ANZAC DAY
ANZAC Day means a lot to me.
As an Australian Defence Force veteran of over 20 years (still enlisted), ANZAC day is one of the most moving days on the calendar.
It’s an opportunity to pause and reflect not only on those who have served in battle on many fronts around the world, but also those who still serve at home and abroad.
It is also a chance to think of those whose service has ended but battles continue.
That’s why it brings a smile to my face to see all these local community members,
organisations and schools come together and show their respect to those that have served for our country.
I also want to give a big thank you to everyone who showed up to the Eagleby War Memorial Garden to commemorate those who served and continue to serve our country.
For anyone who cannot attend Beenleigh’s dawn service, I highly recommend going to the Eagleby dawn service.
Electricity Bill Relief!
The Miles government’s $1,000 energy rebate has now passed parliament.
From 1 July every Queensland household will receive a $1,000 credit on
their power bill.
This nearly doubles the $550 electricity rebate that was paid to households this financial year.
This combined with the federal government announcing more energy relief means $1,000 will up front thanks to the new Miles government, and an extra $300 from the Albanese government spread out over the year.
Queensland Police Service welcomes record-breaking graduation of 137 new officers.
Over the past month I have had the privilege of holding multiple community Coffee with A Cop events across Macalister.
This has provided some great feedback but also demonstrated a massive level of support for the amazing job our police are doing.
Coinciding with this, the QPS has welcomed a record-breaking 137 new police officers following their graduation from the Academy in Brisbane.
This milestone marks the largest group of recruits to graduate in 26 years, signifying a substantial boost to the Service’s frontline resources and commitment to keeping the Queensland community safe.
The cohort of graduates brings various transferrable skills and professional backgrounds to the service, including defence and emergency services, skilled trades, education, and customer service.
There are currently 546 recruits training at QPS Academies in Brisbane and Townsville, with 144 new recruits joining the academy next week and a further 2,274 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.
The Service’s newest police officers will be deployed across Queensland, where they will receive further training and development on the job over the next 12 months through the First Year Constable program.
Make It Macalister 2024
Queensland Small Business Month is held during May and I love celebrating our Macalister small businesses and the vital contribution they make to the local economy and community.
Throughout the month I try to get out and meet as many local small businesses as possible to help focus a spotlight on the outstanding products and services they offer.
Here in Macalister we have it all, from honey to ten pin bowling, first class photography and some of SEQ’s best fish and chips, you name it we have it.
Thanks to all the owners and staff that have allowed me to pop along to meet you and I look forward to hosting you all at my Make It Macalister Dinner in at Parliament House later in the year.
