Our Logan December 2019

Volume 85 December 2019

Gift horse helps Nathan win Sportsperson of the Year

CON T E N TS

Editorial enquiries: 3412 5284 or media@logan.qld.gov.au Advertising enquiries: 3412 5176 or marketing@ logan.qld.gov.au Managing Editor: Rebecca Smith News Editor: Martin King Writers: Zoe Krieg Martin King Julie Brumfield-Jones Sam Burgess Samantha Stiller Geoff Stead Jason Oxenbridge

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6

8–9

‘Hulk’ strives to continue winning streak

Love of snakes leads to new book

New cat and dog laws

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23

27

New vision for Kingston Butter Factory

Logan software company wins export award

Green corridor secured at Bahrs Scrub

Customer Service Centres:

Graphic design: Charlene Chang Vicky Fraser Cassandra Harris Leisa Wright Front cover image: Nathan Harvey and Dom Photo: Martin King None of the material in this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Logan City Council.

Teens 12–17

YEARS

OUR LOGAN, OUR CITY MAGAZINE

Activities for January 2020 now available online! Go to: logan.qld.gov.au/krank Bookings open Monday 9 December at 9am. Get in quick. Spaces limited.

Cheap $5 movie tickets, wakeboarding, arts and crafts, nerf wars, surfing lessons, aqua park, go-karting and more!

All content accurate as of 15 November 2019.

Logan City Council Administration Centre 150 Wembley Rd, Logan Central Open Monday to Friday (except public holidays)

Beenleigh Customer Service Centre Corner George St and City Rd, Beenleigh Open Monday to Friday (except public holidays)

logan.qld.gov.au

8am to 5pm

8am to 4.45pm

visitlogan.com.au Logan City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging and extends that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the City of Logan.

Jimboomba Customer Service Centre 18–22 Honora St, Jimboomba

Kids 5–11 This magazine is wrapped in biodegradable material, meeting Australia Post packaging requirements in an environmentally sensitive way.

Activities for January 2020 now available online! Colour-in the image of KRANK’s new mascot, KRANKenstein to win $100 worth of toys – of your choosing!

Go to: logan.qld.gov.au/ krank to download our colouring-in competition entry form.

Printed by Ovato, an ISO 14001 certified firm

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YEARS

Open Monday to Friday (except public holidays)

More details on how to enter available online.

8am to 4.45pm

Logan City Council contact details: Post: PO Box 3226 Logan City DC Qld 4114 Phone: 3412 3412 Email: council@logan.qld.gov.au Website: logan.qld.gov.au facebook.com twitter.com /logancitycouncil /logancc All enquiries, requests for information and complaints should be directed to 3412 3412 or email council@logan.qld.gov.au

Our Logan is produced and delivered to households and businesses in the City of Logan at a cost of 74 cents.

Welcome to this edition of Our Logan Residents in Logan have high expectations of their Councillors.

They are leaders in our community who are required to both represent and make decisions on our behalf. They step forward to serve on Council and they commit time and energy to making the City of Logan a better place.

In response to calls for better transparency and accountability, the Queensland Government has been pursuing a rolling reform agenda for local government.

As part of these reforms, a number of changes have recently been made to legislation, particularly in relation to the rules governing candidates, such as: • improved real-time donation disclosures • real-time expenditure disclosures • mandatory training for election candidates • transparent candidate bank accounts and financial returns • new requirements for candidates in groups.

While candidates will be busy bringing themselves up to speed on the new requirements, here in Council we have been working hard to strengthen and improve a wide range of policies in readiness for the newly elected Council.

The Logan Sports Awards demonstrate the depth of sporting talent in our city. The many winners each year arise from all walks of life to distinguish themselves locally and go on to represent our city, state and country. This years winners are featured on page 25.

Silvio Trinca, Acting Chief Executive Officer Nathan Harvey and Andre Rivett are two exceptional athletes who have achieved remarkable feats at an international level.

Nathan, Logan’s Disabled Athlete of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year, surprised many people—including his parents—by winning gold and bronze medals at the Special Olympics, rising to international prominence in the equestrian ring this year.

His story and that of Andre Rivett’s are wonderful local examples of people who through their own determination and hard work are succeeding in the sporting arena and representing Australia at the highest level.

Tamara O’Shea, Interim Administrator Logan City Council

Thanks to the support of my Interim Management Committee and the dedicated work of Council officers, I will be looking to approve a significant portion of the ‘Transition to Council’ work at a special Council meeting in December.

Many of the proposed improvements have been tested against the highest standards recommended Tamara O’Shea, Interim Administrator by bodies including the Office of the Independent Assessor, the Crime and Corruption Commission, the Integrity Commissioner and the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

The community should have confidence that the systems we are putting in place now will deliver greater transparency and accountability, and give the next elected Council an even stronger foundation on which to continue growing this great City of Logan.

With our city moving into drought and our diverse flora and fauna facing tough times, the environment features heavily in this issue. Reptiles, which often go unseen during the cooler months, are coming under increasing stress due to the disturbance of their habitat.

As native animals, reptiles are a protected class that increasingly require assistance to survive. Fortunately, there are trained volunteers in Logan (featured on pages 6 and 7) who provide assistance to relocate and even hatch disturbed eggs.

If you do see a snake or lizard in danger, please report it and give our struggling wildlife a chance to survive.

Council is also playing its part purchasing land for conservation and providing community assistance—through environmental grants—to fund a range of projects to protect our flora and fauna.

Providing up to $10,000 per project, the grants have contributed to worthwhile projects including funding for Eastern Blue-tongue Skink research, support for the Bats Alive Logan Release Centre and funding for the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned baby birds and other wildlife.

In closing, I would like to wish all our residents a safe festive season and prosperous new year and invite you to attend one of the many events, arts, cultural, exercise and well-being programs running over the holiday period.

Silvio Trinca, Acting Chief Executive Officer Logan City Council

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Hulk strives to continue golden streak Last year’s Logan Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, Andre Rivett, hopes to continue his long winning streak at the 2020 Trisome Games

Logan athlete, Andre Rivett, a world champion, won’t be resting on his laurels as he prepares for his next challenge.

Andre, who is known in his sport as The Hulk, did the City of Logan proud as he won three medals at the INAS Global Games 2019 at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in October.

The games are the world’s biggest sports event for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Andre won a gold medal in the men’s shot put event and took silver in the discus and javelin.

The 22-year-old now has his sights set on the Trisome Games 2020 in Antalya, Turkey from 31 March to 7 April.

Andre will compete in the shot put, discus and javelin events against athletes who also have Down syndrome.

Coach Brett Green says Andre put in a solid performance at the INAS Global Games.

He aims to further develop Andre’s strength and skills ahead of the Trisome Games.

“Andre works as hard as any able-bodied athlete,” Brett says.

“It shows people that it doesn’t matter what their situation is, they can still achieve.”

Andre holds the Oceania record for all three of the events he contests.

He threw a personal best (PB), just under 19 metres, in the javelin at the Global Games.

Just prior to the games he broke his own Oceania record by 21cm when he shot putted 9.34 m.

It was the third time this year he has broken his own record.

Andre’s talent was first recognised when he attended Kuraby Special School.

In the six years since, he has become accustomed to international competition.

Andre was part of the Australian para (F20) team for the first time at the Melanesian Athletics Championships in Fiji in 2016.

At the Down Syndrome Athletics World Championships in Madeira, Portugal in 2018 he placed fourth in shot put and sixth in javelin.

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Cover story

Nathan and Dom

A man and his horse Logan’s 2019 Sportsperson of the Year, Nathan Harvey, 32, has conquered everything life has thrown at him.

The gifted equestrian, who is autistic and visually impaired, started riding as a six-year-old at Riding for the Disabled.

His first ride was on a retired racehorse at a pony club under the guidance of his older sister.

At the age of 18 Nathan began losing his eyesight and did not think he would ride again but his love for horses conquered that disability too.

Nathan continued to learn to ride all over again, on his mum’s commandeered mare BB and graduated to competition horse Robbie, who took Nathan to his first Special Olympics and his first open competition.

There was no turning back, with Dom. That horse reared and was so naughty but Nathan persevered and never gave up Robbie retired five years ago and along came Dom, a beautiful black stallion, leased from owners James and Vanessa Hart.

Nathan’s mum, Kim, says family friend Yvette Vlies helped Nathan to learn about stallions and the rules of Official Equestrian Australia competition.

“There was no turning back, with Dom. That horse reared and was so naughty but Nathan persevered and never gave up,” Kim says.

“They became the best of friends—inseparable, training every day under Yvette’s guidance.”

After winning the Dressage Queensland State Championships (CDI FEI PE Grade V) and then gold, silver and bronze at the Special Olympics Nationals in Adelaide, Nathan qualified for the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Before they left James and Vanessa gave Dom to Nathan as a gift, which Kim believes motivated Nathan to new heights.

