March 30, 2022
Ten years ago on March 24, 2012, I was very proud to be elected to Queensland Parliament as the Member for Nanango.
I took on this role to make a difference in our regional areas, and it will always be my priority to ensure our regional communities get their fair share.
On this anniversary, I wanted to thank the Nanango electorate for putting their faith in me to represent them in State Parliament.
Each day I am humbled by this responsibility. It is a great honour and I sincerely thank the Nanango Electorate for their trust and support.
I’ll continue to work hard each and every day because I love this area, and the people who call our beautiful part of the world home.
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Congratulations Jacob!
Jacob Sutton, a graduate of Saint Mary’s Catholic College in Kingaroy, is the winner of the Nanango Electorate’s 2021 Year 12 School Leaver’s Bursary!
The purpose of my School Leavers Bursary is to help students make the transition from Year 12 to further study or training just that little bit more achievable for them and their families.
Jacob is now studying a Bachelor of Information Technology through the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, with a goal of working in the cybersecurity industry.
His passion and positivity shone through in his interview and it was such a pleasure to present him with his “big cheque” and hear more about his career plans.
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Petition Shows Need For Pain Clinic
An official e-petition has been tabled in State Parliament pressing for the establishment of a pain clinic in the South Burnett.
The petition was championed by Kingaroy residents Erin and Kayla and I was pleased to be the sponsor.
The South Burnett region has no access to a Persistent Pain/Chronic Pain Clinic for people who need ongoing treatment and assistance for chronic pain conditions.
In fact, the closest persistent pain clinic for the South Burnett region is either in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast!
The e-petition received 723 signatures and I will share more news on this issue when a response is received from the Minister in mid-April.
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School Visits In Term 1
While the pandemic created a disjointed start to the new school year, our schools have been busy with leadership, induction and awards ceremonies.
But I’d like to thank St Patrick’s and St Mary’s for inviting me to these important events.
I always enjoy meeting and congratulating the 2022 student leaders and wishing them well in their roles.
I also had a great visit to Nanango State High School after the school invited me to chat to the year 10 and 11 design students about visual imaging, design and advertising.
The class was really engaged and had lots of questions for me.
Well done Nanango SHS!
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Proston Show Goes Ahead Despite Restrictions
A massive congratulations to the Proston Show Society team on a wonderful Proston Show, and a big “thank you!” to all the competitors, stewards and volunteers who contributed to making the day such a success.
However, the inconsistencies of the Labor Government’s Public Health restrictions are having serious ramifications for our local Shows.
Murgon and Kilcoy which have cancelled their 2021 events, and Cooyar will be running their Show on a different date to the one originally set.
Since these mandate measures came into place many members of my community have approached me in relation to entry requirements for Showgrounds as they are placing a massive burden on Show organisers and volunteers.
In late December I wrote to the Minister for Health asking for the restrictions on Showgrounds to be changed, but I have still not received a response.
While the Government sits on their hands, many more Show Societies are making the difficult decision to cancel or postpone.
This is a major loss for our communities, given the economic and social contribution made by our local shows.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office]
