Photos & Videos
What do locals say about the way Curtis Pitt represents the Mulgrave Electorate?
‘Walk A Day In My Shoes’ – construction
Cornett’s IGA, Innisfail
Thanks to Stacey and all the staff at Innisfail IGA for making me feel welcome today, and when I was working the check-out, thanks to those customers for their patience! Kelly, Vicki, Lorna, Bobbi, Kim and Bridgette – it was great working with you and I’ll see you again soon.
Walk a Day In My Shoes 4
Many thanks to ‘Snags’ who took me through general labouring duties like loading materials, cleaning – even some jack hammering.
Walk a Day In My Shoes 5
A big thanks to Mick, Snags and all the boys working on site with Max Bryant Constructions at Edmonton. I was made to feel welcome and was put to work. I had a chance to talk about the challenges facing the construction industry and other local issues. Best of all we finished the day with a cold beer at the Hambledon Hotel.
Community
Funding supports local groups
Innisfail Meals on Wheels and the Innisfail Chinese Community are two group that have shared in more than $70,000 in funding from the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for the Mulgrave Electorate.
Labour Day Bowls raises money for charity
Curtis Pitt presents winning team Bright Sparks – consisting of Peter Broccardo, Peter Birchley, Mal Clifford and Vince Cooper – with their prizes
Labour Day bowls event raises money for charity
Curtis Pitt with runners-up, the PCYC Construction workers (Adam and Michelle Willimott, and Ted and Sally Dorrington)
MP supports local Mensheds
Curtis Pitt donates a belt sander and jigsaw to Babinda Menshed, making the presentation to President Merv Thompson. The Babinda Menshed was established in 2012 and currently has 12 members who produce a variety of products for sale at very reasonable prices.
MP supports Menshed in Innisfail
Curtis Pitt donates a $500 gift voucher from Innisfail Hardware, handing it over to Menshed President Peter Coxen. More than 50 people keen to get involved in the project to revamp the East Innisfail Scout Hall on the Corso.
Trio awarded for 25 year JP service
Curtis Pitt presents certificates for 25 years service to Ray Sciban, David Kalman and Peter Rigney, with Cr Rob Pyne also in attendance.
Fire victim upbeat following community appeal
Goldsborough fire victim Mary Oosen today met with some of the people who have assisted her after losing all her possessions, including her vehicle in a house fire in the days preceding Cyclone Ita. This week she was presented with a car by Crossway Wreckers in Gordonvale with the assistance of Dougalls Auto Electrics, Gordonvale Tint and Car Care, Windscreen Power and spraypainter Alan Jones.thanks to Sea FM, Mt Sheridan Plaza, and the Northern Pride.
Bob Rossi honoured for a lifetime of community work
Curtis Pitt presented the posthumous award to Bob’s wife Pam, with daughter Lisa Robertson on hand
Babinda’s Beryl Ball rewarded for community service
At the recent Babinda Harvest Festival, Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt presented a Community Service Award for outstanding service to colourful local Beryl Ball.
Babinda Meals on Wheels turns 30
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt marked the 30 year anniversary of Babinda Meals and donated a large ICEEPAK fully insulated SOF-PAC bag that will be used to keep food hot or keep food cold during meal deliveries ensuring safe food handling during transportation.
Launch of Azaad Sports and Welfare Club
Congratulations to the Sikh community at Innisfail for the launch launch of the Azaad Sports and Welfare Club. It was a fantastic coming together of the local community, with Inderjit Singh remarking how the drive of young President Harwinder Singh (Sabi Kullar) was integral to making this new club a reality.
National Boardies Day 2013
Proceeds from Boardies Day go toward Surf Life Saving Clubs to assist in purchasing vital rescue equipment, training and development of surf lifesavers. Money raised also helps fund the delivery of educational programs to continue to save lives.
Almost $1,000 raised at Labour Day Charity Bowls
Innisfail Youth And Family Care was the recipient of $965 thanks to fundraising and a donation from the Innisfail Bowls Club. This money will enable Innisfail Youth and Family Care to continue to provide facilities and support for vulnerable young people in the Innisfail area.
Locals awarded for service to community
Evelyn Jorgensen has been involved in many community service activities in the Gordonvale area including Meals on Wheels, Sunbird Lodge, Friends of Gordonvale Hospital, as well as volunteering for Southern Suburbs, Gordonvale Turf Club and also at numerous other local events.
New women’s shelter for Yarrabah
Works to create a new $800,000 women’s shelter in Yarrabah will get underway soon and is to be completed by late 2012.
Cairns Dragon Boat Club all set to breathe fire
The Cairns Dragon Boat Club now has its own boat thanks to a $14,500 grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. An additional grant of $4,028 from the Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund was announced today that will allow the club to purchase lifejackets and paddles.
