Public transport accessibility and the contributions of women in the community were among the key issues discussed by Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne ahead of International Women’s Day this weekend.
Celebrating Women in the Ipswich Community
Ms Bourne said the annual event, celebrated on Sunday, provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across the Ipswich West electorate.
She highlighted several local women making an impact in the community, including First Nations leader Aunty Marly Hooper, who has helped pioneer Indigenous language programs at Leichhardt State School.
Other examples included women-led businesses such as the Rista Sisters Café in Brassall and the Fearless Females fitness community in North Ipswich, which provides a supportive and inclusive environment for women.
“Every year I’m reminded of the incredible women we have across the Ipswich West community,” Ms Bourne said.
Accessibility Concerns After Bus Incident
The MP also raised concerns about public transport accessibility after a local resident with a disability was reportedly left waiting at a bus stop after being denied service.
The incident involved a young man using a wheelchair who was left at the Willowbank bus station with his support worker during hot weather.
Ms Bourne said the bus operator had confirmed the driver would receive further training but she believed broader disability awareness training was needed across the industry.
“I don’t think this is about one individual driver — it’s about making sure operators have the right training in place,” she said.
The issue will be raised with Bus Queensland in Parliament, with Ipswich Labor MPs seeking further information about driver training and disability access policies.
Ms Bourne also plans to travel on local buses with disability advocate Peter Tully to better understand the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities.
New School Facilities Underway
Construction has also begun on a new classroom building at Leichhardt State School, alongside the development of a new Leichhardt Special School nearby.
The project will expand educational facilities in the growing community, although discussions are ongoing around parking arrangements following changes to the site.
Community Engagement Continues
Ms Bourne also welcomed hundreds of new citizens at a recent Ipswich citizenship ceremony, describing it as a “full circle moment” as a migrant herself who moved to Australia from Scotland as a child.
The Ipswich West MP will hold a mobile office with federal MP Shayne Neumann at Harry’s Café in Rosewood this Saturday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, where residents can raise local or federal issues.
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