Our Logan March 2020

Volume 86 March 2020

Lost Logan found on Facebook Aviary protects endangered species

Coffee king buzzing on Distillery Road

CON T E N TS OUR LOGAN, OUR CITY MAGAZINE Editorial enquiries: 3412 5284 or media@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 Graphic design: Charlene Chang Leisa Wright Dina Wirawan Electoral content authorised by Silvio Trinca, Logan City Council, 150 Wembley Rd, Logan Central Printed by Ovato, Geebung Front cover image: Kenton Campbell Photo: Martin King None of the material in this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Logan City Council.

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Facebook reveals Lost Logan

Aviary protects endangered HOWspecies WE RECYCLE

Funding for transport You may see a friendly infrastructure

Your recycling goes to our Materials Recovery Facility where it is sorted and then sent to be re-manufactured into new materials.

bin inspector around the streets. Feel free to stop and say hi, or ask about how you can improve your recycling.

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Choose health for life

These your yellow-lid bin: The hobby hubitems cannot be recycled through Don’t let your of Logan recycling go to waste!

We need to work hard to ensure that our product is as clean as possible. This means ensuring your recycling is empty and dry and that only recyclable material goes in your bin.

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Recycling Col lection

Local Government Election 2020 For more information about what’s recyclable: logan.qld.gov.au/wheelie-bins

Do you know which division you live in?

The Local Government Change Commission reviewed Logan’s divisional boundaries in 2019 to ensure divisions have an equal number of enrolled voters.

As a result some divisional boundaries have moved.

To see if your division has changed, or for more information about the review, call 1300 881 665 or go to the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) website: ecq.qld.gov.au/lgr/dbrs

Enrolled votes will receive an ECQ information, sent to their address before the election.

It will tell you of your new division*.

To enrol to vote or to check you details, please phone the Australian Electoral Commission on 13 23 26 (TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 13 23 26) or visit the website at aec.gov.au *If you are a silent elector/postal voter, your ballot will be sent to you and you will not receive a Voter Information Card.

All content accurate as of 13 February 2020.

logan.qld.gov.au

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

Printed by Ovato, an ISO 14001 certified firm

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Kids 5–11 April school holidays – 4 to 19 April

Activities for the April school holidays are now available online! Bookings open Monday 9 March at 9am Get in quick, spaces are limited See the program online: logan.qld.gov.au/krank Activities on offer include: nerf wars, go-karting, kayaking, cooking classes, fishing, a ninja obstacle course, skateboarding, gardening and more!

Teens 12–17

YEARS

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.

YEARS

visitlogan.com.au

Activities for the April school holidays are now available online! Go to: logan.qld.gov.au/krank Bookings open Monday 9 March at 9am.

Get in quick. Spaces are limited.

Acitivies on offer include wakeboarding, nerf wars, aqua park, go-karting and more!

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 On 28 March this year, residents across 77 council areas in Queensland will be voting in the Quadrennial Local Government elections. This is a particularly important election for the City of Logan given Council has been under Interim Administration since May last year.

Wherever possible, join in Council's community engagement and ‘Have your say’ on the future of your communities and your city.

With no current sitting Councillors, and more than 50 candidates contesting 12 Divisions and the Mayoralty, residents have the rare opportunity to widely consider who they want to form their next elected Council.

I’d also encourage you to learn more about the work of Council by downloading and reading the monthly committee reports, and watching the live-streamed Council meetings. The strength of our democracy is in people’s informed participation.

Strong, effective councils are those that reflect the diverse communities they serve and represent. Councils are complex and vibrant organisations that require talented and dedicated individuals to participate in making the decisions that count.

As the governing body of a local government, councillors play a vital leadership role in creating and implementing their community’s vision, strategic direction and the values within which they operate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have had the courage to stand for election – I wish you all the best in your endeavours.

The job ahead for your Council is certainly a big one, but councillors will have the benefit of a strong foundation of reforms that have been delivered and integrated here over the past nine months.

If I could offer residents my advice as you look ahead to the next chapter of this Council, it would be to hold your elected representatives to account.

Kenton Campbell’s vision for the Distillery Road Market features as this month’s lead story.

The coffee king’s decision to invest in our region underlines the opportunities that entrepreneurs and developers see in the future for our city.

It’s an exciting development for Eagleby, Beenleigh and surrounding areas. There's little doubt it will give people cause to venture off the M1 to explore our city further.

Silvio Trinca, Acting Chief Executive Officer

In bygone years, attractions such as the Bullen’s Lion Safari and Wild Waters Waterslide Park (featured on page 9) were drawcards for day-trippers to the region.

We have a huge responsibility on our hands to ensure we preserve our natural habitats and we rely on residents to volunteer their help.

Tamara O’Shea, Interim Administrator Logan City Council

Tamara O’Shea, Interim Administrator

More than any other level of government, local government plays an integral part in your day-to-day lives so, please, take an active role and help ensure your future elected representatives uphold the values of integrity, accountability and transparency.

Logan is an extraordinary place with a wonderful and caring community. It has been an tremendous honour and privilege to lead your Council during this time of Interim Administration.

I wish the next elected Council all the very best as they lead Logan towards even greater success for the benefit of all who call this wonderful city home.

Our 2020 Citizen of the Year, Annette Bird is one of many people who rescue and rehabilitate injured reptiles and amphibians.

Annette is passionate about the environment and animals.

She has dedicated a large proportion of her Jimboomba property to Land for Wildlife. This is a Council-sponsored voluntary program, to help manage wildlife habitat on private property. (page 14) Council is also sponsoring the work of the Orphan Native Animal Rear and Release Association (page 14). Their volunteers are now caring for injured and abandoned flyingfoxes, affected by heat, food shortages and bushfires.

It’s a timely reminder that nominations for the annual Logan Loves Volunteer Awards are now open.

There are many people in our community who are worthy of recognition. Their devotion to helping the community, other people, the environment and our wildlife makes a real difference.

Please take the time to pay the favour back by nominating them for an award. Nomination details are on the back cover of this magazine.

Silvio Trinca, Acting Chief Executive Officer Logan City Council

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Distillery Road Market celebrating food-inspired life “There’s nothing like it,” is the way entrepreneur Kenton Campbell, CEO of Tonken Property Group describes plans for Beenleigh’s Distillery Road Market.

“It will be a food and entertainment destination, with 50 full-time tenants including a farmers’ market, delicatessen, super-sized butchers, restaurants, micro-brewery, street food alley and smokehouse.

“On the weekends we will have an additional 60 to 80 stalls, selling local produce.

“What we are creating is local and authentic,” Kenton says, describing his first major precinct development.

“Almost anything is possible here – it’s all about food, entertainment and experiences.”

Kenton says the goal is to create a vibrant market environment with a visual ‘moving feast’ of something for everyone.

Almost anything is possible here – it’s all about food, entertainment and experiences “You might come here for a breakfast, or to grab your fresh food for the week.

Then it might be a visit to our kitchen amphitheatre—where we’ll have chefs demonstrating how to cook a steak.

“On the weekends you might decide to settle in for an afternoon with casual live music or even the occasional concert, while enjoying a craft beer from the brewery.”

With the equivalent of three and a half football fields under cover – the former Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) site inspired Kenton to try something new.

“Five years ago I was looking to relocate the Headquarters of Zarraffa’s Coffee as we had outgrown our home at Southport,” he says.

“Our coffee roastery needed to be relocated in order to continue growing and I was looking at the northern Gold Coast, Burleigh and Gaven as possible sites, because I wanted to retain our staff.”

Kenton Campbell with an artist’s impression of the planned Distillery Road Market

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The new market is expected to open in 2020

Kenton says he came across the Eagleby site by chance, while on his way to attend a meeting in Brisbane and hasn’t looked back.

