Locals who make a difference

We have had much to celebrate this quarter. We are excited to see wonderful locals, Fiona Stager and Mark McDonnell, recognised for their hard work and dedication with Order of Australia Medals. We also said a sad farewell to Senior Constable Sandi who demonstrated a compassionate side of policing

See more about local people who make an impact at this link HERE

Developments Again

No surprise that developments have been front and centre again in West End and South Brisbane, with issues compounded by the ongoing national housing crisis. Urban researcher Rachel Gallagher provided the Westender with articles on inclusionary and exclusionary zoning just as the community was alerted to Council’s radical plans for a Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct. Council’s plan which would allow developments up to 270 metres (equivalent to 90 storeys) in our suburbs.

Landscape architect and local community group member, John Mongard, provided a comprehensive summary of the issues raised at a community meeting on 18 June, while award-winning social planner, Dr Laurel Johnson, points out in her piece that West End is one of the few communities in Queensland that will accept social and affordable housing.

All related stories are here – https://westender.com.au/discussing/developments/

The Voice Referendum

In June, the Senate passed legislation to enable the Voice Referendum, and we are in full swing of the campaigns to influence our votes.

Allira Davis, Youth manager and co-chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue reminded us that we are the only country not to recognise our First Nations Peoples in our Constitution. As Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, urges, “Let’s seize this moment, let’s take Australia forward, for everyone.”

Events

Take advantage of upcoming community events. NAIDOC Musgrave Park Family Fun Day is back on Friday, 7 July, and Brisbane State High invites the community to participate in their day of days on 5 August.

See all events here – https://westender.com.au/events/

Writers

Much thanks to those who took time from busy schedules to write. Thanks to Ned Hammond, Laurel Johnson, Rachel Gallagher, Vikki Uhlmann, Ian Were, Phil Heywood, John Mongard, Christine Schindler, and Rose Lane for their contributions this quarter.

As always, thanks also to those who have suggested stories and added comments and expertise.

The Westender is a free, volunteer-run community news portal. We thank readers for your interest and welcome your ideas and input. 

SCROLL DOWN FOR SOME OF OUR RECENT FAVOURITES

Jan

LOCALS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Celebrating Fiona Stager’s OAM for services to literature.

Senior Constable Sandi: “we will miss you”.

Community Friends founder, Mark McDonnell, recognised in King’s first Birthday Honours.

Triple A’s Dan Rennie takes a turn at Qmusic.

DEVELOPMENTS

Kurilpa residents reject ninety storey precinct.

Solving Brisbane’s housing crisis.

Community doubts Lord Mayor’s promise for a sustainable Kurilpa precinct.

PART ONE – What is inclusionary zoning and how is it different to social housing?

Imagining a better future for Montague Road – the time to start is now.

“The wrong side of the river”: Expo ’88 and the Right to the City – by Jon Piccini

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Yarning about The Voice with Allira Davis of the Uluru Youth dialogue.

Big shoes to fill: an interview with incoming Councillor Trina Massey.

COMMUNITY

Jane Street Community Garden – Autumn update.

Brisbane Tool Library is at a turning point.

Creating positive social change through music: The West End case study.

Sleep & Flooding – Residual impacts in flood affected areas.

THE ARTS

Dylan Bolger at Brisbane Street Art Festival.

Join the Artists for a stroll along Brisbane’s Outdoor Gallery.

EVENTS

Our events calender is a popular place to find out what’s happening on the local scene.

Keep updated here and let us know if there are events we should be recording – email us at info@westender.com.au

https://westender.com.au/events/

Coming events

NAIDOC Musgrave Park Family Fun Day is back.

State High Day is for the whole community.

The Westender acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we work and write, and on country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders past and present.