As a lifelong resident of Jamboree ward, Sarah Hutton has high hopes for the area, high enough to stand for Councillor under the LNP ticket in the 2020 council election. With nearly 80% of the ballot counted as of the 3rd of April, this Darra mum has 60% of the votes, winning over Labor hopeful Rachel Hoppe and Greens candidate Thomas McKie.
Cr Hutton replaces LNP Cr Matthew Bourke, who has represented the ward for 12 years, since winning the seat from Labor in the 2008 election.
What She Stands For
Jamboree ward has been Cr Hutton’s home for as long as she can remember. “I have been part of this ward my entire life, growing up in Westlake and now raising my own family in Darra.”
Currently living in Darra with her husband and three children, she had spent the last ten years making a name for herself in Brisbane’s not-for-profit sector before deciding to delve into local politics, running to replace LNP incumbent Bourke, who is retiring.
“Over the past 12 years, the Jamboree Ward has thrived under Councillor Matthew Bourke’s leadership and I will work tirelessly to build on this legacy,” she said.
Cr Hutton’s platform includes ”a comprehensive and cohesive plan” for Jamboree ward. Citing her understanding of the diverse needs of the suburbs in the ward, she expressed readiness “to listen, act, and deliver for the people of Jamboree.”
Strong Relationships
Building on strong relationships and networks she has built in a decade of work for the not-for-profit sector, Cr Hutton says that the deep insights she has gained into the two distinct communities within the ward, Centenary Suburbs and Darra/Wacol, will allow her to provide infrastructure and support for families in the ward.
“I want to provide families with the best facilities, parks and infrastructure to assist young and old alike to live their best lives here in our ward. We need to continue the brilliant park upgrades to provide a range of recreation opportunities from formalised netball and basketball courts, play and picnic areas and quiet relaxing spaces to walk, cycle and enjoy the local scenery.”
“Having three boys that play in these parks, compete on local sporting fields and ride on the new world-class BMX track, I understand how valuable these projects are for our community and I will be advocating for more,” she shared.
Citing the need to consult local residents and businesses, she also revealed plans to upgrade the Darra shopping precinct and look into Darra station, the public transport gateway to Jamboree ward.
Jamboree Ward Today
Jamboree ward covers the Centenary suburbs — Riverhills, Middle Park, Westlake, Sumner, Jamboree Heights, Mount Ommaney, Jindalee, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks, along with Darra, Wacol, and parts of Ellen Grove and Richlands.
Covering much of the state seat of Mt Ommaney, the ward also includes parts of Oxley gained from Moorooka and Tennyson.