Council Connection May 2012 Edition

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Councilconnection

MAY 2012 - ISSUE 44

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Gladstone Regional Council Phone 497 0 0700 Fax 4975 8500 Email info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Major infrastructure projects strengthen road network Gladstone’s road network has been strengthened with the opening of Kirkwood Road and two intersecting accesses.

A new bridge on Dixon Dive, Telina and the upgrade of the GladstoneBenaraby Road intersection with Kirkwood Road now provide a more direct link between western and southern areas of the city.

Traffic lights at the Gladstone-Benaraby Road intersection have been operational since April 20, with the upgrade 98 per cent complete, and some signage installation to continue in May. The 2.3km Kirkwood Road connects Gladstone-Benaraby Road to the Dawson Highway.

The heavy vehicle bypass offers a more direct route between southern and western sides of the city while completing the ring road to major industrial estates and the Gladstone Port.

Mayor Gail Sellers opened the Telina bridge on April 18 before fellow Councillors, dignitaries and representatives of Walker Corporation,

Woolworths, Shadforth and Broad Construction.

Developers of the Forest Springs Residential Estate invested more than $3 million to complete the Dixon Drive extension.

In conjunction, Council spent more than $3 million provided by developer contributions to transport infrastructure, to construct the bridge over Police Creek.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Paul Keech said the bridge would enhance the region’s existing road network.

“The bridge will be an integral link for access to Kirkwood Road, the new Woolworths and specialty stores and Gladstone’s nearby city suburbs,” Mr Keech said.

“This key infrastructure component will help alleviate traffic congestion at other major city intersections, provide an additional route to link more city suburbs and reduce travelling time for motorists.”

Environmentalist to lead forum

Photo courtesy of: www.timsilverwood.com

Environmentalist, film-maker and photographer Tim Silverwood will be the keynote speaker at the GREAN 2012 Environmental Forum at CQUniversity Gladstone campus on May 29.

See Story - Page 7.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 IN THIS ISSUE

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Community Centre Opens

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Weeroona Bridge Closed

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Reef Guardian Program

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Combating domestic violence

Visit Council’s Website - www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

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Hungry Caterpillar at Boyne Island Library

Council model to be presented at international conference Gladstone Regional Council's groundbreaking 'Welcome - Settlement - Integration' (WSI) social inclusion model will be the subject of an international presentation in Vancouver, Canada, next month.

The model, which promotes community cohesion and inclusion within the Gladstone Region, will be the subject of a presentation at the 12th International Conference on Diversity in Organisations, Communities and Nations.

The presentation, titled 'Gladstone Region: The Region of Choice, where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged', will be delivered at Vancouver's University of British

Columbia from June 11 to 13.

The first stage of the WSI model, "Welcome", involves Council working with local industry and business to officially welcome new residents of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

participate equitably within Australian society as soon after arrival as possible.

Council's model enables it to work closely with individuals and volunteer organisations to support and assist the settlement of newcomers into the community.

This is done within the first 12 weeks after their arrival, a period which has proved vital to the likelihood of their stay becoming longterm.

The third and final stage, "Integration", builds upon the traditional local government practice of allocating resources and effort to attract a skilled workforce into regional areas.

The second stage of the model, "Settlement", is centred on the delivery of services to assist newcomers to become self-reliant and

The WSI model is based on finding common ground between people rather than being concerned with differences.

Directories released, get your free copies Gladstone Regional Council has just released two of its extremely popular annual directories.

The 2012 Community Services Directory and the Children's Directory are now available to residents free of charge.

The 2012 Community Services Directory provides information on the region's not-forprofit community, recreational and sporting groups; educational facilities; emergency services and service clubs.

Published annually through the Gladstone Community Advisory Service, the directory provides a brief description of each organisation or group's services, the key contacts and their location.

An online version is available at http://comdir. gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/ The Children's Directory, meanwhile, provides information on services available for families with children aged zero to 12 years.

Council Contacts

All mail to: 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 FACILITIES Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Cnr Goondoon & Bramston Sts Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4976 6766 Gladstone Entertainment Centre 58 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4972 2822 Community Advisory Service 142 Goondoon St, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4976 6300 Discovery Coast Community Health Service 2 Rafting Ground Road, Agnes Water 4677 Telephone: (07) 4902 1100

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FACILITIES (Cont.)

Discovery Coast Community Care 36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale 4677 Tondoon Botanic Gardens Glenlyon Road, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4971 4444 Boyne Tannum Community Centre & Library Cnr Wyndham and Hayes Ave, Boyne Island Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4971 9700 Mt Larcom Rural Transaction Centre/ Library 47 Raglan St, Mount Larcom Qld 4695 Telephone: (07) 4975 1205

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

As well as containing information on various community groups, the Childcare Directory includes information on a range of children's services providers, including medical and child care services.

Residents can now obtain the directories at the Community Advisory Service, all Council administration offices, libraries and transaction centres.

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GLA DST ONE REGIO NAL COUN CIL

Office Locations

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

FACILITIES (Cont.)

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre 71 Springs Road, Agnes Water Qld 4677 Telephone: (07) 4902 1515 AQUATIC CENTRES Gladstone Aquatic Centre 60 Tank Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4972 6822 Calliope Pool Stirrat Street, Calliope Phone: (07) 4975 6455 Mount Larcom Pool Narrows Road, Mt Larcom Phone: (07) 4975 1185

LIBRARIES Agnes Water Library 71 Springs Road, Agnes Water Qld 4677 Telephone (07) 4902 1501 Gladstone City Library 39 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4976 6400 Calliope Library 5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4975 8105 Miriam Vale Library 34 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677 Telephone: (07) 4974 6241

Residents Views

Stephanie Fraser Agnes Water

"It's a great place for a gathering. It's nice and fresh and has a lovely breeze that comes through the building."

Elaine Wenn Agnes Water

"It's a miracle, we only had the old courthouse and the tents at the conference rooms."

Shirley Metcalfe Agnes Water

Minister officially opens the Agnes Water Community Centre

Briefly

The Discovery Coast's Agnes Water Community Centre has been officially opened to the public.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the $3.5 million building before a crowd of residents, community leaders and Council representatives on April 12.

