The latest Groom updates!
It's been another busy month across our region!
Here's what I've been up to, listening and working for you👇
1. Toowoomba Show
Another fantastic year of celebrating our wonderful community at the 2024 Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show 👏
Thank you to the RASQ team, as well as every exhibitor, volunteer, sponsor and visitor that made this such an amazing event.
2. Shadow Minister Visits
It has been a pleasure to host two Shadow Ministers in Groom recently, to showcase our amazing community and highlight some developments in our local business sector.
We welcomed Sussan Ley MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, to spend time with our local business leaders, sharing in their achievements and addressing their concerns.Thank you to Betros Bros and Hogan’s Jewellers for opening their doors and providing a glimpse into the dedication behind their operations. The day also marked a milestone for Kotzur, as we celebrated the opening of their new manufacturing facility in Charlton.
I also had the pleasure of accompanying Kevin Hogan MP, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, to meet with some of our fantastic local exporters. Our conversations with the teams at Wagner Corporation, Oakey Beef, and Kerwee Feedlot highlighted the crucial role these businesses play not only in Groom but as part of Australia's broader trade network.
3. Our amazing community organisations
It's always fantastic to see the passion that our community groups have for serving our region.
The Highfields Pioneer Village and the Toowoomba District Multiple Birth Associations Playgroup have recently received funding under the Volunteers Grant program, to support them in their efforts.
Some very well deserved funding for our amazing volunteers!
4. ANZAC Day
On Anzac Day, our region came together to express gratitude through tribute, nurture community through commemoration, and find meaning in remembrance.
It is always an honour to lay a wreath on behalf of our community, and I was privileged to attend services in Westbrook, Drayton, Toowoomba and Kingsthorpe.
Thank you to our wonderful veterans, volunteers, schools and community groups for organising such beautiful services across our region.
Lest we forget.
5. Listening to community concerns
Collaborative action across all levels of government is vital, particularly when it comes to matters such as community safety.
It was great to sit down alongside my state colleague Trevor Watts, to hear community concerns and explore sensible solutions to deal with youth crime.
6. Goombungee-Haden Show
It's always a great day out at the Goombungee-Haden Show, and the small town spirit is alive and well!
Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this fantastic event.
7. Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce
We have an amazing small business community in Toowoomba.
It was great to meet with Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO, Todd Rohl, to discuss the Chamber's current endeavours, their priorities for the future, and the opportunities moving forward.
8. Telstra Update
Residents recently raised their concerns with me surrounding issues with
mobile phone connectivity and other telecommunications, specifically in regards to the Telstra West Mobile Tower.
I made representations on your behalf, noting concerns around SOS medical alert systems, business continuity matters and general day-to-day service activity.
I have recently received the following advice:
Given the delays, Telstra are offering compensation on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to seek compensation by calling 13 22 00, or by visiting your local Telstra retail store.
9. Bringing the office to you!
Thanks to everyone who dropped by for a chat at one of my Mobile Offices this month.
If you missed me, I'll be back on the corner of Perth and Mackenzie streets from 7:30am - 9:00am on Wednesday, 22 May.
Hope to see you there!
10. Newsletter hits mailboxes this week!
Keep an eye out for my latest newsletter, which will be hitting your mailbox this week 📬
Inside, you'll find some insights into what's happening in our wonderful community, as well as a cost of living survey on the back - I'd love to hear from you!
You can also access it by clicking here.
As always, please let me know if I can assist you with anything.
Kind regards,
Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
