While Scenic Rim Council’s Australia Day Awards presentations were postponed this year, our region welcomed new Australian citizens at ceremonies this week. Australian citizenship is a treasure.

Our country has long been, and remains, a magnet for people from all over the world – notwithstanding these last two years that have been challenging for all countries, and no less here in Australia. I’m always grateful to be at these ceremonies when (quite often long-term) residents of Australia make the pledge to be loyal, law-abiding citizens of this great nation, and in return, they become part – despite all of our challenges - of a nation that still shines as a beacon of prosperity and freedom. We should treasure all our Australian history, the histories of the many parts of our nation that make it one whole, our freedoms, and our prosperity - hard-won by generations past. That makes us all today very lucky indeed.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund Queensland
The opening of GCBF’s first $100,000 “super round” will be postponed by 5 weeks. It will now open on 21 February 2022 and the round will close on 31 March 2022. 

Current pandemic conditions have affected many Queensland organisations. This delay will allow time for organisations to have a fair opportunity for groups to prepare their grant submissions. I will update you again once the next GCBF round opens.

Summer Storms 
We are still in the midst of summer! Don’t wait until you are caught in the middle of a storm to wish that you were better prepared. As well as ensuring that loose objects are secured, make sure plans are made to protect your pets and livestock during a disaster, and that your insurance information is up to date. It is also important that all those with health problems ensure they will be able to access their medication in the event of a disaster, and each family member needs to know what to do in the case of a severe storm event. I believe that getting to know your neighbours and familiarising yourself with storm warnings and action plans is vital for the safety of our community. If you are not sure where to begin in your storm preparations, visit the Get Ready Queensland website at: www.getready.qld.gov.au 

Congratulatory Letters
Do you, or a member of your family or a friend, have a significant birthday or anniversary coming up? The Scenic Rim Electorate Office can assist in obtaining official letters of congratulations, whether it be a 90th, 100th, 105th or 110th Birthday, or a 50th, 60th, 65th or 70th Wedding Anniversary. Depending on the occasion, you can also receive a letter from the Premier of Queensland, Governor of Queensland, Prime Minister of Australia, Governor-General, or Her Majesty the Queen. For more information or to request a congratulatory letter, please contact the Electorate Office.

Scenic Rim Electorate Office

You can contact me by phone, toll-free, on 1800 813 960, or email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au, so I can lobby on your behalf in Brisbane. In an electorate as large as the Scenic Rim, there are lots of issues and I appreciate your feedback that helps me do my job as well as possible.