v
Celebrating 30 Years
Issue 136 : Our Community Newspaper
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
SPRINGBROOK STORE, CAFÉ & BAR UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Once again the Springbrook store, café and bar has reinvented itself and that is good news for the local community. We are delighted to wish local residents, friends and business partners Starrene and Glenn along with Tim and Hazel, every success in their new venture.
SMOKETOPIA & SOCIALISING Tim is a master of the low slow cooked bbq, specialising in smoked meats which has given rise to his signature Smoketopia brand. On Friday nights, pulled pork burgers and other goodies are on offer providing a chance to socialise after a busy week and to relax with a drink. This has been very popular with locals and is a boon for visitors to the mountain who are looking for somewhere to have an evening meal. Also on Sunday afternoons the wood fired BBQ is fired up and the mouth-watering aromas drift across the Purlingbrook area. This is already being well patronised, so if you want to socialise with your neighbours or meet new friends, this is the place to be.
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
They have rolled up their sleeves and launched into the hospitality industry with energy and enthusiasm. The renewal of this very important local service has been embraced by all, once again providing certainty of opening hours and a friendly meeting place for both locals and visitors. Such a venue is always important in a small community like ours and it is pleasing to see the support that has been forthcoming. It also provides another opportunity for local employment which is always beneficial, especially for those wanting the flexibility of part time work. Once again providing a variety of grocery items along with milk and bread, locals can once again top up their supplies without a trip to the coast which is very useful at this time. The café menu provides sit down meals along with takeaway and there is something for everyone, including the specialty pies which have become very popular, bringing compliments from several pie afficionados! Being licensed, you can also order a drink with your meal, which very civilised. Check out the menu elsewhere in this issue and if you haven’t already popped in to say hello to the friendly staff, do yourselves a favour! Pam Hall
1
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
2
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
EDITORIAL
for all ages to get to the hall, skate park and playground, Men’s Shed etc.
by Pam Hall
Springbrook magic Once again we have a jam
We all deserve respect and good neighbourliness
packed Spring issue of Voices, detailing the varied happenings of our mountain top community. Despite the lockdown, our tourism businesses report that they are coping reasonable well and in many cases, visitation has increased and the resulting revenue has been very welcome. Current ABC documentary series called Back to Nature with host Aaron Pederson and co-host, writer Holly Ringland, opened their series in Springbrook NP. Suggesting to “come with us and slow down“, the audience was introduced to some of the wonders and beauty of Springbrook plateau and Numinbah Valley, including Natural Bridge. Visually spectacular and highlighting the connection between people and the land, the weekly series showcases a number of special natural locations throughout the country. A documentary series screened nation-wide, it focuses on the calming and restorative experiences of spending time immersed quietly in nature, especially beneficial during the stressful and disjointed time through which we are living. No doubt Springbrook will become even more sought after once the population are able to travel more widely and those nearby will be reminded of how fortunate they are to have this in their backyard. Something we Springbrook locals have known for a very long time….I guess we’ll just have to learn to share the secret, but we will insist on respect for the natural wonders of this special plateau.
Recently the Canyon area was rocked by a police helicopter hovering and broadcasting a frightening warning to the targeted perpetrators, shattering the peace and well-being of those in the vicinity. It is very disturbing that a very small group of residents can disregard the privacy and safety of those around them. Please consider how your behaviour might impact on those around you. The majority of us have moved here for the beauty and quiet of this lovely environment and hope that the charms of the mountain can soothe those who are troubled.
Springbrook Voices Taking care of business
EDITOR: Pam Hall CONTENT CO-ORDINATOR : Kara Froggatt DELIVERIES CO-ORDINATOR: Clyde Dunlop : 0437 051 709 SUBSCRIPTION CO- ORDINATOR, ADVERTISING & TREASURER: Caryl Hamilton Please send all articles and correspondence to
EMAIL ADDRESS:
voices.springbrook@gmail.com
Springbrook school success Congratulations to our
Springbrook School students who have had success at their small schools athletics carnival. The school has a had a long tradition of doing well at these events, testament to our healthy and invigorating climate, environment and community. The student journalists are also doing a great job reporting on some of their achievements and projects.
Don Kibble (GOLD COAST) DRAWING OFFICE SUPPLIES PTY LTD
Printers of Springbrook Voices 18 GEORGE STREET, SOUTHPORT, Q 4215
Wheelie bins and pathways The battle against the
PH: (07) 5532 0499 FAX: (07) 55320714 Email: plans@kibbles.com.au
bins is dealt with in elsewhere, but irrespective of the pros and cons, we have to deal with the visual pollution. It has been encouraged throughout social media to remove them from road verges and to locate them out of sight inside property boundaries or elsewhere as storage containers. We now wait for September to find out how the trucks will negotiate our narrow, winding roads. The extension of the pathway has been a huge production when you consider the length but let’s hope the rest is completed sooner rather than later to give a safe way Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
PLAN AND PHOTOCOPYING * PLOTTING DRAWING EQUIPMENT * INKJET SUPPLIES
Next Deadline Issue 137 Nov 20th 3
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY HALL Available for hire 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm ALL BOOKINGS AT A RATE OF
$13.00 PER HOUR for locals. $25 for other bookings The Hall is used by community groups such as: SMCA, SWAG, Silat, AA, Yoga, Cuban Dance. Information on events is outlined on the Hall’s notice board.
The Hall facilities include a full kitchen and a stage for that special show. Ideal for a wedding or special occasion.
Springbrook Community Hall With so many new people on the mountain in recent months, we would love to encourage people to book and use the hall to run classes, groups, workshops, and anything else you can think of!
For all bookings and information please contact
Kara on 0413 979 271
It would be great to have some exercise classes and groups to meet regularly (hard in these Covid times) at the hall and bring our 74 year old hall back to life after being practically empty for months on end in recent times. If you have a great idea, turn it into a reality and use the hall as your all-weather venue. The hall is available for family functions, awards nights, fundraising events, shows, trivia nights and really whatever your need is, we will do our best to accommodate it! The hall is now owned by the Gold Coast City Council and managed on their behalf by the Springbrook Mountain Community Association. It is the main source of income for the organisation. Money paid in hall hire fees by locals and people from the coast, goes back into the community in the form of things like events, supporting other groups and helping our emergency services with equipment purchases. By booking the Springbrook Community Hall, you spread the word about your passion and indirectly support the greater community – Win, Win!
Springbrook Community Library & Book Nooks
Please visit our website for more information and feel free to contact us if you need more info or to make a booking. www.springbrookhall.blogspot.com
The Community Library at the Hall is open at various times as advertised on the SMCA social media. Book Nooks Open Dawn till Dusk
Purling Brook Book Nook - Kuralboo St Baleirei Book Nook - 2353 Springbrook Road Near the school New Book Nook OPEN NOW In front of Greenwood Farm at Goomoolahra
To book the hall or make enquiries: Please call us on 0413 979 271 Or email us on springbrookhall@gmail.com.au See you there! Kara Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
4
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Ladies Lunches Second Friday of the month, 12pm at various cafes on the mountain. All ladies, their friends and children welcome. Buy your own cuppa, lunch or snack and enjoy the company of other mountain ladies!
The owners of the H2O tank Doctor have been self employed since 1988 and have lived in the Gold Coast hinterland for nearly 30 years. The family run business includes Jennifer, Laura, Thomas and Lauchlan.
To get on the mailing list please contact Kay on 0407 137 880
Where The H2O Tank Doctor differs from others in the water storage business is their knowledge of water issues from the roof to the tap and their experience offering the very best value for money water quality services. These services include two types of water tank cleaning from minimal water loss vacuuming of the built up sludge from the floor & water sterilisation to full internal clean involving empty of the tank and getting inside the tank to carry out a full internal hand scrub and pressure clean of tank roof, walls, floor & interior pipe work with final rinse.
Community Cuppa takes place on the last Friday month. Members of SMCA receive a reminder email. If you would like to be on a reminder email list, please phone Francine on 0449 830 738
or email: franciegirl@hotmail.com
The H2O Tank Doctor also can help with water tank vermin proofing and permanent tank repairs. So if you need help with all or any aspects of water catchment, water storage, water filtration, water delivery, water quality and improvement,
Everyone is welcome! Meet old friends and make new ones.
The H2O Tank Doctor is a one stop shop company with a big difference. Family run business since 1988. Fully insured. Confined space certification. QBCC licensed. White card certification. Police checked. COVID health precautions include clean of our equipment to prevent cross contamination. Can offer minimum warranty on concrete water tank repairs and to date do not have a water tank we have repaired leaking.
SPRINGBROOK’S JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Wayne Randall – JP 5533 5192 Denise Gilbert - JP Paul Chaplain - JP Qual There are often requests for a Justice of the Peace on the mountain. Try using a search engine to look up Justice of the Peace and enter your suburb for a comprehensive list. If you are a local JP and wish to be added to our easy to find local list, please email us here at Voices –
For more information visit our website,
www.theh2otankdoctor.com.au
voices.springbrook@gmail.com with your details to be included in future issues.
Are you interested in reading, lively discussion and a drink/tea/coffee? Then why not join the
Springbrook Book Club * Frequency: Once a month *Day & Time: to be decided *Format: to be discussed Email Lin on thomson.lin@gmail.com And I will organise a meeting for all those that are interested.
HAPPY READING Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
5
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Mountain Community Association Inc
The Springbrook Community Calendar
PO Box 677, Mudgeeraba, Q 4213
*Subject to COVID 19 Restrictions, rules and regulations/correct at the time of printing
Way back in 1995, when the Albert Shire Council was merged with the City of the Gold Coast, Springbrook was only one of many farming communities whose residents preferred to live a rural lifestyle and who could present a united voice on various issues. Numinbah, Currumbin, and Tallebudgera Valleys all had thriving dairy farms as did Beechmont and the foothills surrounding Tamborine, with milk tankers taking their produce to the South Coast Dairy factory in Southport ( now part of the Norco group.) The cane fields between Coomera and Beenleigh were a gateway to the Redlands market garden region which once supplied Brisbane with fresh vegetables, strawberries and citrus.
Monday • •
Playgroup at Springbrook State School, 9am – 11.30am. Contact the school for more details School library day
Tuesday • •
• • • •
Men's Shed open from 9am. All men welcome Skate Park Day for school age kids 3pm-4pm 1st Tuesday bi-monthly Chamber of Commerce at Hall 2nd Tuesday bi-monthly – P&C meeting, 3.15pm at the school Perisai Diri Silat 6pm at the Hall SES training at the SES Shed behind the hall, 7pm.
Wednesday • • • •
The increasing population of south east Queensland with the demand for housing has changed this pastoral landscape into a suburban vista of endless housing estates with associated roads and shopping centres. Even Mudgeeraba, which until the 1980s was the quintessential country township surrounded by countryside and bushland, has been absorbed by creeping suburbia.
Springbrook Craft Group meets at the Fudge Shop at 10am. BYO craft. School Student Gardening Project. 8.30am to 8.55am 2nd Wednesday – SMCA meeting 7.15pm at the Hall 3rd Wednesday – Ambulance Training
Thursday • • • • •
School tuck shop orders to Dancing Waters for Friday delivery Men's Shed open from 9am. All men welcome. Perisai Diri Silat 6pm at the Hall 2nd week – Fire Brigade meeting 4th week – Fire Brigade training
Today Springbrook, together with neighbouring Numinbah and a few other remnant pockets of the Hinterland are anomalies whose special needs the urban focused Gold Coast Council sometimes struggles to deal with. The current issue of the “Wheelie Bins” is a good example.