Mr Albanese said the Federal Labor Government was proud to have provided almost $1.5 million towards the cost of constructing the facility, "which now stands as real and lasting legacy of the Economic Stimulus Plan put in place to protect jobs and businesses during the worst global recession in 75 years".

“This complex of three buildings will act as a hub for local residents and the thousands of visitors that flock to Agnes Water, Seventeen Seventy and other communities along the beautiful Discovery Coast of Queensland,” Mr Albanese said.

“The community centre provides a community hall, multicultural resource centre and Rural Transaction Centre for the community, as well as a library, internet access, meeting spaces and function venues."

Built by local firm Finecorp Industries, the new facility supported 35 jobs during its construction, with a further two ongoing part-time positions having been created since it opened its doors.

The balance of the $3.5 million in funding required was provided by Gladstone Regional Council to provide much needed space to expand and implement new services for residents.

The centre contains function rooms, a transaction centre, tourist information and a library - all in one convenient location.

Available for hire are two meeting rooms at the Rural Transaction Centre; the community hall within the facility; and a meeting room behind the stage of the hall.

The facility is also the booking point for the Old Agnes Water Community Centre located nearby.

For further information, visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the links under "Community Support" or phone 4902 1555.

Are you able to spare a couple of hours between July 1 and October 31? The Gladstone Regional Tax Help Program is currently seeking volunteers for this year. There is no previous experience needed, just basic arithmetic skills, enthusiasm and the desire to help others.

People interested in becoming a volunteer should contact the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300 or the Discovery Coast Community Health Service on 4902 1100.

"The RTC will be great for voting time, its all on one level."

Val Growcott Agnes Water

"Certainly what the community needs, in time it can be used for sporting facilities as well."

Council meetings Did you know that residents are welcome to attend Gladstone Regional Council’s meetings?

The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street. For upcoming meeting dates and times, please visit Council's website at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au and following the 'Meetings and Minutes' tab under 'Quicklinks'.

Access services at BTCC Residents living or visiting the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands communities can take advantage of the services offered at the Boyne Tannum Community Centre and Library. Located at the corner of Wyndham and Hayes Avenues, the BTCC offers access to Centrelink via a fax, free public access computers seven days a week and access to most other Council services via the customer service counter.

Phone 4971 9700.

Need a JP?

Ross Wenn Agnes Water

"The library is fantastic and the community hall's stage can be used for plays. It is more spacious than the old courthouse."

Volunteer for tax help

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at the opening of the Agnes Water Community Centre.

Do you need to find a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner of Declarations? The Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General's website has all the information you need to find a JP or COD. To search for a JP or COD near you, please visit http://www.justice.qld.gov. au/justice-services/justicesof-the-peace which provides general information and a search function.

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Briefly

Information sessions

Technology advancements allow more household waste to be recycled

Newcomers who would like to learn more about services and networks offered in the community are invited to Community Information Sessions, coordinated by Council.

The next sessions are scheduled for May 9 and 10. To book your place, phone Luis Arroyo on 4976 6352.

Some disposable items which may previously have been unsuitable to recycle in Council recycling bins are now accepted.

Development stats

“By following some simple steps when placing these items in recycling bins residents will maximise bin space, assist efficiency of the recycling process and reduce the amount of waste contributed to landfill.”

Council now provides development statistics at a click of a mouse at its website. Visit www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/web/guest/developmentstatistics to find out the last major development snapshot; monthly development statistics; and building and plumbing approvals.

Lost and found pets Have you lost or found a pet? Did you know that you can register your lost or found pet at Council’s website free of charge? Simply visit www.gladstone.qld.gov. au and follow the 'Animals and Environment' link from the home page.

Website for volunteers Gladstone Region Volunteering is an online volunteer recruitment website that links residents to organisations in need of volunteers.

Residents can search what volunteer positions are available or nominate themselves for future roles by visiting Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the volunteering link under 'Community Support'.

Change of address Did you know that you can notify several Council services of your change of residential and/or mailing address by filling out just one form? Council cannot change addresses over the phone, but you can get the form by visiting our website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au and clicking on the 'About Council', then 'Finance' and choose the 'Change of Address Form'.

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Council’s Manager Waste Services Charlie Sotiris said changes were due to advancements made to sorting and handling equipment used to process the material.

“Residents may be unaware that there are some commonly used household items which are now accepted at our recycling facility,” Mr Sotiris said.

Mr Sotiris said some items, if not disposed of correctly, could affect the recycling process.

“If lids and caps from plastic bottles are loosely placed in recycling bins, the small items are not processed through the plant and become waste when they slip through the screens,” he said.

“Glass jar lids can be removed and recycled but caps from glass bottles, such as beer stubby tops and wine bottles, are too small to be handled through the recycling facility and should be placed in the waste bin.”

“Replacing the lids on plastic bottles ensures these are recycled, but it is most important to ensure contents have been removed.

Mr Sotiris said there had also been instances where electrical cord, which is not accepted for recycling, had been placed in recycling bins.

Recyclable items now accepted include:

“Cords wrap around and slow equipment and the plug could pose a potential danger to staff, acting like a whip, if caught in wheels and rollers in equipment at the recycling facility,” he said.

ITEM

RECYCLING BIN REQUIREMENTS

Aluminium foil and aluminium trays

Scrunch into a ball

Bottle lids/caps

Empty contents and replace lid

Pizza boxes

Empty contents

Other recyclable items through household recycling bins include glass bottles and jars, clean newspaper, cardboard, magazines and advertising brochures, plastic bottles and containers with recycling symbols 1 to 7, juice and milk cartons, steel and aluminium cans and empty aerosols.

Small metal containers and tins (including pet food tins)

Empty contents, place lid in tin, squeeze top of tin together to prevent lid falling out

More recycling information is available on the fact sheet "What can go in the yellow lid recycling bin?" at Council’s website www.gladstone.qld. gov.au under the Environment & Waste tab.

Council closes Weeroona Road Bridge Potential safety risks have forced the closure of Burua’s Weeroona Road at the bridge, north of Old Coach Road.

Gladstone Regional Council Director Infrastructure Services Paul Keech said the bridge had been closed to all traffic for an indefinite period to allow for investigations and major repairs to occur.

