(43) Council Connection June-July 2016

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LIFT OFF CONNECTION PROGRAM GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER June - July 2016 ISSUE 72

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will depict dunes and coastal vegetation. Children will also be able to sieve for plastic debris in the sand and learn about the effects of plastics on marine and wild life.

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Radical Reptiles Queensland

ECOfun Zone Amazing Drumming Monkeys

9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm Australia’s favourite little kids' show is coming to the Gladstone Region’s Ecofest 2016! The show includes a blend of puppetry, live music, comedy, and interactive themes for the whole family to enjoy. The puppetry element of the show will feature two monkeys, Bongo and Congo, otherwise known as the 'African drum experts'.

Recycled Art N Sound, presented by Bunnings 9am - 3pm Residents are encouraged to join the team at the Bunnings marquee and make musical instruments out of recycled materials.

Kitchen Garden Demonstrations, presented by Bunnings 11am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm Participants will learn how to produce their own kitchen gardens, ideal for organic home cooking. Demonstrations will take place at the Bunnings marquee.

Native Stingless Bees Display 10.30am and 1.30pm Attendees will be able to view the inside of a bee hive structure and learn about the different elements. The community will also witness several thousand bees in flight during the course of the day. The demonstration will take place at the Society for Growing Australian Plants tent.

Face Painting and Tattoos 9am - 3pm Have your face painted by the fairies from Fantasy Faces or have our very own Ecofest tattoos applied.

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10am, 12pm and 2pm Radical Reptiles will be back again conducting three 30 minute demonstrations. Radical Reptiles Training has been in business for 10 years bringing educational entertainment to the public.

Radical Reptiles currently hold Australia’s only nationally recognised course for Reptile Awareness and Safety. They travel all over Australia with both entertainment and training purposes.

Koorana Crocodile Farm 9am - 3pm Adam from Koorana Crocodile Farm will wow the crowds this year with crocodile release and catch demonstrations throughout the day.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens Tondoon Stall

9am - 3pm Staff will have 1000 dry rainforest seedlings for sale for $1 each. Residents will be able to view the plant via a factsheet prior to making the purchase. The stall will have a table full of pencils and crayons for children to participate in Council's Colouring Competition. Staff will be giving away little peat pots and seeds for residents to plant. Gardens' volunteers will be present to answer any questions.

Pest Management 9am - 3pm The Pest Management stall will boast various displays and children's activities, aimed at creating a fun learning experience for youngsters. There will be a display of live weed samples for hands on identification, a feral animal trapping equipment display, weed and feral animal factsheets and a splatter gun interactive display.

Conservation Management 9am - 3pm Council's conservation stall will provide a large sandpit which

BirdLife Capricornia 9am - 3pm BirdLife Capricornia and Tondoon Botanic Gardens have combined together to create an educational interactive display for this year's Ecofest. Attendees will learn which local native trees and plants attract specific species of birds. In addition, residents can paint their own bird, purchase local plants and collect free information sheets on urban trees, shrubs, grasses and lilies.

Activities, Animals and Presentations Gladstone District Wildlife Carers Association Come and meet the team as they ‘show and tell’ their animals in care. Expect to see eastern grey kangaroos, reptiles, wallabies and an array of native animals on the day. They will also have possum boxes and rescue packs for sale.

Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Adults and children will see native turtles up close and personal at the display, while learning about the animals through additional displays, slides shows and activities.

Benaraby Plant Farm You don’t need a large garden or yard to grow your fruit and vegetables, Ion Daetz will answer all your questions on container gardening and setting up your own vegetable garden boxes.

Society for Growing Australian Plants (SGAP) Tent There will be various activities taking place throughout the day, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bipods Boyne Valley Historical Society Bush Foods Display and Plants Capricorn Bonsai Group Central Queensland Koala Volunteers Frogs Society of Queensland Volunteers Propagation of Native Species How To Make a Bug Hotel Native Plants of Capricornia Plants of Capricornia Port Curtis Organic Growers Scout Craft Seed Savers Network Water Wise Gardening Wildlife Nest Boxes

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER June - July 2016 ISSUE 72

Countdown on as Maroons visit draws nearer As keenly anticipated as the opening whistle of a State of Origin series, the Queensland rugby league team's visit to Gladstone is just days away.

The 2016 XXXX Queensland Maroons Gladstone Fan Day on June 14 will provide the team's fans with the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the game up close.

The reigning Origin champions will participate in a street parade, sports luncheon and auction, coaching clinic and an autograph session during their whirlwind visit to Gladstone city.

About 10,000 people are expected to line

INSIDE

Goondoon Street, awash with maroon, for the team parade which will make its way at a leisurely pace from the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum on the corner of Bramston Street to the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre where the sports luncheon and auction will be conducted.

Businesses fronting Goondoon Street have also been encouraged to get into the spirit of the event by decking their shopfronts in maroon and, hopefully, the excitement generated by Gladstone Region residents on the day will help inspire their heroes to another Origin series victory!

3

Literary carnivale brings visiting authors

4 New regional park facilities

5 Major works update

Residents intending to attend the street parade are encouraged to plan their day ahead of the event.

Parking will be at a premium so residents are encouraged to car pool with friends, family or neighbours in order to more conveniently find a parking spot and help ensure they have a great day.

The XXXX Queensland Maroons Fan Day junior coaching clinic and autograph signing session at Marley Brown Oval and the neighbouring Briffney Creek junior rugby league fields will also draw big numbers, with 900 young players involved in the event.