Friday • • • • •
Food Scrap Friday - Community Composting. Bring your food scraps to the school gate, 8.30am too 9am P&C bottle top fundraising collection, 8.30am at the school gate Informal group of Mountain Mums meet at the Fudge Shop after school drop off for a catchup and a coffee Last Friday Community Cuppa 10.30am at various cafes. Check the SMCA Facebook page for details 2nd Friday Ladies Lunch 11.30am at various Cafes. Check the SMCA face book page for details
We’ve had a ‘tip’, officially known as a “Waste Transfer Station”, for years. It works! For reasons not of our own making we’ve not been asked to pay the waste management levy of $300.00 as have the other City residents. The obvious solution would have been to add this amount to our annual rate bill and simply continue with a system that most of us are happy with. Instead we’ve been involved with a time (and ratepayer dollar) consuming ‘consultation’ process after the decision had already been made. The outcome is that we’re obliged to accept bins that we don’t need, together with a regular visitation of collection trucks.
Saturday • • •
Tennis Club meets at 8.30am for a casual hit at the Courts behind the Hall. Men's Shed open from 9am. All men welcome Springbrook Wildlife Appreciation Group Wildlife monthly talks 2pm at the Hall. Check the SWAG Facebook page for details Christina's Cuban Dance Lesson Nights. Check the SMCA's Facebook page for details.
Sunday •
•
Cr Tozer and representatives from Waste Management attended SMCA’s June meeting and responded to resident’s specific concerns, which included:-
Farm and Road side stall day. Check out the local produce for sale around the mountain 4th Sunday – Anglican Service 10.30am at the Observatory
⚫ Lack of consultation prior to Council meeting and decision making process.
The SMCA general meetings are held on the second Wednesdays of the month, beginning at 7:15pm at the Hall on Carricks Rd Email reminders will be sent out well in advance to members. Meeting dates are notified via our Facebook & Instagram pages as well as public notice boards. Membership is $5 per year per person. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
6
⚫ Roads unsuitable – no curbs & guttering. Concerns re culverts ⚫ Potential or injury – litigation ⚫ Wildlife injuries caused by trucks ⚫ Camper’s waste deposited in household bins ⚫ Length and steepness of some driveways, ⚫ Illegal dumping if access to tip restricted ⚫ Noise of truck activity Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21 ⚫ Increased frequency for road maintenance
⚫ Illegal dumping if access to tip restricted ⚫ Noise of truck activity ⚫ Increased frequency for road maintenance Background information provided by Cr Tozer outlined the timeline and ‘gave context’ to circumstances leading up to the current process: • There are 273 000 properties on G C paying $300.00 PA each to cover the cost of waste removal, involving landfill, transfer stations and wheelie bin’s collection. • 600 – including Springbrook properties – currently don’t pay the waste levy. • There are 12 waste disposal stations on the Gold Coast compared to 4 in Brisbane
:
:
Domestic cat concerns at Springbrook There are one or two cats prowling around the Canyon area. This is not acceptable. Cats must be kept inside for their safety and the safety of native animals. The various arguments about cats, especially “my cat doesn’t kill things” are not valid. I have also encountered dogs on and off leash in the National Park. The people with them always say they are assistance animals. Assistance animals must be documented. They come with badges and the handlers must have cards. Leslie MacKay
Council Meeting on 28th April decided 12-3 in favour of expanding the levy to all rural areas. Why? ü Equity – Council considers whole of City, not individual neighbourhoods. ü Change to technology since last revue in 2016 ü Management of sorting types of waste considered to be more efficiently managed at individual household level. ü State Government’s $20 million subsidy to Local Governments will cease in 2022. ü Recycling used to be a profit making exercise due to export to Asian countries – this opportunity no longer exists bringing additional costs for disposal. Answers to questions • $300.00 levy will cover cost of waste Transfer Stations, household bins and (1) flexy skip per year. • Duplication of costs? – Cr Tozer believes that Springbrook and Numinbah facilities will not close due to their relative isolation. Closure of Mudgeeraba and other larger coastal facilities will make retention of rural ones more rational. • Only 170 residences across the whole city have been assessed as being inaccessible for bin collection. • Often need for more recycling bins – overflowing. • There is not currently any consideration being given to charging residents for disposing rubbish at transfer station. • Only 5 out of Qld local Government areas do not charge waste fees at transfer stations. • Bins will be distributed in August for the collection program to begin in September. • Local Government Act dictates that where a bin collection service is provided, all residents must be provided with bins. Their actual deployment for collection is optional. •
Peace at the CANYON Shattered On a recent Sunday afternoon a police helicopter was circling overhead, a megaphone was calling “DROP YOUR WEAPON”, while knife and baton wielding men were fighting along Canyon streets. Along with speeding cars, often on the wrong side of Springbrook Road’s sharp corners, this is more than any community can safely take. Police advise that there are things that our community can do to make it safer for us and our children….when confronted with this behaviour. ❖ DO NOT offer these folk places to stay or invite them onto your property ❖ DO report to the police any harassment or damage to property ❖ DO video or photograph evidence where possible ❖ DO give police something to act on ❖ We need to support each other before someone is seriously injured or worse. Name supplied to editor but withheld
Calling all Community Artists! We have a project for you!
We have a Shipping Container that needs a community painted mural!
A fascinating fact to end with - Disposable face masks are made up of polypropylene, polyethylene, and vinyl and can take up to 450 years to break down. Please dispose of carefully.
The SMCA has some money for paint, we just need willing painters to consult, design, coordinate and paint the Shipping Container next to the Fire Shed with a bush scene that shows off our natural wonders and our creative talents!
Ian Bolton Honorary Secretary Springbrook Mountain Community Association
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
Letters to the Editor
Please contact Kara on 0413 979 271
7
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook
SPRINGBROOK MOUNTAIN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Chamber of Commerce Inc.
If you can spare a few hours on a Saturday, Sunday or Wednesday to tell visitors about Springbrook, we would very much welcome your assistance. Many visitors have no idea how special Springbrook is, where to find facilities, where to park, where to go for a walk, or where to find somewhere to eat Stay. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge and meeting interesting people and would like to look after our environment, Please talk to us.
Supporting & Promoting Springbrook Businesses Meets bi-monthly, 1 Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm at the hall. st
www.explorespringbrook.com
Ring or Text Annette on 0427 415 299
info@explorespringbrook.com
Useful Springbrook Websites and Pages
PO Box 179 Mudgeeraba Qld 4213
Springbrook A Visitor’s Guide Now only $10 from local outlets For bulk orders (5 or more copies) or copies to sell on consignment, contact Colin and Jane Crisp
Phone or text 0419025877
Springbrook Mountain Community Association Instagram & Facebook pages for daily updates and community news. Explore Springbrook – Chamber of Commerce pages for visitors to the mountain. www.explorespringbrook.com My Springbrook – Information for locals, especially new residents. www.lovespringbrook.blogspot.com Flood Watch – Tells you if the Mudgeeraba Creek at Austinville is flooding or not. www.floodwatch.com Springbrook LDMC facebook page – our local disaster committee’s page for disseminating information during fires, floods and other natural disasters. Springbrook Hall – Information about hiring our local community hall. www.springbrookhall.blogspot.com Springbrook Mens Shed – Information about and for the men of the mountain who belong to the Springbrook Mens Shed. www.springbrookmensshed.blogspot.com Springbrook National Park – information about track closures and bookings for the campsites. www.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/
PUT YOUR $ WHERE YOUR
IS…
BUY LOCAL! Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
8
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Budget – Financial year 2021/2022 Each year, when the Council adopts its $1.8B budget, I try to summarise for interested Division 9 folk, the impacts or highlights in our local area. Of that $1.8B annual budget, the following is spent on our core activities across the whole City of Gold Coast. *$574M – Capital works • Parks & Rec $160M • Water & Sewer $165M • Roads $171M • Other stuff $78M (incl digital capability, conservation, council admin buildings) *$1.25B – Operating Expenses In Division 9 and every other division $750,00 is allocated for local area works (LAW) which is allocated to community events, pathways, park improvements, sports fields and the divisional donation program. We also have amounts allocated for Whole of City (WOC) projects which are generally large projects sometimes spanning multiple divisions or requiring multiple year allocations to bring projects to completion.
SPRINGBROOK TENNIS CLUB
Some projects I’d hoped to deliver this year have been deferred for a year due to budget constraints, or design delays, or competing priorities. There’s also a number of WOC projects delivered for Division 11, particularly in the roads area, that will have a positive impact on road congestion in Division 9. I’d love to hear from you regarding your preferences for next year so please write to me to discuss the budget and whether your project has a LAW or WOC focus. division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
The Tennis Court near the Hall is available for play during the daytime. Right now, Saturday and Sunday mornings about 8.30am are a good time to come to the court and have a hit. If you would like information on the Club, email Geoff Dickie gdickie65@bigpond & under 5’s free.
Membership is for 12 months
Springbrook Centenary Park Upgrades Landscaping upgrade works are currently being carried out in Centenary Park. The scope of work includes removal of some existing plants and replacement planting and mulching to beautify garden beds. The existing timber edging will be replaced. Some members of the Springbrook community have asked for improvements to the playground at Centenary Park. Our office is seeking feedback about elements of a proposed upgrade that might be suitable and we’d love your feedback. Laura recently wrote to us suggesting that a climbing wall, monkey bars and a shade structure might be the highest priorities. What do you think? Email the office to offer your thoughts on the project – division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Perisai Diri Martial Arts Self Defence Instructor – Mas Simon Barnes If anyone wants to train, please come along and have a look at the Springbrook Community Hall, 6.00pm.
Tuesday & Thursday, 6pm-7pm All new members welcome
Mob: 0405252435
http://www.silatperisaidiri.org/home.html Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
9
Cr Glenn Tozer - Division 9 PO Box 5042 GCMC QLD 9726 P 07 5581 1883 | M 0419 558 685 E: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au W: cityofgoldcoast.com.au Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
It was a pleasure to attend the Springbrook Mountain Community Association meeting in the weeks prior to the lockdown and discuss some of the projects happening in the area.
It was great to catch up with John and Anastasia in one of the world’s most beautiful spots recently. I was visiting Springbrook to catch up with locals and inspect the site of the Springbrook Road Safety upgrades.
I’m hearing that locals are excited to see the new footpath for students between Lloyds Road and Carricks Road- so am I. I can advise that I recently wrote to the Director of Transport and Main Roads on the Gold Coast to find out what stage the project is at. He advised that a detailed plan, presented by Council, had been approved by TMR. That means that construction is due to start this month (August)!
This issue had been raised with me directly on a number of occasions with Ros Bates MP, LNP Member for Mudgeeraba and local Councillor, Glenn Tozer as well as locals and the school community.
A speed limit review has recently been undertaken on GoldCoast Springbrook Road and, whilst I have not heard any changes to the speed limit will apply in Springbrook, there will be a reduction from 60km/h to 50km/h on Railway Street in Mudgeeraba. New speed limit signs will be in place very soon.
