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Kerry is a proud Toowoomba local, below are summaries and photos of recent events Kerry has attended in the Toowoomba area.
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|  | | Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine had quite a few helpers from Rockville State School when he was invited to read a mystery book at the school library |
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said Children’s Book Week was another opportunity for the community to encourage young Queenslanders to learn love reading from an early age.
“With the State Government’s continued focus on improving children’s literacy, Children’s Book Week represents another opportunity to help us spread the word about the importance of reading,” Mr Shine said.
Mr Shine said Children’s Book Week coincided with the closing days of the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
“The Premier’s Reading Challenge finishes on August 27 and I’m told we’re on track to better last year’s results where more than 1.2 million books were read during the campaign,” he said.
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| Glennie's New Hospitality Centre | |
|  | | from left: Right Reverend R Nolan (Anglican Bishop West Region), Mrs Wendy Ashley-Cooper (Head of School, Glennie School), Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine |
Kerry Shine MP joined students and staff at Glennie School to celebrate the official opening of their new hospitality training centre.
Mr Shine said the State Government contributed $250,000 in capital assistance funding the project.
“The centre offers and excellent training facility for hospitality students who are putting it to good use in catering for functions already.”
“I would like to congratulate the school for its contribution of $850,000,” he said.
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| Toowoomba Celebrates at the Multicultural Festival | |
More than 8,500 people attended the Toowoomba Languages and Cultural Festival held on Sunday at Queen’s Park to enjoy the food, music and culture from around the globe.
Kerry said this festival is about celebrating Toowoomba’s cultural and linguistic diversity and promoting harmony.
“This year’s slogan – One World, Many Faces – represents the essence of the festival’s vision.
The Governor-General Quentin Bryce officially opened the festival and said such festivals celebrate the diversity of our society.
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| Green Army Recruits Ready to Start Work | |
|  | | front kneeling left to right: Asende Msambya (G), George Achire (G), Bijay Gyawali (G), back left to right: Charity Silvano (G), Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Sisto Achire (G), Joe Ramia (TRC Councillor), Joshua McGregor (G), Bill Cahill (TRC C), Nosratollah Nikdin (G) |
A ceremony was held at Laurel Bank Park to present the seven graduates (G) from the first intake of recruits of the $380,000 State Government funded, Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) 26-week Environmental Green Army project with their certificates.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the project had given the Green Army recruits experience in a range of areas that included helping to restore and maintain some of Toowoomba’s landmarks.
“The project has ensured that the group gained the necessary on-the-job training with Council to ensure that they have the skills to realise their career ambitions.
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| Harlaxton Neighbourhood Centre New Kitchen | |
|  | | from left: Past President Gloria Mundt, Current President Ted Long, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine |
Kerry Shine MP opened the new State funded $54,000 kitchen facilities at Harlaxton Neighbourhood Centre.
Mr Shine said Neighbourhood Centres are unique because they respond to the needs of their local community and Harlaxton is a great community centre.
"This kitchen and will add a new dimension to the centre – meals can now be prepared on site and there will be cooking classes.
"I am very pleased that this kitchen is being dedicated to the memory of Des Mundt, a man deeply involved with the Centre and remembered fondly by friends and politicans alike.
“Des was always a happy person, he always had a smile, and he always seemed contented.
“It is an honour to be the patron of the Centre.
"It’s the genuineness of the people. They are very sincere, dinky-di Aussies,” he said.
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| Work and Confidence for 19 Graduates | |
|  | | from left: Fran Lester (Coordinator, Employment Programs, (MHAQ)), Kate Nelle (G), Edward Hayes (G), Beverley Collier (G), Fred Boga (G), Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Geoff Riddell (CEO MHAQ), Roberta Edwards (G), Wek Lual (G), Susan Hackwood (G), Joelene Mullins (G), Glenda Carrick (G) Absent (G): Nathan Davies, Naomi Harvey, Alexandria Mitchell, Michael Peachey, Matthew Polson, Rowena Samson, Clair Williams |
The State Government funded Work ‘n’ Place project delivered by Mental Health Association (Qld) Inc (MHAQ) with the support of local community organisations over the past 15 weeks has resulted in 19 people conquering their own personal barriers and regaining their self-confidence to return to the workforce.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine who presented the graduates (G) with their certificates said the local community organisations had been an integral part of the paid work placement project.
Mr Shine said projects like this give people the skill and confidence they need to participate more meaningfully in the workforce and find social and emotional well-being.
“Five of the graduating group have already found work and nine have made a commitment to continue on with further training,” he said.
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| Highfields Auditorium & Resource Centre Now Open | |
|  | | From left: Kerry, Highfields State School Captains Jan Bakker, Charlie Carswell, Shari Collingwood, Georgia Barron, Principal Warren Merchant |
The new $2.6 million Multipurpose Auditorium and $1.5 million Resource Centre at Highfields State School will allow the students and community to have more opportunity to get involved in sport and the performing arts.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine who opened the new facilities said the new hall and centre were a joint effort between the Queensland and Australian Government and is a great example of two levels of government working in partnership to enhance educational facilities for Queensland’s children.
“The new multipurpose hall supports the Government’s increased emphasis on physical activity in the school curriculum, and the growth of the creative and performing arts program, while the resource centre created an environment for students to work collaboratively in innovative ways,” Mr Shine said.