Mr Keech said general road maintenance in the area had alerted Council to a failed timber deck on the bridge.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

“The damage is not obviously visible but investigations have revealed timber has rotted away on the bridge and could pose a potential public safety risk,” he said.

Weeroona Road, which is a loop road with both ends intersecting with the Dawson Highway, will be restricted to local traffic only.

“Until the repairs occur Weeroona Road will be a no through road and access to properties will only be available from the appropriate end,” Mr

Keech said.

“Safety signage, water barriers and barrier boards will be in place near the bridge and road ends. While closure of the bridge may inconvenience nearby residents, their safety is of utmost importance.

“At this stage, Council anticipates lengthy processes could result with closure of the bridge for up to six months,” he said.

Liberty Swing and beach wheelchair give enjoyment to people with disabilities Everyone deserves to feel the exhilaration of soaring through the air on a swing or visiting the beach and dipping a toe or two in the ocean.

Gladstone Regional Council's Liberty Swing and Aussie Beach Wheelchair make it possible for residents with disabilities to enjoy such experiences.

Council's Coordinator Healthy Communities Lee Baker said Council offered two Liberty Swings; one in Tannum Sands at the Millennium Esplanade and the other at Gladstone's Lions Park at Kin Kora.

The Variety Club-backed Liberty Swings fully enclose a wheelchair and feature an access ramp, wheel-locking mechanism and safety harness, allowing a maximum swing height.

The beach wheelchair is located in a locked compound outside the Tannum Sands Surf Club.

It features specially designed tyres and swivel castors to make navigating through the sand effortless; although, a second person is required for its safe transition into water.

"The Liberty Swing and beach wheelchair are provided free of charge; however, a carer must be in attendance at all times, and a signed hire agreement form is required before receiving a key," Mr Baker said.

Residents can access the Tannum Sands Liberty Swing and the beach wheelchair keys at the Tannum Sands Visitors Centre or Tannum Sands Surf Club during patrol hours. The Lions Park Liberty Swing key is available at nearby McDonald's Family Restaurant.

“Under the Variety Club's safety regulations, the swing is fenced and locked, and features a comprehensive set of safety instructions and operational diagrams,� Mr Baker said.

For further information, phone Gladstone Regional Council's Parks and Recreation department on 4977 6899 or visit Council's website at http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/ recreational-equipment1

FACT SHEET

Key Collection Points

Tannum Sands Beach Wheelchair and Liberty Swing Tannum Sands Visitor Information Cen tre: Ocean Street, Tannum Sands Phone (07) 4973 8062 Opening hours: Monday to Friday - 8.30 am to 5pm, Weekends - 9am to 5pm Public holidays - 9am to 4pm Closed - Christmas Day, New Year's Day & Good Friday or Tannum Sands Surf Life Saving Club : Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands Key can be collected during patrol hour s Lions Park Liberty Swing: McDonald's Gladstone Family Restaur ant.

Limited mobility had prevented local resident Bernice Lutton from accessing the beach for many years, so it was with great enjoyment she was able to re-discover this pleasure at a recent visit to the Tannum Sands Beach.

Briefly

Welcome morning tea Welcome to Gladstone Morning Teas are held at Tondoon Botanic Gardens between 10am and noon on the first Thursday of every month. This initiative aims to provide newcomers with an opportunity to meet new people and local service providers.

Information resources are handed out at the morning teas. For further information please contact Andrea or Luis on 4976 6300.

Home Library Services Gladstone City Library provides a Home Library Service to residents of Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Calliope, as well as residents on sealed roads in the Beecher, Beecher Forest, Wurdong Heights, Benaraby, Pacific Ranch and River Ranch areas.

The Home Library Service caters to the needs of residents who are unable to visit the library due to medical, physical, or other special reasons. For more information or to determine whether or not you might be eligible for this service, please contact Gladstone City Library on 4976 6400.

Update pet details Council is asking residents to keep their pet ownership details up to date to ensure pets can be reunited in the event they stray.

Council also reminds pet owners they are obliged under Queensland legislation to complete a Change to Pet Ownership Form if they sell or give away an animal. Phone 4976 6972 for further information or visit Council's website at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au

Funding submission Do you need assistance with putting together a funding submission for your not-for-profit community group? Gladstone Regional Council's Community Development Officer is available to help. Contact Andrea Hughes on 4976 6358 or email andreah@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

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Briefly

RSS feed

Want to keep up to date with the latest Gladstone Regional Council news? Create a link to Council's RSS feed by clicking on the icon on Council's web site home page.Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Road reports Don't forget to log on to Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au if you want to find out the latest road condition report. If you come across flood water or would like to report road conditions for uploading to the site, please phone our Call Centre, open 24 hours a day, on 4979 1134 or Council's administration centres during business hours.

Lodge an event Does your not-for-profit or community organisation have an upcoming event? Don't forget you can lodge an event on Council's community calendar by clicking on the calendar link on our webpage and follow the prompts. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au

How is Council tracking?

The latest assessment of the implementation of Council's Operational Plan reveals that a reassuring 84 per cent of Council's performance measures are set to be delivered on target. These results are a self-assessed account of how every section in Council is travelling with key projects and initiatives, and form a key part of Council's reporting framework. To view the Quarter Three results visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the 'Corporate Publications & Reports' link under the 'About Council' tab.

Council backs Reef Guardian program Gladstone Regional Council has continued its pledge to help safeguard the future of the Great Barrier Reef by recommitting to the Reef Guardian Council Program for the third successive year.

Representatives from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Council program recently met with Council's senior staff to promote the development of the 2012/13 Reef Guardian Action Plan.

Launched in 2003, the Reef Guardian stewardship program encourages communities, individuals, businesses and Councils to work towards longterm environmental benefits for the Reef.

Reef Guardian Council Project Manager Deb Packman said it was important residents were aware of the program’s future plans to ensure the Reef remains healthy for future generations.

"Councils actively involved in environmentally friendly practices instate community pride and encourage participation from community members to support their efforts," she said.

"Gladstone Regional Council is one of 13 Reef Guardian Councils between Cooktown and Bundaberg, covering an area of over a 300,000sq km and a combined population of more than 890,000 people, who contribute to improving the health and resilience of the Reef."

