5 October 2009

Ipswich residents have been opening their hearts and wallets to help those left devastated by the tsunami in Samoa and American Samoa. Council is contributing $10,000 towards the tsunami’s victims. Ipswich is feeling the loss keenly as it is home to a very large Samoan community. Our city has a deep connection with Samoa and I was honoured and very proud earlier this year to be given the title of Samoan high chief - Afioga Lautoamapapafaasasa (pronounced Lotoa - MarParpar - Far – SarSar).

I thank Leighton Contractors for the wonderful project they unveiled for the city last Friday – the Regeneration of Woogaroo Creek Riparian Zone in Leslie Park at Goodna. The company created the legacy project involving the planting of 400 native trees and plants in the park to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the Ipswich Motorway upgrade. This project is a wonderful gesture on Leighton’s behalf which will enhance our natural environment.

I enjoyed taking part in the Brentwood Rise Community Consultation session on Saturday. This area continues to grow and develop and it is wonderful as always to welcome a steady stream of new residents to our city.

The National Servicemen’s Association christened their new trailer at a family BBQ lunch at the Swanbank Picnic Reserve on Sunday. The organisation provides a wonderful support network to local servicemen through the Ipswich and West Moreton District Branch.

Congratulations must go to the members of the SeniorNet association who are seniors who assist other seniors to use computers and the internet. The association is holding its 13th annual general meeting today and council is proud to be able to support this long running community asset.

I also want to acknowledge the wonderful work being done in the area of drowning awareness by Andrew and Katherine Plint. The couple established the charity Hannah’s Foundation after losing their beautiful daughter Hannah when she drowned in their backyard pool two years ago. In her memory the foundation was born and the Plints have become tireless advocates for water safety. I am sure that there are many youngsters still alive today through the awareness they have created. They have my full support and that of the city and I was pleased to be able to officially open the second annual drowning awareness function held by the foundation last Saturday.

Tomorrow night (October 6) I will join with Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women Karen Struthers for the official opening of a special exhibition in the Ipswich Community Gallery featuring the work of youth from the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre.