April 2, 2025
International Women’s Day was celebrated in style on March 8 when I attended the Herkind Project’s Gala Ball in Kingaroy where we heard from the fabulous and inspirational Julie Cross.
It was an honour to join Caylen and her hardworking committee to officially open the evening.
And a shout out to local band RYZA for keeping the sold-out crowd dancing late into the night.
It’s great that funds raised from the night directly support initiatives to uplift women and strengthen community bonds.
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Kingaroy Men’s Shed Expands
March has been a busy month and it started with the absolute pleasure of officially opening the Kingaroy Men’s Shed’s impressive new facility.
Thanks to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Super Round grant awarded in September 2024, the Kingaroy Men’s Shed has expanded with a brand new 20m x 14m shed.
President Eric Ford and the members have done a remarkable job creating a welcoming space that fosters camaraderie, mental wellbeing and skill-building.
This is a fantastic community group dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all.
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101 Years Of Murgon Show
Also in March, 101 years of the Murgon Show was celebrated and I must convey my congratulations to the youngest-ever Show president, Josh Steinhardt, and his team who have revived and brought the show and rodeo back bigger and better!!
It was an honour to present life membership to such a hardworking volunteer, Helene Wessling, and hear Joan Crawford’s opening speech.
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Investing In Priority Infrastructure For Our Schools
As part of the $19 million first round of the Closing the Gap Priority Fund, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson and I announced a new $3 million educational facility for Cherbourg State School.
This infrastructure will support the Buwu program, an alternative to school suspensions, ensuring students keep up with the curriculum while learning progressive behavioural strategies.
After hearing Principal Boyd McLean’s concerns last year about the program being held off campus, I was determined to help bring this facility to fruition. The building will allow suspended students to remain on campus and stay on track with their learning.
Since the program was introduced just over two years ago, Cherbourg State School has reduced their lost school days due to school disciplinary absences from 1000 to under 50, which is an incredible achievement.
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Youth Parliament
Our future is in good hands with seven of the Nanango Electorate’s schools taking part in Youth Parliament during March!
I was really impressed by the student speakers.
It was also wonderful to be joined by the Speaker of the House Pat Weir MP and Member for Callide Mr Bryson Head in supporting these young leaders of the future.
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Goomeri Show
It was lovely to join the Goomeri community to open the Goomeri Show. It was wonderful to see the everyone supporting President Dave and his volunteers to ensure another successful show day.
It was a huge honour to be asked to open the show, and to sponsor the Deb Frecklington Sporting Events.
Big congratulations to Dave and Archie who were presented with well-deserved life memberships.
- Read more Deb’s Diaries