11 Budding young artists' work on show

Mayor's Message Council already reducing debt and increasing local spend I was elected to office on the promise that my Council would support local business and increase the number of Council contracts awarded to Gladstone Region companies.

Cover The region's largest environmental event Ecofest will be held Sunday, June 5 at the Tondoon Botanic Gardens. Lift off your program guide from the cover of this edition to ensure you don't miss any of the action.

Council Connection

This newsletter is produced every two months by Gladstone Regional Council to inform residents about Council events, activities, services and projects. It is printed on 60% recycled paper.

Delivery

Council Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes by Australia Post as 'unaddressed mail' and is also available for viewing or downloading from Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cost

Council Connection is automatically delivered free of charge to households in the Gladstone Region who have a residential letterbox. Cost of printing and distributing the newsletter is 48.6 cents per household per edition.

Already, this promise has become a reality, proving that Council is steadfast in its desire to operate in a fiscally responsible manner and, where it does need to spend, making sure everything possible is done to spend that money locally.

In early May, Council demonstrated its willingness to spend locally by awarding a $400,000 water main upgrade contract to a local company.

Council has always sourced local products and resources wherever possible but will tackle this purpose with even greater vigour during this term of office, working with local suppliers to ensure they are given the opportunity to compete favourably against tenderers from outside the region.

Council is confident that Gladstone Region suppliers have the necessary personnel and experience to complete just about any

project we require and we look forward to giving them the opportunity to do so.

In addition to spending money locally, Council is also committed to reducing costs and, just as importantly, reducing its debt.

In the same week that it awarded the above contract to a local company, Council made a significant cut to its liabilities by using surplus cash to lower its Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) debt by $15 million, in effect also saving $2.5 million in interest and fees over the next 10 years.

Council undertook an in-depth review of its debt, and its long term ability to repay it, with assistance from QTC and the Department of Local Government and Planning.

The outcome was that Council was in a position to reduce its debt by using surplus cash.

Various investment opportunities were also investigated but it was decided that debt reduction was the most beneficial to ratepayers.

In total, Council will pay down $25m of debt

by June 30, 2016.

Council

Committee Structure Council has established five standing committees to aid decision making and increase Councillors' responsibility and accountability in major Council functions.

The committees are:

Planning & Development

Chair: Councillor Glenn Churchill • Strategic land use and urban planning • Development assessment • Building and plumbing certification

Commercial Services

Chair: Councillor PJ Sobhanian • Water and sewerage • Waste services • Gladstone Airport • Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre • Gladstone Aquatic Centre and public swimming pools • Fleet services • Council property or business development • Economic Development

Finance & Corporate Governance

Chair: Councillor Rick Hansen • Long term financial plan • Budget/management reporting • Rates and revenue • Corporate performance and reporting • Contracts and procurement • Property management • Information services • Customer service • Risk management • Council staff • Governance

Works & Traffic

Chair: Councillor Peter Masters • Road construction and maintenance • Drainage operations • Public car parks • Street sweeping • Footpath management • Design services • Traffic management

Environment & Community Services

Chair: Councillor Cindi Bush • Environment • Conservation management • Pest management • Library services • Arts and heritage • Community Advisory Service • Local law enforcement • Open space planning • Park development and maintenance • Sport and recreation

Page 2

Community feedback guides development of Urban Renewal Strategy Gladstone citizens have shared how their CBD can be transformed into a vibrant place to live, work and play, as part of Council's Jumpstart Our City Heart project.

More than 330 community ideas and comments have guided the development of a draft Jumpstart Our City Heart Urban Renewal Strategy, which was due to be presented to Council last week.

Community consultation identified the city centre's topography, accessibility and lack of presence as the main challenges to revitalisation.

It also highlighted that the CBD's range of locally owned shops and businesses was a point of difference from surrounding shopping centres that should be nurtured.

In addition to addressing the above feedback, the draft strategy contains guiding principles for economic and urban transformation, which include promoting economic diversity, heritage, entertainment, recreational spaces and a unique character.

The draft strategy is expected to be open to public comment for the duration of July via the Jumpstart Our City Heart online forum http:// haveyoursay.gladstonerc.qld.gov. au. Residents can register on the forum to receive a notification of its opening.

Literary carnivale creates enthusiasm for words, pictures and stories Youth and adults interested in writing and illustrating will be able to gain inspiration from visiting authors and illustrators during the Curtis Coast Literary Carnivale from July 24 to 27.

The event is organised annually by voluntary representatives from schools in the Gladstone Region, Gladstone Regional Libraries and community members.

The Carnivale strives to promote a love for literature by inviting renowned Australian authors and illustrators to the region as guest speakers.

Workshops are scheduled at various locations with special sessions organised for students.

This year's Curtis Coast Literary Carnivale guest presenters are: • Dave Hackett (Cartoon Dave) - a regular guest on kids' TV. He presents high-energy, fully interactive cartooning workshops in schools, libraries and at Australian festivals and expos.

• Lucia Masciullo - an award winning children's book illustrator who was born in Italy and lives and works on the Gold Coast.

• Kathryn Apel - a Mount Tom resident who teaches part-time as a Literacy Coordinator and conducts author talks

at schools and festivals.

• Gregg Dreise - a teacher, author and illustrator of Aboriginal descent. His words encourage people to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

• Jacqueline Harvey is an award winning Sydney-based author who has spent most of her working life teaching in girls' boarding schools. She has created a popular book series of adventures for her characters Clementine Rose and Alice-Miranda.

