As a nation, we are currently riding a roller coaster of emotions as we deal with a second wave of COVID, while celebrating the incredible achievements of our sporting champions - at Wimbledon and the Olympics.
McPherson has 17 athletes competing in Tokyo and I know Australia's early success is already boosting spirits. Gold Coast local Emma McKeon will come home with a swag of medals following her record-breaking performances in the pool.
We're also seeing daily COVID-vaccination records broken - with around 200,000 people now rolling up their sleeves daily. More than 75 per cent of over 70s, and more than one third of the eligible population have received at least their first dose.
Australian Border Force has cleared the way for 1 million doses of the pfizer vaccine to enter Australia each week, with four and a half million doses to arrive in August alone.
Vaccines are a key element to our pathway out of COVID - and part of our four-phase plan outlined by the Prime Minister.
As Home Affairs Minister, I am working on plans to reopen our international border when it is safe to do so. I recently visited the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal to review Australian Border Force's preparations for resumption of the international cruise industry - once the health advice supports it.
The Morrison Government also remains committed to creating jobs. I was thrilled to learn that two companies on the southern Gold Coast will be employing more staff, after receiving grants through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund.
Currumbin Minerals is establishing a $3.8 million minerals sands processing facility right here on the southern Gold Coast. While, Delphi Measurement will invest in automated equipment to modernise their Burleigh production facility and enhance workers’ skill sets.
Federal grants provide such positive impacts on our community and I enjoyed seeing the benefits while recently visiting local schools with Trevor Evans MP. As the Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor was impressed by the steps being taken by Palm Beach Currumbin SHS to become more environmentally sustainable.
At Varsity College we officially opened the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Garden and saw first-hand how students and teachers are embracing their ourdoor classroom.
Our final visit was to Robina teen '10 Cent Tom' who collects cans and bottles to fund his dream of opening his own recycling depot and employing people with a disability. He's searching for an industrial zoned site, and if you can help - contact Tom via Facebook.
Take care,
