Kara Cook Community Update - The Community Leader and Real Estate New and Views

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BONNER

Delivering for Bonner

Over the past month, there have been a number of important announcements that will directly benefit people across Bonner.

The Australian Government has expanded Paid Prac to ten additional disciplines, including Clinical Psychology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Paramedicine, Radiography, Pharmacy, Audiology, Podiatry and Rehabilitation Therapy. Paid placements are already making a real difference for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students, and this expansion will help even more students complete their qualifications without the financial pressure of unpaid placements.

More than 1,300 early childhood educators across Bonner are also benefiting from the 15% wage increase now flowing through the sector, recognising the vital role they play in giving our youngest Australians the best start in life.

Families are also now benefiting from 26 weeks (six months) of Paid Parental Leave, giving parents more time at home with their new baby and providing the best possible start for our youngest Australians.


Visiting Bonner schools

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is visiting the incredible schools right across Bonner. Last month alone I visited another 13 schools, bringing me closer to visiting every school in the electorate.

With almost 50 schools and thousands of students across Bonner, meeting with principals, teachers and students is a priority. These visits provide valuable opportunities to hear directly about each school’s successes, future plans and the areas where I can advocate and support.

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting:

  • Tingalpa State School
  • Darling Point Special School
  • Guardian Angels’ Primary School
  • Hemmant Flexible Learning Centre
  • Marshall Road State School
  • Mount Gravatt State School
  • Upper Mount Gravatt State School
  • Mount Gravatt East State School
  • Sinai College
  • Mansfield State School
  • Mansfield State High School
  • St Peter’s Catholic Primary School
  • Wondall Heights State School


Out and about across Bonner

It has also been wonderful catching up with so many people at community events, schools and local businesses throughout the month. From school fetes and community celebrations to meeting with local manufacturers investing in jobs here in Bonner, every visit is an opportunity to hear directly from local residents, volunteers and businesses about what’s important to them.

I’ve also continued my work as a member of the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, participating in public hearings for the inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations people. Hearing directly from people with lived experience helps ensure future recommendations are informed by evidence and community voices.

Whether I’m meeting with school leaders, supporting local businesses, volunteering alongside community groups or representing Bonner in Parliament, my focus remains the same: listening to our community and working hard to deliver practical outcomes that make a real difference.


Community donations and support

My electorate office continues to be a place where our community can both give and receive support.

We have a number of donation collection points, including a Share the Dignity period product collection. Their August Dignity Drive is now underway at Woolworths and participating businesses, and every donation helps combat period poverty and support women and girls in need.

Our community pantry and street library are also available to everyone. If you’re able to donate, your generosity is always appreciated. If you need a hand, please don’t hesitate to access support.

You can visit the office at 69 Clara Street, Wynnum, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.


Justice of the Peace services

Our free Justice of the Peace service continues to be available at my electorate office.

Upcoming sessions are:

  • Thursday 3 September 2026, 9.00am – 11.00am


69 Clara Street, Wynnum Qld 4178
[email protected]
(07) 3893 3488

You may be interested in