{"id":372289,"date":"2026-05-19T10:08:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T00:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=372289"},"modified":"2026-05-19T10:08:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T00:08:12","slug":"small-business-celebrating-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2026\/05\/19\/small-business-celebrating-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Business: Celebrating Success"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I took the opportunity to drop into a number of small businesses across the Nanango Electorate during Small Business Month (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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May 19, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

May marked Small Business Month, and it was a pleasure to visit many local small businesses across the South Burnett. <\/strong><\/p>\n

I am always proud to see the hard work, resilience and dedication that sustain our regional communities.<\/p>\n

Small businesses are central to the strength and stability of our towns. They create local jobs and play a vital role in supporting the day to day functioning of our communities.<\/p>\n

Importantly, most small businesses are run by locals who have a direct stake in the success and sustainability of their communities.<\/p>\n

They understand local needs, invest in the future, and contribute well beyond their economic impact.<\/p>\n

From sponsoring sporting teams to supporting local events, small businesses help strengthen the fabric of our region.<\/p>\n

This Small Business Month, and beyond, I encourage everyone to shop local and support the businesses that support our communities.<\/p>\n

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Calling All Young Artists\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

A great opportunity is now open for local student artists from across the electorate, with the Queensland Parliament Education Cup officially under way.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I encourage all budding artists to chat with their teachers and get involved.<\/p>\n

Students from Years 4 to 12 are invited to create an artwork that shows what democracy means to them.<\/p>\n

Entries can be submitted individually or as part of a team.<\/p>\n

Full details and entry guidelines are available online<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Entries close on June 26, and I will be excited to see the creativity of our local junior artists showcased in Parliament.<\/p>\n

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Reading Ranger For A Morning<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington with students from Taabinga State School (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a lovely morning spent at Taabinga State School as part of the Reading Ranger Program, sharing a story with students in their beautiful school library before the start of the day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The library is a welcoming and engaging space, creating the perfect environment for young readers to learn, explore and build confidence.<\/p>\n

Programs like Reading Rangers play an important role in helping students develop a love for reading from an early age, while also providing a positive and calm start to the school day.<\/p>\n

It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the students and the dedication of staff in fostering that passion for reading.<\/p>\n

Thank you to the Taabinga State School community for the warm welcome and for the important work you do every day.<\/p>\n

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Qld Day … All The Best Awards<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Queensland Day on June 6 marks the moment our great State separated from New South Wales and forged its own identity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year, it\u2019s all about celebrating everything that makes Queensland unique, and recognising the people and businesses who help our communities thrive.<\/p>\n

Through the Queensland Day “All the Best” Awards, we can show our support by voting for the South Burnett\u2019s favourite businesses across 15 categories.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fantastic way to highlight the places we love and rely on every day.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also an opportunity to recognise the individuals who go above and beyond.<\/p>\n

The Queensland Day Awards shine a light on those who quietly make a difference, people who roll up their sleeves and show up for others.<\/p>\n

I encourage everyone to get involved, whether by casting a vote or nominating someone deserving of recognition.<\/p>\n

With plenty of ways to celebrate in the lead up to Queensland Day, there is still time to take part.<\/p>\n

To vote or submit a nomination, visit the Queensland Day website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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2026 Kingaroy Show<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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The woodchopping arena is always a popular attraction at the Kingaroy Show (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the exhibits to the entertainment, the Kingaroy Show continues to be a wonderful celebration of everything that makes our region so special.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was an absolute privilege to officially open the 2026 Kingaroy Show.<\/p>\n

Country shows truly showcase the best of our region – bringing together community and tradition.<\/p>\n

Congratulations to Tamera, Ricky and all the dedicated volunteers whose hard work made this year\u2019s Show another great success.<\/p>\n

Events like this do not happen without the commitment of passionate community members, and their efforts are sincerely appreciated.<\/p>\n

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Vern Brings Governor To Kingaroy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington with Mr Vernon Clark OAM (Photo: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joining the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM for the presentation of an OAM to Vernon Clark was a special occasion for our community.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vern\u2019s contribution to our region has been significant.<\/p>\n

As a pioneer in manufacturing machinery for the peanut industry, his innovation and dedication have supported the success of a key local industry.<\/p>\n

I was proud to support Vern\u2019s nomination with a letter of recommendation and to see his achievements formally recognised at this level.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Vern.<\/p>\n

This honour is a well-deserved recognition of your contribution and your long-standing commitment to our community.<\/p>\n

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DNA Lab Update<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

When we came to Government, we inherited one of the greatest failures of a justice system anywhere in the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Labor left behind 601 untested rape kits and more than 11,700 major crime DNA samples sitting on shelves.<\/p>\n

Those numbers represent victims waiting for answers. Police waiting for evidence. Dangerous offenders left in the community.<\/p>\n

Now, the Crisafulli Government has cleared the entire backlog of untested rape kits inherited from Labor – all 601 tests.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also cut the major crime DNA backlog by more than 70 per cent – from 11,703 samples in November 2024 to 3488 in May 2026.<\/p>\n

We promised to fix Labor\u2019s DNA debacle, put victims first and restore confidence in Queensland\u2019s forensic system, and that\u2019s exactly what we are delivering.<\/p>\n

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Big Rosella Festival<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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I was thrilled to take to the stage with celebrity chef Matt Golinski who showed me and Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig the versatility of rosellas (Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was fantastic to be part of the 10th anniversary of the Big Rosella Festival in Woolooga, a milestone for what has become one of the many excellent events in our region.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since 2016, the Petersen family has welcomed visitors from near and far to their property for what began as a simple celebration of the humble rosella.<\/p>\n

Today, it\u2019s a vibrant event that showcases local produce and creativity.<\/p>\n

I was proud to officially open this year\u2019s festival and to celebrate everything Greg and CC have built. Their passion for all things rosella, and their dedication to supporting local, has turned a small idea into a standout regional success story.<\/p>\n

The “Ready Steady Cook”-style cook-off provided plenty of entertainment, with Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig putting up a strong effort was lots of fun, although perhaps better luck next year Mayor Hartwig!<\/p>\n

A special mention to chef Matt Golinski, whose involvement always adds something extra to the day.<\/p>\n

Congratulations to CC and Greg on growing Petersen\u2019s Farm into a thriving local business and creating an event that truly puts our region on the map.<\/p>\n

Their range of sauces and jams continues to expand, but I have to say, my favourite is still the classic Rosella Jam.<\/p>\n

This festival is a celebration of local food, local people and the incredible spirit of this community.<\/p>\n