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| Toowoomba Green Army Graduands | |
|  | | front from left: Green Army graduands Nathan Seal, George Feiner, Danny Flanagan
Back from left: Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Lifeline General Manager Derek Tuffield, Green Army graduand Stephen Horsburgh, DEEDI Senior Employment Advisor SW Region Nigel Winkler
Absent: Steve Adams, Kelvin Anderson |
Six more Lifeline Green Army recruits were presented their graduation certificates by Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine representing Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser.
Lifeline received funding of $228,000 under the State Governments “Skilling Queenslanders for Work” initiative to help people get the skills they need to find jobs.
Mr Shine said the project had helped the wider community while offering the participants an excellent chance to sharpen their work place skills.
“It is pleasing to hear that three people from the previous intake have now found full-time work,” he said.
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| CareFlight Investigating Chopper Upgrade | |
| , Premier Anna Bligh, Kerry Shine, Paul Young (CareFlight Director), Ryan Purchase (Crewman).JPG) | | Top of Toowoomba Base Hospital from left: Tony Miller (CareFlight Pilot), Premier Anna Bligh, CareFlight Bear, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Paul Young (CareFlight Director), Ryan Purchase (CareFlight Crewman) |
Annual State Government funding of $1.64 million has enabled CareFlight to operate 24/7, hire 10 extra staff and consider an upgrade to its helicopter.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine campaigned strongly for the funding boost and is impressed with CareFlight's implementation planning.
"Once the state government support was announced, CareFlight really hit the ground running.
"CareFlight has already hired four extra staff including pilots and air crew and is planning to recruit a further six extra staff including pilots, air crew and casual doctors.
"It is a very professional organisation and the people of the region will take great comfort in the fact that day or night CareFlight will be there when they are needed." Mr Shine said.
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| Volunteer to Become a Ready Reader | |
|  | | from left: Jeremy Miller, Judith Thompson, Caitlyn Mooney, Rebekah Miller, Kerry Shine & Bonnita Behrend at Newtown State School |
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine today encouraged local residents to register to join the State Government’s Ready Readers program.
Mr Shine said local residents could now contact Education Queensland to become involved in local schools.
“Once registrations are received local volunteers will go through the Blue Card application process, reference checks and undertake specialist Education Queensland training.
“Local training will be help periodically over the next six months once registrations are received.
“It is hoped that we can get local Ready Readers trained and working in our local schools as soon as possible.”
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| Kick Start Your Success Project | |
|  | | Photo left to right: Ken Lloyd, Rod Ball (Centacare Employment & Training Qld), Katrina Young,Michael Jones, Denise Merritt, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, John Fisher (CETQ) Jess Gould, Glynis Holman, Gaynor Nelson |
Nine Toowoomba jobseekers are the first of 100 local people to complete Centacare's Employment and Training Queensland’s Kick Start Your Success project when they graduated today.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative had committed $157,960 to support the project and help mature-age people, parents and carers and other unemployed people back into the workforce and the good news was already coming in.
“This is the first group to complete the four-week program and two of the participants have found new jobs," Mr Shine said.
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| Premiers Reading Challenge | |
|  | | from left Jemima Khoo, Eliose Khoo, Alex Khoo, Kerry Shine MP, Merryn Gaggi, Georgia Verdon, Rachel Verdon |
It’s that time of year again for Prep to Year 7 students around Queensland to find a good book and start reading for this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Mr Shine said the challenge is for all primary school students in state and non-state schools to read or experience a set number of books between Monday May 10 and Friday August 27 2010. Experiencing books for prep to Year 2 students could include listening to stories, shared reading or reading picture books.
“I hope all students will take part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. The challenge not only encourages children to have fun, it aims to help their learning by boosting the number and the quality of books children read.
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| Walk Safely to School Day | |
|  | | from left: Shantelle Darby, Terina Edmonds, Lily Darby, Kerry Shine MP, Cheynne Hayes, Kristy Sims, Tikanah Cutts, Shane Sims. |
State Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine set an example and participated in the national Walk Safely to School Day at Toowoomba North State School on Friday 7 May.
Mr Shine said this was a wonderful opportunity for Queensland families to encourage their children to walk safely to school to help them develop good exercise habits from an early age.
“It is also a good opportunity for parents and carers to teach their children about road safety and safe pedestrian behaviour as well as promote the sun safe message.”
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| Toowoomba Regionalisation Strategy Forum | |
|  | | from left: Minister for Transport Rachel, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources Michael Choi, Toowoomba Regional Councillor Bill Cahill |
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan called on those attending the regionalisation forum in Toowoomba to come up with new ideas and initiatives to entice people to the regions.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said this forum will give a voice to the Toowoomba region to discuss how locals see the future management of population and economic growth in their area.
“The meeting is also an opportunity to gauge the interest of Toowoomba region locals in daylight savings and in particular a split SEQ time zone.
“All residents who did not attend the forum can still have their say on the Queensland Regionalisation Strategy by providing suggestions at http://growthsummit.premiers.qld.gov.au/ “Mr Shine said.
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| Wilsonton State School Student Wins a Bike | |
|  | | Mikaela Apsey with Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine |
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine congratulated Wilsonton State School student, Mikaela Apsey, for winning a brand new push bike in the inaugural Premier’s Bike Week Challenge.
