(53) Connect February-March 2018

connect Harbour Festival Issue 82

kicks off on March 28

2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton on its journey

C

t c e n on

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Cr Matt Burnett - Mayor P: 4976 6903 E: Mayor@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Chris Trevor - Deputy Mayor P: 0437 757 839 E: ChrisTrevor@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Cindi Bush - Councillor P: 0437 642 081 E: CindiBush@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Glenn Churchill - Councillor P: 0407 289 139 E: GlennChurchill@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Kahn Goodluck - Councillor P: 0433 944 302 E: KahnGoodluck@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Rick Hansen - Councillor P: 0448 885 047 E: RickHansen@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Peter Masters - Councillor P: 0438 145 780 E: PeterMasters@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Desley O'Grady - Councillor P: 0437 837 148 E: DesleyOGrady@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr PJ Sobhanian - Councillor P: 0412 544 201 E: PJSobhanian@gladstone.qld.gov.au

A message from our Mayor New leadership structure for a busy new year There wasn’t much opportunity to ease our way into 2018 with the new year getting off to a busy start at Council.

Conducted alongside the festival, indeed the very reason for its creation, is the 70th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Work continues in earnest on Council’s new executive structure with its leadership team now confirmed.

One of Australia’s flagship ocean yacht races, the Brisbane to Gladstone takes contestants 308 nautical miles from Moreton Bay on Good Friday to the finish line on the Gladstone Harbour and, if conditions are favourable, we should see a fast competition.

I am thrilled with the make-up of the team which features a mix of proven performers at Council and talented new recruits from the business and corporate spheres.

Leisa Dowling (Strategy and Transformation), Mark Holmes (Finance, Governance and Risk), Anna Scott (Strategic Asset Performance), Kylie Lee (Community Development and Events), Alistair Burrows (Customer Experience), Richard Pegg (People, Culture and Safety) and Peter Billing (Operations) will help guide Council into a new era.

The new executive structure ensures Council’s processes, systems and decisions give greater value to our customers and community by increasing our efficiency and effectiveness.

We will do this by understanding and responding to our communities needs, being a business leader in social and environmental responsibility, ensuring Council is financially sustainable, and maintaining a high-performance culture within our organisation.

While that happens inside Council, there is much coming up in the wider Gladstone Region to be excited about.

The countdown is on until the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay passes through our region on March 24, with a selection of our community champions receiving the well-deserved honour of helping to progress the baton’s journey along our state’s coastline.

Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural live streaming of the race start, this year’s race will also be streamed around the world, taking our Brisbane to Gladstone to the world.

Excitement is building ahead of the Gold Coast Titans’ NRL clash with the ManlyWarringah Sea Eagles on April 8.

I can’t wait to see a packed Marley Brown Oval as NRL action comes to Gladstone for the first time and Council will be doing its best to entice the NRL back to the region for future fixtures.

It’s a busy time for the Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy townships with another successful Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival drawing a big crowd on February 16-18.

The relaxed beachside atmosphere generated by the twin townships makes Agnes Water the ideal venue for the festival.

It is this same sunny holiday vibe that has been captured by the redeveloped Tom Jeffery Memorial Park at Agnes Water, to be officially opened this weekend (Feb 24), which Council is sure will prove a hit with locals and visitors alike.

I know Gladstone Region residents will be out in force to cheer on our community baton bearers as they complete the baton’s progress through Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water with a detour via a Seventeen Seventy LARC. Just four days later, it’s on again – the 56th Annual Gladstone Harbour Festival, one of the Gladstone Region’s premier events.

The festival is a family favourite on the social calendar and another bumper crowd is expected in 2018.

Mayor Matt Burnett

Gladstone Regional Council

Page 2

Green, serene….and one of the nation’s best

Driving into the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens, there are two things you notice immediately. You slow down and hear the unmistakable sounds of insects and birds ‘singing’ together.

It’s almost like a fanfare that represents a sense of arrival.

Indeed, you’ve arrived at one of the top 10 regional botanic gardens in Australia as announced by Australian Geographic magazine in its January edition.

And there’s a different energy and serenity about the place that’s drawing more and more people in.

Visitor numbers are the leading measure of success for botanic gardens with Tondoon’s nearly doubling between 2014 and 2016.

