West Moreton

Distinguished and Famous people from West Moreton

🏛️ Neville Bonner

Neville Bonner moved to Ipswich in 1960 and became involved with the One People Australia League, developing the community advocacy that preceded his parliamentary career. In 1971 he became the first Aboriginal person to sit in the federal parliament, entering the Senate for Queensland. His earlier working life had included rural labour and employment on Palm Island, with little opportunity for formal schooling. Ipswich was therefore a significant adopted home within a much wider journey. The West Moreton connection lies in residence and organisation, before the national responsibilities that made him a historic parliamentary figure.

🗳️ Vi Jordan

Vi Jordan was born in Ipswich in 1913 and attended Brassall State School and Ipswich Girls’ Grammar. An accomplished musician, she also developed a substantial record of community and political work. She became the first woman elected to Ipswich City Council in 1961 and entered Queensland parliament as member for Ipswich West in 1966. Her campaigns included economic and political equality for women. The local association runs through education, family, voluntary service and representation, making her career a particularly direct connection between West Moreton community life and changes in public opportunities.