It is great to see all three levels of government coming together, with funding secured to get on and deliver these critical upgrades. The Australian Government is partnering with Transport and Main Roads (QLD) and the Gold Coast City Council to deliver a $1.15 million safety upgrade at this location. This is a key safety measure to improve road safety for all road users, including pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists. The safety of our local children is paramount, and I am glad the Morrison Government is partnering through our $3 billion Road Safety Program.
Another issue I’ve been fighting for years to address is the lack of visitor parking in Springbrook. I wrote to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, as well as the Minister for the Environment, in May. My suggestion was that the Settlement be used as a tourist car park. This month I received a response, advising that they are assessing new tourism signage for the area but the Settlement is not currently designed to accommodate a large volume of traffic accessing the site for parking. Unfortunately, this response doesn’t solve our parking problems. If the Settlement isn’t the answer right now, I’ll be pushing for another solution. As you are well aware, parking on the weekends clogs the roads and can be dangerous for people walking as well.
Cheers, Scott
As far as business goes, we have been pushing for a lockdown support package for small and family businesses. We were pleased to see the State Government finally come to the table with a package to support our local businesses, but it doesn’t go far enough. On the Gold Coast, we are seeing many local businesses on their last legs, unable to sustain themselves without customers during lockdown periods. I am pleased with the passion and support from locals in improving Springbrook. I am always open to ideas on how to make it an even better place to live. Please contact my office if there is anything at the State level I can assist with. Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz
Ros Bates, State Member for Mudgeeraba Electorate Office:Unit C7, Mudgeeraba Professional Centre, Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213 Postal Address; PO Box 897 Mudgeeraba QLD 4213 Phone: (07) 5601 7100 Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
21 William Street , Beaudesert QLD 4285 Postal Address: PO Box 628, Beaudesert QLD Phone: (07) 5541 0150 Email: scott.buchholz.mp@aph.gov.au 10
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
The persecution of hinterland residents continues. Over the years all three tiers of government have made the lives of Gold Coast Hinterland farmers and residents virtually untenable. The latest debacle is the move by City of Gold Coast to force residents to adopt wheelie bins and cough up approximately $300 for the privilege. Whilst a wheelie bin is convenient for urban dwellers, the inconveniences far outweigh the positives for rural residents. Wheelie bins are for household rubbish, not farm rubbish. Currently we get very little in return for paying our rates. We take care of our own water supply, our own sewerage, our own green waste and our own compostable waste. We are also lumbered with City Waste charges, City Transport charges, Recreational Space charges and Open Space charges and how many hinterland residents utilise these ‘services’? Why would City of Gold Coast wish to place more trucks on narrow hinterland roads, particularly trucks like rubbish trucks that stop frequently? Passing these trucks would be extremely difficult on the winding narrow roads and could lead to people taking risks. Do City of Gold Coast councilors and bureaucrats really wish to face the responsibility of future accidents resulting purely from implementation of this change? There have been suggestions made that these individuals be held directly responsible for any potential motor vehicle damage, injury or deaths, as a result of this poorly perceived initiative. Another unfathomable government decision was the federal government decision to deregulate the dairy industry. As a result, overnight on the 30 thJune 2000, dairy farmers lost approximately 50% of their income as our illustrious supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths, fought with milk factory processors over contracts to supply. To add insult to injury, the year 2000 was the first of seven consecutive years of drought. Subsequently there are no dairy farmers left in the hinterland except for 3 on Beechmont. Last year larger Hinterland landholdings were hit with rate rises, many in excess of 500% courtesy of our state labor government. Many of these landholders are now fighting in court in a desperate attempt to stay on their properties. Many of these people are farmers who over many generations have worked hard to provide produce to feed people. Maybe now there is a realisation that there are some who are not worth feeding. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
11
The residents of Numinbah Valley way back in the early 1800s had the vision and foresight to request the then state government to set aside what is now the Numinbah section of Springbrook National Park. Numinbah State Forest was ultimately gazetted not only to preserve this land for future generations, but as a source of timber and gravel for the nearby communities. As early as 1879 the Numinbah area was proclaimed as timber reserve covering some 16,956ha extending to the Springbrook plateau. Most of this area was released for selection, leaving only 2,258ha in the valley as state forest—gazetted in 1915. This worked well as timber mills in the southeast were able to source logs for building material, timber was available for posts and rails etc. fallen timber was available for firewood and gravel was locally available for farmers and also council and state government for road construction. A royalty was paid for these resources and went back into maintaining the forests. Sections of the forest were logged, allowing ground space and sunlight for the swift regrowth of new trees. The use of hardwood and softwood timber in power poles, telephone poles, bridges, wharves, posts, sleepers, hay sheds and houses, provided long term sequestration of the dreaded carbon. Moreover, growing trees extract CO2 more quickly than mature trees. The forests of South East Queensland currently contribute 75% of the sawlog volume that is processed in Queensland. (Prior to the Regional Forestry Agreement 2000) *(Wayne Jarred, Regional Forest Agreements, RESEARCH BULLETIN NO 2/00 Queensland Parliamentary Library) Then move forward to the year 2000 where the tenure of this land was changed to National Parks and locked up. Several community representatives from local districts were invited to sit on a stakeholder committee under the title of “The Regional Forestry Agreement.” It soon became apparent to these people that the end result was already a foregone conclusion as they were not allowed to table historical information relevant to the history of these forests to support their argument of retention as working forests. Inevitably these community representatives boycotted any further meetings and the rest is history, much like the Numinbah State Forest today. The ultimate kick in the guts for local communities and many visitors from further afield was the destruction of the Numinbah Forest Park in May last year. There is still a steely determination to have these facilities replaced. Peter Yaun, Chairman, CSF For further information please contact: President: Peter Yaun 0409142255 peteanddanni2@gmail.com Secretary: Angi Fullwood angifullwood@gmail.com Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
The City of Gold Coast waste and recycling collection service area has been expanded to provide Springbrook residents the same level of service offered across the city. In September the Springbrook service will commence, with each accessible property receiving a standard general and recycling bin set, or a bin set of their choosing. There are some properties that cannot be serviced using a standard collections truck, we are reviewing how to best provide a service to these properties.
You might have noticed that the City of Gold Coast has made some changes to the Springbrook Recycling Centre. We listened to representatives at the Springbrook community meeting in June, and we identified areas for improvement at the site. To date new signage has been installed to guide recycling. We are investigating the installation of a charity bin to recover reusable items for the Endeavour Foundation shop located at Reedy Creek. A recyclable furniture pod will be deployed at the Springbrook Recycling Centre as a City first. This new pod will enable the recycling of larger household furniture items. Finally, at the June community meeting the concept of an ‘Emporium’ at the Recycling Centre was discussed. We’re continuing to investigate how the City can action this. The Recycling Centre serves an important role for the community and we know your community wants to support the City’s efforts to sustainability manage waste. Supplied by the Division 9 Office Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
12
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Volunteer Ambulance SOME REMINDERS
Always ring 000 in an emergency to ensure that fully qualified Paramedics are dispatched immediately from the Coast.
SPRINGBROOK NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Even though there is a First Response Ambulance stationed on Springbrook, it can only be activated if members receive a page or phone-call from QAS Communications.
If you would like to be part of the local Neighbourhood Watch, please send an email to: alan.robertson@ausrocks.com.au The Queensland Police Service has a couple of very good Blog spots - http://nhwq.org/ and the Gold Coast Police District http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/goldcoast/
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR RURAL NUMBER IS CLEARLY DISPLAYED EITHER ON A POST OR YOUR LETTERBOX.
Don’t forget you can report crimes or suspicious activity to Crimestoppers. This can be done anonymously.
Vital time can be lost if the number either isn’t displayed or is obscured by bushes. If you don’t have a rural number for your residential property please contact the Division 9 Councilor’s office in Mudgeeraba.
We all do need to report the hooning activity on the Pine Creek Road corner when it is happening. Scams are very common and increasing in frequency. Please regularly change passwords for things like internet banking. Check out www.scamwatch.gov.au for lots of useful information. Make sure you have all your credit cards at all times. Report stolen ones to the bank immediately.
Springbrook SES
Trees on the Roads? For Springbrook Road Springbrook – Mudgeeraba Rd (Front Road) Pine Creek Road (Back Road) Nerang- Murwillumbah Road Call the TMR emergency line on 131940
Meet Tuesday night, 7pm at the SES shed behind the Hall on Carricks Road Hands on practical training every session.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO PUT INTO YOUR PHONE:
New members always welcome. State Emergency Services 132500 Gold Coast Disaster Hotline 1800 606 000 Energex emergency 13 19 62
For all our smaller suburban streets call City of Gold Coast Council Emergency line on 1800 637 000
Pop these numbers in your phone NOW!
Springbrook Local Disaster Management Committee Facebook Page
For all life threatening situations ring 000
Looking for up to date information about local disasters as they occur? Then get on to Facebook and like or friend this page and keep an eye on it when you need information. Friends, family and others may get information on our Facebook page or other QLD government websites and Facebook and local radios. THE EMERGENCY TEXTS FROM THE LDMC ARE STRICTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SPRINGBROOK RESIDENTS.
To anonymously report any hooning incident
CRIME STOPPERS 1800 333 000 OR WWW.CRIMESTOPPERS.COM.AU Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
13
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
SPRINGBROOK RURAL FIRE BRIGADE September 2021 Report. Members have appreciated the relatively quiet time since our last report, with only the usual motor vehicle [cycle] accidents to attend. The weather has been responsible for both a lack of bushfires, and a number of road accidents. Wet weather seems to cause an increase in drivers coming to grief on our mountain roads. The government has called for an independent review into QFES, with reference to funding, the organisation’s structure, and what the Department should look like going forward. Our members are formulating a position paper for this review. Are you aware that RFB volunteers cover 93% of Queensland, which equates to 20% of Australia?
SPRINGBROOK RURAL FIRE BRIGADE Your Neighbourhood Safer Place in case of a Fire Emergency is at
Springbrook State School. If you do not have a Bushfire Survival Plan, please contact Mary Hegarty. 0488 477701 The funding of the Qld Rural Fire Service can only be described as abysmal – around $40 million pa, while the NSW RFS operates on a $900 million budget! If Springbrook RFB was not supported by a levy on the ratepayers of City of Gold Coast we would have trouble existing. In fact it costs our volunteers to be members, training or workshops can be held as far afield as Ipswich and members have to supply their own transport to attend, so in addition to time away from family or work, the petrol costs mount up! Qld rural firefighters can only dream about the equipment, training and financial support that is available to their counterparts in NSW.
Keep an eye out for this handy local emergency leaflet. Written by the local disaster management team, formatted by the Chamber of Commerce and paid for and delivered by the SMCA, it’s really a local effort filled with relevant local info to keep us all safe during an emergency. Read it. Memorise it and stick on the fridge or with your emergency papers. It could save a life!
A new training schedule has just been released, totally replacing our existing system, that has been in place for some years. We are waiting for details of new courses, and what ‘catch-up’ training will be necessary. Initially we are trying to ascertain how our existing training officers can get qualified to train members in the new system. One new addition is some crossover training with our SES associates, which should benefit both organisations generally, and specifically on Springbrook! The weather predictions for the next three months indicates a reduced fire risk, due to rainfall keeping our piece of Paradise damp though spring. Here’s hoping!