Council's Environment and Sustainability Officer Heather Richards said the annual review for the 2012/2013 Council's Reef Guardian Action Plan would commence in the coming months.

"Looking after the Great Barrier Reef coastline is of utmost importance and Council is passionate about delivering effective initiatives through managing water, waste, land and climate change actions," she said.

Highlights for the 2011/2012 Action Plan include: • Joint project between Council and Queensland Alumina Ltd to reduce waste water discharge by approximately 1100 kilolitres per annum providing substantial environmental benefits

Masterplan to view The 15-year blueprint for the future development of Chapman Park at Calliope is now available for viewing and public comment. To view and comment visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov. au and click on the promotional banner on the home page.

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A GBRMPA diver undertakes a coral bleaching survey at East cay at Swains Reef (Photographer J. Monkavitch, image courtesy of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

• Stormwater Management Plan nearing completion • Continued coastal restoration activities with volunteer groups • Council use of diesel vehicles and energy efficient lighting to reduce emissions • Engaging Planet Footprint to monitor Council's carbon emissions • Involvement in community projects to protect the environment including • Revegetation • Community Weeding Days • Earth Hour and Clean-Up Australia Day • Pest, Plant & Noxious Weed School Education programs • Sort 'N' Save recycling • Mobile Muster and Drum Muster programs To view Council's Reef Guardian Acton Plan visit Council's website at http://www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/web/guest/reef-guardian-council.

For further information on the GBRMPA visit their website at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/

FACT SHEET GBRMPA tips on how you can help the Great Barrier Reef: • Use re-useable shopping bags • Wash your car on the lawn to mini mise run-off into drains • Use environmentally friendly clea ners and fertilisers • Compost food scraps, paper and green waste • Create a worm farm and use the cast ings to fertilise the garden • Reduce, reuse or recycle plastics, paper, batteries and mobile phones • Buy products with minimal or no packaging

Presenters sought for 'Water: Essential to Life' forum business and industry groups to participate in sharing research studies, projects and environmental initiatives.

"GREAN would like to hear from stakeholders who identify local needs and solutions to encourage education in relation to water," Ms Richards said.

Keynote speaker Tim Silverwood is an Australian environmentalist, film maker, and photographer, devoted to raising awareness of marine debris and reducing plastic waste in the ocean.

Mr Silverwood will present his documentary

on marine debris as well as hosting workshops with students in conjunction with Conservation Volunteers Australia' and CQUniversity.

To register your interest in presenting at this event, please contact Heather Richards on (07) 4977 6530 or email heatherrichards@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Interested people are required to submit an Expression of Interest form before April 30; download from Council's website at http:// www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/ environmental-forum-2012

Photo courtesy of: www.timsilverwood.com

The Gladstone Region Environment Advisory Network's (GREAN) 2012 Environmental Forum will encompass topics in relation to the sustainability of freshwater and marine environments in the Central Queensland region.

The forum will be held at CQUniversity, Gladstone Campus on Tuesday, May 29, with a morning and evening session scheduled.

GREAN secretary and Council's Environmental and Sustainability Officer Heather Richards said the community reference group coordinates the annual forum for community,

Free legal advice service extended to southern townships The Gladstone Regional Community Legal Program is being extended to Miriam Vale and Agnes Water.

The program, funded by the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund, provides Gladstone Region residents with free legal advice, assistance, referrals and community legal education on a wide range of legal issues.

The program's solicitor is able to provide assistance in the form of advice and help with basic forms, documents and letters on issues such as: • • • • • •

Criminal law Traffic matters Family law Civil law Consumer rights Employment law

• Neighbourhood disputes • Other miscellaneous matters Discovery Coast Community Health Service Coordinator Cheryl Barrett said the program was being extended to cater for the increasing demand on the Gladstone service by residents of Agnes Water and Miriam Vale.

morning appointments available at Agnes Water and afternoon appointments at Miriam Vale.

Bookings are essential for phone and face to face consultations.

For more information please phone the Community Advisory Service on 4977 6303 or visit http://hss.gladstonerc.qld.gov. au/cas/legalprogram.cfm

She said the Gladstone Region Community Legal Program, funded by Legal Aid Queensland, offered free legal advice and a referral service.

"The extended service will be introduced on a monthly basis in Miriam Vale and Agnes Water and will be reviewed in three months to assess its future viability or further extension," she said.

The next available appointments are May 24 and June 14, with

Community Legal Advisor Stacey O'Gorman's services have been extended to Miriam Vale and Agnes Water.

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Gladstone stages major public event to combat domestic and family violence The disturbing incidence of domestic and family violence within our Queensland communities has inspired a major public event for Gladstone.

The Gladstone Coordinated Community Response to Domestic and Family Violence (CCRDFV) Committee, the Gladstone Regional Council and the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services are partnering to promote public awareness during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May this year.

From May 12 to 19, Gladstone’s Act as 1/Air Your Dirty Laundry will showcase the month with a dynamic line up of familyfriendly events, including an innovative art show where locals of all ages create themed artworks on clothing items.

On May 19, the finished pieces will be hung out on lines for public display at the PCYC on Family Fun Day to reflect the event’s

distinctive name, Air Your Dirty Laundry.

The week itself will kick off at Marley Brown Oval at 7pm on May 12 when the local rugby league heroes, the Capras play Brisbane Norths in a gripping Queensland Cup game.

The Capras will wear special Act as 1/Air Your Dirty Laundry jerseys for the contest and as an added bonus the Capras and the Department are thanking our valuable local foster carers by providing some local foster families with free game tickets.

The Capras are also supporting the main May 19 event, Air Your Dirty Laundry, with three senior players and the CEO conducting passing and kicking workshops. They will also hand out some signed jerseys from the Act as 1 football game as lucky door prizes.

Significantly, the Capra players are so committed to the cause, Domestic and Family Violence Prevention, that the players

will voluntarily be taking part in Respectful Relationships training from the Gladstone CCRDFV network.

The May 19 Family Fun Day will showcase the headlining Melbourne club scene band Dirty Laundry, while the opening gig will be Gladstone’s own multi-talented duo Pandamic.

The day will also feature shuffling dance, urban art and stencilling workshops, a sausage sizzle, face painting, a roller disco, jumping castle, climbing wall and a range of other activities. The event will finish with a stunning fireworks display.