Mr Shine said the competition was established as a way to encourage primary school students in grades 5 to 7 throughout the State to get involved in cycling and to raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable transport, the importance of being active from an early age and to get more people out and about on bikes.
“I’m delighted that Mikaela Apsey has been selected as the winner from our community and I hope that Mikaela enjoys her new bike,” he said.
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| Guide Dogs Queensland turns 50 | |
|  | | Guide Dogs Qld Community Relations Officer Meg Winterford, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine with Ivy |
In 2010, Guide Dog Queensland commemorates its Golden Anniversary. The “Brindabella Leading GOLD” rose has been especially grown to celebrate 50 years of delivering quality services – free of charge – to Queenslanders with low or no vision.
Mr Shine said Guide Dogs Queensland was a local icon worthy of Queenslanders’ support.
“The guide dogs it trains make an enormous difference to the quality of life of people with a disability.
“These dogs help thousands of vision-impaired Queenslanders to remain active in their communities and live independently,” he said.
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| Glenie has new Facilities | |
|  | | Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, State Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine and Glennie Year 6 students Madisen Lawler and Ellie McInerney |
The Glennie School now have new classrooms and a multipurpose outdoor sports oval after receiving $2.2 million under the National School Pride (NSP) and Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) elements of BER.
Queensland Senator, Joe Ludwig, and State Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, attended the official opening of new facilities.
“Toowoomba is well known as a noted education centre in Queensland. The Australian Government's huge investment in BER has consequently been enthusiastically received by my community, both as a welcome and worthwhile addition to our education assets, but also as an enormous and effective jobs stimulus measure,” Mr Shine said
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| Funding for Toowoomba Cancer Services | |
|  | | from left: Kerry, Dr Peter Bristow (TBH), Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliott, Pam Lane (TBH), Ray Fairweather (St Andrews) |
The Queensland Government will provide $33.11 million over four years to run the 24 bed medical oncology, haematology and palliative care services at Toowoomba Base Hospital (TBH).
The Rudd Government will invest $9.55M at TBH and a further $6.69 million at St. Andrew’s Hospital, for the necessary facilities.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said "these investments will provide patients in Toowoomba with greater access to cancer care services."
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| Queensland's Sudanese Walk to Freedom | |
|  | | Caption: Back from left: Laurie Stewart (IWMFS); Philip Garang; Joseph Ajak Akec; Ajang Biar (Chair SS NSW); Paul Mabior Garang (Chair ACDA); Aguin Manyok Aguin; Kerry; Councillor Bill Cahill; David Barton (RMWMFS)
Front from left: Atem Ajang Jok; Ayii Atem Dak; Dabora Alakiir Kuir; Ajak Deng Biar; John Dau Deng |
The plight of 10 children and young people who survived the civil war in Sudan, and who later found refuge in Queensland, have been recorded in the new book Walking to Freedom.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine MP said Walking to Freedom was the first collection of memoirs by Queensland’s Sudanese community in Toowoomba.
“The book chronicles the stories of 10 refugees, most of whom are ‘lost boys and girls’ who were orphaned or separated from their parents during the civil war,” he said.
“This project provides an important opportunity for community members to share their stories and interact with the wider community.
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| Toowoomba North State School Badge Presentation | |
|  | | Back Row: Logan Anderson (SC), Kerry Shine MP, Kristy Sims (HC) , Michael Munn (Teacher), Shane O'Connor (HC), Stephen Rauwerda (HC), Jason Rauwerda (SCP) , Richard Gibson (Principal), Rhiannon Roberts (HC), Alex Warren (SC)
Front Row: Brittany Smit (SC), Amour Hogan(HC), Andrew Johnson (HC), Logan Johnston (HC), Ryan O'Connor (HC), Erika Aliakbari (SC)
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Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine visited Toowoomba North State School to present Captain’s badges.
Mr Shine said the presentation of these badges is recognition of the leadership role that you are taking in the school this year.
“May I wish you a successful and exciting year. Your contribution as school leaders will be invaluable to the other students and the assistance you will provide to the teachers and other staff is also acknowledged” he said.
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| Toowoomba Youths Get Helping Hand | |
|  | | back: Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Del & Neil Norris, Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk with Corey White |
Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk met with eleven young people with a disability being assisted with an $116,280 allocation from the $4 million Bligh Government post school education program through HHelp Toowoomba.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the Bligh Government program gave young people with a disability, skills which put them in a position to gain employment or continue their education.
“By strengthening these young people’s communication skills and teaching them practical skills like how to use a computer or catch public transport you give them more independence and take a great deal of pressure off their parents,” he said.
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| Life made Easier for Toowoomba People with a Disability | |
|  | | Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk with Larissa Humphreys |
The $ 1.4 million newly refurbished centre for people with a disability was officially opened by Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“The local community raised $500,000 to make this a reality and the Bligh Government was happy to provide another $500,000 in capital funding with Cerebral Palsy League (CPL) Queensland contributing the remainder for this excellent facility,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the service, run by the Queensland CPL will deliver respite and accommodation services as well as a range of education, training and employment services.
“The upgraded facility has a purpose-built kitchen for life skills training, therapy area, music therapy room and staff training area.
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|  | | Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs Annastacia Palaszczuk (left), Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine (right) with guests. |
Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine MP hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Seniors Morning tea at St. Alban’s Anglican Church Hall.
