The Eatons Echo - July 2023

What’s In Store For The Region This Year?

An environmental funding boost for suburbs to go green as we grow is the focus for Moreton Bay Region Council’s Division 9 2023/24 Budget. So where will we be seeing our rates dollars spent over the next 12 months in the region? Well, here's a run down, with a bit of a wrap in the box below.

The budget will see Council aim to improve the region’s recreation facilities and increase environmental investments to ensure a greener, safer, and healthier future for Moreton Bay.

Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9) said Moreton Bay Regional Council was elevating the region’s parks and recreation spaces this financial year with further investments into wildlife safety, our sporting facilities and more.

‘The feedback we received through our Moreton Says community engagement survey was resoundingly clear; locals want to see increased environmental protections, upgrades to our parks and improved pathway connectivity.’

With this in mind, Council will be focussing budget dollars on improving roads, greening spaces, enhancing sporting and park facilities and protecting wildlife across the division. HT Ireland Reserve, Drapers Road at Eatons Hill, South Pine Road and Brendale, to name but a few, will see new and improved pathways and along roads. $2.8million has been set aside for design works and upgrades to begin at the South Pine Sports Complex. Wildlife will also rejoice at this upcoming budget as the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program will be expanded. Furthermore, investment for our local furry friends will be seen in the form of fauna bridges, escape poles, LED koala signage and fencing installation to help keep our wildlife and residents safe on and around local roads. Work will also begin on a Riverine Rehabilitation Project at Richards Park, Clear Mountain, that will improve this important habitat for flora and fauna, including koalas, and enrich the riverside corridor. For more about the Budget, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Budget Highlights for Division 9

$2.8 million for upgrades to Brendale, South Pine Sports Complex including planning and design for the netball courts renewal and recreational trail construction and new amenities

$200,000 for fauna infrastructure and renewal in Warner and Joyner

$240,000 for construction and upgrade of Brendale Street Park, Bleakley Park dog off leash areas and planning and design for Boxwood Crt Park dog off-leash extension

$185,250 for the Drapers Road missing link pathway for better connection in Eatons Hill

$150,000 for construction of Eatons Hill - HT Ireland Reserve pathway project

$496,000 for the South Pine River shared pathway connection

$80,000 for a footpath renewal at Old Northern Road, Albany Creek

$50,000 for planning and design of the Albany Creek library courtyard extension

$50,000 for Stage 2 of the Master Plan Implementation of the Kumbartcho Sanctuary

The Eatons Echo is a FREE monthly publication delivering 14,500 copies per month of what matters to the Eatons Hill and surrounding areas. Our paper is 100% locally owned and operated, which means we don’t just talk about being local, WE ARE LOCAL; we live it everyday.

Distribution is carried out via direct letterbox delivery to homes and businesses in the suburbs of; Albany Creek, Eatons Hill, Warner and Cashmere. Copies can also be picked up from a variety of magazine stands within the above suburbs.

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Copyright: The Eatons Echo is produced by Echo Media Group Pty Ltd (The Publisher). All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission from The Publisher. All care is taken by The Publisher, however responsibility is not accepted for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Publisher.

COVID-19: At the time of going to press (27th June 2023), information contained within this issue is correct. As the situation with the COVID health crisis is ever changing, we urge you to contact organisers of any events listed within our publication if you are doubtful about times and dates. For more information, visit www.echo-news.com.au or email admin@echo-news.com.au

Recipe of the month

Crunchy Chickpea Pies

Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced

• 100g bacon, fat trimmed and diced

• 2 teaspoons classic pesto

• 1 teaspoon Korma curry paste, mild

• 400g can chickpeas, reduced salt, drained & rinsed

• 400g can diced tomatoes, salt reduced

• 1 cup cornflakes, crushed

• 1 cup cheese, reduced fat, grated

Method

PREHEAT oven to 160°C.

HEAT a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil and fry onion and bacon for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.

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Warner, Albany Creek, Eatons Hill

DISSOLVE pesto and curry paste in 1 teaspoon of hot water.

ADD chickpeas, tomatoes, and pesto mix to the bowl with the onion and bacon in it. Mix well.

PLACE mixture into 4 large ramekins (with about a 1 cup capacity).

COMBINE corn flakes with grated cheese and top each ramekin with a quarter of the mixture.

BAKE for 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Marjorie Shannen, Springsure Branch

This recipe is brought to you by The Queensland Country Women’s Association’s (QCWA) Country Kitchens program. The program is empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles.

To find out more about the program visit https:// qcwacountrykitchens.com. au/.

Knitting For Those In Need

store posted a call out for beanies or scarves on social media and was astounded by the reponse she received.

‘My store is very much about supporting the community and we are always trying to help out in a way or another. After posting the call out for donations onto social media, customers started dropping the items to the shop. Customers were very happy to be help and had a lot of pride that they just made the items to donate them,’ explains Leilani.

Donations continue to pour into the store, so if you would like more information about receiving a donation of winter woolies, contact samfordvariety@gmail.com

A Lovely Lunch with the Ladies

Johanna from Picabeen Community Centre was thrilled to take delivery of the donated winter woolies

The Picabeen Community Centre was thrilled to receive a donation of cosy winter woolies last month. Lovingly hand-knitted by members of the Samford community, these items will go a long way in helping those within our community doing it tough stay warm this winter. The team at Picabeen handed out the donations at their recent community BBQ and visitors were overjoyed to receive the donations. The drive was organised by the Samford Variety Store as many of their customers are keen knitters and were eager to help out in anyway they could. Leilani, owner of Samford Variety

The luncheon meeting for Arana VIEW Club will be held at 10.30am for 11am on the first Wednesday of the month at Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade, Keperra. A two course lunch for $30 including tea and coffee will be provided. There will be lucky door prize and raffles and a guest speaker. For bookings phone Carol 3355 5349 by 11am on the Thursday before the meeting if you are attending.