To inquire about how you can enter your AYDL artworks contact Sergeant Vicki Dredge, Domestic & Family Violence Coordinator, Gladstone Police District.

Phone 4971 3241 or DFVCGladstone@ police.qld.gov.au

Seniors Festival planning under way for Seniors Week 2012 Seniors Week will be celebrated in August in the form of a Seniors Festival, titled "Get Educated, Energised, Entertained & Engaged".

The week's activities, from August 19 to 26, will be aimed at encouraging seniors to get active, have fun and engage in the community while learning.

Event organiser Andrea Hughes said Gladstone Regional Council would be coordinating the event with the support of a wide range of community groups.

Funding has also been received from the Queensland Government's Department of Communities for the "Get Educated" component of the festival program.

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GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Workshops are now being finalised with the program with the focus on giving older people the chance to learn new skills, boost their confidence and engage with other community members.

"By providing a wide variety of classes, activities and events in townships across our region, our aim is to ensure there is something accessible and of interest to every senior in our community," Andrea said.

More details and a program will be published in the August edition of Council Connection and at Council's website www.gladstonerc.qld. gov.au

PD Online saves time and money Gladstone Region residents are reminded that development applications can be tracked and monitored by the click of a mouse via PD Online.

The self service development system provides information for property owners and developers to track and monitor development applications from lodgement to determination date.

Users can also identify the status of an application including information on what has been undertaken as part of the assessment process, estimated assessment timeframes and any publicly available documents.

Council’s Director of Planning and Environment Leisa Dowling said the service had been saving customers time and money by tracking developments without having to visit Council offices.

“Since the commencement of the service, we have seen it speed up the assessment of development applications as staff are devoting more time to the assessment of these,” Mrs Dowling said.

PD Online can be located on Council’s website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au via the Quick Links sections on the right-hand side.

For more information phone Council’s Planning Department on 4976 6813 or email info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

FACT SHEET What you can access via PD Online: 1. Application enquiry: You are able to access development application history and statu s for all Integrated Planning Act and Sustainable Planning Act development applications, including : • Applicant • Property address • Status of the application • Events and status of events associate d with applications process and; • Council’s decision 2. Property enquiry: You are able to acce ss basic property information including: • Lot and real property numbers • Zoning and overlays • Area of land • Planning approvals associated with the property.

Going for Gold

2012 Central Queensland's biggest annual environmental awareness event, Ecofest, will be held at the Tondoon Botanic Garden on Sunday, June 3.

Going for Gold was one of 65 floats which brought additional colour and excitement to the 2012 Rio Tinto Alcan Gladstone Harbour Festival Street Parade. Gladstone Festivals and Events, SUNfest 2012 and Gladstone Regional Council collaborated to produce the eye-catching Going for Gold entry which was designed by Gladstone State High School student Fabio Kleynhans during a SUNfest youth program school holiday workshop in January. Local artist Rosemary Anderson lent her talents to the project with Council employees Sam Munroe and Aaron Ibbotson providing their respective skills to constructing and driving the float. Council provided a Community Donation of $65,000 to this year's festival. For more information on Council grants, donations and sponsorships visit Council's website at www.gladstone.gov.au, click on the Community Support link and scroll down to Grants and Sponsorship.

Coinciding with World Environment Day, Ecofest will run from 9am to 3pm, offering an endless amount of fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Families have the opportunity to venture into the Hubbub Sound Playground of recycled materials or learn about the hairy nosed wombats.

There will also be animal information sessions, presentations, a variety of children’s activities and an array of environmental stalls, showcasing industry, business and community environmental initiatives.

Parking will be available at the Meteors Sports Club opposite the Tondoon Botanic Gardens for a gold coin donation.

To see the full program of events, see next month's edition of Council Connection or download a copy from Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au from May 21.

Gladstone Festival & Events Kathy Andrew, local artist Rosemary Anderson, Gladstone Regional Council's Sam Munroe and Aaron Ibbotson with SUNfest float designer Fabio Kleynhans and the 2012 Rio Tinto Alcan Gladstone Harbour Festival Street Parade's Going For Gold entry.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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Mark Dowley Coordinator Waste Services

Landfill development boosts region’s waste capacity

Construction of a new engineered landfill cell at Benaraby Landfill will have capacity to store a further four years of the region’s waste.

Director of Infrastructure Paul Keech said Council had accepted a $1.9 million tender

by Mearns Environmental Contracting Pty Ltd as part of landfill operations expansion.

“The expansion is in direct response to future demand for landfill waste disposal, fuelled by the region’s anticipated population growth,” Mr Keech said.

Data indicates the Benaraby Landfill site will receive about 60,000 tonnes of solid waste in

2011/12, up from 45,000 tonnes in 2010/11.

“Works will include bulk earthworks for excavation of the filling area and sediment dam, the placement of clay and a geosynthetic liner and leachate collection system,” Mr Keech said.

“This prevents any likely harm to the surrounding environment from the escape of leachate, which is created when water comes into contact with waste.”

Mr Keech said the landfill operations expansion would assist Council’s future plans.

“Increasing the landfill capacity will further support Council’s proposed installation of a landfill gas management system which will commence with flaring and then possible power generation,” he said.

“Council realises the importance of responsible waste management and the introduction of landfill gas management will lead to cleaner production which can help reduce Council’s carbon tax liability.

“Currently 75 per cent of Council’s liability with carbon tax is attributed to landfill operation.”

Tannum Sands State School students on fact finding mission Two Council facilities served as temporary classrooms on March 13, educating students about managing waste.

Tannum Sands State School’s Year 2 and Year 2/3 classes visited Tannum Sands Waste Water Treatment Plant and Benaraby Landfill gathering information to support their studies.

The 44 students, accompanied by teachers and parent helpers, followed the processes involved in managing household waste.

Council’s Manager Waste Services Charlie Sotiris said the excursion explained the operating systems at the facilities and the processes involved.

“Over the years, these two Council waste facilities have hosted quite a number of similar school tours,” Mr Sotiris said.

“Students have been very keen to learn about Council’s processes and the tours reinforced the importance of responsible waste management.

"The students saw the operation of landfill equipment and learned about the importance of compacting waste so that landfill space is maximised.