During that time, they increased from 154,000 to 292,000 people coming through the gates of the rolling 150ha property.

The Gardens cultivates native species from the Port Curtis region and far north Queensland as well as some endangered species, but they have a different feel from what many people would regard as your typical botanic gardens.

Senior Parks and Conservation coordinator,

Barry Meiring said that’s another aspect of being recognised in the top 10.

“We do have a different feel as opposed to manicured lawns and straight edges, and it gets a grip on you.”

He said much of the credit for the Gardens’ success should go to Curator, Brent Braddick, who has spent many years implementing the original vision of landscape architect, Laurie Smith.

Brent said the vision was ambitious because regional botanic gardens were a new concept 30 years ago when Tondoon was founded in 1988. Since then, 25 others have opened because of their greater acceptance in the Bicentennial year.

Staff are proud of this latest achievement, but say it wouldn’t have happened without support structures in place and people making the right decisions.

“Our two-year-old Strategic Plan has been very good for giving us new direction, with science and community needs steering our work,” Barry said.

“Our strategy of research and conservation, education, recreation and culture, promotion and business development is a total package. You can’t have one without

the other.”

So, what makes a good botanic garden?

Both Barry and Brent believe vision, good design, energy and flow making it easy for people to move around, are essential ingredients.

With those foundations already there and more media exposure through national recognition, the Gardens are looking forward to a very bright future as one of Gladstone’s must-see destinations.

Botanic gardens in 148 countries

Botanic gardens are the second most popular cultural venue attended behind cinemas. There are botanic gardens and arboreta in 148 countries worldwide and they maintain more than five million living ens plant collections. Over 500 botanic gard in 350 than e are in Western Europe, mor North America and over 200 in East and in Southeast Asia, of which the majority are nic bota n China. Most of the southern Asia gardens are in India.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will pass through Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water, as well as take a LARC tour at Seventeen Seventy, on March 24, 2018.

Stay up to date with the baton’s progress at www.gc2018.com/qbr Page 3

Duane passes goodwill on to new baton bearers Twenty-three residents will enjoy the experience of a lifetime when they help the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton on its journey through the Gladstone Region next month.

One man who knows what will be going through the mind of the baton bearers on the day is Gladstone resident Duane Sherwood.

Duane was a fresh-faced 15-year-old when he was a member of the group which carried the baton through Gladstone city, from near Don Young Drive off the

Did you know?

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be the second for which the Queen’s Baton has passed through the Gladstone Region. The baton also made its way through the region for the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, but we missed out for the 2006 Melbourne Games when the baton travelled directly from Kingaroy to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The international event, then known as the British Empire Games, was held in Sydney in 1938 and the British Empire and Commonwealth Games were hosted in Perth in 1962.

1982 baton bearers (from left) Duane Sherw ood, Brian Aitkenhead, David Lowry, Peter Limb rick and Alderman David Burns.

Dawson Highway to Anzac Park near the city centre, ahead of the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.

“We took turns to hold the baton, running all the way,” Duane recalls of the day.

“There was a van with officials which travelled with us and they played Chariots of Fire all the way. We were tired of hearing that by the end!”

An overdose of the Jon and Vangelis classic instrumental aside, Duane said he had fond memories of the event and believed it would also prove a memorable experience for the 2018 Games baton bearers.

“There was one runner from each of the three high schools included in the group and I was the Toolooa High runner,” Duane said.

“It was an honour to be a part of it and (the 2018 Games runners) would be proud just to get picked to be in the relay.”

Duane said his inclusion in the 1982 baton relay had led to other eye-opening experiences as a youngster.

“There was a big dinner event after the run and we met Mayor Col Brown and the other councillors which, as a 15-yearold back then, didn’t happen a lot,” he said.

“Our Toolooa school group also went down to Brisbane for the opening day ceremony which was a good experience.”

Our 2018 Games baton bearers The 2018 version of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay will pass through the Gladstone Region on March 24.

The relay will bring the baton to community stops for celebratory events at Gladstone Library Square at 8.34am, Alf Larson/Lions Park, Miriam Vale, at 10.30am and Tom Jeffery Memorial Park, Agnes Water, at 1.45pm during its journey through the Gladstone Region.

