Thank you Chair.
I rise to speak about my community’s response to a widely reported despicable act that occurred at Brookfield recently.
On Thursday morning, 20th August, we awoke to the news that a young lady had been viciously attacked while on a morning walk near the Brookfield Showgrounds.
The shock was not only about the serious nature of the attack but that it could happen in the tranquil environment of Brookfield and in broad daylight.
Chair, I’m sure that the thoughts and best wishes of everyone in the Chamber go out to the victim of this attack as she her as she recovers from this terrible ordeal.
Second, our collective thanks go to the Queensland Police Service for their outstanding work leading to the arrest of a suspect that same day. The alleged perpetrator is now behind bars and we will watch with interest as this case comes before the Courts.
In the days following, a number of residents contacted me expressing their anger and outrage that such a thing could occur in our local community.
But Chair, what transpired within the following 72 hours was nothing short of amazing.
To see more 2,000 local residents – young and old, men, women and children – unite as one to walk in solidarity with the victim of this attack, will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Before the walk commenced, I was given the opportunity to say a few words to the crowd.
I said I couldn’t recall being prouder to be a member of our community as they united to show we not only stood with the victim but with all women against such actions.
I made the point that our enemies might seek to hurt us but they will never defeat us.
As I walked and talked with residents along the four kilometre journey, we all commented about how we could feel the emotion of the occasion. Chair, it was truly inspiring.
I want to acknowledge local resident, Emily Orchard Hall who the day after the attack, contacted me about organising a Walk in Solidarity. Emily made it happen two days later and for that, our entire local community thanks you.
Since the attack, the Police have continued to maintain a strong presence in and around Brookfield to provide some reassurance and comfort to the local community.
At their request last week, Council agreed to install one of its security cameras on Brookfield Road near the Showgrounds as part of their efforts.
Chair, my hope is that the Brookfield community will over time recover from the events of the 20th August and will be even more united as a result of the pain its currently experiencing.