Local community groups receive Christmas stocking-stuffers
Innisfail PCYC Board Member Sally Dorrington and Patron Curtis Pitt welcome funding of $46,818 that will go towards the purchase of fitness equipment
Curtis Pitt presents Rod Peckham with swim safe DVD
https://www.curtispitt.com.au/2010/12/08/free-dvd-to-keep-kids-water-safe-this-summer/
Curtis Pitt watches son Tristan with swimming instructor Jess Jones
https://www.curtispitt.com.au/2010/12/08/free-dvd-to-keep-kids-water-safe-this-summer/
Curtis Pitt with son Tristan at a learn to swim class
https://www.curtispitt.com.au/2010/12/08/free-dvd-to-keep-kids-water-safe-this-summer/
Deb Townsend wins Community Service Award
Curtis Pitt has continued the tradition of awarding a Great Pyramid Race Community Service Award and this year’s award has gone to long time contributor Debbie Townsend
Edmonton creeks named in time for cenenary celebrations
Curtis Pitt and Fran Lindsay welcome the naming of Kearns Creek at Edmonton with family members Eric Kearns and Patricia Diprose
Miriwinni or Mirriwinni?
Locals (from left) Alan Kingston, Annie Wonga, Paul Kieck, Fred Kieck and Wildra Smith at the entrance to the town. PHOTO: Brian Cassey
Backpacks for Aussie Kids
Curtis Pitt has gotten behind the initiative to provide backpacks to children entering foster and kinship care by donating items for 100 packs.
Yarrabah PCYC receives GCB funding
A full list of Gambling Community Benefit Fund recipients for Mulgrave is listed below: Thanks to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Yarrabah PCYC will receive $27,272 to purchase sports equipment and resources
Gambling Community Benefit Fund recipients
More than $102,000 will be provided to Mulgrave community groups in the latest round of Queensland Government gaming grants to meet the ongoing demand for community services.
Facilities at Bak Park
Curtis Pitt has joined Cr Rob Pyne in an effort to ensure White Rock residents are not disadvantaged by the loss of Bak Park which has been earmarked for compulsory acquisition under all three options of the Bruce Highway upgrade project
Dan O’Bersky
Dan O’Bersky is presented with a certificate for his long service as a Justice of the Peace by Curtis Pitt MP
Kindergarten and long day care
The Bligh Government’s goal is to provide universal access to kindergarten by 2014, including subsidising long day care centres
Butterfly Wings presentation
Curtis presents medals to participants of the Butterfly WIngs program at Sugarworld
Powerlink Community Benefits Program 1
(LtoR) Curtis Pitt MP – Fran Lindsay and Myra Jensen from QAS Local Ambulance Committee – Powerlink’s Walter Threifall
Curtis Pitt MP Greyhound Race Event
Curtis with his greyhound Macey Grey at the Curtis Pitt MP Greyhound Race Event at Cannon Park to raise money for Stillbirth and Neo-Natal Death Support (SANDS) Qld
Powerlink Community Benefits Program 2
(LtoR) Curtis Pitt MP – Sam Corica, Mundoo State School – Powerlink’s Walter Threifall- Paulo Di Carlo, Innisfail United Football Club – Cr Bill Shannon
Powerlink Community Benefits Program 3
(LtoR) Curtis Pitt MP – Powerlink’s Walter Threifall – Edna Whitney, Joan Norris from QCWA
Innisfail District Gem Club
Peter Betridge thanks Curtis Pitt for the funding used to purchase faceting machine and a roller mill
Babinda Meals on Wheels volunteers honoured
Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Curtis Pitt used an afternoon tea to say thanks to Meals on Wheels volunteers in Babinda
Gordonvale School Crossing Supervisors
Our school crossing supervisors have a wonderful tradition of protecting Queensland’s most important asset – our children
Innisfail Charity Bowls Day
The Innisfail PCYC were the beneficiaries of the Curtis Pitt MP Charity Bowls Day held on the Labour Day holiday
Thelma Kelly
Thelma Kelly received a community service award for her fundraising efforts for the Cancer Foundation
Roads and Transport
New street names honour respected locals
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt and Cairns Regional Councillor for Division Three, Rob Pyne, have acknowledged two local achievers in the naming of streets associated with the Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade – Kevin Murgatroyd and the late Des Chalmers.
Curtis Pitt discusses pedestrian access at Bentley Park with Fran Lindsay from the Edmonton and District Traders Association
Curtis Pitt MP, Sen Jan McLucas and Cr Rob Pyne discuss progress on the Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade
A smoother ride on the Bruce Highway through Edmonton
Crews have worked nights for almost a month to resurface a four kilometre section of the Bruce between Robert Road and Stoney Creek at Edmonton. Now it’s a race against the clock to deliver an enormous schedule of works before the wet season starts again.
Cyclone Yasi recovery
Earthmoving businesses, farmers and other companies wanting to assist the disaster recovery efforts in Cardwell, Innisfail and other areas across the far north will get a helping hand, through temporary escorts and free permits
Curtis Pitt MP with Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace at the base of the Gillies
A $600,000 boost (part of $2.7 million funding) will will improve safety for locals and tourists who use the Gillies and will be of particular benefit to motorcyclists who ride up and down the range on weekends.
Cairns Sunbus fleet boosted by 24 new vehicles
Curtis with Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Steve Wettenhall MP to announce 24 new buses to the Sunbus fleet
Employment and Economic Development
FNQ Trade delegation to PNG
Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Trade Curtis Pitt was one of more than 20 locals participating in the PNG Trade Visit. He is pictured here with Lae Chamber of Commerrce President Alan McLay.
Annual change in retail turnover, September 2014
Queensland Treasury data shows that trend growth in retail trade over the year to September 2014 is only 1.7% in Queensland, compared with the national average of 5%.
