Photos: Supplied.
STATE MEMBER FOR LYTTON
CONGRATULATIONS WYNNUM FRINGE
Congratulations to Tom Oliver and the entire Wynnum Fringe team on another outstanding festival. From 25 June to 12 July, more than 18,000 people enjoyed an incredible program of entertainment, bringing our Bayside to life and delivering a welcome boost to local cafés, restaurants, retailers and accommodation providers.
Thank you to every artist, volunteer, sponsor, partner and audience member who made this year’s event possible. Wynnum Fringe continues to showcase the best of our community, and I can’t wait to see it return in 2027!
CARAVAN SAFETY GRANTS NOW OPEN
Applications are now open for the Queensland Government’s Caravan Skills Based Education and Training Grants. The grants are available to for-profit and not-for-profit organisations to deliver practical, hands-on caravan towing education that improves road safety and driver confidence.
The initiative supports Queensland’s growing caravan community with industry-relevant training to help keep everyone safer on our roads. Applications close at 5.00 pm on 14 August 2026. To learn more or apply, visit www.tmr.gld.gov.au/roadsafetygrants
HONOURING OUR VETERANS
It was an honour to join the Manly Lota RSL Sub Branch to commemorate Modern Veterans at Richard Russell Park. Together, we paid tribute to the men and women who have served Australia in peacekeeping, humanitarian, disaster relief and defence operations since the Vietnam War. Thank you to our veterans, current ADF personnel and the RSL for preserving their legacy and ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
HANDS OFF WORKER SAFETY
Workplace safety should never be watered down. I recently met with Transport Workers Union representatives to discuss concerns about the Queensland Government’s proposed review of Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice. Workers fear the changes could weaken Queensland-specific safety protections, reduce the enforceability of workplace safety standards and replace proven safeguards with minimum national standards.
These protections were strengthened after the Dreamworld tragedy to help prevent injuries and save lives. Every Queenslander deserves to return home safely at the end of every working day. The message to the Queensland Government is clear: Hands off workers’ safety!
HELP AVAILABLE FOR SMALL & FAMILY BUSINESSES
Sadly, many Bayside small businesses have closed their doors this past month. I recently met with a young local family running a small business on Tingal Rd who are facing the stress of a commercial lease dispute. No small business has to navigate these challenges alone. The Queensland Small Business Commissioner offers free information, dispute support and mediation for commercial and retail lease disputes, helping tenants and landlords resolve issues without costly court action.
The Commissioner also provides guidance on business disputes, unpaid invoices and accessing support services. For assistance, visit qsbc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 312 344.
50 CENT FARES NOW PERMANENT
Thank you to everyone who signed my petition and stood with Labor in calling for permanent 50 cent public transport fares. Together, we kept the pressure on. The former Queensland Government introduced 50 cent fares before the last election and continued to fight to make it permanent because Queenslanders deserve cost-of-living relief.
The 2026-7 Queensland Budget confirms the 50 cent fares will now be permanent across the Translink network, giving commuters certainty and helping families save every time they travel. This is a big win for Queenslanders and proof that community advocacy can make a real difference.
PO Box 719, Wynnum QLD 4178
(07) 3915 1100
[email protected]
www.joanpease.com
