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Deb welcomes Funding Boost for South Burnett Community Groups

Deb welcomes Funding Boost for South Burnett Community Groups

9th May 2025

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed significant funding for local community groups under Round 122 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF). 

 

Across the state, almost 630 community organisations have received grants of up to $35,000 to help deliver local projects, upgrade facilities, purchase equipment and support grassroots sport and vital services.

 

South Burnett recipients of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund will share in over $298,000 to support local projects, facilities, and community initiatives.

 

The South Burnett successful recipients are: 

  • Yarraman and District Progress Assoc.
  • Yarraman and District Historical Society
  • Timbertowns Woodworking Group Inc.
  • Tablelands Hall
  • South Burnett First Aid Volunteers
  • Wondai RSL Sub-Branch
  • Proston SS P&C
  • Nanango Show Society
  • Murgon Independent Lifestyle Project
  • Murgon Golf Club
  • Kumbia Hack & Pony Club
  • Kingaroy Endeavour Foundation

“This is fantastic news for the South Burnett.  These grants provide a real boost to our hardworking community groups, clubs and volunteers who work tirelessly to support our region” said Deb

“This round saw a record-breaking number of applications - more than 2,000 statewide -the most in the GCBF’s 31-year history, which really shows how important this support is to our local communities,” Deb said.

“The list of successful recipients in Round 122 highlights the incredible work being done at the local level, and how much of a difference this funding can make to community wellbeing and resilience.”

Round 124 of the GCBF will open on 9 June and close on 18 July 2025, offering larger grants of up to $100,000 for major community projects.

To view the full list of Round 122 recipients or to learn more about upcoming funding opportunities, visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants.

Parliamentary Inquiry Launched into E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety

9th May 2025

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is pleased to announce that a Parliamentary Inquiry has been launched to examine the growing use of personal e-mobility devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters and e-bikes, with the aim of improving safety and addressing rising concerns from communities across Queensland.

While the previous Labor Government failed to act on public concerns or enforce appropriate laws—allowing unsafe, high-powered, and illegal devices to flood the market - the Crisafulli Government is taking action to restore safety on our roads and footpaths.

With e-mobility devices now replacing traditional transport options for many Queenslanders, their increased use has brought with it a sharp rise in safety concerns, injuries, and in some tragic cases, fatalities.

The inquiry, to be undertaken by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee, will consider the benefits of e-mobility devices, alongside the growing safety risks they present. It will examine how current rules compare with those in other states, assess enforcement approaches and importation laws, and explore how communication and education campaigns can better support safe usage. 

Stakeholder and community feedback will also play a key role in shaping the outcomes.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving safety for all road users and pedestrians,” said Deb.

“Unsafe and unlawful riding practices can’t be ignored—I hear the concerns of our communities loud and clear.”

“This inquiry will help ensure we’re doing everything possible to keep both pedestrians and riders safe, and I encourage community members to have their say.”

It's time Queensland had clear, consistent, and enforceable rules that keep pace with evolving technology and protect everyone using our shared public spaces.  

You can have your say here: https://qldparlcomm.snapforms.com.au/form/sdiwc-inquiry-into-e-mobility-safety-and-use-in-queensland-submission

Deb Announces Local Hero Grant Recipients

Deb Announces Local Hero Grant Recipients

17th April 2025

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, is pleased to announce the successful recipients of Round 25 of the ‘Deb Frecklington Local Hero Grants’ program.

The Local Hero Grants initiative provides small donations to not-for-profit community groups and individuals from across the Nanango Electorate, helping to support their outstanding efforts and achievements.

Each round offers four grants of $250 to assist local groups with community activities, or to help individuals travel to sporting and other representative competitions.

Round 25 recipients are:

  • Eli Richards – Travelling to Adelaide to represent Queensland in the Little Athletics State Team
  • Wondai Neighbourhood Watch – Supporting costs to host a First Responders Day
  • Nanango Rugby League Club – Purchasing line marking paint to maintain the club’s grounds for game days
  • Rubee Silvester – Travelling to Adelaide in July to represent Queensland in the Australian Calisthenics Carnival
     

“These grants are my way of saying thank you to the tireless volunteer groups who do so much for our communities,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“They also help make it a little easier for individuals to pursue opportunities on the sporting or cultural stage when costs can often be a barrier.”