Newman Government pushes local small business to the wall
Edmonton-based plant hire company Pynes has lost state government contracts due to the LNP’s policy scrapping indoor plants in the public service. Curtis is pictured with Pynes Managing Director Collin Messervy.
Local jobs for Yasi clean-up
Curtis Pitt with Choice CEO Todd Hartley. Cairns-based Choice Management Australia will place workers into 200 jobs for Operation Clean-Up.
Returning home from work safely is the goal
Curtis Pitt with Safe Work Ambassador Mal Meninga at the Safe Work Australia Week launch in Cairns
Jobseekers dive in to tackle the thorny issues
Curtis Pitt and Treasurer Andrew Fraser with 20 jobseekers that have donned wetsuits and scuba gear to join the Green Army. The previously unemployed young men and women have been a part of the $1 million employment project involving scuba diving training to help eradicate the destructive Crown of Thorns Starfish and Drupella snails on the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns Plan to help FNQ fight back
The Plan will inject $116 million in new and accelerated funding into the region, supporting 760 additional jobs and 500 new training places.
Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal
The $11.2 million Cairns cruise ship terminal redevelopment will restore and refurbish the heritage-listed wharf shed number 3, converting it into a modern cruise liner terminal and multi-use facility.
Cassowary Coast big winner
Curtis Pitt MP delivers news of the $40.4 million funding to representatives from Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Cairns Business Breakfast
Cairns business leaders met with the Premier, Treasurer and far northern MPs
Sport and Recreation
Pitt provides paint for sports clubhouse
Curtis Pitt has assisted Innisfail Combined Sports by donating $1,000 to purchase paint for the repainting of the exterior of the clubhouse, which is home to a number of sporting groups.
Jersey presentation (Source: NRL)
Personalised Queensland State of Origin jerseys were presented by CEO of the NRL Dave Smith at the launch of Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League to (LtoR) Minister for Sport Steve Dickson MP, Co-Chair Vaughn Johnson MP, Co-Chair and Shadow Minister for Sport Curtis Pitt MP and Premier Campbell Newman MP.
Local youth benefit from Labour Day bowls event
Each year the bowls day supports a designated local youth charity – this year UNITE, the Innisfail PCYC Youth Team was the recipient of a cheque for $875 at the end of the day. This donation will allow them to continue to provide facilities and support for young people in the Innisfail area.
Boost for Innisfail Touch Football
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt today welcomed funding for the Innisfail Touch Association of $5,720 in the first round of Get in the Game, Get Going funding.
Edmonton Storm score pre-season
Edmonton Storm junior and senior rugby league clubs will kick start the New Year, sharing in over $22,000 in State Government grants.
Gordonvale sporting groups benefit from state grants
Gordonvale Touch Association and Mulgrave Little Athletics will recieve Active Inclusion funding to help development of grass roots sport in our community. Funding of more than $35,000 has also been made available to Pyramid Polocrosse Club for a facilities upgrade. Sport is part of our way of life here in the Far North and everyone should have the opportunity to participation in sport and recreation activities.
It’s game on in Gordonvale
Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt gets his hands on the mens and womens trophies for next year’s Brisbane International Tennis tournament when the tour stopped in at Gordonvale and District Tennis Association
Bligh Government invests in Edmonton tennis
Curtis Pitt pictured with junior tennis players in Edmonton who’ll benefit from $65,558 in Bligh Government funding as part of the $20 million Sport and Recreation Infrastructure program.
$35,095 for Babinda Golf Club
Babinda Golf Club will receive $35,095 to repair their flood-damaged golf course under the Bligh Government’s Sports Flood Fight Back Plan
Innisfail and District Tennis Association receives $41,382 to install lighting to two tennis courts
Clockwise from Left: Karla Cutts, Mike Ernts, Stewart Lindsay,Mick Burgess, Kathy Martin and Curtis Pitt MP.
TAS receives $195,136 to upgrade two multipurpose outdoor courts at White Rock
Curtis Pitt MP with Margaret Kennedy and Julie Warlters-Hill.
A Davis Cup tie will be played in Cairns
Mayor Val Schier, CEO of Queensland Events John O’Sullivan, Sports Minister Phil Reeves and Curtis Pitt MP.
AFL Premiership matches to be played in Cairns
Curtis Pitt MP, pitcured (LtoR) with Richmond star Jack Riewoldt, Sport Minister Phil Reeves and local product and Gold Coast Suns player Jarrad Harbrow. AFL Premiership matches between the two clubs will be played in Cairns over the next three years. For the record, that’s a Gordonvale Pyramid Power shirt I’m wearing – NOT Port Adelaide…
NAIDOC Multi Sports Day 2010
Curtis Pitt joined basketball legend Brian Kerle and former Brisbane Lions AFL player Darryl White at the NAIDOC Multi Sports Day at Parramatta State School.
2010 Valuing Volunteers in Sport and Recreation Awards
Cr Nancy Lanskey and Curtis Pitt MP present Alby Weare from Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association with his award.
