MIRANI MESSAGE

from The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18 Issue 8

by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc.

Sugar City Pioneers are Sweet on Mount Morgan

With Stephen Andrew, MP

On the May long weekend, I left Mackay and travelled to the southern end of the Mirani electorate to attend several community events and meet with business owners, farmers and constituents.

The day started at Carmila State School celebrating 100 years of ‘Education for life’. This was of particular significance due to a long family history in the region with my grandfather who ran the Cob and Co station that was located directly opposite where the school is located today. He also ran supplies and goods to other areas by bullock train to Nebo and back to Carmila.

It is with great pleasure that I congratulated the teachers, staff and students, past and present from Carmila State School on achieving 100 years of service in the local community.

Continuing on my journey, arriving at the Caves and District Progress and Agricultural Society show. It was evident that the children from The Caves and Milman state schools showcased their talent with artwork proudly. Many conversations on the direction of the State government with locals were all too familiar. The evening went out with a bang with the best fifteen-minute fireworks I’ve seen in a long time. It was absolutely sensational.

I went and checked on the Mount Morgan pipeline progress and Rookwood Weir; calling into the regional localities in my electorate like Bouldercombe, Gogango, Westwood, Marmor and many others.

Arriving in Mount Morgan early on Sunday morning

I first had breakfast with the crew from the Golden Mount Festival Association at the Big Dam. The members had been busy weekend with the Friday night and Saturday events.

If you attended Dam 7 Sunday morning you would have thoroughly enjoyed the hearty breakfast as I did. The Golden Mount Festival Association delivered again.

I was fortunate enough to chat with many of the locals and after breakfast took some time out for a couple of hours at the Mount Morgan shooting range.

On Sunday afternoon, I called into the Mount Morgan Rodeo. It’s hard to enter a rodeo and not find something to smile about. I love that it’s still embraced by our community and I am grateful for the conversations. Mount Morgan definitely is a town of pride, true friendships and values.

It was a very exciting time in history, collecting the keys for the office soon to be opened in Mount Morgan. I spoke to many locals out and about regarding their expectations. There was talk about fundraising opportunities and community dances so stay tuned. It was very humbling to receive such positive responses from the locals regarding my plan to be physically present in the southern end of the electorate.

The official opening date is still to be confirmed as some work will need to be done to the space. If you are interested in working in a part-time administrative capacity, I encourage you to submit an expression of interest and attach a copy of your resume and send to Mirani@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Monday saw me travel via the backroads through Ridgeland to the Fitzroy Crossing, Morinish and surrounds. It was surprising to see that these roads were in better shape than the Bruce Highway. I was welcomed by many local farmers on the way who were keen to share their highs and lows with me. I may have also gotten my fix, tasting some locally grown Rosellas along the way.

From chatting with the locals in Marlborough, stopping in at Ogmore, St Lawrence, Clairview and Flaggy Rock to discuss issues with more of the Mirani constituents. It was a privilege to also deliver Queensland flags to some of the local schools in these areas. The highlight of my day was meeting Kenneth Rowlands (pictured below) at Kalapa. It’s not too often you get to meet a centenarian. I am proud to serve Kenneth and all my constituents in the Mirani electorate.