Dear Neighbours,
Inner-city neighbourhoods have long been a refuge for diverse communities and alternative ways of living. The Gabba Ward, in particular, has historically been home to some of Brisbane's most culturally diverse, creative and working-class communities. Along with this rich tapestry of cultures, our proximity to everything has led to a population boom in recent years. With so many people wishing to call the inner city home, it's clear there's something uniquely appealing about the community and lifestyle these urban neighbourhoods offer.
Empowering residents to have more control over how their neighbourhoods change is essential to ensure these changes benefit everyone, not just the wealthy few.
As your Councillor, I want to know your thoughts about life in our inner-city neighbourhoods. What do you love? What do you find challenging? Do you have any burning ideas for how we can improve life for inner-city residents?
At the Kurilpa Derby, we launched Thrive, a ward-wide community engagement project that will shape my priorities as your Councillor. I invite you all to events to have your say so that together, we can build a vision for our communities to Thrive.
Upcoming workshops and opportunities
- Kangaroo Point Forum: Tuesday 3 October, 6-8pm, Radio 4EB Studio, 140 Main St, Kangaroo Point
- Laura Street Festival (interactive stall): Saturday 15 October, Laura St, Highgate Hill.
- West End Community Workshop: Saturday 4 November, 2-4pm, Charles Lisner Studio, Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Rd, West End
- Woolloongabba Community Workshop: Saturday 11 November, 1-3pm, VHS, 50 Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba
- Drop-in Stall: Saturday 18 November, 10am-6pm, Meanjin Reggae Festival, Musgrave Park, South Brisbane
If you can’t make it to your local workshop, don’t worry, there will be other opportunities to share your thoughts!
We’re in the final stages of processing the feedback from Kurilpa Derby and other informal sessions to launch a Ward-wide online survey to allow every resident to have the opportunity to hear the suggestions coming from the community so far, and add their ideas to the mix.
Kurilpa Library Opening hours update
The Gabba Ward Office has spent years advocating to extend the opening times of the Kurilpa Library. So I'm stoked that from 3 October 2023, Kurilpa Library is open Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm and Tuesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm.
While this is an excellent positive step that I'm proud to have delivered, much work still needs to be done. On top of a much-needed expansion to accommodate our growing population, addressing the Kurilpa Library's accessibility issues and lack of bathroom facilities is my top priority.
If you’d like to see the Kurilpa Library expanded and made accessible for all residents, please email the Lord Mayor at [email protected] and Cr Vicki Howard (Chair for Community, Arts, and Night Time Economy) at [email protected] & [email protected] to express your support and add voice to our advocacy at the Gabba Ward Office.
Homelessness Connect Drive
Homeless Connect is a one-day event which provides free services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The next Homeless Connect is coming up on Friday, 3 November, and we are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries for the event at the Gabba Ward Office.
The most needed donation items include:
- Canned tuna and salmon
- Canned soup and vegetables
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant
- Rice and pasta
- Shaving blades and cream
- Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
The donations drive closes Friday, 20 October 2023.
My office is open to receive donations from 9am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday. If you can’t make it during these hours, call us at 3403 2165 to arrange an after-hours collection.
Come to Laura Street Festival!
Come to Laura Street Festival in Highgate Hill on Sunday, October 15, for a free festival of music, dance, roving performance, arts, workshops, presentations and children’s activities.
Laura Street Festival presents over 30 musicians and bands, including Zumpa, Accomplice Collective, Revelation Groove, Good Tunes, Carnaval Republic & Riff Raff. Sing, dance, move, and connect with various workshops.
There will be plenty of entertainment to excite children including a kids yoga workshop, a native trees and wildlife activities workshop, and kids rock band Blu Tac. Laura Street Festival is a drug-free, alcohol-free and tobacco-free event.
The festival is entirely volunteer run and is currently seeking expressions of interest. Sign up here to support this incredible community event!
WE Stand for YES at Davies Park
On Sunday 8th of October you are invited to join residents, local organisations and your networks to WE Stand for YES.
Referendum day, October 14 2023 is a powerful historic moment for Australia. This Referendum is about the recognition of First Nations people through the Voice to Parliament, a permanent body to advise on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.
Please share this event invitation widely. Hundreds are needed to fill the oval. The Human Sign image of our community’s solidarity with Yes will be filmed and shared widely.
Come and join us? RSVP for the event here.
Pride and the return of the religious discrimination bill
On Saturday 22nd September I marched alongside LGBTQI+ Folx and allies at Brisbane Pride. I was also proud to attend Meanjin People's Pride community BBQ and the BNE Pride Fair Day both at Musgrave Park.
Many conversations across the day led me to a reflection on where PRIDE began, as a protest spearheaded by Trans women of colour. Though we have progressed, homosexuality is decriminalised and same sex marriage has been enacted, there is still an ongoing struggle for LGBTIQI+ Folx community members. From discrimination, public vilification, disproportionate mental health impacts, housing and police brutality, there are still many threats to the safety and rights of the queer community.
This is made evident by the potential return of the Religious Discrimination Bill to federal parliament. First introduced early in 2022 by Scott Morrison’s Government, the bill has been under review and is due to be reintroduced now by the current Labor Government. This bill is a dangerous piece of legislation that will put the lives of LGBTQI+ lives at risk. Sign our petition to ensure this future bill never passes!
Brisbane Seniors Online HQ (BSOL)
In August I visited Brisbane Seniors Online HQ in Woolloongabba. It was great to check out the space, speak with BSOL president Ron and meet members of this not-for-profit volunteer organisation. BSOL provides training on computers, tables and smartphones for people over 50 across the Greater Brisbane area. Members of BSPL receive numerous mentoring sessions and access to various benefits.
BSOL is currently in need of volunteers to support the office as well as to provide mentoring.
Check out the BSOL website here for more information on how to join and support this excellent community, or to participate if you or a senior you know could use some support navigating new technology.
Please note: Membership is $20 to join and $45 per year ongoing.
Gabba Ward Tree Notifications
One Bauhinia spp (Orchid Tree) is going to be removed at Orleigh Park, West End as it has died. I can confirm that replacement plantings will be planted at the location.
A Delonix regia (Poinciana) located next to 114A Hill End Terrace in Orleigh Park has been reported as having a crack. Council inspectors have installed orange mesh and are examining the viability of having tree supports installed under some branches to give the tree some stability and prevent tree failure.
Kingfisher Creek Draft Plan Consultation
The Norman Creek Catchment, of which Kingfisher Creek is a part, is an important tributary of the Brisbane River. As part of the Norman Creek 2012 -2031 Master Plan consultation is now open for feedback on the Kingfisher Creek corridor draft concept plan.
The online survey will close 11.59pm Sunday 8 October.
Best wishes,
Taylor