Innisfail v Taipans basketball match
Curtis and son Tristan post-game with Premier Anna Bligh, Sport Minister Phil Reeves and Cairns Taipans players at Community Cabinet
Edmonton Storm Juniors presentation day
Patron of the Edmonton Storm Junior Rugby League Club, Curtis is pictured at the presentation day held at Sugarworld Gardens
Amateur Boxing State Titles
Curtis Pitt presented championship belts for two weight divisions at the 2009 Sunstate Amateur Boxing League State Titles held at Gordonvale RSL
Cairns Under-14 Vigoro Team
The talented players from the Cairns Under-14 Vigoro Team with sponsor Curtis Pitt MP
Laurie Lawrence visit to Yarrabah 1
Yarrabah residents were encouraged to get their feet wet with Australian and Olympic swimming icon Laurie Lawrence and teach their children about pool safety
Laurie Lawrence visit to Yarrabah 2
The State Government’s free Deadly Sports water safety program promotes the benefits of sport and recreation in Indigenous communities
Laurie Lawrence visit to Yarrabah 3
The water is an integral part of our lifestyle and it’s important to teach our children how to swim and be water safe
Laurie Lawrence visit to Yarrabah 4
The Deadly Sports program provided a great opportunity to tap into Laurie’s wealth of swimming and coaching expertise
Mulgrave Junior Cricket
Former Mulgrave Cricket player Curtis Pitt talks to current juniors at Johnson Park
Sports volunteers awards
Premier Anna Bligh and Curtis Pitt with sports volunteers from Edmonton at Fuller Park
Mulgrave Little Athletics
Sponsor Curtis Pitt MP presents jackets to Mulgrave Little Athletics club captains
2009 Sports Volunteer Awards
Curtis Pitt with Premier Anna Bligh and award winners at the 2009 awards held at Edmonton.
Education and Training
Curtis discusses the funding boost with Good Counsel College principal Paul Keenan
Funding of $1,278,992 will be provided for Good Counsel College at Innisfail under the Flying Start capital assistance scheme. The funding for eligible non-state schools will help refurbish and upgrade educational facilities to accommodate the move of Year 7 to secondary schooling.
Tiarne Oliveri says thanks to former teachers
Former Babinda student Tiarne Oliveri who wanted to congratulate her special education teachers She told me she had been struggling at school and didn’t think she would pass year 12, but the support and inspiration she received from her special education teachers showed her she could complete year 12 and more. We decided that the best way to recognise her special education teachers would be to organise a morning tea and present them with a plaque.
Congratulations to Hambledon State School’s Liz Jorgensen
Curtis Pitt congratulates Liz Jorgensen for winning the Queensland Teacher-Librarian of the Year Award for 2013.
Centenary Adventure Playground for Babinda School
Curtis Pitt with Babinda P-12 student leaders Gianni Bombardieri, Cody Spokes and Principal Matt Thompson
Innisfail State College secures funds for playground
Curtis Pitt with P&C President Les Moule and Principal Kate MacDonald
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2012
With students from Isabella State School who participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge which has now been running for seven years.
Official opening of new $1.3 million Skill360 Trades Training Centre
With Skill360 board member John Gammie (also a fellow Gordonvale lad) at the opening. The facility will focus on carpentry, cabinet making and plastering, as well as forklift tickets and other short courses. The Queensland Government supports Skill360 with operational funding of $2.2 million each year – a great investment in skills and a great investment in our future.
Gordonvale State School wins yet another award
Curtis Pitt presents a cheque for $50,000 to Gordonvale State School which was highly commended this week in the Healthy Queensland Awards
Curtis Pitt goes back to school
Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt swapped Parliament for the classroom when he became Principal for a Day at Gordonvale State School prior to State Education Week which runs 22-28 May
Innisfail East State School celebrates 75 years
Former Innisfail East State School principal Phil Klein had the crowd in stitches at times with some of his stories at the 75th Anniversary Celebrations this morning. Great to see some of the original class of 1936 there also!
FNQ schools celebrate Earth Smart Science success
The $5.8 million Earth Smart Science program is part of the State Government’s $43.5 million commitment to rejuvenate science teaching and re-ignite student interest in science. Embracing environmental sustainability initiatives in schools is one way teachers are re-engaging students with the science curriculum.
Local schools celebrate Earth Smart Science success
The $5.8 million Earth Smart Science program is part of the State Government’s $43.5 million commitment to rejuvenate science teaching and re-ignite student interest in science. Embracing environmental sustainability initiatives in schools is one way teachers are re-engaging students with the science curriculum.
Launch of QATSIF Scholarships 2011
Minister Curtis Pitt has announced more than $1 million in scholarships through the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation to help 315 students at around 40 schools across the state complete their senior studies.
Curtis Pitt discusses the new kindy service fast-tracked for White Rock State School
More children in the southern corridor of Cairns will get a flying start to their educational journey with a new quality kindergarten service to open in 2012 – a year ahead of schedule. The service will be located at White Rock State School and is being fast-tracked to open up opportunities sooner for young children in the region.
Students from Gordonvale State High School now have even more reason to consider a career in agriculture after taking out second prize in this year’s High Schools’ Poultry Industry Education competition
Curtis Pitt, Eboni Maccor, Madelyn Rologas, Elise Fiorenza and Markus Honnef.
Gordonvale High students chirpier after winning poultry competition
Curtis Pitt, Eboni Maccor, Madelyn Rologas, Elsie Fiorenza, Nikira Lowe, Jake Argent and Daniel Walmsley.
