I’m writing to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Queenslanders for their support of The Smith Family’s 2016 Winter Appeal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We launched the Appeal in May to raise $3.65 million by June 30 to support the education of disadvantaged children across Australia.
Our Appeal highlighted the impact of severe financial disadvantage on the education of a child.
For the 638,000 children living in jobless families across Australia, every day at school can be a struggle.
These children often miss out on excursions and camps, can feel isolated and alone, and are at risk of disengaging from learning.
Without educational support and extra resources, they may never reach their potential or find a pathway out of poverty.
It is heartening that our call to “end poverty – one student at a time” through education resonated with so many people in the community, who responded with great generosity to our Appeal.
I would like to thank every individual who made a donation.
Your support will allow us to provide out-of-school learning and mentoring programs to more than 9000 disadvantaged children across Australia this Term 3 and 4.
Please know that you are helping make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of disadvantaged children, helping them to thrive at school and to create a better future for themselves.
Alan Le May,
Queensland General Manager
The Smith Family
Fraudulent ‘Failure to Vote’ penalty notices
The Electoral Commission of Queensland has been notified of fraudulent and unofficial Failure to Vote Penalty Notices being issued to Queensland residents.
These notices can be identified by the following misinformation:
- A reference to the “Australian Electoral Commission Queensland” in the return address
- A penalty amount of $168.00
- There is no date on the letter
- Includes the term “Arrears Amount” in the payment details
- A direction to only pay via the internet using direct debit
The notice states the penalty is for not voting in the recent federal election.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland does not administer the federal elections and does not issue penalties for failure to vote in federal elections.
The Commission urges any person who has received such a notice to contact the Electoral Commission of Queensland on 1300 881 665.
Electoral Commission of Queensland
Facebook Feedback
Our readers were unhappy about the news of 9% general rates increases from Mount Isa City Council.
Matthew Seymour – What about the out of town stations that that get nothing at all
Colin Watt So tell us dear members of council what do we get for all this money that you fleece from rate payers
Kim Reitano Shame on the council team! With Mount Isa people hurting with the mining downturn this decision is seriously bad timing!
Carmen Goodger What I want to know is who has a rates bill of $820??? Disgraceful and another kick in the teeth
Jonard de Leon One step forward....ten step backwards.....very helpful....that's why people leaving and gamble theirs property.
Monique David Gledson We have been here for a number of years and bought hear, the rates are 2 times higher than Logan city for five acres and 3 times higher than Tasmania for 34 acres. So really why I must ask are the rates so high. We have no recycling at the curb side and we get nothing extra for theses rates. I think it is a disgrace that an outback town has such high rates.