Congratulations to all of our community volunteers and community heroes who were recognised at the South West Progress Association Queensland Day Awards. Every year we gather to recognise the outstanding contributions of our local community members. These individuals go above and beyond to make our community a better place. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers and community heroes for everything you do.
I was proud to join the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dedicated Memorial Committee Queensland Inc. to unveil a new memorial to First Nations servicemen and women in Brisbane. The service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women deserves to be honoured with dignity and respect, like all Australian military personnel. It’s important their efforts are acknowledged. This memorial will be a permanent reminder of their valour and sacrifice and is an opportunity to commemorate the stories of the First Nations Peoples who have served to defend our nation. The bronze memorial, designed by Wakka Wakka artist John Smith Gumbula and Gold Coast-based sculptor Liam Hardy, features four First Nations Army, Air Force, Navy, and Medical Services personnel and two dancers representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
I am proud to lead a government that is providing the opportunity for all state schools in Queensland to receive a Dignity Vending Machine, which provides free period products to students, thanks to a $13.3 million investment in the Budget. This announcement builds on the highly successful existing partnership with Queensland-based charity Share the Dignity, first announced in 2020. Access to essential period products and misplaced stigma around periods should never be issues students face at school. We want all students to be confident to attend school every day. We know providing access to free period products can make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence. I am so thrilled that we are now expanding the program to give all state schools the opportunity to get a Dignity Vending Machine.
The Queensland Cabinet travelled to Stanthorpe last month to mark the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Stanthorpe becoming a municipality in 1872. The Stanthorpe area is such a special part of Queensland, and it was a fantastic experience to be able to visit and showcase the Granite Belt region and its importance to the Queensland economy. Bringing the Cabinet to Stanthorpe allowed us to hear firsthand from the local community about the issues and opportunities important to the region. I would encourage families to consider travelling to this region and support local businesses, including their critically acclaimed wineries and vineyards. But pack for the cold weather – Stanthorpe’s Big Thermometer read 3.7 degrees when I visited!
If you have questions or need assistance regarding any State Government matter, please contact me at the Inala Electorate Office on 3737 2100.
