It's Carnival Time!
It's the best time of the year, in the best part of the world!
The Carnival of Flowers is in full swing, and it’s been incredible to see our community come together to celebrate the vibrant displays, local talent, wonderful small businesses, and everything that makes our region special.
This past month has been packed with events - here were my highlights!👇
1. Listening to our community
A massive thank you to everyone who attended our recent town hall with Trevor Watts MP at the Highfields Tavern!
It was great to connect with so many of you and hear your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and the local community.
2. 75 years of celebrating the Garden City 🌼
The Grand Central Floral Parade never disappoints, and this year was no exception!
It was fantastic to see our CBD packed with families enjoying the amazing floral floats and supporting our wonderful community organisations.
3. Door knocking 🏡
This month’s beautiful weather has been perfect for getting out and about, connecting with you through door knocking.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to chat and share your thoughts with me!
Special shoutout to Les Stephson for the tour of his fantastic garden. Click below to see the incredible work he’s done for this year’s Carnival - it's absolutely stunning!
4. Keep farmers farming! 🧑🌾
Earlier this month, farmers from across Australia rallied at Parliament House for the first time in nearly 40 years.
While the Prime Minister, his Labor party members, the Greens and the Teal “Independents” were nowhere to be seen, I proudly stood with Peter Dutton and the Coalition to call out this government’s disastrous policies that are killing their industry. You can watch my speech below👇
As the Albanese government turns its back, we’re not afraid to stand up and fight for the industries that power this country.
The Coalition will always support our farmers and regional Australia 🇦🇺
5. Civics & Citizenship at The Glennie School 🏫
I had a fantastic time at the Glennie School this month, engaging with the bright minds of Grade 9 Civics as they dive into our democracy and parliament.
They’re currently exploring political campaigns, discussing the issues that matter to them, and even forming their own political parties for a mock election.
It’s wonderful to see these future leaders passionately debating the topics they care about!
6. Toowoomba Legacy Volunteering🎖️
Legacy Australia supports over 30,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country.
During Legacy week, it was an honour to assist the incredible Toowoomba Legacy Club as they gathered donations to support our local veterans’ families.
We’re proud to have recently supported them with a federal volunteer grant, allowing them to purchase a marquee for their outdoor events and continue their vital work in our community.
7. St Saviours Visit ✍️
I recently received some wonderful letters from the students at St Saviours, sharing their thoughts on issues they’re passionate about.
It was a pleasure to visit the school and engage in thoughtful discussions about these issues, covering everything from the challenges of inflation to the importance of regional connectivity.
8. Clay Target Club 🎯
Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just looking for a new hobby, the Toowoomba Clay Target Club is a wonderful group offering a friendly and welcoming environment.
Run by a passionate group of volunteers, it was a pleasure to assist them recently with a federal volunteer grant to support their fantastic work.
If you're interested in giving it a go, the club hosts a ‘Come and Try Day’ on the 3rd Saturday of every month!
9. Speaking on Australia’s Key Challenges
Australia’s woeful productivity is a direct consequence of this government’s shocking policies.
With their chaotic new IR laws, the blocking of highly productive industries, and 36,000 new public servants, it’s no wonder we’re going backwards.
I spoke about this in Parliament - you can watch my speech here👇
10. Inland Rail 🛤️
We've seen Inland Rail in the spotlight again this past week.
My priority, as it always has been, is to get the line to Gowrie.
If the government is serious about addressing the environmental, economic and engineering concerns of the Inland Rail, it would support this proposal.
It is time to get on with delivering Inland Rail, recognising the benefits of this significant project, seeing the productivity gains and easing the cost of doing business, achieving an economic return on our investment so far.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out - whether at one of my mobile offices, community forums, or via email.
As always, please let me know if I can assist you with anything.
I will continue to advocate on the issues that matter most to you and our local community.
Kind regards,
Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
