Gotta Love Logan e-News

Gotta Love Logan eNews

May 2015 EARTH DAY TYGUM LAGOON MARCH 2015

IN THIS EDITION

Features Jimboomba Hall set for upgrade Beenleigh Quota: Changing Lives The Ghost of Pioneering Past Why I Love Logan: Rachel Frazer W.I.S.H

Monthly Community Snapshots Councillors Corner Events and Fundraisers Local Logan Business Spotlight Community Service Highlight Go Duckling’s Family Tips

WELCOME!

Welcome to our very first edition of the Gotta Love Logan e-Newsletter! We are so excited about our community based eNewsletter which is written by the community, about the community for the community! How good is that! If you have an idea for a story… please let us know!

We are a great City! Remembering our past and being proud of our future. Stay strong and stand up for Logan City - all 64 suburbs of us!

Kathleen de Leon: Founder Gotta Love Logan

Gotta Love Logan is a community campaign to remind Logan City of our proud beginnings and to strengthen our community so we can be strong enough to push back against the negativity and to abolish the misconceptions others have about our beautiful city.

Gotta Love Logan is reminding Logan City of our very proud beginnings by showcasing our colourful history through images and sharing stories by social media.

We are bringing people together as one voice to stand up for Logan City.

Gotta Love Logan believe that if you don't say “no" to the negativity, then it won’t stop as it just sends a message of acceptance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gottalovelogan Twitter: https://twitter.com/GottaLoveLogan1

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gottalovelogan/ Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+GottaLoveLoganCity/posts Website: www.gottalovelogan.com.au

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

Our People, Our Community

2

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

National Volunteer Week

By Laurie Koranski

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things LOGAN Entertainment Centre was awash with a sea of volunteers gathered to celebrate National Volunteer Week on Saturday 16 May.

3 City Council Libraries 'Home Library Service' for over 20 years.

National Volunteer Week honors the one in four Australians who volunteer each year.

Celebrating Volunteers City of Logan Mayor Parker said there are over 6000 volunteers in Logan giving their time to ensure those who need a hand have someone to rely on.

In recognition and celebration of Logan Volunteers, Laurie Koranski went out to the community and asked our volunteers ‘Why do you volunteer in Logan” and here is what they said:

"I love doing what I do, meeting new people and helping people". -Angela Fischer, Cancer Council

"To help the community. It's nice to see that we can help and do good". -David Jewell, SES Logan and Beenleigh

Logan City Council’s annual Logan Loves Volunteer’s breakfast pays homage to everyday heroes from across the city who donate thousands of hours of voluntary service.

In the past year more than 6,000 local volunteers gave their time and energy to emergency services, sporting clubs, charities and churches, cultural groups, schools, service clubs, the environment, hospitals, helping seniors, neighbourhood watch and generally reaching out to the people of Logan.

Logan City Mayor Pam Parker publicly thanked Logan’s volunteers for the real and tangible differences they make to the community.

“The meaning of life is to give life meaning, and that is what each and every one of you do.” Mayor Parker said.

“As our volunteers, you do this every day in Logan, making a daily difference in the lives of the people around you”.

“Every one of you here today has touched someone’s life in some small way” Mayor Parker said.

Highlights of the morning included the White Wreath Association receiving the Davida Steele Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Organisation with founding member Fanita Clark accepting the award.

The Frank Lenz Memorial Award for Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Robyn Crimmins a volunteer at Logan

"There but for the grace of God go, we all need a helping hand". Margaret Harvey, Rosie's

"Volunteering is incredibly addictive. The joy of giving is overwhelming".

- Debbie Hill, Lighthouse Care

"I Love Logan. I've been a volunteer all my life. I like to live with an attitude of gratitude" - Robin Gallen, Crestmead 40+ Club

"I like the community and opportunities to meet new people. I feel I can make a contribution" - Tim Keeler, Logan Rotary

"I love working and helping everybody".

-Dorothy Lenz

"There is a huge need to engage community.

Neighbourhood Watch is a great way to do it". - Linda Casbolt NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 11 – 17TH MAY

More than 6 million Australian volunteers give happiness to others each year. Research shows that that those volunteers are happier as a result.

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

Community Snapshots 612 ABC Community Correspondent Gotta Love Logan were successful in our bid to become a Community Correspondent for 612ABC. This really did take us by surprise, however, we have managed to get 1 story to air so far .. so that is a good thing! If you have a uniquely Logan story or event that we could share on 612ABC… let us know!

