Council Connection February-March 2014

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2014 - MARCH 2014 ISSUE 58

INSIDE Gardens to look 'blooming'

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7 Animal registration inspections to begin

10 Australia Day Award Winners

14 SUNfest Wrap Up

MAYOR'S MESSAGE Community encouraged to help with Clean Up Australia Day

Cover Ni Nyoman Armadi gives a thumbs up to the Gladstone Family Fun Day activities.

Sunday, March 2, is Clean Up Australia Day - the sort of community event around which Gladstone Region residents have traditionally rallied.

Council Connection

Pride in the appearance of their street, neighbourhood, suburb or town, and its schools, parks and waterways, has prompted residents to get involved in past campaigns.

Delivery

The number of Gladstone Region sites nominated for attention in this year's Clean Up Australia Day campaign was, at the time of publication, lower than in previous years.

Pages 10-13

This newsletter is produced by Gladstone Regional Council to give residents a bi-monthly update on Council events, activities, services and projects.

Council Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes

by Australia Post as “unaddressed mail” but is also available for viewing or downloading from Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au.

Cost

We all lead what seem to be increasingly busy lives, but it would be great to see more people tap into that renowned Gladstone Region community spirit by banding together to nominate a site for

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 49.2 cents per household per edition.

cleaning and then carrying out the task on March 2.

Heavy rain throughout the region dampened last year's effort with only a few groups able to conduct their intended clean up, so let's make up for lost ground by donning a hat and gloves and getting out there this year.

Nominating a site is simple and can be done by visiting the Clean Up Australia Day website at www.cleanupaustraliaday. org.au Those who do not wish to nominate a site, but would like to help out at one already nominated, can also volunteer via the website.

If you would like to clean up an area but cannot do so on March 2, you may register your site on any other day of the year as part of the Clean Up Australia Every Day initiative, more details of which are also on the Clean Up Australia Day website.

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Environmental Impacts

Council Connection is printed on Revive Pure Silk 100% Recycled paper, is certified carbon neutral and FSC 100% Recycled certified. It is manufactured process chlorine free (PCF) by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

Council Contacts

Mail: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 A/Hrs Emergency Phone: 4979 1134

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680

Calliope Office

5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680

Miriam Vale Office 36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677

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Contents

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5 Clean Up Australia Day

Council is encouraging the Gladstone Region's business community and residents to get involved in this year's Clean Up Australia Day campaign.

7 Humane traps remove nuisance cats

Gladstone Regional Council hires traps to residents who have stray cats causing a nuisance on their properties.

12 Council holds citizenship ceremonies

Council annually hosts a special citizenship ceremony in conjunction with the announcement of the region’s Australia Day Awards winners.

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GECC looks to the future while celebrating the past Journeys of inspiration make for a memorable official opening night More than 300 guests gathered to hear the inspirational words of Li Cunxin at Journey - the Official Opening Dinner of the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on January 22.

The 'Journey' theme reflected not only the journey by which the Gladstone City Theatre, opened 32 years previously, had undertaken to become the newly redeveloped GECC, but also the inspirational path which took Li from childhood poverty in China to world fame, eventually bringing him to Australia.

Formerly Principal Artist with the Australian Ballet and now Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li's amazing journey was captured in his 2003 biography Mao's Last Dancer and the 2009 feature film of the same name.

Guests enjoyed a three course meal and the opportunity to view, via a spectacular lighting and imagery display, the history of the Gladstone entertainment venue in its various guises.

Also providing inspiration on the night was critically acclaimed songstress Wendy Matthews, another who has made Australia home after journeying from her native Canada, via the USA, whose splendid performance added to the sense of occasion.

Doubling as a celebration of the path that lies ahead for the international standard facility, Journey enabled guests to not only mark the history of the venue but to become a part of it by being present at one of its most significant milestone events.

CouncillorConnect visits to continue across the region in 2014 CouncillorConnect visits are returning in 2014, due to their success last year.

Individual or pairs of Councillors visit the region's smaller centres during CouncillorConnect sessions, held from 9.30am until noon on the last Thursday of the month; from February to November.

