Dec 25, 2024

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I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to you all.

This festive season, I hope you enjoy the company of loved ones and find time to relax and reflect on the year gone by. Take care, drive safely, and look out for one another.

Wishing you all a healthy, joyful, and happy holidays and a happy New Year.

Dec 17, 2024

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Very privileged to receive an invitation to The Elder’s Christmas Celebration held last Sunday 15th December 2024 at the Oakey RSL.

I had a great time catching up with everyone at the lunch including the Goondir Health Services people: Receptionist Karen Lee-Archer, Chair Gary White, Clinic Manager Jennifer Wharton, CEO Floyd Leedie and Steve Renouf Ambassador along with Tommy Lee-Archer keeping us well entertained for the event.

Around 65 indigenous and non-indigenous clients from the Goondir Health Services of Oakey, Dalby, Miles and Chinchilla attended the celebration.

Congratulations on a successful event! Goondir Health Services

Nov 28, 2024

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It has been a great honour to be nominated and duly elected as the Speaker for the new LNP Government.

Tuesday I travelled to Government House to be presented to the Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young.

Wednesday saw the start of the 58th Queensland Parliament with the Governor outlining the LNP Government’s plan for the next four years.

A day I was proud to share and celebrate with my family, friends and colleagues.

Nov 4, 2024

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Crows Nest Day last Sunday was another great community event.

Lots of activities - fitness event, markets, food stalls, team games, singing, mechanical bull, big slide, all keeping the large number of attendees entertained.

My congratulations to the committee on a wonderful event (pictured with Tess Martin (President) and Paul Fleming (Vice-President).

Caught up with Councillor Kerry Shine, Shirley Kronk and daughter, and John O'Brien.

Nov 4, 2024

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Well done to the organising committee of the 2024 Jacaranda Day in Goombungee last Saturday.

The jacarandas along Mocatta Street were in full bloom with the large crowd enjoying the entertainment, market stalls, community group displays, food treats and the grand parade.

Nov 1, 2024

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Great Halloween Community event at Westbrook last night organised by the Lions Club of Westbrook and Districts.

Shared the cooking duty with Cr Trevor Manteufel which kept us very busy with the large crowd attending, embracing the Halloween theme.

Nov 1, 2024

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Congratulations to Oakey CWA House for their fundraising efforts yesterday at their annual morning tea, with all proceeds from the event going to Blush Cancer Care Inc.

Blush Cancer Care provides education and support services for community members affected by breast cancer in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.

Pictured here with Allyson, one of the organisers of the pink event, and also with a lovely cancer warrior. A great local community event!

Oct 15, 2024

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I had the honour of attending the opening of the relocated Norwin CWA Hall and Train Shed at Cecil Plains on Saturday.

My congratulations to the Cecil Plains History Group on this project which will the community and visitors to view and absorb the history of these two buildings.

Oct 11, 2024

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Great to view all the exhibits at this year's Pittsworth Craft & Fine Food Spectacular this morning and to see it being well supported.

Caught up with Brendan Cavanagh, Cook's Soft Drinks, Pittsworth, along with John from the Pittsworth Men's Shed, purchased one of their sturdy 'cutting boards'.

Oct 10, 2024

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A wonderful display of local art at the opening of Pittsworth's Art Group's Spring Exhibition last night, congratulations to organisers and all exhibiting artists.

Enjoyed catching up with many, including Jean Caesar, from the art group.

Over 128 paintings being exhibited, of which, I purchased a landscape scene (see painting bottom left of attached photo).

Oct 6, 2024

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My congratulations to the Pittsworth & District Mens Shed on their recent 10th Anniversary celebrations held last Sunday.

I was given the honour of cutting the anniversary cake with Merv Hinneberg, current President Pittsworth & District Mens Shed, as well as, inspecting the recently restored Rail Section Inspection Car by members, which will be housed at the Pittsworth Historical Pioneer Village.

Oct 6, 2024

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Sincere congratulations to Father Kerry Costigan on his celebration of 60 years of ministry as priest and deacon.

It was a privilege to attend the Mass of Thanksgiving last Sunday at which members of many faiths and organisations were in attendance. Father Costigan is extremely well known and highly respected.