Nathan and Dom won gold in the official dressage event and surprised everyone winning a bronze for show jumping despite severe vertigo.

Nathan now has his heart set on the 2024 Paralympics and wants to train a horse to PSG (Prix St George) standard, with the ongoing assistance of Special Olympic Coach, Matthew Lord, who has been with him all the way.

See photos of the Logan Sports Award winners on page 25.

Special Olympic and World Games gold and bronze medalist Nathan Harvey on his mount Dom

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Love of snakes leads to new book Tyese and Scott Eipper with some of their slithering friends

For most people, snakes are either frightening or fascinating.

Marsden’s Scott Eipper definitely falls into the latter category.

It was a chance encounter with a snake at the age of five that sparked his fascination with reptiles.

“Like most kids that age, I chased lizards and geckoes and things like that and while I was doing that I came across a tiger snake,” Scott says.

“Luckily it didn’t bite me and Dad took it down to the creek where I’d found it and let it go but that was definitely the starting point for me.

Tyese and Scott Eipper’s book documents all of our country’s 236 species and sub-species of snakes including Scott’s pet carpet python

“I wouldn’t say I like them, I love them.”

It’s a love affair that has taken him across the country and seen him establish a business with the other love of his life, wife Tyese.

The couple have authored a new book, A Naturalist’s Guide to the Snakes of Australia, which documents every one of our country’s 236 species and sub-species of snakes.

It’s the first new snake book that covers every species of snake in Australia for 27 years and took about 18 months to compile.

“Between myself, my wife and some colleagues, we managed to get photographs of every species and sub-species,” Scott says.

“Some are so rare that we had to go to museums to photograph specimens but most of them were photographed in the wild.”

Logan is home to 16 snake species, five of which are considered venomous.

They are the brown snake, the Redbellied black snake, the rough-scaled

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snake, the small-eyed snake and the Stephens’ banded snake.

As a registered snake catcher, Scott is often called to homes to remove scaly intruders but he says in most cases residents shouldn’t be alarmed.

“If you come across a snake, freeze and slowly walk away, people don’t get bitten by snakes they’re walking away from.”

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Snakes of Australia is published by John Beaufoy Publishing.

Scott and Tyese also run Nature4You which puts on wildlife displays to educate and entertain the public.

Reptiles need our support Reptiles play a vital role in the ecosystem and usually go unseen.

While many reptiles are live bearers some lay their eggs underground where they hatch during the summer months.

Annette Bird, President of Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland Inc (RRQI) said this year was shaping up as a difficult one for reptile eggs and baby reptiles—due to the combination of drought, land clearing and human activity.

“Once a nest or clutch of eggs has been disturbed the baby reptiles won’t survive without proper care,” she says.

“They will die because the temperature and moisture levels have changed.

Predators can find them and they don’t hatch.

“Reptile eggs are easily identified. They are white and come in varying shapes and sizes with goanna eggs being the size of small chicken eggs while gecko eggs may look more like white peas.”

Annette says the survival of unearthed baby reptiles depends on human intervention.

vulnerable this year due to the dry conditions.

“With dams and creeks drying up we’ll need to relocate hatched babies to sustainable water sources, as they won’t make it overland in search of water.

“Turtles can live for up to 100 years so it’s vital that they have access to sustainable water—otherwise we’ll lose them from the region.”

Annette says the unborn babies of an injured reptile, could also be rescued.

“If you run over a lizard or snake or your dog or cat attacks a lizard or snake, they may have eggs inside them,” she says.

“Eleven baby Eastern Water Dragons (pictured above) were hatched after their mother was hit by a car and released.

“If you hit a reptile or find one that has been injured, please call us immediately if you find reptile eggs.”

Every year, RRQI hatches and releases around baby

reptiles back into the wild.

300-400

Reptile Rehabilitation Qld Inc (RRQI) 1300 878 903

What to do when eggs are accidentally displaced: • Pick them up carefully in the orientation they are last in and place them in a container with paper towel dampened with boiled and cooled water from a kettle. They will need to come into care in order to have a higher chance of survival.

• Call Reptile Rehabilitation Qld Inc (RRQI) on 1300 878 903 and a rescuer will be dispatched to correctly collect and transport them to a carer with an incubator. The faster they are placed in an incubator at the correct temperature and humidity and in the correct orientation, the better their chances of hatching.

“The best thing to do is either mark where they are and give us a call or gather them up and place them in a container with a dampened paper towel ready for us to collect,” she says.

“If we can get them to an incubator in time they have a 90 per cent chance of survival.”

Annette, an operating theatre nurse by day, says water-dependent reptiles such as turtles were particularly 7

Responsible owners

Veterinarian and Bondi Vet TV star Dr Alex Hynes at Underwood’s Animal Emergency Service

have happy healthy pets says Bondi Vet As more families embrace a pet, an increasing number are under-valuing the cost and commitment of keeping a cat or dog.

That’s the view of the City of Logan’s own Bondi Vet Dr Alex Hynes, from the Animal Emergency Service at Underwood.

“As pets become a much more important part of the family there’s a growing number of people who want to do the best for their pets,” Dr Alex says.

“But there’s always going to be that need to understand what taking on a pet really means.

“It involves not only the buying of a dog or cat but also ensuring they have all their preventatives, are up-to-date on their vaccinations and worming and in particular, have tick paralysis prevention.

“People sometimes go into it with their eyes not fully open. Even the cost of vet care can be considerable.

“It is financially a significant amount of money to own a pet and making sure that you really understand what that involves is important.”

Dr Alex adds that it is equally important to understand the needs of your pet—when you are there and more importantly, when you are absent.

She has joined in widespread praise for Council’s proposed new laws relating to the keeping of dogs and cats.

The proposed amendments to Subordinate Local Law 4.1, adopted by Council in October, were introduced to better address changing property sizes across the city.

They also include new requirements for the effective control of cats and dogs in public places and clear guidelines on managing barking dogs.

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The proposals, which also support responsible pet ownership, were shaped after an eight-month review under the City of Logan Animal Care Strategy 2018-2022.

The review included more than 3,000 responses from Logan residents in two rounds of community engagement—a record level of feedback for a Council initiative.

Dr Alex says the proposed new laws are “a responsible action by Council and the community”.

“What we have got to recognise is that the face of Logan is changing in terms of property sizes,” she says.

“So the governance around pet ownership needs to change in combination with that.

“If you are living in a suburb that has really small blocks and you have two large dogs that are not potentially going to have enough area to exercise that is

really something that is going to lead on to other problems.

“Problems with behaviour, problems with neighbours.

“It’s the same for cats. They are territorial animals. If they only have small areas and they are roaming outside of those areas they are going to get issues with fighting and so forth.

“There are definitely implications for health and behaviour that come about from having too many pets on too small an area of space.”

Dr Alex is back on TV in a reboot of the original show entitled Bondi Vet: Coast to Coast.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to do the show again,” she says.

“We’ve known Bondi Vet for 10 years and this was the chance to keep telling what Bondi Vet is all about.

“It is not only in Bondi that there are amazing pet and animal stories, it’s across the country.

“So this is really a chance to not only show what’s going on down there but to give Queenslanders a chance to share in those beautiful stories.

“The show is about that bond between pets and their owners and what comes through is stories of love of raw courage.”

Know the proposed new cat and dog laws Proposed new pet-keeping laws in the City of Logan outline the number of cats and dogs that can be kept on certain property sizes without Council approval.

Council approval can be sought for additional pets.

The proposed new law amendments also include: • If a dog is subject to a control issue on a property of 500 m2 or less, no part of the dog’s body can cross the enclosure or fence.

• Cats must be contained in a carrier or harness when in a public place.

• Training and management plans for dogs that are confirmed as a barking nuisance.

• The 10 kg weight restriction on companion dogs in retirement villages and aged care centres has been removed.

The proposed new law amendments are expected to be adopted by early next year.

The property criteria for general keeping of dogs and cats under an amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 4.1 (Animal Management) 2002 are shown below:

Dogs Property Type/Size (m2)

Allowable Number without Council Approval

Allowable Number with Council Approval

Units, Townhouses, Multi-Dwelling Premises including retirement/mature age villages

1

2

0 to 350

1

2

351 to 500

2

2

501 to 1000

2

3

1001 to 2000

2

4

>2000

4

4

Property Type/Size (m2)

Allowable Number without Council Approval

Allowable Number with Council Approval

Units, Townhouses, Multi-Dwelling Premises including retirement/mature age villages

2

2

0 to 350

2

2

351 to 2000

2

4

Over 2000

4

4

Cats

Put road safety top of your Christmas list Don’t let road safety take a back seat to parties, gifts and holidays during the summer holidays.

That’s the message from local police as the final countdown to Christmas begins.

Springwood Rd Policing Command Officer-in-Charge, Senior Sergeant Scott Lacey says many families would be on the road during the festive season.

