June 18, 2018
I am cautiously optimistic following the announcement by the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) that they will deliver community health services to Kilkivan and Goomeri.
The announcement comes after the community approached me to highlight the need for the services of a Community Health Nurse.
This resulted in a petition with 354 signatures, which I tabled in State Parliament.
The announcement that the SCHHS will listen and consult with the community on the issue is very welcome, especially in light of the Minister for Health’s initial rejection of my request.
I encourage the community to attend a Health Forum at Kilkivan Hall on June 21 to directly voice their feedback about the health services needed in the district.
This is a good start and I will keep the pressure up to ensure a Community Health Nurse returns to the Goomeri and Kilkivan districts.
Congratulations must go to Mavis O’Neill, Jan Kirby and Joyce Koy, who first raised this issue with me and then worked very hard to coordinate the petition.
It just goes to show that perseverance and determination does pay off and if you believe in something strongly enough, you can create change.
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A Night To Remember At Kumbia
There are some events which are very special and Kumbia’s South Burnett Debutante Ball on Saturday, June 16 was one of them.
It was such a pleasure to be a part of this rich tradition!
This was the 13th Kumbia Deb Ball and congratulations must go to the organisers who worked so hard to make it such a memorable evening, including the traditional supper.
Congratulations also to the debutantes, their partners, family and friends for putting in such an amazing effort to make it such a beautiful night.
All funds raised on the evening went to Lifeflight, and I’m sure everyone was moved hearing guest speaker Cardell Turner share his story about how Lifeflight saved his life.
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A Great Day For A Ride!
Saturday, June 16 was also a great day for a horse ride!
The weather was beautiful and the South Burnett Endurance Riders turned on another fabulous endurance ride event – the Nanango Heritage Endurance Ride at Nanango.
My horse, Silversmith, seemed to know he had to take it easy for me and I appreciated the support and patience of fellow rider, Bronwyn James.
Endurance riding is a sport that is alive and well in our region, and deserves our support.
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A New Library For St John’s
In early June I was honoured to be a part of the official opening and dedication of St John’s Lutheran Primary School’s new library and resource centre.
The investment that St John’s has made in this wonderful new facility is important for the South Burnett, because it demonstrates the high level of educational facilities and opportunities that are available in regional areas like ours.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this project.
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South Burnett Crime Petition
Finally this month, I’d like pass on my personal than thanks to everyone who took the time to sign the ‘Reclaim the South Burnett’ e-petition calling on the Police Minister to urgently consider policing and preventative strategies to address crime in the South Burnett and Cherbourg.
The petition closed on June 14, and attracted about 800 signatures, which is an amazing achievement.
I’d especially like to thank Laura Freeman for starting the process and putting her hand up to be a catalyst for change in our community.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office]
