Australia Day Awards – Monto/Mundubbera/Eidsvold
Over the past week, Councillors and I have had the opportunity to provide Australia Day certificates to community members who were unable to attend the combined Australia Day presentation in Mount Perry, on 5 March 2022. Congratulations to all the recipients. It is an honour to receive an award, and your dedication to your community has not gone unnoticed.
Monto Cattle Drive
On Saturday and Sunday 25-26 June, the annual Monto Cattle Drive, sponsored by the Monto and District Show Society, was held at Chris and Kate Abbott’s property, Bluffview, Moonford. 45 riders from the North Burnett, Central Queensland, South Burnett, Widebay and Brisbane participated in the two day event, which was successful in raising funds for the Monto and District Show Society. I had the pleasure of attending the camp oven dinner with the riders, organisers and other guests, while enjoying entertainment by Mr Ashley Cook.
Ann Leahy and Bryson Head
On Wednesday 29 June 2022, Cr Dingle, Cr Giddins, Cr Mesner and I met with Ann Leahy (Shadow Minister of Local Government, Disaster and Volunteer) and Bryson Head (Member for Callide) to discuss issues that challenge North Burnett Regional Council. These include the condition of the Burnett Highway, main roads within the region, and reduced Federal Assistance Grant funding allocation and Works for Queensland. We also discussed the increasing costs associated with waste management, proposed projects for the region and the effects of maintaining adequate health care and retirement facilities.
Bluecare 50th Anniversary
Bluecare hosted their 50th anniversary celebration in Gayndah on 29 June 2022. Cr Dingle, Cr Giddins, Cr Mesner and I attended the event alongside the Shadow Minister of Local Government, Disaster and Volunteer, Ann Leahy. It was a pleasure to view the facility, meet representatives of Bluecare from Gayndah, Maryborough and Brisbane, and spend time with members of the community who use this wonderful facility. Council and community are privileged to have Bluecare services providing special care to our community members.
MMOA Opening
On Saturday evening, 2 July 2022, approximately 150 people attended the opening of the Monto Museum of Art Inc. (MMOA). MMOA has been established as a public art gallery and will house an extensive collection of work by the artist, Gil Jamieson (1934-1992). Gil Jamieson based his painting career in Monto, and the Gil Jamieson collection will be provided on permanent loan by Matthew and Alicia Jamieson.
The MMOA building, recently purchased by the Jamieson family, and situated in the middle of Monto’s main street, is ideal for displaying art, with four large, high ceiling gallery spaces. This affords patrons the opportunity to engage with large paintings, such as Jamieson’s monumental 72-foot painting, ‘Jay Creek’. This powerful painting is a stunning desert panorama, which Jamieson painted on location in the MacDonnell Ranges in 1973. Two gallery spaces will be dedicated to displaying Jamieson’s work, while curated exhibitions will rotate in the other two spaces. It is envisaged that the conservation of the Gil Jamieson collection and preparation of ongoing exhibitions will inspire the artistic community, provide employment and business opportunities, and offer a place where visitors can gain a unique and authentic understanding of the bush.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au