Business Matters Fraser Coast Issue One

1 DECEMBER 2023

Contents Annual Close Down Requirements....................................................... 3

Verena Fletcher Service of Excellence Winners.................................. 10

Get Business Ready for 2024 ............................................................... 3

Up and Coming Events........................................................................ 12

Closing the Gender Pay Gap - New Reforms ........................................ 4

Event Gallery....................................................................................... 13

Digital Skills Hub.................................................................................... 6

Pulse Survey Results September......................................................... 18

Torbanlea Train Manufacturing Update................................................. 7 Hinkler Regional Deal: AEC Group – Case for Change Report........... ............................... ............................8 Sponsorship Opportunity for 2024 Events.......................................... 9

Chamber Chat with Lisa Daniel............................................................ 19 Take the Fraser Coast Pulse Survey - December .................................. 20 Qld Beyond 2032 – At a Glance........................................................... 21 Charity of the Month.......................................................................... 21

Message from our President Sandra Holebrook Welcome to edition one of Business Matters - Fraser Coast, proudly produced by the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce. With Christmas just around the corner we are about to launch into an exciting period of celebration—made even more special by the release of this first edition of our monthly magazine, a tribute to our vibrant business community on the Fraser Coast and the tenacious, collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit within it.

At its core, a Chamber of Commerce exists to serve as a catalyst for growth, an advocate for progress, and a unifying force for our business community. Through networking opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and unwavering support, we endeavor to empower our members and supporters, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and businesses flourish.

Business Matters – Fraser Coast emerges as a testament to this commitment—a collection of narratives, introductions, photos, Chamber event information and insights aimed at showcasing the entrepreneurial and collaborative endeavours that define us. Within these pages, you will find proof of our business community’s resilience, creativity, and their relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Our launch amidst the approaching holiday season is deliberate. It’s a time not only for celebrating Christmas but also for reflection—a moment to recognise the dedication and hard work of our local businesses. This magazine symbolises our gratitude to you, a token of appreciation for your tireless efforts in driving our amazing community on the Fraser Coast ever forward.

We invite you to delve into this magazine and immerse yourself in the richness of our community’s success stories, and witness firsthand the ethos that binds us together. Each feature, every article, all the photos, are a celebration to why our Chamber exists—to provide a platform where dreams are nurtured, ambitions are supported, and successes are celebrated.

We would like to take the opportunity, as 2023 comes to an end, to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, supporters, and the community at large for their unwavering support. Together, let us embrace the spirit of this festive season, celebrate the achievements of our local businesses, and pave the way for a prosperous future in 2024 and beyond.

December 2023

Sandra Holebrook

ANNUAL CLOSE-DOWN REQUIREMENTS Many employers plan to temporarily close their businesses during the Christmas and New Year period, allowing both employers and employees to enjoy a well-earned break.

Some modern HR awards require at least four (4) weeks notice of a close down to be provided to employees. It is therefore important that employers intending to close down their operations review employment contracts, awards or Enterprise Agreement (which includes other registered agreements such as Collective or Certified Agreements) for conditions and notice periods which apply to their employees.

A contract, award or Enterprise Agreement review will assist an employer to determine the following: • how much notice employees need to receive of the closure; • whether employees can be directed to take annual leave during the close down; and • whether unpaid leave will be applied where an employee has insufficient annual leave.

Where an award or Enterprise Agreement that applies to an employee is silent on whether employees can be directed to take annual leave, employees cannot be directed to take leave and will either need to be provided with work or be paid for any day where work is not provided.

Award/Agreement Free Positions Where employees are not covered by an award or Enterprise Agreement, a direction to take annual leave must be reasonable in the circumstances. Where a business closes down over the Christmas and New Year period, this request may be viewed as a reasonable one.

It is recommended that as much notice of the close down and resulting need to take leave be given to the employee.