During these sessions, Councillors meet with residents over morning tea from 9.30am to 10.15am, and then meet with residents who pre-book an individual 20 minute meeting with them between 10.15am and noon.

Upcoming CouncillorConnect sessions are scheduled for Thursday, February 27 at Mount Larcom, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water; and Thursday, March 27 at Turkey Beach, Boyne Valley and Wartburg.

Additionally, Councillors are now

expanding their Councillor Booth sessions that have been successful at Stockland Kin Kora for several years. They will be held at Calliope, Tannum Sands and Boyne Island on a rotational basis from February.

The booths allow residents to chat with Councillors who are located at a stall within their local shopping centre.

Upcoming Councillor booths are planned for: Stockland Gladstone on February 18 and March 15; and between 9.30am and noon outside Calliope IGA, Calliope Shopping Centre, on February 27 and Tannum Central Shopping Centre on March 27.

To book a CouncillorConnect appointment or to find out more, please call Council's Communications & Marketing Unit on 4970 0700.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February 2014 - March 2014

Regional Visits Schedule February 27, 2014 Calliope Booth

Calliope IGA Councillor Booth

Mount Larcom Mount Larcom CWA Hall Miriam Vale

Miriam Vale CWA Hall

Agnes Water

Agnes Water Community Centre

March 27, 2014 Tannum Sands Tannum Sands Central Booth Councillor Booth Turkey Beach

Turkey Beach Rural Fire Brigade Station

Ubobo

Ubobo CWA Hall

Wartburg

Wartburg Fire Brigade Shed

Booth visit. No individual meetings available.

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Gardens to look 'blooming' marvellous in 2014 Botanic Gardens primed for busy year ahead Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens are set to bloom in 2014, confirming their status as one of the region's premier tourist attractions.

Attracting more than 100,000 people per year, the Gardens are a proven tourist attraction but new projects and upgrades aim to encourage Gladstone Region residents to experience the tranquillity and beauty the Gardens offer.

New directional and interpretive signage will enhance visitor experience by making it easier to navigate the Gardens and understand their purpose, with the installation of new plant signage to enable featured fauna to be easily identified, including gardens slated for planting this year.

Additional upgrades to trails will make it enjoyable for visitors to make their way up the Gardens' path and the March reopening of the Gardens' café Savour the Flavour, will provide the perfect venue for

Water Rates payments due early March Gladstone Region ratepayers are reminded that their Water Rates payments are due

by March 7, 2014.

coffee, ice cream or lunch.

The year ahead will also feature the return of the popular Music in the Gardens and Movies in the Gardens events, as well as exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists and school students.

Other attractions include the reopened orchid house, the refurbished Japanese Tea Gardens and the Centenarian's Gardens which will be revamped this year.

Ecofest, one of the nation's biggest environmental awareness events, drew more than 10,000 visitors last year and should do again when hosted at the Gardens on Sunday, June 1.

Visitors to the Gardens are asked to be mindful of the venue's inhabitants, including a recently arrived echidna, when driving through the Garden entrance and car park and walking along the Gardens trails.

Kerbside waste collection tips: 1. Put bins out before 6am on the day of collection service.

2. Do not bag items to be recycled - they are to be placed loose in bins.

Water Usage Notices for the period July 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 were issued to residents on February 5, accompanied by an insert providing helpful tips and information on how to households can reduce water usage and save money.

3. Do not place green waste, palm fronds and branches in the recycle bin as it contaminates the recycling process.

Council charges water consumption at the rate per kilolitre adopted in the 2013-14 Budget:

4. If you are not receiving a waste service contact Council to ascertain if your property can be serviced.

Standard charges apply for services.

• Lake Awoonga Scheme - $1.59/KL • Miriam Vale/Bororen - $3.60/KL • Agnes Water/1770 - $3.65/KL Ratepayers can refer to the Rates Booklet sent with the Rate Notice in August 2013 for further information.

Do not place recyclable items in plastic bags.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February 2014 - March 2014

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Get behind Clean Up Australia Day Nominate a site or join an existing one Council is encouraging the Gladstone Region's business community and residents to get involved in this year's Clean Up Australia Day campaign.

To date the number of businesses registering sites is down on past years and Council is reminding potential participants that it can provide assistance to site nominees through the placement of skip bins and provision of ute pick up services.