“As well as establishing our Coffee HQ, expanding our roastery and building a training centre for our franchisees— we’ve also established the Kiwanda Café, a success story in itself,” he says.

“When I sounded out local people about what they thought of my initial plans for Kiwanda they said: ‘It’s going to be busy as there’s nothing like this around’. I didn’t realise how true that was.”

Kenton says his faith in the $70 million Distillery Road Market development has been largely driven by local enthusiasm and growing patronage at Kiwanda and

interest in the new Zarraffa's Roastery Tours.

It’s a view shared by David Hansen, Logan City Council’s Director, Strategy and Sustainability who says the project aligns perfectly with Logan City Council’s strategic vision for growth in the region.

“The Distillery Road Market project provides many benefits for Logan, enhancing lifestyle and entertainment options, encouraging destination-based tourism and providing employment opportunities,” David says.

“Council is fully behind the project and is eager to see the vision realised to its full potential.”

The Distillery Road Market is expected to open late this year and will provide

The site, adjacent to the M1, has more than three football fields of undercover retail space and also houses Kenton Campbell's other holdings: Zarraffa's Coffee head office and roastery and Kiwanda Café

employment for hundreds of people in addition to the 100-plus people already employed on site by Zarraffa’s and Kiwanda.

Kenton says interest from the market’s lessees and community is growing as the opening date draws closer “I’m excited about this development as this is an investment for my staff and locals, first and foremost.

“My appreciation for this community has grown over the past seven years – to a point where I understand this area a lot more than when I first landed.

“This is a wonderful community. I couldn’t imagine a better place to be.”

For more information go to: drm.market or zarraffas.com

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How Council has changed under administration Logan’s incoming councillors will find themselves working within new ground rules when they take office.

These ground rules are part of reforms which will provide Council with: • better governance, • better integrated planning and performance, • improved community engagement processes.

The changes will promote better conduct and build stronger capacity for our councillors.

This is a brief summary of some of the key points.

The way decisions are made has been refined with a new Decision Making Framework.

Initiatives that were previously divisionally-funded by Council, such as the provision of CCTV safety cameras, will be looked at from a whole of City needs perspective and funded accordingly

Under a new Acceptable Request Guidelines and Staff Interaction Policy courteous and respectful interactions between councillors and dealings with Council employees must be consistent with the relevant codes of conduct.

Councillors’ interactions and requests of staff will be made to the Council’s CEO, director, managers and program leaders.

This separates the Mayor and councillors from making direct requests of Council employees who may feel obliged to comply.

This framework places Logan among leading local governments in Australia.

It mandates key legal and decisionmaking principles.

A new Councillor Expenses and Entitlements Policy and Procedure provides transparency about expenses.

It details the facilities and services that will be provided to councillors.

Some examples of the changes include no longer providing councillors with a car — they will now receive a vehicle allowance. There won’t be councillorbranded merchandise any more.

Ratepayers won’t be funding free canteen food for councillors either.

Council has a new Audit and Risk Committee Charter and Policy.

Councillors will be able to make decisions with an open mind. Decisions which are informed judgements, based on evidence and facts.

This will ensure the committee operates as a forum to promote transparency, accountability, ethical behaviour and culture.

Working as a group, councillors will work to ensure that any decision they make is best for the future of the city as a whole.

It will ensure processes and decisions have been subject to independent oversight and assessment.

Decisions will not be made for the benefit of a particular division to the detriment of another.

In keeping with this principle and new legislation, discretionary funding allocations are reduced. Councilprioritised funding for small projects and services has been increased.

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Residents’ requests for services are best handled by contacting Council on 3412 3412 or emailing council@logan.qld.gov.au

Council committees have also been overhauled. There are now fewer committees (four) with new terms of reference.

There are still a few Transition to Council plan items that have not been finalised.

A new Meeting Code has also been developed. It contains important rules and procedures for councillors to follow. The code requires councillors to consider issues and conduct respectful discussions.

These include a delegations review and finalising the community engagement plan.

It will be the first order of business for the new Council as well as finalising the 2020/2021 Budget.

Kingston pioneer remembered in local store display A neighbourhood store where the first seeds of a Logan community may have been sown has been recreated by the Logan City Museum.

The museum’s volunteers have created an exhibition focused on the life and times of John William Cordingley, an early pioneer of the Kingston area.

The community efforts of John and his wife Mabel are viewed as having helped shape the City of Logan and mould it for future generations.

The couple owned and operated the Cordingley General Store at Kingston near the old railway crossing from 1906 to 1944.

The museum’s exhibition features a re-creation of the Cordingley’s one-

stop shop and includes many of the products which would have adorned its shelves.

A blacksmith’s forge was also operated by the Cordingleys next to the shop.

Museum president David Amit says it is believed the store burned down but no more details are known.

David says the Cordingley exhibition is part of a huge year planned for the museum which celebrates its 30th anniversary in November.

It will run until May 30 at the museum at 22 Wilbur St, Logan Central (next to the Logan Central Library).

David says John Cordingley was a veteran of the Boer War (1899-1902).

“The museum has an interesting collection of photographs and documents related to his service as a farrier, officially known as a shoeingsmith,” he says.

“We have nothing like this in our collection for any other resident who came from Logan and served in the Boer War.” John Cordingley also took on a postal delivery contract and for 38 years delivered the mail throughout Logan Reserve, Chambers Flat, Park Ridge and Browns Plains.

He also chaired a committee which led to the establishment of Kingston State School. Before then local children had to walk to Waterford State School.

John Cordingley died, aged 91, in 1969. Mabel Cordingley died in 1978, aged 98.

David says the museum is keen to hear from anyone with further details on the Cordingley family.

Information can be emailed to logancitymuseum@outlook.com The museum is open from 9am to 3pm every day except Sunday.

The Cordingley General Store at Kingston

Inside the one-stop shop

Logan City Museum president David Amit with a photograph of Kingston pioneer and Boer War veteran John William Cordingley

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Thousands getting lost in Logan history It was a simple idea that sparked the creation of Brendan Noonan’s Lost Logan page.

The rest, as they say, is history.

“I was on the internet looking for Logan history and there didn’t seem to be much,” Brendan recalls.

“You really have to go digging for it.

“I thought, ‘I’ll go digging for it and I’ll bring it out and I’ll show everyone’. It’s grown from there.”

More than 15,800 people now follow the Lost Logan Facebook page.

The page features old photographs and, where possible, dated video.

Among the footage is news coverage from 1985 on the Trinder Park rail tragedy, in which two lives were lost.

“I remember the day that happened,” Brendan says.

“I grew up in this area, and we heard the bang … we thought someone threw a ball or something on the roof.

“It was the train crash.”

Brendan says much of the page’s content is sourced from Queensland’s State Library or Archives. Some is contributed by the page’s fans.

Lost Logan creator Brendan Noonan

Brendan is a Woodridge State High School alumnus.

He says the site’s charm lies in sparking nostalgia about the area.

“You can really, really get absorbed,” he says of the conversations that occur on the page.

“You get this extra story and knowledge about this old photo … and even they (the archivists) don’t know the history of that photo as much as this Facebook page does.

“They’re just photos and once the knowledge is gone, it’s gone … so it’s really important that I try to capture this.”

As part of that effort, Brendan plans on publishing a coffee table book of the images alongside the comments they generated.

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The hardest part is the research, it’s quite difficult finding photos and videos, particularly videos “There’s literally thousands upon thousands of comments made on the site and you get to a point where you can’t read them,” he says.

“What I do find interesting is the people … whose ancestors were settlers of Logan, they all come out in the works.”

As a dad to newborn daughter, Marian, Brendan is currently spending less time

on the page but is still keen to hear from local history buffs.

He says his wife, Jacinta, remains wonderfully patient about the hobby.

“The hardest part is the research, it’s quite difficult finding photos and videos, particularly videos,” he says.

