{"id":365429,"date":"2025-10-02T22:42:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T12:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=365429"},"modified":"2025-12-11T22:19:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:19:31","slug":"congrats-to-garden-expo-committee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2025\/10\/02\/congrats-to-garden-expo-committee\/","title":{"rendered":"Congrats To Garden Expo Committee!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The Wondai Garden Expo goes from strength to strength (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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

Congratulations to the hard-working committee of the Wondai Garden Expo, led by Jodi, on delivering another outstanding event.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bi-annual expo continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing the best of our region.<\/p>\n

With perfect weather, a wide range of stalls and strong crowd attendance, the event was a great success. It was wonderful to see an inclusive atmosphere, with facilities and experiences catering to people of all abilities.<\/p>\n

A big thank you to the incredible team of volunteers whose dedication and teamwork make the expo such a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.<\/p>\n

Well done to all involved!<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Important Legislation Passes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

September has been a busy month, with two sitting weeks of Parliament taking up a large portion of my time.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the standout moments was seeing the Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 pass through the Parliament – a Bill I was proud to introduce.<\/p>\n

These reforms better reflect community expectations around the seriousness of sexual offences, especially against 16- and 17-year-olds. They ensure sentencing is more victim-centred and close loopholes that allowed \u201cgood character\u201d to unfairly reduce penalties.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Minister Visits Cherbourg<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Minister Ann Leahy and Deb Frecklington were welcomed by Cherbourg Council\u00a0 (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I had the honour of bringing Minister Ann Leahy – the Minister for Local Government and Water, and the Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers – to Cherbourg.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was a truly productive and uplifting discussion with the Council.<\/p>\n

It provided an excellent opportunity for the Minister to see firsthand the amazing things happening in this community.<\/p>\n

We walked through progress on new houses, and discussed many of the initiatives that are already up and running.<\/p>\n

The Ration Shed is preparing to open an exciting new exhibition, and the Youth Advisory Group\u2019s shop at Bert Button Lookout is absolutely worth a visit.<\/p>\n

Well done to the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council for your leadership and hard work. Minister Leahy was equally impressed by everything you are achieving here.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wondai Regional Art Gallery Extension<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Deputy Mayor Ros Heit, Wondai Regional Art Gallery co-ordinator Elaine Madill, Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I was proud to deliver on my election commitment with the official opening of the $100,000 extension to the Wondai Regional Art Gallery.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This expansion adds a covered outdoor area, improves accessibility, and provides extra workshop space, helping ensure the Gallery can better serve artists, visitors, and the whole South Burnett community.<\/p>\n

The Gallery is already a thriving hub – locally run by volunteers, hosting monthly exhibitions, art classes, workshops and events – and this upgrade is a major boost to what it offers.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a wonderful asset for our community, fostering creativity, connection, and culture.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Coolabunia Students Visit<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Coolabunia State School students at Parliament House in Brisbane (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coolabunia State School students in Year 4-6 visited Parliament House this month as part of their excursion to Brisbane.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visiting Queensland Parliament House helps students see democracy in action, learn how laws are made, and understand the roles of government and elected representatives.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Qld Training Awards Success<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

I\u2019m delighted to shine a spotlight on the outstanding individuals and organisations from our region celebrated at the recent Queensland Training Awards.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Their resilience, determination and commitment to vocational education illustrate the strength of local talent.<\/p>\n

A big congratulations to our State winners:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Therese Stanton<\/strong> – Equity Student of the Year, honoured for her courageous return to a healthcare career after recovering from a life-changing stroke.<\/li>\n
  • Cameron Flick<\/strong> – Vocational Student of the Year, recognised for his relentless dedication to training and personal growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Both have shown remarkable drive, talent and commitment to their chosen paths.<\/p>\n

    We also applaud our State finalists:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Brylie Jones<\/strong> – School-based Apprentice\/Trainee of the Year finalist<\/li>\n
    • Lilly White<\/strong> – Vocational Student of the Year finalist<\/li>\n
    • Global Engineering & Construction<\/strong> – Medium Employer of the Year finalist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Regionally, at the Darling Downs Southwest Awards, we celebrate:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Caitlin Franklin<\/strong> – Bob Marshman Trainee finalist (Cert III in Business)<\/li>\n
      • Rose McMahon<\/strong> – Bob Marshman Trainee finalist (Cert III in Business)<\/li>\n
      • Samuel Simpson<\/strong> – Vocational Student finalist (Diploma of Counselling)<\/li>\n
      • Darrie Lea<\/strong> – Vocational Student finalist (Diploma in Indigenous Primary Health Care)<\/li>\n
      • Kingaroy Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Electrical<\/strong> – Small Employer finalist<\/li>\n
      • South Burnett CTC<\/strong> – Medium Employer finalist<\/li>\n
      • South Burnett Regional Council<\/strong> – Large Employer finalist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        To all winners and finalists – your achievements affirm the power of education, perseverance and community support. You set a high bar and serve as an inspiration for vocational learners right across Queensland.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        DEB’S DIARY<\/p>\n

        \nCongratulations to the hard-working committee of the Wondai Garden Expo, led by Jodi, on delivering another outstanding event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":365451,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[629,3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nCongrats To Garden Expo Committee! - southburnett.com.au<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Congratulations to the hard-working committee of the Wondai Garden Expo, led by Jodi, on delivering another outstanding event.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2025\/10\/02\/congrats-to-garden-expo-committee\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Congrats To Garden Expo Committee! 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