Mrs Frecklington congratulated the successful applicants and encouraged other individuals and community organisations to consider applying for the next round, which closes on 31 August 2025.

For more information and application forms, visit www.debfrecklington.com.au or contact the Nanango Electorate Office.

 

Deb backs tough new fines for illegal tobacco and vapes

7th April 2025

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, is proud to support the Crisafulli Government’s decisive action against the illegal supply and possession of tobacco and vapes, with the introduction of the nation’s toughest fines.

Determined to dismantle the dangerous black-market trade that thrived under the previous Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government is implementing on-the-spot fines exceeding $30,000 for the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes.

“These nation-leading penalties are a necessary response to businesses peddling illegal tobacco and vape products,” Deb said. 

“This reckless conduct endangers public health and undermines our legislative and regulatory framework.”

“The Health Minister and I have worked closely to deliver this crucial crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping,” Deb said 

“These new fines are among the highest that can be issued in Queensland, acknowledging the harm these illegal operations inflict on our community.”

“We made a promise to crack down on this illicit trade, and with these tougher penalties targeting illegal operators where it hurts most—their hip pockets—we’re taking real action to prevent illegal vapes from falling into the hands of our kids” said Deb.

Long-serving justice volunteers recognised in Nanango Electorate

4th April 2025

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington has recognised 14 unsung local heroes who have each marked at least four decades of service to the community as either a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Commissioner of Declarations (C/Dec).

Together their achievements are remarkable, with a combined service of nearly 500 years dedicated to administering oaths, affirmations, and statutory declarations.

Among the longest serving locals are six individuals who have achieved 50 years of service, and two JPs who have celebrated 60 years.

In thanking Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Declarations for their work, Deb commended their contribution to the Nanango Electorate.

“I want to congratulate and thank each of these members of the community for their service over so many decades,” Deb said.

“Whether it’s certifying copies of identity documents, witnessing an Enduring Power of Attorney, or an affidavit for court, the work that Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Declarations do is so important to our justice system – and in my role of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice I see that firsthand.

“They have my heartfelt thanks,” she said.

88-year-old Robert Bougoure has been recognised for his 60 years of service, said he would continue to serve his community as long as possible.

“I became a Justice of the Peace when I was 21 in Dalby and then went to Kingaroy after being appointed as a Magistrate,” Mr Bougoure said.

“I have enjoyed my work as a JP and being able to support the community in this way.”

Fellow 60-year-veteran Nelson Dimond had a 42-year career at the Kingaroy Courthouse and shared a similar sentiment.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving the community and have met so many people, which has been wonderful,” Mr Dimond said.

“I will continue to help for as long as I can, that is what the job is designed for,” he said.

 

Regional Youth Parliament comes to Kingaroy

20th March 2025

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington was delighted to welcome Regional Youth Parliament to the Kingaroy Town Hall today.

The Youth Parliament program is a key initiative of the Queensland Parliamentary Education Program, designed to give students a hands-on understanding of the parliamentary process by stepping into the shoes of local Members of Parliament.

More than 70 Year 5 and 6 students gathered to participate in a parliamentary debate, gaining valuable insight into how democracy works in Queensland.

“I’d like to thank the Parliamentary Education Team for bringing this incredible learning experience to our electorate and providing local students with the opportunity to engage directly with the parliamentary process,” Deb said.

“Congratulations to the students from Coolabunia State School, Moffatdale State School, Nanango State School, Taabinga State School, Windera State School, Yarraman State School and Gin Gin State School for their impressive efforts, exemplary behaviour, and thoughtful contributions throughout the day. Their schools should be incredibly proud.”

“It was inspiring to hear the students speak so passionately while advocating for their region. With young leaders like these, our future is in great hands.” She said

The presence of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Hon Pat Weir MP, and Member for Callide, Mr Bryson Head, brought a sense of authenticity to the day’s proceedings.