Residents have the opportunity to meet and engage in discussions with the authors and illustrators and hear about the steps involved in writing, illustrating and publishing.

Presenters will have books on sale and be available to sign copies at venues.

A literary dinner will also be held on Sunday, July 24 at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre from 6.30pm.

The dinner offers residents a chance to meet the authors and illustrators informally and chat with other book lovers.

The Curtis Coast Literary Carnivale program and workshop and dinner booking details can be accessed at http:// carnivale.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/

Infographic Biodiversity values within the Gladstone Region

2558

species of mosses, ferns and higher plants

702

species of vertebrates (frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals)

Source: Queensland Government's Wildlife Online database

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species of freshwater fish Page 3

Community building program could be replicated across the Region

Residents to enjoy new regional park facilities' pictures and stories Gladstone Region residents are set to benefit from newly upgraded parks and environment facilities.

maintenance earlier in the year.

The Port Curtis Foreshore, otherwise known as Federation Walkway, at Barney Point has received a facelift.

Council staff recycled existing decking where possible and replaced damaged materials.

The walkway that links The Esplanade with Hector Johnson Park now includes an upgraded elevated walkway, concrete impression paths, new gardens and shelters with additional seating.

The Tarcoola Boardwalk in Boyne Island is open to the public after structural

The boardwalk boasts new bearers and joists as well as a new coat of lacquer.

Capital projects still under way include the Aldoga Wash Down Bay and the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens' Nursery upgrade.

For more information on scheduled parks works around the region, visit Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/plannedworks

Step back in time to see our past emergency services Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum visitors can step back in time and take a closer look at the region's emergency services.

One of the Gallery & Museum's latest exhibitions, Essential Services - Ambulances, Fire, Police offers a retrospective look at these vital services in the early days of Gladstone.

The exhibition features photographs and objects from the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum collection.

This heritage exhibition offers visitors a chance to learn from history and discover quirky facts including a time when

the local vet was also the town's doctor and dentist.

Browse at your leisure, explore the colourful history of these essential town services and be amazed at the vast changes that have transformed the local facilities to those we know today.

Essential Services - Ambulances, Fire, Police May 27 - July 2

The program now under way to build community resilience, sense of place and belonging, and connectedness in the Mount Larcom area could be replicated across the Gladstone Region.

That's the end goal for Council officers and other contributors who are working on a Cultural Heritage project about the small township and surrounding area, based on a series of short films.

The films' production is in the planning stages with Mount Larcom State School to be a project partner.

Five students will be selected to interview community elders at several events to capture the local spirit and pride on display.

The films would showcase positive aspects of regional communities such as events like the Mount Larcom Show, the spirit of volunteers, places to visit, rural traditions and the community's future hopes.

Two other events the film crews will visit to capture images and interviews will be the Old Station Fly-In and the region's first Farmers' Market planned for Sunday, June 12.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) will then be asked to advise how to bring the vibrance and spirit identified in the short films to the wider community.

In developing this place-making initiative, Council wants to ask a series of questions that are almost like holding a mirror up to the Mount Larcom community.

What is this Cultural Heritage project about? Why is it important to identify key local events that depict spirit and pride? What does Mount Larcom have to offer? How can people become more connected?

Gladstone's first am bulance wagon was on show during a pa Gladstone's QATB Su rade c1915 with perintendent Mr W. G.Daniels and ambu McCrudden. Photo: lance driver Mr Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum collection

When the film project is completed, it is hoped the documentary will explain not only the region's Cultural Heritage, but also be a marketing tool to attract visitors and promote micro tourism.

Page 4

Water and sewerage projects set to start Contracts have been let and work is soon to start on three water and sewerage projects spanning Agnes Water, Calliope and South Trees.

Work on all three projects will start in June with the $1.5 million Stage 2 contract to progressively replace the existing sewer rising main between the Jarvey Drive Sewage Pump Station and the Agnes Water Waste Water Treatment Plant being the largest of them.

In keeping with Council's Sewer Strategic Infrastructure Plan for Agnes Water the installation of 2.9km of 375mm diameter rising main pipeline from Jarvey Drive, along Streeter Drive and toward the plant entrance, will ensure the service meets the area's future demands.

Stage 1 of the project was completed in January this year, with Stage 3 to commence in the coming financial year which will complete the pipeline upgrade.

Also set to start in coming weeks is the $650,000 inlet works upgrade at the South Trees Waste Water Treatment Plant and the $400,000 water main upgrade at Don Cameron Drive, Calliope.

Both projects are also aimed at meeting future needs for the region.

Community participation helping shape pedestrian and cycle strategy Work is continuing on Council's Pedestrian and Cycle Strategy for the Gladstone Region following the closure of the community survey on May 7.

The survey was designed to help Council identify where new infrastructure is required to enable people to walk, cycle or engage in other forms of physical transport within the region's urban areas.

A total of 389 people completed the survey, indicating that the community values active transport.

Pathways, footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes and associated infrastructure make it safer and easier for people to use active modes of transport.

The responses provided by survey participants are being incorporated into the strategy's contents to inform Council’s future investment in these facilities.

Council thanks all survey participants for their time and contribution. A brief summary of the survey results will be published on Council's website soon.

