps, photographs, and audio visual material.

The types of projects supported include significance assessments of collections; preservation needs assessments of collections; conservation activities and collection management; and training workshops. 

For more details on how to apply, go to Guidelines and Applications in the webpage and click on the links.
http://www.nla.gov.au/awards-and-grants/chg

February 22nd, 2017

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Today I was given a tour around the new Myall Medical Precinct facilities of the Myall Medical Practice in Dalby which opened in July 2016. This impressive new medical facility houses the Doctor's rooms and minor surgery rooms plus Dalby Diagnostics & Imaging, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and a soon to be opened Allied Health Clinic which will provide other services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and psychology to name a few. Marissa's Espresso also has a pop up coffee shop in the Precinct so patients can enjoy a Merlo Coffee while they wait. David Littleproud MPjoined me for the tour with (from left) Dr John Betchel, Dr Ross Maxwell and Dr Felipe Londono. Residents of Dalby and the surrounding district will benefit from this excellent facility with so many medical services available in the one state of the art facility in the one location.

February 14th, 2017

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One of the jobs I most enjoy is visiting schools in my electorate. On Monday, I attended the Investiture Ceremony at Pittsworth State High School where I presented the school's leaders with their badges. I also presented my certificates of congratulations to the Captains, House Captains and SRC Representatives acknowledging these students as leaders of their school and future leaders in their community. From left Alliah Del Mundo, Mitch Roberts, Jack Guymer and Kirby O'Shea.

From The Chronicle

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CONDAMINE MP Pat Weir slammed the Department of Defence and its Minister Marise Payne for dragging out the Oakey water contamination crisis.

Mr Weir said he was snubbed by Ms Payne when he tried to contact her this week about the delay in bringing forward a proposal to assist affected landholders.

"I sent an email to Marise Payne, because Oakey was told there would be a proposal before Christmas," he said.

"Christmas came and went and we still have nothing.

Mr Weir said he was concerned for the well-being of residents in Oakey, after talking with medical professionals in the town.

"I was chatting to doctors and they are seeing a rise in anxiety and depression in Oakey," he said.

"They've noticed an increase in cases of anxiety around this. It's not the whole town of Oakey, but for those people affected, it is a real issue.

"For their peace of mind and the value of their homes, we want some certainty."

Mr Weir also slammed the State Government for staying quiet, saying it should be making more noise about the issue to the Turnbull Government.

"I was frustrated and annoyed with the Queensland Government, because we've had not one visit or comment from any minister," he said.

"They can bring (the issue) forward - it crosses so many of these ministerial portfolios, so I'm astounded that no one has said anything.

"They cannot stand back and absolve themselves."

A class action lawsuit is expected to be brought forward soon by Shine Lawyers, with plenty of residents already signing on to it.

February 8th, 2017

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This morning I attended the 'Be Your Best You' breakfast hosted by BMO and Dalby Chamber of Commerce. Guest presenter and keynote speaker Bruce Sullivan works with individuals, families and businesses to help people with personal improvement. The event held at the Dalby Leagues Club was very well attended and Bruce was an inspirational presenter. 

February 7th, 2017

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I recently visited CWA House in Oakey where residents in the region have had access to aged care. Oakey CWA House was the last remaining facility of its kind still run by the Country Women’s Association.

My visit coincided with the announcement that McLean Care were the successful tenderers in the bid to take over the management of CWA House thus ensuring a high level of care will still be offered to the residents of Oakey.

CWA Chairperson, Lois Speed said, whilst the decision to hand over the management of CWA House to another party was not taken lightly, she is thrilled that a company like McLean Care have made a commitment to the Oakey community to provide aged care to older residents.

McLean Care reports they are looking forward to working with CWA House management, the remarkable staff at CWA House and the residents in the broader community of Oakey and the Darling Downs.

I am very pleased to see CWA House continuing under the new ownership of McLean Care still offereing aged care services to people in my electorate.

January 25th, 2017

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Today Pat attended the opening of the new Renal Unit at the Dalby Hospital.
Pat made representations to the Darling Downs Health Service to push for the unit to be opened after learning that patients were travelling to Toowoomba up to three times a week for dialysis.
Dr Martin Byrne, Executive Director of Medical Services from DDHS was on hand for the opening today.
Pat met with Leanne Parker whose mother June has benefitted from the service as well as Nev Volker who has had kidney problems in the past. They joined Pat in cutting the cake. (IMG 2465)
Local staff at the Dalby Hospital have received specialised training in order to be able to provide the dialysis treatment.