“I do it in blocks, I’ll do the research on one day for a few hours and then another day I’ll schedule the posts.

“But I’ve had the last six weeks off and I’ve still grown it by 1,000 followers.

“So the interest is there, people are genuinely interested in the area that they live in.” facebook.com/loganhistory

The original Big Gun fruit market on Logan Road at Underwood

Students at Waterford State School around 1940

The welcoming sign for potential land and new home buyers at Springwood in 1970

A car crosses the Logan River Bridge, now the city’s iconic Red Bridge, around 1930

Feeding time at the Bullen’s African Lion Safari Park in Yatala, which opened in 1969

The Wild Waters Water Slide Park in Loganholme in 1982 on the site which is now the Logan Hyperdome

The popular Carpenter’s Arms Hotel at Sandy Creek in Beenleigh in 1872

A wooden bridge being rebuilt after the Logan River flooded at Rose Lane, now Cusack Lane, Jimboomba, around 1905

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Logan Citizens of the Year Annette Bird from Jimboomba is Logan’s 2020 Citizen of the Year.

The award recognises her work as the founder and President of Reptile Rehabilitation QLD Inc. Holding down a full-time job, Annette dedicates most of her free time to rescuing and caring for injured reptiles.

She travels extensively to collect injured wildlife and cares for them on her property until they are well enough to be released.

Annette also conducts regular public educational workshops for the public and volunteers.

Young Citizen of the Year, Gabrielle Crotty involves herself in a range of charities and causes.

Last year she organised a blanket drive at school that collected 199 blankets for the homeless. She also supports Dolly’s Dream Foundation and lobbies to include dealing with cyber-bullying in the school curriculum.

Gabrielle Crotty – Young Citizen of the Year

Gabrielle is also a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House and the Sheltered by Grace homeless shelter.

Left to right: Finalists Saalihah Seedat, Shirley Fryer, Annette Bird – Logan Citizen of the Year, Gabrielle Crotty – Young Citizen of the Year, Cameron Dick MP, Tamara O’Shea – Interim Administrator, Charlie Johnstone – 2019 Young Citizen of the Year and finalist Jason Roebig

Annette Bird from Jimboomba was named Logan’s 2020 Citizen of the Year for her rescue and care of injuried reptiles

SAFECITYLOGAN

Community Aware This column will be a regular feature in Our Logan to raise awareness of community safety within our city, and provide tips and relevant contact information to assist our residents to be and feel safer. This month we are sharing information and tips on how you can keep your car safe and keep yourself safe when driving your vehicle.

Where are your car keys kept?

Local police urge residents to take action to secure their homes and car keys to reduce opportunities for car theft. With most modern cars having electronic security, thieves are targeting unsecured homes to gain access to car keys.

It is recommended that keys are not left in plain sight when stored in your home. If you are heading off on holidays take the car keys with you, including the spare key or keep them in a secure place.

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Using your mobile phone while driving will cost you $1,000

Are you risking it all on the road?

Changes to the legal penalties regarding mobile phone usage in vehicles came into effect from 1 February 2020. For Open Licence drivers, driving while using a mobile phone held in your hand is illegal and can result in a $1,000 fine and four demerit points, even if your vehicle is stopped in traffic. This means you cannot:

• hands-free kits • wireless headsets • loudspeaker functions.

• hold the phone next to or near your ear with your hand

Additionally, any passengers travelling in the vehicle with a Learner or P1 driving cannot use a mobile phone on loudspeaker.

• send or read a text message

Cyclists can also be fined $1,000.

• turn your phone on or off

Residents are encouraged to get to know the laws about vehicles and mobile phone usage by visiting: qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/ mobile-phones.

• operate any other function on your phone including answering a phone call or switching the device to speaker phone.

As a Learner and P1 provisional driver, aged 25 years or younger, in addition to the above, you cannot use:

For more crime prevention tips visit: logan.qld.gov.au/communitysafety

We encourage your feedback so together we can keep Logan a safer city for all our community. Contact council@logan.qld.gov.au

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

Saturday 14 March, 2pm to 4pm Artists’ residencies: what you need to know to get your own residency Artists Ruby Purple, Mary Barron and Chrys Zantis will talk about their experiences and how to get a residency.

Apply now for arts funding Applications are now open for grants of up to $8,000 from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Performing and visual artists, creative industries, museums and galleries are welcome to apply.

Ruby Purple will speak about her residency at Curtin Springs Station.

The grants are available to individuals, groups or organisations to fund specific projects.

Mary Elizabeth Barron will talk about her experiences at Warwick and Gympie art galleries.

Find out more at logan.qld.gov.au/radf or phone on 3412 5426.

Chrys Zantis will share her experiences at the Melbourne

Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Logan City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

School of Psychological Sciences.

As light refreshments will be served, bookings are essential by Friday 13 March. Visit: logan.qld.gov.au/galleryevents or phone 3412 5519.

Image: Ruby Purple creating artwork as part of her Outback Connections residency

International wildlife in art

Family fun day

Saturday 28 March, 10am to 2pm This event celebrates the exhibition International wildlife in art by the Queensland Wildlife Artists Society Inc. Join us at Logan Art Gallery for a day of animal-themed activities and fun.

• See artists’ demonstrations

Dress up in your favourite animal costume.

Unlimited places.

All are welcome.

No bookings required.

• Enjoy animal-inspired art activities, and make an animal mask to wear • Watch live native animal demonstrations • Meet the Animal Care team from Logan City Council, and learn about animals in their natural habitat • Meet the First 5 Forever team for story time • Play with small animals at the petting zoo • Enjoy face painting • Jump on the bouncy castle • Listen to live music • Purchase delicious food and drink

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 11

E V E N TS M AR CH

WHAT’S ON AT

Tourism Networking Night (Free) Tuesday 10 March, 7pm Big Swing Underwood The Zone, 1 Compton Rd Underwood loed.com.au/event/tourism-networkingnight Logan River parkrun March pacer week – 14 March Saturday 7am to 8am Logan River Parklands, Blackbird St, Beenleigh International wildlife in art Family fun day Saturday 28 March, 10am to 2pm Logan Art Gallery Crn Wembley Rd and Jacaranda Ave Logan Central Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce 24th Annual Prawn Day Friday 13 March, 11am to 4.30pm Gold Coast Tiger Prawns 148 Marks Rd, Woongoolba, Qld 4207 Bycc.com.au/prawnday

Neighbour Day

Sunday 29 March All day in your neighbourhood!

Go to: logan.qld.gov.au/neighbours-oflogan for more information Tour de Brisbane Sunday 5 April Rochedale South & Priestdale (road closures will be in place)

The Sapphires Written and directed by Tony Briggs.

Four young Aboriginal women from regional Australia, who like singing country music, suddenly get the chance to change their tune and their lives. Wearing sequins, armed only with microphones they find themselves trying to spread joy in the hell that is the Vietnam War. The Sapphires is a funny, heart-warming tale inspired by the true story of four Yorta Yorta women, who sing classic soul hits against the backdrop of personal change and massive social upheaval. It is an energetic, fun and engaging play that affirms life and the realisation of dreams.

Liza Meets Bassey Written by Monique Montez and Nigel TurnerCarroll, directed by Nigel Turner-Carroll Liza meets Bassey is a sensational show consisting of the iconic tunes of two living legends, Dame Shirley Bassey and the incomparable Liza Minnelli.

Monique Montez will sing you through their most famous hits, with a tale or two to be shared along the way.

