I’VE been deputy mayor for almost a year now, and when required I fill in as acting mayor too, while Jon Raven is on official business overseas.
Being acting mayor is quite different to being a councillor – there are so many different jobs and responsibilities, and I get the privilege of attending a wide range of events that the mayor would usually represent the city at.
I want to share with you a story from a few days ago, when I was invited to something truly special – a vow renewal ceremony for a remarkable woman in palliative care.
To be honest, when I first saw the invite to Robyn Sloane’s vow renewal to her husband David, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go.
But when I got to Logan Hospital to meet them both, I was blown away by the love and positivity that filled the air.
Diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, Robyn’s final wish was to say “I do” to David again 43 years after they married.
In that moment, I realised that this ceremony was more than just a wish fulfillment – it was a celebration of life, love, and resilience.
Robyn’s vow renewal was particularly special because it was the 200th wish fulfilled by Ambulance Wish Queensland.
Their work gives people nearing the end of their life a day off from thinking about their pain.
The team of angels who made her wish come true were beaming with joy.
Their positive energy and attitudes were infectious.
And thanks to their work, Robyn was laughing, joking, and radiating happiness, despite the challenges she faced.
One thing I’ve learned is that with this job there are always highs and lows.
Sometimes you can really feel stressed or down by what’s going on in your job, your life, or your community.
Meeting Robyn and David restored my faith in humanity.
It was a reminder that, no matter what we’re going through, there’s always something to be grateful for. I feel privileged to have represented our city in this incredible moment.