ABC cupcakes

Get business ready for 2024 with free business coaching Workforce Evolve is a free program designed to assist employers attract and retain a wider range of employees particularly from societal groups who struggle to gain employment through traditional recruitment and attraction practices.

Learn on demand and choose your learning pathway from our six flexible online modules to gain skills in workforce planning, attracting the right candidates, supporting diversity in the workplace, change management and much more! Our modules provide you the flexibility to select the topics most relevant to you AND include a selection of free downloadable resources to assist you to identify what you need and how to implement these new approaches into your workplace.

Connect with a Coach throughout the program for up to one hour of free coaching for each module to provide personalised support. That’s up to six free hours of individual business coaching throughout the program!

Our Workforce Coaches can connect you with our

specialised Referral Partners for targeted guidance in creating sustainable employment for diverse groups of employees.

Become Workforce Evolve verified by completing all six modules and share a Workforce Evolve badge on your job ads, website, tender proposals, or other branding material to demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Being able to demonstrate your diversity and inclusion approach as a Workforce Evolve Verified employer can help to ensure your business is ready for future opportunities as we prepare for the Olympics.

Get started today. There is no obligation to do all modules and you can choose where you start and how much support you would like. All that is required to get started is to register to gain access to the learning modules.

Chat with a Coach to see how we can help you.

This Workforce Connect Fund project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

December 2023

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Closing the gender pay gap - new reforms Whilst gender equality in the workplace has been a hot topic in recent years, and legislation has been implemented to improve gender equality in workplaces, progress has been arguably slow.

From legislation, to encouraging workplaces that gender equality can be improved through internal policies, to allowing employees to bargain for flexible working arrangements when they have parental or carer responsibilities, the pathway to gender equality in the workplace has not been easy.

bonuses and has included the salaries of part-time employees and casuals. The result is a 22.8% pay gap as of November 2022.

It is important to include part-time employees and casuals in the pay gap calculations as more women tend to work in part-time or casual roles – especially after starting a family.

There are six gender equality indicators WGEA have used for their reporting since 2013:

The Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023; a Bill to accelerate gender equality within the workplace, passed on 30 March 2023.

With assent on 11 April 2023, it is now legislation, and a number of reforms contained within the legislation will be taking effect in late 2023.

1. Gender composition of the workforce 2. Gender composition of the governing bodies 3. Equal remuneration between men and women 4. Availability and utility of employment terms and conditions

Who Does This Apply To?

5. Consultation with employees on gender equality 6. Sexual harassment, harassment on the grounds of sex and discrimination

Please note that the reforms referred to in this article only apply to organisations that are already required to report annually to Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

These organisations are: • Private sector employers with 100 or more employees.

• Commonwealth public sector employers with 100 or more employees.

The reforms do not increase the scope of reporting by employers with less than 100 employees.

Pay Gap As of August 2023, the national pay gap was calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being 13%. This figure was calculated on the base salary of full-time employees only.

The WGEA, a Commonwealth Government agency, have undertaken their own calculations based on an employee’s total remuneration, including superannuation, overtime,

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The Reforms Data collected in WGEA reports indicate that employers may not be following up on their actions to address the gender pay gaps.

The reforms will help improve transparency, accountability and motivate employer action to accelerate gender equality in the workplace.

Employers to whom WGEA reporting requirements apply need to know the following about the WGEA reforms: • From late 2023, employers will need to share their WGEA Executive Summary and Industry Benchmark Reports with their Board.

• From early 2024, WGEA will publish gender pay gaps for public and private sector employers.

• From April 2024, employers will be required to provide additional information on their employees, including age, primary workplace location, CEO, head of business and casual manager remuneration.

December 2023

• From April 2024, reporting on sexual harassment, harassment on the grounds of sex or discrimination will be mandatory.

• From April 2024, any employers with 500 or more employees must implement a policy or strategy for each of the six gender equality indicators (as outlined above).

• From late 2024/early 2025, WGEA will publish Commonwealth public sector pay gaps.

WGEA are also taking action to help businesses understand what factors actually drive the gender pay gap. These factors can include but are not limited to: • • • • • •

gender composition, total remuneration, exit data (resignations/terminations), employees returning from parental leave, depth of candidate pools when recruiting, and employee experience metrics (data collection from experiences in attraction, selection, onboarding, progress and performance, engagement and wellbeing, reward and recognition).

If a business does not produce the required reports to WGEA, they will be listed on the WGEA website as noncompliant and will not be able to contract with the Federal Government until they obtain a compliance certificate.

Further WGEA Reporting Requirements WGEA has a range of support available to businesses of all sizes, meaning both small and large businesses can benefit. WGEA will provide regular communication with employers about the upcoming changes by means of email, social media, webinars and information sessions and communication via peak bodies. WGEA will also make available a Gender Pay Gap Driver Analysis Guide, action planning tools, masterclasses and micro learning modules.

If you would like further information about the upcoming reforms to close the gender pay gap, you can visit https:// www.wgea.gov.au/

There is a one-year notice period since the Bill was passed which is why employers will have until the 2024 April/ May reporting period to implement the changes. There will also be a 28-day grace period after the changes come into effect in April.

December 2023

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Steam locomotive passing over Chowey Bridge soon after opening in 1905

Digital Skills Hub

Did you know, as per the latest Cyber Threat Report 2022-2023 from the Australian Signals Directorate released earlier this week, a cybercrime is reported every six minutes in Australia?

Cybercrime is surging with 94,000 reports submitted to ReportCyber in the last financial year, and the cost to business increased by 14% in the same period.

Upskill and learn how to protect your business (and your home) with Business Chamber Queensland's Free Digital Skills Hub program, where you get access to thousands of high-quality digital courses, including Cyber Security.

For business to survive and thrive in this ever-changing digital landscape, it is vital to stay up-to-date. Essential courses for building a cyber resilient business are: • • • •

Introduction to Cyber Security How do I identify risks and threats Ransomware. Don’t fall into the trap Building a cyber resilient business

Want something super quick? You can upskill and learn something new or take a quick refresh in just 5 mins?

Courses include: • • • •

Creating Great Passwords Cybersecurity: Two-factor authentication – keys under the mat Cybersecurity: Phishing Fridays Cybersecurity Crash Course: Hackers

Click here to get Started

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December 2023

Torbanlea Train Manufacturing Update Torbanlea early works

involve:

Early works for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) Torbanlea train manufacturing facility are ongoing.

• •

Burgowan Road and Gympie Street intersection upgrade Finishing works to complete the Burgowan Road and Gympie Street intersection upgrade are scheduled to commence in mid-November 2023. The upgrade will improve safety for all road users and future-proof the Torbanlea road network for the projected increase in traffic during the construction and operation of the facility.

Following the completion of the works, the operation of the intersection will change – motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, be aware of the new line marking and follow the direction of new signage.

• •

Installing a permanent give way sign at Burgowan Road on the southbound carriageway at Gympie Street.

Installing permanent line marking to create dedicated through and turning lanes.

Undertaking asphalt sealing at Burgowan Road.

Undertaking paving within the rail corridor.]

These works are estimated to take up to three weeks to complete, weather permitting. Billy Beans Coffee will remain open during the works and access won't be affected.

Work hours RoadTek will be undertaking the works and they will take place Monday to Saturday from 6am and 6pm each shift.

Some night work may be required to complete activities such as asphalting and line marking.

Please see map below for the new intersection design.

From mid-November 2023 remediation works will

What to expect For the safety of workers and road users, changed traffic conditions will be in place including reduced speed limits, presence of traffic control and temporary lane closures. Some traffic delays can be expected during the work.

Digital signs will be in place during and after the works are completed and the intersection is operating in its final configuration to advise motorists of changed traffic conditions.

The works will involve the use of handheld and large roadworks equipment, including rollers and asphalt machinery. All equipment is required to be operated within set noise and vibration limits.