VIEW welcomes new members and visitors to our meeting and other social activities organised each month so members have a chance to make new friends. All funds raised are donated to The Smith Family and its Learning for Life programs that provide education scholarships and personal support for students. www.thesmithfamily.com.au/view

It’s Showtime For Samford Volunteers Needed For Transport Services

The Samford Show is on in 2023! Just 25km from Brisbane CBD, located at the picturesque Samford Showgrounds, the Samford Show promises to return in spectacular fashion in 2023. Held over two fun-filled days in July the Samford Show offers value for money, family friendly entertainment in a stunning location.

The whole family will enjoy a range of interactive activities including agricultural displays, ring entertainment, rides and attractions, live entertainment, delicious food, great music and Saturday evening fireworks.

Whether you're a local or from out of town, you won't want to miss this year's Samford Show and tickets on sale now from https://samfordshowsociety.com.au/tickets/

For all the latest Samford Show news and events, follow the show on social media@samfordshowsociety on Facebook & Instagram. More information can also be found on their website https://samfordshowsociety.com.au/

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer role where you can meet new people and learn great new skills in the process?

If so, why not have a think about volunteering in the Wesley Mission Queensland’s Community Transport Service (CTS)? The organisation have been providing a high level of transport services to the community for over 10 years and they could really use your help in meeting their increasing clients’ needs.

CTS Volunteer Drivers utilise fleet vehicles that include Mercedes Sprinter Vans and Toyota Camry sedans to transport clients on designated routes throughout the community.

An Open C Class Queensland licence is required for this position and all Volunteer Drivers follow a COVID-19 safe work plan. For more information, email dbewley@wmq.org. au, call 07 3204 3999 or visit www.wmq.org.au

Volunteer Paul with Kevin who utilises the Wesley Mission Queensland’s Community Transport Service

Perfect for Beginners, New Short Course Opens at Keperra

One of our regions premier golfing destinations Keperra Country Golf Club (KCGC), has recently extended their golf offerings with the unveiling of a new pristine Short Course on the 9th June.

Since opening, the Club that is known for its unique course layout first class conditioning all year round, has been receiving great feedback about the new addition. The Short Course comprises of 6 holes ranging from 30m to 65m, making it a great opportunity for emerging and junior golfers to experience golf without the pressures of being on the main course.

Originally used as a warm up driving range for members, the team at KCGC were keen to make use of the land that would benefit the variety of golfers that now frequent the club, and accommodate the rise of junior golfers they have seen at their golf clinics since being awarded Queensland’s Best Junior Development Program at the Golf Industry Awards. When the opportunity arose through the State Government’s Game Day Grant Program to implement the innovative new development, the club grasped it with both hands and construction began in November 2022 only taking 5 weeks to complete prior to a 6 month ‘grow in’ stage.

‘Designed by David Burrup in conjunction with the Club itself, the Short Course has a multitude of benefits, but is not just ascertained to the juniors amongst us as Membership,’ Partnership & Hospitality Manager for KCGC explains.

‘The practice facility which will double as a short course will be a great asset for the Club, and especially for those learning the game via our many Clinics,’ said Mr Dash.

‘The ability to provide an exclusive and safe designated golfing area means people of all skill levels can develop their confidence and when ready, take to our course proper and enjoy the game of golf with friends and family.’

Furthermore, one of the holes (28th) on the Short Course has been made larger than the rest. As some of the locals amongst us may remember, in March of 2022, one of the holes on the course experienced major flood damage. It is anticipated that if an event like this does arise again, the course will now be able to incorporate the 28th hole from the Short Course into the Course proper so golfers can still experience a full 18 holes. Short Courses have become increasingly popular in recent times with the great range of benefits they offer to the golfing community and this course will be the third of its kind in Brisbane to come to the fore.

For more information about Keperra Golf Club, their Junior and Ladies clinics, please contact www.keperragolf.com.au

Junior golf clinics taking place on the new Short Course

From Suburbia to the Simpson Desert

Just an ordinary person achieving extraordinary feats, local running enthusiast Donna Saunders has taken on the impossible Simpson Desert Ultra Marathon—and completed it!

Being a resident of Bunya Riverside, most of Donna’s extensive training took place right on her doorstep, on the trails of the Bunyaville Conservation Park. With the support of local running group Run with Rob, she also trained alongside her coach Cath Wallis, a Canberra-based coach, adventurer, and ultra-athlete who has experience herself with Simpson Desert Ultra. Having worked to hone the skills of athletes all over Australia, Donna knew she was in capable hands with Cath. Their program commenced in January of this year, and incorporated strength training, increased distances, hiking and running with a pack full of mandatory gear, as well as speed work, hills, and stairs. At the end of all their hard work, alongside 23 of Cath’s other trainees, Donna took on the Simpson Desert Ultra.

Of course, not one second of Donna’s training was easy. How could it be? In her words, the challenge was ‘big and scary’ and an ambitious goal to say the least. However, in her two years of building up to the moment she knew she had it in her to conquer Simpson Desert Ultra, Donna discovered how rewarding training can be. She tells Echo News, ‘It is giving me a strong body so I can keep doing the things I love and exploring the world. It means I make time for myself, and it is so good for my head and my confidence.’