Special guests were the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, to speak on her career. Her father, Hon. Henry Palaszczuk also shared some entertaining stories about his time in Parliament.
“I would like to thank my guests for making this a fun and informative morning. I would especially like to thank the St. Alban’s Ladies Guild for the wonderful morning tea they provided,” Mr Shine said.
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The State Government funded employment project Bridgeworks HEAT (Host Employer and Training) has given an Indigenous mother-of-four the chance to conquer any fears she had of joining the workforce.
After years of caring for her young family Tamara Willis, 28, decided to enter the workforce for the first time but felt she lacked the skills, confidence and communication skills to do it on her own.
“Through the project I learnt that a lot of what I was doing with my family everyday were recognised skills that I could transfer to the workplace,” Tamara said.
Mr Shine said that 54 people completed the Bridgeworks HEAT project that catered primarily for Indigenous people and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
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| .JPG) | | Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine with some of the girls from the Glennie Interact Club (photo courtesy of Glennie) |
Residents of Toowoomba have been urged to participate in Clean Up Australia Day this year, for the 20th anniversary of the event.
Kerry Shine said “If we all take an hour out of our weekend to help clean up our environment, we will be making a huge difference.”
"In the two years that the program's been running, Queenslanders have recycled at least 480 tonnes of waste while they've been outside their homes.”
"It's a great effort but more needs to be done. I encourage everyone to do their bit to clean up our state, not just on Clean Up Australia Day, but every day of the year."
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| HIGHFIELDS SCHOOL SITE PURCHASED | |
|  | | Highfields State School P&C treasurer Bronwyn Cairns with Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine |
Planning for the future growth of Queensland state schools in the Toowoomba region has led to the purchase of a 10.15 hectare site in O’Brien Rd, Highfields.
Kerry Shine said “We are delivering on yet another election commitment with the purchase of this land.”
“Many Highfields residents have worked extremely hard with me over the years to achieve this goal."
"This is truly a historic day for Highfields, ensuring that future generations will have their own secondary school facilities within the centre of Highfields itself,” he said.
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| KITCHENER ST FIRE STATION CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN | |
Construction has begun on the new $4.5 million Kitchener Street Fire Station. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and would sustain more than 11 jobs for the local community during that time.
Mr Shine said, “The new station represents a significant investment in community safety for the Toowoomba region.”
“It will be a modern state-of-the-art facility which will enable fire crews to respond even more effectively to local emergency incidents and provide the best outcome for the Toowoomba community.”
“Once complete the new station will operate as a 24 hour permanently staffed station with specialist vehicles, office accommodation, training facilities and utility areas,” Mr Shine said.
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| FUNDING SETS CYCLING CIRCUIT ON TRACK | |
Almost $1 million worth of funding presented to Toowoomba Regional Council has set the wheels in motion for a 1.3km long, 8m wide criterium track, scheduled for construction in the second half of 2010 at Freyling Park on the corner of Ruthven and Nelson Street.
Kerry said “the off-road facility will be a popular choice for recreational cyclists, and parents will have somewhere they can supervise their children in an environment away from traffic and pedestrians.”
“As a recent convert to bike riding I think this is a great boost for Toowoomba, and I have no doubt the track will be popular when it opens next year,” he said.
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| AIR Booklet Helps Answer Key Questions | |
|  | | (from left) Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Association of Independent Retirees Qld division president Helen Sava, Toowoomba branch president Brian Powell, booklet subcommittee chairman Dennis Long (photo courtesy Brian Powell) |
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine recently launched the booklet: 'Questions – to consider before choosing Retirement Village, Care in Own Home, Hostel, and Nursing Home'
Association of Independent Retirees Toowoomba branch president Brian Powell said printing and production costs of the booklet had been funded by the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit fund for which he expressed his appreciation.
Mr Shine said the questions raised in the booklet would be of great value to anyone considering a move from their own home to an aged-care facility.
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| Glenvale State School Celebrates Q150 Opening | |
|  of P2160104.JPG) | | (from left) Megan Bourne (artist),Judy Southee (P&C President and main organiser, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine |
Glenvale State School celebrates the opening of the Q150 Gardens a permanent reminder marking Queensland’s separation from New South Wales.
The Garden of Reflection and Garden of Celebration where officially opened by Toowoomba North Member, Kerry Shine on behalf of Minister Geoff Wilson.
“I congratulate your Parents and Citizens Association on securing $ 10,000 funding from the Queensland Government and for their hard work in raising another $ 17,000 and local business for their generous $ 27,000 donation.”
“I would also like to congratulate artist Megan Bourne on her wonderful mural, Metamorph."
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| GRADUATE NURSES ARRIVE ON THE DOWNS | |
|  | | (front from left) Carol Huet, Rebecca Nothdurft, Roslyn Wharton-Boland and Jessica Hohn.(back, from left) MU2 manager Megan Minasi, State Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Nurse Educator Terri Flanagan and Dr Peter Bristow |
Orientation and workshops have begun for 24 recently graduated nurses at the Toowoomba and Baillie Henderson Hospitals.
Mr Shine said the graduated nurses would take part in a rotational program across the Darling Downs giving them an opportunity to experience different facets of nursing, including rural, mental health, community nursing and the Toowoomba Hospital inpatient area.