Dates Times

Fri 20 Mar

Tickets

VIP

8pm $49

Adults $37

Under 30 $34

Concession $30

Group 8+

LEC Member

Duration

$28pp $28 2hrs and 20 mins

Dates Times

Fri 27 Mar

11am

Doors open from

10am

Tickets

Table Entry $23

(morning tea included)

Table Group 8+ $22pp (morning tea included)

Table LEC Member

$22

(morning tea included)

Balcony $15 Balcony Group 8+

Balcony LEC Member

$13pp $13

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

120km UCI Gran Fondo World Series | 60km Medio | 30km Piccolo | Trek FREE Community Ride

ROAD CLOSURES ROCHEDALE SOUTH & PRIESTDALE SUNDAY 5 APRIL, 7.00AM - 1.45PM Plan travel in advance and be aware of closures in your area. Visit www.tourdebrisbane.org/roads for details.

WHAT’S ON AT

LOGAN LIBRARIES

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

Our words our stories Community stories, told by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from Logan, are now available on the Logan City Council Libraries website.

There is something for everyone in these new stories.

They appeal to a range of ages including school children and teachers.

Ten of the stories are short podcasts.

They have visual overlays to tell viewers a little bit more about the narrator.

Language words are explained in the stories—and maps show where the language is spoken.

They offer a unique local insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language, heritage and knowledge.

All podcasts are accessible. Captions and transcripts are provided with help from the narrators.

Wajin: Guardian of Scrubby Creek, is one of the stories. It can be accessed

as an eBook or as an exciting interactive viewing experience. The eBook is by Bev and Reginald (Uncle Reg) Knox, and is narrated by their daughter, Missy Knox. The interactive feature allows you to explore Scrubby Creek, including some of the animals you might see.

They were created for 2019 United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, with Logan City Council, the State Library of Queensland and Telstra providing funding.

The Queensland Narrating Service provided the digital recording equipment and sound production services.

Missy Knox at the setting for Wajin: The Guardian of Scrubby Creek

Visit the Logan Central Library to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The Nyeumba-Meta collection has a wonderful collection of books, DVDS and artefacts.

Go to: loganlibraries.org/firstnations

Energy tips for busy parents

Blogging for business

This workshop will show you how to build and maintain your mojo as a parent—so that you have the energy needed to keep up with the kids.

Join Nikki Cox, motherhood lifestyle specialist, to discover how to develop healthy habits for restful sleep and good nutrition.

Join our brand-building session where you’ll learn how to take your marketing to the next level by crafting emotionally compelling content that engages your customers. Attendees will receive a workbook and can participate in brainstorming to learn the foundational elements. Presented by Ali Strachan from Creative Arts Marketing.

` Beenleigh: Sat 14 Mar – 9.30am to 11.30am ` Jimboomba: Sat 7 Mar – 9.30am to 11.30am

` Logan North: Sat 14 Mar – 1.30pm to 3.30pm Business blogger Ali Strachan

Organic vegetable gardening

Annette McFarlane

Everyone can grow vegetables successfully given the right advice.

Join Annette McFarlane to discover how to create rich soil and ensure your vegetables thrive. Learn seasonal planting and pest control tips including preferred varieties for our region. ` Marsden: Sat 7 Mar – 10am to noon

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Council-funded aviary helps protect endangered species The adage may be ‘like a bat out of hell’, but flying-foxes are finding a place in heaven at the Logan Reserve home of animal carer Leanne Robertson.

Leanne is a member of the Orphan Native Animal Rear and Release Association (ONARR).

Her volunteer work includes providing shelter and food for dozens of flyingfoxes that have been rescued and need rehabilitation.

This has included babies orphaned during the summer’s drought and bushfires, which were hand-fed using bottles the size of an eye dropper.

“The flying-fox is the most important native animal in Australia,” says Leanne, who calls them her “babies”.

The flying-fox (Pteropus sp.) is a native megabat that ranks among the largest in the world. They are listed as a threatened species and are protected nationally.

They are responsible for seed dispersion, flower fertilisation and are the only mammal pollinators of eucalypts.

“Everyone knows the koala saying ‘no tree, no me’ but when it comes to the work flying-foxes do in the environment it’s a case of ‘no me, no tree’,” Leanne says.

Statistics suggest recent adverse weather and habitat loss may have reduced flying-fox numbers across the country by almost half over the last five years.

Leanne’s work in helping to rehabilitate injured and abandoned flying-foxes was assisted by Logan City Council EnviroGrants funding to ONARR. The grant went towards building a large aviary in her backyard that is capable of holding up to 70 flying-foxes.

They roost during the day and are fed before a hatch is opened in the late 14

afternoon letting them come and go freely.

Most stay a few weeks before returning permanently to the wild or are relocated

by ONARR members.

The program aligns with Logan City Council’s Flying-Fox Management Strategy 2019-2029.

For more information go to logan.qld. gov.au and search for EnviroGrants or telephone 3412 4491.

Council recommends anyone who sees a dead, sick or injured bat should contact 1300ANIMAL or call the Bat Conservation & Rescue hotline on 0488 228 134.

The strategy focuses on community education about the critical ecological role flying-foxes play as well as providing landholder management advice for those living near a roost.

Leanne says building the aviary would not have been possible without Council EnviroGrants funding. She urges other environmental and animal-care groups to apply for a 2020 grant.

“Everyone at Council was so knowledgeable and helpful,” she says.

Applications for 2020 EnviroGrants close on Wednesday, March 11.

There are five categories covering groups and individuals with grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.

WATCH our video on baby flying-foxes rescued from the bushfires youtube.com/ watch?v=7SxrOZQURL4 Logan Reserve’s Leanne Robertson with an orphaned flying-fox in front of the new aviary built with an EnviroGrants from Logan City Council

From Marsden to the world As the world marks International Women’s Day this month (Sunday, March 8), Our Logan spoke to Loganraised entrepreneur Vanessa Garrard about her remarkable career.

She founded her group of consumer product companies in 2006 and has since gone on to helm brands including OZtrail and Tenixx.

She also mentors aspiring businesswomen and is the chairperson of child protection group Bravehearts.

When were you at Marsden High?

I left at end of grade 11, 1994.

Were you a good student?

I believe I was a good student, I enjoyed school and loved learning.

What drew you towards entrepreneurship?

My parents had a great work ethic and always worked several jobs, so I just knew how to work hard and started earning money from eightyears-old (weeding gardens in our neighbourhood, delivering papers).

At 11, I started selling lollies for a doorto-door lolly business and I then worked with my dad to start our own lolly business at 12. I just got the bug from there and have founded 17 companies since.

Were you always an innovator?

I like connecting the dots and coming up with innovative solutions to known problems.

What have you done to help women succeed in the workplace?

I’m a mentor for Mentor Walks in Brisbane (Connecting female leaders with aspiring professional women), as well as mentoring other female entrepreneurs.

I also recently launched a new company Vencha Group that focuses on helping women-led businesses raise growth capital. Part of our service is assisting female entrepreneurs to get investment-ready.

For more information on IWD 2020 go to internationalwomensday.com/

I’m alumni for the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women cohort for Asia Pacific and I invest a lot of time helping other women across the APAC region to grow their businesses.

How do you juggle work and life with four children?

Just wing it! Some days go to plan and some don’t. I’m yet to find a magic formula for the whole work-life balance thing, but I must say I also have a very supportive husband which helps immensely.

How many companies are you currently involved with?

Six companies currently. I’m also the chairperson of Bravehearts.

Greatest professional achievement?

Being named in AFR 100 Women of Influence and taking out the EY Entrepreneur of The Year for Industry.

What’s ahead for this year?

Focusing on Vencha and helping female entrepreneurs raise growth capital and scale up their businesses globally.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is #EachforEqual – a call to everyone to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.

Inspiring Logan-raised entrepreneur Vanessa Garrard

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Just what the street doctor ordered Like a candle in a darkened room, Logan’s Street Doctor is a beacon of hope for the city’s less fortunate.

His team treats up to 700 patients a year, many of them regulars with ongoing health issues.

Founded in 2013 by Egyptian-born Dr Adel El-Mezin, the Street Doctor team has provided free medical help for the homeless and those living rough.

