Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne has praised the generosity and community spirit of local residents, highlighting successful breast cancer fundraisers, outstanding school achievements and the importance of remembering Australia’s fallen servicemen and women.
Speaking with Damien Lee on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, Ms Bourne reflected on a busy period across the electorate, including a seniors morning tea attended by more than 80 residents, preparations for the annual Ipswich City Toy Run and an upcoming joint mobile office with Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard.
Ipswich State High student recognised for community leadership
Ms Bourne has congratulated students, families and teachers following the Ipswich State High School Awards ceremony.
This year, she introduced a new Community Leadership Award to recognise a student who had demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to their school community.
The inaugural award was presented to Lola O’Brien, who was nominated by Ipswich State High School.
“This year I decided to introduce a Community Leadership Award, and the school was able to nominate a student,” Ms Bourne said.
“They nominated Lola O’Brien as the person to receive that leadership award, and she was absolutely delighted.”
Ms Bourne said Lola received several awards throughout the evening, reflecting her achievements and contributions.
The MP also congratulated the wider graduating class and those who had supported students throughout their education.
“I’d just like to pass on a huge congratulations to all the graduating students, to the families, teachers and school staff who’ve supported them all along the way,” she said.
Ms Bourne is also looking forward to upcoming awards ceremonies at Rosewood State High School and West Moreton Anglican College.
Lisa’s Lunches raises $30,000 for families affected by cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has brought the Ipswich community together, with several fundraising events raising significant amounts for people affected by cancer.
Ms Bourne said she had attended approximately five or six awareness events, each demonstrating the generosity of local residents and businesses.
One standout event was a fundraiser for Lisa’s Lunches, which raised approximately $30,000.
“On Sunday, I went to Lisa’s Lunches, and they raised an amazing $30,000,” Ms Bourne said.
“I don’t think that number will stop there. I think people will still keep contributing.”
Lisa’s Lunches was established in 2019 in memory of local mother Lisa Houston, who died from cancer at just 39 years old.
The charity provides practical assistance to families experiencing difficult circumstances, including lunch packs, hot meals, gift cards and other forms of support.
Ms Bourne praised the organisation for the difference it continues to make in the community.
The fundraiser’s success highlighted the willingness of Ipswich residents to support families facing serious illness and financial pressures.
Hope in Pink fundraiser raises more than $30,000
Another major fundraising success came through the Hope in Pink event organised by Fiorella Miles.
Ms Bourne said Ms Miles, who is also heavily involved with the Rosewood Show Society, had raised more than $30,000 through her fundraising efforts.
“She’s actually third on the list for raising the most money, and she’s raised well over $30,000 as well,” Ms Bourne said.
The event featured a lively atmosphere, including an unexpected moment involving the MP dancing in a car park alongside two people dressed as hippopotamuses wearing pink bows.
West Bremer Radio presenter Damien Lee jokingly reminded Ms Bourne of the moment during their interview.
“Yes, I did get sprung,” she laughed.
Ms Bourne said the fun and entertainment were part of what made the fundraiser so memorable.
She thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the events, including volunteers, businesses and community organisations.
“A huge thank you must go out to all the organisations, the volunteers, the local businesses who supported them and everyone who donated,” she said.
“So much work goes into these events, and the community really showed up for them.”
Ipswich West communities pause for Remembrance Day
The conversation also turned to Remembrance Day, with Ms Bourne reflecting on the moving commemorations held across Ipswich West on November 11.
She attended a service at the Ipswich Railway Workshops, describing the occasion as particularly meaningful.
“It was a very moving service yesterday at the Ipswich Railway Workshops,” she said.
Commemorations were also held in several other communities across the electorate, including Marburg, Pine Mountain, Karalee, Rosewood and Ripley Valley.
Ms Bourne said her team had worked to attend and support as many services as possible.
“There were a lot of services happening yesterday across Ipswich West,” she said.
The services provided opportunities for residents to honour those who served in Australia’s armed forces and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ipswich City Toy Run prepares to spread Christmas cheer
With Christmas approaching, Ms Bourne is encouraging residents to support the annual Ipswich City Toy Run.
Organised by the Lockyer branch of the Ulysses Club, the event brings motorcycle enthusiasts and community members together to collect gifts for children.
Ms Bourne confirmed that her electorate office would serve as a toy donation collection point.
“The Ulysses Club, the Lockyer branch, they put on the annual Ipswich City Toy Run every year, and we said we’ll be one of the donation collection points,” she said.
“If your listeners have any spare gifts lying around and they’d like to share them with the children, please don’t hesitate to call into my office and drop them here.”
During the interview, Damien Lee encouraged residents to consider purchasing one additional gift while doing their Christmas shopping.
The extra present could then be donated to the toy run to help brighten Christmas for a child.
Ms Bourne welcomed the suggestion and thanked West Bremer Radio for its involvement in broadcasting the annual event.
“Thank you to you also for broadcasting this event live. You’re to be congratulated for doing that,” she said.
The Ipswich City Toy Run is scheduled to take place in December.
Seniors morning tea attracts more than 80 residents
Ms Bourne has also celebrated the success of a seniors morning tea, which attracted more than 80 local residents.
The event provided an opportunity for seniors to socialise, enjoy refreshments and connect with community organisations.
A surprise performance by the Queensland Police Pipe Band was among the highlights.
Ms Bourne thanked Sergeant Nadine Webster, a local police community officer, for helping arrange the performance.
“Unbeknownst to me, she got the Queensland Police Pipe Band to come along,” Ms Bourne said.
“The seniors who attended the event not only enjoyed the sandwiches and the cakes and the cup of tea, they got a pipe band as well.”
The musicians, dressed in traditional kilts, provided entertainment that delighted those in attendance.
Ms Bourne said the morning also featured raffles, information stalls and plenty of opportunities for conversation.
“It was just such a beautiful morning, and it was great to go around the room and chat with the locals and listen to the everyday things that they’re doing,” she said.
Following the positive response, Ms Bourne confirmed she intends to make the seniors morning tea an annual event.
Joint mobile office at Yamanto Central this Saturday
Residents will have an opportunity to raise local concerns directly with their state representatives at an upcoming joint mobile office.
Ms Bourne will join Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard at Yamanto Central on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to midday.
The session will allow residents to discuss community issues, seek assistance or simply meet their local MPs.
“I’m doing a joint mobile office with Jennifer Howard, the Member for Ipswich,” Ms Bourne said.
“We’ll be at Yamanto Central on Saturday from 10 till 12.”
Ms Bourne encouraged shoppers and residents visiting the centre to stop by.
“If you’ve got any concerns that you’d like to raise with us, we’d love to hear from you,” she said.
Community connections remain a priority
From celebrating student achievements to supporting cancer fundraisers and connecting with senior residents, Ms Bourne said the past few weeks had demonstrated the strength of community spirit across Ipswich West.
The MP also highlighted the importance of supporting local charities and recognising the volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others.
With Christmas approaching, residents are being encouraged to contribute to the Ipswich City Toy Run and continue supporting community initiatives.
Upcoming community information:
- Joint mobile office: Saturday, November 14, 10am–12pm, Yamanto Central, with Wendy Bourne MP and Jennifer Howard MP.
- Ipswich City Toy Run: December 2026, organised by the Ulysses Club Lockyer branch.
- Toy donations: Accepted at Wendy Bourne’s electorate office.
- Seniors morning tea: Ms Bourne plans to make the event an annual community gathering.
The interview featured on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, providing regular updates from local state representatives on issues, events and initiatives affecting the Ipswich region.
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