“Twenty four new graduate nurses is great news for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. They will help to continue boosting health services in Toowoomba, and we hope as many of these new nurses as possible will stay on to work in the region long-term,” Mr shine said.
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| Toowoomba Green Army Workers Graduate | |
|  | | from left: Lifeline general manager Derek Tuffield, Philip Obote, Percy Popovich, Lifeline business co-ordinator Angela Klein, Emmanuel Mansaray, Charlef Ochan, Nick Dowdle, Lifeline board executive chair person Tai Soo Kim Watson, Lynnette Pirie and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine |
State Government provided $228,000 to the Queensland’s Green Army project to employ 12 jobseekers at Lifeline’s Distribution Centre and Smart Tip Shop.
Kerry Shine attended the event and said the project had helped the wider community while offering the participants an excellent chance to sharpen their workplace skills.
“Recycling materials stops them going into our landfills so when this group started work back in September they were doing a lot for themselves, Lifeline and all of Toowoomba,” Mr Shine said.
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| WATER FLOWS TO DROUGHT STRICKEN TOOWOOMBA | |
|  | | Toowoomba Mayor Peter Taylor, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, Member for Toowoomba Kerry Shine (photo courtesy Tony Coonan) |
Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine welcomes the historic turning on of the $187 million, 38km State Government – subsidised Wivenhoe-Cressbrook pipeline.
Kerry said, “This pipeline has the capacity to transport the equivalent of Toowoomba’s annual water usage."
“I was pleased to be part of the decision to adopt the pipeline solution. This will ensure Toowoomba's water security for now and the future."
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| Shine Backs Bid for ADF Contract | |
|  | | Kerry and Chris Thornton (Managing Director Manufacturing) |
State Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, has thrown his support behind a Queensland manufacturing firm bid a billion dollar Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Protected Transport Systems (PTS) is among the top contenders for contract to build new light armoured vehicles for the ADF. If successful, it could mean an additional 250 jobs in Toowoomba.
“Not only does this bid have considerable potential for local employment and economy, this is a hardworking and innovative company ready to get in and do the job properly,” Mr Shine said.
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| New Bikeway Link to USQ Opened | |
|  | | (Front from left) Toowoomba Cycling Club (TCC member Harvey Silk, TRC Engineering Services portfolio leader Cr Carol Taylor, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor and Taylor Silk (TCC) (Back from left) TRC Construction and Maintenance Urban officers Gary McErlean, Allan Geissler, Sam Maben, Alex Head (TCC), TRC officer Daniel Carley and Reagan Callaghan (TCC) at the opening of the West Street Bikeway. |
A 5.8 kilometre bikeway along West Street is now open, providing a critical link from the Toowoomba CBD to the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) campus.
The $343,000 West Street Bikeway was opened by Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, on behalf of Transport Minister Rachel Nolan.
Mr Shine said the new bikeway would provide cyclists with safer and easier access to the University.
“The bikeway, which was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council, includes on-road cycle lanes and an off-road pathway along West Street,” Mr Shine said.
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| New Local Bikeway Means a Safer Ride to School | |
Completion of a $490,000 bikeway in Toowoomba’s cycle network has provided a safer and easier ride to school for students of Highfields State School.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine represented Transport Minister Rachel Nolan at the official opening of the 2.4 kilometre New England Highway Bikeway at Highfields.
Mr Shine said the bikeway would provide a safe passage for cyclists from Cawdor Road to the school.
“While cycling is a healthy option for the students involved, it’s also good for the community generally because it means there are less mums and dads driving to school and that means less congestion and harmful exhaust gases."
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| Green Retrofit - Big Benefits | |
A Toowoomba East local has won big following a ClimateSmart Home Service.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine presented a 55-inch LED ‘6-star’ energy efficient television to an excited resident who won after receiving a ClimateSmart Home Service.
Mr Shine said the recipient, retired grandmother of 11 Mrs Relf, had already changed her energy use habits as a result of the retrofit.
“We have gauges in our cars to monitor our fuel consumption and we generally know what our phone calls are costing, yet most households had no idea how much their various appliances cost to run,” Mr Shine said.
“Empowering homeowners with this information is one of the best ways they can take control of their powers bills and not only save some money, but the environment as well.”
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| Safety and efficiency improved on New England Highway | |
|  | | Left to Right - Department of Transport and Main Roads District Director in Toowoomba Murray Peacock, Kerry Shine MP, Mayor Peter Taylor , Mike Horan MP.
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Safety and efficiency on the New England Highway (Ruthven Street) between Spring and Nelson streets has been improved thanks to the completion of a four-lane upgrade, which was commissioned by Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine.
Mr Shine, representing Main Roads Minister Crag Wallace, said completion of the $12.2 million, 1.46 kilometre long New England Highway upgrade highlights the Bligh Government’s investment in improving safety and traffic efficiency in regional areas.
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| Toowoomba's History Bottled in a Book | |
|  | | Kerry and Professor Maurice French |
Toowoomba’s place in Queensland’s history as one of Australia’s largest inland cities second only to Canberra, is celebrated in the book Toowoomba a Sense of History 1840-2008 by Emeritus Professor Maurice French of the University of Southern Queensland, Kerry Shine, State Member for Toowoomba North said.
