DICKSON NEWS Sept 08

• September 5, 2008
• Politics and Council
• Editor

From your

Federal Member for Dickson

PETER DUTTON

 Topics this month include: Wetlands benefit from Community Water Grant, Red Cross needs your help, QCWA still going strong in Dickson, Free Tax Help, Climate Ready program, and Queensland Multiculturalism Awards.

Wetlands benefit from Community Water Grant

It was with great pleasure that I officially opened the Kumbartcho Sanctuary Wetland Project on Tuesday 22 July.  This project has turned a shallow dam into a haven for wildlife where the community can also come and enjoy its beauty first hand from the viewing platform.

Community volunteers have performed a mammoth effort with the help of $40,000 from the Federal Government Community Water Grant and funding from Moreton Bay Regional Council.  Kumbartcho, like many of our community groups, would not be able to function without enthusiastic volunteers.  If you wish to become part of this great team contact them on 3264 3953.

I encourage Dickson residents to visit the Kumbartcho Environment Centre where you can also purchase native plants from the nursery on Thursday and Friday from 9am – 3pm and Saturday from 8am – 12noon.

Red Cross needs your help

The Red Cross goal is to help the most vulnerable in the most vulnerable places.  Volunteers knit trauma teddies that go to hospitals, QML and disaster areas.  You can help by joining volunteers in knitting or by donating 8 ply wool.  Any donations can be made at the Red Cross office located at Shop 4A, 199 Gympie Road Strathpine. The Strathpine office of the Pine Rivers Red Cross offers a medical aid equipment hire service run by volunteers.  If you are able to offer your time and energy on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9.30 – 12.30, please call the office on 3889 7076.

QCWA still going strong in Dickson

The Queensland Country Women Association (QCWA) is a voluntary organisation whose role is to improve education, health and welfare to enrich the lives of women and children and hence the family.  Assistance is given to Australian and International communities in times of need and natural disasters. The Dickson electorate alone has five QCWA branches.  If you are interested in becoming a member contact the state office on 3026 1219 or go to www.qcwa.org.au to find the branch closest to you.

Free Tax Help

The Australian Taxation Office’s free tax help service is available at my Strathpine office for individuals whose income is less than $35,000 and $2,500 for every dependent child.   A volunteer is available to help constituents lodge by E-tax every Tuesday and Thursday until 31 October.  To make an appointment or check eligibility please call my office on 3205 9977.

Climate Ready program

I urge local businesses that are developing new products, processes and services to tackle climate change to apply for a Climate Ready grant.  Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $5 million and are welcome from any company developing innovative solutions to address climate change impacts.  For further information visit www.ausindustry.gov.au , call the hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.

Queensland Multiculturalism Awards

Nominations are open for the Queensland Multicultural Awards under five categories:  Individual, School, Organisation, Business and Government. Nominations close on Friday 5 September 2008 and further information, nomination categories, selection criteria and terms and conditions can be found at www.multicultural.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 13 04.

At Kumbartcho Sanctuary Wetland Project’s official opening: L to R – Kim Pantano (Kumbartcho), Peter Dutton MP (Federal Member for Dickson), Peter Loose (Manager of environmental services, Moreton Bay Regional Council), and Allan Herring (Project co-ordinator, Moreton Bay Regional Council)