Sometimes, it can be good to do the things that scare us. To be frank, the insane 50km length of Simpson Desert Ultra is nothing short of terrifying!

Each year, it takes place just outside Birdsville on Adria Downs Station, the land of the Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi people. There is a 2pm Welcome to Country ceremony on the day, as well as an official send off for the first of the 100km participants. Remaining competitors, including Donna thought it best to set up their tents and sleeping gear. It wasn’t until 2am, after only 3 hours of rest, that Donna took off for her first 25km loop at 2am, hoping to arrive back by 7am. She shares that ‘it was beautiful walking at night under the full moon. The course is a combination of sand dunes, gibber plain, and clay pan full of holes.’ Competitors were forced to navigate via headlamps and the reflective tape on course markers. ‘Headlamps lit up tiny insects in the sand like glow worms,’ Donna says.

Underestimating the terrain’s difficulty, Donna returned to camp at 7:30am, and off again by 7:50am after refreshing, eating, and hydrating. Despite an altercation with a lukewarm Coca Cola and the course’s final aid station, Donna completed the rest of the track with strength and grace. The last few kilometres were the toughest of all, Donna recalls, with the final dune feeling ‘like a punch in the face.’ However, she crossed the finish line at 2pm with a smile and unwavering pride.

‘I realised during this whole endeavour that, when the situation calls for it, I am my very own hype woman. As I was mostly alone on the course, I talked out loud, telling myself how strong I was, how I was doing so well, how awesome my body is to carry me through the desert.’

With Simpson Desert Ultra awarding no winners or place getters, it truly was all about the journey and comradery for all participants. Upon finishing her final leg of the (non) race, Donna was cheered on by friends and strangers alike, welcoming her back as if it were a homecoming.

Though nothing is set in stone, Donna is considering the Lonely Mountain Ultra in Orange later this year, as well as Ultra Trail Australia in the Blue Mountains next year. Kudos to her for making the impossible seem all the more possible. Echo News wishes her good luck for all future endeavours!

Reviewing your goals for 2023? Looking for a group of inspiring, motivating and energetic individuals? Come join the Run With Rob running group at Eatons Hill, Ferny Hills or Warner. We guarantee it will be life changing and just the motivation you need to kick start 2023.

Suitable for ALL ability levels. Our no cost sessions will change your life.

Donna in the harsh Simpson Desert environment

The stunning Simpson Desert sunset Dona was lucky enough to experience

Treasures Await in the Community

Last month, the Albany Creek Lions Club were delighted to receive a cheque from the local IGA Eatons Hill Community Chest Fund.

Lions members met with Craig, the Manager of IGA Eatons Hill to accept the giant cheque which will allow the club to assist some special members of the community.

You may not be aware that when shopping at the IGA Eatons Hill store that a portion of the sales from items labelled as part of the Community Chest fund is sent directly to the Community Chest. This in turn assists Community Organisations to support members or other worthwhile groups within the community. So, when shopping at IGA please keep this in mind and for anyone in our community at Albany Creek or Eatons Hill, why not call into IGA Eatons Hill and say hi to the friendly team? Whilst you are there, make sure to grab a delicious coffee from Jordon.

As the Lion’s move to the end of the financial year, decisions are made as to where and who they support with their breakdown of funds. Keep an eye out for the next edition of The Eatons Echo and we will let you know what happens.

Better still, if you would like to be a part of the Albany Creek Lions Club, help your community and enjoy social outings throughout the year, please contact either Membership Chairman, Graeme on 0408 374 719 or President Kaye on 0477 212 242 for more information. They will warmly welcome you into their Lions Family.

It is a well know fact that you get a lot more out volunteering than what you give. A little smile and a conversation to let folks know that they are not alone, helps with levels of stress and in turn brightens someone’s day.

The club meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, the 1st being their business meeting at the Albany Creek Library. The third is the a dinner/social meeting at the Hornets Football Club. Guest speakers often give a presentation, so think about contacting the club to see what they are all about. Remember that the Lions are here to help if you need a hand, so please keep that in mind and give them a call.

Jordan and Craig from IGA Eatons Hill with Kaye Smith, President of the Albany Creek Lions Club and Councillor for Division 9 Cath Tonks

A $7 Million Redevelopment Is Underway

If you’ve noticed some works happening while doing your shopping at Albany Creek Village, it's for an exciting reason.

Coles is undertaking a ground-breaking $7 million-dollar redevelopment project, aimed at revitalizing the store and delivering an unparalleled shopping experience to the local community.

The extensive renovation will introduce a fresh and contemporary look and feel to the store, making it one of the most modern Coles Supermarkets in Australia. As part of the refurbishment, the store will undergo a comprehensive layout overhaul, optimizing the shopping flow and convenience for customers.

Throughout the transformation, certain areas of the store may be temporarily screened off as the dedicated build team works diligently, even through the night, ensuring that Coles can continue trading and minimizing customer disruption. Upon completion of the redevelopment, shoppers will be delighted to find a host of new features and amenities. Highlights include the introduction of a cutting-edge conveyor belt self-serve checkout system, a revamped deli section, a state-of-the-art bakery, and a brand-new service desk for enhanced customer support. Additionally, customers can look forward to a unique experience with the introduction of a ‘squeeze your own orange juice’ station and a ‘scoop and weigh’ bar, adding a touch of personalization to their shopping journey.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in November 2023. For updates on the redevelopment project, follow Albany Creek Village on Facebook and Instagram.

Shoppers will be treated to a brand new ‘Scoop and Weigh’ section as part of the redevelopment

A new deli will be installed in store like this one in Victoria

Scam Awareness For Seniors

to pick up under any circumstances. If they are legitimately wanting to talk to me and I don’t answer, they’ll leave a message. Based on the advice from my bank I have realised that the only information scammers have is what I give them,’ explains Rebecca.

