December 22, 2020
Since my maiden speech in 2012 where I spoke about the desperate need for a new Kingaroy Hospital, the difficult conditions in the maternity ward and the lack of a mental health safe room, I have been fighting on behalf of the community for a facility that our community and health professionals deserve.
Thank you to the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service who showed me around the new hospital last week.
I was so excited to see mums and bubs enjoying the brand new maternity ward, and also to see the amazing new emergency department.
I was particularly interested in confirming that the Hospital does indeed have a safe or ‘quiet room’ to care for patients undergoing a mental health crisis, and this is located just inside the entrance to the emergency department.
From my photos below, you’ll also see we now have a new CT scanner, which will save people having to travel to Toowoomba for this service.
Our new hospital is spacious, functional and looks fantastic.
Now that the first stage is complete, Stage 2 is under way and I’ve been told this will be completed by the end of 2021.
It is so important that regional areas like ours have access to the same level of health service that our city cousins enjoy, and I believe the new Kingaroy Hospital is a great step forward in achieving this goal.
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Christmas Across The Electorate
This week I visited Bill Hull Car Centre in Kingaroy to leave my contribution to their Christmas Hamper Drive.
The Hamper Drive is jointly organised by all our local police stations, South Burnett CTC and the Bill Hull Car Centre, and it’s a measure of how generous our residents are that last year it broke all records.
Queensland Police had been aiming to raise 8 tonnes of food for Christmas, and they raised a tonne of that (ie one-eighth of the Queensland total) in the South Burnett.
The South Burnett community have been just as generous with their donations this year, and everything will be distributed to those in need this Christmas.
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Local Hero Grants Bring Early Christmas Cheer
It was great to bring some early Christmas cheer across the Nanango Electorate when I announced the successful recipients of the 12th Round of my Local Hero Grants.
Congratulations to: Kumbia Neighbourhood Watch, Taabinga State School P&C, Mr James Watt (Touch Football referee), Yarraman Bowls Club and the Esk Christmas Tree Carnival (Brisbane Valley Apex).
The closing date for Round 13 is March 31, 2021.
If you would like to apply, please head to my website or contact the Electorate office on (07) 4190-7100 for guidelines.
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Celebrating The Success Of Our Students
It’s always important to acknowledge the hard work of our school students and each year I show my support through special ‘Deb Frecklington Achievement Awards’.
Here’s just two of this year’s recipients, Mitchell Bond of Murgon State High School and Addison Fleischfresser of Taabinga SS.
Well done to all the students who received my awards and congratulations on your achievements in what has been a difficult year for all our schools!
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Merry Christmas!
As 2020 draws to a close, I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and health, happiness and prosperity for 2021.
There is no doubt that this year has been dominated by COVID-19 and the many changes it has meant for our daily lives.
The impact of this pandemic has been felt far and wide.
But if there are any positives to be found, it has confirmed the benefits of living in a regional area, our resilience and ability to adapt to the challenges we are presented.
Let’s hope that the New Year brings a fresh outlook for us all.
It is also important to acknowledge the ongoing dry conditions around the Electorate and the hardship our primary producers continue to face.
While a few areas have received some rainfall, more is welcome to replenish our dams, tanks, creeks and river systems.
From my family to yours, may you have a joyous and safe Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office]
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