A Welcome Ceremony was performed by the local indigenous people which included a smoking ceremony, didgeridoo playing, clap sticks and some speeches.

Congratulations again, Father Costigan, your commitment is exemplary!

Oct 3, 2024

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Last week I attended the annual TSBE Darling Downs Beef Battle. Caught up with Jim Friis Stanbroke’s Processing Operations Manager. Congratulations to the Stanbroke team pictured with Dr John McVeigh Chancellor UniSQ. Stanbroke has won this year’s Darling Downs Beef Battle People’s Choice for the fifth year in a row, winning with Diamantina wagyu.

Congratulations also to Stockyard 2024 Darling Downs Beef Battle Professional Choice Winner with Kiwami wagyu.

Great night of competition and an all round display of the region’s excellent beef.

Oct 1, 2024

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I was part of the large crowd gathered at Clifford Park on Saturday for the Toowoomba Cup and Weetwood, along with Trevor Watts MP and Haylee Guarracino 'Face of Weetwood 2024'.

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Congratulations to local trainers Tony & Maddy Sears (pictured with cup) wining the Toowoomba Cup with 'Red Wave', and Tony Gollan, the Weetwood with 'Hidden Wealth'.

Sept 26, 2024

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Great to visit the gardens in full bloom for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Caught up with Lesley Conway Cotswold Hills and Shirley Mundt Wellcamp for a tour of their beautiful gardens.

Sept 24, 2024

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A great display of succulents and rare plants were available at Bunker's Hill State Schools Succulent Fest 2024 last Sunday.

Other attractions included: many stallholders showcasing handcrafted creations, garden art and delicious treats, along with activities for plenty of family fun - pony rides, face painting.

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A great day with much support for this annual event bringing their community together and catching up with many, including, Sharon Wilson, Acting Principal.

Sept 12, 2024

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Last Saturday, I had the honour of opening the Crows Nest Men's Shed - unveiling the plague and cutting the cake with President, Peter Long.

Wonderful to see many attendees, including representatives from neighbouring sheds, along with Mayor Geoff McDonald, Nick Comer and director of Progressive Community Crows Nest (PCCN), Howard Littleton.

Funding for this shed came from: federal funding, gaming funds grants and a significant contribution from PCCN, providing a great facility for Crows Nest.

Sept 2, 2024

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Today, I had the honour to attend the First Nations Year 12 Graduands Mass and ceremony at St Luke's Cathedral in Toowoomba, conducted by the Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell with Reverend Peter Dorfield in attendance. The Address was given by Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools.

My sincere congratulations to all graduands and best wishes for your future endeavours

Aug 26, 2024

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Saturday, I attended the AGM of the QCWA Darling Downs Division and was honoured to be invited to speak a few words and catch up with the new executive, members and their guests.

Special congratulations to the two ladies who received Certificates of Membership, Susan Schultz 25 years, Highfields Branch and Moya Mitchell 70 years, Beauaraba Branch.

The guest speaker for the meeting was Dr Michael Rice, Director of the Foundation overseeing the GPs4RuralDocs Program. The Foundation supports rural doctors, helping them to continue practising in regional towns. Dr Rice’s speech raised many issues rural doctors face that most people would be unaware of.

Aug 22, 2024

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It was an honour to lay a wreath for and on behalf of the people of Queensland at the Oakey RSL Sub-Branch’s observation of Vietnam Veteran’s Day last Sunday 18th August.

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A day to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. A day to reflect on the service of Australians and those who lost their lives.

Aug 9, 2024

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Congratulations to the Oakey State School on the occasion of their 150th Anniversary.

A wonderful day to acknowledge and celebrate 150 years of education in the local community of Oakey. A credit to the students, parents and staff!

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Great cake cutting by the oldest past student and the youngest present student!

Special note for Kevin Byers, a former groundsman, whose family have attended the school across six generations.

Aug 7th, 2024

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It was a privilege to receive an invitation from the Incoming President Jenny Tate and Members of the Westbrook & Districts Inc Lions Club for their Annual Changeover last Saturday.

Lions Clubs are renowned for their service to their communities and beyond. They not only make communities more liveable but invest in causes both environmental and medical. They are also committed to providing leadership opportunities for young people.

Congratulations to the incoming and continuing club members and thank you for your service!

