November 10, 2016
Sunday, November 6, was a long and very challenging day for the South Burnett and Swickers community after the devastating fire at our local meat processing facility.
I would like to thank all emergency workers, fire, police, ambulance and the SES for their professionalism and hard work throughout the day and evening.
We have been blessed that no one was injured in the fire.
Swickers management has reassured staff that they are working towards a plan to reopen as soon as possible, and I welcome SunPork’s commitment to rebuilding and continuing to be a major supporter of our region.
It is excellent to hear that the abattoir operations are now back up and running.
A special thank you to management at the plant, who have done a great job under very trying circumstances to get information out to staff.
We are a strong community and I know we will all pull together to help one another.
I offer my own personal support, and the full support of my electorate office, should anyone feel they need a helping hand.
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Warm Welcome At Blackbutt SS
I received a warm country welcome from Blackbutt State School when I visited them recently.
Thank you to School Captains Lauren and Lawson, who met me when I arrived.
It was lovely to visit several classes, including the Preps, the Grade 3s who performed a poem, and the Grade 6s.
Thanks kids!
And thanks to Mrs Williamson for inviting me.
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School Awards Ceremonies
Thank-you to all the schools who have invited me to be a part of their annual Awards Ceremonies over the past few weeks including Kingaroy State High School and Saint Mary’s Catholic College.
I am always so impressed by the amazing students we have here in our region.
Congratulations to all the students who received one of my Deb Frecklington Awards!
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Young Women On The Move
I caught up with some of the students from Nanango State High School to hear about their recent experience attending the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network Conference.
The annual QRRRWN State Conference was held in Roma this year, and three South Burnett women – Kayleen Freeman, Carmen Sowden and Jessica McNamara – won Strong Women Leadership Awards there.
Fifty-two nominations were received from a wide range of women across Queensland for the 10 Awards on offer, so this was a terrific achievement.
Under the guidance of great teachers, the future looks bright for these girls.
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Roy Emerson Museum
The South Burnett has some wonderful organisations and I want to make a special mention of the dedicated volunteers who run the Roy Emerson Museum – the Blackbutt Tourism And Heritage Association.
Next time you’re in Blackbutt, it really is worth a visit.
Thanks Iris, Noeleen and Ken for the cuppa and visit.
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Well Done Kumbia Cricket Club
I am always happy to support local community groups, schools and other organisations with their Gambling Community Benefit Fund applications.
One of the groups which received funding recently was the Kumbia Rattlers Cricket Club.
The funding allowed them to build a great new canteen.
I’d like to thank Fred and his team for their hospitality when I visited recently to help officially open their new facilities.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office & southburnett.com.au]