Descending Road, Sharp Bends, Windy Roads Please drive to the conditions…
Alan Richards, SRFB Secretary. 0427 280 128. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
14
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook is undergoing a series of City of Gold Coast Council upgrades and refurbishments at the moment.
SPRINGBROOK LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE We are still experiencing some very cold weather at times and we are once again reminding residents to empty their hot coals into a metal bin full of water. Springbrook Rural Fire Volunteers were called out recently to a fire in one of the bins at the dump. Please don’t put your coals into the dump. Hot coals put into the bins can cause toxic fires which can jeopardise the health of our volunteers.
The long awaited footpath between Forestry Road and the hall has been started with the first part, from Forestry to Lloyds road, to be completed in the next month or so. The second part is a bit trickier and should be started and completed in the next financial year.
Fire Season is just around the corner, so please prepare your property and refresh your plans so that you are ready to respond in case of fires.
Make sure your house numbers are easily seen from the road to make it easier for our Queensland Ambulance First Responders, SES Volunteers and Rural Fire Volunteers to find your property in case of emergencies. Keep your driveways clear and make sure Emergency vehicles have room to turn around and leave your property. If you are a Springbrook resident and are not on the Springbrook Emergency Text list text 0488 477 701 with your name, Springbrook address and mobile number.
Our beloved and well-used skate park has been a bit of an eyesore for a number of years now and Council has started the landscaping upgrade which should be finished by the end of August.
Springbrook Ldmc is your Springbrook Disaster Management Facebook that will give reliable information on anything that may affect Springbrook residents.
Cr Tozer is now looking for ideas of what the community would like for our Play Ground upgrade that is coming soon. If you are a regular user of the park and have some ideas of what would suit our community, please email photos and suggestions to division9@goldcoast.gov.qld.au
In case of emergency ring Triple Zero (000). Mary Hegarty. Secretary
Kara Froggatt
Springbrook Local Disaster Management Committee. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
15
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook SES Group
Springbrook SES residents – Nathan, Ben and Lui, Rod and Jan in front.
Our Springbrook SES volunteer group, along with the two other South East Gold Coast groups from Carrara and Coolangatta, have been meeting up to practise search and rescue missions at night on some of our local trails and in the Nerang Forest. This involves using single or narrow wheel Mule Trolleys with stretchers, GWN radios, headlamps, and a couple of heavy dummies.
S S
The SES overall training for Search & Rescue, Storm Damage, Forensic Searches, Vertical Rescue and other necessary missions incorporate the use of Tams, GWN radios, Cartographic maps, stretcher handling, ladders, ropes and knots, tarpaulins, sandbags, generators, lighting and chainsaws, to name a few.
SPRINGBROOK OUTDOOR SERVICES
General & Yard Maintenance Rubbish Removal Small Tree Pruning & Felling Gutter Cleaning Painting Odd Jobs
Our local SES group, which was formed in 2020, have been involved in Search and Rescue for lost or hurt hikers as well as assisting with border control by erecting and sandbagging tents. We will gradually acquire more skills such as First Aid and CPR, chainsaw operation, flood boat operation, vertical rescue – there are many courses available to the SES volunteers, they are able to advance at their own rate but operate as a team, with a team leader.
Call Pat: 0487 670 111
Generally, we meet at our Springbrook SES Depot every Tuesday evening at 7pm for training by our group leader. We have a small, but friendly, local team with four other highly experienced members. We invite you to join us for this worthy cause. You can make a difference.
springbrookoutdoorservices@gmail.com
Springbrook SES group meets at the SES Shed behind the Hall on Tuesday Nights at 7pm. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
16
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service News Revitalisation of visitor facilities at Springbrook National Park Maintenance work was completed on amenities such as toilet buildings and shelter sheds at the Settlement day use area, Tallanbana trailhead, Woonoongoora Walkers’ Camp and Settlement Camping Area. In addition, there is ongoing maintenance works to be completed at the Springbrook Information Centre (Gauriemabah – Place of Stories), and Gwongorella picnic area, with $450,000 allocated to undertake this work. These works complement other park revitalisation and facility upgrades that have been finalised in the past two years.
Construction commenced in February, with completion expected in late 2021, dependent on weather conditions. During the construction period, all areas of the park (including access to the cave) remain open and temporary amenities provided. Natural Bridge attracts nearly a quarter of a million people each year with a large contingent of international visitors. However, current COVID international border closures has presented an opportunity for QPWS to upgrade the infrastructure in this iconic section of Springbrook National Park. Twin Falls circuit track upgrade The Twin Falls circuit track upgrade was completed in April. Deteriorating sections of the existing walking track were improved, which included construction of new steps, drainage and track surfacing to ensure it meets the Grade 3 classification under the relevant Australian Standards (AS 2156.1-2001).
Settlement day use area shelter shed and picnic tables.
Woonoongoora campground toilet block.
Settlement campground toilet block.
Natural Bridge update Following the Queensland Government’s commitment to revitalising iconic national parks and boosting local jobs, the Natural Bridge visitor precinct is receiving a $1.7 million upgrade in 2021. This includes new toilet facilities, information shelter and improved visitor access.
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
Other news in brief • Greater Glider sighting at Springbrook National Park – Ranger Mel was delighted to spot a Greater Glider in Springbrook National Park recently while out night-spotting for other nocturnal wildlife. This species is one of many significant fauna species that is protected within the National Park! • The ‘Friends of Springbrook’ volunteer group commenced in April. Thank you to everyone who has participated and volunteered their time. • New directional and orientation signage has been installed on the Warrie circuit to assist visitors to navigate the track safely. Have you tried the MY Ranger App? With information about the park and its wildlife, interactive maps, and virtual guided tours, it’s like having a local park ranger in your phone! Download it today!
17
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Rainfall Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
‘14 124 69 451 40 48 31 17 187 53
‘15 316 436 96 213 225 102 49 41 97
‘16 194 131 236 42 15 447 29 153 111
‘17 331 500 39 122 227 39 6 1
‘18 132 390 325 98 26 36 66 49 84
‘19 19 102 330 195 58 103 66 14 22
‘20 363 553 144 39 116 54 167 25 66
Oct Nov Dec
14 85 188
126 143 201
59 49 118
414 141 248
509 48 299
85 17 119
103 18 964
1407
‘21 256 304 686 194 119 34 120 *13
Watergum is very excited to announce the results of the 2020 Gold Coast BioBlitz held at Springbrook. The Gold Coast community explored the Gold Coast Hinterland for 48 hours, completing 47 surveys, to help discover, map and protect the local biodiversity in Springbrook National Park.
*to date
Springbrook Weedbusters
Over 350 citizen scientists ventured into the bush in the search for hidden treasures and enjoyed numerous presentations and workshops to learn more about the local environment. And what a result they got! 645 species recorded, 4 undescribed species to science, meaning they will have to go through a rigorous process before being given a name, as well as 3 range extensions, meaning a significant increase to the area some species are known to occur. And last but certainly not least, 130 new species for the Gold Coast Flora and Fauna Database!
Springbrook Weedbusters are a volunteer run group focusing on the removal of weeds in Springbrook National Park. We work alongside National Parks and the Watergum community to help people with the identification, impacts, prevention and control of weeds. We’d love you to join us. We meet 9am to 11am on the third Sunday of the month usually at the Settlement Day use Area on Carricks Road for information sessions, weed pulling and fun! Check out our Facebook page and like us
If you hit a mammal and kill it, please check if there is any young in the pouch (if female). If not, please contact Ceris Ash by email: cerma@bigpond.net.au, or phone 0418454732 to report the death for statistical purposes. If
This is an incredible contribution towards the City of Gold Coast’s knowledge of the local environment. Watergum President Wal Mayr said: “These are first-time records for these species that have been provided to Council’s corporate biodiversity database, which is a significant achievement by citizen scientists!” “47 surveys were conducted within 48 hours, all led by experts and scientists who took small groups out to a multitude of locations” says Watergum Executive Officer Rosalinde Brinkman. “People from all sorts of backgrounds and many skill levels were able to participate, making this a real educational experience for everyone involved with exceptional results.” “There are still a number of samples and specimens waiting to be identified so these numbers may continue to grow over the next few months. ( cont’d)…
there is pouch young or the animal is still alive, please call
WILDCARE on 5527 2444 or the RSPCA on 1300animal ie. 1300264625 Please remove any dead animals from the road. The carcass will attract our small mammals and raptors putting them at risk of being hit.
PLEASE PUT THESE NUMBERS IN YOUR PHONE NOW Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
18
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
We couldn’t have completed this event without the incredible support of our community including survey leaders, survey assistants, organising team, basecamp team and sponsors and partners” says Mr. Mayr. The Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham attended the Bioblitz and said it was wonderful to share the weekend with so many enthusiastic citizen scientists.
Richmond Birdwing Butterfly South East Queensland’s rainforests are home to some remarkable Australian species that share distinct characteristics with the island of New Guinea to our north. Indeed, once joined across what is now the Torres Strait, this shared landmass gave free rein for the colonisation of both sides by similar rainforest creatures, including the breath-taking birdwing butterflies. Following the flooding of the Torres Strait, Australia’s birdwings, cut off from the rest, diversified into 3 high-flying, dazzlingly beautiful species with 1 unique to our region. Despite such a colourful history though, recent times have been tough for this butterfly, as here their caterpillar’s foodplants and moist rainforest habitat have declined. How can we help these fascinating insects?
“Collecting information about wildlife over time will be useful to scientists and decision makers in the future, to examine trends and changes in where species live. Observing changes in wildlife from citizen science helps us form environmental policy and make management decisions around issues like fire and pests,” said Professor Possingham. Science Minister Meaghan Scanlon said that the results of the survey demonstrate the diversity of wildlife in the Gold Coast hinterland and how citizen science projects provide an opportunity for scientists to mentor the STEM workforce of the future. “It was great to see members of the community connecting with friends and family to help protect the environment at the Watergum Bioblitz,” Minister Scanlon said. “As our economy and jobs bounce from COVID-19, so too is our environment with dedicated citizen scientists and a record $1.4 billion investment by the Queensland Government in the environment.” This event was supported by the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast Division 9, Seqwater, Regen Australia, Bushnuts, MRA Environmental, Envirosphere and Habitat Environmental Management. Watergum’s Bioblitz will be back in February 2022 in Numinbah Valley and will once again include a weekend of wildlife surveys where attendees will have the rare opportunity to assist field experts and scientists in their comprehensive documentation of the rainforest’s spectacular flora and fauna. A dedicated kids program will also be added in 2022 to make this an even more family friendly event.
This is the story of the Richmond Birdwing. With a wingspan of up to 16cm, the Richmond Birdwing is South East Queensland’s largest butterfly! In this special episode of Back from the Brink, we delve into the lifecycle and conservation challenges facing this remarkable insect and look at how we can work together as a community to help save it from extinction. Want to check out real-life birdwings in the wild? Well, you can! Take a visit to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk between October and December and you may be lucky enough to witness these high-flyers for yourself! Big thanks go to Seqwater, Birdwings Forest School, Ngarangwal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Inc., Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network and Tamborine Skywalk for your support with this production and all the other great work you do.
