Out and About with Ariana

It has been another busy and productive period across the electorate of Pumicestone. Throughout May I had the opportunity to attend a wide range of community events, meet with local organisations and speak with residents about the issues that matter most to them. 

One of the highlights of the month was seeing our community come together for a number of local events that showcased the incredible spirit, resilience and generosity that make Pumicestone such a wonderful place to live. 

I was pleased to attend the sixth annual Deadlift for Harry event, which once again brought together hundreds of people to honour Harry Payne’s legacy while raising awareness about road safety and mental health. It was inspiring to see so many volunteers, sponsors and community members supporting such an important causeand demonstrating the strength of our local community. 

Sport continues to play a vital role in bringing people together and it was fantastic to officially switch on the new field lights at Beachmere Rugby League Club. This important upgrade will support players, volunteers and families for many years to come and reflects the value we place on investing in grassroots sporting facilities across our region. 

I was also delighted to see local organisations benefit from funding through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Beachmere Rugby League Club received support to continue strengthening its facilities, while Bribie Island Queensland Ambulance Service secured funding for new training equipment. These investments help ensure local organisations can continue providing valuable services and opportunities for our community. 

Back in parliament, the government has continued to focus on delivering safer communities and stronger services for Queenslanders. Significant reforms to Queensland’s parole system have been announced following an independent review, with changes aimed at ensuring community safety and victims’ interests remainat the forefront of parole decisions. 

The government is also taking action to address longstanding delays in forensic DNA testing and evidence processing. These measures will help provide police with faster access to critical evidence and support more timely outcomes for victims seeking justice. 

Health has also remained a priority as we move into June. New figures show elective surgery waiting lists have fallen to their lowest level in more than two years, helping more Queenslanders access the procedures they need sooner. At the same time, BreastScreen Queensland has returned to Bribie Island, providing local women with convenient access to free breast cancer screening services. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes and I encourage eligible women to take advantage of this important service. 

May also provided an opportunity to recognise the many volunteers who make such a valuable contribution to our community. During National Volunteer Week, we acknowledged the dedication of volunteers across a wide range of organisations, including our local SES members who regularly step forward to assist during emergencies, storms and natural disasters. Their service and commitment help keep our communities safe and connected. 

Education was another important focus during the month, with the launch of the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This initiative continues to encourage young Queenslanders to develop strong literacy skills and foster a lifelong love of reading, helping set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom. 

Finally, I was pleased to attend the Enduro Quest 2026 Bribie to Caloundra Challenge. The event brought together dragon boat teams from across the region and highlighted both the determination of participants and the natural beauty of the Pumicestone Passage. Congratulations to all paddlers, volunteers and organisers involved in making the event such a success. 

As always, if there is an issue you would like to raise or discuss, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at pumicestone@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3474 2100. I look forward to continuing to work with our community in the months ahead.