The Queensland Government granted the University of Southern Queensland $8946 in Q150 Community Funding towards the free distribution of a history book on Toowoomba to local schools, museums and libraries.
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| Work begins on new community auditorium for Highfields State School | |
Education and Sport in Highfields have received a welcome boost with the Queensland Government supporting a new $4.1 million state-of-the-art multipurpose hall and resource centre which will fulfil the needs of a fast-growing community.
Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, represented both the Minister for Sport Phil Reeves and the Minister for Education Geoff Wilson at a soil turning event to mark the beginning of construction at the Highfields School.
“Highfields State School’s new hall will contain an auditorium with a stage, indoor sports area, meeting rooms and music classrooms which can also be used by other schools and community and sports groups in the area,” Mr Shine said.
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|  | | Kerry presenting a certificate of appreciation to the Highfields Seniors Association.
(Back to Front, Left to Right) Warwick Wallace (Treasurer), Norm Collin, Doug Sprott, Evelyn Collin, Flora Wallace, Carole Lyons, Dorothy Sprott (President) and Kerry Shine |
Kerry Shine joined local seniors to celebrate International Day of Older Persons on October 1st.
Mr Shine said older people were the backbone of the local community and their experience and wisdom have helped shape Queensland.
“1 October is an opportunity to recognise older Queenslanders, particularly older volunteers who give up their time and energy to help others. They’re making a real difference to people’s lives,” Mr Shine said.
“Iseen them at many community events in Toowoomba and Highfields over the years – an army of volunteers, working hard behind the scenes to make it happen,” he said.
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| TWBA RESIDENTS SAVE ON BILLS AS CLIMATESMART ROADSHOW HITS TOWN | |
The Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart Home Service roadshow has kicked off in Toowoomba to demonstrate to residents how they can save money, energy and the environment.
Shine said 2651 households have signed up and are set to save up to $624 787 on their energy bills.
“That’s the equivalent of taking 7931 of cars off the road so far,” he said.
With so many residents already signed up to the service, the roadshow aims to get more locals saving on energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
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| GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR PUPS IN PRISON | |
|  | | Kerry Shine meets Fourteen-month-old black Labrador Tasma |
Two Labradors have taken step closer to helping the disabled after graduating from the innovative “Pups in Prison” rehabilitation program at Darling Downs Correctional Centre (DDCC).
The program teams prisoners with puppies to provide the dogs with advanced training in socialising, obedience and specific skills identified by Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA).
Fourteen-month-old black Labrador siblings Tasma and Taggert are set to begin the next stage of their training in Sydney with ADA.
Kerry Shine presented the dogs to ADA’s Prisons Programs Coordinator Jenny Reid during a ceremony at the centre.
“I’d like to congratulate the staff and prisoners of DDCC who devote so much time, energy and passion to this program,” Mr Shine said.
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| TMBA CEMETERY RECORDS TO GO ONLINE | |
|  | | Mr Peter Cullen and Kerry Shine |
The records of those buried in the Toowoomba Regional Council’s cemeteries are set to be further protected in the cyber world through a State Government program funding online databases for cemeteries across the State.
Kerry Shine said that the Toowoomba Regional Council was in the process of digitising its cemetery records and is due to go on line in September.
“The Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery, which dates back to 1850, holds memorial sites for some significant local townspeople including original custodians, local squatters and early settlers who worked hard to develop the region.
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| Musical Instruments for Toowoomba East State School | |
|  | | (Left to Right) Leandra Youngman, Alison Barnett, Sara Neels, Stuart Baines, Collette Nolan (Vice Principal), Kerry Shine, Jack Kelso-Ribbe, Thomas Watkins |
Kerry Shine MP attended the Toowoomba East State School Pre-Eisteddfod concert in celebration of their new musical instruments.
Mr Shine said Toowoomba East State School P&C were approved a grant of almost $30,000 for the purchase of the instruments from the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
“These instruments will provide the opportunity for Toowoomba East State School student to develop their musical potential,” Mr Shine said.
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| $8 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT GETS UNDERWAY AT COBB AND CO MUSEUM | |
|  | | (Left to Right) Mr Clive Armitage, Kerry Shine, Mrs Mary Wagner, and Mrs Conchita Armitage. |
Queensland's traditional heritage skills and trades are a step closer to becoming trades for future generations with construction starting on the National Carriage Factory at Cobb and Co Museum.
Kerry Shine said the $8 million National Carriage Factory will expand the existing Cobb and Co Museum and create an international heritage trade training complex.
"The Queensland Government is investing $4 million in the Cobb and Co Museum National Carriage Factory training facility to ensure traditional heritage trades, crafts and skills can live on," Mr Shine said
"This is a key infrastructure development for the Toowoomba region that will provide a major stimulus to the regional economy."
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| $1 million investment for ageing carers of children with a disability in Toowoomba | |
|  | | Minister Palaszczuk and Kerry Shine at Anden |
The Bligh Government has announced the purchase of almost a $1 million Toowoomba property which is set to provide greater supported accommodation options for ageing carers of people with a disability in Toowoomba.
Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said while visiting the Toowoomba former bed and breakfast Anden that the purchase of the former bed and breakfast and the lease of another property was part of the Federal Government’s Disability Assistance
Kerry Shine said he welcomed the purchase of the Anden and the lease of the North Street property because it was a clear indication to the Toowoomba community that the Bligh Government had responded to their local needs for supported accommodation options for people with a disability.
