It’s been an inspiring and action-packed few weeks across our region, full of energy, ideas, and community pride. From welcoming visiting ministers to celebrating local achievements in training, sport, education, and the arts—there’s so much to be excited about!
We were thrilled to host Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Training and Employment, Amanda Stoker. Her visit gave locals a valuable chance to share feedback on government programs, with insights heading back to Brisbane to help improve service delivery in our community.
A standout moment was recognising our finalists in the 2025 Central Queensland Training Awards. At Kool Beanz SUNS, we met Toni, their passionate Lead Educator, who showed us around their fantastic facility, featuring dedicated STEM rooms and purpose-built kindy spaces. As a finalist for Small Employer of the Year, Kool Beanz clearly prioritises nurturing both children and educators.
We also visited Intuition – The Art of Hair, another finalist in the same category. Apprentice Chelsea shared her positive training experience, made possible by salon owner Victoria’s hands-on leadership. Intuition’s repeat finalist status reflects their strong support for staff development.
Another highlight was visiting Ideal Placements Mackay, a regional finalist for Community Training Initiative of the Year. Their Women in Warehousing program provides practical training and employment pathways for unemployed or underemployed women. Sharee Pryce, one of their standout participants, is nominated for Equity Student of the Year after completing her Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations. Sharee’s determination to build a better future for her family truly showcases the power of inclusive training programs.
Sport was also in the spotlight with a visit from Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander. I had the pleasure of showing him Mackay State High School’s five sporting excellence academies, where young athletes are training hard for the future. We also discussed exciting regional opportunities linked to the 2032 Brisbane Games and the new ‘You for 2032’ app, designed to connect locals with sports that match their skills and interests.
Looking ahead, we’ll welcome Minister for Arts and Education, John-Paul Langbroek, for the Between the Tides festival—a vibrant celebration of live music, local culture, and community spirit.
And don’t forget—the Mackay Show is just around the corner! I’ll be there with my mobile office, so please drop by for a chat. I’d love to hear your thoughts and say hello!
Left to right: Chelsea (Inutition – The Art of Hair Apprentice), Assistant Minister - Amanda Stoker and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Assistant Minister Amanda Stoker, celebrating the Ideal Placements team and Sharee Pryce’s success in the Queensland Training Awards
Left to right: Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton with Toni Breadsell from Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park, and Assistant Minister Amanda Stoker
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Minister Tim Mander talking to students of Mackay State High School. Photo supplied
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