July 31, 2016
Thank you to everyone who returned my ‘South Burnett’s Biggest Survey’ recently.
I launched this survey in late May to find out what the most important issues are for South Burnett residents, and kicked it off by posting out 8000 survey forms.
However, when I received feedback that some people in the 4610 postcode area had missed out because Australia Post only delivered to street addresses – not mail runs – I printed another 8000 copies and mailed these out in early June.
We received more than 760 completed surveys back, and I must pass on a huge “thank you!” to Eline Beijsens.
Eline volunteered her time during her university break to enter the survey data into our office computers for analysis.
The final results from the survey are almost ready, and will be published in mid-August.
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Apply Now For My ‘Local Hero Grants’
I was very excited to launch my new ‘Local Hero Grants’ program last week.
These are small but meaningful grants of $250 for community groups, as well as individuals who’ve been selected for sporting or other events.
I’d encourage you to go to my web site, check out the guidelines and make an application.
There’ll be three rounds each year, with four grants announced in each round.
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New South Burnett Domestic Violence Service
I’d like to congratulate South Burnett CTC and Uniting Care Community on receiving funding for programs to help young children in the South Burnett and Cherbourg who are affected by domestic violence.
CTC and Uniting Care have both received nearly $50,000 to support vulnerable children aged from birth to eight years old who need protection.
South Burnett CTC will run their program for twelve months through our local child care centres, schools and early learning facilities.
Their aim is to help people working in the early learning sector to recognise signs of domestic violence in children and focus on early intervention.
Unfortunately, there is an unacceptable level of domestic violence in our region and programs such as these will help protect little ones who – through no fault of their own – find themselves caught in these situations.
If you would like more information on the program, please call South Burnett CTC on (07) 4169-0587.
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Well Done Blackbutt Bakery!
On my travels around the Nanango electorate and on my way down to Brisbane, I often stop in at the Blackbutt Bakery for a pie.
They have fantastic pies and sweets and I took the opportunity to visit Roberta, Jim, Simone and Franka on my way home from the recent Estimates hearings.
Jim showed me the process of turning out a good meat pie.
He also let me know that Blackbutt has now made it to Number 6 on the realestate.com.au list for Australia’s best towns for pies!
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Taabinga SS Leaders
It was such a pleasure to meet recently with student representatives from Taabinga State School to hear about their fundraising efforts for South Burnett Relay for Life and some of the initiatives they have implemented at school.
Thank-you for inviting me, and well done Taabinga!
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office]