Watergum is a leader in community science, supporting member groups and individuals who are involved in the hands-on restoration, maintenance and protection of the Gold Coast’s natural areas. Rosalinde Brinkman Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
Find out more on our resource page! Natura-Pacific Team. A Springbrook Business 19
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
The School Athletics Carnival At the Athletics Carnival we did high jump, long jump, sprint races and more. The races went really well, everyone tried their best and trained really hard. We had one of the best participation levels, everyone loved it. Hooray! In the weeks leading up to the carnival, every first break we did shotput, long jump, high jump and running starts EVERY SINGLE FIRST BREAK!!!!! It was very, very, very fun for 3 whole weeks!!! After the Athletics Carnival there were lots of awards, when they were about to announce who won everyone crossed their fingers and Mr Campbell announced the winners were…SPRINGBROOK! Hooray! Zaine even won a medal for age champion. It was the best Athletics Carnival ever. By Indi, Grade Three School Journalist
The Athletics Carnival is a big event for the small schools who participate. It is a fun day for every one: the parents, kids, teachers and teacher aides. The events are high jump, long jump, shotput, running races, relays and sprints. Most people like high jump but some people like the other events more. The events are quite hard to do. The reason that it happens is so the four small schools can participate in the events together. This year it was on at the same time as the Olympics. Long jump is another event in the carnival. This is one of the hardest events. They have a big sandpit at Pizzey Park. It is so much fun to do. -
By Zaine, Grade Three School Journalist
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
20
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
AMBULANCE
Springbrook Volunteer Ambulance - A very brief history – In the late 1990’s the need for a locally based ambulance service started to become obvious as locals and tourists alike were waiting a minimum of an hour for the ambulances to arrive from Coral Gardens near Robina (next to the Q Super Store, Mermaid Waters) or Southport – if one was available. In 1998 a meeting was held in the Fire Shed with Emergency services management (QAS representatives) and locals; partway through, there was a call out to a medical emergency on Lloyds Road, underlining the need for local responders. In this case the helicopter was called in and landed at the school where the patient was airlifted to hospital and made a full recovery. By 1999 a group of six locals, Di and Ray Cavanaugh, Bob Stone, Ian Bolton, Noel Scott and Sean Breeden had been trained and inducted as volunteer paramedics. They had certificates presented to them by Merri Rose (then Emergency Services Minister) in February 1999 and attended their first call out, the infamous murder on Springbrook Road. The group's membership was enhanced shortly after by the arrival of Mark Donaldson.
In the beginning, the call outs were mostly for locals but as tourism grew the numbers of call outs for visitors to the mountain grew until, so far in the current year, there have been over 70 responses - usually on the Mountain but also regularly as far as the NSW border in Numinbah Valley. The first ambulance car was an aging Ford Falcon, followed by a series of 4WD Toyota Landcruisers, fully stocked and maintained by QAS. After 16 years, several members of the original team, for a variety of reasons, decided to take a step back. Around this time the entire community was shocked by the sudden death of foundation member, Bob Stone. Guy, Cath, Bec, Matt and Mark stepped up to take on ambulance roles and the team grew to eight. More recently Miki and Ben have started training to take on this valuable and essential role in the community, joining in the monthly training conducted by Paramedics from QAS. Without people stepping into these positions, Springbrookians and mountain visitors would be reliant on services taking nearly an hour from the Coast to attend our road traffic crashes, home accidents, medical emergencies, suicides and incidents on the tracks and the workplace. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
21
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Delta Company 4 RAR /NZ (ANZAC) Vietnam 1971-1972 50th Anniversary Battle Plaque Dedication
‘Like’ us on Facebook: Springbrook-wildlife-appreciation-group A great way for us all to share photographs and comments and record the unique wildlife spotted on Springbrook Mountain. Website:http://www.springbrookwildlife.org.au
The battalions advance party departed on April 30th 1971 for the units second tour of Vietnam. The New Zealanders had joined the advance party at Nui Day in early May 1971, having come from Singapore. The main body arrived on 22nd May and operations began soon after the battalion concentrated at Nui Day. The Battalion relived the 2 RAR/NZ at midnight 23rd May 1971.4RAR/NZ after a week of settling in moved 'bush' for the remaining seven and a half months if its tour. That means the soldiers spent all their tour entirely on operations during the monsoon season.
Keep an eye out for all of these creatures in the next few months. Springbrook has lots of wonderful and unique fauna that lives up here and often ONLY up here. These fauna should be around at this time of the year – you’ll just have to sit still and look closely to see them - SWAG
The Battalion conducted nine operations against their main targets, the Veit-Cong and the 33rd North Vietnam Army. The Battalion received excellent support from all other arms and services during operations. 4 RAR/NZ engaged in operations designed at seeking out and destroying Veit-Cong and North Veitnamese forces to prevent their access to civilian populations and creating security for the South Vietnamese. Delta company's first major battle was with the 247 Veit Cong during operation Iron Fox on the afternoon of July 30th near a water feature called Soui Ca. This was our first baptism of combat. All our training dedication and leadership saw us victorious that day. Sadly we lost Bernie Pingelly, killed in action and a number of our mates wounded. We honour them here 50 years ago today.
Richmond Bird Wing Butterfly
Male Paradise Rifle Bird
However with the Australian commitment to Vietnam reducing and reports of the NVA in northern Phuoc Tuy, the final battle fought by Australians began following the launch of operation Ivanhoe. Delta company became involved in intense fighting and sustained heavy casualties but successfully hindered the Veit- Cong from moving South. The final involvement was the Battle of Nui Le in September 1971. 4 RAR was the last battalion to leave South Vietnam and for two months was the only battalion left operating. Delta company remained providing security for administration units until withdrawn on March 12 1972 to Townsville. The battalion killed 91 enemy and captured five for the loss of 4 soldiers killed in action. One of our members died of illness.
Antechinus Arktos. Very rare and only found in Bina Burra and Springbrook – Photo Dr Emma Grey
– Bob Meehan Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
22
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Community Holistic Health Our second event, a free clinic, was held on Sunday the 20th of June in the hall and was a great success. Our aim is to promote wellness and to provide services to those who live here on Springbrook Mountain. Our hope is that the free clinic will be of value to those who are looking to find support or information regarding their own spiritual, mental and physical wellness and an opportunity to meet practitioners on the mountain. At our last event there was a meditation session and opportunities to consult with a naturopath, a herbalist, body work practitioners and more… This was followed by a delicious and nourishing breakfast and some warming beverages. We will continue to present this Free Clinic on Sunday 3rd October 2021, 10am-1pm and we look forward to meeting all those who attend. Please check all our practitioner’s information at our website. https://lovespringbrook.blogspot.com/p/springbro ok-community-holistic-health.html
DIAMOND LIGHT ASTROLOGY
We are here for help you improve your health. 1) Anastasia Theodore- Nutritionist 0427728278
MICHELLE BARSBY
2) Kay Laing- Naturopathy/medical herbalism 0407137880 3) Gus Macanally- Acupuncturist/ Qi Gong 0403578375
Healing Astrology Readings Physiotherapy Diamond Light Healing
4) Gina Winter- Herbalist (07) 5533 5061 5) Kathleen A. Tysoe- Kinesiology 0412848396 6) Christina Monneron- Movement Facilitator 0432509519
michelle.barsby@bigpond.com 0405 170 174 www.diamondlightastrology.com
7) Susie Sharman- Mind/Body Healing Therapy 0499856283
Springbrook Massage & Beauty
8) Samantha Ashley-Bowen Therapist 0475840541 9) Mrs. Jing (Rebecca)- Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine 0423423887 10) Kim Simone McFarlane- Nutritional Cannabis as Medicine 0415207887 11) Jennifer & Peter-Spiritual Numerology & Theta Healing 0412770110
Local therapist *Available by appointment *Natural Australian products used *Services from eyelash tint to full body massage *Reasonable rates for residents and visitors.
To join or to find out more about Springbrook Community Holistic Health please contact Sophie Piper 0438468886 or sophiehung0416@gmail.com
Call Annette on 0427415299 Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
23
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
WILDCARE AUSTRALIA – KOALA HELP
SPRINGBROOK CUBAN GROOVE WITH CHRISTINA IS BACK A reminder to please book these dates for the next few Cuban Dance sessions at our community hall: 5.30pm-7pm $15 prebooked or $20 on the door Ring or SMS Christina on 0432 509 519 Bring your best attitude & get ready to be transported to Cuba without leaving our beautiful mountain!! Look forward to sharing with you :) For more info check out christinamonneron.com
If you ever see a koala sitting on the ground like this, please urgently phone our 24/7 hotline 07 5527 2444. This little female koala is in desperate need of urgent veterinary attention and the sooner she is rescued and treated at a wildlife hospital, the higher her chance of survival. This is little Jenny. Jenny was found by a wonderful group of Logan City Council employees whilst they were out attending to some weeds. Thank you to Josh, who called our hotline straight away which enabled Jenny to be rescued promptly. Claire - thank you Claire for this very educational photo. Wildcare Australia Inc Facebook page
GREEN VALLEY BOWEN THERAPY Back & Neck Pain, Headaches, Shoulder Pain, Sciatica, Stress
Herb Plants
Bowen Therapy is a safe, holistic, non-invasive form of physical therapy that targets specific muscle groups and connective tissue. Gentle moves are performed over the muscles, with a series of short waits in between moves to allow the body to respond and engage its own self-healing processes. It can assist in recovery from many conditions and is suitable for injury rehabilitation. Currently offering mobile services for Springbrook residents or in clinic services in Miami.
Straight from our nursery, get hard-to-find, healthy herb plants & Salvias delivered to your door, ready to replant. We package your plants with care so they reach you on time, in excellent condition.
www.greenvalleybowentherapy.com.au greenvalleybowen@yahoo.com.au Ph: 0475 840 541 Samantha Ashley Bowen Therapist Mobile Service – Springbrook Clinic Service - Miami
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
24
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Self Help By Gina Winter Gina Winter is a practicing herbalist and masseuse who is available for consultations. Phone: 5533 5061. (Dip. Herbal Medicine ANTA )www.selfhelpretreat.com.au www.facebook.com/selfhelpretreat
infections and irritations and whilst it is not a cure, it will provide symptomatic relief and some nourishment. A well-nourished body knows how to heal itself….. Plantain’s affinity with your digestive system will provide healing and relief for stomach ulcers and acid reflux. If you experience indigestion, drinking an infusion of plantain, may not cure the dis-ease but will offer you relief from the symptoms while you address the cause. Plantains astringent properties also make it useful for cases of diarrhea and its mucilage can provide relief from constipation, mainly found in the seeds. A home remedy for those who don’t have a fibre rich diet is to place a teaspoon of the seeds into a cup and cover with boiling water. Allow it to cool and drink this ‘tea’ to help along a sluggish or irritable bowel.
