Dec 13th, 2019

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It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Geham State School awards presentation this morning, and to meet the recipient of my Enthusiasm Award - Archer Turner! Congratulations to all the students on a year of achievements.

Dec 10th, 2019

I congratulate Layla Kuehnemann from Wyreema State School who received the Pat Weir Enthusiasm Award for 2019, which I presented at their annual award ceremony yesterday evening.

Dec 4th, 2019

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This morning I travelled to the Hampton National Park (HNP) to meet with local residents whose principal concern is the present fuel load in the park and the existing uncontrolled fires in the Hampton, Pechy and Ravensbourne areas presenting a danger of fire spreading and engulfing HNP and the adjoining and nearby residential and commercial properties in the Hamlet of Hampton.

There is a need for clearing of undergrowth in the area and a creation of fire control lines within HNP, with no controlled burning activity having occurred for a number of years in this region. The 2019 Bushfire Mitigation Plan compiled by the Qld Government and finalised by the end of March 2019 has not been implemented in the Hampton area!

Nov 20th, 2019

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This morning I had great pleasure in joining the Goombungee QCWA for one of their regular Wednesday gatherings and morning tea. There was a large group in attendance to mark the opening of their new shed, funded by New Hope Group.
I am pictured here with Shirley Platz and Marlene Sharpley (Middle Ridge Branch), Carol Jackson (Highfields Branch), Barbara Harth (Goombungee Branch) and Bec Meacham and Grant Higgs of New Hope.

Nov 18th, 2019

Crows Nest residents received a briefing this morning in relation to the bushfire burning in the region.

Please remain up to date on the official QFES site, you can also subscribe to receive email alerts at:

https://newsroom.psba.qld.gov.au/…/ENLSig…/ENLSignup/-3/-3/1

Stay safe and take the advice of the professionals.

Nov 4th, 2019

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A wonderful service of thanksgiving at St Anne's Anglican Church, Jondaryan, yesterday morning, commemorating its 160th anniversary, which I had the pleasure of attending.

The well attended service was conducted by the Right Reverend Cam Venables, Bishop for Western Region.

Oct 31st, 2019

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The Pittsworth Mayoral Breakfast was very well attended this morning, and it was interesting to hear guest speaker Derek Tuffield, CEO Lifeline Darling Downs talk about the challenges currently facing so many in our communities. I am pictured here with Derek and Mayor Paul Antonio, TRC.

Oct 31st, 2019

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Last night I attended the Oakey State High School awards presentation. It is always great to see the students rewarded for their hard work and commitment and I am pictured here with successful Year 12 student Malaqhi Eather.

Oct 21st, 2019

The Oakey Health and Wellbeing Expo on Sunday showcased local opportunities for the region with over 50 stalls, organised by the Oakey Wellness Committee.

Attendees were able to access information from health providers, sporting & fitness clubs, gymnasiums, charitable and government organisations, social, church and environmental groups.

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Pictured with local pharmacist, Nathan Jervis, checking my blood pressure.

Oct 15th, 2019

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Congratulations to the organisers of the 15th Annual Pittsworth Craft & Fine Food Spectacular on another very successful event.

I enjoyed catching up with Clive and Shirley Wilkins in the Pittsworth Town Hall whilst viewing the various exhibitor stalls and chatting with Merv Hinneberg from the Pittsworth Mens Shed about their display.

Oct 14th, 2019

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I was honoured to attend the annual Firefighters Remembrance Day service in Toowoomba last Thursday.

Annual services were held across the state on the tenth hour of the tenth day of the tenth month, allowing Queenslanders to remember the sacrifice and courage of firefighters across the state, those tragically lost during operations and acknowledge the challenges our firefighters face every day.

Oct 9th, 2019

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I had the pleasure of meeting with national and international palaeontologists on Saturday afternoon as they toured the Clifton area inspecting local fossil sites.

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It was great to see that these local areas are valued highly enough for international researchers to come and study.

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Oct 8th, 2019

I had much pleasure in attending the opening of the 19th Members' Spring Art Exhibition in Pittsworth last Friday night, celebrating the commencement of the Annual Pittsworth Fine Foods & Craft Spectacular and Spring Garden Week.

I am pictured with Lyndall Madden, at the exhibition evening showcasing the art from the exhibiting artists and well supported by the Pittsworth community.

Sept 23, 2019

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I had much pleasure in opening the Oakey Art Group's Annual Members Exhibition on Sunday afternoon at the Oakey Cultural Centre. This exhibition will run from 21st-30th September featuring many local artists.

I am pictured with the President, Rose Schick.

Sept 23, 2019

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I enjoyed my visit to Bunkers Hill State School on Friday morning to join their International Day of Peace ceremony and the school becoming a Dr Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots school. The Roots & Shoots program encourages young people to take the lead in tackling local sustainability issues.