“We received some wonderful feedback on how much these students learnt during their visit.”

The Council excursion supported class lessons and reinforced the recycling message of 'Avoid, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle'.

Year 2/3 teacher Raylene Bowtell said the excursion encouraged student discussions on managing waste, politics and decision making and supported the school’s efforts to reduce waste.

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GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Students were given a close up view of the landfill area via a bus tour.

Wyndham Park playground gets vote of approval Residents living near Boyne Island's Wyndham Park have clearly heard the jubilant cheers of children discovering the newly installed playground.

Council's Director Planning and Environment Leisa Dowling said the prolonged wet weather delayed the playground opening for six days, but it opened just in time for Easter on Thursday, March 28.

"Council workers were able to finish installing the softfall and kerbing around the playground late March, only a few days after the school holidays commenced,” Ms Dowling said.

"Workers will now start on the construction of pathways, softscaping, bridge and seating, completing the Stage One redevelopment," Ms Dowling said.

The redevelopment is anticipated to be completed by June 30, 2012, providing the weather is favourable.

For further information on the Wyndham Park Redevelopment project, visit Council's website at http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/ Ocean Brown, 3, of Boyne Island, looking like a serious pirate while playing on Wyndham Park's new pirate ship playground. wyndham-park-redevelopment

Entertainment centre expansion to create premier performance hub Gladstone will soon be capable of hosting bigger and better productions with work on the Gladstone Entertainment Centre Precinct Expansion (GECPE) set to commence in July.

The final step in the approval process was completed when the Gladstone Ports Corporation recently approved its share of funding for the project.

Joint venture partner Gladstone Regional Council had already approved the project in early March.

The $33 million GECPE project includes a world class redevelopment of the entertainment centre, including a flat floor extension increasing its capacity to 1500 people, and an expansion of the adjoining multilevel car park.

The car park expansion will provide an additional three levels of car parking and two storeys of commercial office space for use by Gladstone Ports Corporation and Maritime Safety Queensland and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

Federal Minister visits to inspect Kirkwood Road Stage 3 project Heavy vehicle traffic now has an alternate route through the city with use of Kirkwood Road since April 20.

The full length of Kirkwood Road opened after traffic lights were connected at the state-funded intersection upgrade with GladstoneBenaraby Road.

Prior to the road’s use, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese carried out an inspection of construction work on the fully-Federally funded third and final stage of the project on April 12.

“In January 2010, I was here to turn the first sod and now today I’m back in town standing beside the product of our investment, a completed road,” Mr Albanese said.

The $25.3 million project was funded as part of the Federal Government’s Nation Building Program.

Council Chief Executive Officer Stuart Randle said the precinct expansion would establish the Gladstone Entertainment Centre as one of the premier entertainment venues in regional Queensland.

"The expanded entertainment centre, with 1000sqm of floor space and increased capacity, will enable Gladstone to attract larger and higher-profile performers, conferences and events," Mr Randle said.

"The new flat floor space will complement the centre's existing auditorium, which holds 674 people, providing the ability to host multiple events at any one time.

"It will also include world class conferencing facilities, meeting an important need of the local business community, and a vibrant new public plaza on Goondoon Street."

For more information visit www.gecpe.com.au

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Goldings' Cameron Howard before the Kirkwood Road Stage 3 road inspection.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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hy

BMX Club hosts Come and Try Day Clinic Dates for May 2012 SERVICE

VENUE

DAYS

Child Health Nurse

Agnes Water

Wednesday & Thursday weekly

Baffle Creek

May 9

Miriam Vale

May 15 SBVP

Rosedale

May 29 SBVP

Community Nurse TBA Community Support Worker

Agnes Water

Monday to Thursday

Counselling Services

Agnes Water

By Appointment

Dietician

Agnes Water

May 8

Miriam Vale

May 22

Family Support Worker

Agnes Water

By appointment

Mobile Women's Health Nurse

Agnes Water

May 1, 2 & 3

Podiatrist

Agnes Water

May 15 & 16

Miriam Vale

May 2

Physiotherapist

TBA

Seniors Nurse

Agnes Water

Health Talk May 10 & 24

Baffle Creek

Health Talk May 8 & 22

Lowmead

Clinic, May 14

Lowmead

Health Talk May 28

Miriam Vale

Health Talk May 9 & 23

Rosedale

Health Talk May 14 & 28

Gladstone Region residents aged four to 60 are invited to try their hand at BMX riding on May 6 when the Harbour City BMX Club hosts its second Come and Try Day this year.

Part of Gladstone Regional Council's Year of Cycling for 2012 program of events, the Come and Try Day is a family event designed to showcase the exciting and rapidly growing sport of BMX. Council’s Coordinator Healthy Communities Lee Baker said riders were required to wear a long sleeve shirt, a pair of long pants, gloves, socks, closed-in shoes and a full face helmet to participate on the day. “A limited amount of bike gear will be available at the club on the day, so participants are urged to bring their own bike and gear to ensure that the track time is available to everyone," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for all the family to enjoy a fantastic sport in a safe and friendly environment."

All participants are covered by BMX Australian Rider Insurance on the day.

Additional BMX Come and Try Days will be held on July 15 and October 21.

For more information please about these events phone Mark Rayner on 4979 1452 or email harbourcitybmxclub@hotmail.com

Turkey Beach Health Talk May 2 & 16

BIGGEST MORNING TEA - MAY 24 Please phone 4902 1100 for an appointment for these services

Father and son team Matt and Bailey Calway are among the Gladstone Region residents who have turned out for Harbour City BMX Club Come and Try Day events this year.

