Last week I attended a forum at Vision Australia's headquarters in Coorparoo. This was an invaluable opportunity for me to have a conversation with members of the vision impaired community about their aspirations for disability services in the future. Thank you to all who attended, and to Gerrard Gosens who facilitated the event. The questions asked were insightful and thought-provoking and I look forward to collaborating with Vision Australia in the future to achieve the best possible outcomes for people who are blind and vision impaired.

 Tracy speaking at the Vision Australia forum

Last week I attended investiture ceremonies for 2012 school leaders at Aspley State High School and Aspley East State School. I never cease to be impressed by the fantastic sense of community at our local schools. Congratulations to all our school leaders - I'm sure you'll take on your new leadership roles with resolve and enthusiasm.

I was also taken on a brief tour through the new Suttons Building at St Paul's School - this was only completed recently and has been in use since the beginning of the school term. This modern facility will offer students a great deal of experience with multimedia technology. I enjoyed having a chat with staff and students and wish them all the best for the year ahead.

Tracy saying a few words at Aspley East State School

I recently attended the launch of "Japanese Blitz on Darwin" - a new historical account of the events surrounding the bombing of Darwin in 1942 - at Compton Gardens Retirement Village. Local author John Thompson-Gray has crafted an intriguing narrative offering new insights into what many have called "Australia's Pearl Harbour".

It was great to catch up with residents who shared with me their stories about life in Australia during the Second World War. Governor-General Quentin Bryce was in Darwin on February 19 to mark the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin and used John's book as a resource in writing her speech! Congratulations John on this fine achievement.

John signing a copy of "Japanese Blitz on Darwin" for Tracy

Nominations for the 2012 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament are now open!

The Queensland Youth Parliament is an apolitical program for young people aged 15 to 25 years, allowing them to engage with real parliamentary representatives in a supportive and engaging forum.

Participants from all 89 electorates in Queensland learn about bill writing, making speeches in Parliament and get the opportunity to meet with young people from a broad range of experiences from all around our state.

You learn everything you need to know at a forum in April and a residential camp in September. As the program is accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority, year 11 and 12 students can gain one point towards their QCE certificate.

Applications close on the 24th of February 2012. Applications can be completed online at http://www.ymcaqyp.org.au.

Anyone interested in participating is welcome to contact my office if they'd like more information.