The holiday and new year period is often a time to reflect on the past year and contemplate the coming year. We asked our local leaders for their thoughts. Here’s what they had to say:
Councillor Charles Strunk said he was proud to have delivered for Forest Lake Ward residents, community organisations and businesses who expressed concerns about local Government issues. Read more of what he had to say about his achievements in 2025 and what he is looking forward to in the new year:
Q: What community event or example of community togetherness had the biggest impact on you over the past year?
Cr Strunk: Opening another new park/playground in the ward at Grove Street, Doolandella. The children were very excited to be able to walk to the local park with their families.
Q: What was your biggest achievement this year, 2025?
Cr Strunk: It’s not just one achievement, it is all the great things that have been accomplished for the local community this year, including new playgrounds, roads resurfaced, footpaths replaced, new signs and lines, hundreds of trees planted and much more.
Q: What are you looking forward to in the next year, 2026?
Cr Strunk: New exciting play spaces and landscape transformations coming to the Lake Parklands in 2026.
Member for Inala Margie Nightingale said traditional New Year’s resolutions were challenging to set in her role as state parliamentarian, as her constituents decide on the year’s agenda.
But Ms Nightingale said she would continue to focus on the big issues facing the community, like the cost-of-living and housing, and deliver practical outcomes.
In a personal capacity, Ms Nightingale said she would like to spend more time in 2026 in her garden tending to her plants. Read more about what she had to say about her achievements in 2025 and what she hopes to achieve in 2026 here:
Q: What did you enjoy most about the past year, 2025?
Ms Nightingale: One of the most inspiring moments was seeing how our community came together during the tropical cyclone in March, the first to hit South East Queensland since 1974.
Although we were lucky that it was downgraded to an ex-tropical cyclone, it was still a challenging time that saw people stand up for each other, check in on neighbours, and work tirelessly to keep everyone safe.
That sense of solidarity and resilience really showed the strength of our community.
Q: What community event or example of community togetherness had the biggest impact on you over the past year?
Ms Nightingale: There were so many wonderful examples of community spirit this year. NAIDOC Week celebrations were a highlight, showcasing the strength and pride of our First Nations communities.
The Inala Multicultural Festival was another standout, bringing people from all walks of life together to celebrate our diversity.
The electorate Visual Art Exhibition and Garden Calendar were also very special to me as they showed how so many people want to connect with others, but sometimes just need different opportunities.
And I can’t forget the many senior events that reminded us how important it is to stay connected.
Q: What was your biggest achievement this year, 2025?
Ms Nightingale: I’m proud of the work I have done in establishing connections with community groups and helping them to network with each other to bring about better outcomes for our community.
My community events, like the Welcoming the Babies and the Garden Calendar Competition, were a great opportunity for me to engage with community groups like the Forest Lake Area Garden Club, the Forest Lake Photography Club and even my Youth Advisors contributed.
Securing funding for Glenala State High School’s Go for Gold fund to build a multisports facility with a focus on netball was a great win for our young people.
I am also very proud of the 14 new social homes completed at Tallow Street. I was so glad to help source white goods, furniture, and appliances for the new tenants, thanks to our incredible community organisations and a generous donor.
It was a true team effort that made a big difference for families starting a new chapter. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the most difference,
Q: What are you looking forward to in the next year, 2026?
Ms Nightingale: I’m excited to keep building on the progress we’ve made, especially in creating more opportunities for young people and supporting initiatives that celebrate our cultural diversity.
On a personal note, my daughter has just moved back home after finishing uni in another city, and I’m really looking forward to having her back and spending some time together as a family.