Many native trees were planted along with the unveiling of a plague commemorating International Day of Peace.

Sept 13th, 2019

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I had a fantastic time at the 2019 Darling Downs Cotton Growers Association Awards Dinner in Dalby last Friday night, and I extend my congratulations to all the winners. I am pictured here with Jo and Wayne Saal of Brookstead.

Sept 11th, 2019

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I enjoyed my visit this morning to Boomaroo Nurseries at Southbook.

Boomaroo Southbrook is the most advanced and efficient vegetable seedling nursery in the Southern Hemisphere, with state-of-the-art automation processes and energy efficient growing systems designed to deliver a total plant output of 300 million seedlings per year, a great new agribusiness for the Toowoomba region.

I am pictured touring this facility with David Parker, Qld Business Manager for Boomaroo Nurseries.

Sept 12th, 2019

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I really enjoyed addressing the St Stephens Pittsworth 5/6 group on Tuesday - they asked some interesting questions about government and parliament!

Sept 8th, 2019

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It was a great privilege to attend the opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing today,  Sunday, 8th September, marking a major milestone for the Darling Downs region. Pictured with John McVeigh MP, Federal Member for Groom, on the bypass.

A number of bridges on the 41 km long bypass were named at the opening ceremony, including the bridge over the Gore Highway that is to be known as the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Bridge, honouring the bush nurse from Nobby who developed techniques to counter polo.

Further named bridges include: the Giabal-Jarowar Bridge, over the Warrego Highway at Charlton, named for local indigenous tribes, and the northbound New England Highway bridge over the bypass named after local World War 2 hero, John French VC, who was born and raised in Crow's Nest.

Aug 23rd, 2019

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It was great to visit Jondaryan State School to see all the fun of Book Week! Thanks to Principal Alex Stansbie for including me in the colourful proceedings!

Aug 22nd, 2019

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I am saddened today to hear of the passing of Tim Fischer, former National Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister. Tim was widely respected throughout his political life, and by all sides of politics. He served his country during the Vietnam war and in many other ways during his parliamentary life.
I had the great pleasure of meeting him on a couple of occasions - he was a true statesman of the Australian political scene and will be greatly missed. My very sincere condolences to his family.

Aug 14th, 2019

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It was a great honour to attend the recent QPS and QFES combined Awards and Service Medals presentation at the Empire Theatre on August 14th. Along with the entire group of recipients, I am pictured with Mayor Paul Antonio Toowoomba Regional Council and Warwick West of the Oakey Police Station, receiving his 15 Years Service award. My congratulations to all those who received an award.

May 31st, 2019

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Palliative Care Queensland: Palliative Care Queensland is running a series of Compassionate Communities Conversations around Queensland over the coming months. In our region, there will be an event held in Toowoomba at the City Golf Club on Wednesday 26 June 2019 at 10:30 am- 12:30pm. To get involved call 07 31450329

Queensland Day is an opportunity to commemorate the States' culture, heritage, people, places and industry. In 2019, Queensland celebrates its' 160th birthday on Thursday, 6 June. Getting into the spirit, I am pictured with Steve Bennett MP, Shadow Minister for Child Safety and Youth, Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shadow Minister for Veterans, Member for Burnett, and Michael Hart MP, Member for Burleigh.

May 18th,

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My congratulations to John McVeigh MP on his re-election as the Federal Member for Groom and to the Coalition under the leadership of Prime Minister Scott Morrison for winning a third term of Government. A wonderful result! I spent time on Saturday at polling booths in Drayton with Sonja Wilson, at Oakey with John McVeigh and later congratulating John on his win.

May 11th, 2019

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Today I joined the large number of people who attended the annual Crows Nest Show. It was a most enjoyable day with extensive exhibits and ring events, showing the wonderful community support of this area. My congratulations to all the winners in the various Showgirl competition categories for 2019. 

Apr 27th, 2019

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Today I enjoyed attending the Goombungee-Haden A. H. & P. Society Inc. and extend my congratulations to the Show President for the past 10 years, Errol Luck, being presented with Life Membership. Errols mother, Mrs Nola Luck (daughter of the Show founder) opened the show assisted by her grandson Keiran. I'm pictured with Mayor Paul Antonio, President Errol Luck, Kieran Luck, John McVeighMP, and Mrs Nola Luck. 
The show was well supported by the community, in attendance and entries in many show categories.

Apr 25th, 2019

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It was a pleasure and an honour to attend ANZAC Day ceremonies across Condamine. I was present at Westbrook, Drayton, Greenmount and Kingsthorpe. Each service was very well attended and it is heartening to see the continued and increasing support for our servicemen and women. Here I am pictured alongside David Janetzki MP, Mayor Paul Antonio and John McVeigh MP at the Drayton ceremony. 