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GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

ive iat

He alt

n it

Gladstone Reg ion tive Ac i

Kirkwood Benaraby Rd Intersection

Memorial Park Redevelopment (Sta ge 1) - Landscape Works $769,000

Commencement date

5 March 2012

Project Update

Project stages

Week 1 - Fencing / Surveying - early March Week 2 - Shaping Paths/Mounding - mid March Week 3 - Cut Swale / Remove Spoil - mid March Week 4 - Lining of Swale / Concreting - late March Week 5 - Lining of Swale / Concreting - early April Week 6 - Concreting - early April Week 7 - Concreting / Bridges - mid April Week 8 - Tidy up & finish off - late April Once contractor is complete Council staff will under take softscaping works

Current project status

• •

Works scheduled this month Council staff continuing soft landscape works, including irrigation installation, planting & turfing

Anticipated project completion date

Anticipate contract to be completed Council staff commenced soft landscape works Duration

Possible disruptions

2-3 months

Wet Weather Staff Shortages

Contract Works - mid May 2012 Council Works - late August 2012

Project Update

Calliope Cross Roads Service Relocation Project cost

$ 2,820,697

Commencement

Civil works commenced on the 12/12/2011

Project stages

Continuous work, not staged.

Project cost

$7.8 Million

Commencement date

June 2011 ents • Construction of intersection pavem

Project stages

ures

• Installation of kerb and drainage struct

Project Update

Project cost

• Supply and installation of asphalt • Supply and installation of all road traffic line marking • Supply and installation of intersection

furniture and

traffic signals g

• Supply and installation of street lightin

Project will be 98% complete with traffic intersection as per design.

Current project status

Works scheduled month

operating at the

the site and erecting Contractor will be disestablishing from directional signage.

Possible disruptions Duration this

• Disestablishing • Erection of directional signage

2 weeks

Anticipated project completion date

Late May

Nil Nil

1 week

Wyndham Park - Concept Design & Red

evelopment

Project cost

$122,000

Commencement date

August 2011

Project stages

• Landscape architect engaged to produ ce draft concept - completed • Concept out for community consultation - completed • Commencement of redevelopment - commenced in March with installation of playground equip ment, softfall and kerbing

Current project status

• Landscape works - earthworks, pathw ays, swale, bridge, seating, tree planting - due June 30

Work in progress and on track

Current project status

Works scheduled this month

Duration

Possible disruptions

• Carrier pipe to Envelopers • Continue laying water and sewer mains

1 week

Weather events, Pumping out water from access pits.

Anticipated project completion date

Early May 2012

3 Weeks

Weather events

Landscape/capital works crew commenced construction works in April, weather permitting

Works scheduled this month

Duration

Possible disruptions

Construction commencement earthworks, pathways, swale, bridge, seating, tree planting

3 months

Wet Weather Staff Shortages

Anticipated project completion date

Concept - 31 October 2011 Redevelopment - June 2012

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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arts, culture & ente Gladstone Regional Ar t Gallery & Museum

Cnr Goondoon & Bramston Sts, Gladstone.

Ph: 4976 6766

grown in profile and significance. It represents a unique, national initiative in support of documentary photography, providing a rare opportunity to assess the themes, styles and ideas that characterise this fascinating genre.

n Related n Saiki Photographic Exchange March 31 - May 26 Come and see the fascinating display of all entries received in the annual photographic exchange between Gladstone & Sister City Saiki, Japan.

May 23 - 26 June 20 Years of Sculpture by Wendy Schoenfisch-Young. This exhibition reviews the artist's diverse and innovative works.

n Harbour Festival Exhibition Now until May 26 Presenting photographs, films and ephemera from 50 fun filled festivals, this exhibition shows our region's much loved Harbour Festival from its inception in 1963 right through to the present day, presenting a fascinating look at this iconic event.

n Lest We Forget Now until May 26 A tribute to our fallen ANZACS. Photographs and memorabilia from local families together with others from the RSL and Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum collections.

n Documentary Photography Award May 23 - June 30 The CCP Documentary Photography Award is a biennial showcase of contemporary Australian documentary photography. Since the inaugural exhibition in 1997, this event has

winning Broadway musical with a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

n International Comedy Festival May 27, 7.30pm Stuffing one of the world's largest comedy festivals into the one show is no easy feat, but the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has done just that with Roadshow 2012. Offering a selection of Australian, international and special guest comedians, the Roadshow is literally all the best bits of the Comedy Festival condensed into the one 'all killer, no filler' travelling event.

n Morning Melodies 58 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. Ph: 4972 2822

n El Cabballo Blanco May 20, 7.30pm The El Cabballo Blanco event, only previously seen at the famous riding schools in Vienna and Spain, is making its way to Gladstone.

The Dance of the White Stallions will feature performances involving the Andalusian, Friesian and Lipizzaner breeds and the event is dedicated to showing off the amazing beauty and manoeuvres these horses are capable of.

n SPAMALOT May 25, 7.30pm Broadway smash hit SPAMALOT comes to Gladstone with this Chanel College production. A strange take on the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table; lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Month Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT is the award-

May 29, 11am Joey Fimmano's European Classics show is a celebration of great classics as well as favourite contemporary standards. The show is a combination of virtuoso piano solos, accordion toe tappers and a touch of comedy.

The brilliance of the piano is what will captivate audiences, with renditions of Nessun Dorma, Rhapsody in Blue and Phantom of the Opera to name a few.

n Biddies May 31, 8pm Five ordinarily marvellous women find themselves back in their infant's school classroom plying their needles in a good old-fashioned session of "stitch and bitch". Their confessions are frank, their rivalries intense and their jokes outrageous. They discover a common frustration with the limitations of being female and mature in a world largely defined by men.

Quilted caterpillar tale comes to the Boyne Island Library The Very Hungry Caterpillar will munch his way through Boyne Island Library this month as the library's featured event for The National Year of Reading.

Inspired by one of the world's most recognised children's books, Eric Carle's The Hungry Caterpillar, an exciting exhibition is to be launched at the Boyne Island Library on Friday, May 11, at 10.30am.

Storytelling, craft and morning tea will be followed by the official opening of the exhibition.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt project is Karen Walden's spectacular, larger than life quilted recreation of Carle’s lovable tale of metamorphosis, as a fusion of craft and literature.

To create the 10 colourful fabric ‘pages’, Ms Walden used a mixture of hand dyed fabrics, machine appliqué, paints and pencils.

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GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Ms Walden said each page is recreated in exact detail, “It’s pretty much an exact replica of the book, just larger,” she said.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar exhibition is on display from Friday, May 11, to Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Boyne Island Library, corner of Wyndham Ave and Hayes Ave, Boyne Island.

Boyne Island Library opening hours are 9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday; 9am-4pm Saturdays; and 9am-3pm Sundays.