Replacement pedestrian bridge in place at Callemondah The new Moura Short Rail Line Pedestrian Bridge on the Dawson Highway at Callemondah is in place and will provide passage across Police Creek for members of the public for many years to come.

Already, plenty of feet and bicycle wheels have crossed the bridge which replaces its predecessor which was removed in April after significant deterioration of its steel structures and timber deck had been identified.

Replacement of the bridge was conducted over a three week period, ending in midMay, with works conducted at night in order to minimise disruption to motor vehicle traffic and Gladstone Airport operations.

The works required the creation of a temporary reduced speed zone and reduced lane widths for Dawson Highway motorists.

The bridge is located west of the roundabout servicing the Callemondah Drive and Olsen Avenue entrances to the Dawson Highway.

Chapman Drive upgrade on schedule for September finish The Chapman Drive upgrade at Clinton is on schedule with road pavement renewal and footpath and driveway reconstructive work on the south side of the street well under way.

Roadworks, including footpath construction, are also well advanced on neighbouring J Hickey Avenue following the completion of footpath construction, kerbing work, pavement renewal and asphalt sealing on the northern side of Chapman Drive.

A water main crossing J Hickey Avenue has also been installed.

Reconstruction of road carriageway work on the south side of Chapman Drive, for which a redirection of traffic flow from the south side lanes of Chapman Drive to the northern lanes was required, is expected to be completed in early July, 2016.

The $3.86 million project, an amalgam of four projects to upgrade ageing infrastructure on Chapman Drive to increase its capacity to meet future traffic volume increases, is expected to be completed in September.

Page 5

Puzzles offer library visitors a chance to feel connected with community Gladstone City Library is offering a fun way for visitors to connect and feel part of a community project.

Community puzzles have become a popular pastime for many since making their debut at the library late last year.

Library officer Natalie Hinde said patrons had taken about two weeks to complete the first jigsaw puzzle with the finished puzzle now framed and proudly on public display.

She said the jigsaw puzzles attracted attention from library visitors of all ages at different times.

Library officer Natalie Hinde attempts to place a jigsaw piece into the new community puzzle set up at the Gladstone City Library.

"This is the sixth puzzle we are working on now and there have been individuals, couples, groups and young children sitting here," Natalie said.

The current jigsaw features a countryside scene with 700 pieces while other completed puzzles contained 1000 pieces.

Natalie said the community puzzle concept was introduced after seeing first-hand how popular the initiative was at other interstate facilities.

"As part of my Masters of Information studies I had travelled to Sydney to observe different types of libraries from university libraries to the ABC archives and the NSW art gallery library," she said.

"A lot of people might not have space in their house or time to do a whole puzzle but they enjoy putting jigsaw pieces together.

"This is something community members can all work together on and even if they only put in one or two pieces, they can get to see the finished puzzle."

Following the popularity of community puzzles Gladstone City Library has also added a community colouring page to its activities.

New residents invited to arrange a one-on-one chat to gain information New residents to the region seeking community information can arrange a relaxed, one-on-one chat to gain details specific to their interests and needs.

Warm welcome impresses cruise passengers Community efforts to welcome P&O Cruises' first ships to the region made a favourable impression on passengers, according to a recent review.

Approximately 95 per cent of passengers and 75 per cent of staff – about 2400 visitors in total – disembarked the Pacific Jewel on its maiden voyage to Gladstone in March, enticed by an impressive welcome program, tour offerings and Feast on East markets.

A survey of passengers, conducted

by Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd, found the majority spent more than four hours either onshore or on tours.

Ninety-five per cent of respondents said they spent an average of $111 onshore,

indicating more than $250,000 was injected into the local economy during one cruise ship visit.

About 75 per cent of passengers said their visit to the region exceeded their expectations.

The same amount said they were likely to return, which is pleasing feedback given the majority of respondents had never before visited our region.

Upcoming P&O cruise ship visits, and coinciding Feast on East markets, are scheduled for: Tuesday, June 28, 9am - 6pm Tuesday, August 9, 7am - 4pm Tuesday, October 25, 9am - 6pm Tuesday, December 20, 10am - 8pm

Appointments can be made with Council's Community Development officer Andrea Hughes on 4976 6300 for a faceto-face chat with individuals or families.

New residents will be able to collect information ranging from details about sport and recreation groups to community services, paths, walkways and schools.

Relaxed chats will soon replace Council's formal Welcome to Gladstone Morning Teas following reduced demand for the formal format.

The last Welcome to Gladstone morning tea will be held at the Gladstone City Library on Thursday, June 2 from 10am to 11.30am.

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Community CALENDAR FREE HIRE An 8m x 8m inflatable outdoor movie screen is available from Council for free hire to regional community groups and schools.

MAY Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

27 May - 4 June

2016 Saiki Children's Day activities

Art Gallery & Museum

4976 6766

27 May - 2 July

Essential Services - Ambulances, Fire, Police retrospective exhibition

Art Gallery & Museum

4976 6766

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

Every Wed

Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

Every Wed

Story Time 10.00am

Agnes Water Library 4902 1501

Every Wed & Thurs

Story Time 11.00am

Gladstone City Library

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Calliope Library

2

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea Gladstone City Library

5

Ecofest

Tondoon Botanic Gardens

7 & 21

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

7 & 21

Story Time 9.30am

Miriam Vale Library

4974 6241

9 & 23

Baby Bounce

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

12

Mount Larcom Farmers' Market

Mount Larcom State 4976 6300 School Oval

14

2016 XXXX Qld Maroons Gladstone Fan Day lunch

GECC

4972 2822

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

Every Wed

Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

Every Wed

Story Time 10.00am

Agnes Water Library 4902 1501

Every Wed & Thurs

Story Time 11.00am

Gladstone City Library

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

5 & 19

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

5 & 19

Story Time 9.30am

Miriam Vale Library

4974 6241

14 & 28

Baby Bounce

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

JUNE

Council helps put groups and schools in the movies Council is making not-for-profit groups and schools part of the bigger community picture by offering free hire of an outdoor, inflatable movie screen.

