Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced $13,000 for organisations in Woodgate and Childers to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War.

Mr Pitt said the Woodgate RSL Sub-Branch would receive $10,000 under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, to build a memorial on the esplanade.

“Patronage at the Anzac Dawn Service in Woodgate has grown significantly in recent years, despite the absence of an official memorial,” Mr Pitt said.

“The impressive memorial proposed by Woodgate RSL will feature four pillars to represent Army, Navy, Air Force and Nursing and includes educational information that details the significance of WWI.

“The memorial has been thoughtfully designed to facilitate commemorations in 2015, and to be a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Mr Pitt said the Childers Military and Memorabilia Museum had been granted $3000.

“The museum, which is operated by a generous and dedicated local family, has a considerable collection of WWI memorabilia that they had previously been unable to display,” he said.

“They will purchase cabinets to display and preserve the pieces for the thousands of tourists, locals and school children who visit the museum each year.”

Hinkler applications for the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program closed on January 31. They were assessed for eligibility by an independent local committee and sent to Minister Michael Ronaldson for final approval.

“I’m delighted to announce these very worthwhile local projects, which commemorate one of the most significant events in Australia’s history,” Mr Pitt said.

“I look forward to seeing these projects delivered in time for the 2015 anniversary.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced almost $50,000 for organisations in Bundaberg and Bargara to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War.

Mr Pitt said the Bundaberg Regional Council would receive $44,941 under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, to build a memorial on the Bargara esplanade in time for 100th anniversary commemorations in 2015.

“The Bargara Dawn Service has been so well attended in recent years that the current memorial site is at capacity,” Mr Pitt said.

“The new WWI memorial will accommodate larger crowds to inform, educate and inspire future generations.

“The memorial will feature a catafalque commemorating the Anzac spirit, and form part of Council’s broader refurbishment of the esplanade.”

Mr Pitt said the Bundaberg & District Ex-Service Women’s Association would receive $1668 to commemorate when the first contingent of Australian Army Nursing Sisters departed for Gallipoli.

President Jenny Waldron said the Association would revitalise the War Nurses Memorial Park, across from the Bundaberg Base Hospital, to include a new Australian Service Nurses Memorial Wall that will complement the existing heritage-listed pavilion.

“The wall will also feature a special plaque to acknowledge the woman who served in units and hospitals other than the Australian Army Nursing Service. We are seeking the community’s help to ensure all our nurses are named,” Ms Waldron said.

“Sacrifice, courage, devotion, faith, hope and charity will be the memorial’s central themes.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from our local representatives and the community.”

Hinkler applications for the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program closed on January 31. They were assessed for eligibility by an independent local committee and sent to Minister Michael Ronaldson for final approval.

“I’m delighted to announce these very worthwhile local projects, which commemorate one of the most significant events in Australia’s history,” Mr Pitt said.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

The Federal Government will contribute $50,000 towards the expansion of the Freedom Park war memorial in Hervey Bay, under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch would use the funds to help purchase a bronze statue of a light horseman.

“The memorial is simply breathtaking, and an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a community works together,” Mr Pitt said.

“The memorial will include a granite wall, with Anzac Centenary 1915-2015 etched in gold. The light horseman will depict the jumping of the trenches.

“Before now, Freedom Park could only accommodate about 2,000 people on Anzac Day.

“The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch is to be commended for its commitment to redeveloping the memorial at Freedom Park, to ensure more people can attend Anzac services comfortably and safely,” Mr Pitt said.

Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President John Kelsey thanked Mr Pitt and the Federal Government for the contribution.

“This is one of the largest projects being undertaken in Queensland for the Centenary,” Mr Kelsey said.

“With this funding, we can now get the magnificent bronze statue under way to unveil when the National President of the RSL visits Hervey Bay in October.

“We look forward to local businesses also getting behind us with donations.”

Hinkler applications for the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program closed on January 31. They were assessed for eligibility by an independent local committee and sent to Minister Michael Ronaldson for final approval.

“I’m delighted to announce this very worthwhile local project, which commemorates one of the most significant events in Australia’s history,” Mr Pitt said.

“I look forward to seeing the project delivered in time for the 2015 anniversary.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is urging the community to get behind their local business women and nominate them for the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Mr Pitt said there were many impressive women working to make Hinkler businesses a success, including many in traditionally male dominated industries.

“The awards recognise business women whose passion, creativity, leadership and success have a positive impact on our community,” he said.

“These women inspire other young ladies to follow in their footsteps.”

Nominations can be made between May 26 and July 14 at www.womensawards.com or by telephoning 1800 817 536.   

The Federal Government this week released terms of reference for a Productivity Commission inquiry into natural disaster funding arrangements.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition established the inquiry to identify options for achieving an effective and sustainable balance between recovery and mitigation.

“The Hinkler electorate has endured tornadoes, two major floods and a drought in three years,” Mr Pitt said.

“As we have seen, natural disasters can cripple communities and businesses, and have enormous impact on our economy.

“Since 2009, the Commonwealth has spent more than $12 billion on natural disasters.

“This inquiry will be crucial in ensuring Government funding is carefully targeted in future.”

The Commission will soon be seeking submissions, and will release a draft report in September.

More information is available at www.pc.gov.au       

Upgrades to the Bruce Highway continue with construction starting today on a $6 million overtaking lane north of Howard.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the new overtaking lane will improve traffic conditions for north-bound motorists.

