It has been a busy few weeks here in the Gladstone Region, with our community coming together to celebrate a range of local events, such as Ecofest and the Mount Larcom Show….

I wanted to take the opportunity of this month’s “Fuel for Thought” column to advise you of a leadership change at QER. I am retiring shortly, and we have hired Warren Wyld to take up the position of General Manager….

Our Laboratory Manager, Melissa and I were lucky enough recently to be part of the National Youth Science Forum representative dinner held in conjunction with the local combined Rotary Clubs.

Naturally, in the current crisis there is much talk about finding alternative sources of fuel for the future. I thought I would have a go at explaining how different kinds of oil make different kinds of fuel and why that’s important in the discussion.

It’s tragic and disturbing to see conflict anywhere in the world. We know many lives are lost or changed forever in war and hope that peace will be swiftly restored ….

When I’m out and about in Gladstone, my lovely wife and friends are well aware of my choice of funky, bright and colourful shirts. Those shirts were “somewhat unique” and have copped a few jibes over the years, as well as starting a few conversations.

As we rummage through the Christmas leftovers, most of us don’t have to think too hard about our next meal. But have you ever wondered how food production can keep up with the rapidly growing world population?

Coming into the Christmas period I thought it is a good time to reflect on road safety. Last year over 12 days of the Christmas holiday period, 38 families across Australia were shattered; losing loved ones to the road toll.

Ok…I know that’s a pretty heavy question for this time of year when most of us are thinking about such important matters as the Melbourne Cup, the looming Christmas break and how quickly the year has disappeared.