Bentley Park Early Years Centre Operator announced
LtoR: The Benevolent Society’s Michael Tizard, Curtis Pitt MP, Head of Junior School Mark Evans and Acting Principal Laura Mazzolini.
Djarragun College
Djarragun College is one of three Mulgrave schools to share in more than $102 million State Government capital assistance funding to improve and expand facilities.
Edmonton teacher rewarded for smart classroom innovation
Hambledon State School teacher Tanya Sutton is a great proponent of transformational and flexible learning spaces. The students in her classroom don’t have designated seating, they choose their own area to work on an activity by activity basis depending on the requirements of the task. This empowers her students to understand the learning process and their own learning styles. It is a very reflective student-centred way of learning.
LtoR: Michelle Rollason, Curtis Pitt MP, and Barbara Peeters
Michelle Rollason has been nominated for the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Award and Barbara Peeters who has been nominated for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the 49th Queensland Training Awards
Curtis Pitt with Pearl Duncan Scholarship winner Kayla Weaver
Curtis Pitt MP with Kayla Weaver who has been awarded a prestigious scholarship aimed to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become state school teachers.
Education Toward Employment Scholarships
Curtis is pictured with Julie Davis, Tahlia Mooka, and Danita Jelfs. The students have received Education Toward Employment scholarships of up to $5,000 towards education and training costs.
Unveiling of plaque at Hambledon State School
Curtis Pitt joins student leaders from Hambledon State School, Principal Wayne Kirk, Jim Turnour MP and builder Laurie Lindner to unveil the plaque.
Learning about the Hambledon State School Library Learning Centre
Hambledon students give Curtis Pitt MP a guided tour of the school’s new Library Learning Centre.
Principal for a Day 2010 at Bentley Park College
Nappy changing exercise in the Year 10 Early Childhood Cert III class (I get enough practice at home!)
Principal for a Day 2010 at Bentley Park College
Tackling practice with the College Rugby League team.
Principal for a Day 2009 at White Rock State School
Curtis Pitt MP gets a behind-the-scenes look at at White Rock State School
Award-winner Vincent Schreiber
L-R: Federal MP Jim Turnour, Yarrabah’s Vincent Schreiber and Curtis Pitt
Bridge inspiration for Gordonvale students
Students from Prep to Grade Four used their ingenuity and creativity to construct model-sized version of the new Mulgrave River bridge.
Graduates give Indigenous councils a boost
Graduates, representing 12 Indigenous councils are now qualified to operate and maintain council-owned water and sewerage infrastructure.
Opening of upgraded school library at Gordonvale High
Parliamentary Secretary for Education Carolyn Male officially opened Gordonvale High’s refurbished library with Curtis Pitt MP and Principal Kate MacDonald
Gordonvale Student leaders support each other
Student leaders from Gordonvale Primary were inducted by Curtis Pitt MP with support from student leaders from the high school
Environment
Dugong protection
Far North Queensland’s Labor MPs have called on Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to attend an urgent round table discussion in Cairns to discuss the ongoing issues associated with dugong protection in Queensland. I’m also seeking improved research to establish baseline data for the dugong population, to ensure a sustainable future. We need to focus on where there is already consensus as a starting point – by and large we are seeking the same outcome. Bringing all the key stakeholders together is the best and most practical way forward.
Award-winning school for environmental work
Principal Bruce Houghton proudly shows one of the many environmental projects Gordonvale Primary School’s Excelsior Students have undertaken to Curtis Pitt MP
Curtis with park owners Mark and Judy Evans
Paronella Park is once again running on green power thanks to a $45,000 heritage grant from the Bligh Government
Mulgrave River spring clean worthwhile
Sheets of corregated iron, bottles, plastic bags, party balloons and car tyres were just some of the items we found on the Mulgrave River as part of the Great Northern Clean Up weekend
St Rita’s Babinda
Years 5-7 students explained their Sustainable Environment Program which included comparing different types of renewable energy.
Youth
Curtis Pitt with Kiarrah Thomas
Kiarrah Thomas from Gordonvale High was the winner of the Youth Volunteer Award at the school for 2011
Get Out There!
The Get Out There! website can provide school leavers and young people with advice on how to avoid being taken for an expensive ride.
Babinda cyclones website
Curtis thanks young Babinda residents for their contribution to the www.babinda.info website
Babinda Deb Ball
Samantha Dimarco is presented to Curtis Pitt and wife Kerry in front of more than 180 people at the Babinda Debutante Ball
Indigenous Youth Parliament
Larissa Kynuna, pictured with Curtis Pitt MP, makes history as one of the first-ever representatives at the Queensland Indigenous Youth Parliament
Youth Week Art Award
Statewide Youth Week winner Sarah Langtree shows her painting to Curtis Pitt, who presented her with a new laptop computer
Emergency Services
LNP to close Innisfail and Cairns Rural Fire Offices
We’ve all heard the warnings about the dangers of the up-coming fire season. Conditions point to a testing season, with fuel loads high after two wet seasons and a dry winter. The LNP need to explain why they’re so confident that the same d…angerous conditions won’t exist next year or in future years. Reducing professional staff will put family homes, farms, business premises and lives at risk. The LNP Government has failed to acknowledge the vital service rural firies perform and have again axed a frontline service.
