CAUSES CLOSE TO MY HEART
At Musgrave State School, celebrating ‘Hero Day for Slater’.
Slater and Children’s Brain Cancer Research
Local Labrador boy Slater Clifton-Walker was only a year and a half old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour – ependymoma posterior fossa – and spent most of his life in hospital fighting this insidious disease.
Slater faced invasive, intensive and even experimental treatments and medication reduce the tumour, leaving him with significant side effects. Tragically, he passed away on 11th of August this year; aged just six and a half. He lived every single day to the fullest. Even in his final months, when he has lost his hearing, he would wake up each morning and start to sing.
In 2019, Slater was the Face of Relay for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, bringing joy to everyone with the Ninja Turtle moves he pulled on his lap around the oval.
Slater was so brave and he impacted me more than I could have imagined. One Australian child will die from brain cancer every nine day s and my hope is that through Slater’s story, his courage and his fundraising efforts we will see that number come down.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be a Cancer Council Relay for Life Patron for the last few years. Being able to raise funds for life saving cancer research is something I feel privileged to be a part of.
Brett and Belinda lost their son Jack to youth crime, they’ve campaigned to protect our teens ever since.
The Jack Beasley Foundation
In late 2019, I met Brett and Belinda Beasley. They lost their young son Jack to a random and violent knife attack in Surfers Paradise. Ever since, these brave parents have spent their time campaigning to end knife crime in Queensland and protect our at-risk youth.
I’ve had the privilege of standing alongside the Beasleys as they continue their incredible work and honour the memory of their Jacko. Together, we’ve fought to strengthen youth bail legislation and increase sentencing for knife crimes, as well as educating our youth about the immense danger it poses.
Sam, Wayne and some concerned locals fighting to protect our iconic Broadwater tinnies.
Protecting BONNEY’S character
Labrador and Chirn Park are home to some of the Gold Coast’s most historic neighbourhoods, brimming with character and history. The same can be said of the Broadwater and its iconic tinnies along the shoreline. This character is part of what makes Bonney feel like home to so many of our residents, and I am dedicated to protecting and preserving it in every way.
I’ve opposed city planning and zoning changes to the waterfront, keeping height restrictions low and protecting historic neighbourhoods from irresponsible development. I’ve also fought to keep our tinnies on the Broadwater, despite push back from the local council.
Local community organisations
In our area we’re lucky to have a number of fantastic community organisations, including sporting clubs, outreach programs and even a vocal group! I have the honour of being the patron of The Blenders, Labrador Hockey Club, Men’s Shed Labrador, Parkwood Sharks, Paradise Kids, and the Musgrave Hill Bowls Club.
I’m also on the committees of the Labrador Community Garden, Meals on Wheels, Runaway Bay Rotary and the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University.
These organisations are instrumental to our community and I’m so fortunate to have been involved with them all over the last few years.
Visiting Curlew Island with local conservationist, Bob Westerman.
Eastern Curlew Conservation
The Eastern Curlews are an endangered migratory bird who, like many Gold Coast residents, choose to make the Broadwater their home during the summer. These incredible birds make a round trip of up to 20,000km each migratory season! Despite playing host to these birds for a couple months a year, ‘Curlew Island’ on the Gold Coast currently has very few environmental protections. This poses a huge risk to the wellbeing of these birds, as they are disturbed by dogs, fishing and watercraft in the area. These birds are not able to swim and rely on the small animals which wash along the sandy beaches to stock up before their long trip back to the northern pole. I’ve been fortunate to work with local conservationist, Bob Westerman, who tracks population numbers and safety during their visit.
I’m fighting for stronger environmental protections along this strip of the Broadwater, similar to those which protect the neighbouring Stradbroke islands. We’ve confirmed the registration of this important habitat with the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy. The next step is to determine who will be the trustee - the Waterways Authority, Environment Department or the Gold Coast Council.
Sam, dressed as Santa, at the annual MFO Christmas celebration.
Multicultural families organisation
MFO are an incredible local organisation, that’s focused on promoting “a more accepting, harmonious and cohesive society where everyone regardless of their cultural background, gender or faith feels safe, respected and welcomed.”
They run various community events, skills programs and even homework help – providing a safe space for our diverse community of immigrants and refugees in Bonney. The work that MFO does is invaluable and it is my honour to be able to support them in any way.
Preston addresses the media for the first time since the accident, calling for harsher penalties for drug drivers.
Justice for Preston
Preston was just 16 years old when he was hit by a driver under the influence of drugs and left with devastating and life changing injuries. Preston was fortunate to survive the horrific accident but the driver of the car received just a $500 fine and a 1 month suspended license.
The community were outraged, and Preston’s family and I launched a campaign to get Justice for Preston and adequately punish the driver. We took the campaign all the way to parliament and left it in the Premier’s hands.
We’ve heard nothing since.