“Whether you’re visiting friends and family, or heading to the beach for some rest and relaxation, don’t forget to make road safety your number one priority,” he says.

Senior Sergeant Lacey says it is important to use common sense and keep road safety front of mind.

“Stick to the rules and speed limits, be courteous and tolerant and together we can make our roads safer,” he says.

Criteria numbers are subject to landlord, real estate or body corporate approval when required.

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Music the passion of a lifetime

Rahim Zullah has been recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his skill and dedication to the advancement of Indian classical music

Rahim Zullah has dedicated much of his life to learning and teaching classical Indian music.

“It was like taking coal to Newcastle” is how classic music vocalist and longtime Greenbank resident Rahim Zullah describes his musical tour of India.

“I was invited to go on tour by the Delhi Habitat International Centre and performed in front of large audiences in Mumbai, Bhopal, Varanasi and Delhi,” Rahim says.

“For a Fijian-born Australian from Logan singing traditional songs in Hindi to an audience of hundreds in a classic concert in Delhi, this was the highlight of my musical career.”

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After performing in singing contests where he gained local notoriety, winning many awards, Rahim was offered a scholarship to attend classes in India— which his parents declined, due to his youth.

It wasn’t until 1974, when the Indian Government opened a cultural centre in Suva that Rahim had his chance to shine.

“They were offering a place for one vocalist, an instrumentalist, a dancer and a rhythm player,” Rahim says.

“I had the ability and now I was being taught how to be a traditional vocalist by some of the most esteemed teachers of traditional Indian music.”

Now 80, Rahim has dedicated most of his life to performing in classical concerts throughout the world—and at major events such as the Queensland Multicultural Festival.

In 1989 Rahim migrated to Australia with his family and worked at Yatala, as a sales representative for a local paint company while continuing his musical career and teaching.

His musical career began in the 1940s when third generation Indian-Fijian Rahim, was encouraged by his parents and grandparents to learn music and sing from an early age.

“In 2001 I was presented with a musical scholarship and went to study at Delhi University under a very prominent teacher. The course included singing the various genres of music and

teaching Indian classical music,” he says.

It was there he added to his repertoire and learned how to sing ghazals, a musical rendition of Urdu poems.

“My personal interest in all the various forms of Indian music is singing ghazals, which is poetry mostly written in Urdu, of love songs set in various melodies which I compose,” he says.

“There is a very intricate art to justify the poetry and ensure the melody and rhythm are correctly synchronised. You can also do a lot of improvisation—it’s a lot like jazz.”

Since then Rahim has passed on his expertise to hundreds of students— conducting workshops and classes on the finer nuances of classical music and ghazals—and doing the occasional performance.

Recently, Rahim was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Abdi Council of Australia for his ‘Skill and Dedication to the Advancement of Indian Classical Music’, his lifetime passion.

What's on at Logan Art Gallery Exhibition details for December 2019 to March 2020 can be found online at: logan.qld.gov.au/artgallery

6 December to 18 January: Chris Martin: Inherit this

24 January to 7 March: Miriam Innes: New York rambling

Recent paintings by Shailer Park artist Chris Martin looking at the state of the world we are leaving to our children and advocating the re-evaluation of what we take for granted.

Edens Landing artist Miriam Innes presents an installation of large-scale charcoal drawings that depict the architecture and streetscapes of New York City. See story (page 16).

Miriam Innes, NY meandering, 2017, charcoal on Fabriano paper

Music in the Gallery Old Chisel Band + meet the Cutting edge artists Chris Martin, Race to nowhere (detail), 2018, oil on canvas

Spectator Jonze: Observing the quiet unquiet These digitally drawn portraits explore people’s individual mental health. Through these works, the artist attempts to turn an often taboo and suppressed subject into a colourful and comedic display for people to interpret and address.

Spectator Jonze, Leanne, cleaning up the toxic waste, 2018, digitally manipulated image

The three exhibitions featured on this page are supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Logan City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Old Chisel Band

Saturday 14 December, 2pm to 4pm Logan Art Gallery 2pm to 3pm: Old Chisel Band from the local men’s shed will perform at the gallery for an afternoon of old time rock and roll. Hear them belt out some classics including Blue Suede Shoes, Peggy Sue and Mustang Sally.

3pm to 4pm: Meet the Cutting edge artists: Three artists, Rusty White, Rosemary Gorton and Owen Lucas use farm implements they’ve found—often large-scale circular and timber saws as the support for their paintings of rural and regional life. Meet the artists and learn about their traditional skills in painting onto found objects.

Light refreshments will be served, so bookings are essential

by Friday 13 December.

Visit: logan.qld.gov.au/galleryevents or phone 3412 5519

Cnr Jacaranda Ave and Wembley Rd, Logan Central FREE ADMISSION Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday For more information visit logan.qld.gov.au/artgallery Christmas closure times are listed on page 31.

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E V E N TS DECEMB ER

City of Logan Christmas Lunch Friday 6 December, 11.30am to 2.30pm Logan Entertainment Centre 170 Wembley Rd, Logan Central Tickets available from: bit.ly/lccxmaslunch Carols in the Parklands Saturday 7 December, 4pm to 8pm Shaw Street Oval, Yarrabilba Logan Outreach Youth Off the Streets Christmas Party Thursday 12 December, 3pm to 6pm Free sausage sizzle and drinks Ewing Park, Netball Dr, Woodridge Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum Local Arts and Crafts Sale Saturday 14 December 7am to 12.30pm 205 Main St, Beenleigh 2019 BMX Freestyle National Championships 14 and 15 December, 10am to 5pm Waller Park, Waller Rd, Browns Plains City of Logan Christmas Carols Saturday 14 December, 4.30pm to 9.30pm Griffith University Logan Campus, University Dr, Meadowbrook

WHAT’S ON AT

Craig Martin’s Swingin’ Christmas Show featuring his Swing Band Craig Martin’s Swingin’ Christmas Show combines the great swing classics with the very best Christmas Songs & Carols recorded by a selection of the world’s greatest-ever performers. They include Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, Bobby Darin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Tom Jones, Duke Ellington and many more.

Fri 20 Dec 2019

11am

Doors open

10am

In the late 90s he was introduced to big band swing music after listening to Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra, formed a Swing Band and has never looked back.

He performed with many of the UK’s best big bands including the number one band ‘The Syd Lawrence Orchestra’.

Tickets

Craig is quickly gaining a reputation as Australia’s ‘King of Swing’ performing with many Australian greats at a variety of events.

So join Craig and his swing band for a ‘swinging party’ to really let the festivities begin!

Dates Times

Table Entry $29.50

(morning tea included)

Table Group 8+ $28.50pp (morning tea included)

Table LEC Member

$28.50

(morning tea included)

Balcony $22 Balcony Group 8+

Balcony LEC Member

Duration

90 min

$20pp $20

BOOKINGS In person: Logan Entertainment Centre, 170 Wembley Rd, Logan Central. Mon to Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Phone: 07 3412 5626 Online: loganentertainmentcentre.com.au

It’s time to be Waterwise!

With South-East Queensland’s collective dam levels falling, our region is poised to be drought declared when levels reach 60 per cent.

If we’re in drought we will need to count on each other to make positive changes to reduce consumption. On 18 November, the Gold Coast desalination plant was ramped up to full capacity.

This plant turns sea water into drinking water and will be used to supplement our drinking water supply.

The first step is to know how much water your household is using and the easiest way to find this out is to look at your rates notice.

It will show how your household’s water usage compares with the Logan average

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and if you need to look at how to reduce how much water you’re using.

Consumption varies for many reasons but generally the hotter it gets the more we use!

In July the Logan average consumption was just 155 litres per person per day but by October that had risen to 197 litres.

There are some simple things we can all do around our homes and gardens that can make a big difference.

You can find lots of Waterwise tips for in and around the home on Council’s website that will save both water and money.

Water is a precious resource so let’s make every drop count. logan.qld.gov.au/waterwise

WHAT’S ON AT

LOGAN LIBRARIES

Bookings are essential for these events at loganlibraries.org/whats-on or by phoning your local library

Central celebrations Celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities with a special singalong and morning tea with Sing to Beat Aphasia choir. ` Logan Central: Tue 3 Dec – 10am

Family night in: Clues and poos

Family Christmas craft

Join Geckoes Wildlife to find out the secret lives of local animals from their poos. Parents/guardians must attend with children.

Make your own star wind chime and 3D reindeer to help decorate your home for Christmas.

` Beenleigh: Thu 23 Jan – 5.30pm to 7.30pm

At all our libraries except Logan Central between 14 and 19 December.

` Jimboomba: Thu 16 Jan – 6pm to 7.30pm ` Logan North: Wed 22 Jan – 6pm to 8pm ` Marsden: Fri 17 Jan – 5.30pm to 7.30pm

The KingStones rock!

