Minister’s message

Karen Struthers, Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women

The start of a new year allows us to reflect on what we want to do with our lives over the next 12 months. For many, the New Year brings a sense of hope and excitement, but for some, it can be a time of social isolation and hardship.

Tenant Participation provides social housing tenants with the opportunity to establish friendships, participate in activities and engage with their local community.

The Garden Awards are a great example of how Tenant Participation works. Tenants showcase their gardening skills and come together to celebrate their creative flair. I have attended several presentation ceremonies and been extremely impressed with the results.

To ensure that Tenant Participation continues to meet the needs of all tenants, we will be undertaking a consultation early this year to identify how the program can be enhanced and I encourage you to give us your ideas.

I am also very excited about the communal vegetable gardens, which is a new Tenant Participation initiative that encourages people to grow their own vegetables. It's also a great way to save money and live healthier.

I look forward to meeting with tenants in 2010 to discuss how the government can continue to support the housing needs of Queenslanders.

Karen Struthers
Minister for Community Services
and Housing and Minister for Women