Gotta Love Logan Stickers Hot off the press! Newly designed and printed Gotta Love Logan stickers! Fabulous and very trendy design by the very talented Tiffany Drew. I think that Tiffany has captured Logan City very nicely. Thanks Tiffany.

4

Cusack Lane

By David Kenny (Jimboomba)

Please be patient over the next few weeks whilst the Contractor [at their expense] who recently completed roadwork’s on Cussack Lane completes rectification of defects under warranty conditions as imposed by the Logan City Council.

Supporters Suggestion!

Nominate a hard working Logan Employee once a month is a suggestion from Andrea Millberry-Smith and we thought it was a great idea! We would like to go one further and suggest nominations for the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Volunteer Employee Employer Charity group Sporting/community club

Please write in 50 words or less why you believe they should be nominated and email gottalovelogancity@gmail.com. We will choose one from each group to share in the newsletter each month.

Rotary Loganholme

By Kathleen de Leon

The wonderful people at the Loganholme Rotary sent an invite to have a chat to some of their members during their meeting. I was very nervous as I have done very little public speaking. I shouldn’t have worried as they were a fantastic group of people who really enjoyed hearing the Gotta Love Logan Story… and I loved telling it! Shannon Fentiman was also a guest speaker so that was an awesome surprise!

FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.parkrun.com.au/

My Home and the River Country Fair

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

5

Jimboomba

By David Kenny

imboomba Hall set for an upgrade!

JIMBOOMBA ROTARY has secured a $35,000 gambling fund to replace the toilets at the Jimboomba Hall.

Secretary Des Madgwick said "They're well overdue for an upgrade." And the club would also be contributing significant funds to the refurbishment.

"Including all the fittings, everything in there is wasting water," he said.

Mr Madgwick said the upgrade would include an accessible toilet and a rain water tank.

"The new system will be using rain water to cut down on the town water usage," he said.

Mr Madgwick said "Everything will be electronically controlled which is more hygienic." and the Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant was essential in allowing the rebuild to occur.

Left to right, Jon Krause State Member for Beaudesert, then Rotarians Komo Komori, Des Madgewick, David Kenny and Lindsay Sleeman.

Member for Beaudesert Jon Krause said 11 community groups in his electorate received a total of $234,460 under the funding scheme. “Community organisations in our Beaudesert electorate are working hard to meet the ongoing demand for their services so it is wonderful that these groups can receive a helping hand," he said.

"These grant programs provide much needed funds for community groups to help them provide the facilities and activities which make our communities better places, and I commend all of these groups for the wonderful work they do."

He encouraged other community groups in the electorate to apply for the next round of funding before the end of May 2015.

ABOUT JIMBOOMBA

The original spelling was Gimboomba, named after a sheep and livestock station based where the township is today, stretching some distance north, east and south to neighbouring areas. Gimboomba is a Gugingin word (the First Australian peoples of the area, of Yugambeh country) meaning place of loud thunder and little rain. A culture trail celebrating First Australian culture is based at a local primary school bearing the name 'Loud Thunder' paying respect to its traditional owners.

Jimboomba Provisional School opened on 12 May 1890, becoming Jimboomba State School on 1 June 1900.

Jimboomba was serviced by the Beaudesert railway line that was established to service the abattoir in Beaudesert. The line was closed in 1992 and then reopened and operated as a tourist service as far as Logan Village by railway enthusiasts from 1999 until mid-2004. Funds were harder to raise and depleted quickly for the line so it was closed permanently.

Formerly in the Shire of Beaudesert, Jimboomba became part of Logan City following the local government amalgamations in March 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimboomba

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

6 Left to Right: Regional Director Alison Lingard, Heather Christensen, Gillian Giles, Narelle Downes, Moya McKeon, Glenda Walsh & Robin Clelland

Incoming Officers, Heather Christensen, Narelle Downes, Robyn

Beenleigh

By Laurie Koranski

CHANGING LIVES BEENLEIGH Quota welcomed Heather Christensen back as president at the club’s forty-second annual change over dinner at the Beenleigh RSL in Mt Warren Park.

Ms Heather Christensen's, a Quota member for more than 20 years, publicly congratulated and thanked her team of dedicated “awesome”, “inspiring” women for their devotion to helping those in need.

She will join incoming officers, secretary Narelle Downes, minute secretary Glenda Walsh and Treasurer Robyn Clelland.

