We are Celebrating Queensland Women’s Week
We are in the middle of Queensland Women’s Week (QWW), an important week to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women and girls across our state. And while it is a time for celebration, QWW is also a time to reflect on the challenges that women still face and continue to advocate for the rights and empowerment of all Queenslanders.
QWW is an extension of International Women’s Day (IWD), which was held on March 8. International Women’s Day has been celebrated in some form for over 100 years, and is a day to honour the women who have fought and continue to fight for social, economic, cultural, and political change.
Here in Queensland, we are lucky enough to not just have one day of celebration, but an entire week. All week, across our state, we have seen events and activities that recognise the achievements and successes of women and girls.
The theme of this year’s QWW is Empower her voice; secure her future. The theme calls on us to continue to build the momentum for gender equality that we have achieved so far, and for women and girls to tell their stories as we strive for change.
We know that all our futures depend on the next generation of female leaders. That is why I was so proud to have joined local school leaders, community leaders, and members of UN Women Australia at their International Women’s Day event last week.
I was joined by the Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk and students from Marsden, Mabel Park and Loganlea State High Schools to hear about the amazing work that’s being done across the country to celebrate and uplift women and girls.
I’m so proud of what we have achieved so far, and I know that, collectively, we can tackle the challenges ahead.
Queensland Women’s Week and International Women’s Day are times to honour women’s history, and to create it. So let us come together to learn from and support one another, and together, we can empower her voice and secure her future.
Left-Right: Saranna, Mardison from Marsden SHS, Tyri, Zoe, Sukhmandeep from Loganlea SHS, Shannon Fentiman MP, Blessing, Ceanora from Mabel Park SHS and Jahmaix from Marsden SHS
Wonderful Women of Waterford
Each year I’m proud to hold the Wonderful Women of Waterford (WWOW) celebration, an opportunity to recognise the amazing work that women in my electorate do for the community. From all walks of life and from all backgrounds, the women recognised at WWOW empower our community and serve as inspiration for all of us.
Previous recipients have included leaders in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, like those contributing to organisations such as Kingston East Neighbourhood Group and YFS. We have also honoured change-makers in local schools and business leaders.
The people recognised make up only a fraction of the wonderful women who live, work, and impact the Logan area and we are so fortunate to hear some of their impacts on the day.
A particularly moving story was given in remembrance of Moya McKeon. Moya had always been a leader of Quota Beenleigh, providing the organisation with strength and purpose; she was an indestructible force which kept the club focussed and committed. She freely gave her time to help those around her. Unfortunately, Moya passed shortly before WWOW 2021 – but was awarded in memoriam.
For our 2023 awards day, I was delighted to be joined by over 100 attendees who, all in their own way, contribute to the Logan community. People of such character like Andrea Chisholm and Rachel Powell, guidance officers at Loganlea State High School, Sally and Marija from Harmony on Carmody Café, and Tianna Dencher of Access Community Services.
I want to thank all of these amazing women and the countless others for attending, and to everyone who nominated these wonderful women.
The 57 Wonderful Women of Waterford awards recipients
1,500 New Jobs in the heart of our city
I was so excited to join Queensland’s Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath, and Member for Logan, Linus Power, at the inaugural Logan Hospital Careers Fair held last weekend to announce the 1,500 jobs that will on offer over the next two years.
Because of the Palaszczuk Government’s record investment in Logan Hospital – more than $1 billion – the hospital is going to need more doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. But it’s not just healthcare jobs on offer. The hospital will also need hundreds of extra food staff, wardies, cleaners, and administrative staff.
This is such an exciting opportunity for the Logan community. It means that not only will more than 300 additional hospital beds once these expansions are complete, but we will also have good and secure economic opportunities for locals.
The 1,500 new jobs represents a 30% increase in the number of staff at the hospital, which is already one of the biggest employers in our region. That puts into perspective just how big an impact this will have.
It was fantastic to see so many locals attending the careers fair and find out how they can get involved. Among the crowds of attendees were people of all ages and backgrounds looking for somewhere to kickstart their career, or perhaps change to a new field.
I know that so many young people who have just graduated from grade 12 or are graduating this year will be considering their options for the future.
I would encourage all of them to consider a career in our world-class healthcare system. Logan is already an amazing place to live, why not make it your place of work too?
Anyone who is interested in finding out how they can benefit from our government’s $1 billion investment in Logan Hospital should visit LoganHospitalCareers.com.au – because Logan needs you!