During the work, you may experience construction noise, low levels of vibration and dust and notice an increase in heavy vehicle movements.

We are committed to minimising these impacts where possible.

December 2023

Stay up to date and find out more online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ trainmanufacturing Email qtmp@tmr.qld.gov.au Call 1800 271 176

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Have you read the copy of the Hinkler Regional Deal: AEC Group – Case for Change Report.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is building a new library and administration centre incorporating a disaster resilience centre in Pialba. The new building will overcome the significant deficiencies and constraints of the existing library in Pialba and the existing administration centre in Hervey Bay, in addition to providing a central facility for disaster resilience agencies to come together to respond to disaster events in the region. The purpose of this report is to highlight the need for change to construct the new library and administration centre, costs associated with the change, benefits attributable to the change and economic impacts resulting from the change.

Click here to read the case for change report

Special Membership Offer Join the Chamber as a member betweeen now and end of February and receive 50% off*. *offer only available to new members

Click here to sign up

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December 2023

Business Hervey Bay, we only have three venue spots and three business sponsors available for 2024!

Expresso Networking we only have three business sponsors available for 2024!

MAKING H E R V E Y B AY BUSINESS STRONGER

We have limited sponsorship opportunities still available for our members for 2024 to gain exposure for your business. Don’t miss this opportunity to put your business infront of a crowd.

Our Business Hervey Bay Events

We hold two Business Hervey Bay (BHB) events a month. The first Friday of each month we have a Expresso Networking event and on the third Friday of each month we have BHB networking drinks in the evening.

Business & Venue Sponsorship Rewards • •

Logo on all email marketing material and on our website, promoting the event.

Social media posts mentions on our three social media channels, @herveybaychamberofcommerce, @businessherveybay and @fraserproud.

• Speak to the attendees at the networking event for 5 mins.

• Place your signage at the event.

• Place brochures or promotional material on the tables at the event.

Expresso Networking Event Sponsorship Cost: $200 + $50 Lucky Door Prize Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks Event Sponsorship Cost: $200 + a $50 Lucky Door Prize Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks Event Venue Sponsorship Cost: 1 x free drink per person and supply canapes.

If you are interested in being a sponsor please email admin@herveybaychamber.com.au December 2023

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THE

Verena Fletcher

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2023 Verena Fletcher was a valued and vibrant member of the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee - a position she relished and juggled with her very busy life as the franchise owner, along with Gavin her husband, of Coffee Club Stocklands Hervey Bay and Eli Waters and the joys of family life with their two beautiful daughters.

We tragically lost Verena eight years ago and the Verena Fletcher Service of Excellence Award was established by the Chamber as a legacey to celebrate Verena’s relentless pursuitof the highest standards of customer service and the support she gave her people to be the very best retailers they could be.

FINALISTS

DANIEL SMITH yourtown HIGHLY COMMENDED

TARA DUERKOP Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre WINNER

JENNIFER MCCOSKER Sea Breeze Disability Support FINALIST

Dan has been a leader in the employment services industry for over 10 years.

The last 4.5 years have been supporting yourtown in the Transition to Work (TtW) program that assists young people aged 15-24 in their study and employment goals.

Tara is a Community Navigator with HBNC and, to date, she has supported almost 600 vulnerable community members to access a range of programs and services, including housing, emergency relief, financial support, employment, health and counselling.

This has included over 10,000 contacts made with (or on behalf of) these community members.

Jennifer is an outstanding carer always putting her clients needs first and finding ways to stimulate them with interesting activities. She goes out of her way to make sure their needs are met, spending her own money at times to achieve that. At just 21 she is running a business which she owns in partnership with her business partner.

Dan and his family moved from Sydney to Hervey Bay in April 2022 to bring the TtW program to Hervey Bay and support the local young people in realising their full potential.

Since the start of the program in July 2022, the Pialba team has placed over 320 young people into employment and/ or study.

