Photo: Supplied.
This month, we’re getting to know the newly elected Federal Member for Bonner,
Kara Cook.
What’s your job? I’m the incoming Federal Member for Bonner, having recently been elected in the May 2025 Federal Election. I’m proud to represent over 113,000 residents across a diverse and vibrant electorate, including the suburbs of Port of Brisbane, Lytton, Wynnum, Manly, Lota, Hemmant, Wynnum West, Manly West, Ransome, Gumdale, Chandler, Belmont, Carindale, Burbank, Rochedale, Wishart, Mansfield, Mount Gravatt, Moreton Island and parts of Cannon Hill, Murarrie and Carina.
Do you have any interesting stories about your job? Campaigns are always full of memorable moments, but one of my favourites was visiting the OzFish Oyster Recycling Centre at the Port of Brisbane. While there, I announced a $1.5 million funding commitment to support the restoration of native oyster reefs in Moreton Bay. Oyster reefs are nature’s water filters; they clean our waterways, increase marine biodiversity and help restore coastal ecosystems. This funding will help OzFish expand their shellfish reef restoration, recycle even more oyster shells from Brisbane restaurants and get more locals involved through volunteering and education. Did you know every recycled oyster shell can become home to up to 10 baby oysters? It’s a small change that delivers a big environmental impact. OzFish has already returned over 15,000 oyster baskets to Moreton Bay, an incredible effort!
What’s your favourite local dine-in and take-away? There are too many to choose from! I love fish and chips with my family on the foreshore, chicken and chips from Goldy at Pierre’s Golden Chicken, and pizza or pasta from Gusto’s at Carindale.
Best local activity? Coffee and a wander through the Manly Creative Markets on a Sunday morning is a perfect way to enjoy the local vibe and support small businesses.
What’s the last book you read? The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth, I’m a big fan of Australian authors. I’ve also read all of Trent Dalton’s books in the last few years, I love his unique storytelling and connection to Brisbane.
What’s the last TV show or movie you watched? We try to have a weekly movie night as a family. Last week, we watched Transformers One. I also have a soft spot for binge-worthy TV series. My latest obsession was Lioness, I stayed up way too late watching that one!
Is there anything you’d like to see happen in the local area? My top three priorities are tackling cost-of-living pressures, improving access to healthcare and supporting local community groups and sporting clubs who are the heartbeat of our community. I’ll be fighting for real relief, including energy bill support and better access to bulk-billed healthcare. That includes delivering a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic right here in Bonner.
Is there a local business, community group or club you’d like to give a shout-out to? As a former domestic violence lawyer, I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to the Red Rose Foundation. They’re a small but mighty organisation doing lifesaving work both locally and nationally to end domestic and family violence. Their focus on raising awareness about non-lethal strangulation and other high-risk factors is making a real difference.