Councillor Col Chapman, Gladstone Ports Corporation, Orica, and Yarwun and Boyne Island state schools were quick to nominate sites for cleaning but it is hoped that more members of the business and general community will register their own site or join an existing one.

Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday, March 2, but those who would like to clean up an area, but cannot do so on that date, can register their site on any day of

the year as part of the campaign.

In 2013, an estimated 550,300 volunteers removed 16,150 tonnes of rubbish from the environment at 7241 sites throughout Australia.

To organise a site to be cleaned, volunteer to help at an existing site, or donate visit the Clean Up Australia Day website at http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/

Register now for Clean Up Australia Day

Council to conduct customer service survey Residents have opportunity to have their say Gladstone Regional Council's dedication to providing excellent service to the community has resulted in it being named in the top six local governments in Australia for customer service.

The result is listed in Customer Service Benchmarking Australia's CSBA Benchmarking Report Aug-Sept 2013 and reflects Council CEO Stuart Randle's clear advice to all staff to focus on serving the needs of their customers - Gladstone Region residents.

In order to further improve its level of customer service, Council is conducting customer satisfaction surveys.

Randomly selected customers who contact Council in person, by phone, or via email, will be given a Customer Satisfaction Feedback form, enabling them to provide positive or negative feedback about their customer service experience.

The surveys are anonymous and are not coded or marked in any way that would allow Council to identify the responding recipients.

Customers who receive these forms are under no obligation to respond, however, feedback received will help Council identify its processes and

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February 2014 - March 2014

procedures that are working satisfactorily and the aspects of its service that need to be improved.

Those customers eager to have their say do not have to wait to be presented with a feedback form.

The forms are available online on Council's website at www.gladstonerc. qld.gov.au and in hard copy at Council's Agnes Water, Boyne Island, Calliope, Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Mount Larcom offices, or by phoning 4970 0700.

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BRIEFLY

 Morning Tea program expands

The successful Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea program has expanded with additional morning teas to be hosted on the third Thursday of each month at the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, starting February 20. The initiative will continue on the first Thursday of each month at the Gladstone City Library, starting February 6. For more information phone the Community Advisory Service Welcoming Team on 4976 6300.

 North Australia history on display at GRAGM

Those who are interested in the history of Australia will find 'Getting Started: Colony of North Australia 1847' a fascinating exhibition. The exhibition, on display at the Gladstone Art

Gallery & Museum, features photographs, maps, letters and other items from what was known as the 'Colony of North Australia', comprising the Northern Territory and the present state of Queensland. Port Curtis (now known as Gladstone) was the capital. This historical journey through the history of Australia is on until the end of March.

 Council meetings Did you know that residents are welcome to attend Gladstone Regional Council's general meetings? The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street. Upcoming meeting dates are February 18, March 4, March 18, April 1, and April 15. Agendas and minutes can be found at Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au at meeting time.

Gladstone Region youth are urged to get involved in National Youth Week from April 4-13.

A range of activities and events have been planned to celebrate our region’s young people.

For further information contact Council’s Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett on 4976 6300 and keep an eye out on Council’s website for the program of events.

Councillor Update Cr Rick Hansen

Cr Colin Chapman

Phone: 0448 885 047 Email: rickhansen@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0448 883 961 Email: colinc@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Engineering Services

Portfolio: Environment

The New Year brings further challenges to Council’s Engineering Services Department responsible for roads, water, sewerage and waste. One area least talked about, but which I consider to be of the highest importance in the functionality of Council, is operating an effective Asset Management System.

Indeed all assets owned, operated and serviced by Council are listed, tracked and continually assessed by this very important team and their suite of scientifically backed tools.

Our corporate Asset Management System was upgraded to a web interfaced version last year and now provides additional tools for more effective reporting, also facilitating the use of mobile technology (iPad and smartphones) for defect inspection and reporting.

Areas where these latest technologies will be utilised efficiently include reporting on roads, bridges, water/waste and sewerage piping.

Council also undertakes annual programs that test structural and pavement conditions for sealed roads, which is not particularly high profile but a very necessary role to maintain the network.