“We try to take them as they come and talk to them as individuals, then they are happy to give their name and we start to know their needs and we go from there.”

Dr El-Mezin and his daughter Emane started the Street Doctor to close what they saw as a gap in healthcare in Logan.

As a practising GP, he found that some patients were reluctant to seek help because of the stigma attached to their social situation.

(L–R) Street Doctors Dr Affan Qazi and Dr Adel El-Mezin

“A lot of them were socially isolated or were scared of authority or just embarrassed about their appearance, so they stayed away and didn’t get follow-up treatment,” he says.

The van stays on the road courtesy of Medicare, government grants and the voluntary efforts of a team of doctors and health professionals.

Prescriptions are filled by the TerryWhite Chemmart Logan City Medical Centre.

So what drives Dr El-Mezin and his crew to perform al fresco medicine in a dark car park after hours?

“We do that because we feel like we’re part of the community and have to pay it back,” he says.

International students looking for Logan hosts Rochedale South’s Angela Taylor has never forgotten the life-changing experience of being an exchange student.

Now with children of her own, Angela has shared the enjoyment by becoming a host family with American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs.

“When I was 17, I went to Ecuador for the year after I finished year 12,” she says.

Angela says her relationship with her host family has continued for 30 years.

In 2018, her host sister Monica and her teenage daughter Valentina visited Angela.

Monica also rekindled her relationship with Angela’s parents as she had been hosted by them in 1988 prior to Angela’s trip to Ecuador.

Today, Angela is a support person for AFS and works with students and families during exchanges. She also host students.

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She and husband Darren and their children Jayden, 17, and Natalie, 14, hosted their first student—a Hungarian girl named Dori—in 2016.

Dori stayed with them for a year and attended Springwood State High School.

“She has since moved to England and we are still in touch,” Angela says.

Angela says exchange students also learn a lot about Australia.

Rochedale South’s Angela Taylor is encouraging Logan families to billet international students

“The thing that gets them is the wildlife.

They expect it to be everywhere.”

“You treat them as you would your own family,” Angela says.

Angela hopes to encourage Logan residents to become host families.

Host families get to select where their AFS students come from.

“As you share Australia with your student you become a tourist in your own city,” she says.

All potential host families need to have a blue card and undergo a selection process including an interview.

Host families are not paid and while AFS covers schooling costs, they are required to provide students with a bedroom and three meals a day.

AFS is looking for families to billet sixmonth exchange students who will arrive in Queensland in June and July.

More information is at: afs.org.au

Funding commitments are Logan’s ticket to ride New funding is on the way for two important infrastructure projects in Logan.

Last November, the State and Federal Governments committed: • $95 million to move the Loganlea train station

• $20 million for a business case for the proposed Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail service.

Funding to upgrade the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Logan Motorway in two stages will also be provided sooner.

Learn more at fairshare4logan.com.au Council’s ‘Fair Share 4 Logan’ program advocates for better infrastructure from State and Federal Governments.

Moving the Loganlea railway station will be a game changer Plans to move the Loganlea train station will transform the local area while bringing a host of benefits to the City of Logan.

Here are six reasons why moving the station would be good for the community: 1. More services for the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines Loganlea station is one of the busiest in Logan because it is part of the express route to the Gold Coast and Brisbane Airport. Its current location cannot handle more services, but more trains will operate when Cross River Rail is operational.

2. It will save money The State Government had already committed $24 million to upgrade the station to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Council didn’t want the upgrade if the station was going to move later.

Funding will now be allocated to the relocated station, which will meet accessibility requirements.

3. Easier access to Logan Hospital Logan Hospital’s emergency department is one of the busiest in Queensland and the demand for maternity services has increased by 44 per cent in the past five years.

The State Government is investing $461 million for a major upgrade to the hospital to meet demand. With the station at the “front door” of the hospital, doctors, nurses, and other staff will find it easier to travel to work, and patients and visitors will be closer to the services they need.

5. Educational connections Students attending the Metro South TAFE (Logan Campus) will also have the station at their front door, and it will be easier for Loganlea State High School students to connect with the TAFE. 6. Jobs and business opportunities The hospital expansion, the new and upgraded station and extra parking will improve development opportunities in the Meadowbrook and Loganlea areas.

Council is already fielding enquiries from people wanting to invest in the area.

This will bring new jobs to the city and improve our economy.

4. Improved parking Parking was a key issue raised at Logan City Council’s Meadowbrook Summit in September 2018. Improved and increased parking facilities will feature in the new station precinct.

A new passenger rail service for our growing population A much-needed passenger rail service between Salisbury and Beaudesert will be a step closer after a business case is developed.

Residents currently need to allow two hours to travel by public transport from Flagstone into the Brisbane CBD. A rail service would halve that travel time.

The train line will be another option for people travelling to work, for education and to access services such as healthcare. It will also take pressure off surrounding roads.

Six stations are proposed for Logan:

Up to 120,000 people are expected to live in Greater Flagstone when it’s fully developed.

• Hillcrest • Boronia Heights • Greenbank • New Beith • Flagstone Central • Undullah.

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My health for life It’s a free, healthy lifestyle program that starts with an easy online health check to see if it is right for you. All you have to do is answer a few health and lifestyle questions to see if you’re a candidate.

If you’re over 45, and don’t have a history of type 2 diabetes, heart attack or stroke, you could be eligible.

Saalihah Seedat, who has been delivering the free My health for life program, says it helps Queenslanders to live well and reduce their likelihood of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

“I am a clinical pharmacist. My professional work is at the other end of the spectrum dealing with people who are on multiple medication. This program is all about preventing chronic disease,” she says.

The program involves six sessions over six months and is held in Logan City Council Libraries.

“The first session is a one-on-one consultation — where I meet the participant and discuss their health, their lifestyle choices and do a few measurements.

“We then do four fortnightly group sessions covering being more active,

eating healthy, quitting or reducing smoking, sleeping well and assessing alcohol and stress management.”

Three months after the sessions, the group reconvenes to check in on their progress.

“Everyone’s health goals and journey are different but we have had some great successes,” she says.

Saalihah said the program was about supporting and motivating people to achieve their health goals.

“It is about helping them to break their health goals into small, achievable steps.’’

Saalihah said more than 9,000 Queenslanders had completed the program since it launched several years ago.

To see if you measure up go to myhealthforlife.com.au/riskassessment or call 13 7475 to find your closest group.

My health for life is funded by the Queensland Government and was developed by an alliance of health agencies, including the Heart Foundation, Diabetes Queensland and the Stroke Foundation.

My health for life participants from left to right: Janice Healy, Cheryl Dangerfield, Neil Sluyters, Bev Lord and course facilitator Saalihah Seedat

Basketball Weekly activity Thursdays school terms only 4pm to 5pm Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre, 357 Browns Plains Rd, Crestmead Contact: 0433 446 855 or opsmanager@loganbasketball.com Cost $2.50 per child, per term

Bookings are essential!

More information: logan.qld.gov. au/moveitlogan/ events

Move it Logan is funded with the assistance of the Australian Government through Sport Australia

logan.qld.gov.au/livewell Email: MH4L.Logan@bigpond.com 18

Be prepared

Disaster Management Neighbour Day, Sunday 29 March is Australia’s annual celebration of community. It’s a day to connect with your neighbours.

Whether it’s a cuppa, or a barbecue, it’s a perfect opportunity to say ‘Hi’— and thanks for being a great neighbour.

Neighbour Day, Sunday 29 March

It’s also a great opportunity to talk about what you could do to help each other if there’s a disaster.

The first step is to download the guide and toolbox: logan.qld.gov.au/community-emergencyplanning

To help the discussion along, Council has developed a Community Emergency Planning Guide and Toolkit.