Gladstone Region Baton Bearers: Gladstone – Jonathan Easton, Tracy Hopkins, Debbie Knust, Laura Koefler, Gary Larson, Ruby Lawler, Jenny McLeod, Dianne Morris, Donald Morris, Bob Moschoni.

Miram Vale: Deanne Lawson, Pamela Cawthray, Pauline Dahl, Larry Halbert, Lyn Harms, Jamie Hartwig.

Seventeen Seventy: Maxine Brushe.

Agnes Water: Ian Anderson, Allan Davis, Neale Inskip, Betty Mergard, Chris Palfrey, Mia Poustie.

Page 4

Asha now free to enjoy playground fun

Four-year-old Asha Gourley, who suffers from a muscle weakness condition, has found a freedom of movement she’s never known before.

That freedom is the ability to safely explore a playground, like any other child her age, in an electric wheelchair.

Asha was diagnosed with Nemaline Rod Myopathy at two-and-a-half but it was only in late November last year, when she took the controls of her wheelchair, that she could get around more independently.

And the timing couldn’t have been better.

Two weeks later she had the perfect destination to visit when the redeveloped Gladstone Lions Park, which was specially designed for children and adults of all abilities, was officially opened.

The State Government helped fund this major Council park project from its Works for Queensland funding program.

Asha’s mother, Mel Gourley, said the family had waited with anticipation for the new playground to finally open.

“There was no other park safe enough

where you could sit and relax and let her be a kid, so yes, we’d been waiting for it," Mel said.

“She loves to take off in her wheelchair now, whereas before she had no independence because you had to push her in a pram or carry her around.”

Mel said it was amazing to watch Asha take to the wheelchair on the first day she had it and join kids on scooters in their quiet cul-de-sac. Now, she loves to visit ‘my park’ as she calls it to drive around the paths giving older kids a free ride.

Everywhere in Lions Park is safe for someone in a wheelchair because of the flat surfaces and if a parent is sitting watching, they can see their child wherever they are.

Asha has good spatial awareness, being careful not to get too close to other people, while there’s a horn on her wheelchair to let others know she’s around.

Her favourite feature is the misting arch which, on a hot day, she can’t get enough of. Then there’s the small roundabout with spaces especially designed to take wheelchairs, so a child or adult can drive in and hang on to a metal bar for extra stability.

A family outing to Lions Park now, for the Gourleys, means everyone can enjoy some part of it. And for Asha, she no longer has to sit back watching the other kids, but can make her own way and join in, enjoying all the benefits of social interaction with her peers.

Mosquito treatments tailored for species, location Council will continue monitoring mosquitoes through summer and the storm season, but treatment will be tailored to the species and location.

As tides impact Gladstone, we are prone to saltmarsh mosquitoes which travel up to 50km without wind assistance. Their typical breeding season is September to May.

Nature calms hard working trainees Being a Conservation and Land Management trainee can teach you something about yourself and the environment.

Four Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) trainees graduated recently after working for 18 weeks under the supervision of Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and Council’s Conservation team.

can change you as a person and public spaces require constant, hard work to maintain.

Susan said working in and with nature had slowed life down making her feel more calm and serene.

Officers will use light traps to confirm numbers and species, and chemicals to kill larvae. This process, known as larvaciding, is species specific, killing only mosquitoes.

In contrast, fogging kills everything and its impact is brief.

Council is also liaising with schools to promote student awareness about controlling mosquitoes at home.

Everyone can reduce the risk by following these steps: • Empty containers, pot plant bases and household items that hold water; • Keep grass short and not overgrown;

Jed Ware, Donovan Klein, Susan Fitton and Renee Boss (pictured above) visited different locations learning about teamwork, land restoration and safe manual handling techniques.

• Keep swimming pools clean and adequately filtered;

They completed projects on Council managed land including upgrading the Canoe Point Botanic Walk and sand dune restoration.

• Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk or use mosquito repellent.

• Wear long, loose, light coloured clothing as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours; and

But they also learnt working in conservation

“You get hot, sweaty and tired but it’s good because you let things go more and start asking yourself questions: What’s the rush? Is it important?” she said.

Mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility so approach neighbours or businesses if you believe mosquitoes are coming from their properties. If control measures aren’t implemented, people can lodge complaints with Council on 4970 0700.

Jed and Renee acknowledged CVA had a big job and did not realise how much work was needed to protect our environment.

