28 September 2009

I have been extremely proud over the past week to witness the strength shown by the community since the terrible fire at Silkstone State School. I say the community because everyone has been affected by this terrible incident, not just the school. I have lost count of the number of people who have expressed their sadness and outrage about the fire. Together, as a community, we will pull together to support the school and its students and teachers as they work to overcome this great loss.

A special partnership was recognised last week when I joined with my fellow mayors, Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate and Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie, along with RAAF representatives for the official signing of the Communities for Air Force Agreement. Through this historic agreement we have pledged to support the RAAF Base at Amberley in Ipswich’s case and at Williamtown in the case of Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Happy Birthday to Les Burger who celebrated his 80th birthday last weekend with family, friends and members of the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale. Special congratulations must go as well to John Gehrke for his 90th birthday. The Rosewood resident also celebrated last weekend with his large family which includes seven children, 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. We hope Les and John both enjoyed their special celebrations.

The crowd at Ipswich Fitness have been keeping Ipswich residents fit and trim for the past 10 years. They celebrated their 10th birthday in the Ipswich Mall last Thursday with a special open day.

I spent last Thursday with Queensland Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson out at Springfield. It was great to be able to show him around the area and discuss the tremendous things that are happening in the city, and particularly Springfield, in the education and training field.

Tomorrow morning I will represent the city at a special local National Police Remembrance Day service at the James Sangster Memorial in Browns Park, North Ipswich. The day remembers all officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and gives us a chance to honour the members of our wonderful police service who play such an important role in our community. We salute you, not just on National Police Remembrance Day, but all year round.

It will also be my honour next Saturday (October 3) to open the second annual drowning awareness function held in conjunction with Hannah’s Foundation. I am pleased to be able to lend my support to such an important occasion and now that the warmer weather is here, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant whenever they are in contact with the water.