House debates

Thursday, 25 October 2018

Statements by Members

Meningococcal, Endometriosis

1:43 pm

Photo of Trevor EvansTrevor Evans (Brisbane, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Last weekend we found ourselves walking in the rain, from Shaw Park in Wooloowin to Oriel Park in Ascot, as part of an awareness campaign run by Meningococcal Queensland, with participants all decked out in purple. The #goforzo Walk was named after Zoe McGinty, a local Brisbane girl who, tragically, died last year after contracting meningococcal. I've spoken about her case in this House before. Zoe's mother, Kirsten, has been unstoppable in raising awareness of the risks of meningococcal, and I salute her commitment and compassion. Thanks to the whole community for coming together, walking and donating; and to Hamilton Rotary, who put on a community barbecue at the finish line.

I also want to congratulate another local community group doing great things in health, Endo Awareness Brisbane. The group is raising awareness and funds for Endometriosis Australia, as well as creating support networks within Brisbane for those who suffer from this debilitating condition. Endo Awareness Brisbane was started last year by two young Brisbane women. Madeleine was a sufferer of endometriosis, and Keely was her employer, who witnessed the impact and the struggle it inflicted on Madeleine and others. Last month's fundraising lunch, called End Endo 2018, was a sellout event, with almost 300 people from around the Brisbane community coming together at Victoria Park. The young women on the organising committee for Endo Awareness Brisbane deserve recognition for their dedication, commitment and energy. Keep up the great work.