Plantain Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major I like a garden that requires little attention with maximum nourishment. I like plants that self-seed or are perennials which are usually the herbs and weeds that grow around me. One of the most common weeds that appears in my garden is Plantago, plantain or ribwort. It is a hardy self-sowing beauty that can supply you with both food and medicine from her leaves, roots and seeds. In my garden I have three types of plantain, mentioned above, and all of them have helped me over the years. I find that the buckthorn plantain is tastier in salads and I collect and dry the broadleaf and narrow leaf for infused oils, vinegars, alcohol tincture or for making a nourishing infusion. This is how you use your food as your medicine. Plantain is known as an astringent, mucogenic plant which means it is both toning and healing for all of the mucous membranes in your gut and then by reflex is also beneficial to the mucous membrane in your respiratory and urinary system. When infused in oil it can be used as is, or made into a salve by melting in some beeswax and applied to your skin for cases of eczema, psoriasis, cuts, burns, scratches, bites and stings. I have seen it stop the pain of a bee sting in minutes by the application of a spit poultice. To make a spit poultice take a leaf or two, chew them up a little and apply to the area. Plantain dried leaf infusion or a fresh leaf tincture can offer relief and healing for painful urination found in urinary tract Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
A lovely home remedy to have on hand to treat coughs, asthma and bronchial dis-ease is plantain syrup. First, make a strong infusion of plantain, reduce this by half, take off the heat and mix in some raw honey to your taste. It will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks. This syrup will help remove excess mucous in the lungs, and make it easier to breathe whilst moistening and toning your lungs. A poultice can be made from the warmed leaves and applied to areas on your body where there is inflammation, or on wounds or swollen joints. To remove splinters, finely chop some plantain leaves and apply to the area. Hold in place with a bandage and refresh the poultice every couple of hours until the splinter is removed. As you can see beloved plantain is another gift from Mother Nature and a sign that we are not alone on planet Earth when we can practice self-help for nourishment and health. Gina Winter 25
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Nachos $12 - $17
Chips - Side $4, Box $8
Pizzas $15
Fish and Chips $18
Mountain Famous Pulled Pork Burger $15
Fish $5 Fish bites $1 each Calamari rings $1.20
Sliders $8 for 2
Chicken nuggets 80c each Feast Box $15
Pulled Pork and Gravy Roll $12 The Loaded Fries $16 Garlic Bread $8
10 Forestry Road, Springbrook Phone 5533 5154 @springbrook_cafe_and_bar @Springbrook Café and Bar
Salad $7 Tomato Lettuce Cucumber Cheese Add Avo 50c/Pulled Pork $3/Ham/Chick $2
Open 7 days - Fully Licensed
Wraps/Sandwiches from $6 Toasties Ham/chicken $8 Pulled pork $10 Homemade Pies from $6 Variety of cakes, tea, coffee and cold drinks Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
26
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Community Seed Bank PLANNING FOR SEED SAVING NOW: NOTES for Springbrook September 2021 Choose plant species to save seed from according to your level of experience. Remember also, that plants can be Annual, Biennial or Perennial. Annuals are the easiest for beginners. Annuals typically start from seed and produce their crop of blooms and seeds in one season about six months on average. Only save seed from traditional open pollinated seedstock. GMO and hybrid seedstock do not produce true-to-type seeds for the next grow-out. Of course grow anything you want for food production as well.... but take care to consult a pollination table so one brassica or cucurbit doesn’t cross with the “one” variety in that family you want to save seed from. Or employ caging or other isolation techniques which are actually simple. My bible is the Seed Savers Handbook by Michel and Jude Fanton (Australian) available from seedsavers.net online order and posted. Please do not be overwhelmed by all the following info I am going to provide. Whether you are just dipping in the big toe or want to take a dive... grow the food you want to grow and try saving seed from just 3 or 4 favourites this year... Since most seed can be stored for at least two years, there is no need to save seed from the same crop every year. This frees up ground to grow alternate crops to save seed from, say, every 2nd year. Self-seeding will occur in the garden when plants are left to go to seed and they can fall on fertile ground that will not be cultivated or mulched too often. Thin out the emerging germinants to grow a patch where they are, and /or transplant . The self-pollinated plants rarely accidently cross with varieties of their own species. Ideal for the beginner these are Basella, Beans – all of them, Cowpea, Endive, Eschallot, Garlic, Lettuce, New Zealand Spinach / Warrigal Greens, Okra, Peas, Tomatoes, Watercress. .. Leave space for plants to go to seed: They will stay in the ground for longer than if only for the table and some become quite tall, bushy or straggly, and need staking. Say you have 3 – 4 varieties of lettuce with a dozen of each variety, you would save a couple of plants of each variety that were the healthiest and the last to “bolt”, to save seed from. Bolting is when a centre stem (or stems) rises up to form a seed head at the end of the plants leaf harvesting cycle. You will need to adopt record keeping ( even if sketchy) and critically, variety name labelling habits. My notebook is called “The Garden Log”... I record where possible the time sown and or transplanted, and when I have harvested seed. Also very helpful is the Original Source “O/S” of the seed. Also when the first “fruits” set. As our main aim is to adapt varieties to our specific conditions, knowing if your seed has come from a gardener on Springbrook, is your own 1st,2nd 3rd etc generation grow-out, or is from a seed company, is useful for seed bank records. If the variety performed well, poorly, was pest or disease free or not, is good to know too. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
Any seed saved without it’s history is of value. Don’t stress it if you didn’t keep notes. Any seed in the hand is better than 2 in the bush... Avoid crossing of species: This can be done by growing them apart, such as in separate beds, isolate with barriers, hedges, buildings ( house, shed), and other plant groupings to prevent bees from directly cross pollinating similar species and varieties. Capsicum out the front; chilli out the back.... Plants can be isolated in time by growing out “cross pollinateds” a month apart from each other. This way different varieties of the same species ( eg. 2 capsicums and one chilli) will flower at different times to each other. Generally though, caging flowering plants of one variety of the same species to stop bees visiting both varieties at the same time is more popular. It’s a matter of “cage on” for say, a week, or on alternate days, to allow pollination of the uncaged, then “cage off” and cage the other variety to allow those plants to be pollinated. Once pollination of both/all varieties has been achieved then leave cages on both/all varieties until the flowering has stopped. Cheap mosquito nets from army disposal stores , old flyscreen doors or windows, and polypipe domes/ tunnels with shade cloth , nylon mesh can all be used for cages. Experienced seed savers employ hand pollination techniques to ensure true to type seeds for each variety. As a beginner seed saver you can simply grow out only one variety of watermelon, rockmelon, cucumber, squash, luffa and zucchini. Corn, including maize, cross pollinates so varieties can be staggered if there is a long growing season. Plant one variety in early September, another in early November and another in early January. General rule of thumb is one variety of each type of veg, herb, flower etc and you have plenty of time while all are growing to make notes in your journal and to act when something is due to flower. May the bees and the force be with you. Have fun. Enjoy the trip...and the food !!! Pleeeease feel free to email me with any queries, suggestions etc … Our last Garden Club meeting was cancelled due to lockdown. Anyone wanting to be put on the Garden Club email list for notices of meetings and other gardening articles: contact dee.kempson@ gmail.com or ring Gina on 0755 335 061.
27
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
School Playgroup & Mountain Mums
2021 Under 8’s Day at Springbrook State school “Children celebrating outdoor play and learning”
Springbrook School Playgroup, term time Mondays 9am to 11:30am. Come along for play, art, craft and meet friends! Contact Sue for more details 5548 3333 Mountain Mums meet Fridays 9am at the Fudge shop and at the Skate Park on Tuesdays 3-4 pm Contact Hazel for more detail 0408 383 974
Springbrook State School P&C Association The Springbrook School P&C have had had a great year fundraising even under the Covid restrictions and have managed to pull off a trivia night, sausage sizzles and Mother’s Day Stalls. It has all come together so quickly and so well! We farewelled Aimee our wonderful secretary, who is leaving us to have a baby and welcome Laura who has stepped in to fill the gap. Welcome Laura! We have such a small school inside a small tight knit community that it has been a major achievement to be able to raise the amount of money that we have, so we are thrilled that it has come together. We have raised about $7,000 so far. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Springbrook school, students, parents, staff and community for getting behind us at every opportunity to be able to give our kid’s education a boost. It’s been a great journey to be on and I’ve enjoyed every moment. Look forward to seeing you at our next fundraisers in September, the Coastal 50 High and the Father’s Day Stall! Anastasia Theodore, President, P&C Committee Springbrook State School
Containers for change P&C Fundraising I collect refundable containers for Springbrook School P&C. If you text “Containers” to 0402 209 916, I’ll arrange to pick up your refundable drink bottles and cans. Support our school. Leslie Thanks for a great day Mrs Chalmers – we had lots of fun Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
28
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Science at Springbrook School
SPRINGBROOK STATE SCHOOL Enrolments are always available at any time of year at Springbrook State School. We welcome enquiries, so if you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about Springbrook State School or our Playgroup, please email admin@springbrookss.eq.edu.au or phone 5548 3333.
This Semester in science the year 5 and year 6 students are doing a planting experiment. Our plan is to plant three plants in three locations; one being the veggie garden bed, location two being the bush tucker garden and location three being the forest. We chose to do sugar snap peas for the first five weeks with Miss Sue and Miss Nikki and the next five weeks we chose to grow corn for our assessment. We will be keeping some things the same and some changing to see the effect and investigate to identify the best environment to grow plants in our school.
We have had an interesting start to the school term with a snap lockdown, that got extended and this time we found it less of a challenge for the students, families and the staff. Our senior playground has started construction which we are all thrilled with, especially our wonderful P&C who have fundraised so hard recently to make this happen. It’s going to be a wonderful asset to our school. The seniors are really looking forward to it. Our participation in the Small Schools Athletics Carnival was a great day out, with wonderful results on the scoreboard as well. It was hot out there after the coolness of Springbrook, but we did well and really enjoyed the day. Tilleea Hoskins.
By Maddie, Grade Six Student Journalist
Principal, Springbrook State School
WIPE OUT WASTE FRIDAYS
The Friday Five!
Every Friday during term time, our P&C is running Wipe Out Waste Fridays along with Food Scrap Fridays. We are encouraging all members of the community to bring along specific items for recycling, to do our bit to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Every second Friday afternoon we have Passion Projects, a time when we do things at school like art, music and something new. In our group we publish the FRIDAY FIVE, a mini school bulletin. We have Elijah, Zaine, Indi, Rob, Maddi and our Passion Project teacher is Kara Froggatt. When we are all done with Friday Five we go down to the gate and hand out the Friday Five for the Springbrook State School kids and teachers. Sometimes we have someone away, so we put the person’s name then space for them to add next time.
Recyclable items to bring: • •
• • • •
Bottle tops (numbers 2 and 4) need to be clean and dry Oral hygiene products—toothbrushes, floss containers, electric toothbrush heads, toothpaste tubes—all need to be clean and dry Writing instruments—plastic pens, liquid paper pots Used batteries (not car batteries) Don’t forget we are still collecting recyclable cans and bottles for the container refund scheme
By Elijah, Year three Student Journalist
So start hunting around your home, and start a bag or container to bring in! Fridays at front gate Springbrook State School 8:30am Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
29
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook’s Farm Gates, Stalls and Locally Produced Products. The Vege Vault: 2311 Springbrook Road. Freshly picked seasonal vegetables. Cash Sophie’s Stall: Springbrook Rd opposite Carricks Road. Seasonal veges and produce. Cash. Self Service. Also weekly greens services. Echo Valley Farm Stall: 42 Lyrebird Ridge Rd. Kiwi fruit based jams and sauces. Macadamia Nuts & Kiwi fruit (in season) Kindling, Fire wood. Cash. Self Service Greenwood Farm & Co: End of Springbrook Road at Goomoolahra. Bath and beauty products, honey, jams, sauces, pickles, chutneys. Card or cash. Face to face service. Self Help Retreat: Gwongorella Parade. Herbs, teas, tinctures, turmeric. See website for details. www.selfhelpretreat.com.au Sanctuary Stall: Seasonal veges, gifts, produce. Cash or ring the bell for service. Sharon’s Stall & Shop : Springbrook Rd just after Lloyds road. Season vegetables, fruits, gifts & art. Cash or call for service. Lalita’s locally made Kim Chi and Sauerkraut
Available at the Fudge Shop. Cash or card.