“Once complete, the overtaking lane will allow for fast-travelling motorists to avoid slow-moving traffic such as freight vehicles,” Mr Truss said.

“Not only will that improve efficiency, it will improve safety by giving drivers a dedicated area to pass.

“This project is another example of our commitment to fixing the Bruce Highway.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the project was an investment in local road safety.

“Locals and every other driver along that stretch of the highway will be delighted to see traffic moving at a steady rate once the project is complete,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bruce Highway is our key road link in this area, and travellers heading north from Maryborough to other regional centres will soon be able to complete their journey with fewer delays and greater safety.”

The upgrade also includes a one-metre wide median strip, with construction expected to finish in August 2014.

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss: Kate Barwick 0408 072 809
For Mr Pitt: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

**check against delivery** E&OE

99-years-ago, thousands of brave young men went ashore on a foreign beach in a far distant land.

The legend of our Anzacs has become a symbol of what we value today as Australians: courage under fire, selflessness and unwavering loyalty, tenacity and mateship. 

On Anzac Day, we stop to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of men and women in times of war and peace.

Veterans of the past proudly display their medals. Soldiers of today boldly wear their uniforms.

Families of veterans, who have passed – and there are many of you here today – honour their memory by wearing medals awarded when the battle was over.

Next year will mark the Centenary of ANZAC, a milestone of special significance to all Australians.

We will remember not only the original ANZACs, but also commemorate 100 years of service by Australian men and women.

8,000 Australians will travel to Gallipoli to attend 100th anniversary commemorations on hallowed ground in 2015.

A ballot process was initiated after the Turkish Government capped attendance, to ensure people would be comfortable and safe at the service.

I am delighted the Hinkler electorate will be represented at Gallipoli in 2015 by the likes of Alf Dennis and Allen Betts.

A Hervey Bay resident, Mr Dennis served in World War Two. His father was one of the original ANZACS and his son served in Vietnam. His wife Mary was also in the Army.

Those of you who applied for the Anzac Day Dawn Service ballot, but didn’t receive a ticket, may consider attending the commemorative service at Lone Pine on August 6.

I don’t need to tell you all that there are many people here today, in Hervey Bay, whose efforts are legendary.

Both during times of war and times of peace. On the battlefields and here at home.

And there are those civilians who have gone to extraordinary lengths to support our returned service men and women.

The ANZAC of the Year Awards recognise the achievements of up to seven Australians who have served their community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner.

This year, the award was given to just five people. Only one of those was from Queensland.

Far more than a receptionist, Christine Krupa has kept the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch together for 20 years.

Congratulations, Christine! The acknowledgement is very well deserved!

Today, after this very moving service, I will also attend events at the northern end of my electorate in Bundaberg and Burnett Heads. Wreaths will be laid on my behalf at 11 other services across the region.

I must say the attendance here today is inspiring, and a real indication of what we hold dear in Australia.

When I consider that many of our veterans were not much older than my 13-year-old son when they went to war, I struggle to adequately express my gratitude to those who have served our country.

Words will never be enough.

Lest. We. Forget. 

Hinkler residents will today have their say on the future of Australia’s agriculture sector.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Bundaberg was the final stop on the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper Taskforce’s listening tour across Australia.

“The Taskforce has visited 25 regional centres and eight capital cities since February, as part of the Coalition’s plan to make agriculture more profitable and rural communities more prosperous,” Mr Pitt said.

Hinkler farmers and stakeholders will attend one-on-one meetings and a community round-table session today.

“Our local industry leaders, farmers, and those in sectors like banking and transport, are full of practical ideas to deliver greater returns and now is the time to share them,” Mr Pitt said.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) Executive Officer Peter Hockings said the Taskforce’s visit was a great opportunity for local farmers to outline their ideas to make Australian agriculture more competitive.“Our region’s growers are struggling to remain competitive with the currently high costs of labour, electricity, red tape and other impediments,” Mr Hockings said.

“We welcome the current Government’s approach to engagement, which opens proactive industry consultation for future policy development.”

Mr Pitt said information gathered during the consultation process would be used to develop a Green Paper, which will be released in mid-2014.

Written submissions can be made up until 5pm on April 17 (this Thursday).

The final White Paper, due for release at the end of the year, will outline the Government’s long term plan for the sector.   

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is calling on young local residents to have their say on what should be discussed at the Youth 20 Summit.

Mr Pitt said the Youth 20 Summit was a platform for young people to discuss and debate pressing global economic challenges.

“120 youth delegates will attend the summit in Sydney from July 12 to 15,” Mr Pitt said.

“The outcomes will be presented at the G20 Leaders meeting in Brisbane in November.”

The G20 is a group of 20 major advanced and emerging economies, whose leaders meet once a year.

To find out more go to www.y20australia.com  

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is calling on councils and community groups to submit ideas for new Green Army projects across the region.

Mr Pitt said the Green Army provided opportunities for young people to gain training and experience, while delivering real benefits to the local environment.

“Projects can involve restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up creeks and rivers and conserving cultural heritage places,” he said.

“Under the programme, the participants will be paid an allowance and undertake accredited training.”

Applications open on Monday (14 April) and will close on 9 May. The first round of the Programme will run from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

Project guidelines are available online at www.environment.gov.au/green-army or from the Hinkler electorate office on Woongarra Street.