Many people have commented on the amount of litter that seems to decorate our streets and highways and have laid the blame at Council's feet. But is it really Council's fault?

I tend to think, and a lot of people agree, that it is really a community problem and consequently requires a community solution. Council should and will be a part of any successful outcome but it's time we joined forces and nailed this problem.

To that end, I am asking all residents, businesses and industry groups to support an entry into this year's Tidy Towns Awards by volunteering their time and resources to spread the word and 'do the right thing'. Let's clean up our footpaths, walkways, bikeways, parks, beaches, roadways, and waterways by picking up rubbish as we go. Let's talk to our neighbours, friends and workmates and get them to do the same. Let's take pride in the region where we work, live and play.

If you would like to assist or have a suggestion, please give me a call on 0448 883 961 or email me at colinc@gladstonerc.qld. gov.au. You can also leave a comment on the Gladstone Regional Council facebook page.

Let's love the place where we live.

All Councillors contact details are available from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au under the 'About Council' tab.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February 2014 - March 2014

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LOCAL LAWS AND ENVIRONMENT

Animal registration inspections to begin in March Pet owners face fines for unregistered cats and dogs Council advises Gladstone Region residents that its door-to-door animal registration inspection program will begin in March.

Local Law officers will conduct the sixmonth Systematic and Selective Inspection Program throughout the region, in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, as part of Council's animal management program.

Animal registration provides Council with information regarding the type and number of cats and dogs located at premises, assisting with control measures and enabling recovered lost or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners.

The majority of impounded animals are unregistered, underlining the importance of the inspection program's aim to achieve compliance among pet owners throughout the region.

their microchip registry when moving.

The program's necessity is highlighted by the fact that, of more than 15,000 animals on Council's books, less than 10,000 have been registered for the 2013-14 financial year.

All cats and dogs should wear their current red identification tag on them at all times in order to reunite them quickly with owners should they become separated.

In order to help prevent this discrepancy, dog and cat owners are required to inform Council of a change of address or the passing away or departure of their pets.

Owners must also update their details with

If unsure of their registry, owners can find more information on Council's website or visit http://petaddress.com.au/

Residents found to have an unregistered animal will be given 14 days in which to register their pets.

Those failing to comply face an infringement notice and the prospect of a $220 fine.

Humane traps remove nuisance cats Gladstone Regional Council hires traps to residents who have stray cats causing a nuisance on their properties.

These basic cage traps, in which food is placed on a plate or hook, are humane and effective in capturing straying cats for safe removal and impoundment by Council Local Law Enforcement Officers.

Cat traps can be hired at Council administration centres at Gladstone, Calliope, Miriam Vale and Boyne Island.

Residents are advised to telephone the relevant administration centre to ensure traps are available.

Traps are hired out for a maximum of five days, from Monday and Friday, and are to be returned before 3pm on the Friday.

Council collection of trapped cats can be organised from Monday to Friday during business hours.

Cat trap hire costs $20 and a fee of $5 per day will apply for late returns with additional charges for lost, damaged, or non-returned traps.

Council does not collect cats caught in private cat traps.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February 2014 - March 2014

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february

EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 4 & 18

9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings.

is held twice monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. A morning tea will be held at the Gladstone City Library on February 6 and at the Boyne Tannum Community Centre on February 20. For more information call 4976 6300.

6 & 20

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General Council Meeting

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon Various Locations The Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Councillor Community Awareness Session

march

9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone

Councillors are available to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

Feb 27 - Mar 2 Agnes Blues & Roots

Agnes Blues and Roots festival is held on the last weekend of February at the SES Grounds, Agnes Water.

• Thursday 27 Feb, 4pm to 10pm • Friday 28 Feb, 2pm to 10pm • Saturday 1 March, 10am to 10pm • Sunday 2 March, 10am to 4pm

MARCH 2

Clean Up Australia Day

Various Times Various Locations Residents are encouraged to help clean up their part of Australia this March. To organise a site to be cleaned, volunteer to help at an existing site, or donate visit the Clean Up Australia Day website at http:// www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/

4 & 18

General Council Meeting 9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings.