Equipment available for free hire includes an 8m x 8m inflatable movie screen, complete with air blower, projector, DVD player, speakers, tent pegs and an operating manual.

Not-for-profit community groups and schools interested in booking the movie screen and equipment can phone Council's Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Co-parenting workshop The Community Advisory Service will host a workshop about the legal and social considerations of co-parenting on Monday, June 20 from 6pm to 9pm.

For details or to book phone 4976 6300 or email cas@gladstonerc.qld. gov.au

4976 6400

4975 8195 4976 6400

JULY

4976 6400

Council moves forward with Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Council has progressed the development of its first Biodiversity Conservation Strategy after public consultation closed in April 2016.

Residents sent in 15 formal submissions which have now been incorporated into the draft strategy along with feedback given at workshops held in Gladstone and Agnes Water.

The strategy focuses on the values, threats, opportunities and outcomes for biodiversity now and into the future.

Once approved, the strategy will be distributed for public comment prior to the final version being released in June 2016.

Page 7

Connections expressed through Indigenous artworks Residents will be able to experience the power of a Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art touring exhibition from June 3.

My Country, I still call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia features works by Queensland Indigenous artists from the Queensland Art Gallery's extensive collection.

This exhibition gives regional residents a chance to view artworks from the Gallery's holdings and admire pieces previously displayed for city audiences.

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum will host the touring exhibition featuring 25

works by 20 artists.

Gallery & Museum visitors can gain an insight into the associations and interpretations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to country (land and nation) by viewing the collection.

The collection includes Indigenous Australian painting, sculpture, fibre art, prints and photography which explore the history, contemporary issues and geographic country of Queensland's Indigenous peoples.

One of the art pieces on display (pictured), by artist Vernon Ah Kee is part of the James C Sourris, AM, Collection.

Vernon AH KEE, Australia b. 1967, 'Annie Ah Sam' 2008, Charcoal, crayon and synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Collection: Queensland Art Gallery

The item was a gift of James C Sourris, AM, through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2012 and was donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.

My Country, I still call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia June 3 - August 27 Official launch: Friday, June 10 at 6pm

Updates from AROUND THE REGION REGION: Arts and culture projects from Calliope, Raglan, Boyne Island, Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water received $29,412 in grants in Round 2 of the Gladstone Region Regional Arts Development Fund. Provision has been made for a special funding round that closes June 30 for projects after August 1. For information visit http://gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld. gov.au/radf.cfm

phone Council's Pest Management Section on 4977 6821. The funding was received from the Burnett Mary Regional Natural Resource Management Group.

CALLIOPE: The $400,000 contract to upgrade the Don Cameron Drive water main has been awarded. The new 569-metre water main will ensure current and future needs are met in the area.

TANNUM SANDS, AGNES WATER: Council will continue lifeguard services during peak holiday times at public beaches.

Funding of almost $200,000 will provide two lifeguards at Tannum Sands and Agnes Water during Easter, September and December school holidays and one lifeguard at Agnes Water after the Easter school holidays and at the end of September and Christmas holidays.

Lifeguard services are reviewed annually.

BAFFLE CREEK CATCHMENT: Council, in partnership with Miriam Vale Rural Science and Landcare Group, has received funds to construct five portable feral pig traps for use in the Baffle Creek catchment area. To express interest in hiring the feral pig traps

REGION: Council is providing essential information about business start-up to establishing microbusiness operators in the region. Four workshops, held as part of the Connect, Innovate and Create pilot program, will cover business foundations,

innovation and business modelling.

AGNES WATER: Council has started works to improve the entry to six well used beaches.

Works include the installation of flexible dune fencing for tracks, the renovation of the beach shelter at Waterfront Drive and general renovation works.

Works at Atlantis Boulevard involve the renovation of the timber boardwalk, a shelter roof installation and the renovation of beach access stairs. Works are due to be completed at the end of June, weather permitting.

REGION: As part of Paint the Town Purple domestic violence awareness month Council installed 'Not now, not ever' stickers, providing emergency contacts, in toilet cubicles across the region. The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum also showed artworks from the LOVE BiTES program.

Page 8

The wedding venue wow-ing Gladstone The local community is spoilt when it comes to booking a wedding venue in Gladstone now with the newly renovated Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC).

The state-of-the-art venue is just the start; GECC is impressing brides and grooms by revolutionising the experience of creating a wedding.

Digital platforms are helping Council spread the word about youth events.

Keep connected with Council's youth activities

They now offer a string of value to the celebration like a free wedding planner to help plan the event, accommodation for the night of the wedding, breakfast vouchers at Lightbox and a central location in Gladstone CBD close to accommodation options for visiting family and friends.

Digital media is making it easier for youths to keep up-to-date with Council's youth activities across the region.

It doesn't stop there with awardwinning catering and transparent pricing to suit all budgets. Key features offered unlike anywhere else, is the technology available.

