02/01/2023
Some personal news from me for 2023. After much reflection I’ve decided that it’s time for me to go…
Five years ago I was elected as the Councillor for Morningside and in a few short months I’ll be packing up my office ready for my next adventure.
I grew up in a very small town in central Queensland and had zero political experience going into this position. The last five years as the only female Labor Councillor in Brisbane City Council has been a tremendous learning curve but also some of the most rewarding times of my life.
I’ve had the privilege of representing our wonderful community which to me really is like a big country town. We help each other when the times are tough and celebrate others’ achievements. I will miss you all as well as our dedicated volunteer and community groups.
I promised to be a strong voice for our community and some of the achievements I’m most proud of are; initiating Brisbane’s first Domestic Violence Strategy for the City and the first Homelessness strategy, campaigning for and achieving virtual Council meetings, establishing an open pantry and community library at my office, securing the first Council funding in Australia for domestic violence training organisation Hairdressers with Hearts as well as raising funds and awareness for domestic violence support organisations like Open Haven, Micah Projects Wellspring Hub, Care Kits for Kids and many more. The naming of Rollo Park, fighting to save the former East Brisbane Bowls Club and getting to know the music and arts sector has also been a real highlight. In the last 12 months in particular our communities united response to the 2022 floods again made me tremendously proud to represent our local area and ensure residents were supported and kept well informed.
Fighting alongside our local community clubs and organisations on many campaigns like repairing the Southside Pony Club Footbridge, to save our Norman Park Ferry and the former East Brisbane Bowlo from demolition, for upgrades to dangerous intersections like Pashen St and Riding Rd and against overdevelopment have shown me the very best and strength of our collective voices. Some of those campaigns we won and some are ongoing but I’ve always appreciated the support from our community to take our fight to the LNP majority Council and LNP Lord Mayor.
All of these achievements were not made possible by me alone, I have had support not only from our local community but also from my tremendous staff past and present Troy, Courtney and Phoebe, my friends Di Farmer MP and Terri M. Butler as well as the mighty local branch members and volunteers from the great Australian Labor Party.
I also must thank my fellow Labor for Brisbane Councillors, Councillor Jared Cassidy, Councillor Steve Griffiths, Charles Strunk Councillor for Forest Lake Ward and Cr Peter Cu***ng - for Wynnum Manly Ward. Thank you for your patience, guidance and support over the years. We have fought the good fight and I can’t wait to see the day when a Labor Administration and Labor Lord Mayor return to City Hall.
Finally, to my incredible husband Josh and my beautiful children Eden, Rita and Arlo who have sacrificed so much for me to be able to hold this position - thank you for all of your love and support. This job really is an all in effort and you’ve all been my rock. I love you all dearly and look forward to our next adventures together as a family.
Over the next couple of months I will be saying my goodbyes and finalising my work before I formally conclude my position at the end of March.
Thank you Morningside Ward - you’ve been great! I’m looking forward to doing interesting, impactful and values based work outside of Council in the future - stay tuned!
Kara x
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened ❤️
