If you missed it, here are our 5 best stories of the week

IT HAS been another big week in the Gympie region and if you've been away or just missed one of our editions, here is what I reckon were our best 5 stories

Olivia and Sam Bradshaw their first Mothers Day. Picture: Renee Albrecht

IT HAS been another big week in the Gympie region and if you've been away or just missed one of our editions, here is what I reckon were our best 5 stories this week.

The best news of all was the almost billion dollar windfall this region received in the 2018 Federal Budget, most spectacularly the $800 million to start work on the final leg of the Cooroy to Curra bypass.

Keith Pitt, Deputy PM Michael McCormack, Shelley Strachan and Llew O'Brien celebrate $800 million funding for Section D. Picture: Scott Kovacevic

In bringing down the Budget, and in response to a question from Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack praised The Gympie Times for its role in making that fast-track of money happen, and for our joyful proclamation on the front page the day after the announcement.

Many other people might argue that, good as that $800 million was, the landslide election of former shire engineer Bob Fredman to represent Division 8 (the Mary Valley) at the Gympie Regional Council table was even better news.

Bob Fredman celebrates with family and friends. Picture: Contributed

I congratulate Mr Fredman and his dedicated wife Debbie on a well-run campaign and a well-earned victory, and after decades of working with him in his capacity as shire engineer, now look forward to working with him in the slightly different role of elected councillor.

Last Saturday, our front page headline was about the Mayor's annoyance at Gympie MP Tony Perrett's criticism of the Rattler spending blowouts, and his call for an audit.

Mayor Mick Curran rebuked Mr Perrett and reminded that he too had once supported the resurrection of The Rattler.

Gympie Regional Council bring down their first budget under Mayor Mick Curran. Mayor Mick Curran addressing council. Photo Greg Miller / Gympie Times. Picture: Greg Miller

Tomorrow, on the front page of The Gympie Times, will be Mr Perrett's somewhat delayed response to that. It might be slightly delayed, but Mr Perrett doesn't miss his mark, saying he won't be intimidated into stopping his criticism of what he believes is "people's hard earned money being thrown into a bottomless pit with no accountability”.

ICE SCOURGE: Gympie MP Tony Perrett and Dr Christian Rowan. Picture: Tom Daunt

Also in tomorrow's bumper Gympie Times is our 24-page Guide to the Gympie Show. Keep an eye out online for our MONSTER GUIDE TO THE GYMPIE SHOW - this will have every piece of information you need if you are heading to this year's Show: ticket prices and where to get them, show bags varieties and how much they cost, what rides are at the Show this year, the full program and a big MAP so you know exactly where everything is, and can find it without too much trouble.

CLICK HERE: 10 rides you don't want to miss at the Gympie Show

CLICK HERE: Jam packed program for 3 big days at the Gympie Show

XSCREAM Soundwave. Picture: Contributed

Call the GUIDE up on your mobile phone while you are at the Show and make everything just a little bit easier.

Anyway it's getting close to deadline so I am going to sign off. Hope you have all had a great week and are looking forward to a nice day with your mums and daughter and grandmothers on Sunday.

I'll be heading to Rainbow Beach with my mum and my extended family for a nice swim and a Mother's Day lunch. Enjoy. Catch you next week.

Originally published as If you missed it, here are our 5 best stories of the week