The Youth Development team is involved in activities including Youth Week, skate competitions, youth service organisations, Gladstone Region Youth Council, SUNfest and youth events.

Thousands of lights, screens and the ability to video and stream weddings to places around the world is really making GECC the most popular place to get married in 2016.

Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett said it was important to ensure youths could access details about planned events.

Find out more at gladecc.com.au

To further assist, Council's Youth Development team is keen to find out where youths are searching for event information or details.

"We need to ensure we are using the same channels as youth to get the messages out about activities and events," Vernetta said.

She said Council's Youth Facebook page highlighted events occurring in the community and residents were invited to support this page to promote community youth events and sporting activities.

"Information sharing will ensure youths across the region don't miss out on news about the range of activities organised or supported by Council throughout the year."

To stay connected with Council's youth news: • Follow us on Twitter at GladRegCnl • Like us on Facebook at Gladstone Regional Council or Gladstone Region Youth • Follow us on Instagram @ GladstoneRegionalCouncil Plus, youths are invited to share the ways they hear about youth activities by contacting the Youth Development team on 4976 6300.

Australian children's books chosen for sister city book exchange

Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre has packages to help make your fairytale reception a reality. Photo: Strong Images

Pop up shop trial Pop-up Enterprises will operate in Gladstone Library Square on June 9, 10 and 11 from 3pm to 8pm. The concept is part of Council's Connect, Innovate and Create pilot program supporting microbusinesses in the region. Stalls will offer items ranging from homewares to children's clothing, online recruitment and holistic health products. For details contact Council's Strategic Community Inclusion Officer Luis Arroyo on 4976 6352 or luisa@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Sister City Advisory Management Committee vice president John Abood presents a collection of Australian children's books for Saiki City in Japan to Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett.

Saiki City library in Japan will house three new Australian children's picture books as a sister city gift from Gladstone.

The books will be sent to Saiki City Council as part of the Saiki Gladstone Children's Book Exchange.

The literature exchange program allows children in each of the sister cities to enrich their knowledge about the other's cultures.

In addition to the promotion of cultural, commercial and educational exchanges, the book exchange helps Gladstone's Sister City Advisory Management Committee and Council encourage friendship, cooperation, understanding and peace between Gladstone and Saiki City.

Books to be sent to Japan include 'Time for Bed Daddy' by Sunshine Coast author Dave Hackett; 'Silly Birds' by Aboriginal author and illustrator Gregg Dreise; and 'Bully on the Bus' by Mount Tom author Kathryn Apel.

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Mount Larcom Show to offer bumper program One of our region's favourite events, the annual Mount Larcom Show, will next month host a reliably bumper line-up of country-style entertainment plus some exciting program additions.

The show, which received $15,000 support from Council's Major Events Funding program, promises a packed weekend of events over June 25 and 26.

While organisers take pride in the traditional agricultural and home industry components of the show – including judging of animal breeding, horse events, cooking, craft and horticulture – plenty of other attractions are on offer.

A special inclusion in this year's program is the National Chainsaw Racing Titles, which will attract lumberjacks from around the country to our region.

The show society is also expecting a larger than ever ute muster, featuring seven

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categories including the attention-getting Feral Ute class.

A shearing demonstration has been added to this year's program alongside favourite drawcards the 'barra tank', animal nursery, stunt riders, trade displays, sideshow alley,

fireworks and much more.

To view the show program visit www. mtlarcomshow.com.au For more information on Council's Major Events Funding program visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/major-events-funding

New GECC website offers information and bookings within easy reach Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) has launched a new, user-friendly website.

The fresh, revitalised pages offer visitors an easy-to-use platform to search what regional Queensland’s premier entertainment venue offers.

Visitors will have GECC information at their fingertips from details about the facility’s comprehensive range of technology, equipment and services to award winning catering, its city heart location and its capacity to host high profile events and concerts.

Read more about rooms and spaces available for hire, browse food and beverage services offered at the GECC, view menu options for events, conferences and weddings, and book a room or plan your menu easily online.

The website also offers the versatility to submit enquiries about community concert bookings, view details about upcoming shows and performances, make online bookings and purchase GECC gift vouchers.

Check out the new look GECC website at gladecc.com.au

k e e W Seniors st u g u A 1 2 13

It’s on for Young and Old

Programs available 18 July Bookings from 1 August For further information contact Andrea on 49766300 or andreah@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Page 10

Landholders invited to have their say on Pest Management Plan Regional landholders have less than a week remaining to have their say on Council's Pest Management Plan 2016 - 2019.

The plan identifies Council's approach to pest management across the region over the next three years through a two tier management program.

Once the consultation period closes Council officers will review all submissions and, if necessary, make recommendations to change the plan to reflect the community's views.

Landholders can have their say via an electronic survey available on Council's website or by writing to Gladstone Regional Council, Pest Management Section, PO Box 29, Gladstone QLD 4680.

The consultation period ends close of business June 10, 2016.

To complete Council's Pest Management Plan 2016-2019 Survey, visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/haveyour-say

People's Choice Winner 2015: Estie Louw (Year 12, Faith Baptist Christian School), 'Contrasts', mixed media on paper, 460 x 610mm. Photograph: E.H. Gallaher

Golding Showcase highlights work of budding young artists Artists aged 15 to 18 will have a chance to publically display their talents through this year's Golding Showcase.

The Golding Showcase has run annually for 22 years and provides an opportunity for budding young artists to have work selected for exhibition in a public art gallery.

