CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Hinkler Electorate: Acknowledgements
Hinkler Electorate: Local First
Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (11:16): A hospice provides a special kind of care: dignity, comfort and compassion at the end of life. I was proud to attend the fifth anniversary celebration of Fraser Coast Hospice, which has cared for 1,000 terminally ill people and their families. The former coalition government helped establish this vital service through a $7.7 million investment under the Hinkler Regional Deal. As federal member, I’ll continue to do what I can to ensure the hospice continues serving our community. I commend CEO Alicia, the board, staff, volunteers and everyone who has contributed over these five years. Their care makes a profound difference when families need it most. It is a place where people are supported with kindness and where loved ones can focus on precious time together.
Jillian Pace from Urraween has been recognised as a regional winner in the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards. This honour celebrates Jillian’s dedication to exceptional early childhood education and care. Jill runs a thriving home based business where children are encouraged to explore, learn, discover and, most importantly, be themselves. Congratulations, Jill, on this recognition and for showcasing the benefits of family day care.
The accolades continue for Hinkler businesses. Macadamias Australia and Freshfarm Fine Foods have been named the Queensland winner of the Family Business Association’s 2026 Established Family Business award. The Steinhardt family business story began in 1958 and continues today through the second and third generations. They now progress to the Australian and New Zealand Family Business Association Excellence Awards, with winners to be announced in June 2027. Congrats and best wishes to a fantastic family business.
From the farm to Futsal, congratulations to Bundaberg’s Kyrah-Rose, who has been selected for Australia’s under-13 futsal team. She will travel to Spain in May next year to represent our country. What an incredible achievement. I wish Kyrah-Rose every success on the court.
A craze that took off in the 80s is still going strong in Hinkler. Walking the neighbourhood seeking sponsors may be less common these days, but the double under and criss cross remain favourites through Jump Rope for Heart. I congratulate St John’s Lutheran Primary School, St Luke’s Anglican School and Kawungan State School for skipping their way to raising valuable funds for the Heart Foundation. These students are supporting a worthy cause while getting active and having fun.
Finally, my annual Local First campaign is back, celebrating everything home-grown in Hinkler. Now in its second year, this initiative supports local jobs, promotes family businesses and puts our community first. As Christmas approaches, choosing local can make a real difference to the small businesses who employ locally, support our clubs and contribute so much to the Hinkler community. I encourage businesses to register for the campaign, and I invite everyone to get behind them and choose local first.