Ms Christensen said she was enthusiastic about rolling up her sleeves and moving into the year ahead.

“I love service work and I am not someone who likes to sit around” she said.

“I love to be stimulated and love to see young people develop to their full potential”.

Quota Beenleigh together with Junior Quota donated over $17,000 to community service organisations and schools on the night

including PCYC, Beenleigh Senior Citizens, St Vincent’s De Paul, Salvation Army and Radio Lollipop.

Once upon a time in Beenleigh

In the past year the Quotarians volunteered more than 6,600 hours through programs including QuoCKa Reading, Beenleigh Eisteddfods, Achiever of the Year and Junior Quota Clubs.

Ms Christensen highlighted the success of QuoCKa reading helping improve the literacy skills of students at Waterford, Eagleby South and Lords schools and engaging Junior Quota members from Beenleigh and Loganlea high schools in the program.

Old Beenleigh Memorial Hall

Cathy Schofield and Jan Cawse were inducted on the night, with Service Director Moya McKeon encouraging others to join the energetic, fun club or volunteer to assist with one of Quota’s many hands-on community projects.

Perry’s Place

“Help us get Quota Beenleigh hearts beating even louder”, Ms Christensen said.

The year ahead is set to be a busy one with a number of events scheduled including the upcoming Beenleigh Eisteddfod and JQ’s Big Box Sleepouts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more about Quota Beenleigh or to join visit quotabeenleigh.org.au

Old Beenleigh Railway Station

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1 ANZAC Day 2015, Dawn Service , Greenbank RLS

7

ANZAC Day

We want to hear from you!

It was reported that record numbers were recorded from every venue across Logan City for all ANZAC services and parades. I attended the Dawn Service at the Greenbank RSL and the Parade at Beenleigh. The community atmosphere was beautiful and the dawn service was very touching. Very proudly from Logan.

Stories

FAST FACTS

62% Of Logan People are lucky enough to live and work in Logan City.

80% Of homes in Logan City have an internet connection.

What is coming up for Gotta Love Logan?

Left to right: Kerry Menck, Kathy de Leon, Shaelene Hancock & Laurie Koranski You gotta love the Bendigo Bank at Jimboomba! Their community spirit is alive and well and have come on board the Gotta Love Logan campaign as one of our 5 sponsors for the True Grit challenge… not only that… they are also sending 2 or their own to join in! The other sponsors are Drews SignIT, Protect Insurance, Gatecrash Security and TBC

Gotta Love Logan has planned teams to attend so many events for the next few months its crazy! We have been very busy creating ways for the people of Logan to get out and show others what an awesome community we have! If you would like to join in any of the events we mention, please let us know by emailing gottalovelogancity@gmail.com * True Grit: Military style obstacle course (Limited Numbers) July 25th * Tour de Logan: Bike ride show July 26th casing our beautiful city * Bridge to Brisbane 10km August 30th

What else are we doing?

Gotta Love Logan also have so many other projects going on! If you are keen to help out, let us know! * * * *

Berrinba Wetlands Look what the crazy weather did to our beautiful Berrinba Wetlands! Thankfully the Council were very quick to clear the paths once again for eveyone to enjoy.

Bus Petition requesting a review and return of our bus services.

New Website (Any Joomla Gurus out there) eNewsletter Promoting Logan City and strengthening our community though Facebook, Instagram, Storify, Twitter, Google + , 612 ABC, FM101 and Local Media

If you have a story that is yearning to be written and is solely about/in/around/of Logan City… we want to hear from you!

Stories are to be no longer the 350 words and be accompanied with a picture.

Kids Drawings We love kid’s drawings especially if they are drawings of something in our community!

Please send them to us by either email, or upload to our facebook page. gottalovelogancity@gmail.com www.gottalovelogan.com.au FOR MORE INFORMATION Email: gottalovelogancity@gmail.com PHONE 0438201166

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION Get our e-newsletter emailed directly to your email box each month hot of the press. Just follow the link: http://gottalovelogan.com.au/communitynewsletter KATHLEEN DELEON

0438201166

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

Local Business Spotlight

Protect Insurance Rachel Frazer and why I love Logan....

Rachel Frazer: Protect Insurance

8 for far too long, my parents included” “All too often we see a stereotype in our office, hard working men who bounce from job to job chasing higher hourly rates to support their families, not paying any attention to their super or even thinking twice about a potential back up plan like Income Protection.