The local youth art exhibition is an initiative of the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Society, supported by the late Society patron Mr Cyril Golding.

The O'Connell Gallery in the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum will be transformed from June 11 to August 6 to

showcase selected works in all media.

Visitors to 22 Years of Golding Showcase: Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition will be able to add to their cultural experience by voting for their favourite artwork.

The artist receiving the most votes will receive a People's Choice Award and become the face of next year's event publicity material.

22 Years of Golding Showcase: Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition June 11 - August 6 Official launch: Friday, June 10 at 6pm

Flood restoration works continue in western parts of region Flood restoration work to roads and related infrastructure damaged during ex-Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015 is drawing nearer to completion.

Restoration of road and drainage works have been undertaken to repair the damage inflicted by the severe storm in February last year and is due for completion within the next month.

The work has been conducted in three batches according to area groupings, beginning in Boyne Valley-Diglum and

progressing through Calliope and then Mount Larcom, Bracewell and Raglan.

The project aims to return the roads to a condition similar to that which existed prior to the arrival of exTropical Cyclone Marcia.

The repairs program was made possible via $11.77 million in Queensland Reconstruction Authority funding through its National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program.

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Reminder to register pets as inspection program continues

Janet Redlich enjoys volunteering each week as a Friend of the Library.

The discovery of a large number of unregistered animals during Council’s ongoing Annual Inspection Program has prompted a reminder to owners to register their pets.

Until August 12, Local Law officers are going door to door throughout the region to ensure dogs are registered.

So far, owners of unregistered pets have been issued with 63 Local Law notices and 11 fines.

Pleasingly, many pet owners have not waited for an officer to knock on their door before registering their animals – when the inspection program was announced in February registrations more than doubled compared to the previous month.

Animal registrations are crucial in enabling Council to exercise control measures and reunite lost pets with owners quickly.

A penalty of $235 can apply for failing to register a dog or cat.

To register your pets complete the Animal Registration Form at www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/forms or visit a Council Customer Service Office.

Library volunteer gains vast reward surrounded by books Avid book lover Janet Redlich is quick to encourage anyone with spare time to offer a helping hand as a Friend of the Library.

August will mark Janet's 11th year as a Friends of the Library volunteer; a milestone of which she is extremely proud.

"Being a Friend of the Library is enjoyable and the library staff are lovely to work with," Janet said.

She is one of 35 volunteers who dedicate their time to assist at Gladstone Regional Libraries.

"I became a Friend of the Library when I retired," Janet said.

"I love books and when I walk through the

C

t c e n on

WITH COUNCIL www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/econnect

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Calliope Office 5 Don Cameron Drive Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

library doors I can pretend all these books belong to me," she joked.

Janet said she volunteered as a Friend of the Library six to seven hours each week and her main duty was to re-shelve books.

"I really do enjoy it, plus I meet people and often see friends I know," she said.

But Janet was quick to add that the Friends of the Library volunteering role was something most people could do.

"Especially if they like books and they know their alphabet," she said.

Residents interested in becoming a Friend of the Library can speak to a librarian in person or call the Gladstone City Library on 4976 6400.

Gladstone Regional Council PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680 Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

@GladstoneRegionalCouncil Miriam Vale Office 41 Blomfield Street Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre 71 Springs Road Open 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

@GladstoneRegionalCouncil Boyne Tannum Community Centre Cnr Wyndham & Hayes Avenues, Boyne Island Open 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday

@GladRegCnl

Mount Larcom Rural Transaction Centre Raglan Street Open 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to noon on Saturday

Cr Matt Burnett Mayor Phone: 4976 6903 Email: Mayor@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Glenn Churchill Chair Planning & Development Committee Phone: 0407 289 139 Email: GlennChurchill@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Peter Masters Chair Works & Traffic Committee Phone: 0438 145 780 Email: PeterMasters@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Chris Trevor Deputy Mayor Phone: 0437 757 839 Email: ChrisTrevor@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Kahn Goodluck Councillor Phone: 0433 944 302 Email: KahnGoodluck@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Desley O'Grady Councillor Phone: 0437 837 148 Email: DesleyOGrady@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Cindi Bush Chair Environment & Community Services Committee Phone: 0437 642 081 Email: CindiBush@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Rick Hansen Chair Finance & Corporate Governance Committee Phone: 0448 885 047 Email: RickHansen@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr PJ Sobhanian Chair Commercial Services Committee Phone: 0412 544 201 Email: PJSobhanian@gladstone.qld.gov.au Page 12

Other Activities and Displays Ecofest Trail Run - Gladstone Road Runners Register on the day for an 8am start. For all runners and fitness levels, there will be a 3km and 10km run, walkers are welcome. Entry is $5.

Rock Climbing Wall 9am - 3pm Join the fun, and try to reach the top of this Rock Climbing Wall. It will challenge your strength and agility.

Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) Ever wondered how the water gets from Awoonga Dam to your taps? Make sure you visit the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) display to find out about the water supply and treatment process. GAWB will also have a tank of fish from our Gladstone Fish Hatchery with prizes to be won for guessing how many are in there!

Orica Orica will give away take home seed packs to attendees.

The aim of this activity is to encourage residents to plant the seedlings at home to produce their own vegetable and plants.

