On a positive note, plenty has been happening in the
Aspley electorate for this year’s Seniors Week. Over 9,000 seniors are based in my electorate and there
are a total of nine aged-care facilities which they call home. As I noted last year, I continue to be
impressed by the efforts of the hardworking staff to not only look after the residents on a day-to-day
basis but also take the initiative to organise activities that foster community spirit, particularly in Seniors
Week. Many seniors in my area are enjoying a good innings and getting the most out of their lives. For
example, seven of the residents at Compton Gardens were telling me last week that they just got back
from a cruise to the Whitsundays.
Last week I attended morning teas at Compton Gardens, Aveo Bridgeman Downs and
St Vincent’s Carseldine to celebrate Seniors Week and hear from residents. I know many MPs in this
place take the time to visit their local aged-care facilities throughout the year and hear directly from
people who cannot visit an electorate office or mobile office. In the discussions I had residents aired to
me their questions regarding many state government policies and projects on the go at the moment and
I was delighted to be able to have a chat to them about a range of issues—and, yes, I am taller than
most of their grandsons, as I heard a few times on my visits last week. I do genuinely appreciate the
conversations I have with many of our seniors in the area on a regular basis and some of their great
advice and stories they give me.
There are so many great groups in our area that have secured funding recently through
Palaszczuk government programs and initiatives. For example, the Everton Districts Cricket Club
received $15,000 to upgrade its ovals. There is a bit of a theme in terms of recent funding, Mr Deputy
Speaker Stewart, so see if you can pick up on it as I go. The Geebung State School P&C was able to
secure over $32,000 for an upgraded tuckshop and to purchase equipment. Aspley Devils has received
over $6,500 to upgrade its canteen.
In May I was delighted to open Craigslea State High School’s new canteen, which was jointly
funded by the P&C raising its own money as well as an amount of over $150,000 from the state
government. In terms of the new Zillmere sports centre, the redevelopment includes five basketball
courts, a canteen, car parking and amenities that will cater for people with disability. The facility will also
cater for other sports as well. We are looking at future options for a canteen to go into the brand-new
Carseldine sports fields which are currently under construction. I am very pleased that it is looking like
2019 is the year of the canteen upgrade in the Aspley electorate. Early next year you will not be able to
travel more than five kilometres in any direction without running into a brand-new canteen funded by
the Palaszczuk government. I look forward to eating not only many healthy options in the local area but
also some tasty ones as well.
While I am on my feet I want to very quickly pass on my condolences to Tim Fischer’s family and
friends on his passing earlier today. I met him a few times in my background in the rail industry and he
was always a very pleasant gentleman who always had time. He was always banging on about standard
gauge rail to anyone who would listen.