Thank you Chair.
I rise to speak about a recent tragic event in my Ward.
On Mothers Day last month, my community witnessed the loss of a family home at a property called Woodwinds Park at Livesay Road, Moggill.
This was no ordinary fire. According to neighbours who witnessed it, flames engulfed this 19th century Queenslander quickly, contributing to internal explosions which reduced the residence to rubble in very little time.
The owner of Woodwinds Park are Peter and Rhonda Davidson-Irwin who are well known residents in my community.
The sad irony is that Rhonda and Peter moved into Woodwinds Park on Mothers Day, exactly 33 years ago.
Thankfully, they were not at home when the fire occurred, having decided to spend Mothers Day together outside of Brisbane. Otherwise, it could have been an even more tragic situation.
As it turns out, the only occupant at the time happened to be their pet dog, Zeppelin, who was saved by a matter of seconds by the heroic and quick thinking actions of a neighbour.
Chair, Rhonda may be well known to some in this Chamber. I know Cr. Howard is very aware of Rhonda’s involvement in the Brisbane arts community.
Rhonda is an educator and musician who has dedicated her life to building a community in Brisbane through music, art and connection.
Multiple generations of musicians experienced her home alongside countless charity performances, operas, and community initiatives proudly hosted on these grounds. Woodwinds Park was a musical sanctuary for all those in its orbit.
Chair, I have had the pleasure of attending a music extravaganza on the lawns of Woodwinds Park and can attest to how enjoyable an event they were.
Rhonda is also the Director of Viva La Musica which has been delivering musical excellence for over 30 years. What began as a string quartet performing at weddings and private events has grown into a thriving musical community.
It is now home to an adult choir which welcomes signers of all abilities and performs at many local events in the Pullenvale Ward.
This is someone who gives of themself to ensure others get to enjoy and experience the magic and joy of music.
Chair, a little known fact is that two days after the loss of her house, Rhonda was here at City Hall performing as she does regularly at a Lord Mayor’s seniors concert.
And four days after that, she was at the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens directing the entertainment programme she organised for the annual Opera in the Gardens, which is proudly supported by the Schrinner Council.
Rhonda carried on with both of these events because in her words, she didn’t want to let anyone down.
Just think about that for a second. She’s just lost everything including her piano and other priceless musical instruments and irreplaceable items such as her wedding dress and family photos, yet here she is, the following week, thinking about others.
Chair, last week, I met with Rhonda and Peter and shared a hug and a tear. I promised I would do everything I could within my powers to help them get back on their feet and rebuild their lives and Woodwinds Park.
There is one way we can all help them right now. Daughter, Paris flew back from London to support Rhonda and Peter and has set up a GoFundMe page and I encourage everyone to go on and have a look and make a contribution if you are able.
As a community, we need to help them get over this initial hurdle so that one day in the future, music can return to Woodwinds Park. That is their hope and I know Rhonda and Peter have the passion and support to make that happen.
Thank you.