They spent time revegetating and restoring sand dunes to the point where these natural barriers started to recover. Increased public awareness was something they hoped would help this process.

Page 6

From environmental pests to Gardens’ compost Catching cane toads and tadpoles in the Gladstone Region has never been more popular since Council’s Toad Busters Program resumed in January.

Queensland, so the University favours the most effective tadpole catchers – another good reason to excel in the hunt!

More and more people are joining the weekly challenge to rid the environment of this invasive species which impacts our native fauna.

At the end of the night teams compare how many toads they ’ve caught. Last year, the program removed about 4000 from across the region.

Participants receive full training, bags, gloves and safety glasses.

If you want to join in please wear closed in shoes and take drinking water and a good torch. Children under 15 must have parental supervision.

The final two sessions for the year on February 20 and 27 will be held at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Reg Tanna Park.

Conservation Volunteers Australia run the program at a different location on Tuesday nights with a couple of Saturday evening sessions added in this year.

Other new aspects of the 2018 program include Council joining with the University of Queensland to become a Cane Toad Challenge (CTC) affiliate member. This membership allows participants to use baits to catch the cane toad tadpoles.

They are highly attracted to the bait’s chemical scent which leaks into the surrounding water and then lures the tadpoles into a trap.

For more information contact Linda Fahle from CVA on 0418 630 503 or email lfahle@conservationvolunteers. com.au

There is a catch (excuse the pun!). The baits are in high demand throughout

one-stop place for disaster info

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA ) has run Council’s Toad Busters Program to benefit our waterways and wildlife for the past nine seasons.

Volunteers usually work in pairs with one person holding a torch and the other catching and putting the toads into a bag.

And in a beneficial twist this year, the euthanised toads will be composted at Tondoon Botanic Gardens to enrich the soil.

your

Did you know?

Get rea dy tips

Road Condit ions

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Flood Camer as

School Closur es

Fire Inciden

ts Page 7

Our 2018 Australia Day Award winners

Congratulations Citizen of the Year: Kevin Watson Young Citizen of the Year: Adele Bierman Arts and Culture Award: Leanne Christensen Senior Sportsperson Award: Joel Helmstedt Young Sportsperson Award: Savannah Maytom Sports Official Award: Gary Porteous Community Event or Initiative Award: Tannum Crab Classic Community Volunteer Award: Peter O’Dwyer

Kevin’s humbleness is a true blue reflection of a top Aussie Living on a houseboat in Round Hill Creek, Kevin Watson is at the ready to help anyone nearby on the water who needs it.

Residents acknowledge that Kevin is always quick to respond to marine emergencies and is always prepared to extensively search or assist, usually at his own cost.

Kevin has modestly accepted thanks and words of praise for his efforts from boat owners, marine rescue groups and community members and recently, his efforts were rewarded on a larger scale.

On the eve of Australia Day, Kevin was named our region’s 2018 Citizen of the Year, gaining public recognition for his continual contributions to the community.

As a skipper and experienced commercial fisherman, Kevin has local knowledge of the waterways, particularly in the Seventeen Seventy creek area and is unswerving in his dedication to assist others.

He has been called on to move water craft within the 1770 Marina and its surrounds, moving vessels to better moorings, particularly during inclement weather or when owners are away from their craft.

The majority of this is at night and often

during dangerous weather.

Kevin has also been involved in search and rescue events. He helped rescue 22 people aboard the sinking Spirit of 1770 and late last year assisted in the extensive search for missing crew of the trawler, Dianne.

“I have been a commercial fisherman for 40 years and have lived in Agnes Water for 26 years, employed in the fishing industry,” Kevin said.

“With my wife Sue, we have lived on a houseboat for five years, readily available to offer a hand to those in need.

“My background is the Seventeen Seventy creek area and as a skipper it is integral that my home and my neighbours are safe.”

Kevin was modest in accepting his award nomination, appreciative of the recognition but believing that he receives enough personal reward through thanks.

“Many see what I consider as ‘the right thing to do’ as courageous and special,” he said.

“However, it’s the Australian way and the law of the ocean - to drop what you are doing and help anyone in need of assistance.”

2018 Australia Day Award Winners: Gary Porteous, Joel Helmstedt, Leanne Christensen, Adele Bierman, Savannah Maytom, Kevin Watson, Peter O’Dwyer and Tannum Crab Classic representative Ernie Vaughan.