Rock with the KingStones band at Story time. Join the Endeavour Foundation’s band KingStones, a highenergy group of young people with an intellectual disability or other condition.

Their goal is to spread a message of hope and joy around the world. Move and sing along to some children’s classics and original music. ` Marsden: Fri 6 Dec – 10am

Growing native plants in your garden Discover some of the basics of growing native plants as well as some of the myths. Soils, fertilisers, plant selection and pruning are all covered in a handson workshop. Presented by horticulturalist, Brian Sams. ` Logan Hyperdome: Sat 7 Dec – 10am to noon

Cheese making at home Learn simple ways to make handmade, great tasting cheese in your own home.

Find out about the basics of cheese and yoghurt making and how to make your own mozzarella cheese using common kitchen equipment. Presented

by Valerie Pearson, author of Home Cheese Making in Australia.

Christmas craft for teens

` Greenbank: Sat 18 Jan – 9.30am

Create your own decorations to take home and share. At all our libraries between 10 and 20 December.

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Performing arts and living museum planned for Kingston Butter Factory Council proposes to return the historic Kingston Butter Factory (KBF) building to the community and to reimagine it as a cultural heritage and performing arts hub.

It will be part of the exciting new KBF Cultural Precinct, which will also feature the city’s largest outdoor events space. The outdoor space will have capacity for an audience of up to 5,000 people and will be able to host major performances, festivals, markets and large-scale community events.

This opportunity follows Council’s decision in August this year to no longer proceed with plans to establish an innovation hub at the historic KBF building and pursue a co-lab opportunity with tech startup GO1 at its global headquarters in Underwood.

It will launch the reimagined KBF building, outdoor events space and

precinct grounds at the same time in December 2020, in time for Logan’s annual carols spectacular.

The plan reflects feedback during recent community engagement in the context of Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy, Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy, and Destination Management Plan.

Council also checked-in with the community in November via the Have Your Say platform, to ensure the KBF building proposal reflects local needs and expectations. Feedback will now be taken on board.

The centrepiece of the reimagined KBF building will be a renewed black box style theatre and a Living Museum of Logan to celebrate the stories of our people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A living museum provides a cultural tourism experience where visitors can see, hear, taste and engage with the stories of Logan’s intercultural communities. Council will work with the community to develop content for the living museum.

The KBF will also have flexible rehearsal space plus multi-purpose function and event spaces.

You can follow the KBF Cultural Precinct journey at: KBFprecinct.com.au Facebook: @KBFprecinct

Thespian embraces new challenge Slacks Creek‘s Aaron Dora is making his mark on the Brisbane theatre scene.

He received an arts scholarship to attend Canterbury College for Years 11 and 12.

The 21-year-old has taken on an associate producer role with theatre company indelabilityarts.

He says his high school teachers inspired him to undertake a career in the arts.

The company makes art for, and with, people with disability.

Aaron has worked as a freelance theatre-maker and producer for six years.

Aaron is now involved in a show that indelabilityarts will take to next year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival.

The company will present Wilbur the Optical Whale, a children’s storybook that is now a play.

The show is set in an underwater world and explores themes of bullying and acceptance for primary school audiences.

Aaron attended Waterford State School and Marsden State High School.

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He studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama at Queensland University of Technology.

Aaron says he was pleased to be able to take on the new role with indelabilityarts.

“I love using art to empower people,” he says.

Aaron is also trying to make his way into arts leadership.

“I want to produce work and create communities and forge good social outcomes,” he says.

Slacks Creek resident Aaron Dora wants to use art to empower communities

Grants help to protect our environment A major volunteer organisation has urged environment groups to nominate for Council’s 2020 Environmental Grants.

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) Operations Manager (southern Queensland) Doug Mackenzie describes Council’s EnviroGrant program as “a winner”.

CVA was among 37 recipients of 2019 EnviroGrants from Council.

The grants helped fund a range of fauna and flora projects.

“Some may think that the work they are doing is just a very small part of the bigger picture but little steps add up to big changes,” Doug says.

CVA used their EnviroGrant to fund the purchase and planting of 400 Richmond birdwing butterfly vines.

The vines help restore habitats for the endangered Richmond birdwing butterfly, one of Australia’s largest and most beautiful butterflies.

Because of the drought, CVA volunteers had to hand-water vulnerable new vines in bushland at Tamborine to keep them alive.

“We’ve had up to seven volunteers going up there weekly to water the new vines,” Doug says.

eradicate weeds in bushland on the school grounds and provide other environmental education.

• Environmental Surveys and Research—up to $10,000 funding per project

The organisation also received funding to eradicate weeds in the koala corridor from Shailer Park to Daisy Hill.

• Environmental Education—up to $2,000 funding per project

“Getting a grant is critical to our work,” Doug says.

Other grants included funding for Eastern blue-tongue skink research, support for the Bats Alive Logan Release Centre and funding for the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned baby birds and other wildlife.

• Individual Wildlife Carer Support— up to $1,500 funding per project Successful grant recipients will be announced at next year’s Logan Eco Action Festival in May. For more information go to logan.qld.gov.au and search for EnviroGrants or telephone Council on 3412 3412.

Applications for 2020 EnviroGrants open on Wednesday, 29 January and close on Wednesday, 11 March.

There are five categories available: • Environmental Partnerships and Capacity Building —up to $10,000 funding per project • On-ground Ecosystem Restoration—up to $10,000 funding per project

CVA also received EnviroGrants for two other programs.

Volunteers Niraj Bhatt and Genevieve Ash tend to newly planted Richmond birdwing butterfly vines at Tamborine

They have worked with students at Springwood State High School to

Industry accolades for water projects Logan continues to stamp itself as a leader in the water industry.

It recently gained the attention of professionals from across the state who toured the Cedar Grove Environmental Centre.

Guests included delegates from various Queensland councils and water service providers.

The tour was part of Logan City Council’s hosting of the qldwater Annual Forum 2019.

Cedar Grove Environmental Centre is on track to be one of the most environmentally sustainable wastewater facilities in Australia.

Attendees also heard about Logan City Council’s plan to develop a biosolids gasification facility at its Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The new facility will convert human waste into renewable heat energy and environmentally-friendly soil conditioner.

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Home is where the art is for Edens Landing rambler Success in the Big Apple has launched her career to exciting new places, but returning home to Logan is what matters most right now for Edens Landing artist Miriam Innes.

The mother of two has been completing the final panels of her mammoth artwork, NY Rambling, in Abu Dhabi in recent months.

This follows its exhibition in the Tribeca district of Manhattan in New York, featured in the August edition of Our Logan magazine.

Several sections of the charcoal-based installation were featured at NYA Gallery in August.

The work will be shown in full for the first time at Logan Art Gallery in February.

“Exhibiting the project in New York was an incredible experience, without any doubt, but bringing NY Rambling back

to Logan will give me immense pride,” Miriam says.

“It was created specifically for Gallery One at Logan Art Gallery.

“It is here that the work will transform from large-scale individual drawings into a 360-degree immersive drawing experience of New York.”

Miriam describes the Manhattan exhibition as an “enormous reward”.

“I was astounded from the feedback by local New Yorkers,” she says.

“They saw the city in which they live, work and breathe in a completely new way, a black and white way, without noise and colour, and they loved it.”

She said she hoped to delight residents of Logan just as much.

“I really want them to experience what it feels like to stand within this created New York environment.”

Miriam and her family will return home next month, for the final stretch in a project that has taken years to complete.

Miriam says the Regional Arts Development Fund from Logan City Council, together with Arts Queensland, was the starting block for the project to come to life.

Miriam will follow the Logan exhibition with a solo showing in Sydney in July next year, called Unequivocally New York.

Her projects can be followed on her social media channels @miriaminnesart NY Rambling will be exhibited at Logan Art Gallery 24 January to 7 March.

Creativity blooms at Jimboomba art studio Forging vital connections with the community is one of the driving forces behind Jimboomba’s Feather Road Studios.

The workshops include macramé, jewellery-making, weaving, quilling, soap making and succulent dream catchers.

It is not only a homeware, gifts and lifestyle store but a place which offers an array of creative workshops for children and adults.

Kids’ classes are offered each week as well as during school holidays.

It’s also a place where people can connect with like-minded individuals.

The business is owned by school mum friends Nadine Beckhouse and Ami Tulle. The pair met through their children’s school and started talking about a joint business opportunity.

“Both of our daughters are highly creative so we wanted to offer workshops that weren’t traditional,” Nadine says.

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Adult classes are held on weekends and at various times during the week.

Nadine spent 18 years in a corporate retail environment before she moved to Jimboomba from the Gold Coast for a more relaxed lifestyle.

Feather Road Studios was the answer to her desire to stay with what she knew best while also expanding her horizons.

She wanted to run a store which delivered a more personal connection for customers and workshop attendees.