For more information phone Boyne Island Library on 4971 9700.

ertainment Intercultural activities set to feature on Saiki Children's Day Due to popular demand, Saiki Children's Day is back in 2012 at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum with a range of exciting intercultural activities for primary school children.

Initiated by the Saiki Sister Advisory Committee and Gladstone Regional Council, the event offers children of the Gladstone Region the opportunity to experience Japanese culture through traditional original hands-on activities.

Modelled on Japan's Children's Day, when families honour the health and happiness of their children, Saiki Children's Day will feature activities including Samurai helmet and festival doll making, carp fish painting, manga drawing, origami and more.

"After the success of last year's event, we were delighted be able to offer this day for the benefit and enjoyment of the region's children," Manager Arts and Heritage Pamela Whitlock said.

"Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for children to be introduced to Japanese culture, but it strengthens ties with Saiki City while encouraging cultural diversity and understanding."

Saiki Children's Day is on Friday, May 18 at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum from 10am to 2pm.

Participation is free but spaces are limited, so contact the Gallery/Museum for all bookings on 4976 6766 or email gragm@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Students show their creations on Saiki Children's Day 2011

hereinhistory hereinhistory

The Gladstone Musical Society

The Gladstone Musical Society was formed in May 1956 under the baton of Mr Alf Unwin. Their debut performance was of the 'Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz', described as "a highlight with male and female voices blending in perfect harmony". The group originally consisted of two separate sections which came together for performances with the purpose of the society being “the study and performance of good music�.

choir, performing regularly at concerts, Evenglow and the Gladstone Eisteddfod.

The majority of members have been with the choir for over 40 years and even with the rise and fall of their numbers, they are all still committed to "the study and performance of good music".

Compiled with the assistance of Narelle Russel, President of the Gladstone Musical Society.

Performances continued during the 1960s, with the Society's Choir Master, Reverend Alex Laurie, being appointed as musical director. In 1967 the society, under the directorship of Violette Kirwin, combined with the ballet group, highland dancers, and other Gladstone talent for a variety concert supporting the Gladstone Harbour Festival Easter Carnival.

During the 1970s the group expanded to present numerous performances at the Town Hall (now the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum) such as Camelot, Annie Get Your Gun, Half a Sixpence and Oliver. Musical Directors during this time were Bev Kilgour and Maureen Eaton. The funds raised from these events allowed for the purchase of the Red Cross Hall in Oaka Lane in 1978, which is still used by the choir today.

Easter concert, Town Hall, 1975

With the changing face of Gladstone, the group became a ladies

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

15

t’s On WhinaMay?

Council’s Community Calendar

Event

Venue

Date & Time

Event Description

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre

May 3, 10am -noon

The Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about what the Gladstone Region offers. For more information, please contact 4976 6300.

GREAN Environment Forum – ‘Water Essential to Life’

CQU Gladstone, Rex Metcalfe Theatre, Leo Zussino Building

May 29, Time TBA. Phone Heather Richards 4977 6530

Government organisations, community groups and businesses are invited to attend and contribute to a discussion surrounding the region’s water issues.

Launch of The Boyne Island Library National Year of Reading Event – The Very Hungry Caterpillar

May 11, 10.30am

Come and join the launch of this exciting exhibition, participate in the craft, listen to the story telling or have a bite at morning tea. Bookings are required. For more information or to book call Boyne Library on 4971 9700.

Story Time

Miriam Vale Library

May 1 & 15, 9.30 -10.00am

Agnes Water Library

Wednesdays, 10 – 10.30am

Gladstone City Library

Wednesdays, 11 – 11.30am

Boyne Island Library

Fridays, 10.30 – 11.00am

Story time and craft for children aged 0 – 5 years. No bookings are 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.

Mt Larcom Library

Thursdays, 10.30 – 11.00am

Calliope Library

Fridays, 10.30 – 11.00am

Boyne Island Library, Mt Larcom Room

May 10 & 24, 11 – 11.30am

Gladstone City Library

May 11 & 25, 11 – 11.30am

Learn to Swim

Gladstone Aquatic Centre

Monday to Friday, 9am -6pm

Gladstone Aquatic Centre is now offering a summer progressive Learn to Swim program. For more information or to book please contact the Gladstone Aquatic Centre on 4972 6822.

Happy Hour

Gladstone Aquatic Centre

Monday – Friday, 8am & 9am

This program allows pensioners (over 60) to use The aquatic centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Please phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Library Square Performances

Library Square, Goondoon Street, Gladstone

Every Friday and Saturday night 6 – 8pm

Library Square, Goondoon Street, Gladstone

Every Friday lunchtime, noon – 2pm

If you’re looking for something to do, come down and enjoy the free live and local music. Relax on the decks, soak up the atmosphere and start your night off on a high note. Phone 4972 2822 for more information.

Baby Bounce

A lap sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. No bookings are required.

Four-week 'Positive Directions' program to help deal with anger It is so easy to be reactive. You can get caught up in the moment and say or do things you don’t mean.

If this sounds familiar and you want to overcome such impulses, The Community Advisory Service (CAS) could hold the answer.

CAS will host a four-week

program assisting people to deal with their issues of anger.

Titled 'Positive Directions Assertiveness Not Anger', being responsible for your emotions can mean being responseable, able to choose your own response.

The program is developed around awareness, acknowledgement

After hours emergency number 4979 1134.

Residents who incur STD call rates in contacting Council, can phone 1300 733 343 at a cost of local call rates.

Correspondence Residents are asked to direct all correspondence to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680.

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of consequences and the development of ways and means to assist individuals in becoming ‘response-able’.

With a strength-based and educational approach, this program assists in the development of personal empowerment while explaining the essentials in becoming

Customer service Council is committed to providing you with timely, efficient and consistent service. Our customer service charter can be accessed from Council’s website.

Council meetings Council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

emotionally proactive.

The four-week program starts on Tuesday, May 15 from 9am to 11.30am, with a $5 per week cost to cover materials.

Bookings are essential as places are limited. Phone the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

the month from 9am at the Gladstone Council Chambers, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. A list of agenda items is available from Council’s website from 5pm the Friday prior to each meeting. Meeting minutes are also available from the website.

• Planning Scheme Hotline: 1300 621 922