The devastation of financial hardship is everywhere in Logan and we are here to make a difference. I strongly believe can we break the cycle and strengthen our community by empowering them with the knowledge that is financial advice” If you think Superannuation or Personal Insurance is too confusing or overwhelming, fear not, they do all the hard work for you!

At Protect Life Insurance they pride themselves on making advice simple and accessible to all demographics, and most importantly no out of pocket expense. You will be surprised how little it can cost, or in most cases be fully funded via super.

The team will then manage your super to ensure your investment is working for you and offsetting any fees taken out. Don’t be shy, get in contact with them today!

Insurance is making appearances all around Logan, Protect are major sponsors for many sporting clubs, teams, schools and associations. They have great sponsorship packages and are always willing to help.

“I absolutely love my job and the opportunity Logan has given to me. I love our culture, the hard working men and women, the fun and enthusiastic children; you all make my job an absolute pleasure and I will never get enough of giving back. I am so proud of all the effort we put back in to the community.

Logan raised me and I will forever be in her debt for inspiring me to be the person I am.

One day I would love to go back to Marsden High and talk to the students, if I can do it, so can you” If you’re in a startup business and would like to reach out to Rachel and learn how she did it feel free to pick her brain, “I am more than willing to help or inspire anyone who is as passionate about our community as I am, Logan is a team and we are in it together”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Rachel Frazer (nee Culley) is the founding owner and principal financial adviser at Protect Life Insurance. Protect find and consolidate superannuation, provide peace of mind through personal insurance and are always give back to the community.

“What an honour to be involved in Gotta Love Logans’ first business edition” Protect has come from humble beginnings, starting in Rachels’ parents’ home office in Marsden. The demand for financial advice in Logan was so overwhelming that four years on, Rachel now employees 15 staff and operates a very progressive office on Kingston Road Underwood.

Rachel is a Marsden girl, from preschool to graduation and is proof that no matter where you come from, if you have a dream, anything is possible.

Rachel was originally employed and gained her qualifications while working for one of Brisbane’s most respected female advisers, however when she decided to start a family, the importance of her work really hit home; “I had a vision to get the advice to the people who need it the most; the working families of Logan; an area that I feel has been neglected

Uniquely; Protect have also identified a massive need for our Polynesian friends to have a backup plan as they do not have access to Centrelink benefits if injured or unable to work; they can give you peace of mind that there will never be a community facebook page fundraising for you... they can ensure that your family’s financial future will always be secure.

The staff at protect are ready and waiting your call 0431 69 2010 or 0431 69 2010. Find them on facebook or visit www.protectlifeinsurance.com.au Rachel Frazer t/a Protect Life Insurance is an authorized representative of Independent Capital Adviser AFSL 378693

The big green tick that is Protect Life Rachel Frazer and the team at Protect Insurance

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

Waterford

9

By Rebbeca Pullen

Church was rebuilt on site, however in 1949, it was relocated to Ipswich.

Who ever knew Waterford West had a pioneering past?

Records show there are at least 21 graves on site, however only 8 have been formally identified.

Hidden on the corner of Louise Street and Tygum Road lays an old, rundown graveyard that is shadowed by a historical past. The land at Tygum was donated by Hilda Spann who lived on the adjacent site. Pastor Sempf administered the church. This hidden ghost of Logan’s past is Tygum Apostolic (Pioneer) Cemetery, or also known as Waterford Apostolic Cemetery.

Opened in approx. 1906, an apostolic church relocated from Noffke s farm at Loganlea evolved around the graveyard, but in 1936, a tornado tore down this church. The

Some surnames are notable, such as Beutel, Schmidt and Shailer are among the lost locals buried here.

The graveyard is now rundown and closed for burials.

Maybe it will be a good place to visit to rediscover our local past.

Maybe you will see a hidden ghost of pioneering past. Go and check it out. Who knows? You could even meet a long lost relative or two.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Photos http://www.chapelhill.homeip.net/FamilyH istory/Photos/Tygum_PioneerLogan_City/index.php

Councillors Corner Darren Power: Division 10 Another new Logan City Council playground has been installed at Brough Place which is located next door to the new Daisy Hill shopping centre on Daisy Hill road, Daisy Hill.

Already a big hit with parents with little children, the new playground has the new soft fall material, vibrant colours and newly designed play equipment that would normally be part of those big shopping centre for courts.