It’s a resource to help you work with Council, emergency services and other organisations to plan for disasters and respond to potential impacts of hazards and threats by: • identifying community priorities and planning for possible disasters and emergencies • noting the resources, skills and people that are valuable in an emergency

This will help you to establish a Community Emergency Planning Group. This group should be people who can provide leadership and action the plan.

A group of six to 10 people can be effective, if they have broad experience and enthusiasm.

There are also plenty of tools to keep you aware of what’s happening Logan Early Warning App

• enabling communities to recover faster after an emergency.

Planning for disasters at a community level has many benefits, including: • identifying and understanding local hazards and risks • minimising the potential impacts of disasters and emergencies • networking and building relationships with Council, emergency services, community groups and other organisations

This is a free email, SMS or text-to-voice for landlines early warning alert service for severe weather, bushfires and floods across the city. logan.qld.gov.au/earlywarning The Disaster Dashboard provides weather warnings, local road hazards, fire incidents, power outages and much more. Stay up-to-date in an emergency situation: disaster.logan.qld.gov.au

• identifying and strengthening local community resources, skills and leadership • developing the ability for the community to lead and build community resilience • contributing valuable local knowledge and information to Council and emergency services.

Community Project Grants Apply now!

up to $10,000 available logan.qld.gov.au/cpg 19

Logan’s own ‘daddy day care’ thriving As any parent knows, “mum” is the word for most kids under 10.

The Woodridge Family Place men’s program coordinator Glenn Hodgson

But one Logan group is making sure dad still gets a look in.

A weekly dads’ playgroup at The Family Place community centre in Woodridge is providing a special social outlet for local families.

Centre Men’s Program Coordinator, or “Mischief Maker” Glenn Hodgson, says the group is about supporting fatherhood.

“We had noticed there were a lot of groups for mums in Logan but not many for dads,” Glenn says.

“We were particularly interested in encouraging dads to spend more time with their kids.”

The playgroup has operated for nearly eight years.

Glenn says the walk-in Saturday program attracts both working and “full-time” dads.

“It’s that one-on-one time that they really enjoy if they’re working … or if they’re a full-time dad, then the dad gets to hang out with other guys and do life together,” he says.

“We talk about the kids, relationships, football, home group, whipper snipping was the last conversation we had, I think.”

“They’re a little more comfortable with risk.”

He says the program is just as important to the kids.

The dads’ playgroup is each Saturday between 10am and noon. The Family Place is at 35a North Rd, Woodridge.

“I think dads interact with their children differently,” he says.

More details are available on the centre’s Facebook page.

Tai chi enthusiasts embrace Live Well Logan

Logan Tai Chi for Health owner Dennis O’Brien joined forces last year with Council’s Live Well Logan program.

A healthy living activity offered through a popular Council program has been embraced by members of the Logan community.

The program offers local residents access to a wide range of free and low-cost activities such as bootcamps, ninja warrior and soccer for teenagers, ju-jitsu, seniors’ functional fitness, cooking classes, hula and a balance class.

Dennis says tai chi helps with arthritis, well-being, relaxation, stress and anxiety.

“I invite anyone who is interested to come along. I make it fun and we have a good laugh,” he says.

Tai chi class member John Buxton is a regular at the classes each Thursday morning at Spring Mountain Reserve.

“I am suffering from the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and it helps me with maintaining social interaction, balance, exercise and co-ordination,” John says.

Fellow class member Lynne Jackson has a busy life as a carer for her husband and mother.

Lynne says tai chi helps her relax and her mind becomes clearer.

“The biggest bonus is it’s only $5 each week which is very affordable for me,” Lynne says Lynne’s friend Bronwyn Murphy also takes the classes.

“I’ve learnt ways of moving and how to hold myself better,” Bronwyn says.

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Tai chi is one of the many activities available to people of all ages participating in Live Well Logan

Details of the full Live Well Logan program are online at logan.qld.gov.au/livewell

Hot rods, homing pigeons and woodcrafters share happy hobby home This may well be the hobby hub of Logan.

It’s four similar unremarkable sheds on a Council-owned allotment within the Loganholme Industrial Estate, known as Burchill Park.

But those sheds, in Burchill St, are the clubhouses for some of the city’s most passionate and niche hobbyists.

Shed 1 is home base for the Logan City Pigeon Club.

The club has been operating since 1988 and has 25 members, nearly all of them Logan residents.

They meet at the club weekly. During the racing season, from May to October, the meetings include allocating the electronic timing rings for each racing bird.

Club president Craig McDonald, a Springwood resident, says many members have kept birds from when they were kids.

“It’s a hobby but it’s more about a love of birds,” he says.

Next door in Shed 2 is a slice of 1950s rockabilly in Rods Incorporated Hot Rod Club.

The club started in 1964 and has been based at Burchill Park since 1993.

It has nearly 150 members and associates, drawn from across South-East Queensland.

Their passion is pre-1948 hot rods and Classic cars up to 1969.

“All members must own or be building a hot rod,” says club president Graham Curtis, from Loganholme.

The club is decked out like a 1950s café. In addition to meetings the shed also is a venue for rock ‘n’ roll music shows, dance classes and musical jam sessions.

Rods Inc Hot Rod Club president Graham Curtis left) with Brian Lewis (centre) and Peter Hemingway at their Burchill Park clubhouse in Loganholme

In addition to restoring cars, members participate in monthly social runs and the clubhouse often has a band playing on the first Saturday of the month.

They also run a Hot Rod Car and Bike show in September to help charities including Family and Kids Care Foundation and InSync Youth Services.

The fourth tenant at Burchill Park, in Shed 4, is The Logan Make and Do (M.A.D.) Association, a group of woodcrafters.

Club president Peter Biggin says M.A.D. started in around 2001 and now has 110 members including 20 women, all Logan residents.

They make toys and other wooden objects. Recently they provided nearly 500 toys to local charities including Council’s Christmas toy appeal.

Toy donations are also made to Springwood and Kingston East community centres and Mission Possible.

“We’re like one big family,” Graham says.

Everything is made on site at Burchill Park.

“Whatever we are doing everyone gives a helping hand.”

“As a club we pride ourselves on being all inclusive,” Peter says.

Just a short turning circle away is Shed 3 which houses the Eliminators Hot Rods and American Car Club.

The club has been at Burchill Park since 1996.

Their 60-strong membership is a slightly younger demographic than Rods Inc says the club’s president Mick Roche, of Cornubia.

Logan Pigeon Club members Carl and Kay Swan, of Loganholme

“We are happy to welcome anyone interested in woodwork as long as they can participate without any safety risks.”

Logan City Pigeon Club: Contact Craig McDonald on 0412 665 916 Rods Inc Hot Rod Club: Via club website Rodsinc.com.au or on their Facebook page

How to get involved

Eliminators Hot Rods and American Car Club: Email: eliminatorsclub@gmail.com or via website eliminators.club Logan Make and Do Assoc.

Email: loganmadwoodcrafters@gmail.com or via website: loganmadwoodcrafters.com 21

Scientists provide an insight for Woodridge students Teachers boldly go forth on space experiment Erin Bolger and Ross Bradford are building a model of a space station on Mars.

Dr Fiona Simpson (centre back) in the lab with Woodridge State High School year 12 students (back left to right) Aisha Hatungimana, Pichkorng You, Wibe Tizazu and Tiana King and (front left) Kiana Sciascia and Naomi Shukurani

A group of six Logan students has been given the perfect incentive to commit to their studies for their final year of high school.

Woodridge State High School year 12 students Kiana Sciascia, Tiana King, Wibe Tizazu, Aisha Hatungimana, Pichkorng You and Naomi Shukurani spent a week of last year taking part in a work experience at the University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute (UQDI).

Through a program which has been operating for the last six years, the students spent time with UQDI researchers who are turning scientific discoveries into better treatments in the areas of genomics, vaccinations, immunology and cancer.

