Housing affordability, support for vulnerable residents and the search for practical solutions have dominated discussions at a packed Ipswich housing forum, with Bundamba MP Lance McCallum saying some of the stories shared by residents were “heartbreaking”.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, Mr McCallum said the recent forum at Brothers Leagues Club attracted a standing-room-only crowd eager to discuss the growing pressures facing renters, homeowners and people trying to enter the property market.
Opposition Leader Steven Miles and Shadow Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon joined Mr McCallum, Ipswich Labor MPs and Inala MP Margie Nightingale for the community discussion.
“Our community turned out in huge numbers for our Ipswich housing forum,” Mr McCallum said.
“The room was packed and we were talking about all of the issues, whether it’s renting and rental increases, people not being able to afford mortgages or get into the housing market and, of course, vulnerable people that are homeless.”
Residents share housing experiences
Mr McCallum said one of the most valuable aspects of the forum was hearing directly from residents affected by housing pressures.
While participants raised problems, he said there was also a strong emphasis on identifying practical ideas and potential solutions.
“We’re a practical community and we call it as it is and we don’t mind pointing out a problem where there is one,” he said.
“But the important thing is we keep working and we work for solutions.”
Mr McCallum said some residents spoke about having to leave their homes, describing their experiences as heartbreaking.
However, he said the willingness of people to share their experiences and contribute constructively had left him with a sense of optimism.
“The generosity of people sharing their stories and always looking for constructive solutions actually filled me with a great deal of pride and hope,” he said.
Residents who were unable to attend the forum but want to share their housing experiences are being encouraged to contact Mr McCallum’s Bundamba electorate office on 3447 9100.
Child protection workers to be recognised
Attention will also turn to some of the region’s frontline workers as the Ipswich Child Protection Week Awards are held at the newly refurbished Jacaranda Function Centre at Goodna.
Mr McCallum said Child Protection Week provided an important opportunity to recognise people working in what could be extremely challenging circumstances.
“Our frontline child protection workers do an absolutely vital and incredible job,” he said.
“They don’t get enough thanks in my opinion.”
Mr McCallum said protecting vulnerable children required dedicated people prepared to work through circumstances that could be difficult and confronting.
“It takes a really, really special person to be able to do that,” he said.
He said he was looking forward to joining local workers at the awards and recognising their contribution to children and families across the region.
Davis Cup tickets up for grabs
Tennis fans living in the Bundamba electorate also have the chance to win two tickets to Australia’s Davis Cup tie against Poland.
The tie will be held at the Queensland Tennis Centre on September 20, with Mr McCallum giving away a pair of tickets to local constituents.
Residents of the Bundamba electorate can enter by emailing their name and address to bundamba@parliament.qld.gov.au.
The successful entrant will receive the two tickets to cheer on Australia.
Spring Fest returns to Springfield
Mr McCallum is also encouraging residents to head to Robelle Domain this Saturday for the annual PAMA Spring Fest.
Presented by the Philippines-Australia Multicultural Association, the festival brings together multicultural food, performances, stalls and entertainment in a celebration of the diversity of Greater Springfield and the wider Ipswich community.
Mr McCallum said it had established itself as a major local celebration.
“It’s always a huge, huge celebration of culture and of food,” he said.
“I’d really encourage anyone who has some time on Saturday to pop down to Robelle Domain in Springfield and come and check out all the stalls [and] all the wonderful performances.”
He also praised Jomar and the PAMA team for their work organising the festival.
Mobile office at Redbank Plains
Residents wanting to speak directly with their local MP will have another opportunity on Thursday afternoon.
Mr McCallum will hold a mobile office at Cafe 63 in Redbank Plains from 3pm, inviting locals to drop in and raise issues affecting them or their neighbourhood.
“I would invite everyone to come down for a chat and a cuppa,” he said.
The mobile office forms part of Mr McCallum’s regular efforts to meet constituents outside his electorate office and hear directly about local concerns.
With housing pressures, child protection, multicultural celebrations and community engagement all on the agenda, Mr McCallum said it would be another busy week across the Bundamba electorate.
0 Comments