Cr Column Councillor Amanda Hall

As is Murphy’s Law, everything seems to happen all at once. I was very fortunate to attend Home Hill State High School’s Awards night last Thursday night. On behalf of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, I had the honor of presenting the Dawson Medal to Jacob Machin.  
The Dawson Medal recognises a student who demonstrates both leadership and excellence in attitude and achievement, who is a strong and consistent participant in school and community activities and who exhibits a commitment to the ethos of the school and an awareness of others and their needs. Jacob embodies all these traits. I also had the privilege of presenting the JCU Academic Encouragement Award to Faryn Poli and Isla Wilkie.
Congratulations must go to all award recipients and to the teachers and staff of Home Hill State High School. It was a lovely evening and I thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about my time as a student there. GO UPSTART!
On Saturday 12th October, the Millaroo State School celebrated its 70th Anniversary. Under the dedicated leadership of Principal Annette Wellington, Millaroo State School is a bright, welcoming space filled with beautiful artwork and murals. Annette was previously a teacher at Clare State Primary school when my children attended, and she was much loved there as well.  Our small schools are often the backbone of their community, bringing together children, parents, grandparents, and friends alike.  Millaroo has such fantastic community spirit, as do all the smaller communities within the Burdekin Shire. Congratulations to all involved in this celebration.
With Christmas almost upon us once again, please take the time to wander through the shops in your local towns that make up our beautiful Shire. We have a wonderful assortment of shops offering many unique and thoughtful gifts. Shop local people. It means the world to our business houses.

‍