Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Saturday, it was my great joy to join the members of the Murgon sub-branch of the RSL—particularly the president, John Drew; the district president, Trevor Williamson; Mayor Brett Otto; Councillor Kathy Duff; and the acting officer in charge of the Murgon Police Station, Al Gerrard—to turn the sod of the new veterans drop-in centre. The construction of the centre is being funded from a $450,000 election commitment which will accommodate welfare and advocacy services for veterans and their families. The project will benefit veterans throughout Murgon and the wider district. The new building will provide a meeting space and a kitchen and barbecue area, plus memorabilia and educational historical displays so people can learn about the service and sacrifice of all Australian Defence Force personnel. The new RSL drop-in centre will create 40 jobs through its construction.

The centre complements another significant investment from the Morrison government in making Murgon the great place that it is, and that's our $1.56 million grant to construct a new cultural centre, with an art gallery, fossil museum, art workshop, gift shop and prehistoric garden. I commend the Murgon Creative Country Association and Richard O'Neill, Leo and Glenda Geraghty, and Kathy Duff for their work on this unique Murgon attraction. It will showcase local art, history and culture.