Gordonvale Fire Station
Curtis Pitt has renewed his call for the Queensland government to secure a site for a new Gordonvale fire station. The location of a new station would need to take into consideration the unique response profile required to serve the greater Gordonvale area.
Fire and rescue response profile for Gordonvale
As much of the operational work is now with road rescues the government should be identifying a site close to both the Bruce Highway and Gillies Range Road that would give rapid response times to vehicle crashes and also provide better services to Goldsborough and Little Mulgrave residents.
New ambaulance for Yarrabah community
Local MP Curtis Pitt gets a run through the new Mercedes 319 vehicle with Paramedic Patrick Lasalo
Department of Community Safety Australia Day Awards 2011
Curtis Pitt pictured with award recipient Kate Fenech
Curtis Pitt hands over the keys to Assistant Commissioner Wayne Weston and Inspector Stephen Real
Community safety was boosted today when two new fire and rescue vehicles worth around $160,000 were handed over to staff at the Gordonvale and Atherton Fire Stations.
Sisters awarded for bravery at QAS Awards
Curtis Pitt with 12 year-old Trenae Jia and seven year-old Kelci Jia – named the region’s Young Heroes of the Year at the QAS Star Care Awards after their quick thinking and extraordinary bravery saved their mother’s life after she suffered a medical condition while driving.
LtoR: Lisette Brake, Curtis Pitt MP, and Deputy Commissioner Russell Bowles
Lisette Brake of South Johnstone was awarded for being the Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) Achiever of the Year at the 2010 QAS Star Care Awards.
Location for new Gordonvale Ambulance Station announced
Curtis Pitt MP with Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts at the existing Gordonvale Ambulance Station, built in 1946.
Edmonton SES volunteers. PHOTO: Chris Hyde
I’ve given an undertaking to work with Cairns Regional Council to secure a long term base of operations for the Edmonton SES group.
Mena Creek appliance handover 1
Curtis Pitt hands over the keys to the Mena Creek Rural Fire Brigade.
Firefighters receive awards
Innisfail firefighters Allan Campagnolo, Neville Neucom, and Mario Di Bella are presented awards by Curtis Pitt MP
Innisfail State Emergency Service
Curtis Pitt officially opens the second stage of Innisfail’s SES headquarters
Arts and Culture
Curtis Pitt MP with Gordonvale artist Adam Coutts
Gordonvale State High School student Adam Coutts was one of 33 promising young Queensland student artists recognised at an awards ceremony at Parliament House recently.
Cairns Cultural Precinct site visit
This transformational project will breathe new life into the Cairns economy and add a major new attraction to the Cairns tourism experience.
Cairns Cultural Precinct site visit 2
The State Government has given a firm commitment to be an equal partner with the Cairns Regional Council and the Federal Government to develop the Cairns Cultural Precinct.
Ma:Mu Cultural and Heritage Exhibition
Curtis Pitt secured a $35,000 grant to allow the inaugural Ma:Mu Cultural and Heritage Exhibition to go ahead
Patchwork Possum book launch
LtoR – Illustrator Jim Nash, Curtis Pitt MP, Channel Seven’s Scott Forbes and author Karyn Couper-Smith
Ma:Mu Canopy Walk
Curtis Pitt takes in the Canopy Walk after meeting with representatives from the Ma:Mu people
Health
Baby dolls needed for mums-to-be
Curtis Pitt and Innisfail nurse Wilma Martin are appealing to people to donate their pre-loved dolls to help people facing impending parenthood.
Back to school health checklist
The first day of school is a great time to get on the front foot and establish healthy habits for our kids – not only for the rest of the school year, but for the rest of their lives.
Balance! Edmonton Family Practice
Balance Healthcare opens the doors of its new family GP practice at Edmonton on 21 March 2010, ahead of the GP Superclinic opening in December.
Southern health land delivered
Curtis Pitt and Craig Mann on site at ‘Mann’s Farm’. The land purchase announced today will be specifically set aside for future health facilities for our growing region.
Movember Day 29
This year, Curtis Pitt’s team raised over $3,446 for Movember in support of BeyondBlue and prostate cancer research
$2.8 million mental health initiative launched
The Time Out drop-in house will support over 100 young people with mental illness over over the next three years.
Queensland Health to purchase Babinda GP practice
Curtis Pitt MP with Delia Merlo and Terry Johnson. Queensland Health has agreed to purchase the Babinda private GP practice to fulfil a commitment to the community to guarantee the future of the town’s medical services.
GP Super Clinic. PHOTO: Talia Ling
Curtis Pitt MP with Member for Leichhardt Jim Turnour, Balance Health Care director Karen Crouch and CEO Kate Gunn.
Housing
Pitt extends life line to Garden Awards axed by Newman Government
Garden Awards committee members Leonie Morris, Curtis Pitt, Marj Trainer, Judy Stubbs and Fred Morris.
New manufactured home laws a step closer
The Government wants to make sure Queenslanders who live in manufactured homes are treated reasonably and fairly. It is estimated that around 15,000 people live in manufactured homes in 200 residential parks across Queensland. The Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Bill 2010 proposes changes to improve the operation of the Act and to strengthen consumer protection for people who own their manufactured home, but rents the site it is located on from a residential park owner.