Dan and his teams passion to support and guide the young people of Hervey Bay to obtain their true potential is unwavering.

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Outside of regular business hours, Tara attends the Neighbourhood Centre’s Comfort Kitchen weekly so that she is available to support or just chat with anyone that required it. She is also highly respected in the community and has developed effective working relationships with many local human service organisations.

Tara is a wonderful role model for the staff and clients and truly embodies the values of kindness, integrity and compassion while maintaining a professional approach.

December 2023

She goes above and beyond what’s needed to make sure her clients feel special and often takes on clients that others won’t.

Jennifer works hard and puts her client’s needs above her own.

THE

Verena Fletcher

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2023

WINNER TARA DUERKOP

Congratulations Tara has been awarded the Verena Fletcher Service of Excellence Award for demonstrating outstanding customer service, exceptional personal qualities and a passion for service excellence.

Brahe Fletcher, Lara Fletcher and Winner Tara Duerkop

Past Winners of the Verena Fletcher Service of Excellence Award 2016 Merissa De Souza 2017 Liz Stephens 2018 Jess Lane 2019 Renata Ishikura 2020 Tanya Slaven 2021 Sjuul Gorissen 2022 Hannah Scott Lara Fletcher, Brahe Fletcher and Highly Commended Daniel Smith December 2023

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Up & Coming Events in 2024

Save the Date

Expresso Networking Friday, 2nd February, 2024 at Villa Cavour

Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks Friday, 16th February, 2024, The Club House Hervey Bay 12

December 2023

Our Events Gallery - November Breakfast

December 2023

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Our Events Gallery - Christmas Drinks

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December 2023

Our Events Gallery - December Breakfast

December 2023

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Our Events Gallery - December Breakfast

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December 2023

Wondering what stores accept the Fraser Coast Gift Card, you can check all the retailers by clicking the link below: https://www.whyleavetown.com/community/fraser-coast/ Want to know where you can buy a Fraser Coast Gift Card?

Cards can be purchased ONLINE via the WLT website or from any of the Fraser Coast businesses (that we call “Load Up Stores”) listed below.

If you have larger orders of six or more cards then please use WLT’s BULK CARD ORDER FORM https://www.whyleavetown.com/bulk-card-orders Hervey Bay Battery World Hervey Bay Frox Fashions – Eli Waters Foodworks Hervey Bay Airport Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre

Maryborough Cockatoo Coffee Maryborough Visitor Information Centre Patchwork on Pallas The Hospital Café & Takeaway

December 2023

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Click here to view the results online

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December 2023

Chamber Chat with VP Lisa Daniel

We sat down with our Vice President Lisa Daniel to ask her some questions to get to know her better?

How long have you been on the Chamber Committee?

What do you like doing in your spare time?

There is always so much I want to do, including havI joined the Chamber in August 2018; it was my first ing fun! I love to walk in the wilderness, kayak along creeks, swim in the sea, get lost in my garden and year in Hervey Bay. wander the tidal flats with my dogs. I like to listen to What do you like about being involved with the the birds and try to count how many are singing at the same time – I can never get past about 8 before Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce?

The thing that attracted me to being part of the I get confused!

Chamber, and which still motivates me to be involved, is the enthusiasm of its President, committee What is your favourite motto? and membership to make Hervey Bay and the Fraser If you want an adventure then plan for fun!

Coast community a thriving and more vibrant place to work and live. That passion, by both the commit- Where is your favourite place you have travtee and members signals to me a community the elled? values its unique identify and wants to invest, both Most recently my favourite place was the Tarn Shelf commercially and socially, in making it a better place. in the Mt Field National Park, Tasmania – It was mind blowingly beautiful!

What is your favourite thing about the Fraser If you where stranded on an island what three Coast?