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| SOUTHERN CROSS WINDMILL - ICON OF THE OUTBACK PRESERVED FOR POSTERITY | |
|  | | Kerry Shine and Senator Claire Moore |
The Queensland Government has granted the Highfields Pioneer Village Museum and Park $10,000 towards the preservation of an exhibition of iconic Southern Cross machinery made by the historic Toowoomba Foundry.
Kerry Shine was at the museum today to open one of the most complete remaining collections of Southern Cross machinery in existence.
“Southern Cross is branded into Queensland’s Outback heritage for all time and its place in shaping this State as we know it and our export industry is a story that ought to be told through the generations.
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| Highfields to receive $580,000 for multipurpose auditorium | |
|  | | Kerry Shine, Bronwyn Cairns (Highfields State School P&C) and Greg Brand (Principal - Highfields State School) |
Highfields State School will receive $584,000 to build a multipurpose community auditorium, State Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said.
The funding would help provide additional opportunities for Highfields residents to participate in sport and recreation, he said.
“The $584,000 will help Highfields State School construct a multipurpose community auditorium on the school grounds which will be fitted with sports flooring to provide a venue for a variety of sporting activities,” Mr Shine said.
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| Cherbourg Hairdressing Students In Toowoomba Training Trial | |
Cherbourg students are the first to take part in a unique hairdressing residential school in Toowoomba.
Toowoomba North MP Kerry Shine congratulated the 14 students during a recent visit to the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
The students from the TAFE’s Nurunderi Campus had been staying in Toowoomba completing two weeks of face-to-face training for a Certificate II in hairdressing.
“This face to face contact is an important part of their training,” Mr Shine said.
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| Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards | |
|  | | Mayor Peter Taylor and Kerry Shine at the official opening of the 2009 Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards |
Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine MP, formally declared the call for nominations for the Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards for 2009 officially open.
Mr Shine said the program is about encouraging, acknowledging, rewarding and distinguishing individuals, groups and organisations who in no way purposely seek accolades, yet usually sit in the shadows being the stronghold and the bond holding everything together.
“I ask fellow community members to nominate these worthy people, groups and organisations to ensure they get the recognition they deserve though these awards.”
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| GRANT PROVIDES HELPING HAND TO LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP | |
|  | | Kerry Shine with Doug Hudson from Darling Downs Rose Society |
Kerry Shine was recently on hand to officially handover a purpose built trailer to the Darling Downs Rose Society worth over $5000.
Mr Shine said Darling Downs Rose Society (DDRS) had secured $5,153 in funding through the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund to have the trailer built to meet their needs.
“This trailer will allow this organisation to store and transport their show equipment efficiently and without the need for double-handling,” Mr Shine said.
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| Kerry Shine meets his YMCA Youth Parliament counterpart | |
|  | | Kiran Singh-Khaira and Kerry |
Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine MP, has met with his YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament counterpart and congratulated her on her appointment.
The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is an annual program open to young people aged between 15 and 25. It is designed to provide the opportunity for the youth of Queensland to learn about the parliamentary process.
Youth Member for Toowoomba North Miss Kiran Singh-Khaira said she was looking forward to discussing the responsibilities and duties of being the state representative of Toowoomba North with Mr Shine.
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| Sports Volunteers Acknowledged with Life Membership | |
|  | | (Back, from left) Kerry Shine, David Atkins, Penny Howell and Dan Aldon with (front, from left) Under 9s players Tristain Puhakka and Caleb Hayes |
Kerry Shine today has presented Life Membership badges to two volunteers at Highfields Junior Rugby League.
Penny Howell and David Atkins started the first committee of the club in 2004.
Mr Shine said the presentation acknowledged the role these volunteers play for Highfields Junior Rugby league.
“I am always delighted that Toowoomba has such strong community values. Local sport binds our community together, and volunteers are the backbone of community sport,"
Mr Shine said.
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| Plaque Unveiled at Local Football Club | |
|  | | Kerry and Coolaroo Football Club President Larry Heuston |
Kerry today unveiled a plaque that recognised the Gambling Community Benefit funding to a local sporting club.
Coolaroo Football Club received a $8,317 grant through the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund enabling the club to purchase treadmills, heart rate monitors, rowing machines, boxing equipment and TENS machines.
Kerry congratulated the initiative and hard work undertaken by the club in obtaining funding and celebrated the Queensland Government’s involvement with local community groups.
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| Work starts on Toowoomba water life line | |
The Premier was in Toowoomba with Kerry to announce that early works have started on the
$187 million Toowoomba Pipeline Project, a water pipeline from Wivenhoe Dam to Cressbrook Dam that will create at least 180 jobs during 2009.
The 38-kilometre pipeline will boost Toowoomba's water supply, which currently sits at 10.5% of the total capacity of its three dams.
Visiting a Toowoomba electrical supplier that has carried out works for the project, the Premier said it was already delivering benefits to the local economy.
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| Visit to Scared Heart Primary | |
|  | | Premier Anna Bligh and Kerry at Sacred Heart Primary School |
The Premier Anna Bligh was recently in Toowoomba. On her visit she found time to drop into Sacred Heart Primary School with Kerry.