6 & 20

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon Various Locations The Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held twice monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone

Region. A morning tea will be held at the Gladstone City Library on March 6 and at the Boyne Tannum Community Centre on March 20. For more information call 4976 6300.

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Councillor Community Awareness Sessions 9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Councillors are available to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

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28, 29, 30

Past Present Future #21stcenturyart-making Weekend Workshop Time to be confirmed Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum As part of the exhibition, you're invited to participate in a film-making weekend workshop, guided by a professionally respected new-media tutor. Spaces are limited, bookings required. For more information visit http://gallerymuseum. gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

All month

Earth Hour

Intercity Images: Gladstone Saiki Photographic Exchange.

8.30pm - 9.30pm Various Locations The Gladstone Region is encouraged to take part in Earth Hour 2014 in order to help fight climate change. A difference is only made if you're involved, so are you in? For more information visit www. earthhour.org.au

Various times Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum This March, participants are encouraged to capture the spirit of Central Qld's lifestyle, people and environment. Entry form and terms & conditions available online: http:// gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Entries close 5pm Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

Agnes Water SES Grounds

27 February2 March 2014 For more information visit www.agnesbluesandroots.com.au

Celebrate Australia

School Art Competition Colourful entries from the 2014 Celebrate Australia Primary School Art Competition will also be on display at the Gallery & Museum until March 15.

This much loved children's exhibition is the collection of entries received in the annual competition, now in its seventh year.

The competition was open to all primary school students in the Gladstone Region and students were encouraged to think about the

Winner Section Two 2014 Celebrate Australia, Ricky Handford Ned Kelly (Sidney Nolan style) (2013)

important aspects of the Australian lifestyle and what Australia Day means to them.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is open weekly from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and admission is free.

The Gallery & Museum will be closed on Good Friday, April 18.

regular features REGULAR FEATURES Story Time

Various days and times Regional Libraries Story time and crafts for children aged up to five years. Bookings not required.

For more information contact your local library. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Baby Bounce Various days and time Regional Libraries A lap-sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. Bookings are not required.

Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Learn to Swim Various days and times Now available on Saturdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre is offering exciting changes for this summer's Learn

to Swim program with the addition of an extra level and Saturday morning lessons.

Phone 4972 6822 to make a booking.

Parent Baby Classes 9am - 10.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Introduce both child and parent to the aquatic environment and learn the basics of water safety at Gladstone Aquatic Centre. Phone 4972 6822 for more information or to make a booking.

Happy Hour 8am - 9am Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre This program allows pensioners (over 60) to use the Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Every Friday, noon – 2pm and Saturday night, 6pm – 8pm.

Library Square Goondoon Street Gladstone

SUBMISSIONS

Gladstone Region Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

Don't Miss Out! For forms and guidelines, visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/funding/radf or contact Di Paddick on 07 4976 6766

rney A Magicial Musical Jou m 11a 25, ry rua Tuesday, Feb

g Melodies show of Kicking off the first Mornin of Australia’s most the year is Jackie Love, one ers. Having just sing ed in-demand and award her successful show, h wit as rse ove m returned fro the timeless great ing sing she comes to Gladstone pers of today. standards and big showstop

ots Agnes Blues & Ro to Thursday, February 27 Sunday, March 2 ds Agnes Water SES Groun

use to make a big If you ever needed an exc adise, this is it! The blues weekend of it in par ots Festival experience Ro and Agnes Water Blues 've added an extra just keeps getting better. We es, in fact, more stag re mo day, more bands and e. Visit the GEC's of everything except the pric prices. and ails det website for further

David Strassman

For! Careful What You Wish 7pm 22, rch Ma ay, Saturd

comedy creation Riotously funny! An all-new ssman, delivering a Stra of d min from the twisted bles down the rabbit side-splitting show that tum rney where nothing jou hole — a mind-bending Ted E. Bare are back, is as it seems. Chuck and ‘wish” into bizzarotransformed by a strange home may be scary d roa alternate selves. The rious scream for us! This for Strassman…but a hila Children 12 to 15 years performance is rated MA. parents or guardian. No must be accompanied by d. one under 12 years admitte

Library Square Performances

Calling for

Closes 4pm, 31 March 2014

Morning Melodies

Do you have an arts project and would like financial support? See whether you are eligible for RADF funding? Six funding principles and eight funding categories.

