Meet our school leaders for 2024!
Engaging with our leaders of tomorrow is always one of the highlights of my job and we certainly have a great cohort leading our schools in 2024!
School Leaders 2024!
With my parliamentary schedule it is often difficult for me to attend the official induction ceremonies for the schools in our region but I thank the schools for still making time for me to meet the leaders when time permits. So far I have been able to meet the leaders at Farleigh, Seaforth, Eimeo, Cannonvale, & Bucasia State Schools. The common theme amongst all the schools has been that you don’t need a badge to be a leader and that working together in an inclusive manner will get the best results. I’ve been impressed by all the students I have met and know that the leaders of 2024 are ready to work hard and lead in 2024 and beyond!!
I do want to make special mention of Principal Pollard and the team at Bucasia State School and the Qld Children's Hospital School who organised a special badge presentation for School Captain, Liv who with her family is based in Brisbane to support her mums treatment.
Cost of Living Crisis out of Control!
This month I invited Deb Frecklington, Shadow Minister for the Cost of Living to town to meet with community members and small business owners to hear how cost of living increases are affecting them.
The Government’s response to the crisis is to announce an inquiry into the supermarkets. And while the LNP think the supermarkets need to be held accountable, we are calling on the State Government to focus on fixing things they can control like rising electricity prices, insurance prices, water costs and transport cost.
If you think it’s time that this Government was held to account, please take the time to complete my quick Cost of Living Survey.
Community Spotlight
Congratulations Cr Jan Clifford OAM
On Australia Day Cr Jan Clifford was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to women in local government, and to the community of the Whitsundays. Jan has dedicated over 25 years to service in the Whitsunday community, holding both paid and voluntary positions on not for profit, private and government boards.
Coming from a small business and tourism background, Jan has made significant contribution to the local tourism industry and the economic progress of the region in general. Serving as a local councillor for 15years Jan has championed the role of Women in local government and the workforce participation and safety of women in rural and regional communities. Jan has worked tirelessly for her community and has a passion for supporting those in need and has spent many roles focusing on affordable housing and social development. Congratulations Jan👏👏
Vale William “Billy” Rose
Friends and family came together on the weekend to say goodbye to serviceman, community advocate and all round good guy Billy Rose. Billy was actually the founder of the Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL and worked tirelessly for years supporting our ex service men and women in the community. I know he will be sorely missed by many. Thank you for your service. Vale Billy Rose.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund News!
GCBF Round 118 - Winners Announced!
Congratulations to nine community groups across Mackay and the Whitsundays who secured funding under Round 118 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).
A total of $253, 295 will help these groups achieve their various goals, through the upgrading of sporting facilities, purchasing of equipment, and more.
Round 118 recipients are:
Whitsunday Weightlifting - $35,000 to construct a shed
Friends of St Helens Beach Environment - $16,327.27 to purchase a BBQ trailer
Gloucester Sport & Rec Association - $35,000 to purchase a tractor
Great Barrier Reef Festival - $16,697 to purchase fencing, lighting and sound equipment
Healthy Kids Project - $32,000 to run health & fitness workshops
Proserpine Citizens Band - $34,357.95 for facility upgrades and to install security lighting
Sailability Whitsunday - $34,200 to upgrade drainage, accessibility & shade protection
VMR Midge Point - $35,000 to replace clubhouse doors & windows
Wildlife Care Mackay - $14,713.20, to purchase shipping container, incubator and equipment
GCBF Round 120 - Closing soon!
Not-for-profits and community groups in Mackay and the Whitsundays can again apply for grants of up to $35,000 under the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).
I strongly encourage groups who need funding to light up sports fields, purchase IT equipment, train volunteers or hold a community event to consider applying.
Hurry round 120 closes midnight 29th February!
For further information or a letter of support, please contact my office on 4845 3100 or whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au.
GCBF Round 121 - Super Round!!
The Government has announced that the next round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Round 121 will be a super round, offering not for profit groups grants of up to $100 000.
The round will open mid March, closing the end of April.
Groups should note that it is unlikely that the outcome of round 120 will be known before applications close for round 121, so they should consider which round best suits their needs and apply for that round.
If you’d like information on how your organisation could benefit from GCBF funding, please phone my office on 4845 3100.
Community Road Safety Education Grants!
Applications are open for the Community Road Safety Education Grants offering up to $40 000 to support Queensland communities with the development and delivery of effective road safety education initiatives that support people to be safer road users.
Applications close 5pm, March 29. I encourage groups interested to contact my office for a letter of support or more information.
Further information can be found at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/roadsafetygrants.
For further information or a letter of support, please contact my office on 4845 3100 or whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Could you give me 30 seconds of your time?
I’m asking Mackay and Whitsunday residents to take a moment to complete my 30-Second Survey so I can find out what’s important to you.
If you reside in the Whitsunday electorate and meet the competition’s t&cs you will go in the draw to win a Weber Baby Q barbecue.
This is my way of saying thank-you for taking the time to tell me your views. I look forward to receiving your feedback.