Australians loose hundreds of millions of dollars every year to scammers, and that amount is only around 40 percent of the total that scammers get away with.

‘I like to think of myself as scam aware, but they almost had me,’ said Rebecca Hainsworth, talking about her recent near miss with a scam phone call. The scammers went away empty handed from this call but they are getting better and more believable all the time.

In a funny twist, Rebecca, who works for The Community Place neighbourhood centres, was getting ready to publicise a workshop for seniors focusing on scam awareness. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 18 at The Community Place, Stafford (33 Teevan Street).

It will be an informative hour covering current scams, the tricks scammers use to make us believe them, the things they do to get your information and what they can do with it once they have it.

‘Next time, if I don’t recognise the number I am not going

‘So next time, and we all know there will be a next time, I’m going to ask for name and staff number and then say that if I have an account or file with them to please put a note about the call in my file and then hang up. I’ll do my own Google search for the best number to call back on and when I speak to someone I will check that there is a note about the call and go from there.’

If you are interested in the Seniors Scam Awareness Workshop, to find out more, or if you would like to book a place, contact 3857 1152.

Le to Sing?

THE SERENATA SINGERS WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!

The Serenata Singers is a community choir based in The Gap, Queensland which sings a variety of popular, traditional, spiritual and show tunes. PreCOVID, the choir performed regularly in aged-care facilities and for local community groups.

More details at https://serenatasingers.org.au/

Racing Round The Tracks

A race report from the North Brisbane Mountain Bike Club

This month saw a number of North Brisbane racers head north to the trails at First Turkey Mountain Bike (MTB) Park.

Rockhampton Regional Council should be congratulated for the fantastic MTB facilities it has developed and maintained with the help of a large number of trailcare volunteers. There is a wide range of trails with differing technical difficulty, styles, features and varied terrain and challenges. To see such a range of diversity in one network was a pleasure and it should definitely be classed as a destination network, with enough to keep a rider busy for more than a few days.

North Brisbane MTB club had several members racing. Some were able to attend for the full two day event and others only able to stay for one day or head home early on the second day. All were able to put down solid times despite the number of tyres claimed by the rough terrain. Each member raced well given the bump up in technical difficulty and not being familiar with the trails. Connor Ditchburn fought hard to claim 4th in the u15 category with Lincoln Ditchburn chewing through a number of tyres on his way to 11th in u17. In the 40+ category, Quentin Hill and Greg Ditchburn put in a great effort and finished 10th and 13th respectively. Craig Collins put in the hard yards to finish 7th in a very competitive 50+ category. In hardtail, Dean Wilson came back from injury claiming 4th nipping at Ben Malatzky’s heels, who managed to appear on the podium in 3rd position.

Only a week later, Craig Collins showed some form at round two of the Scenic Rim gravity Enduro at Kooralbyn MTB Park that was full of thrills and spills! Sometimes unexpected things

happen. Three heavy crashes in the seniors category opened up the top spots. It’s not nice to see but Craig was pretty stoked to be in a position to take 3rd spot. It was good to see everyone out chasing after it and pushing their limits. Beer was 2nd in the 50-59 division with Svic Walter taking out 2nd in 60+. To get involved with the North Brisbane MTB Club, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthBrisbaneDirtDogsMTB Happy Trails!

Ben Malatzky from the North Brisbane Mountain Bike Club.

Image credit to Sandy Craker

Zonta Wins Pine Rivers Queensland Day Award

The Zonta Club of Pine Rivers has received a Pine Rivers Queensland Day award by Nikki Boyd MP, State Member for Pine Rivers.

The awards are a new initiative to recognise local individuals and groups who go above and beyond for the community.

The club is a member of Zonta International, a global organisation that works to build a better world for women and girls. Club President Bronwyn Evans said she was delighted to hear the club had been selected to receive the award.

‘We are a small club comprised entirely of volunteers and I’m so glad the work by our members has been recognised through these awards,’ she said.

At a local level, the Zonta Club of Pine Rivers provides hampers and other donations to CADA (Centre Against Domestic Abuse) at Strathpine to support those who’ve escaped violent home situations. Its members also make breast care cushions and drainage bags for those who’ve undergone breast cancer surgery.

Zonta recognises the importance of education in empowering women and girls and funds an annual $2,000 bursary at University of the Sunshine Coast (Moreton Bay) to help a female student with study related costs. Members also work with high schools to assemble kits for Birthing Kit Foundation Australia, providing a clean and safe birth experience for those in remote regions of the developing world.

Advocacy is an important part of the club’s mission and it works with other Zonta clubs in Brisbane to campaign against gender-based violence.

‘We actively participate in the international Zonta Says NO campaign,’ explained Bronwyn.

‘You’ll often see us wearing our orange Zonta Says NO polo shirts and we also use our social media channels to raise awareness. During November-December we take part in the global 16 Days of Activism and it’s during that time that you may have seen our orange banners hanging on council posts in local parks.’

The club raises funds for their projects through Bunnings sausage sizzles, raffles and events, including their popular International Women’s Day brunch held in March.

Members currently meet monthly at the Kakowan Community Facility in Bunya. New members are always welcome. If you’d like to know more about the club or are interested in joining, email pineriverszonta@gmail.com

Club President Bronwyn Evans (centre) and Vice President Terry Campbell (left) with Nikki Boyd MP

Bogan Bingo To Benefit Many

NOW Business Network are busy again organizing an epic fundraiser for 2023.