Queensland Energy Resources (QER)

Sponsors

QER is pleased to be part of Ecofest 2016. As always, QER will provide information about the company’s efforts in Gladstone to develop a new, sustainable, Australian-made transport fuel source. QER's (now famous) Guessing Competition will focus on the significant improvements that have been made in diesel technology to produce much more efficient transport of our goods and services: like the fresh food and groceries delivered to supermarket shelves. Look out for QER’s handy shopping bags. Carry one with you and use it instead of plastic – it’s one of those little things that can make a big difference.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC)

Audience Survey

For more than 10 years, Gladstone Ports Corporation has supported Ecofest as a major sponsor and is proud to be involved in an event that showcases local environmental efforts, which contribute to global sustainability through preservation and the promotion of biodiversity. GPC’s display will again provide information on environmental initiatives and projects under way including our environmental education and awareness program, ‘Gladstone’s Big6’, which has been designed to improve community knowledge of animals such as dugongs, turtles and seabirds and their habitats in the Gladstone bioregion. Please visit GPC’s marquee to find out more.

Don't forget to fill in the Audience Survey, located at our sponsors' sites and also at the front gate, for your chance to win a great prize hamper and two nights' accommodation on Heron Island worth more than $1500. The prize will be drawn at 1.50pm at the main stage.

Mega Slide and Littlies Bouncy Castle 9am - 3pm ALL ECOFEST ACTIVITIES ARE FREE AND WILL OPERATE FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT

QGC QGC, together with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and other exhibiting partners, will share their stories about how well environmental initiatives are conducted here in Gladstone.

‘Make your mark’ in our community colouring in celebrating our local environment, or ‘pin your post’ to join QGC in illustrating the great things we do as a community to make the world a better place through local collaborations. You could be the lucky winner of a holiday to spectacular Heron Island, just by taking part!

Creative Recycling Centre The Creative Recycling Centre activity will take place at the Arboretum.

Australia’s Largest Recycled Rug: Hand crafted by the local community, the 36 square metre rug will be on display for attendees to view.

Story-telling Space: Join the space to hear a professional story teller read Oh Dear, That’s My Rear, a story about the local bottom-breathing turtle of the Fitzroy River!

Education Kit: Author Julie Cook will be on hand from 10am to 2pm to talk with audiences and interact with children with a special education kit.

Magnet Making: Children can make their own bottombreathing turtle magnet out of 95% recycled materials.

Participants will go into the draw to win one of 10 signed copies of Oh Dear, That's My Rear.

Discovery: Help discover the story of the Creative Recycling Centre and find out how YOU can get involved.

Colouring Competition Children aged 10 years and under will have the chance to win a range of gardening equipment and kits by entering Council's Ecofest 2016 Colouring Competition. Competition entries will be available on the day at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens stall.

Digital Photograph Competition Older children and adults have a chance to score prizes in Council's Ecofest 2016 Digital Photograph Competition. For a full list of competition terms and conditions visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/competition

Free Transport Bus Ride the free transport bus and receive a free coffee! The bus will stop at Gladstone Valley Shopping Centre, Gladstone Showgrounds and Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens. The bus will be travelling on a loop route that is estimated to take between 20 and 30 minutes.

GREANhouse Tent stage program 9.45am Official Opening by Gladstone Region

Mayor Matt Burnett 10.00am Costa Georgiadis

(Host of Gardening Australia)

Topic: Eating Your Way Out of the Garden: Simple ways to start growing at your place.

From big acres to small courtyards and rooftops to containers, everyone can do it!

11.00am Ian Lowe AO

(Leading Environmental Scientist)

Topic: How we can shape sustainable futures?

12.00pm Nic Connolly (The Whole Foodie)

& Stacey Curcio (Naturopath)

Topic: Healthy Gut = Healthy You

1.00pm Costa Georgiadis

Topic 2: Getting Started with Community and

Verge Gardens: How to prepare, design

and create a successful community plot in your neighbourhood.

1.50pm Winner of audience survey and

Ecofest 2016 awards to be announced.

2.00pm Murray Hallam

(Practical Aquaponics Guru)

Topic: 'Pure Food the Aquaponics Way'

Guest Speaker

Costa Georgiadis Host of Gardening Australia

Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens

6 1 0 2

Sunday, June 5 9am - 3pm

Meet our Special Guests

WIN a holiday for 2 to

Murray Hallam Practical Aquaponics

Stacey Curcio Naturopath

Heron Island

Ian Lowe AO

Leading Environmental Scientist

Fill out the Ecofest 2016 Audience Survey and be in the running to win a hamper and two nights’ accommodation on Heron Island, twin share in a Reef Room with breakfast daily and return launch transfers. This combined prize is worth over $1500. The survey will be located at the front gate. The prize winner will be announced at 1.50pm on the day at the main stage.

Alternatively, if the winner is not present, event organisers will contact them via the details provided as part of the survey. Please Note: Prize is nontransferable, non-exchangeable and non-redeemable for cash.

Reece Cycle Nic Connolly The Whole Foodie

To reduce the environmental footprint, a FREE bus service will operate on the day. Residents who opt to ride the bus will receive a free coffee voucher to use at Ecofest. The bus will stop at CQ University Marina Campus, Gladstone Showgrounds and Tondoon Botanic Gardens. The bus will be travelling on a loop route that is estimated to take between 20 and 30 minutes. For full bus timetable and departure points visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest for full program details.

Sponsors

GLADSTONE

Festivals Events AND

ASSOCIATION INC

FREE car parking beside Tondoon Botanic Gardens. $2 car parking at Meteors Sports Club.