COOLUM State School painted the town REaD on Wednesday, August 23. Taking their book week out into the community, with over 20 local businesses getting involved in sharing the importance of reading. I was delighted to provide four book gift packs to Principal Anthony Ryan as prizes for the students as part of this event. I managed to hand over the prizes the week before to Mr Ryan and the rest of the school who were dressed in their best green and gold outfits to show their support for the Matildas.
Grants for Local Sporting Champions
I love being able to support young sporting champions participating in state, national or international championships. Congratulations to Henry Smyth of Coolum State High School who was awarded a Local Sporting Champion (LSC) grant of $650 to help with the cost of participating in the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships in Blackwood, Victoria. Applications are now open for the next round of Local Sporting and Para Champions grants for 12 to 18-year-olds. For more information go to www.tedobrien.com.au.
Listening to locals
Last week I was out and about in Coolum, Yandina and other areas across the Fairfax electorate listening to locals as part of my Winter Road Trip. Cost of living and housing affordability were top of the list of concerns for most families I’ve been speaking with. Rising mortgage payments, rising prices at the checkout and rising energy bills are hitting household budgets hard.