My office is here to provide assistance to local residents, businesses, schools and community groups with any Federal Government issues, including:
- Making representations on your behalf directly to relevant ministers or departments
- Putting you in touch with a service that can help you
- Lobbying for more resources for your group or community service
- Advising you of your rights and any further action you can take
- Providing information on any grants that may be available to support or assist your group
- Keeping you up to date on federal issues
Below are some of the services I am pleased to offer to members of our local community:
Age Pension Guide
This 20-page guide covers topics including:
- A comprehensive introduction to the Age Pension;
- Eligibility and how assets, investments, income testing and overseas travel may affect Age Pension payments;
- Information regarding the Pension Age; and
- Benefits for Carers.
School Leavers Guide
There is a lot to think about when deciding what to do after school. There are many opportunities with no right or wrong path to choose. Think about what energises you, what you are passionate about and your life experiences until now. It is important to make the best choice for you.
- The School Leavers’ Guide covers
- Career development support;
- Further education and training opportunities;
- Financial assistance available; and
- Mental health support services.
Request a Letter of support
If you need a letter of support for your grant application, please email my office with details about your organisation, what funding you are applying for, and what the funding will be used for. Please also provide your deadline so we can do our best to work within your timeframe.
Funding Assistance
Funding for community groups and not-for-profit organisations may be obtained from a number of sources through the Queensland Government such as the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
For more information regarding grants available through the Queensland Government.
Federal Government grants can be found on their website Grant Connect.
There are often other Community Grants available, please check with your local Council for further information.
Businesses looking for Government assistance with funding can use the Queensland Government’s Grants Finder.
For Drought Assistance, please use this link to access the current list of funding assistance.
Other community grants can be available at times from many different sources. Check these links to see if there is anything available that suits your groups needs:
Tackling Tough Times Together
RACQ Foundation
CS Energy
Energex / Ergon Energy
Seniors Cards
If you are over 60, you may be eligible for a Seniors Card or a Seniors Business Card.
These cards allow you to take advantage of a number of government discounts and other special offers at thousands of businesses around the State. Submit your application for a Seniors Card.
Request for congratulatory message
If you or someone you know is celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, you can request a letter to mark the occasion from:
- Premier of Queensland
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Governor-General
- His Majesty The King
Birthdays
90th birthday letters can be requested from:
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Premier of Queensland
100th, 105th and 110th birthday letters can be requested from:
- His Majesty The King
- Governor-General of Australia
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Governor of Queensland
- Premier of Queensland
Anniversaries
50th (Golden) anniversary letters can be requested from:
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Premier of Queensland
- Governor of Queensland
60, 65, 70 (Diamond) anniversary letters can be requested from:
- His Majesty The King
- Governor-General of Australia
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Governor of Queensland
- Premier of Queensland
Consideration may be given to requests for letters to mark other anniversaries or birthdays if there are special circumstances.
How to Request a Letter
Request forms are available at my office.
You will also need to provide a copy of a supporting document to verify the applicant’s date of birth or marriage:
- Birth or Marriage Certificate* (short extract or photocopy acceptable)
- Passport or citizenship papers (photocopy acceptable)
* If you do not have a marriage certificate, you can supply a statutory declaration to confirm that the date and place of marriage are correct. The statutory declaration should be signed by a member of the family and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations (form available at my office).
Notice Periods for Letters
For birthdays:
- 90 years – allow 3 weeks
- 100, 105, 110 years – allow 4 weeks
For anniversaries:
- 50 (Golden) – allow 3 weeks
- 60, 65, 70 (Diamond) – allow 4 weeks
Submitting your Letter Application
Please return your completed forms to my office and we will organise the rest for you.
School Term Dates 2024
The following term dates apply to all State Schools in Queensland:
Queensland Term Dates
- Term 1
Monday 22 January 2024 – Thursday 28 March 2024 - Term 2
Monday 15 April 2024 – Friday 21 June 2024 - Term 3
Monday 8 July 2024 – Friday 13 September 2024 - Term 4
Monday 30 September 2024 – Friday 13 December 2024
Request a Flag
Local residents, Not-for-profit organisations and community groups, may be eligible for a free Australian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Flag.
Please email your request for a flag to my office.
Tours of Parliament House
Tours of Parliament House can be fun and informative, not just for school children but adults as well. If I am in Parliament on the day you visit I may be able to meet your group and make your visit even more informative.
If you wish to organise a tour, please contact my office.
Photocopying for Community Groups
I am happy to provide photocopying facilities for eligible Community Groups in the Flynn Electorate.
Please contact my office first, as time-frames and budget restrictions may apply.