Russell Lutton: Division 2

Graham Able: Division 5

Council recently completed the construction of a multipurpose Basketball/ Netball court as well as two Sepak Takraw (Asian Football) courts. The courts have proved very popular with many young people utilising them.

The grand opening of the Logan Artists Association’s new Pottery Studio went off with a bang. The opening took place on 2 May 2015 and was a great success.

There will be an official opening held in the Logan Gardens on Saturday, 23rd May commencing at 12 noon with a guest appearance by Australian Basketball Legend, Shane Heal and some 3 on 3 games being organised.

The new pottery studio consists of a new workshop, multiple storage areas and a display area for the many artworks created each day at the studio.

There will be a sausage sizzle run by PCYC Logan and a Sepak Takraw competition will also be held.

This is an amazing game similar to volleyball where participants are only allowed to use their heads, chest or feet to keep the ball in play.

I would urge the local community to come down to the Artists Association and take part in what is a wonderful community space. The studios are open daily and located at 27 Coral Street, Loganlea.

All are welcomed to attend and join in the fun.

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN Thank you Councillors for taking the time to provide us with a quick update.

The people of Logan thank you.

Kath de Leon

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

Community Group Highlight

W.I.S.H Group The name W.I.S.H stands for Women Inspiring Sharing Humour. Ela Gibson started the group approx seven years or so ago when she saw a need in the community for little By of Royce Wilson acts kindness which would not only lighten someone’s day, but bring joy to those who were doing ‘the giving’. And so, a small group of like- minded women got together to see how they could improve the lives of some,

albeit sometimes, be simply putting a smile on their faces.

Initially, it was just putting an envelope with ten or twenty dollars and writing on the front something to the effect, ‘if you found this, it was meant for you, have a coffee on us and share it with a friend’. This would be placed on a chair or a table in a café, or somewhere where an unsuspecting recipient would find it. Occasionally, petrol would be paid for at a servo, when the tolls were on the bridge, a toll would be paid for the driver behind.

Movie tickets would also be paid for at the cinema for the ‘next customer’. Most times, these ‘random acts of kindness’ would be done anonymously, and we would stand discreetly off in the background to see the response of the lucky person. One Valentine’s day, we held a competition through the media for nominations for a ‘romance package’ of chocolates, movie

10 tickets, candles, lotions etc. Two very worthy couples got to experience a wonderful evening with the help of the WISH ladies.

We have made up ‘pamper packs’ which have been taken to those unwell, going through cancer treatment or to their carers who often go unrecognised. Last year we were instrumental in raising $40,000.00 to send a beautiful lady to Germany for treatment.

We began a ‘Mother’s Day’ memorial day celebration morning tea a few years ago remembering all the mums and grans gone but not forgotten. We provide a delicious morning tea, entertainment and a magical balloon ceremony where guests send their own private message to their loved ones. I think the first year we had about 15-20 people, and it has grown so much our venue had to be changed to accommodate the crowd. Last Friday (May 8th) we had another glorious day at the Seven Day Adventist church building in Springwood and were entertained by the fabulous ‘Mixed Beans Multicultural Choir’ Close on 90 guests left feeling absolutely wonderful. Leanne from Simplicity Funerals began providing helium balloons for our ceremony and once again donated 100 balloons for Friday’s celebration.

We are small in number and self-funded only putting in a few dollars each week with no outside donations, but we always seem to be able to provide something worthwhile for those that could do with a lift.

At the moment, we have put together yet another ‘pamper package’ for a lady who is down from Hervey Bay having another gruelling round of cancer treatment. We will continue to brighten the lives of others in any way our meagre funds will allow, there is nothing more rewarding than the ‘warm, fuzzy feeling’ you get achieving simple things.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ela 0417611441 Carole 32099851 or email Barbara: barbking@dodo.com.au

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

11

Marsden

By Lisa Banyard

WER: DIVISION In 1974 in Brisbane it was all about the flood’s but for one of the long term residents of Marsden ‘Lynn’ 1974 meant a huge change that would shape not only her life but her families’ lives for generations to come.

soundtrack of Grease the movie, there was no such thing as the AFL and women in

Lynn moved into her newly built home on her 33rd Birthday and she described it to me as ‘the best birthday present ever!’ As we sit on the veranda looking over the two massive palm trees towering over her home that were planted 41 years ago along with a little mango tree that her Dad gave her in a jam tin that now shades the side of the home from the summer sun, Lynn said that her home meant ‘security for her and her daughter’

In 1974 Lynn bought what was then a ‘typical’ ¼ acre block in Marsden. 41 years ago, there was only dirt roads in Marsden, no sealed sections, no footpaths, no streetlights, no parks – just scrub and a total of only four houses. As Lynn said ‘we literally had to take our own packed lunch to come a visit what would be the site of my own home’.