The RADF is a Queensland Government and Gladstone Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture

Morning Melodies The Leading Man starring Ian Stenlake Tuesday, April 8,11am

star of Australian stage The Leading Man features is an entertaining and screen Ian Stenlake and atre music ever the t bes tribute to some of the rney you’ll find out written. On this musical jou ended up on the set ine cald how the boy from Bar in Rome and kept our of The Godfather Part III of Commander Mike al shores safe in his portray Sea Patrol.

Flynn in the hit TV series

www.gladecc.com.au Ph: 4972 2822 ok.com/ facebook: www.facebo entre entC GladstoneEntertainm

Australia

Award Winners

Plenty of celebrations around the region this Australia Day Thousands of Gladstone Region residents celebrated the Australia Day long weekend at various Council-supported events.

Judith Young Citizen of the Year Winner

The festivities began on Saturday night, January 25, with the announcement of the region's 2014 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Gladstone resident Judith Young received the prestigious award at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre presentation evening, recognising her 30 year involvement in the disability sector and dedication to the establishment, provision and growth of quality services for people with disabilities and their families.

The 2014 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year award was presented to Andrew McLean, who turned 18 in January, for his involvement in a number of charities and community organisations including founding both the Gladstone School Captains' Alliance and Zimbabwe Relay to name a few.

Other winners included: Arts & Culture Award - Angela Clifton; Senior Sportsperson Award - Michael Newell; Young Sportsperson Award - Tallis Stanhope; Sports Official Award - Jon Ogden; Community Event or Initiative Award - Gladstone Multicultural Week & Festival Day; and Community Volunteer Award - Christopher Jones.

Residents then flocked to Gladstone

Gladstone Multicultural Week and Festival Community Event or Initiative Award Winner

Christopher Roy Jones Community Volunteer Award Winner

Marina Parklands on Sunday, January 26, for a great afternoon of entertainment at Council's free Australia Day Family Fun Day. Five other Council-supported Australia Day events were staged around the region, with large crowds attending the Agnes Water, Builyan, Miriam Vale, South End and Turkey Beach celebrations.

Andrew McLean Young Citizen of the Year Winner

Angela May Clifton Arts & Culture Award Winner

Tallis Stanhope Young Sportsperson Award Winner

Michael Newell Senior Sportsperson Award Winner

Jon Ogden Sports Official Award Winner

Day 2014 Fundraising cupcakes made by South End Progress Association president Trudy Sheppard.

Gary Brewer and Eric Cleak cook up a storm at Endeavour Park.

Hunter Daniels perches on his Dad Tim's shoulders at the Gladstone Family Fun Day.

Pauline Dahl cuddles her great grandson at the Miriam Vale celebrations.

Dwayne Sherwood is set with a snag in hand at the South End festivities.

Ruby Ryan-Salter and Coco Price dress to impress at the Gladstone Family Fun Day. Kerri Tan observes the Gladstone Family Fun Day action from the shoulders of her Dad, Li Bin Tan.

Zoe Baumgart takes part in the crab pot throw at South End.

Fred Brushe shows his patriotic style at the Gladstone Marina.

Mayor Gail Sellers stands with two of the SUNfest living statues participants.

Zinc's Rob Kidd encourages participants in the pie eating contest at the Family Fun Day in Gladstone.

Community Events

One of the tractor's on display at the Turkey Beach Australia Day Tractor Show .

Joel Sheppard accepts the trophy as the 2014 men's crab pot throwing competition winner.

Our newest Citizens Council regularly hosts Australian citizenship ceremonies Fifty-five residents within the Gladstone Region chose to officially become Australian citizens at a public ceremony in Gladstone on the eve of Australia Day. Council annually hosts a special citizenship ceremony in conjunction with the announcement of the region’s Australia Day Awards winners.

This year's event marks the 65th year of Australian Citizenship with the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 coming into force on January 26, 1949.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the event was celebrated at the newly renovated Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Last year Council welcomed 232 new Australians via citizenship ceremonies.

Conducted by Mayor Gail Sellers, the ceremonies are regularly hosted within the Council chambers at 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone.

