Beattie Adds Voice to Granite Belt Opera
Published Sunday, 05 May, 2002 at 12:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie
It will be his fourth visit to the region in less than 18 months.
"I love it up there. Although I hope it is not too cool - the friendly hospitality and a sample of the local product will keep us happy I'm sure," he said.
Mr Beattie and his wife, Dr Heather Beattie, are to be among 2500 people expected to attend the 10th Opera.
"The visit is another tangible way to also show my support for our ever-improving wine industry and to support a most worthy charity event.
"I also want to keep Lawrence Springborg (Member for Southern Downs) guessing. I don't think we could oust him but you never know!"
Opera in the Vineyard is held on the Ballandean Estate of Angelo Puglisi.
All performers are professional opera singers who offer their time for the Stanthorpe Rotary Club's major fund-raising venture.
The major beneficiary is the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. Early funds raised went towards the Lodge which provides accommodation for country cancer patients whilst they receive treatment.
More recently, support has been given to the Leukaemia Foundation Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and future funds will go towards refurbishment of cancer wards at the Wesley.
Other health related organisations also benefit from the opera and these include the Royal Flying Doctor Service; the Mater Mothers' Hospital; the Royal Children's Hospital; Brisbane's Hear and Say Centre, Stanthorpe Blue Nursing Association and RACQ Careflight helicopter service.
More than $80,000 was raised from the last Opera in the Vineyard.
"We are keen to play a role in helping with that most worthy of efforts.
"The visit also allows us a chance to say 'thank you' to the Granite Belt and Ballendean Estates for making our last trade mission to the United States so successful.
"While there we were able to assist Ballendean Estate get into the United States market. That came about by my insistence on using only Queensland wines at Government functions.
"The Governor of South Carolina liked the wines at one of those functions and the rest in history," he said.
The Premier was on the Granite Belt in November 2000 to unveil the Wallangarra Border Gates and in October he took part in the historic Henry Parkes re-enactment and in February for the Beattie Government's 46th Community Cabinet meeting.
Media contact: John Algate 07 3224 4500