July 29, 2024

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Congratulations to the new executives of the QCWA Goombungee Branch and the QCWA Crows Nest Branch.

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Thank you for the invite to attend the combined Annual General Meeting's.

A wonderful group of members to be commended for working together to improve the everyday lives of their communities.

July 26th, 2024

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Congratulations to the new and continuing members of the QCWA Oakey branch executive. Thank you for the invitation to attend the branch AGM yesterday. The executive and the members are to be acknowledged and thanked for their service and dedication to the community. Well done!

Pictured here with Kara Grant, Sheila Campbell State President, Carol Lee, Wendy Gordon and Judy Byers.

July 15, 2024

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Saturday 13th July I had the great pleasure of cutting the ribbon to open the upgraded Pechey Stillhouse and the release of the Condamine Bell Rum. The new stillhouse will allow for the commencement of dark spirit - whisky and rum - production.

Congratulations to Ben O’Brien Chief Distiller (pictured at the ribbon cutting) and the Pechey family, leading a very progressive local family business that use local produce and the services of local businesses.

The upgrade to a medium sized distillery has followed on from the success of the micro distillery established when the Pechey family decided to diversify the tourism activity which had commenced in 1990.

The Pechey family spanning six generations have been in residence at Pechey since 1865 when Edward Wilmott (EW) Pechey established the Albert Timber Mill in the hamlet of Pechey. EW was the first state member for the electorate of Aubigny.

June 26, 2024

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I attended the official launch of the Queensland Country Destination Management Plan last night in Toowoomba and caught up with representatives attending on behalf of the High Country Hamlets. Pictured with Sandra Jenner, Jodie Ryan and Wendy Allen and Mayor Geoff McDonald.

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This event was a significant milestone for the region's tourism sector, reflecting collective vision, strategies and actions for sustainable growth and management through to 2028 and beyond.

June 19, 2024

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I spent an enjoyable morning yesterday visiting the Crows Nest Churches of Christ Aged Care Facility, meeting residents, staff, and management personnel and sharing morning tea with them.

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It is wonderful to see locals having such a facility in their community.

June 7th, 2024

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Out and about at Farmfest this week; local MP's supporting the ladies of Lumsden Psychology and 'Mental Health Matters'. Pictured here with Bryson Head Member for Callide, Ann Leahy Shadow Minister for Local Government and Jim McDonald Member for Lockyer.

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Also Deb Frecklington Shadow Minister for Energy and Cost of Living and Tony Perrett Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

May 23rd, 2024

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Last week I attended the opening of the new location for the YellowBridge Collectables Boutique Op Shop. Still remaining in the heart of Toowoomba's CBD at 589 Ruthven Street.

Pictured here with Steven, an avid collector of pens, with one of mine now added to his collection.

A great organisation providing people with a disability access to real-world retail skills and training.

May 14, 2024

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I thank the Crows Nest Show Society for the honour of opening the new canteen last Saturday during their 2024 show.

My congratulations to the show committee on a very successful show. Well attended, numerous exhibits and riders, and the first 'split post competition'.

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Special recognition was paid to Con O'Connor, who was a stalwart of this show and other shows in the area, including the Ecca, receiving recognition and success in equestrian events, along with his brother Pat, over many years. His two children, son, Brendan, and daughter Mary Ferguson were in attendance.

April 30th, 2024

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Had a wonderful Friday at this year's Toowoomba Show catching up with people, exhibitions and ring events. Great to see record crowds on the day.

April 25, 2024

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Today, I had the privilege of attending some of the local ANZAC Day Ceremonies starting with the Dawn Service at Westbrook and later in the day at Drayton with David Janetzki MP Member for Toowoomba South and then onto Clifton and Kingsthorpe.

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It was very encouraging to see all services well attended, especially by young people, keen to learn the history and tradition of ANZAC Day.

April 15th, 2024

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If any school, not-for-profit, community or sporting group within the Condamine electorate would like to use my marquee for any event/function, please contact my office on 45704100 or email condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au for further information or to book.

February 12, 2024

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A wonderful day enjoyed by all at Jondaryan Woolshed on Australia Day 2024, where visitors step back in time and discover Australia's heritage and history of the wool industry.

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The Friends of Jondaryan Woolshed are to be congratulated on their organisation and success of this event.