Aussie flags fly at Australia Day events across our region Water added a cool element at our Australia Day Family Fun Day this year with water play activities offering summer relief and comfort to residents.

Thousands of residents made their way to our acclaimed Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens to socialise, catch up with friends and enjoy the free event.

Background sounds were provided by a bush poet and musicians performing country, country rock and contemporary songs while the national anthem accompanied the flag raising ceremony.

All ages were kept amused with a misting tunnel providing cool, outdoor airconditioning as well as water slides, water activities and giant waterballs.

And the entertainment heated up with a battle of the barbecues when Mayor Matt Burnett competed against fellow Councillor Desley O’Grady, State Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher and Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited CEO Darryl Branthwaite in a Celebrity Barbecue Cook Off. The Australia Day fun was widespread with Aussie flags fluttering across our region at Council-supported regional Australia Day events.

There was plenty of true blue Aussie fun ranging from lawn bowls and cricket matches to billy kart, toad, sack and threelegged races and thong, crab pot and horse shoe throwing.

Many thanks to the 10 not-for-profit regional community groups who hosted an event including the Bororen Hall committee, Builyan Many Peaks Community Development Association, Captain Creek Sport and Rec Association, Mount Larcom Ladies Bowls Club, RSL Australia Rosedale Chapter, 1770 Bowls Club, South End Progress Association, Turkey Beach Progress Association, Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre and Yarwun Grow Group.

Welcome to Country official protocol set

New citizens have diverse multicultural backgrounds Forty-five new Australian citizens were welcomed to the Gladstone Region in a public citizenship ceremony held alongside our Australia Day Awards presentation evening.

About half of our new citizens, 23 in total, have come from the Philippines.

In 2017, Gladstone Regional Council welcomed 224 new Australian citizens to our region.

A diversity of continents were represented with new residents originating from many countries including Sudan, Romania, Lebanon, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Several steps are involved in the lead up to our citizenship ceremonies.

Contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 131 880 or via their website: • For information on applying for Australian Citizenship, • To download or for a copy of an

A plethora of parks Parks of all persuasions – both new and redeveloped – have been opening to the public in the Gladstone Region since mid-November last year.

The Mount Larcom Recreation Hub was the first to debut on November 10 giving the small town’s population a new place for families to gather, play and enjoy a barbecue.

It was Gladstone’s turn on December 16 to celebrate the opening of the redeveloped Lions Park, after rain delayed the original plans for a week.

An air of excitement and joy wasn’t dimmed though, as children and adults of all abilities came along to try out the specially designed playground.

Finally, Tom Jeffery Memorial Park at Agnes Water will have its moment to shine when it’s officially opened on February 24.

information booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.

You may be required to undertake a citizenship test depending on your eligibility.

Council is contacted by the department at the end of the citizenship application process (this can take several months) after the candidate has received approval and has been allocated to a ceremony.

Council then contacts the candidate via email and forwards a copy of the letter in the mail.

Citizenship ceremonies are held on a regular basis with the Mayor at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC).

All enquiries about applications for citizenship should be directed to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 131 880.

Queries regarding Council’s citizenship ceremonies can be directed to GECC on 4972 2822.

Council-run events will now follow a set standard when outlining Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of People and Country addresses.

A Welcome to Country is a formal welcome on to Aboriginal traditional lands given by an Aboriginal Elder or person of that land and may also be supported by performers and artists.

An Acknowledgement of People and Country is a statement of recognition of the traditional owners of the land and may be given by any person.

Council endorsed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocol - Events Policy at its January 23 general meeting.

The policy sets protocol, when involving and engaging Aboriginal Elders and other First Australian cultural groups or representatives in Council-run events held in the Gladstone Region, in accordance with the requirements of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement.

Council will also maintain an Expressions of Interest register, available to Council staff and the public, listing local Aboriginal Elders and First Australian Culture Groups who offer their services for Welcome to Country and other cultural performances at events.

The policy can be viewed on Council’s website.

Page 10

Waste Services keen to continue classroom recycling

When it comes to improving the effectiveness of the Gladstone Region’s waste recycling efforts, Council believes the children really are the future.