For me the Fraser Coast offers a regional coastal things would you have with you if you had a lifestyle without the hectic pace of more developed choice? towns and urban areas. We are lucky to have the As an avid camper and bush wanderer I think I’d gorgeous wild spaces and parklands along the espla- choose a tarp, a knife and a rope. nade and revealing the value we place on maintaining that lifestyle for the well-being and benefit of the whole community.

December 2023

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Keep a eye out for the December Fraser Coast Pulse Survey Sponsored by Kingfisher Bay Resort The Fraser Coast Business Pulse Survey - December 2023, will be sent via email to your inbox in the next couple of weeks.

Your input as a business on the Fraser Coast is so important and key to moving forward as a region.

This is your chance to have your business voice heard and help us advocate to the local council and both State and Federal Governments on behalf of businesses across the Fraser Coast region.

Have your say and complete the Fraser Coast Business Pulse Survey and go in the draw to win a Gift Voucher from Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari (Fraser Island).

Your holiday voucher includes:

You could win!!

Adventures on Queensland’s #1 bucket list destination begin here, at Kingfisher Bay Resort - your base to Fraser Island’s spectacular locations! Explore the world’s largest sand island with its ancient rainforests and beautiful dune lakes or cruise to find humpback whales and dolphins on the waters of Great Sandy Strait. The island is waiting to be discovered. Paradise awaits!

As Fraser Island’s premiere eco accommodation, Kingfisher Bay Resort offers an immersive escape to suit all travel types, with hotel rooms, 2 & 3-bedroom villas and holiday houses. Guests have access to ranger-guided

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activities, island tours and cruises departing daily, plus an array of restaurants, bars and culinary experiences for travellers to enjoy.

• 2 Nights in a Resort Room at Kingfisher Bay Resort for 2 adults • Daily Breakfast in the Sand and Wood Restaurant for 2 adults • Return Passenger ferry for 2 adults

Thank you to Kingfisher Bay Resort for being our December survey sponsor

December 2023

Queensland Beyond 2032 – At a glance The Beyond 2032 Business Outlook is a comprehensive, contemporary and long-term vision for the enduring economic, social and environmental future of Queensland.

Beyond 2032 was formed using decades of business data and insight, business stories and experiences from Gympie and the Gold Coast to Geneva and insight from Olympics host cities in Europe and the UK to set the scene for the Queensland Olympic and Paralympic Games opportunities against a global context.

This report is just the beginning. We will continue to lead the business agenda now and beyond 2032, with a forthcoming report which will offer further analysis, more rich data, comprehensive business stories and another valuable resource for future business and industry planning.

Click here to Read the Report

Charity of the Month

For each month the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce select a worthy charity to support, with raising gold coin donations at our Breakfast and Networking events.

It’s a great way for our local business people to give back to the community.

For the month of November and December we are collecting for Hervey Bay Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers Queensland is a registered charity and volunteer community organisation. Their purpose is to empower the community to provide information that supports the solving and prevention of crime. They have a vision of safer community, a safer Australia.

Crime Stoppers is Australia’s most trusted information receiving service for people wanting to share what they know about unsolved crimes and suspicious activity without saying who they are.

They were first established in 1989 and are a member of the Crime Stoppers Australia national collective of eight Crime Stopper organisations operating in every state and territory in Australia.

Their efforts encourage people to share what they know, especially for cross-border crimes such as illicit drug manufacture, importation and distribution, wanted fugitives and illegal firearms.

Donate Crime Stoppers Queensland Limited is urging businesses and individuals to help keep Queensland safe and liveable for its future generations by donating to support their program.

Support a grass roots community volunteer organisation that works tirelessly to help make our local communities safer today.

YOU can help deliver safer local communities in Queensland.

We work closely with police, media and the community to help solve, reduce and prevent crime by collecting information and passing on those details to police and other law enforcement agencies to help keep communities and families safe.

December 2023

Click here to donate 21

Connecting people with jobs in the Fraser Coast

www.frasercoastjobshub.com.au

SCAN ME

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December 2023