Tanatsa Lucas - Independent for Ipswich

07/03/2026

Over the past few months, I shared that I was considering running for Councillor in Ipswich.

After much reflection, I have decided to withdraw from pursuing the campaign at this time.

But this journey taught me something powerful!! Leadership doesn’t only happen in council chambers. Sometimes it happens in small, meaningful ways within our communities.

Through this process I have met incredible people, listened to stories from parents, small business owners, and neighbours who simply want a stronger, more connected community.

For now, my focus is exactly that.

I will continue creating spaces where people can come together, including our Thursday community walks, where conversations, friendships and ideas grow naturally.

Public service can take many forms. Right now, mine is showing up locally, listening, and building community one step at a time.

Happy International Women’s Day to every woman finding her own path to lead and make a difference. 🤍

20/02/2026

Wow! 🤩

Thank you to the many residents who have contacted me about preserving Ed Sheeran’s autograph.

One thoughtful resident even gave me some sealant yesterday … but this is too important … we need this done properly so it can be preserved for a long time.

Thank you to Ipswich City Council security guards for keeping the autograph under a tight watch last night as well as the great CCTV in the Hotel Commonwealth car park.

Today council has had the autograph professionally sealed 🩷

19/02/2026

Today’s walk went well 🤍 fresh air, good company, and gentle conversations. Exactly what was needed.🙌🏽

16/02/2026

What a great class tonight. 🙌🏽
Learning Yagara language, meeting the loveliest people and sharing a meal.

Leaving class feeling yalabaru. 🌸

14/02/2026

A little rain didn’t stop the Ripley Markets 🙌🏽

I spent the afternoon at Ripley Markets meeting locals, having real conversations, and introducing myself to people who care deeply about where they live.

Thank you to everyone who still came out despite the weather, you were welcoming, generous with your time, and genuinely lovely.

Community shows up, rain or shine.
🌧️✨

Oh and Happy Valentine’s Day ♥️

https://www.ripleymarkets.com

12/02/2026

Captured this drone footage today as dark clouds and storm activity move over our region.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, south-east Queensland is under a severe weather warning today, with showers and thunderstorms likely to bring heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding across parts of Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, and surrounding areas over the coming days. Rain totals of 50–90mm over six hours and isolated falls of 150mm are possible, so it’s important to stay weather aware and keep an eye on official warnings. 

I’m sharing this simply as a local resident who cares about our community’s safety and not in any official capacity.

Stay safe and look out for one another 🤍

www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

12/02/2026

UPDATE: With forecast weather conditions easing, Ipswich City Council sandbag sites will close at 3pm today 13 February.

With heavy rainfall forecast this week, it’s a good time to think about your Emergency Plans if it floods Talk to family and friends about your plans and get your Emergency Kit ready if you have not done so already.

To help residents prepare, Ipswich City Council will make sandbags available from 3pm today, 12 February.

Residents can get a limited supply of pre-filled sandbags from the Briggs Road Council Depot, 182-250 Briggs Road, Raceview.

Self serve sandbags are also available from:

📍 Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, corner Cedar Road and Moreton Avenue, Redbank Plains
📍 Rosewood Showgrounds, 1 Railway Street, Rosewood
📍 Tivoli Sporting Complex, 69 Church Street, Tivoli

You can keep your home and family safe by:

✅ Clearing gutters and trimming any overhanging trees.
✅ Checking your emergency kit and plan.
✅ Having a Plan B in place so you know what to do if you’re faced with flooded roads. Stay up to date with Bureau of Meteorology warnings.

Stay informed and monitor updates via the Ipswich Disaster Dashboard:
📲 disaster.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Call 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app on SES Android App or SES Apple App for storm-related help. In a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

12/02/2026

Severe Weather Warning

Southeast Coast and parts of Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL OVER SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND FROM LATE THURSDAY EVENING. Weather Situation: A southerly wind change will move into the South East Coast overnight Thursday into Friday morning, before stalling over the Wide Bay and Burnett during Friday afternoon/evening. Meanwhile, an approaching mid-level trough combines with high atmospheric moisture and humid onshore flow to produce persistent rainfall over parts of the South East Coast, southern Wide Bay and Burnett and eastern Darling Downs and Granite Belt from Thursday evening. HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop about the South East Coast from late Thursday evening, extending inland to southern Wide Bay and Burnett and eastern Darling Downs and Granite Belt during Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 90 mm are likely, with isolated higher falls to around 150 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected. Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for latest information. Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Kingaroy, Caboolture, Caloundra, Ipswich, Gatton, Cleveland, Cherbourg, Jimboomba and Kilcoy.

Source: www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

12/02/2026

What a beautiful morning. 🤍

Thank you to the incredible mums who showed up today, pushing prams, juggling naps, and making the effort to step out and connect.

Getting out of the house with little ones is no small thing, and yet you came. That matters.

Community doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s simply a walk, a conversation, and knowing you’re not doing this alone.

We’ll be back next Thursday! Same time, same place. 💛

10/02/2026

Feeling incredibly grateful for the messages, conversations, and quiet words of encouragement this past week.
Thank you to everyone who reached out with kindness and support! It means more than you know 🤍