Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to bring to the House's attention to the fact that the Central Highlands Easter Sunflower Festival is being held in Emerald, Central Queensland in 2014. This will mark 38 years of the festival being held. The dates of the festival are from 16 to 21 April, and the week-long activities and festivities will include art exhibitions and decorated window competitions throughout the townships of Emerald—my office is also getting into the spirit; we have just planted sunflowers outside the electoral office. There will also be street parades, a horserace day, and the crowning of the sunflower queen and junior princess. The town welcomes many visitors during this time.

A special welcome was extended to Canadian visitors from Emerald's sister city of Altona, Manitoba. In July this year, our Canadian friends will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their own sunflower festival. I wish all the entrants the very best in the competition, and all the best with the fundraising activities for their chosen charities. Thank you to the Central Highlands Easter Sunflower Festival committee for their enthusiasm and for ensuring the continuance of this festival for the past 38 years. Thanks also go to the Central Highlands Regional Council, to past and present sunflower queens and princesses, and to the Central Highlands community for making this a very successful event indeed. If you are looking for something— (Time expired)

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