HISTORIC PHOTOS WANTED…
Springbrook Community Food Growers I suspect that as more and more people understand the value and reward of growing some of their own food, home gardens on the mountain will flourish. If we become well-coordinated we can even plan our planting so that we are not all growing the same foods at the same time and provide more diversity of produce. We can also grow enough for those who can’t or don’t wish to garden but still would like to enjoy fresh produce. We have the wonderful opportunity to arrange to meet regularly and create community through gardening and the sharing with each other of seeds, produce, plants and food. It’s fantastic to see the roadside stalls appearing around the place as well. A good opportunity to support growers and access truly fresh produce. Our last meet at Santo’s home had to be postponed but will be rescheduled ASAP, so keep an eye on our Facebook page or join our email list for gardening tips and meeting updates for our next meeting. Email Dee at dee.kempson@gmail.com to be included on our mailing list for Springbrook Food Growers and Springbrook Seed Bank. I am now preparing my garden beds and looking forward to Springtime and some serious seed raising and planting as the weather becomes warmer. I am also looking forward to seeing some familiar faces at our next meet as well as any new members who wish to join an informal group of people who love to garden despite its challenges and precisely for the nourishing reward. Gina Winter .
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
This photo was probably taken in the 1990’s as that’s when the skate park was developed and when the second story on the SES was built. Do you recognise anyone in this image? We would love to know more about it if you do! The SMCA has received a grant for collecting more photos of early Springbrook. We are specifically looking for buildings and people from the 60's and 70's. Got a few you'd like to see framed and hanging in the hall?
Contact us on secretary@smca.org.au If you have a few photos to share! 30
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Naturally fresh fruit may take a little time to ripen it’s best to leave it out of the fridge in a warm place in the kitchen until the flesh gives just a little when you give it a gentle squeeze. It can be eaten when firm or a bit soft depending upon your personal preference …… it can be eaten whole skin and all, or scooped out with a spoon, or sliced up in a bowl with your cereal, ice cream or yoghurt!
Kiwi Fruit is a super food and great for your immune system. It is very high in vitamin C, fibre, and anti-oxidants whilst being low in fat. We have also discovered it is a great ingredient in our range of delicious jams, chutney and sauces. Echo Valley Kiwi Fruit are available on our Farm Stall, at Now Fresh in the Mudgeeraba Market Shopping Centre and from Food Connect in Brisbane.
Echo Valley News It’s that time of the year again when our unique and amazingly delicious ACO certified organic Kiwi Fruit has been harvested and sorted and is now in the process of being sold. Due to a bit of extra rain this year the fruit is large and juicy and the taste is exceptional.
If you are new to the mountain then you may not know that our Kiwi Fruit Orchard is over 50 years old. It has never been pesticide sprayed and after all these years it is still going strong. The fruit is picked when the sugar levels are correct (min Brix level 6.5) to make it the tastiest Kiwi Fruit available. You will definitely notice the difference compared to the supermarket produce! Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
31
In other farm news another 24 lambs have been born this year, including 3 sets of twins. Our Dorper Sheep all do a fabulous job in helping to keep the fireweed at bay along with our Boer Goats, ourselves and our farm team. Currently the orchard is being pruned and maintenance carried out to help ensure a fine crop next year and hopefully in the years to come! Garlic is growing beautifully and on target for picking in December. Chickens are providing wonderful fresh eggs for us and the farm stall every day despite the cold weather. The cold, wet, wild and windy weather has created some challenges with caring for our animals, more trees blowing over and keeping up with the demand for firewood and kindling! Rozie Cairns Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Vale Wayne Matheson
“It is with great sorrow and overwhelming heartache that I share with you the loss of my soul mate and best friend, Wayne. We were together for 38 years. We were the other half of each other. Wayne passed away last Sunday 8th August, 2021 6.40am with me by his side after a massive brain bleed. Naturally I am devastated and numb right now. On behalf of all his children, Tamara, Carney, Leon, Jamie, Justin and myself, I want to thank everyone who has already reached out to us with their love and support.” Kristina Matheson We here at Voices extend our condolences to the Matheson family. Long term residents will recall Wayne’s extensive involvement in the community in the 1980’s and ‘90’s. As a builder Wayne was responsible for the construction of a number of Springbrook houses, including his own near Craft Corner as well as the iconic mudbrick roundhouse. This was initially built as a venue for the education of the children of Springbrook, as the current school was not established until 1984. As the original school had been closed in 1971 with an unsustainable enrolment of 4, Springbrook students had to bus to Mudgeeraba or be driven to Numinbah Valley. This was what prompted Wayne and his then wife, Stellamary to establish a facility for their own children and others in the community to come together and complete the Distance Education curriculum with the assistance of a roster of parents. Wayne was also a talented amateur director and actor, producing a number of performances at the hall under the auspices of his “Springbrook Productions”. In 1983 they staged 3 sell-out performances of the evergreen musical “Oklahoma” with an all local cast of 50 in the Springbrook Hall. He also taught judo, jazz exercise/dance and was an SES trainer, all involving community commitment. In 1991 Wayne became the first president of the Springbrook Mountain Community Association ( SMCA) and he was last on the mountain to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of this organisation. Wayne and his family were energetic, creative and valued members in our Springbrook community and although he had not lived here for many years, his contributions will not be forgotten. Pam Hall Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
Pics from top to bottom: Wayne teaching Judo at the hall, well known 1980’s Springbrook residents, Les Broadwood and Christine Gleaves, who played lead roles in Oklahoma, Jazz exercise in the Hall and laying the foundations of the Mudbrick Roundhouse. 32
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
WHO WAS MARY LEU and WHY WAS A BRIDGE NAMED IN HER HONOUR ?? Mrs Mary Leu, the gatekeeper of Neranwood was a notorious figure. In 1928, when her husband Harold (aka Nugget) was offered the road maintenance job for the Springbrook – Mudgeeraba road, his wife became the gatekeeper of the narrow One Way toll road. She was on call 24 hours, irrespective of the weather or personal circumstances and for this dedication she received the trifling sum of thirty shillings a week. ($3 in today’s money) She quickly became an institution as she took her role very seriously, not allowing anyone to pass if the time for down traffic had passed and the chance of vehicles on the road was possible. This was particularly the case in the 1940’s when timber jinkers were travelling along this winding road. During the Second World War the locals joked that even if an invasion force had arrived, if the times were against them, Mrs Leu would have stood her ground and not let them pass! It is said that she was very English in her mannerisms and a lady, but her word was law and the community no doubt had great faith in her capacity to keep them safe, at a speed that was set at 12 miles per hour. Another function that she fulfilled for the benefit of the communities downstream was that of measuring the height of Little Nerang Creek. Unlike today there was no dam regulating the flow and rapid rise of the runoff from Springbrook after heavy rain periods which could spell disaster for those downstream without prior warning. The Leu’s home stood at the southern end of what is now Neranwood Park and this is where the toll gate was located. Every two hours the flow of traffic changed except for a three hour session in the morning when you could leave the mountain between 4am and 7am and if you couldn’t return between 3pm and 5pm, there was a three hour window between 7pm and 10pm. It was a very different world. Thirty years ago in my research of Springbrook’s European history, I couldn’t find anyone who even knew Mrs Leu’s Christian name. She was quite the formidable figure, but a few years ago I received a photograph of her home, with a very reticent Mrs Leu standing near her front door. Pam Hall
Commercial Leasing – Should you go as personal guarantor? For business owners, personal guarantors, particularly on the lease of their premises, should be avoided at all costs. Any increase in the rate of business failures will expose business owners to personal liability for the debts of their business. When a company fails it is of no surprise to readers to learn that creditors will pursue the guarantors to pay any outstanding debt. Making matters worse, according to Worrells Accountants, most personal guarantees include a “charging” clause that makes their creditors a “secured creditor” over any real estate owned by the guarantor. Particularly with a loan of commercial premises, you are backing the landlord to manage its property in a continually efficient and businesslike manner. We recommend to our clients that we negotiate either a cap on that potential liability or alternate security such as a higher security bond. For all leasing enquiries, please contact Jacelyn Bristow at the office of RobertsLaw on 07 5530 5700.
LOCAL HISTORY
“Springbrook - Where the Clouds Touch the Earth” by Pamela Hall
On sale for $25 (2nd print run almost sold out) Call Pam on 5533 5107 or 0408 280 853 Available at The Fudge Shop and Dancing Waters Café
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
33
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
THE HAIRCUT I sit in a chair upon the back verandah waiting for her to come. My hair has grown longer than usual, no professional manicure. Life now is more casual. Sun is kinder in lockdown, so that harsher judgements are composted into a richer garden, one where flowers blossom into sunlight. She comes through the door with an assessing eye determining proportions, as women do, their sensibility personal, particular events unfolding with a touch of gossip, savour; today she is doing me a favour with implements of steel, not so cruel as women’s eyes can sometimes be, in her pursed lips a bud of laughter, happy as a rose upon the lawn in silver sun and glint of brutal metal.
SPRINGBROOK CRAFT GROUP
She’s draped me in a towel, a fluffy stole, in glittering air a bayonet of steel; a comb to strain my hair forwards, and veil my blinking eyes, then suddenly takes me by surprise with thrusting hand and scissors that are anything but bland in their quick intentions, snips the fallen kingdom of my power like Samson’s locks - she my sweet Delilah in whom I have put trust, a little warily.
Annette Robbins on 0427 143 214 Everyone is welcome. Ask to be added to our email list. We welcome new members so if you like to do craft please come along and join us each
Wednesdays between 10.00am and 12.00pm
Hanks of hair are falling on my shoulder, drifting down in spiderwebs of silk into a concurrent age of silver transposed from brilliant gold of former years, a cap of eminence – so I had thought – until she snips it off, a little snort of soft contempt at ego, then a laugh to see a soft white carpet on the floor, blown about, attracting beaks of birds gathering for lining their small nests, cushioning baby breasts with silken vestments. - David Wood, Springbrook Poet Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
So if you are looking for an outlet or just an opportunity to meet other locals, join us, We love to meet new faces and learn new craft techniques 34
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Quirky Quotes
Shed Talk! The Springbrook Mens Shed is still alive and well, the virus hasn't got us yet! We're open 9am 12pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; all men welcome to our 'social club with power tools'; bring along a project, help with one of ours, get out of the house or simply just drop in to put the world to rights. We have a good workshop and some clever fellas who know how to use the gear (more importantly, show it off!) and a coffee table for cuppas at half past ten.
One for August: “A lifetime largely given over to [a laird] visiting [his] tenants is a useful preparation for the role of a rural Governor-General.” - Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, June 1914, in a letter back to London after arriving in Australia (and pivotal in July three weeks later, in convincing the Australian government to commit before the declaration of, and completely unconditionally to, a possible war in Europe – indeed to hand over complete control of all its forces to Britain, not even to keep them together - and to pay all costs - “to the last man and the last shilling”, without heed to the consequences. As did Canada. And New Zealand.}
All blokes welcome; drop in sometime and say hello!