NOW is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to forging relationships with local businesses whilst giving back to the community. This year they are raising funds for RizeUp, a community-driven organisation of passionate men and women, dedicated to supporting the many families affected by domestic and family violence. The event is BOGAN BINGO, an entertainment show comprising everything Bogan. There’s a food truck, a bar, great raffles and silent auctions, and a Rockin Good Time! Get your family and friends together and join us for a great night for a great cause (recommended age 15+) The event will be held on the 12th August at 5.30pm at the Everton Park State High School Hall. Buy your tickets, find your flannies, the uggs and grow out that mullet. We’ll see you on the 12th August.

If your business would like to donate a prize to the event, or to find out more, please get in contact: events@ nowbusinessnetwork.com.au

To buy tickets, or for more information about the event follow the QR Code or go to: https://events.humanitix.com/ bogan-bingo-b83j5v71

Plenty in the Pipeline For the Players

What's On At The Library?

An update from The Hills Players Community Theatre Group

Gate Crashing

When a Milton family gathered for their routine weekday breakfast, they probably didn’t expect a runaway tram to gate-crash their picturesque cottage. But that’s exactly what happened to the Price family one November morning in 1911.

The unfortunate accident happened on Milton Road when tram driver Arthur Greaves lost control of his Toowongbound tram. Fortunately, no passengers were onboard at the time, which is just as well because the large and heavy Dreadnought was licensed to carry 90 passengers.

The Price family were understandably shaken by the incident, in more ways than one, but no physical injuries were sustained. Contemporary press reports noted that some items of furniture were rearranged by the deranged Dreadnought and the family clock also went on strike.

So, what’s up next for the Hills Players?

The Arana Hills Library has a host of exciting activities planned in the upcoming month. To secure your event, visit www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/libraries/events. For more information, call the library on 3883 5790 or pay them a visit at 63 Cobbity Crescent, Arana Hills.

First up is the annual Trivia Night. The evening is always a fun night out, with a healthy dose of good-natured competition and tough questions to get the brain matter working overtime. The date is currently being finalised and will be revealed in the next edition.

The Dreadnought also delivered a lasting impact on one young child that day. Fred Price can be seen on the veranda in the accompanying photograph. He became a regular visitor to the Brisbane Tramway Museum in his later years, often accompanied by his daughter.

Music Exploratorium - Thursday 29th June, 2pm - 3pm

Discover the science behind sound and music with our range of science experiments! Ages 8-11 years.

Imagination Trail - Saturday 1st July, 10.30am - 11am Let's tell a story together! Become the hero of your own tale in this adventure role play with the Australian Acting Academy. Ages 7-12.

Larrikin Puppet Show - Wednesday 5th July, 2pm - 3pm

Sing, dance and play along with the feel-good antics of Larrikin Puppets! Ages 8 and under.

After the success of their last production ‘Disfunctional’, the Hills Players didn’t have too much time to rest. There was the obligatory taking down of the set, soon followed by the group regrouping to consider their play choice for their next production. There is a lot of robust discussion and a lot to take in to account. Including but not limited to; stage complexities, right cast composition, cast availability, and royalty costs. The sooner the decision is made the sooner rehearsals, costume and stage design begin and all systems are go.

Book Discussion Group: 1st Friday of the month, 2pm - 3pm Which books have rocked your world? Enjoy a lively discussion of your favourite books and authors. Fine your next great read. For adults. No bookings required.

Be sure to keep an eye out for more information on the Hills Players Trivia Night and their next production in future editions of the Hills Echo or the Hills Players Facebook page.

Board Game Club: 1st Saturday of the month, 10.30am - 11.30am Grab your friends after school for some friendly competition with our board games and card games. Drop in. All ages welcome. Free. Facilitated by our friendly library staff.

If you’d like to get involved, send an email to HillsPlayers@ gmail.com, or come along to Monday night meetings at St Matthews Hall, 35 Church Road, Mitchelton.

You can ride a restored Dreadnought tram at Ferny Grove most Sunday afternoons. The museum also has a ‘Baby Dreadnought’ - tram No. 99 - and you can ride her too. Both are guaranteed to deliver a moving experience in more ways than one, but for those wondering how a tram behaves off the rails - the drivers will do their very best not to oblige.... © David Fryer maximalist@bigpond.com

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Lego Engineers Club: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Develop design thinking and engineering skills as you build with LEGO ® bricks. Meet other brick fans and complete challenges, group builds and more! Ideal for ages 6-12. Registration required.

The Hills Players are always keen to welcome new members and anyone curious to learn more about community theatre. More information can also be found over on the website https://thehillsplayers.com

Staff: Dr Helen Byrnes

Dr Michelle Barton

Dr Anita Berger

The Brisbane Tramway Museum is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council

News and Views from a Tramway Muse

Milton Road, 1911. Image courtesy of the State Library Qld

You may have noticed the trademark Evermore Plumbing & Gas vehicles darting around north west Brisbane in recent times. This local business has gained quite the reputation for providing quality and timely plumbing services to the local community. The company is headed by tradesman Damian Connor, who he brings vast experience to the table and holds great pride in the services Evermore Plumbing & Gas has to offer.

Growing up in McDowall, Damian was raised by two hairdressers, although his passion always lay in the construction industry. He tried a few trades, however plumbing is where his heart lay so in 2006, fresh out of high school, he embarked on his journey into the industry through an apprenticeship program with All Trades Queensland. From early on in his training, Damian experienced a variety of different aspects of plumbing ranging from general maintenance plumbing, construction plumbing, commercial maintenance plumbing and medical gas to name a few. Upon finishing his apprenticeship, Damian worked primarily in the field of maintenance plumbing with the occasional period working in medical gas on large projects.