Apr 16th, 2019

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Today, I attended 'The City Deals Lunch' sponsored by Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce & Regional Development Australia. The City Deal for SE Qld is to deliver key transport projects, creation of more jobs and protect the region's liveability. I am pictured with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Brisbane City Council, one of the guest speakers along with Mayor Paul Antonio, Toowoomba Regional Council and Peter Keyte, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Melbourne.
I extend my thanks to Graham for his years of service which includes 30 years with Brisbane City Council, and during my 6 years on the State Executive with Graham.

Apr 16th, 2019

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This morning I was guest speaker at the Crows Nest QCWA meeting where I also presented a Queensland State Flag and enjoyed morning tea with the attending members, recognising the 94 years of the QCWA at Crows Nest, a wonderful milestone. I am pictured with members, Kay Gossow and Shirley Cronk, cutting the celebratory cake.

Apr 12th, 2019

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Yesterday the Board of Lifeflight Australia was in Toowoomba at the Lifeflight operations base, and Chairman the Hon Rob Borbidge adressed a crowd of supporters of this fantastic service. I can only express my admiration for the dedication and skills of the pilots and paramedics who perform the operations, and the major supporters who make it all possible.

Apr 10th, 2019

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Scott Sargood, whom died after a gyrocopter crash on 'Bundoo Station' Charleville yesterday morning, Tuesday, 9th April.
I got to know Scott through committee hearings on Vegetation Management Legislation where he strongly fought against changes to Queensland's vegetation management laws and highlighted the value of Mulga in western Queensland.
Scott was a highly respected grazier and member of the Charleville community and his passing is a huge loss to Queensland Agriculture.
I extend my sincere sympathy to Scott's family in their heartbreaking loss.
(Scott pictured giving evidence at committee hearing in Charleville)

Apr 9th, 2019

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Today I attended 'A Women's View' Lunch at Middle Ridge Golf Club. The guest speaker was Susan McDonald, LNP Senate candidate (pictured with John McVeigh MP, Federal Member for Groom and myself). The lunch was extremely well supported and attendees heard from a panel of women whom operate successful businesses in Toowoomba.

Apr 2nd, 2019

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I enjoyed attending the Toowoomba Royal Show and being part of the judging panel to select the 2019 Miss Darling Downs Showgirl. As you can imagine this is a difficult task, with so many wonderful candidates representing their local communities! I am pictured below with Mikaela Mouritz, Pittsworth, Miss Personality; Kahlia Williamson, Stanthorpe, Miss Showgirl Darling Downs.

Mar 27th, 2019

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Today, Trevor Watts and I tabled a petition in Queensland Parliament calling on the State Labor Government to commence an urgent review of the 950 Crows Nest to Toowoomba (via Highfields) bus service.

The petition collected 630 signatures from exasperated residents from Crows Nest to Highfields.

A strong message that the sole purpose of public transport is to service the public, so the 950 bus service timetable should reflect the needs of the public, is being sent to the State Government by the tabling of this petition.

An urgent review needs to take place to give the local community their chance to have their concerns heard, through community consultation to improve the reliability and accessibility of the 950 bus service.

Mar 13th, 2019

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I attended a forum at Westbrook Hall yesterday with the Shadow Minister for Education, Jarrod Bleijie MP, Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Justice, Member for Toowoomba South, David Janetzki MP, to discuss with Westbrook residents their call upon the Qld State Government to buy land now for a proposed high school with other secondary schools already hitting capacity.

See the report by Channel 9 WIN news https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsToowoomba/videos/311492356177699/

Mar 8th, 2019

I attended Wyreema State School's weekly assembly last Friday morning, 8th March, where I had the pleasure to present a Queensland State Flag. I am pictured with students Layla and Tia whom received the flag on behalf of the school community.

Mar 1st, 2019

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The Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program 2019 has opened applications today, 1st March 2019 and will close 15 April 2019. QIYLP is a leadership and professional development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders aged 18-25 aimed at developing leadership and self-development skills, learning about Queensland’s democratic processes and using their new skills to lead community projects. If you are interested in applying go to www.qld.gov.au/qiylp for more information on how to get involved.

Feb 26th, 2019

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Last night I enjoyed a dinner with the Cotton Australia Board and Adam Kaye, CEO, Michael Murray, General Manager - Operations, and Paul Sloman, Policy Officer from #CottonAustralia at #TheShipInn, Southbank, Brisbane. It was an opportunity to interact with Cotton Australia Directors and Staff to discuss mutual interests; what is happening with Cotton Australia and the cotton industry in Qld.