Curtis Pitt MP with Rob Passmore
Today I caught up with Rob Passmore (Vice President of the FNQ Tenants’ Advisory Group) to discuss the Newman Government’s public housing upheaval – ahead of the next tenants meeting to be held this Monday from 1pm at the Innisfail Senior Citizens Hall.
Social housing tenants are being urged to participate in the Queensland Water-Wise Garden Awards
Curtis Pitt with inspects the garden of senior judge Marj Trainor.
100 new affordable rental homes under NRAS
Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek visited Stony Edmonton with Jim Turnour MP, Curtis Pitt MP and Senator Jan McLucas
Indigenous housing
Housing was a key agenda item at the Mayor’s Ministerial Indigenous Roundtable in November 2009
Infrastructure
Labor funding for Yarrabah Jetty welcomed by Pitt
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt – pictured with Kennedy candidate Andrew Turnour – has welcomed $5 million funding by federal Labor towards the provision of a jetty for Yarrabah at Mission Bay.
CARE project good news for Gordonvale power supply
Curtis Pitt with Val Cochrane from Pyramid Residential Aged Care – one of the community facilities to benefit from Ergon Energy’s $3.4 million next state of the Cyclone Area Reliability Enhancement (CARE) project.
Innisfail Sewage Treatment Plant progressing
Construction of the $33.4 million Innisfail Sewage Treatment Plan is being overseen by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. It’s being built on the eastern outskirts of Innisfail, on the same site as the existing sewerage treatment plant.
Early years centre will mean local jobs
This is a multi-million project which also means jobs for our local area. Construction to commence 2010 with the aim to have all services up and running by mid 2011.
Early years centres ‘one-stop-shops’
Early years centres are essentially ‘one-stop-shops’ that offer parents of children up to the age of eight, or those expecting a child, high-quality family support, early childhood education, care and health services.
Early years centre a win for Bentley Park
An early years centre is exactly what is needed in the southern suburbs and it will work in conjunction with existing early childhood education and care services in the area.
Cr Paul Gregory with Curtis Pitt MP
The State Government has worked closely with Cairns Regional Council to improve flood immunity at Gordonvale’s Hemmings Creek
Powerlink completes 275kV line
Curtis Pit announced the new $95 million transmission line which will help ensure reliable electricity supply to FNQ
Curtis Pitt with Deputy Premier Paul Lucas
Curtis Pitt secured more funding for the Jubilee Bridge, with a total State Government commitment of $14 million
Building program protects jobs
The State Government’s regional capital works program is supporting 9,000 jobs in Far North Queensland
Primary Industries
Yellow Crazy Ant (Photo courtesy of Paul Zborowski)
Yellow Crazy Ants are an introduced exotic species. They are widely regarded as environmental pests and are included as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. The name ‘crazy ant’ is derived from their erratic walking style and frantic movements, especially when disturbed. The pest ant has spread extensively since it was first discovered in Cairns in 2001.
Bundaberg Sugar Ltd and The Maryborough Sugar Factory Ltd today announced that Babinda Mill is to be closed down
Walk A Day In My Shoes
Responding to a challenge set by the Innisfail Advocate newspaper, Curtis Pitt spent the day with BSES officer Bill Dalton at South Johnstone to hear the concerns of cane growers like Rennie Oldano (pictured). It was a good chance to make sure growers knew that Mr Pitt values the sugar industry – not only the farmers, but also the mills and their workforce.
Mental Health and Disabilities
Enhanced accommodation rights for vision impaired Queenslanders before Parliament
Minister for Disabilities Curtis Pitt pictured with Gerrard Gossens, Karen Knight (Vision Australia) and Paul Larcombe. Being able to access accommodation is a basic human right, and we’re determined to protect that right for all Queenslanders. That’s why we’ve introduced amendments reaffirming access rights to residential and holiday accommodation for people who rely on guide, hearing or assistance dogs.
New Autism Guide to support families
The guide provides practical information about autism, from getting a diagnosis through to accessing early intervention services, attending child care and kindergarten and starting school. It also includes tips for parents about things they can do to support their child’s development as well as links to a range of websites about autism, parenting and education services.
Families welcome respite boost (Picture: Jeff Camden-Courier Mail)
$1.8 million in extra funding will provide more respite services for Queensland children with a disability. Services being funded as part of the package include vacation care, sports days, sibling groups, overnight camps and weekends away.
Cairns Expo 2011
The Cairns Expo 2011 was for students, family members, carers, and educators of young people with a disability to learn about post school options. The event enables school leavers with a disability to explore the different options and supports available to them once they leave school and embark on study, work and other opportunities in their local communities.
First MS Mega Swim launched in Cairns
At the launch with Dan Sweetman from MSSQ, Alan Docherty from Trinity Beach Lions Club and Steve Wettenhall MP. More than 100 local swimmers will take part in a 24-hour marathon to raise money for multiple sclerosis which affects more than 20,000 Australians.
Opening of new Cootharinga house in Cairns
Minister for Disabilities Curtis Pitt with Cootharinga CEO Brendan Walsh
Cairns opening of new Cootharinga house
New residents Howie (left) and Michael (centre) with Disability Services Minister Curtis Pitt
All Abilities Playground officially opened at Edmonton
Minister for Disability Services Curtis Pitt at play with son Tristan and Ben, aged 4.
