August 17, 2026
Two Opposition MPs dropped into Cherbourg on Monday morning for an update about Council’s aspirations for the community.
Mr Bart Mellish, the Member for Aspley, is a familiar face as he was the designated “Ministerial Champion” for Cherbourg under the previous Labor Government, however Dr Barbara O’Shea, the Member for South Brisbane, had not visited before.
The traditional meeting space, Musgrave Park, is within her electorate.
The two MPs met with Mayor Bruce Simpson and councillors before enjoying a tour of The Ration Shed Museum where they watched a short film about Cherbourg’s history as well as viewing exhibits.
Topics raised during the visit included housing, education, youth justice and the need for a Truth Telling Day.
Deputy Mayor Gordon Wragge said it was an opportunity for Cherbourg Council to discuss its plans with the visitors.
“It was a fact-finding tour for them in regards to who we are and what we are trying to achieve through working with our new government and with the shadow government,” Deputy Mayor Wragge said.
“Crime and DV is especially on the top of our lists, and how we can fight these battles.
“And we definitely made a big issue about trying to get Truth Telling back on to the agenda.”
Mr Mellish said although he was in Opposition he was keen to keep going with the dialogues he had been involved in when he was the Ministerial Champion for the Cherbourg community, and would continue to raise issues through various channels.
“It’s about us listening rather than imposing what we think the right solution is for various problems,” Mr Mellish said.
“The community knows best. They know most closely what’s happening on the ground.”
Footnote: Mr Mellish may also be familiar to some South Burnett residents as he has played in the “Hoof Hearted” team during the annual Soccer 7s carnival hosted by the Kingaroy Senior Soccer Club.