Feb 25th, 2019

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I am pictured with Wayne Saal and Rob Ashton at the Pittsworth Show Society's 'Night of Nights' Ball last Saturday, 23 February, at the Pittsworth Town Hall, wearing our 'wooden' bow ties. These bow ties are made by #JasonandWood, (Jason Porter, Cecil Plains). Jason makes many and varied items from wood. My Congratulations to the Pittsworth Show Society on another very successful and enjoyable Show Ball.

Feb 25th, 2019

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I attended the #Elders Rural Services/#RFDS/#Lifeline BBQ Charity Event last Friday evening, 22 February at the Cattlemen's Bar and Moathouse, Toowoomba Showgrounds. There was very spirited bidding on items among the well attended and successful auction fundraiser for Mental Health support.

Feb 20th, 2019

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Yesterday I enjoyed meeting Aleks Taylor-Gough, Acting Principal of Crows Nest State School and hearing about their plans for the coming year. It is always great to visit the schools in Condamine electorate, to see the care and enthusiasm of staff is so encouraging.

Feb 12th, 2019

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Today joined the Fishermen & Farmers rally outside Qld Parliament as they protested against Labor's rollout of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). Numerous stakeholders believe the imposition of VMS will incur significant additional operational and maintenance costs, which have not been fully considered.

Feb 5th, 2019

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Today I was excited to attend the official launch of the USQ Agricultural Science and Engineering Precinct, a multi-million dollar development co funded by GRDC and USQ to facilitate research for Australian grain growers. It will undoubtedly be of great benefit for research in growth and harvesting, microbiology and crop protection. I am pictured with Prof, Geraldine Mackenzie, USQ Vice - Chancellor.

Jan 29th, 2019

Australia Day 2019 saw many celebrations and awards in the Condamine electorate. I attended Australia Day events in Oakey, Queensland and the opening of the old QR Grain Shed at Crows Nest, Queensland located in the Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village. At Oakey, I was joined by Councillor Megan O'Hara Sullivan, where we judged the rafts participating in the Oakey Creek Cup Raft race. The Barracudas Swimming Club raft was chosen as No 1 (pictured below) and the Oakey State School raft No 2 (pictured below). Councillor O'Hara Sullivan and I are also pictured with one of the Billy Carts competing in the Bily Cart time trials during the Oakey celebrations. 
The old QR Grain Shed at Crows Nest (where I am pictured with Howard Littleton, Len Wilmington and Tammy King) now houses displays from the area. Another building of interest in the village is the original Ray White building (birthplace of Ray White Real Estate).
I congratulate Order of Australia (OAM) recipients; Jeffrey Close (Crows Nest) and Glenys Bowtell (Quinalow), with recognition of their service to community and groups within these communities. Congratulations also extended to: Regional Young Citizen of the Year Award recipient, Jade Kennedy from Oakey, and Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year Award recipient, Ruth Blunderfield and all other recipients of awards within the Condamine electorate.

Jan 29th, 2019

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Like many others in the community, I was saddened to hear of the passing on Friday of well-known and respected Pampas grain grower, Lyndon Pfeffer. Lyndon was involved in a tragic accident on the Gore Highway near his property last month and had been in a critical condition ever since. This accident also claimed the life of seven year old Ryan Pringle.This tragic accident will have a lasting impact on both families and I offer my heartfelt sympathies to both families. I have known Lyndon for many years and last saw him at the end-of-year AgForce break up just before Christmas. Lyndon was well known for his tireless advocacy for the grains industry, as well as, his local community. Sadly, Lyndon has joined the growing list of farmers who go to work in the morning and never come home. Rest in Peace Lyndon Pfeffer.

Jan 24th, 2019

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I was very interested to visit E & E Waste Pty Ltd at Torrington this morning to talk about the progress of the container refund recycling scheme. This facility has processed around 6 million items since the scheme was introduced in November. I'am pictured here with Shane McGuire of E & E Waste and I thank him for the opportunity to look around his business.

Jan 23rd, 2019

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This morning I attended the Qld Fire and Emergency Services Australia Day Achievement Awards at the Empire Theatre. It was great to see public recognition for the important work carried out by the services, many of whom are staffed by volunteers from our communities. Congratulations to Graham Campbell, David Brown, Gavin Wolski, and Dennis Dwyer from Haden and District Rural Fire Brigade; Gary Patzwald from the Cabarlah Rural Fire Bridge; Andrew Woodside, Andrew Metzroth from the Nobby Rural Fire Brigade; Russell Grundy from the Jondaryan Rural Fire Brigade; Liam Harrigan from the Goombungee SES Group; John Hislop from the Crows Nest Fire and Rescue Station; and Paul Langton of the Oakey Fire and Rescue Station.