Lynn arrived home from work in 1978 with a newspaper in hand showing her Mum the advertisement from a Brisbane building company with a picture of your typical Queenslander highset house saying “I’m going to build this house on my land”. But …… Remember it’s 1978 and we are all rocking along to the

Datsun 180B, and her piece of scrub in the heart of Marsden she went to the bank!

With her Dad signing on as guarantor, Lynn became one of the first single Mum’s in Queensland to be given a home loan!

when there was not a safety net, when you were not even supposed to keep your child out of wedlock.

Australia, let alone single Mother’s don’t get home loans! Lynn was persistent and with a full-time permanent job as a ‘blue lady’ in emergency in one of Brisbane hospitals, owning her very groovy

If home is where the heart is, then Lynn, her home and her family must be pretty close to being the ‘heart’ of Marsden.

Kerenza Korostovetz

Logan Village

By Royce Wilson

Logan Village Garden Club Friendship Day

Each year’s Friendship Day has a theme, with this year’s appropriately being the Anzac Centenary.

A huge percentage of the town’s population served in World War I, with many of them never returning home.

Cowan and some insights from her husband David, a Vietnam veteran.

Mr Pettigrew paid tribute to the hard work of the garden club’s members in bringing the event together, with everyone attending thoroughly enjoying themselves.

By Royce Wilson

ABOUT 100 green-thumbed gardeners and friends from across southeast Queensland came together in Logan Village on May 5 in the spirit of friendship and honouring the Anzacs.

Logan Village Social Garden Club hosted its annual Friendship Day luncheon in the town’s hall, with representatives from local garden clubs joined by gardeners from as far afield as the Gold Coast, northern Brisbane and Laidley.

Logan City Mayor Pam Parker, Division 8 Councillor Phil Pidgeon and Division 4 Councillor Don Petersen were also among the attendees at the event.

This was reflected in the presentation by guest speaker Coralyn Cowan, who is curator of the town’s museum and an avid researcher into the town’s military history; having identified more than 150 residents from the greater Logan Village area who served in The Great War. Attendees were treated to a morning tea prepared by the Logan Village club’s members and plants and flowers were also available for sale and swap, while tips and tricks for gardening and plant care flowed freely among those present at the event.

Logan Village Social Garden Club community liaison Allan Pettigrew said the event had been a huge success, with the highlight being the presentation by Ms

“The ladies who organised who did an amazing job,” he said.

“Without exception, the guests were most complementary indeed.

“It was a day people had fun with.”

Mr Pettigrew said everyone who attended, be they a garden club member or guest, contributed to the atmosphere of the day.

“It was wonderful to see people from all over southeast Queensland coming and enjoying the hospitality in Logan, along with the fellowship and warmth gardeners have for each other,” he said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Logan Village Social Garden Club, contact Mr Pettigrew on 3802 1208.

Go Duckling’s Family Tips

By Kerenza Korostovetz

Lollipop’s Playland Lollipop’s playland at Springwood has reopened with a larger venue and great new playgrounds!

The layout of the larger floorplan allows for a central open dining area with a play area on either side. Upon entry, the toddler area and party rooms are located to the left of the building and the larger play structures and cafe to the right.

enclosed with netting providing clear sight lines for supervising staff and parents.

The new toddler section has undergone the most significant alterations. Prior to the renovations, it included some climbing and play structures and numerous wellloved toys. The new toddler area is now completely removed from the main playground and is best described as a “mini adventure playground.” It is generously sized with soft flooring and features a ball pit, musical/sensory area, soft play equipment and various ageappropriate play structures. Worthy of its own mention, is a in-built neon lighting and flowing water.

Although it is technically enclosed, this area is accessed by climbing over (or being lifted over) a very low section of wall. Feedback from patrons has suggested that

About Ke renza

Founder of Go Duckling. Go Duckling is designed for parents and carers wanting comprehensive information of childrelated organizations, places to go and things to do in Logan City.

Unlike national and multi-regional sites, Go Duckling provides a wealth of insider information relevant to the Logan City community that is easy to refine to meet the specific needs of individual families.

issue, however, is easily rectified by active parental supervision.