Nadine Beckhouse, co-owner of Feather Road Studios, with some of the artwork created at workshops hosted by the Jimboomba business

“We are selling connections and feelings,” Nadine says.

For more information on Feather Road Studios visit: featherroadstudios.com/

Star Wars fan can’t wait to feel the force again Dedicated Star Wars fan Ron Doak is counting down the days until the release of the next movie in the franchise.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in Australia on 19 December.

Ron began preparing for the ninth instalment in October when he ordered some of the new movie’s collectables from the United States.

The force of Star Wars is clearly evident in Ron’s Logan home. He has a fascinating array of toys, merchandise and collectables from all of the movies.

Ron has been a Star Wars fan from the beginning but only started buying collectables by accident after one of his workmates showed off some of his collection.

Ron’s own collection now includes models of the starships featured in Star Wars including the Millennium Falcon and action figures of Star Wars characters in all sizes.

He also has a full-sized Darth Vader costume.

Star Wars is the world’s secondhighest grossing film franchise. It has achieved a combined box office revenue of US$9.31 billion.

The top-selling film franchise is the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ron became hooked on Star Wars after the first movie was released in 1977. He was 22 at the time.

He rates A New Hope and Solo as his favourite movies in the series.

A line up of some of Ron’s Star Wars figurines

Logan Star Wars fan Ron Doak with part of his massive collection from the franchise

Many fans of the early movies are now sharing their love of the franchise with their children and grandchildren. Ron is no exception.

He enjoys sharing his collection and appreciation of the movies with his daughter and grandchildren.

His love of Star Wars extends beyond collecting. He also creates displays.

He has dioramas for episodes I to VIII and the later movies Rogue One and Solo.

The models capture minute details of different Star Wars scenes. They were on display in October at Logan North Library as part of the Star Wars Reading program.

He is constantly on the lookout for items to feature in his dioramas. He spends many hours working on each scene making it reflect the movies as closely as possible.

Ron is keen to encourage children to make dioramas, a hobby he first took up about eight years ago.

Ron says he’d love to have more time to spend on his creations.

“Unfortunately, my (day) job gets in the way,” he laughs.

One of Star Wars’ favourite characters —the spunky little robot R2-D2—will be at Logan libraries this month and during January to celebrate the launch of The Rise of Skywalker.

Meet Sphero, R2-D2, Anki’s Cosmo and other robots in hands-on sessions for primary and secondary schoolaged chilren.

Bookings are essential. Book online at loganlibraries.org/whats-on or contact your local Logan City Council Library

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From left: Anthony Ketland and Cheryll Bown from Beenleigh Community Centre with art group members Dorothy Spooner, Maggie Collins, Karen Elliott and Elna Sand

Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre – counselling, cooking and culture The Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre is a vibrant community hub, offering a range of activities and services tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families living within Beenleigh and surrounding suburbs.

The activities on offer cover a diverse range of interests, including international cooking, bridge, pastel art, language classes, Nia, creative writing, Older Women’s Network Queensland and many more.

In addition to activities and social groups the centre also offers several free or subsidised services to the community, such as counselling and psychology, free will making and JP services.

The centre is also the front door to community assistance—providing emergency housing for families in crisis—fleeing domestic violence or facing homelessness.

Cheryll Bown, Anthony Ketland and Stewart McAllister run the centre’s community support services and crisis accommodation program.

“The centre leases properties from the state government for crisis 18

accommodation for at-risk families and we organise ongoing case management and support,” Cheryll says.

Sphero robots. This equipment is available for the community to use at any time during opening hours.

“We’re funded by the state government departments of housing and communities—and as a community housing service we’re in a good position to see what’s available in our area.

“We have three meeting rooms and a hall which are in constant use during the week. There are groups that have met here for 30 years or more and the centre is a hive of activity seven days a week and most evenings,” Anthony says.

“We also have outreach services that meet here twice a week and see clients who may need counselling.”

“At the moment we are trying to branch out and meet the needs of a wider demographic.

Anthony says the centre’s mix of services is driven by demand.

“We’re open to everyone and we’d like to encourage anyone who wants to start a group to ask for our assistance—we’ll provide support with a venue and help them in promoting the group to prospective members.

“We monitor community need and create services to meet them,” he says.

“For example we’ve identified new migrants who aren’t proficient in English having problems with the basics, like how to register a go card or do their tax returns.”

The centre is very active in the digital literacy space, offering one-on-one technical support each Wednesday (by appointment), a community computer room, Apple tablets and

“Our doors are always open.”

Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre 10-12 James St, Beenleigh Phone: 3287 2840 beenleigh.org.au To find out more about other Council owned community centres in Logan, visit: bit.ly/36IKikv

SUMMER STORMS AND EARLY WARNING SERVICE South-East Queensland often experiences severe weather such as thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail in summer.

As well as alerts the Logan Early Warning App has safety features to help you if you’re in trouble:

An added feature is the flood notification service, which provides information on flood levels.

The good news is it’s easy to be aware of approaching storms and potential threats by taking some simple steps.

• A ‘Help Me’ feature can send your location and details to email addresses and contact numbers programmed by you

It’s great for monitoring local conditions and provides time to respond.

Logan City Council will keep you informed—regardless of whether it’s a storm, flood, bushfire or emergency situation threatening.

• Calling Emergency 000, SES 132 500, Police 131 444, 24 Hour GP can provide them with your GPS coordinates and address

Our Logan Early Warning service provides free early warning alerts

by SMS, email and text-to-voice for landlines.

• Alerts will be sent to you on your GPS location as well as your registered residential address (this is great when you are travelling)

To receive warnings all you need to do is download the smartphone app.

It’s available for Apple and Android devices, through the App Store and Google Play Store.

• Access to weather radar—based on your location

To find it, just search Logan Early Warning.

• Location display • The ability to upload images and video.

You can be alerted to flooding at various points on the Albert and Logan rivers and in Henderson Creek, Oxley Creek, Quinzeh Creek, Schmidt’s Creek, Scrubby Creek and Slacks Creek.

Council’s Disaster Dashboard at disaster.logan.qld.gov.au will help you follow an event as it unfolds.

A quick visit to the site will provide you with reliable information available about road hazards, power outages, emergency situations, BOM weather warnings and much more.

Information about creek levels is also displayed on the dashboard.

The site also has Twitter feeds from: • Queensland Police Service • Energex • Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and • the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Information to keep you informed and prepared this summer is available at: logan.qld.gov.au/getprepared

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For Wildlife, A Sign of the Times

Robert Raftery became the 300th landowner to join Council’s Land for Wildlife program

by Robert Raftery You might ask why we’d affix a ‘For Wildlife’ sign to the side of our front gate, Well I hope the idea catches on and lets the scheme mutate, To let the sanctuaries sparkle in the light of nature’s plan,

Leafy Greenbank is poet’s perfect wildlife world Poet and nature lover Robert Raftery fondly recalls his grandmother’s words: “If you can see the smoke from your neighbour’s chimney, you’re living too close.”

That’s why he turned his back on suburban Brisbane 11 years ago to buy a 6.5 hectare property at leafy Greenbank.

His house is surrounded by natural bushland.

“It was great to get away from the petro-diesel pollution,” Rob says.

“The air here is so sweet, we can see stars at night, and of course, there is so much wildlife on the property.”

To ensure the best possible wildlife sanctuaries on his self-contained sustainable property, Rob contacted Council to sign up to Logan City Council’s Land for Wildlife program.

He became the 300th landowner to join the program.

Land for Wildlife has been operating in the City of Logan since 1998.

It helps preserve native animals and plants and improves wildlife habitats through the restoration of native

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vegetation and the management of weeds.

To keep us spellbound and immersed as only nature can.

When we saw that pair of peregrines making love in flight, And heard the whistling crack of the whipbird just at the fall of night, It’s then we thought of our grandkids’ grandkids, And we knew what we’d done was right, Before these living jewels were lost to time, to tide, and sight.

“I liked everything Land for Wildlife stands for,” Rob says.

“There are too many species disappearing and we need to work together to turn this around.”

Rob, a semi-retired businessman and father of four, is known as ‘Australia’s Picture Writer’.

He has written tributes to Australian Olympians including We’re Goin’ for Gold, Catherine the Great and Dawnie as well as poems about rugby union, rugby league, golf and topical humour.

He has even written a poem about the Land for Wildlife program entitled For Wildlife, A Sign of the Times.

It is a tribute to the diamond-shaped sign participants are encouraged to display on their gates and fences.

Rob says his poetry is often inspired by the wildlife that thrives on his property.

He talks regularly to his ‘special’ visitors which include peregrines, whip birds, willie wagtails and a range of reptiles.

“I enjoy experiencing the majesty of wildlife,” he says.

Logan City Council was among the first South-East Queensland councils to embrace Land for Wildlife when the program was launched 21 years ago.