Mark Hanna, US Senator, 1895: There are two things that are important in politics. The first is money and I can’t remember what the second one is.” Pamela Jekel, in the novel Columbia: “Ilchee smiled. ‘You believe, then? You are not like the whites who say, “seeing is believing”? Ning Ho frowned in bewilderment. ‘They say this? In my land, we say that a man does not see a thing as it is, but as he is. This is true, mah?’ ‘And my people say a thing must be believed to be seen.”” “Just taught my kids about taxes by eating 38% of their ice-cream.” Conan O’Brien. Dr Dorina Pojani, University of Queensland, in ‘Gauging differences in public transport symbolism across national cultures’, in ‘The Road Ahead’, RACQ, August 2019: ‘UQ researcher Dr Dorina Pojani said she was shocked at how differently parts of the world viewed public transport and the stigma still attached in some cultures. “In Asian cultures, such as China and India, people had a very negative attitude towards public transport and often disliked ecofriendly cars,” Dr Pojani said. “In those cultures, they care about cars as a status symbol to demonstrate wealth. To them, society is very hierarchical – it’s important for a person to immediately demonstrate where they stand in society from their clothing and the car they drive.” “Smile, breathe and go slowly. This is it.” Thich Nhat Hahn, quoted on list of sponsors of Buddhist ‘stupa’ at Crystal Castle, Mullumbimby. “Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means you will do something new, meet someone new, and make a difference.” Eric Schmidt, executive chairman, Google, quoted in “The Defining Decade – 20 - why your twenties matter and how to make the most of them now” by Dr Meg Jay. “Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be king.” Mark van Doren (quoted in, and found in, the Rawene Community Newsletter, Hokianga Coast, North Island, New Zealand).
For enquiries regarding the Men’s Shed please contact Chris Piper on 0427 771 976 2390 Springbrook Rd
Seneca (Roman stoic philosopher) in his book, Letters from a Stoic: “Don’t stumble over what is behind you.” Collected by Graeme McIlveen
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
35
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
-
Old Cars and Trucks of Springbrook Velocette Motor Cycles in Springbrook Velocette is a line of motorcycles made by Veloce Ltd (1905-1971), in Hall Green, Birmingham, England. One of several motorcycle manufacturers in Birmingham, Velocette was a small, family-owned firm, selling almost as many hand-built motorcycles during its lifetime as the mass-produced machines of the giant BSA and Norton concerns. Renowned for the quality of its products, the company was "always in the picture" in international motorcycle racing, from the mid-1920s through the 1950s, culminating in two World Championship titles (1949–1950 350 cc) and its legendary and still-unbeaten (for single-cylinder, 500 cc machines) 24 hours at over 100 mph (161 km/h) record. Veloce, while small, was a great technical innovator and many of its patented designs are commonplace on motorcycles today, including the positive-stop foot shift and swinging arm rear suspension with hydraulic dampers.
Simon’s Velocette is a 1962 MSS touring version in fantastic original condition. There were also scrambler and enduro versions of this motorcycle. Reference for this article: Wikipedia
If you know of an old car worth featuring in Springbrook Voices, please contact Alan Robertson Ph 04 02 445 418 or Email: alan.robertson@ausrocks.com.au
The business suffered a gradual commercial decline during the late 1960s, eventually closing in February 1971. The workforce was sacked in February 1971, with C C Cooper, a local metals-recovery dealer, buying most of the machinery and continuing to produce limited spare parts by a small team of engineers. The rights to use the Velocette name and manufacture parts were then soldon to the Holder family, and the buildings at Hall Green were demolished.
Springbrook Mens Shed
There are two beautiful recently acquired Velocette motorcycles in Springbrook, one belonging to Chris Young and one belonging to Simon Donovan.
Open Tuesdays, Thursday & Saturday Mornings from 9am. Morning Tea about 10.30am.
Chris Young’s Velocette is a 1961 Venom Thruxton model which was introduced in 1956. The bike is sports tuned and identified by the fishtail muffler. The engine is a four-stroke 499cc single with chain drive.
All local men welcome to come and have a look around or to join us for a cuppa. 2390 Springbrook Road Follow the signs. For more info please call Chris on 0427 771 976
ANDREW LAMBURD CONSTRUCTIONS CONCRETE, SHED &TANK SLABS, CONCRETE CUTTING, FENCING, BITUMEN & ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS. CARPENTRY/BUILDING MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING SERVICES
PH 0419 028 729
Chris Young’s Velocette Venom at the Mens Shed. Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
36
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
.
MOBILE WELDING 0409 598 001 MARK DONALDSON ABN 37190144073
30 YEARS WELDING EXPERIENCE
LOCKSMITH CHRIS YOUNG
1st Class Sheet Metal Trade
Supply and installation of all key & lock products Mobile: 0438 123 534 Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
37
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
38
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
Springbrook Voices Advertisers directory Altitude Automotive Andrew Lamburd Constructions Art – Draw and Paint Chris Young Locksmith Dancing Waters Café Diamond Light Astrology Don Kibble: Printers of Voices Echo Valley Farm Cottage First National Real Estate Fudge Shop Greenwood Farm & Co Green Valley Bowen Therapy H2O Tank Doctor Harman’s Chimney Cleaning Jarrod Crowden Construction LJ Hooker Real Estate Local History Book Lowes Electrical Group Mobile Welding Mountain Hire Mud Brick Cottage Herb Nursery Peter Simmonds- Real Estate Agent Piper’s Permaculture Robert Laws P/L Rutherford Refrigeration & Aircon Self Help Retreat Sew Chic Sophie the Seamstress SOS Outdoor Services Springbrook Café & Bar Springbrook Guide Springbrook Massage & Beauty Telman’s Jewellery The Invisible College Tree Removal & Pruning True Blue Painting
0476 267 030 0419 028 729 0427 570 812 5533 5521 5533 5335 0405 170 174 5532 0499 0414 574 484 0438 810 736 5533 5329 0413 101 582 0475 840 541 5545 3693 0407 181 313 0488 934 972 0420 664 690 0408 280 853 0404 608 042 0409 598 001 0472 744 611 5530 3253 0438 892 373 0427 771 976 5530 5700 0403 290 940 5533 5016 0427 570 812 0438 468 886
Licensed Painter
Michael Cochrane 0421 424 939 *Commercial * Industrial *Residential *Pressure Washing *Repaints *Night Work *Roof Cleaned & Sprayed *Staining Lacquering *Small Plastering Repairs
FREE QUOTES Email admin@truebluepainting.com.au www.trueblue.com.au Licence Number QLD 150146636
0487 670 111
5533 5154 0419 025 877 0427 415 299 0411 421 750 0412 770 110 0409 598 001 0421 424 939
KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS & LOVE OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
39
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21
This publication is delivered FREE to all Springbrook homes that have a letterbox, about 400. It also reaches the Coast, as it is sent to all Gold Coast Libraries. A copy of every issue is filed in the State Library where it is available for future historical research.
SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY DIRECTORY BALEIREI BOOK NOOK – 2353 Springbrook Rd near Kuralboo Ck Bridge. Daylight hours BLUE CARE – Customer Service Centre 1300258322. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – The Chamber meets 1st Tuesday bi-monthly. Please email info@explorespringbrook.com for details about meetings and information about membership.
www.explorespringbrook.com CITY OF GOLD COAST COUNCIL - 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326) or 07 5582 8211 CHURCH SERVICES - Anglican: Family service on 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am. Enquiries: Parish Office 5525 1018. COMMUNITY CUPPA – Meets on the last Friday of the month at different local cafés on a rotating basis. Call Francine on 0449 830 738 or email franciegirl@hotmail.com CRAFT GROUP – Wednesdays, 10-12pm Call Annette 5533 5656. CUBAN DANCE – Movement Facilitator. Christina Moneron 0432 509 519 DIVISION 9 OFFICE – Cr Glenn Tozer 5581 1883 FIRE BRIGADE – Meeting 1st Thursday of every month at 7pm. Training 3rd Thursday of every month at 7pm. Call 5533 5518 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE - Wayne Randall 5533 5192. See page 4 for more local JP’s LADIES LUNCH – 2nd Friday of the month. Kay 0407 137 880 MOUNTAIN MOTHERS GROUP – Hazel 0408 383 974 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - Geoff Dickie - gdickie65@bigpond.com PERISAI DIRI SILAT – Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm at the Hall. Simon 0405 252 435. PLAYGROUP – Mondays 9am to 11am at Springbrook School. Contact Sue 5548 3333. PURLING BROOK BOOK NOOK – Kuralboo St. Community books, open dawn till dusk SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY FOOD GARDENERS – Meets quarterly. Call Gina on 5533 5061 SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY SEED BANK – Dee dee.kempson@bigpond.com SRINGBROOK SCHOOL P&C - Second Tues or Thurs of the month at the school, 8.30am. SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY LIBRARY – at the Hall. See SMCA Social media for times SPRINGBROOK MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION – General meeting every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7.15pm at the Hall. All welcome to attend. SPRINGBROOK MENS SHED – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9am. Contact Graeme 0411 721 712 Web site-www.springbrookmensshed.wordpress.com SPRINGBROOK HALL – For bookings contact Kara on 0413 979 271 SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK - phone 55335147 during office hours 7am – 4pm (if phone unattended leave a message; calls will be returned) SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY SEED BANK – Dee 0438 566 080 SPRINGBROOK WILDLIFE APPRECIATION GROUP (SWAG) - Ceris Ash 0418 454 732 or cerma@bigpond.net.au TENNIS CLUB - Geoff Dickie - gdickie65@bigpond.com . UPPER SPRINGBROOK BOOK NOOK – Outside Greenwood Farm & Co, Goomoolahra WILDCARE - For all queries regarding sick or injured wildlife: 5527 2444 – 24 hours wildlife.
DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in Springbrook Voices are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the editorial committee. None of the contributions appearing in this newspaper are intended to cause offence or embarrassment to any person.
YOUR Springbrook Voices IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY
and produced by the SPRINGBROOK VOICES ASSOCIATION INC.
STAFFED BY VOLUNTEERS
EDITOR:
Pam Hall 0408 280 853 Content Co-ordinator
Kara Froggatt 0413 979 271 We thank all advertisers who support this newspaper and urge our readers to do likewise. CONTACT DETAILS: EMAIL ADDRESS for Voices:
voices.springbrook @gmail.com Emailed articles are encouraged
THANK YOU TO YOU ALL
DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS: November 20th for Issue 137
SPRINGBROOK VOICES - MAILOUT SUBSCRIPTION For residents of Springbrook this newspaper is delivered free to your letterbox. However, if you have moved, don’t have a letterbox, or know someone who may want to receive Springbrook Voices on a regular basis, an Annual Subscription of $20.00 may be the solution. Payment can be by Cheque made out to Springbrook Voices Assoc Inc or direct credit – BSB: 484-799 A/C No: 204235509. Please put your name as reference. Please fill in the subscription form below and return to Springbrook Voices c/- Caryl Hamilton, 9 Eugenia Circuit, Robina Q 4214 or email information to voices.springbrook@gmail.com.
Please send 4 issues of Springbrook Voices to : Name:…………………………………………………………………................................................................................................................................... Post to Address:………………………………………………….................................................................................................................................... Contact details Phone/Email: …………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………….… Springbrook Voices: Issue 135
40
Sept ’21 – Nov ‘21