The pirate ship attraction is present but not yet operating. Overall, there are several housekeeping issues that management is planning to address before an official opening celebration.

As expected, the centre was immaculate.

The staff were very friendly, observant and kept abreast of situations requiring cleaning or customer service. If this level of professionalism continues, public opinion of the new and improved Lollipop’s Springwood should be very positive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit Go Duckling for comprehensive information of local parks and child-friendly events, attractions, activity programs and services: https://www.facebook.com/GoDuckli ng

The main playground now features an “AirPlay facility - an impressive three level structure with numerous air cannons and hundreds of soft balls. There are also various pieces of soft play equipment, however most of the children spent their time racing around collecting balls and experimenting with the various air cannons. The entire structure is

the height of this wall and lack of a gate allows toddlers to easily exit the area on their own accord. This

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN ENEWSLETTER | Issue 1

13

Yarrabilba

By Shaelene Hancock

Yarrabilba Parkrun turns 1!

You’ve no doubt heard about parkrun as they become more and more popular throughout Australia and worldwide.

The Yarrabilba parkrun has just celebrated their first anniversary and it continues to grow from strength to strength, with fantastic support from the local community.

With 122 participants at the first event, they now regularly have around 60 arriving each Saturday morning bright and early at 7am to take part in the 5km run and walk.

“Parkrun is a great way to get some exercise with likeminded members of your community and have some fun at the same time” said Jo Smith, co Event Director with Natalie Thornthwaite. “Everyone is welcome, walkers and runners, younger or older. Furry friends on a short lead are also welcome.”

Yarrabilba parkrun is a 3.5 lap course around the Darlington parklands which makes it very easy if you don’t feel you can manage 5km. “We pass the start point 3 times and participants can build up to the 5km if they want” said Jo (you will only get an official time if you complete the 5km).

Like all parkruns this is a free community run and the only thing you need to do is register before your first run and bring your barcode with you so you can get your times recorded each week. Your personal barcode is your ticket to every parkrun worldwide, with many parkrun tourists planning holidays around parkrun locations.

The Yarrabilba parkrun is held at the Darlington Parklands on Yarrabilba Drive and they are very welcoming to new participants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For any further information visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/yarrabilba parkrun or www.parkrun.com.au/yarrabilba.

Kerenza Korostovetz

Eats & Beats Food Festival

Events and Fundraisers

Date: 29th May Cost: Free Entry Where: Loganholme Hyperdome Parking Lot (Mandew St)

Twilight Markets

Date: 24TH May Cost: Free Entry Where: Woodhill State School Competitions, stalls and raffles

Date: 27th June Cost: Free Where: Logan City Art Gallery Join in the circus themed celebration through visual art, music, performance and food.

Art Gallery Exhibition

Date: 22nd May Cost: Free Entry Where: Kokoda St, Beenleigh Art, Craft, Food Drink Rides and Entertainment

Teddy Bears Picnic

Family Fun Day

Date: 12th - 25th July Cost: Free Where: Logan City Art Gallery Step right up for tales from inside the circus ring

Title: LEAF Festival Date: 31st May 10am - 3pm Cost: Free Entry Where: Griffith University Logan Logan Eco Action Festival

DID YOU KNOW?

Jazz and Shiraz

Griffith Sport Logan Fun Run Date: 24th May 7am - 12pm Cost: Various Where: Griffith University Prizes for different categories

Jimboomba Branch Cancer Council QLD High Tea Date: 28th May Cost: $35.00 pp Where: Cafe on Cusack 3 Course High Tea: Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Date: 13th June Cost: $35 pp Bookings 3412 5626 Where: Griffith University Logan Campus Food and wine available or bring a picnic

The Orange Ball Date: 20th June Cost: Tickets $50.00 Where: Cnr Easterly and High St, Waterford Group discounts available. 3 Course meal, Raffles and Auctions

Logan City has over 900 local and regional parks for you, your family and even your K9 friends to enjoy. Pack a picnic and get outdoors!

GOTTA LOVE LOGAN Gotta Love Logan: Campaign for the community from the community to change people’s negative perceptions and to strengthen our communities.

Gotta Love Logan is not affiliated with any government body or business.

KATHLEEN DELEON

Men in Black Zumbathon Date: 20th June 7-8.30 pm (Doors open at 6.00pm) Cost: Tickets $20.00 or $25.00 at the door Where: Shailer Park State High School

0438201166