Nine of the 18 properties that joined in the first year are still registered in the program.

The 300-plus properties now registered with Land for Wildlife represent more than 6.5 per cent of the city’s area.

The free program has a strong educational focus and is ideal for landowners who want to attract more wildlife to their properties.

Council assists registered members to take steps to reduce erosion, connect bushland corridors and improve soil health and the quality of waterways.

For more information visit: logan.qld.gov.au and search for Land for Wildlife.

Adaptive Aquatics makes a splash Adaptive Aquatics classes aim to improve mobility, confidence and water awareness. The classes are ideal for people who are managing a condition, disability or injury.

Mike Tapu, 12, is a lot more comfortable in the water and his strokes have improved dramatically since he started Adaptive Aquatics classes according to his mum, Tai Tapu.

“The program is amazing. Mike is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD. It was hard trying to find a program to suit him. I thought I’d give this a try and it’s really helped him. He’s come a long way now that he’s in his second term,” she says.

“It’s a lot better than putting him in a mainstream class. He needs someone who can slow down the lessons and be patient with him because he’s not focusing all the time.

“The instructors have ways of teaching him where he listens; it’s just really good. They’ve helped him build his confidence and swimming abilities.

“They cater to Mike’s needs – you can see he’s a different child.

“I’d highly recommend the classes to everyone, especially anyone with neurological issues, disability or injury—and it’s a lot more affordable than one-on-one classes,” Tai says.

Adaptive Aquatics classes are held weekly at the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre on Mondays, and Logan North Aquatic and Fitness Centre on Wednesdays. Sessions run every half-hour from 9am to noon, during school terms. The classes are suitable for adults and children from four years and cost just $4 per person. Bookings are essential; contact Beenleigh Aquatic Centre on 3412 4914 or Logan North Aquatic and Fitness Centre on 3412 5650.

For more information and other adaptive activities on offer through Move it Logan, visit: logan.qld.gov. au/moveitlogan Move it Logan is funded with assistance from the Australian Government through Sport Australia.

Apply now to become part of LIVE WELL LOGAN! Are you passionate about helping the community? Do you want to deliver activities that make a difference to the health and well-being of the people of Logan?

Council is looking for providers to run weekly active and healthy classes from July 2020 to June 2021. We want activities all over Logan in these six key areas: Children and family activities Cooking and nutrition classes Gardening workshops Fitness and sports Gentle movement classes Well-being workshops Council will subsidise successful activities to keep them free or lowcost (less than $5 per person).

Tell us about your idea for an activity by submitting an application online at logan.qld.gov.au/livewell.

Applications open Monday 6 January and close Monday 10 February 2020.

Mike Tapu is learning to swim through Council’s Adaptive Aquatics classes at Beenleigh Aquatic Centre

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Not a bad swap to help environment Stone Soup, a broken bone and a red paperclip might seem like three completely unrelated things.

But for the amazing brain of Waterford man Nick Robertson all these disparate elements have combined to create an app that aims to ease pressure on our landfills.

About a year ago Nick became familiar with the old European folk story Stone Soup, in which hungry strangers convince the people of a town to each share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys.

It’s a fable that encourages sharing and cooperation but for Nick it was the genesis of a great business idea.

“I realised that swapping and sharing were very similar, if you were to swap something over and over again it’s essentially like you’re sharing it,” he says.

A painful encounter with a tree gave him the time to further develop the concept.

“I hit a tree (while) mountain biking and broke my shoulder and every time in my life that I break a bone I tend to make some sort of a decision.”

During his convalescence he codeveloped SwapU, an app that allows users to trade items instead of selling them.

“It’s an extension of the sharing economy but it fits within the circular economy as well.

Waterford’s Nick Robertson, pictured at the Logan Recycling Market, is helping people swap unwanted goods rather than sending them to landfill

“We want to circulate goods rather than say, sell an item on e-Bay for $200 and get talked down to $100 and then decide not to sell it so that it just ends up in landfill.”

As he developed the app he drew inspiration from Canadian Kyle MacDonald.

MacDonald used a red paperclip to barter his way to owning a house.

“I want the consumer to circulate it instead.”

Nick also works with INNOV8 Logan, the city’s official virtual innovation hub, to share his knowledge and develop the local innovation ecosystem.

“I collaborate with Joanna Apps, CoDirector of INNOV8 Logan to run a Skills Exchange.

A team of four people is now working to scale the business by partnering with delivery companies and charities such as Planet Ark.

“What we do is invite as many people as we can and ask them two questions – what do you have and what do you need? And from there we just connect people.

Ultimately Nick wants SwapU to become something that helps people and the planet.

“It’s really helpful when you’re running a small business to be able to connect with other like-minded people.

“I want it to be something that makes people think differently about what they do with their assets.

“Every start-up begins with an idea and the challenge is getting that idea to work so that’s where the community comes into it.”

“I don’t want our assets to go from the factory to warehouse, supermarket, consumer and then the bin.

Visit: swapu.com.au

Be a change maker school holiday programs Learn how to be an entrepreneur and help save the planet, using new-found business skills and VR. Bookings required. Go to: loganlibraries.org/whats-on or contact your local library.

Logan West Library, 69 Grand Plaza Dr, Browns Plains Friday 10 January – 9.30am to 11.30am (Ages 6+)

– 12.30pm to 3.30pm (Ages 11+) Logan North Library, Cnr Sports Dr and Springwood Rd, Underwood Friday 17 January – 9.30am to 11.30am (Ages 6+)

– 12.30pm to 3.30pm (Ages11+)

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For more information about these and other events, go to: innov8logan.com.au

Business profile

AKiPS Always Keep It Purely Simple Always Keep It Purely Simple is the name and motto of this year’s Premier’s Export Award for Technology and Innovation.

users and an enormous amount of departments with a lot of critical information.

Originating from an “upmarket air-conditioned shed” in his Cornubia back yard, Founder and CEO Paul Koch started the company with Co-founder Chief Technology Officer, Nick Frampton in 2011, as a two-man operation.

“We’ve got all the top tier universities in the US as clients.

Harvard, MIT, Pennsylvania State, UCLA,” he says.

The creation of AKIPS and its award-winning software was a natural progression for Paul.

“We have one client who has 800 hospitals. Keeping their networks operating at optimum capacity and fault finding before it impacts users is critical in these environments,” Paul says.

“I started in electronics, went into data networking with banks and governments. When the internet was ‘exploding’ in 1996 I started Statseeker, my first network monitoring venture.”

AKIPS has also branched out into US hospitals through the university-hospital network.

“As soon as people install our software they find all their faults.

In 2010 he sold the company and started AKIPS with ideas for a company with a much bigger scope and market in mind.

“The feedback we get is that network administrators and their bosses get addicted to the data we generate.”

“Statseeker had sold well in Australia and we had made a number of sales in New Zealand but I realised that the market AKIPS needed to target was North America,” Paul says.

With more than 160 leading organisations, including the US Senate and House of Representatives as subscribers, Paul says AKIPS is now looking to break into the US state government market by direct marketing through industry trade shows, which attract hundreds of exhibitors.

“It wasn’t until 2014 that we issued our first release and made our first sale, to a local company, after testing on the University of North Carolina’s network.

“The testing proved that we had built a network monitoring system like no other in terms of scalability and coverage.

“We can easily monitor, analyse, report and provide alerts on more than 20 million metrics per minute.

“We monitor all the way out to the edge—where a PC plugs into a network—and we scale 5,000 times larger than our biggest competitor.”

Paul says many of AKIPS’s customers are universities, which are difficult IT environments, with huge networks, thousands of

“They love us at trade shows because we stand out. They love our accents and they remember us because of our marketing and merchandise which is uniquely Australian,” he says.

“Our retention rate is high, our customer base is well-known organisations and our pricing is a flat annual subscription. It’s a simple but effective sales pitch.”

AKIPS is now looking to expand its workforce of 14 people in its headquarters to meet the demand from its steadily growing client list. AKIPS.com 3801 Pacific Hwy, Tanah Merah

AKIPS founders Paul Koch and Nick Frampton have achieved international success with their award-winning software, which is able to report on computer network performance and can detect and locate problems

office of Economic Development

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Driver training centre heads in new direction Logan is set to become the home of advanced vehicle technology in Queensland.

The news comes after a driverless car took to the streets in Shailer Park earlier this year.

Plans are underway to transform the Mount Cotton Training Centre, located in the Logan suburb of Cornubia, into a “world-class” facility for the testing of automated vehicles.

Queensland’s peak automobile body RACQ has taken ownership of the centre in recent months.

RACQ will oversee its transformation into the premier driver training and research centre in the southern hemisphere.

Transport and Main Roads is researching automated vehicle technology at the site as part of its Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving (CHAD) Pilot.

Central to the research is ZOE2, the purpose-built Renault car that navigated its way through Shailer Park in August.