Council’s Waste Services team last year took its recycling education program to six schools within the region and, although a 2018 program has not yet been confirmed, they hope to expand on that number this year.

Acting Manager Waste Services Shane Coleman said the series of basic presentations sought to make it clear to young members of the community what can and cannot go in their recycling bins at home.

“We delivered the presentations to children from kindergarten through to Year 6 in a bid to educate them so that they, in turn, educate their parents on what they

Water Rates Gladstone Region ratepayers are reminded that their half-yearly water consumption and utility charge notices will be issued in early March.

The notices provide a measure of household water consumption from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 where applicable and will include half-yearly water consumption charges and half of the annual water access and sewerage charges for the 2017/18 financial year.

Payments received by April 4 will attract a 10 per cent discount on the Water Access and Sewerage Utility Charges and those received

by May 5 will draw a five per cent discount.

Payments can be made via various methods listed on the notices, including Council’s secure Online Services platform at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices For more information or assistance with your water consumption notice, phone Council on 4970 0700.

could and could not recycle,” Shane said.

“The 20-minute discussions included the use of items that were borderline as to whether or not they were recyclable, such as Tetra Pak, some types of plastic and wax cardboard.”

Shane said the Waste Services team had consistently been asked plenty of questions by the students during and after each presentation and that their knowledge and interest in the subject was good as they were all studying recycling as part of their respective curriculums.

Having devised the program based on his experience overseas when working with a resource management company that considered children to be frontline ambassadors for recycling, Shane said it was important that the effort continue as an ongoing concern if possible.

“The rising levels of contamination within our kerbside recycling collection service makes it obvious that action is necessary if we are to improve recycling awareness within the community, and I think this program could play a positive role in achieving that," he said.

The program featured the presence of long-time Council recycling mascot Reece Cycle who is always a hit with the kids.

Free to drop off unwanted paint at two sites Disposing of paint in a safe and environmentally responsible manner has never been easy.

To aid our residents, Council has signed on to a national initiative, enabling trade and DIY painters to drop off for free, unwanted paint and packaging at two Paintback collection points within our region. This will prevent paint from being illegally dumped within the region.

Collection areas are available at the Gladstone Transfer Station and Benaraby Regional Landfill from Monday to Sunday, 7am-5.30pm.

Paintback accepts up to 100 litres per vehicle, per visit, secured in containers of 20 litres or less.

Paintback is one of the first schemes of its kind in the world and started in May 2016, developed by the paint industry with the endorsement of Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.

There are more than 80 paint-specific collection points nationally.

Paintback diverts unwanted paint and packaging from landfill, acknowledging the potential for steel and plastic packing to be recycled, the ability for solvent paint to replace fossil fuels in energy consumption, and the water in latex paint to be re-used in industrial processes.

For more details visit paintback.com.au or call 1300 390 380.

Page 11

Creativity of young residents shines during SUNfest

The creativity of young Gladstone residents shone during our SUNfest 2018 youth holiday program in January.

More than 500 SUNfest tickets were sold with residents aged 11 to 17 years able to participate in adrenaline and sports activities and craft and learning workshops with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Flying Arts artist Sue Loveday offered her creative skills to this year’s program tutoring Stop Motion Animation over three days, at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum (GRAGM).

“I always come to these workshops expecting to learn as much as I teach,” she said.

Sue said the skills learnt were fun, educational and inspirational.

“Animation can have many commercial applications with use in television advertising, websites and social media

applications,” she said.

Sue taught four of our region’s youths, Robbie Smith, Tamzyn Hayden, Lauren Porteous and Casey Llewellyn to create a story and use technology to make a short film using stop motion animation techniques.

She said from the first day of the workshop she was impressed with the eagerness and ideas of the youths.

The next steps involved patience, filming, modifying and adding music to create a short film.

The young film makers were then able to see the end result of their creativity with their films aired to the public during SUNfest’s Showcase finale.

SUNfest participants' films can also be viewed on the GRAGM website.

“They all have creative ideas and I’m quite excited about their ideas already,” Sue said.

“These techniques require patience and it’s about storytelling and learning how to storybook in animation.

“They’ve explored lots of different creative approaches and using colourful shapes they have made a sequence and added colour to a black and white static drawing.”

