Kara Cook MP became the elected Federal Member for Bonner in May 2025, making her the third woman representing the Bayside across all levels of government.

I had a lovely conversation with Kara about what interested her in entering politics, and how her life from a young person in Yeppoon has been one with a strong connection to community values. Her early career work as an advocate for domestic violence survivors has led her to still have a fierce desire for wanting to play a role in contributing to systematic and cultural change in that space.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Kara.

As the co-conductor of the Wynnum Choral Society (turning 100 in 2026!!), Elizabeth shared with me her love of music and the joy of singing. We had a fun conversation that included voice impersonations, and lots of laughter. It has reignited my own passion for singing in a choir - not about having the perfect voice but all of the other benefits you gain. I hope when listening you can pick up the sense of enthusiasm and joy this conversation oozed.

Find more about the Wynnum Choral Society, who raise money each year for charity, by contacting Esme on 3396 1450 or check out their Facebook page.

Di Catto is the Rotary supported group leader for Days for Girls, an organisation that changes lives for young girls. Finding out about Days for Girls blew me away, as they help make education possible for many, by providing menstruation bags. There is a space in the Bayside where people come together one day a week to make these bags, to be distributed to those in need.

Di is warm and easy to spend time with, and it is clear that she genuinely loves being part of something that is making a difference. I hope that you enjoy getting to know Di, and appreciate the contribution that Days for Girls, under her leadership, is making.

For more information about Days for Girls: http://www.daysforgirls.org

Eleanor has travelled all the way from the UK to live in our beautiful part of the world. She is my first podcast guest who as a young woman was inspired by Richard Gere's An Officer and a Gentleman movie to join the Navy. She did meet the love of her life and amongst a lot of joy, travel and adventure there has been darkness, which has inspired 3 elements coffee. Eleanor and Terry do incredible work to contribute to better outcomes for those transitioning from the military, as well as make great coffee! Enjoy getting to know Eleanor.

3elementscoffee.com is an Australian and veteran owned company, started by Eleanor's husband in 2016.

How delightful it was to spend time with Sharon McRae, who after her own emotional and physical breakdown worked hard to claw her way back to be the best person she could be, and committed to helping others do the same. Every now and then I have a guest on the podcast who I connect with their value and purpose, and Sharon was one of those. I loved hearing about how she goes about her work in supporting women who are in need of guidance to move forward in the way they live their lives. It was a great chat, and I hope you get to take something from it.

More information and links to what Sharon mentioned in the conversation:

1. 1-on-1 coaching packages are here: https://paperbell.me/sharon-mcrae
2. The worksheet that changed Sharon's life - The Cycle of Pain - is available as a free download on the same site. (https://paperbell.me/sharon-mcrae)
3. A weekly email called Resilience Notes is especially for people who are coaching themselves through the hard parts but useful to anyone interested in emotional resilience and well-being. It lives here: https://sharonmcrae.substack.com/

To say Sharon is important to me is an understatement. She is one of those people I feel like I have known all my life, and I can be completely me with her. We connected about four years ago but the longer we know each other the more we uncover how our lives have intersected over a number of decades. When I thought of doing something to promote op shopping, I knew Shaz was the person to partner up with. Of course she jumped in immediately with a yes.

In our chat we talk about our love of op shopping, our hopes for Opportunities by the Bay and just enjoy a good yarn together! I hope you enjoy eavesdropping on our conversation.

Julie and her husband own Kova Furniture Removals, establishing the business together from one truck not all that long ago. She also finds the time to be the President of the Wynnum Manly Junior Rugby League Club. This is a big role, and both industries she is involved in are used to men being in charge! I had a lovely conversation with Julie and was interested in hearing her insights into what learnings she has from owning a small business, to position her for the role as President at the footy club. She is one incredible woman, and it is obvious she brings a lot of her wisdom, thoughtfulness and curiosity to both of her roles. Enjoy getting to know Julie.

For more information about Julie's business, check out kovafurniture.removals.com.au

The chat with Saalihah was a long time in planning and I am really pleased we finally got there. Saalihah Seedat is doing great work with the Bayside community, with her My Health for Life workshops at the Community Centre. She came a long way from Zimbabwe to live in our beautiful country, and I enjoyed learning about the work she does to improve the lives of others. Enjoy getting to know Saalihah.

Contact Saalihah about her My Health for Life sessions on 0404 296 297 or email qldhealthcoach@gmail.com