The aims of the CHAD project include better understanding of the safety benefits of automated vehicles, boosting public perception of the technology and upskilling government and industry suppliers.

RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner says Queenslanders rely on the RACQ for information and the repurposed facility will put Logan at the forefront of vehicle safety and innovation.

“We need the direct ability to research everything from autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems to the very latest in vehicle technology,” he says. “(We want) to deliver Queenslanders a leading research and driver training centre which will save lives by making driving safer.

“Logan will benefit from significant investment on the site as it’s developed into a world-class driver training and research centre.”

The Mount Cotton Driver Training Centre is set to become a key testing ground for driverless vehicles

Smiling Santa to light up safety signs Council’s Portable Speed Advisory Signs will don Santa hats this festive season.

One of the Santa road safety signs motorist will see across the city this month.

Motorists travelling at the speed limit, or below it, will see a ‘smiley face’ with a Santa hat.

Those travelling over the speed limit will receive a ‘slow down’ message.

The speed signs are an important road safety reminder.

In the first year of operation the signs reduced the average speed of vehicles travelling over the limit by more than 10 per cent.

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2019 CITY OF LOGAN

Co n g ratu latio n s to al l o u r award w in n e r s

SPORTS AWA R D S

Nathan Harvey was named Logan Sportsperson of the Year and Disabled Sportsperson of the Year. See page 5.

Helen Watkins, Sports Official of the Year with Peter Harrison-Kyte from Club Beenleigh

Lyvante Su’emai, Female Young Sportsperson of the Year with Linda O’Brien from Griffith University

David King, Master Sportsperson of the Year with Sueanne Dunning from High Noon Stage Productions

Nigel Brown from Logan City Council with Janet Coleman, Sports Administrator of the Year

Linda O’Brien from Griffith University with Connor Gillen, Male Young Sportsperson of the Year

Bradley Hindle, Sports Coach of the Year with Jay Clarke from City Venue Management

The Hon. Cameron Dick MP with Neil Moloney who accepted the Sportsman of the Year Award on behalf of Ashley Moloney

Ramone Close from the Australian Indigenous Football Championships, Sports Event of the Year with Andrew Flack from T2 Electrical

The Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP (left), Clare Polkinghorne, Sportswoman of the Year and the Hon. Shannon Fentiman MP

Henrique Silver (left) and Jake Goodship (right), members of the 2019 Brisbane Roar Youth Team, Sports Team of the Year with Ben Caldwell from Colin Biggers & Paisley

Courtney Gillott (left) and Tara Crockett (right) from Logan Hockey Club, Sports Organisation of the Year with Claire Lovejoy from Gadens

Katie Barton-Harvey from Logan City Council with Margaret George from QUOTA Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod, Judges’ Choice Award of the Year

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Parks experience has job seekers ready for work Knowledge really is power for Jimboomba’s Amanda Harmer.

The 26-year-old is among more than 20 Logan job seekers heading into the workforce with more confidence, having completed a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program that also helped improve their local environment.

Graduates of the program received certificates in either construction or land conservation, as well as a qualification in employment skills.

Amanda, who completed the land management traineeship, says her greatest gain from the six-month traineeship was learning from others.

She says the program has reaffirmed her aspiration to work outdoors.

“I enjoy being outside and working with my hands. I do want to do something outdoors,” she says.

“Getting some extra knowledge has been the best part.

“They (the supervisors) were really understanding and helpful and anything we didn’t know, you just had to say ‘what’s this’ and they’d be more than happy to help you.”

The program was particularly rewarding for Emmanuel Tettey of Yarrabilba.

He has now been offered a job as a support worker with Reclink, which runs the employment program.

“I learned so much in the course about the place I want to be, I am a people person,” Emmanuel says.

Reclink Project Supervisor Steve Flaws says the program, which is supported

by Logan City Council, is about giving local job seekers the best start possible.

The land conservation trainees helped rejuvenate parkland across Jimboomba and Logan Village as part of the course by planting native trees and removing weeds.

The longest underground drilling project in Logan’s history is underway to connect the Flagstone region to Council’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant in Cedar Grove

Pipe drilling project breaks new ground Sensitive local habitats have been protected in the longest drilling project ever done by Logan City Council.

Council is using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology to tunnel 1.3km section between Greenbank and Flagstone.

The method has avoided clearing of about a hectare of vegetation.

It also means the project will have less impact on Flagstone and Abrade Creeks.

The area is home to species including koalas and grey-headed flying foxes.

The drilling is part of pipeline works to connect the region to Council’s wastewater plant in Cedar Grove.

The pipeline is being built in two sections. The first, between Greenbank and Flagstone, will be 10km long.

The pipeline will then link Flagstone to the Cedar Grove Environmental Centre.

Amanda Harmer, of Jimboomba, is looking forward to heading into the workforce with more confidence.

26

Four pump stations will also be built.

Drilling in the area will be completed by the end of the year.

Green corridor secured at Bahrs Scrub A 47-hectare parcel of land at Bahrs Scrub has been purchased by Logan City Council to conserve an environmentally significant corridor.

The land, across two lots on Belivah Rd at Bahrs Scrub, is known koala habitat and has several Blue Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) – estimated to be hundreds of years old. Nearly half of the site is rainforest and includes native Macadamia trees (Macadamia integrifolia).

Environmentally significant species found on the properties include the vulnerable, Veiny Fontainea (Fontainea venosa), the endangered Shiny-leaved Coondoo (Planchonella eerwah), and the endangered Bahrs Scrub Croton (Croton mamillatus) which is named after the suburb.

The purchase price was fair market value as determined by an independent land valuation.

The funds came from the Environmental Levy reserve.

The Environmental Levy reserve was set up by Council to have funds on hand should any significant land become available for preservation.

Council’s Director Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen, says the purchase supports the building of a green infrastructure network across the city.

“Council’s acquisition of this land is a responsible step in protecting the local environment,” he says.

“Its preservation will contribute significantly to the conservation value of the surrounding area.”

Beenleigh-based environmentalist Glenn Leiper is the co−author of the region’s acclaimed native plant field guide Mangroves to Mountains.

He says the Bahrs Scrub dry rainforest is revered among botanists and conservationists.

“To have such a significant concentration of threatened species in one small area is quite extraordinary and emphasises its high conservation value,” Glenn says.

“Council is to be commended for ensuring the preservation of this wonderful and important green space.”

Environmentalist Glenn Leiper, of Beenleigh, at the new conservation area at Bahrs Scrub which was bought recently by Council

Forestdale BushCare Group members (from left) Heather Loveband, Simon Christen and Clive Jacobs with two-year-old Hamish Dougall

Recycling scheme delivers new homes for wildlife The Containers for Change scheme is delivering a windfall for wildlife in Forestdale.

The Forestdale BushCare Group, working with Forestdale Neighbourhood Watch, has enlisted locals to donate their empty cans and bottles.

They are recycled with the cash used to fund the supply of wildlife boxes.

Group co-ordinator Clive Jacobs says recycling collection points have been set up around Forestdale and were well supported by the local community.

Clive says any funds raised covered the cost of the boxes being built by members of the Greenbank and Forest Lake Men’s Sheds.

The boxes are used by rosellas, possums and gliders.

“We put these up to support wildlife,” he says.

The Forestdale BushCare Group also supports Greenwood Reserve which is popular with birdwatchers.

They are part of a network of volunteers, spread over 14 groups, helping Logan City Council care for more than 2,000 hectares of bushland.

BushCare is a community-based program supported by Council which has been operating in the City of Logan since 1998.

It allows residents to play a role in helping to protect their local bushland.

More information about Logan’s BushCare program is available by contacting Council’s Community BushCare Officer on 3412 3412 or visit logan.qld.gov.au

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Free tax clinic

Logan to host 24-hour race Rogues are about to raid the City of Logan in 2020—in a good way.

The city will host a 24-hour navigational adventure race known as The Rogue Raid.

The event will run from 11am on Saturday, May 2.

A separate six-hour race will be held from 9am on Sunday, May 3.

The two races are expected to attract competitors from throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and New Caledonia.

It is the 11th year the event has been held. Previous races have attracted more than 200 competitors.

The majority of the course is through the City of Logan with some sections travelling into Redland.

The race headquarters and finish line will be at Carbrook’s Bayside Wake Park.

Teams of two or four are required to attempt multiple legs of alternating race disciplines including trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and navigation.

Athlete registrations open on 16 December and will be confirmed by 23 December.

This race is the second round of national series.

The series prize money pool is $10,000.

More information at: raidadventures. com/the-rogue-raid 28

Griffith University is offering one-onone free tax advice and assistance with filling out tax returns for individuals and small business over the summer holidays.

provide advice on how to respond to a notice from the Australian Tax Office, apply for remissions of penalties, negotiate a payment plan and fill out tax returns.