Community Education Programs 101 Ways to Treat Yourself Well - March 13 and October 23 Positive Directions: Assertiveness Not Anger - April 24-May 15 Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends - July 17-September 4

Living Positively Optimistic - October 9

Bookings phone the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300 Page 12

Simple materials get young minds thinking about engineering Paper, sticky tape and design ideas were the only materials needed to get young minds thinking of ways to overcome a challenge at SUNfest 2018.

Brisbane-based engineer and accomplished author of children’s books, Andrew King, guided youngsters while sharing his enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the Bearly Engineering, Build It, Test It, Break It workshop.

Andrew is a passionate speaker about the important role STEM plays in education and was equally impressed with the enthusiasm and interest in engineering shown by workshop participants Beau Norman, Xavier Hansen, Jessie Hayden and Maksim Bijelic.

The boys were challenged to build a paper bridge, strong enough for a radiocontrolled car to be driven across.

Andrew said paper, being cheap and easy to access, was a great educational tool to practically explore engineering concepts and designs.

“Paper has been used worldwide at larger scale construction challenges with a paper bridge built to support a vehicle and a paper bike designed,” he said.

Andrew was impressed to see the SUNfest participants’ different designs and praised them on their ideas and use of different design elements to strengthen their bridge structures.

Book donation

Andrew is also the author of Engibear children’s picture books and created storybook character Engibear, Engilina, and Bearbot as ‘friendly faces’ to introduce engineering to young children.

Andrew (pictured with Council’s Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett) commended the SUNfest program and donated a copy of his books, Engibear ’s Dream, Engibear ’s Bridge and Engilina’ s Trains to our Gladstone Regional Libraries .

April 13-22

An Australian, State, Territory and Local Government Initiative

Details available early April via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/youth-events-and-activities Page 13

Building a shed in the Gladstone Region

Certification services for shed development applications Council’s Building Services Section has qualified building certifiers to asses all shed development applications.

Did you know?

So, you’re tired of not having a gardening shed to keep your gardening tools and other equipment.

Or you’re fed up with your existing tiny shed, knocking items everywhere when you so much as try to turn around or, when you find the item you want, realise that you must move 10 things to get to it.

The answer is obvious – build a new shed!

What may not be so obvious is the process that must be followed for you to do so.

State legislation determines how sheds can be built vary and it is important that home owners are aware of the appropriate rules.

Owners and builders should refer to the National Construction Code and other appropriate legislation and Australian Standards when designing a shed.

This also applies to other buildings and structures to ensure compliance.

All sheds, regardless of size, require building approval from Council or a private certifier.

• A minimum of 6m from the front boundary; • A maximum of 9m in length; • A maximum height of 3.5m; • 900mm clear of the dwelling and 1.5m clear of the neighbouring dwelling; • Sheeted with maintenance free material; • No window or door openings permitted to the side or rear boundary wall; and • Roof water must not be directed on to the neighbouring property.

Where applicable, roof water is to be collected and diverted to Council kerb and channel or to an inter-allotment drainage system, if available.

• Sheds must comply with part MP1.2 of the Queensland Development Code and Part 3.7.1 of the National Construction Code 2016 volume 2 in relation to design, siting and fire separation requirements.

Sheds require a footing, slab, frame and final inspection by a building certifier. The owner must book an inspection and ensure it is completed.

A shed must be a minimum of 6m from the property’s front boundary and a minimum of 900mm from the side and rear boundaries if closer than 900mm to the dwelling on the same allotment.

Sheds closer than 900mm to the side and rear boundary must be:

Free suicide alertness training Miriam Vale Community Centre Saturday, March 3 at 9.30am Bookings phone 4976 6306

For all building applications you must complete the mandatory DA Form 2 in addition to any other forms relevant to the application, provide mandatory supporting information identified on the form as being needed with your application, and pay the required fees.

For more information about building considerations and submitting a building application, refer to the factsheet ‘Building a carport, pergola, garden shed, shade sail or garage’ which is available on Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/factsheets More information about Council’s Development Services is available on Council’s website at http://www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/ planning

Council fleet to bring work of region’s artists to your street Local businesses, Gladstone Printing Services and NewPrint HRG, have assisted to install 17 artworks created by 15 local artists which have been gaining exposure across the Gladstone Region.

The 2017 Gladstone Region Art on Fleet project enables local artworks to be showcased in a creative and innovative way.