With a plethora of knowledge and experience under his belt, he was keen to set out on his own and founded Evermore Plumbing & Gas in 2017, operating from home with the help of his wife, Hannah.

Over the last 6 years, the company has seen exponential growth and has expanded to include a team of nine, with their headquarters located at a commercial premises in Arana Hills.

Damian is dedicated to changing the perception and breaking stereotypes about the trade industry as a whole. He always strives to provide exceptional plumbing services by prioritizing promptness, reliability and quality craftsmanship. It is then of no surprise to hear that Evermore Plumbing & Gas were the 2022 winners of the MPAQ Service Excellence Award for all of Queensland.

P: 3335 5067

E: admin@evermoreplumbing.com.au

www.evermoreplumbing.com.au

Warwick Brown

Farmer Brown’s Pizzas, has earnt its title as one of the area’s most popular mobile catering services in The Hills District, but how did it all begin?

The answer is Warwick Brown, a man who spent his childhood living the farm life on the outskirts of Dayboro. From chasing cows to getting chased by cows, to stacking motorbikes and learning how to gracefully fall off horses, Warwick sure made the most of it. The food especially. In the Brown household, meals were always fresh and jam-packed with flavour due to the numerous veggie patches and fruit trees on their doorstep. However, once childhood was over and Warwick had gained experience working in management, he set out to chase his dream of operating his own small business. Pizza was his passion, and Warwick wanted to share it with our community. December 2015 marked the official launch of his fully licensed, mobile wood-fired pizza set up, Farmer Brown’s Pizzas. All the ingredients are fresh as day, some home grown and some sourced locally. With Warwick’s dedication and young driven team, the business has thrived over the past 6 years, now consisting of 22 capable staff and the addition of 7 trailers to the Farmer Browns fleet. This has also enabled the business to launch a permanent brick and mortar pizza store in Ferny Hills- the Farm Shack.

Warwick and his pride-filled staff are renowned for their catering skills, their customer service, their personal interactions with patrons, and their ability to deliver molto bene meals to all. The team usually caters for events such as parties, festivals, special occasions, weddings, and fetes.

Clearly, Warwick and his dream have come a long way. Farmer Browns Pizzas is now fortunate enough to be booked out most Saturday nights for a few months in advance and The Farm Shack is thriving. Best yet, with all his success in the suburbs, Warwick never abandoned his roots; still at home in Dayboro.

P: 0449 944 406

TheFarmShack1

www.fbpizzas.com.au

Director - The Farm Shack

Damian Connor

Owner - Evermore Plumbing

Cost Of Living Impacts On Our Children

The Brendale VIEW Club is urging the local community to give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal this year, to support thousands of children and young people with their education. CEO of The Smith Family, Doug Taylor, said families are having to make impossible decisions about where they spend their limited funds. This could mean paying for school essentials or paying for a meal on the table.

The education charity is aiming to raise $6.2 million nationally to give over 14,000 children across Australia access to its proven learning and mentoring programs.

Members of the Brendale Evening VIEW Club support students by fundraising at dinner meetings, fashion parades, sausage sizzles and other functions, giving generous donations of time, money, and skills. Please come along as a guest and join the fun. Some details are below;

Regular Dinner meetings: 3rd Tuesday evening of the month, Aspley Hornets Football Club, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Next meeting: 18th July. Guest speaker: Maria Laracy from Uniforms 4Kids phone President, Helen 0407 003 229 Coffee and Chat morning: First Saturday of the month, 10am White’s Coffee Co in Bracken Ridge Tavern. Walk for VIEW: 31st July. Early morning walk. Meet at Arthur Davies Park, (at the southern end of the swimming pool) Flinders Parade, Sandgate. Contact Fran 0410 611 930 by 17 July 2023.

Sausage Sizzle: 19th August held at Bunnings Brendale, Corner Old North Rd & Kremzow Rd. Brendale Qld.

Come and Learn About Cake Decorating

An update from the Brisbane North Cake Decorators Club

The next meeting of the Brisbane North Cake Decorators Club is on Saturday 15th July at the Arana Hills Community Hall commencing at 1pm. This meeting will be a short business meeting followed by a surprise demonstration by a branch member. There is always have a delicious afternoon tea to look forward to provided by members. If you are interested in cake decorating but not able to find the time to attend meetings, the Cake Show in September is offering some courses by well known decorators for a reasonable fee (details on flyer below). The team love to see new members and can be contacted on their Facebook page, Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA or via email brisbanenorthcakedecorators@gmail.com

Friendship and Fun at Probus

The Albany Creek Probus Club is looking for new members in your area. Probus provides you with the opportunity to join a social Club so you can meet other retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in social activities. They meet at Hornets Club on Graham Road,

Carseldine, from 10am on the first Thursday of each month. To find out more contact Secretary Greg Early on 0407 960 588 or early. gregory1@gmail.com

What's On at the Library

There are some fascinating special events coming up at the Albany Creek Library in the upcoming few months. To make a booking visit mbrc.qld.gov.au/libraries/events, or contact the library on 5433 2638.

Manga Drawing: Hero vs Monster

Tuesday 27th July, 11.30am - 12.30pm

Create your own unique manga characters with artist David Lovegrove. Be inspired by David's double-handed dream scribble approach, then create your own hero manga and monster character for them to befriend or battle. Ages 12 - 17.

Robot Music

Tuesday 27th July, 3pm - 4pm

Make a robot play a song! Learn how to program a Dash robot to play a xylophone. Ages 6 - 9.