Funded by an Australian Government program, Griffith University taxation students provide a student-run clinic under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners.

“They have already received requests for help from more than 130 clients, including one client who had not lodged a tax return in five years.”

Professor of Tax Law, Dr Brett Freudenberg, says Griffith University was selected as only one of 10 Australian universities as part of the National Tax Clinic project, securing a $100,000 grant from the Federal Government.

“The grant was made in recognition of Griffith’s strong tax program (including the Tax Minor as part of the Commerce Degree), and its commitment to social justice and community engagement,” he says.

“Our students are benefitting from on-the-job training and are well equipped to provide advice regarding tax matters.”

“They can help small businesses comply with their tax obligations,

Dr Freudenberg says the tax clinic is open to the public—including small businesses—provided they don’t currently have a registered tax agent.

In addition, the student tax advisers can provide free seminars and tailored workshops for community groups and organisations on specific tax issues.

The Griffith Tax Clinic is located at Griffith University’s Meadowbrook campus Building L08 Room 1.11.

It’s open 9am to 4pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 29 January 2020 (Closed 24 Dec – 2 Jan).

Email: taxclinic@griffith.edu.au or phone 3382 1177.

The Griffith Universtiy Tax Clinic is open to the public, including small business owners

Pets are not presents You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again—pets are not presents. Please do not purchase a pet as a gift unless you have already checked the recipient has the capacity to care for and look after the pet for life.

Every year across Australia hundreds of thousands of animals are abandoned or dumped, only to be impounded by councils or wind up in shelters.

Firework Alerts Firework events are popular at Christmas, New Year and for other cultural festivities at this time of the year. Council will continue to inform owners of registered dogs of any scheduled firework displays in their neighbourhood via SMS. Not receiving notifications? Contact Council to check your mobile details are up to date. 3412 5397.

Many face an uncertain future. Logan City Council operates its own sales and rehoming program to give some of these animals a second chance at finding their forever home. If you’re still keen to get a pet and have already done your homework—buy only from a registered breeder or even better, adopt from a recognised welfare or council facility. All cats and dogs must be microchipped before you take ownership.

Back 2 School 2020 Preventing crime by design

FREE

presentations

Most property crime such as break and enter is opportunistic —but there are ways to reduce the chances of your home being a target—by taking a few simple precautions.

Discover the core principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and explore how you can apply these principles to your home to reduce your risk.

School resumes Tuesday 28 January. Whether your child is returning to school or it’s the beginning of your child’s school journey, ensuring their safety in and around school zones and educating them on safe street practices is a top priority. Take care when travelling in and through a school zone—it’s a 40 km speed limit. Be mindful of where you park too—follow the parking rules and signage at all times. Many schools operate ‘drop and go’ zones with a two-minute parking maximum. Keep an eye out for No Stopping, Bus and Loading Zones as you could get a fine if you park in one by accident. Council’s Education Team will be visiting schools across the city throughout the first term to provide information and safety tips to parents/carers and encourage safe school parking practices.

Presented by Council’s Community Safety Program Date

Time

Location

3 Dec 2019

6pm to 7pm

Logan North Library, Corner Sports Dr and Springwood Rd, Underwood

10 Dec 2019

10:30am to 11:30am

Hyperdome Library, 66-70 Mandew St, Shailer Park

For further information or to book a place Email: safecity@logan.qld.gov.au or Phone: 3412 5563 29

Learn to swim at any age

For those seeking to advance to competitive swimming, the Squad program focuses on the key principles related to longterm athletic development.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure of the swim school class that best suits your needs, our qualified instructors can provide free swim assessments and recommend the most appropriate learn-toswim level for children and adults.

A combination of weekly and intensive swimming lessons is recommended to maintain vital water safety skills and keep you progressing.

As well as providing crucial safety skills ALLLSS classes offer broader benefits for our health and well-being. The classes are also a great opportunity to get to know people in your neighbourhood within a supportive, fun and active environment.

Being around water when you haven’t learnt to swim can be a frightening experience at any age. The good news is you’re never too young or too old to learn to swim.

The swim program runs year-round at our two indoor/outdoor aquatic centres in Beenleigh and Underwood. Term one swimming starts 19 January and bookings are now open.

Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School (ALLLSS) offers a complete program that caters for all ages and levels of experience—from babies and beginners right through to highlevel competitive swimmers.

Call Logan North on 3412 5645 or Beenleigh on 3412 4910 or visit: loganleisurecentres.com.au/swim

For infants there’s the Paddle Splash introductory aquatics program. Children aged three months to three years get four free lessons that build confidence, independence and mobility in the water. Children then progress through the beginner levels 1-3 before moving into the higher level classes – Transition, Turtles and Seals. Private one-on-one lessons are also available.

Merry Christmas Special Get ahead of the new year’s resolution rush and begin your health and fitness journey today. Join the inSports family as a member between 25 November and 24 December to unwrap your exclusive Christmas gift.

•

No joining fee or fixed term contracts

•

Group fitness classes

•

Free health and wellness seminars

•

Access to all three gyms

•

Discounted child minding available

•

Free tailored training program

•

Flexible membership options

T&Cs apply Visit: loganleisurecentres.com.au for details Logan Metro • Logan North • Mt Warren

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aqualoganqld Beenleigh Aquatic Centre City Rd, Beenleigh Logan North Aquatic and Fitness Centre 2 Sports Dr, Underwood

Give yourself the greatest gift of all – your health!

Council operating hours Christmas 2019 – New Year’s Day 2020 – Australia Day holiday

Waste

Logan Entertainment Centre

• The Browns Plains Waste and Recycling

170 Wembley Rd, Logan Central

Facility will be open every day including all

Customer Service Centres and Logan City Council Libraries Wed 25 Dec 2019 (Christmas Day)

Closed

Thu 26 Dec 2019 (Boxing Day)

Closed

Wed 1 Jan 2020 (New Year’s Day)

Closed

Mon 27 Jan 2020 (Australia Day)

Closed

public holidays.

• The Waste and Recycling Facilities at Greenbank, Logan Village, Beenleigh and

Closed Wednesday 25 December 2019 until Thursday 2 January 2020 (inclusive). Closed Australia Day holiday Monday 27 January 2020

Carbrook will be open every day except Christmas Day. • Bin collections will be conducted on Christmas Day, however, they may be a little earlier than usual to allow drivers to get home to their families as soon as possible. For this reason, we urge residents to present their bins on the footpath on Tuesday evening.

Logan Art Gallery Cnr Wembley Rd and Jacaranda Ave, Logan Central Will close at 5pm on Tuesday 24 December 2019 and reopen at 10am Thursday 2 January 2020.

Logan Recycling Market Animal Management Centre 213 Queens Rd, Kingston

41 Recycle Way, Heritage Park The Logan Recycling Market will be closed on Monday, 16 December 2019 and will reopen on Friday, 10 January 2020.

Mon 23 Dec 2019

8.30am to 4.30pm

Tue 24 Dec 2019

8.30am to 4.30pm

Wed 25 Dec 2019

Closed

Eagleby and Logan North

Thu 26 Dec 2019

Closed

Christmas Eve

Early close 5pm

Fri 27 Dec 2019

8.30am to 4.30pm

Christmas Day

Closed

Sat 28 Dec 2019

9am to 2pm

Boxing Day

10am to 4pm

Sun 29 Dec 2019

Closed

New Year’s Eve

Early close 5pm

Mon 30 Dec 2019

8.30am to 4.30pm

New Year’s Day

10am to 4pm

Tue 31 Dec 2019

8.30am to 4.30pm

Wed 1 Jan 2020

Closed

Thu 2 Jan 2020

8.30am to 4.30pm

Closed from Sunday 22 December 2019,

Mon 27 Jan 2020

Closed

reopening on Thursday 2 January 2020

Gyms and aquatic centres: Aquatic centres: Beenleigh, Bethania,

Mayes Cottage House Museum 20 Mawarra St, Kingston Open Thursdays to Saturdays inclusive, 10.30am to 4pm

For Council-related emergencies at any time, phone 3412

3412.

For other emergencies, call 000 for police, fire and ambulance.

Australia Day holiday 10am to 4pm Gyms Christmas Eve

Early close 5pm

Christmas Day

Closed

Boxing Day

Closed

New Year’s Eve

Closes 5pm

New Year’s Day

Closed

Australia Day Holiday Closed

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SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 4.30PM TO 9.30PM

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, MEADOWBROOK

RIDES FROM 4.30PM, STAGE SHOW FROM 5PM Featuring: Diana Rouvas - winner The Voice 2019, Zeek Power - finalist The Voice 2019 Sesame Street Christmas Show, and more.

CITY OF LOGAN CHRISTMAS CAROLS

D ia n

a Rouvas

This is a pet and alcohol free family event.

Zeek Power

TM & © (2019) Sesame Workshop