Wanted: a wall to help youth break down barriers
Minister for Disability Services Curtis Pitt with Brad Ford (left) and CJ (Right).
New HACC vehicle for St John’s Community Care in Innisfail
Curtis Pitt and Sally Dorrington from St John’s assist day respite clients from the old bus.
Visit to Camp Hill State School
Curtis Pitt with local MP Steve Kilburn, met with local parents and staff at Camp Hill State School to learn more about the successful Special Education Unit.
NDIS Working Party
The inaugural meeting of the Queensland Working Party on the National Disability Insurance Scheme was held in Brisbane on 12 April 2010.
NDIS Forum by National Disability Services
Curtis Pitt spoke at the first of three forums to discuss the NDIS, hosted by Queensland Coordinator Fiona Andersen and Valmae Rose from NDS.
The Tertiary Place at Murarrie
Curtis Pitt meets with supporter and local MP Di Farmer to discuss the work done by Nona, Angela and the dedicated staff at The Tertiary Place.
Autism Awareness Month launch
CEO of AEIOU Alan Smith with Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Senator Jan McLucas, Minister for Disability Services Curtis Pitt and parents Samantha and Kahler.
More help at hand for Queenslanders in need
Curtis Pitt with Whitfield resident Del Childs after announcing $2.1 million in new joint State/Federal HACC funding which will provide extra support to 1,700 far north Queenslanders.
Endeavour Industries Innisfail
Minister for Disability Services Curtis Pitt with the talented and enthusiastic staff at Endeavour Industries Innisfail
All Abilities Playground
Minister Palaszczuk and Curtis Pitt tour the proposed site of the new $224,000 Sugarworld Gardens All Abilities playground in Edmonton
Young Care
Lorna Yeatman spends some time with Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Curtis Pitt at St John’s Young Care at Gordonvale
Trans North buses
Trans North caters for the transport needs of students with disabilities with eight especially equipped vehicles and two standard vehicles
Innisfail District Disability Awareness Group
IDDAG member Nikki Stitt member is assisted by Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt
Ma:Mu Canopy Walk
The Ma:Mu Canopy Walk won a Disability Action Week for enabling wheelchairs to access to the tree-top walk and catering for vision impaired people
’50 First Dates’ a reality for some
’50 First Dates’ was about a girl, Lucy, who was incapable of converting short-term memories into long-term memories, and a bloke who had to make Lucy fall in love with him again every day. In the film, Lucy had an acquired brain injury (ABI) a term used to describe all types of brain injury that occur after birth. Sometimes called ‘the invisible disability’, one in 45 Australians has an acquired brain injury. Find out more at www.braininjury.org.au
Tourism
Innovation funding for cleaner, greener tourism industry
Curtis Pitt with Ron Cusick from Frankland Island Cruises. The marine-based tourism operator has received a $250,000 State Government grant to design and install a clean, quiet and energy efficient drive system for their vessels – a first for Far North Queensland tourism industry.
Parliamentary Committees
Disability Services Committee
Member of the Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs legislative committee, Curtis Pitt, visited Melbourne with Minister Anastacia Palaszczuk to look at the Victorian Government’s approach to supporting people with a disability
Integrity, Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee (IEPPC)
IEPPC Members (clockwise from top left): Ted Sorensen MP, Dr Mark Robinson MP, Tim Nicholls MP, Curtis Pitt MP, Carolyn Male MP, Hon Kerry Shine MP (Chair), Hon Margaret Keech MP
Miscellaneous
Missing R restored
The far north Queensland town formerly known as ’Miriwinni’ was now officially named ‘Mirriwinni’.
Innisfail Water Tower heritage listed
This historic landmark is a worthy addition to the heritage list for both its striking art deco style and its important place in the development of water infrastructure for regional Queensland.
PHOTO: qldamstaffclub.com
American Staffordshire Terrier’s are no longer ‘restricted dogs’ thanks to an amednment to the the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
20th Anniversary of Goss Government
Curtis Pitt and son Tristan celebrate 20 years since the election of the Goss Government in December 1989
Desmond Trannore Bridge
Members of the Trannore family were on hand to witness the official opening of the Desmond Trannore (Mulgrave River) Bridge
Pacific International Hotel
Training for Indigenous communities was the focus of this speech at the Pacific International Hotel, Cairns
Flying Fish Point Residents Meeting
Residents from Flying Fish Point make their views known to Curtis
4KQ Big Breakfast
Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor Carmel Silvestro makes bacon and egg burgers with Curtis at Brisbane’s Central Station to promote FNQ
Mulgrave River Bridge walk
Curtis Pitt MP takes the first official steps across the new Mulgrave River Bridge with Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace and Jim Turnour MP – as well as his father Warren Pitt – in April 2009
Campaign Hustings 2009
Taking it to the street
Gordonvale residents speak with Premier Anna Bligh and candidate Curtis Pitt
Innisfail deputations
Since the election, Curtis has continued to hold regular deputations with Innisfail resdients
Public service
Prior to his election, Curtis worked in the Queensland Public Service for six years which has given him the practical knowledge of how to get his constituents a good deal from government