Senior Research Fellow Associate Professor Fiona Simpson is known for her work with breast, head and neck cancers.

Dr Simpson says the program gave the students first-hand experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields.

The group conducted experiments such as dividing cells and growing bacteria 22

in the lab and attending lectures in specialist areas such as neurology.

“We want to give the students confidence to follow their dreams and aim high,” Dr Simpson says.

“We wanted them to see what careers there are so they can imagine themselves here.”

The week gave the teens an opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds.

All the students aspire to work in science-related fields when they finish school later this year.

Aisha would like to work in a medical field, Kiana wants to be a marine biologist, Tiarna’s first preference is nursing, Naomi wants to study the brain, Pichkorng aspires to be a neurologist and Wibe is interested in mechanical engineering but his week at the TRI has sparked an interest in medicine.

Wibe says the week showed him that the key to success in science was collaboration while Naomi says she enjoyed the practical work.

Two dedicated City of Logan teachers were the first Australian participants to join 50 educators from 29 countries for the second annual International STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Studio held in California.

Erin, from Mabel Park State High School, and Ross, from Park Ridge State High School, attended the five-day course which focused on inquiry-based learning and the use of technology in classrooms.

“The course gave me a greater understanding of how to use inquirybased learning with hands-on challenges including building a model of a space station on Mars,” Erin says.

“It was a unique experience that will help me shape the future of STEM teaching at Park Ridge State High School, which is building a new innovation centre.”

Erin has been teaching for nine years and is involved in Mabel Park State High School’s Maths and Science Academy and Girls Excelling in Maths and Science (GEMS) Programs.

“I’ve come back with a greater understanding of establishing inquiryfocused classrooms where students are encouraged to question and wonder,” Erin says.

If you want answers don’t miss QODE 2020

Council drives innovation and entrepreneurship

24 to 25 March Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Logan Masterclass in Innovation and Entrepreneurship started last month.

It’s billed as ‘Australia’s largest tech gathering’ featuring global experts and it’s happening on our doorstep.

• What will be the impact of the expansion of 5G networks and what potential does this hold?

QODE’s goal is to better focus the effort and set the direction for new products and services.

• What new technologies will be the trendsetters in tomorrow’s connected world?

It will answer:

To find out, 300 global and local experts and thought leaders will present their ideas in a single-stream program.

• What comes next?

• What advantages will come from the widespread use of future technologies and innovation?

Low-cost tickets are available for tertiary and Year 12 students.

For more information visit: qodebrisbane.com

The initiative is a partnership between Logan City Council and Creative HQ, a leading company in the field.

The course teaches practical skills through an immersive experiential program.

It also positions each participant as a practitioner and facilitator of innovation.

Candidates are encouraged to share the course knowledge within the workplace, community and mentor budding entrepreneurs.

People planning or beginning start-up businesses can also benefit.

At the end of the course participants will have the tools and techniques of innovation.

They will also the skills to solve complex problems in a structured, confident and efficient manner.

During the masterclass participants will learn how to use core innovation methodologies. (Lean, Agile and Design thinking).

They will learn how to combine human-centred design with new technologies.

The goal is to create, speed up and scale transformative ideas — ideas that are capable of attracting investment to our city.

Participants will bring back a wealth of knowledge to their employment and networks.

They will also contribute to the City of Logan’s vision to become an innovative, dynamic, city of the future. innov8logan.com.au

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Business profile

Supplements manufacturer goes from strength to strength ATP Science Director, Jeff Doidge.

According to Jeff the export market is flourishing, led by the company’s flagship product GutRight.

“New Zealand is our largest export market with the United Kingdom rapidly catching up. The UAE is coming along leaps and bounds—we received our largest ever order from them last December and we are making inroads into the United States with health food and pharmacy chains.”

The company’s success has not gone unnoticed in the business world.

“We are now in the BRW (Business Review Weekly) Fast 100.

We finished 13th in 2018 and we have been experiencing double-digit growth since inception and had a few years of triple digit growth” Jeff says.

“We turned over $24 million last year and we expect to sell $30 million in 2020.

Business is booming for ATP Science, a Loganholme-based business that will move into a new $15 million, purpose-built facility in Meadowbrook this month.

Director, Jeff Doidge, said the company had evolved from selling supplements to becoming an international supplier.

“My wife and I owned another business in Logan in a retail supplements store selling all over Australia since 2002, so we’ve been in business here almost 20 years,” Jeff says.

“By 2012 we had grown to become one of Australia’s largest specialty sports protein powder retailers, turning over $600,000 a month, selling imported supplements.”

Jeff said ATP Science was established that year, prompted by the unreliable quality of imported products.

“In the beginning we started on hope, a wing and a prayer and $60,000. In 2013 we used retained earnings to invest in manufacturing and expand the business,” he said.

“We were manufacturing in the United States, which is supposed to be bigger and better, but we were consistently finding that the supplements were not being made to our specifications so then we brought manufacturing back to Australia.

Jeff says ATP Science employs 40 people and planned to expand its new facility.

“I anticipate we will have 80 full-time staff in 2021, after we consolidate our four sites into the new building. Being purpose built, it has everything — from multiple production lines through to the laboratory, refrigerated warehousing and office space — all under a 7,600 square metre roof.”

The decision to build the new headquarters for ATP Science in Logan was an easy one, says Jeff.

“We have great support. We’re working with Griffith University training interns in our lab. We’ve had no problems finding highquality employees and it’s perfectly situated as an international distribution hub.

“We’re proud to be an Australian company and Logan has proved to be a great place for us to do business.”

ATP Science will open its new facility at 47-53 Meakin Rd, Meadowbrook later this month. Atpscience.com ATP Science's manufacturing facilities at Meadowbrook will open this month

“We manufactured with a few companies here, but the quality wasn’t there so in 2016 we decided to do the manufacturing ourselves.

“We’ve been doing exceedingly well in Australia and the market has matured for us.

“We are now moving into the mainstream consumable market and that brings in the likes of the major grocery chains, as well as expanding into new overseas markets.”

office of Economic Development

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Mount Warren Park artist Alex Mate Tuaoi and wife Fayth at his Inspire exhibition in November

Artist Alex gives back to the community Faith is an important force in the life of Mount Warren Park artist Alex Mate Tuaoi.

While the self-taught painter draws motivation from his Christian beliefs, he also credits his success to the undying support of the other love in his life, wife Fayth.

A man of few words, Alex admits he does not enjoy the spotlight.

He says Fayth’s encouragement enabled him to take the next step in his painting career – his first solo exhibition.

“It always was a dream of mine when I was young,” Alex says of the desire to display his work for others.

“My wife pushed me to fulfil that.”

Alex’s dream came to life in stunning colour at the Able Art Gallery in Logan in November.

More than 150 people attended the opening of his Inspire exhibition, which featured 16 of Alex’s mostloved creations.

One by one, the artworks sold via a silent auction that raised more than $7,000 for two causes dear to Alex and Fayth’s hearts, R U OK Australia and the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation.

Fayth has battled uterine cancer since May 2018.

Alex’s work as a full-time truck driver has helped support the couple throughout her illness.

But Alex has had to juggle his art around a busy work schedule.

“It is pretty demanding, because I’m wanting to pursue my art so it’s been pretty hard,” he says.

“I’ll sometimes do eight hours (painting) after work.”

Alex’s love for illustration began in primary school.

“A teacher, Ms Clarke, she was reading out to the class and she just asked me randomly if I wanted to draw the pictures,” Alex says.

“It was easy for me… that’s what inspired me to take up art.”

Fayth says she knew it was only a matter of time before Alex would find success as an artist.

“He’s a very humble guy, he likes to hide behind other artists and would always organise group exhibitions,” she says.

“But I said, ‘I think it’s your time to shine’.”

Alex and Fayth are members of the Lighthouse Family Church in Loganholme.