Those seeking Australian citizenship first need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on its hotline phone service 131 880 and may have to complete the Australian Citizenship Test.

Mayor Gail Sellers with new citizens brother and sister Richard and Ruth Smit.

Council is advised when candidates have received citizenship approval before contacting the candidates to arrange attendance at a citizenship ceremony.

affirmation at the event.

Individuals can indicate their preference for a private or public ceremony and are required to read a short, prepared oath or

Each candidate receives an Australian Citizenship certificate and items of Australian memorabilia.

PPLY STEPS TO A SHIP FOR CITIZplEyingNfor Australian citizenship shou1ld88co0ntoractvitha e

in ap p hotline on 13 Those interested n and Citizenshi tio ra ig m Im of t /applying/ Departmen itizenship.gov.au .c w w w :// tp ht the website st depending on e a citizenship te ak rt de un to d be require Applicants may eligibility. the end of Immigration at of t en tm ar ep D received d by the idates who have nd ca Council is advise of s es oc pr plication the citizenship ap al. ov pr citizenship ap at a private or range attendance ar to es at id nd contact ca Council will then the Mayor. ceremony with ip sh en tiz ci ic bl pu

Some candidates choose to invite a small number of friends or family to attend the ceremony.

INFORMATION BOOKLET An information booklet titled Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship by phoning 131 880 or downloading at http://www. citizenship.gov.au/learn/cit_test/test_resource/ Alternatively a copy can be collected at Council’s Gladstone office, or by phoning Tennille Dykstra on 4976 6912.

INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS Road works program widespread Motorists are urged to travel with care as road works are carried out at various locations across the region.

In past weeks road resurfacing works have occurred in southern parts of the region at Miriam Vale, Lowmead and Agnes Water.

About $2m of resurfacing works will be completed across the region with the majority of stage one seal works in rural areas.

Works are dependent on weather with all attempts to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum.

Programmed works will include sections of road at Turkey Beach, Calliope, Beecher, Benaraby, Ambrose and Mt Larcom.

About $3m of stage two asphalt resurfacing work will then occur from March to May.

The Gladstone Marina (Matthew Flinders) Bridge is one of three bridges being repaired.

Euleilah Creek works starts Three bridges across region under repair Repair work has started on Euleilah Creek Bridge on Hills Road, Euleilah.

The necessary restoration work started on February 3 and is scheduled to take seven weeks, weather permitting.

The ageing bridge was identified as requiring deck and structural work to sustain the bridge's life span.

Motorists are advised works from February 3 to March 6 will be carried out from 6am to 6pm and with exceptions for the school bus and emergency services, the bridge will only open to motorists for 10 minutes on the hour. The

bridge will be open all day on Sundays.

Residents and visitors in the area are encouraged to plan their travel for the bridge opening times accordingly.

Motorists should be aware of traffic control measures, reduced speed zones and a greater presence of workers in the bridge vicinity.

Other recent bridge works across the region has included completion of replacement of a failed hydraulic mechanism on the Gladstone Marina (Matthew Flinders) Bridge and continuing bridge restoration works on Auckland Creek Bridge on Blain Drive, Gladstone.

Gladstone gas in the spotlight The Gladstone Region’s natural gas industry is the focus of a new study into community attitudes.

"We’re keen to hear about your experiences of the gas industry in the Gladstone Region.”

Researchers from the Australian National University and CSIRO are working with Gladstone Regional Council to study the effects of the gas boom on the region.

This is the first study to investigate how offshore gas developments affect people and places along the coast.

As part of the study, members of the Gladstone Region community can have their say about gas development through an online survey.

Study leader Claudia Benham said “Gas developments can bring social and environmental changes to communities.

The study examines gas projects in Gladstone and other parts of the AsiaPacific region.

The survey will be open throughout February. Anyone aged 18 and over can take part by going to www.surveymonkey. com/s/gladstonegas or phoning (02) 6125 8765.

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p U p r a W Youth out in force at SUNfest 2014 Showcase event ends youth holiday program in style More than 1200 participants from throughout the Gladstone Region found SUNfest 2014 to be the coolest way to beat the heat and school holiday boredom.

