{"id":359146,"date":"2025-04-02T14:40:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T04:40:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=359146"},"modified":"2025-04-02T14:43:23","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T04:43:23","slug":"herkind-celebrates-in-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2025\/04\/02\/herkind-celebrates-in-style\/","title":{"rendered":"HerKind Celebrates In Style"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Deb Frecklington, centre, with Caylen Tunstall and Jordy Francis at the HerKind Project Gala Ball held on International Women’s Day (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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April 2, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

International Women\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was an honour to join Caylen and her hardworking committee to officially open the evening.<\/p>\n

And a shout out to local band RYZA for keeping the sold-out crowd dancing late into the night.<\/p>\n

It’s great that funds raised from the night directly support initiatives to uplift women and strengthen community bonds.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Deb with Kingaroy Men’s Shed president Eric Ford at the official opening of their new shed (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kingaroy Men\u2019s Shed Expands<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

March has been a busy month and it started with the absolute pleasure of officially opening the Kingaroy Men\u2019s Shed\u2019s impressive new facility.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Super Round grant awarded in September 2024, the Kingaroy Men\u2019s Shed has expanded with a brand new 20m x 14m shed.<\/p>\n

President Eric Ford and the members have done a remarkable job creating a welcoming space that fosters camaraderie, mental wellbeing and skill-building.<\/p>\n

This is a fantastic community group dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all.<\/p>\n

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101 Years Of Murgon Show<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was an honour to present life membership to such a hardworking volunteer, Helene Wessling, and hear Joan Crawford\u2019s opening speech.<\/p>\n

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Deb with Cherbourg Mayor Bruce Simpson, Minister Fiona Simpson and Cherbourg State School principal Boyd McLean (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Investing In Priority Infrastructure For Our Schools<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This infrastructure will support the Buwu program, an alternative to school suspensions, ensuring students keep up with the curriculum while learning progressive behavioural strategies.<\/p>\n

After hearing Principal Boyd McLean\u2019s concerns last year about the program being held off campus, I was determined to help bring this facility to fruition.\u00a0 The building will allow suspended students to remain on campus and stay on track with their learning.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Youth Parliament<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Our future is in good hands with seven of the Nanango Electorate\u2019s schools taking part in Youth Parliament during March!<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was really impressed by the student speakers.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Deb with a crowd of showgirls at the opening of this year’s Goomeri Show (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Goomeri Show<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

It was lovely to join the Goomeri community to open the Goomeri Show.\u00a0 It was wonderful to see the everyone supporting President Dave and his volunteers to ensure another successful show day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was a huge honour to be asked to open the show, and to sponsor the Deb Frecklington Sporting Events.<\/p>\n

Big congratulations to Dave and Archie who were presented with well-deserved life memberships.<\/p>\n