Customise with Cricut

Friday 28th July, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Drop in to discover how easy it is to make your own singlecolour decal sticker with our Cricut machines. 18 years and over. No bookings required.

NEW! Minecraft Club

Every Tuesday, 3.30pm - 5pm

Complete challenges, learn new skills and connect with other

Crafters on our Library server. Book a spot to play from home using your own bedrock or Java account or come and use library computers and accounts. Beginner to advanced players. Ages 6-17.

NEW! Boardgame Club

4th Friday of the month, 4pm - 5pm Grab your friends after school for some friendly competition with our board games and card games. All ages welcome. No bookings required.

Bridge Club

2nd & 4th Monday of the month, 10am - 11.30am

Do you enjoy card games, but find solitaire is getting dull and lonely? Join our monthly adult Bridge Club to learn contract bridge, meet new people and enjoy a chat in a comfortable, stress-free environment. The Albany Creek club meets on the 2nd Monday and 4th of the month from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, excluding public holidays. No bookings required.

Craft Group

2nd & 4th Monday of the month, 10am - noon

Join other adult crafters and share your tips and tricks, solve your craft problems and chat while indulging in your craft activity. BYO project, supplies, and sense of fun. Sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Excluding public holidays.

Next Chapter Book Club

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month, 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Libraries Next Chapter Book Clubs will provide a great opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to read and learn, make new friends, and enjoy a fun community. Our book clubs, led by friendly library staff, will meet in libraries across Moreton Bay.To join our community of readers, phone or email any of our libraries. Once you have registered you are ready to join one of our book club sessions.

NDIS Pop Up Information Kiosk

4th Friday of the month, 10am - 1pm

Do you have questions about NDIS? Drop in and chat with Carers Queensland and the Benevolent Society Staff. No bookings required.

LEGO Engineers Club

1st & 3rd Friday of the month, 3.30pm - 4.30pm

• Meals and nappies provides

• Music, Visual Arts & Spanish curriculum included

Develop design thinking and engineering skills as you build and create with LEGO ® bricks. Meet other brick fans and complete challenges, group builds and more! Ideal for ages 4-12. Bookings required.

Art Hallway & Display Cabinet

Would you like to display your creations? Contact the Library for more information on 5433 2638

For more information contact Karen Marlow ph: 0411 033 892 email: mitcheltonown@gmail.com

Can Your Business help to Share the Dignity?

Collection point registrations are now OPEN for the August Dignity Drive for Share the Dignity charity. Share the Dignity works to make a real, on-the-ground difference in the lives of women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough. The charity distribute sanitary items to those in need and work to end period poverty here in Australia. When a woman is doing it tough, the last thing on her mind should be dealing with her period.

Your business can make an impact by collecting period products for those in need. When your business registers, one of their amazing volunteers will be in touch at the start of August and again at the end of the month to collect and distribute the amazing products you have helped them collect. Even if you have participated before, please register for the August Drive. You can register here https://www. sharethedignity.org.au/dignity-drives

KEDRON ARTS GROUP PRESENTS

LOCAL ART SHOWS

Stafford City Shopping Centre

17 - 23 July

All items are for sale and there will be a raffle box!

Kedron Arts Group (KAG) consists of local artists and crafts people, and provides the opportunity for members to showcase and sell their work to the public. KAG donates a % of all sales to nominated local charities, such as Karuna Hospice, Drought Angels, A Brave Life and Qld Rural Fire Brigade. For more details email kedronartsgroup@gmail.com

Elizabeth from Secret Skin Studio in Ferny Grove has signed up to be a collection point for Share the Dignity’s August drive

Gardening in the Winter Months

An update from the Hills Organic Garden

What a difference the cooler weather makes. Over the last few weeks we have been very busy planting vegetables for our spring harvest and with the cooler weather, our little seedlings are now starting to flourish.

We have Bok Choy, Leeks, Shallots, Baby Spinach, Beetroot, Lettuce, Silverbeet, Tomatoes, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Beans, Snow peas, Eggplant, Carrots and Strawberries all doing very well.

The baby spinach and lettuce are now ready to pick along with the silverbeet. It is so nice to be taking home some produce already.

Our members are all enjoying their time at the garden as it is so pleasant to be out in the sunshine watering and weeding and maintaining our beautiful community garden. We have a wonderful bunch of keen gardeners who are all willing to lend a hand and each Sunday afternoon we gather at the garden to tend to the plants and keep the surrounds neat and tidy. At the moment our herb garden has flowering basil which is attracting the bees, society garlic (which has beautiful edible lavender flowers), thyme, tarragon, mother of herbs, and garlic chives.

The HOG community is a friendly group who offer people in the Hills District the opportunity to grow vegetables using organic principles. Age is no barrier so feel free to come along one Sunday afternoon to have a chat and a look around our beautiful garden.

As the days are getting shorter and cooler, we have decided to change our working bee time on a Sunday afternoon. The new time will be from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00p.m. As well, our members attend the garden through the week to water and do general maintenance.

You will find us at 416 Bunya Road, Bunya next to the Off Leash Dog Park. Membership Fees per year are $20 for adults, $30 for family and $10 for Juniors. Visit hog.org.au, search “The Hills Organic Garden” on Facebook or phone 0415 856 532 for information. We look forward to meeting you.

John Oxley District Orchid Society Annual Winter Show

Tips for the Cold & Chilly Season

An update from the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club

Wow! Already we are in the second half year of 2023. How time flies!