She spoke to Year 6 students about what qualities make a good leader of a school
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|  | | Kerry and the Premier speak to Toowoomba seniors |
Kerry hosts an annual morning tea for Toowoomba seniors.
This year he invited the Premier to be a guest speaker and she kindly agreed.
The morning tea was a great success with 500 Toowoomba seniors attending.
The Premier and Kerry answered a number of questions about a wide variety of local issues.
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| Australia Day at Picnic Point | |
|  | | Kerry as one of the flag bearers for Australia Day celebrations |
Kerry Shine had a hand in raising the 12mx6m Australian flag for the first time on the 45m (150 ft) flagpole at Picnic Point, a Q150 Legacy Infrastructure project.
Kerry was one of 24 people who carried the flag to the flagpole. His fellow flag bearers included representatives from the Department of Defence, new citizens and Australia Day Award winners.
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Kerry Shine has congratulated those involved in Operation Backpack for their help to assist struggling local families to ensure children get to school in 2009 with all the necessary equipment.
Kerry presented St Vincent De Paul with the donations collected via Toowoomba Kmart’s Operation Backpack and said it was an honour to represent the community in the worthwhile program.
When you consider supplies such as pencils, rulers, school bags, lunch boxes, pencil cases, exercise books and other stationary and school supplies in addition to new school uniforms, shoes and textbooks, the cost can snowball dramatically.
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|  | | Deputy Mayor Toowoomba Council Paul Antonio, Treasurer Andrew Fraser, and Kerry |
Kerry recently attended the Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland Toowoomba forum with Treasurer Andrew Fraser.
Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland is the governments 2020 vision for Queensland around five ambitions that address current and future challenges, strong, green, smart, healthy, fair.
The government hosted 30 community forums around the state to hear first-hand Queenslanders thoughts about meeting the government’s Q2 2020 targets.
The ideas discussed reinforced infrastructure needs for roads and rail, public transport, new industries, improved skills and creativity.
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| Opening of upgraded YWCA wing | |
|  | | Minister for Housing Robert Schwarten, Ms Betty Willis, Kerry |
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and Kerry officially opened a wing of the Young Women’s Christian Association community housing facility in Mary Street after a $275,000 upgrade funded by the Department of Housing.
The refurbishment of the Betty Willis Wing will help the YWCA Downs and South West Queensland Inc. cater for an increased demand for housing and support services for single people in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
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| SHINE CONGRATULATES LOCAL HOUSING ORGANISATION ON FUNDING | |
|  | | Kerry, Mr David Gaske (Manager of the Community Rent Scheme) and Mr Kai Dahl (Chairperson of Toowoomba Community Housing)
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Kerry has congratulated staff at Toowoomba Community Housing Service of their recent funding of $580,000 from the Bligh Labour Government.
Mr Shine welcomed the opportunity to see first hand the work done by the local organisation, applauding them for their service of providing affordable housing (under Head Leasing arrangement in the private market) to low income households.
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| TOOWOOMBA SCHOOL AMONG QUEENSLAND’S BEST | |
|  | | Kerry, Julie O’Reilly (Teacher, Harlaxton State School), Leonie Hultgren (Principal, Harlaxton State School) and Minister for Education, Training and the Arts Rod Welford |
Harlaxton State School has been named as one of eight winners in the State Government’s most prestigious accolades for state school programs — the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.
Kerry attended the gala in Brisbane and congratulated the school which won $20,000 for taking out the Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education category for its entry, The Whole Child Turns Four.
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| $1.1 million Highfields Fire Station opening | |
|  | | Kerry, Mr Tom Dawson (Assistant Commissioner - QLD Fire & Rescue Service South-West Region); Mr David Lethridge (Captain of the Highfields Auxiliary Fire Station); Mr Lee Johnson (Commissioner - QLD Fire & Rescue Service); Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts. |
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Kerry officially opened the new Highfields Auxiliary Fire Station during a ceremony to honour several long serving fire-fighters.
The new Highfields station is bigger than its predecessor, has state of the art facilities and has the capacity to house more equipment in the future.
The station is also fitted with the necessary technology to house an incident control centre in times of crisis.
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| Safety and efficiency improved on New England Highway | |
|  | | Kerry and Murray Peacock (District Director Main Roads) officially commissioned the four-lane Highfields Highway upgrade |
Safety and efficiency on the New England Highway through Highfields has been improved thanks to the completion of a four-lane upgrade.
Kerry officially commissioned the four-lane highway upgrade from the northern outskirts of Toowoomba to the northern end of Highfields.
The completion of the $14 million New England Highway upgrade project through Highfields highlighted the government's commitment to this important link in Queensland.
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| $139,400 for Advocacy and Support Centre | |
|  | | QCJC funding announcement: Ms Marie New (Regional Manager Disability Services Qld), Mr Andrew Cape (Research Officer QCJC), Ms Sue Gordon (QCJC Coordinator), Kerry, Mr Dan Toombs (CEO TASC) |
Kerry recently announced $139,400 funding for the Toowoomba Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC) to bolster TASC’s Queensland Criminal Justice Centre (QCJC).
Over the last few years TASC has frequently launched innovative initiatives to benefit the community and this one will tremendously benefit the whole state.
The centre operates the only specific disability law service in Queensland representing mentally ill and intellectually impaired defendants in local courts and tribunals.
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