The ever popular youth holiday program for youngsters aged 10-17 concluded after 12 days of activities with the spectacular SUNfest Showcase at the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre on January 17.

The Showcase was one of the best in SUNfest history, with youths aged 12-17 who had participated in the various dance, art and drama workshops putting on a live performance to be remembered.

Three-quarters of the activities on offer were sold out with the Overnight Escape to Awoonga Dam and Harmony Farm (Ubobo) two-day event proving to be a hit and organisers are hopeful of retaining it on next year's program.

Young Discovery Coast residents gave a collective thumbs-up to SUNfest, with about 600 turning up to the Skate Board Mayhem, Bonkers about Bollards and Body Art/Henna Art events conducted simultaneously at the Agnes Water Skate Park on January 12.

SUNfest, which is coordinated by Gladstone Festivals and Events on behalf of Gladstone Regional Council, annually offers sports, creative tasks, performing arts and adventure for Youth (12-17 year olds) and Lil' Kids (10-11 years).

A change of ticketing system for this year's program resulted in some early hiccups regarding the issuing of tickets and SUNfest organisers and Council thanks the public for their patience while the matter was resolved.

Gladstone Festivals and Events staff are already busy planning new and exciting activities for next year and encourage members of the public to be involved in the process by contacting Kathy Andrew on 4972 5111.

Were you snapped during SUNfest activities? If so, your photo might be among those on display in the SUNfest images gallery. VisitRegional www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ Gladstone Council - The Council Connection February 2014 - March 2014 sunfest

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ARTS & CULTURE Original 'Mr Gladstone' private art collection goes on show Something for everyone at Gladstone Art Gallery & Museum 'Profiling a Collector: William (Bill) Golding 'Mr Gladstone' (1890-1985)' showcases the late William Golding's extensive private collection.

This fascinating exhibition of the original 'Mr Gladstone's' collection gathered during his travels abroad and in Australia, offers viewers a glimpse into one of Gladstone's most prominent and much loved figures.

Featuring kitsch ornaments, intricate oil paintings and a large variety of bells, the bric-a-brac collection was gifted to the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum for its official opening in 1985.

Prior to that, it was housed in the Harbour Board Building in the Golding Gallery.

The Golding family is well known in the Gladstone Region and beyond for its work in industry, business and the community.

William, a former Alderman and Mayor of the Gladstone Town Council, also served on the Gladstone Harbour Board for 37 years from 1942.

During that time he served as Chairman twice and helped steer the board through an era of enormous change for Gladstone with its population quadrupling and the port becoming one of the busiest in Australia.

Sculpture from the Profiling a Collector: William (Bill) Golding 'Mr Gladstone' (1890-1985) exhibition

This exhibition is a must see for collectors and curious visitors, and is on display until March 29, 2014.

2014 Agnes Blues and Roots Festival Now over four days, the Agnes Blues and Roots Festival is set to rock Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy like never before.

If there was ever a perfect excuse for a February long weekend, this is it!

More than 20 bands will play on the main stage with the return of a second stage to showcase talented up-andcoming young artists.

For the first time ever, true Australian rock legend Richard Clapton will perform at ABnR. With a career spanning 32 years and 18 fantastic albums, Richard has earned himself a reputation as being a sensational singer/songwriter. With well-known titles such as, 'Girls On The Avenue', 'Capricorn Dancer', 'Trust Somebody' and 'The Best Years Of Our Lives', he is a welcome addition to the festival.

The Blues and Roots festival is an all ages event, great for families with free admission for children under 14 years of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

If you're into market stalls and appreciate a good Harley Davidson Motorcycle and Hot Rods exhibition, you will be in for a treat. The 2014 ABnR festival has a number of interesting market stalls from cigar box guitars, biker gear, hats, organic health and wellbeing teas, ladies clothing, crafts and jewellery just to name a few.

For more information or tickets, visit the Agnes Blues and Roots Festival webpage at www.agnesbluesandroots. com.au

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Put yourself in the picture

Register now at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or phone 1800 CUA DAY

Sunday, March 2 For more information phone Gladstone Regional Council’s Sustainability and Environment Officer Heather Richards on 4977 6530 or email heatherrichards@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au