During the last few weeks, the executive members of the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club Inc. have been very busy with an EXPO at Arana Hills. The June General Meeting also took place which included a farewell function for Pat Killoran, a long serving president who retired towards the end of last year. Unfortunately Pat was ill and unable to attend. The members who took part in preparing for this function are to be congratulated for their splendid efforts. A card and gifts from the club were delivered to Pat’s home the next week.

Remember to hose your garden between the hours of 9am and 4pm in winter. This allows the foliage to dry before nightfall. Dampness encourages attack by disease and mildew, especially powdery mildew, so try to avoid it. Check citrus trees for gall wasp and citrus leaf miner. Prune off offending pieces. Tie them up in a plastic bag to go in the rubbish bin. Spring flowering annuals and vegetable plants would benefit from a liquid fertilizer at this time. If lots of little weeds are showing in your lawn, in dry weather give the areas a sprinkle of sulphate of ammonia. The next morning’s dew will melt the sulphate of ammonia which will burn and kill the weeds. The grass will be burnt too, but the chemical will also provide nourishment and it will not be long before the lawn is green again.

The next meeting of this club is at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (entrance at 36 Trundle Street) on Thursday morning, 3rd August. The topic of the guest speaker, Rose Graham, is Herbal Teas. Herbs have always played an important role in the well being of humans and animals, but they must be used according to directions. Visitors and new members are most welcome to attend. Morning tea is served from 9.45am and the meeting commences about 10am

For more information please email mitcheltongc@ gmail.com or check out their Facebook page @ mitcheltongardenclub

Learn About the Gorgeous Geraniums

Saturday 29th July 8.30am - 4pm

Sunday 30th July 9am to 3pm

Auditorium Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha

Admission $4.00 Children Free

Displays of hybrid, species, and native orchids. Perfect opportunity for photographers. Plants and growing accessories or sale. Potting demonstrations both days at approximately 10am and 1pm. Brisbane City Council runs a bus service to the gardens. There is off street parking, with disabled parking at the front door.

From the Ferny Grove Garden Club

The July meeting of the Ferny Grove Garden Club will be on Friday, 28 July, at 1 pm. The club meets in St Matthew’s Church Hall, Church Road, Mitchelton. Helen Rattenbury will be speaking about the popular geranium plant. While pelargoniums and geraniums are certainly tough and very easy to grow, they still require tending to maintain their health and keep them looking their best for the next season. With Helen’s advice we will be looking forward to a bright spring. For more information please telephone Elizabeth 07 3851 0568.

Everton News from

Budget Wish List

This year’s State budget was a major disappointment for the electorate of Everton. Despite constant lobbying, the State Government has once again not allocated any funding for the upgrade of the South Pine/ Stafford Road intersection. Without an upgrade this bottleneck will continue to cause delays for motorists. I’m also aghast that the much-promised upgrade of the Linkfield Road overpass will not even commence before the 2024 election. Everyone travelling east from Albany Creek/ Eatons Hill know what a nightmare this choke point causes.

Everton Youth Advisory Council

This month I was proud to facilitate the inaugural meeting of the Everton Youth Advisory Council, which gave me the chance to hear the perspectives of young people in the Everton electorate. I was encouraged by the bright ideas that were raised on a number of important topics including youth crime and diversionary programs, vaping regulation, and phones in schools. Discussions like this are vital towards having greater representation of young people, and I look forward to further meetings with the group.

your State Member for Everton TIM MANDER

Sorry Day

Sorry Day has grown into a significant community event in recent years. The morning of May 26th this year saw a great gathering of people coming together at the Teralba Park Stolen Generations Support Group Sorry Day Commemoration at Teralba Park. This day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.

Everton Youth Advisory Council

Dickson News

Peter DUTTON MP Federal Member for Dickson

The Dickson Seniors Expo is just over a month away on Tuesday 22 August, so mark your calendars for an event that promises to be informative, engaging and fun.

The expo provides seniors an opportunity to connect with healthcare providers, retirement and assisted living facilities, community organisations, health and wellness as well as federal, state and local government services.

There will also be plenty of entertainment, carparks, prizes and your chance to win a $500 grocery gift card. Entry is free!

The Expo will be held at South Pine Sports Centre, 620 South Pine Road Brendale.

Whether you're a senior yourself, a family member, or a caregiver, I look forward to seeing you there!

Local Sporting Grants

Applications for the highly sought-after Local Sporting Champions program are now open!

If an application is successful, applicants will receive financial support ranging from $500 to $750 to help cover the costs associated with attending their championships.

For more information about the program and to submit your application head to www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_

funding/local_sporting_champions

Applications close 31 July 2023.

Community Marquee Hire

This time of the year, our community is filled with events, so if your school or organisation is looking to host an event or attend an event and are in need of a marquee, then please get in touch with my office – contact details are below.

Mobile Office

I have helped thousands of residents with local issues. If you see me out and about with my caravan, please drop in. I would be happy to meet you and see how I can help.

What’s important to you?

I’m working hard to make our community even better, but I can’t do it on my own. I need your help to make sure we get our priorities right for the community.

With your feedback, we can work together, to get the upgrades, facilities, and opportunities our community needs.

So please get in touch with me at let me know your priorities – my office contact details are below.

Stay Connected

For regular updates on what’s happening in Dickson, you can sign up to my eNewsletter at www.peterdutton.com.au, or head over and like my Facebook page.

If there is anything I can do to help or any local issues you’d like to raise, please send me an email at peter.dutton.mp@ aph.gov.au or call my office on 3205 9977.

Have you visited The Little Echo yet? It’s a website that showcases our youngest citizens creative talents, check it out at www.littleecho.com.au

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