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It was a fantastic start to the New Year here on the southern Gold Coast, with plenty of celebrations and activities happening in our great region.

Along with the new year celebrations, we had the fantastic Varsity World Street Food and Entertainment Festival [[link removed]]. This year's event was a great success that lit up Varsity Parade!

Of course, we also had our incredible Australia Day celebrations! [[link removed]]

I was fortunate to preside over two citizenship ceremonies [[link removed]]where we welcomed nearly 150 new Aussies on the Gold Coast. Amongst our new citizens are some incredible stories of perseverance and sacrifice, all adding to our country's rich story.

The Burleigh Ceremony in the morning [[link removed]] is always a highlight, overlooking the beautiful beach. It was a pleasure to welcome new citizens with so many of our local representatives present to share in the celebrations, as it was in the afternoon at Mudgeeraba [[link removed]]!

The gratitude and pride in every new Australian should strengthen our resolve to contribute to our community and celebrate the opportunities we enjoy in this nation.

In between ceremonies, I headed to Schuster Park [[link removed]] where the Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads put on a great event, bringing together so many community groups in celebration.

Of course schools across our community have launched into the 2023 [[link removed]] school year - a big shout out to our enthusiastic teachers who are back and ready to help our students achieve great things!

Also in the community, nominations for my annual McPherson Community Achiever Awards [[link removed]] have been coming through. Nominations close on the 24th of February - you can nominate here [[link removed]].

Federally, the real priorities of the Albanese government have become apparent - with the Prime Minister spending more time at the tennis than he did in Alice Springs, where a serious crisis is putting lives at risk every day. [[link removed]]

Regrettably, the Government has made significant cuts to mental health services under Medicare [[link removed]]. Funding in this area is desperately needed, and the Coalition is calling for these unfair cuts to be reversed - you can make your voice heard by signing this petition. [[link removed]]

Finally, I want to acknowledge the late Jim Molan - a great colleague and friend of mine. [[link removed]] Senator Molan contributed an incredible amount to our country and will be sadly missed.

We have a big year ahead of us, as a community and country, so please feel free to reach out to my office if I can assist you with anything.

Kind Regards,

Karen Andrews MP

Federal Member for McPherson

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Postal Address: PO Box 409, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227

Email: karen.andrews.mp@ [mailto:[email protected]] aph.gov.au [mailto:[email protected]?subject=Response%20from%20E-News]

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Phone: (07) 5580 9111

Fax: (07) 5580 9700

Authorised by Karen Andrews MP, 47 Watts Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227