The selected artworks, printed on vinyl decals, have been gaining public attention since December, transforming Council vehicles ranging from the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum’s (GRAGM) van to our region’s street sweepers.

Our street sweepers • service townships across our region • cover about 100km in a day • work six week rotations • you’re likely to see one about three times within a few months

Artworks depict the people, landscape and environment of our region and align with each vehicle’s purpose.

The GRAGM initiative is supported by the Gladstone Region Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Gladstone Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Keep an eye open for some of the Council fleet vehicles servicing areas across our region featuring imaginative artwork concepts from local artists.

And thank you to our participating artists: Jan Ross-Manley, William Debois, Janie Petersen, Katrina Elliott, Felicia Lloyd, Natisha Strudwick, Beryl Wood, Margaret Worthington, Kristel Kelly, Jenny Fournier, Jennifer Ryan, Kim Cooke, Belynda (Bindi) Waugh, Jakob Holmes and Tracey Smith.

Driver sweeps up It was a cheerful “Hey, I’ve seen you somewhere before” moment for Councillor Cindi Bush when she met up with Council Road Services operator Mick McCartin (pictured below).

Mick drives one of Council’s street sweepers and is depicted in cartoon form on the vehicle as part of Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum’s pop up public art project creating art ‘on the move’ using Council fleet vehicles as the canvas.

The artwork, titled Humour of Cleaning, was designed by artist Katrina Elliott who described the work as “a humourous look at cleaning, with a caricatured Council officer trying to save himself and his lunch from the vacuum”.

Mick said the image was attracting lots of attention with some residents looking twice when he steps out of the truck.

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Family favourite returns for Easter

From Kiss tributes to kids’ shows, the 56th Annual Gladstone Harbour Festival will have something for everyone when it lights up the Gladstone Harbour at Easter.

All the fun and excitement of the 56th Annual Gladstone Harbour Festival kicks off on March 28 and continues through until April 1.

A perennial favourite on the region’s social calendar, the festival is a smorgasbord of entertainment for people of all ages and an affordable day or night out with free entry, children’s activities, workshops and main stage entertainment.

Popular festival events which have kept crowds coming back for many years, including the Great Raft Regatta, Street Parade, Mardi Gras and Talent Quest, will again feature on the 2018 program.

There are also plenty of exciting new events happening including Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Pop Up Arts Village which will enable festival goers to experience foundational music skills as well as enjoy a variety of other fun and hands-on art-based activities.

The Larrikin Puppet Show, another newcomer to the program, will bring a sense of fantasy and whimsy to the festival with its exponents showcasing skills learnt

in the USA alongside Sesame Street and Muppets puppeteers to bring their creations to life.

Always keenly contested, the talent quest competition heats up even more this year with the junior and senior categories merging, leaving competitors of all ages to compete against each other for the largest first place prize money purse in the event’s history.

And, of course, the reason for the festival’s existence in the first place, the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, will again be an Easter weekend highlight.

Another strong fleet is expected, and Council has again provided additional financial assistance to enable the race start to be live streamed globally on the internet following the success of last year’s inaugural effort.

The official festival program will be included in The Observer on March 24 and will also be available at most local newsagents, the Visitor Information Centre on Bryan Jordan Drive, and the Gladstone Festivals and Events office at the Gladstone Marina.

The official festival e-book can be downloaded from our website in early March.

Council sponsors Saturday night entertainment

Take in the sights and sounds at this year’s Gladstone Harbour Festival and enjoy Sensational Saturday Night on March 31, sponsored by Council.

The stage will heat up with Australia’s hottest Kiss tribute, Kisstroyer, entertaining on the GPC Marina main stage from 7pm.

Rock along and reminisce with some of the popular Kiss songs and entertaining performances on stage.

Council has provided 2018 Harbour Festival sponsorship following recommendations of its Major Events Advisory Panel (MEAP).

MEAP aims to grow major events in the region while supporting and encouraging event organisers to develop events with less reliance on funding over time.

Recent recipients of MEAP 2017/18 Round 2 funding include Discovery Coast Tourism & Commerce for the 2018 Captain Cook 1770 Festival and Gladstone PCYC for Gladstone Pop-Con.

SUNDAY MARCH 4 Register now at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY

When rubbish is gone, nature can carry on.

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