Alex’s efforts help support the church’s Lighthouse Care food outlet, which recently auctioned one of his paintings for the cause.

“Every year I’m wanting to donate a painting for them, so they can stock up and help struggling families with the groceries,” Alex says.

Alex will create a new painting for Lighthouse Care this year, while also working on a new set of works for his next exhibition.

Alex’s works can be viewed on Facebook @AlexTuaoiArtist

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Wheels keep turning on Clarks’ bus journey • Alexander Clark Park was named after Reg’s father when the family farm was sub-divided • Clarks Rd in Loganholme is named after the Clark family • The original Clark family farmhouse still exists in Dewar Drive, Loganholme Reg and Yvonne Clark on board their most recent addition—the Hino Poncho

In 1976, Reg ‘s parents had sold the family farm in Loganholme leaving Reg and Yvonne looking for alternate employment. One of the issues that they were trying to resolve was local students getting to school safely.

They could hardly have imagined then what kind of journey they would find themselves on more than 40 years later.

“We had mothers pushing prams with kids all the way from Bismark St (off Bryants Rd), crossing the M1 and using Greyhound buses to get to and from school,” recalls Yvonne, who at the time was the treasurer of the Loganholme Primary School Parents and Citizens’ Association.

Yvonne remembers it was almost by accident that she and Reg got involved in buses.

“We wrote to all the bus operators in the district but no one was interested in taking on the school run,” she says.

“We spoke to other operators and they told us to apply to run the bus service on a permit.

“I looked at it and worked out if we could make $100 a week we could survive.

Well, we made $125 in the first week.

“We knew everyone and it was great to help families out.”

Clark’s Bus Service grew to a fleet of five buses by the end of 1976 with both Reg and Yvonne driving.

The couple could not have predicted how quickly their business would grow.

“When we started we parked the bus in front of the house. Before I knew it my 26

rose garden was gone and we had eight buses in front of the house,” Yvonne says.

“Logan’s growth has definitely made the business grow, it’s such a fast growing, multicultural city.”

Reg and Yvonne’s driving days are over but they haven’t been forgotten.

“We have young blokes coming in here as tradies who caught our buses as kids,” says Reg. While the Clarks’ core business has moved away from school runs, community is still very much at the heart of their operations.

Clark’s buses carry up to 20,000 passengers daily and employ more than 200 people.

Yvonne says community is everything.

“Locals are going to look after locals a lot better,” she says.

As one of the largest privately-owned urban bus operators in Queensland, family is also just as important.

The business now involves three generations with Reg and Yvonne’s three daughters and their granddaughter all playing a role in the business.

Reg and Yvonne chuckle when asked about slowing down.

“They owe us quite a lot of long service leave,” says Yvonne.

“And we have a motorhome sitting over there (in the yard) that we bought last year and haven’t used – we hope to do a trip this year.”

• Their new Hino Poncho was the first time the model had been put into service in Australia • Clarks’ fleet is 100% DDA compliant

Australia-first road technology for Eagleby New technology was rolled out for the reconstruction of Logan St at Eagleby.

It was the first time Logan City Council used Intelligent Compaction (IC) on a road project.

IC refers to the compaction of road materials using smart rollers with GPS tracking.

The rollers have compaction monitoring technology to record construction quality during the project.

The monitoring allows the roller operator to make adjustments to the compaction.

The roller maintains a continuous record of colour-coded plots.

The operator can review the number of passes and how compact the new road is.

Compaction is one of the most important processes in roadway construction and this method provides a high level of quality assurance.

Logan lifestyle shared with overseas students The delights of Logan have been discovered in a classroom on the other side of the world, thanks to the efforts of local authors Karen and Steve Tyrrell.

Karen’s children’s book Ready. Set. Discover Logan! – published in partnership with Logan City Council – was the centrepiece of the couple’s recent visit to Verdi Elementary School in Reno, Nevada in the United States.

Steve said the opportunity to visit the school, which their niece attends, arose while the couple were visiting family.

He said the school was interested in hearing more about the Australian way of life and they jumped at the chance to learn about Logan’s lifestyle. “(The book) is about new arrivals to Logan City and talks about acceptance, friendships and the child and familyfriendly places people can visit in Logan,” Steve says.

“We perform Ready. Set. Discover Logan!, starting with a puppet show with our koala … they were quite taken with koalas!

Steve and Karen Tyrrell at Verdi Elementary School with their nephew Kye and niece Ellie

“Our cutest response at the end of the pantomime was ‘I want to live in Logan and go to all those places’.”

Karen says her motivation as an author is about encouraging young people.

Her book Stop the Bully, has just been formatted as an audio book. Another,

Songbird Super Hero has been translated into braille.

“It’s about living strong, whether you’re an adult or a child, and encouraging self-care as well as caring for the environment,” Karen says.

More information on Karen’s published works is available at karentyrrell.com

Bright future for community service stalwart Logan’s MultiLink Community Services has its focus firmly on the future as it heads into a fourth decade supporting local communities.

“We start to meet with many people in the street, in the shops and people don’t have directions, no place to go, (didn’t know) what to do.

The group recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

“(They) used to say ‘something is missing here’.”

“I would hope that the group of people who formed the Logan City Migrant Neighbourhood Centre in 1989 would be proud of what MultiLink Community Services has become,” Chief Executive Officer Bruce Milligan says.

Gladys says the determination of the service’s volunteers helped it grow, along with a slow change in attitudes.

Founding coordinator Luisa Fuller recalls partnering with fellow founding member, Gladys Revelo, to discover the true extent of the struggles facing Logan’s migrant community.

“So Gladys and I, we start to walk and you cannot believe how many hours we put together to walk house by house.

“I think that the mentality has changed from 30 years ago to now … you see migrants everywhere and people just are not as afraid as they were before,” she says.

MultiLink Community Services now supports more than 8,000 people from around 150 cultural backgrounds.

The organisation assists them access services including aged care, disability

support, employment and training, respite and youth services.

Bruce says the purchase of MultiLink’s Blackwood Rd building in Logan Central was an exciting recent development.

“We now have a base and a home that we can grow and develop from. We are here to stay and our roots are firmly planted in the Logan area,” he says.

Contact MultiLink Community Services on 3808 4463.

MultiLink founding member Luisa Fuller

27

‘Bite and rush’ incidents demand owners’ attention ‘Bite and rush’ incidents by unrestrained dogs continue to increase as the number of dogs in our city also grows. Most attacks occur without owners’ knowledge when a dog has escaped its yard and is wandering.

Council investigates reports of dog attacks. Contact Council on 3412 3412 to report a dog bite or attack.

As well as causing distress and injury to victims, it’s the owner’s hip pocket that’s going to feel the bite – meeting medical costs and additional restrictions plus fees associated with keeping a menacing or dangerous dog.

Logan’s new Animal Keeping Local Laws (cats and dogs) Thank you to everyone who had their say and helped us shape our city’s new cat and dog keeping local laws, which came into effect last month.

The laws have changed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pets and the community.

To find out more visit our website at: logan.qld.gov.au/AnimalLaws or phone 3412 3412.

If you own a dog make sure it: • can’t escape your yard or enclosure • is on a lead and controllable when in public • does not cause fear by ‘rushing’ or display other menacing behaviours • is well socialised and provided with diversions when you're not home.

Is development nearby causing a nuisance?

The good news is a new Construction Taskforce now monitors all developments in Logan - visiting work sites at random.

The proactive monitoring reflects a new approach to how Council deals with nuisances associated with developments, and to support best practice management of growth and development across the City of Logan.

The team responds quickly to community concerns about construction sites, and will work with developers to ensure surrounding residents aren’t unfairly impacted by construction.

Common issues that the team can assist you with include: • Unreasonable construction noise and vibration 28

• Air quality and dust management • Sediment control • Non-compliance with development approvals Find out more on what construction companies should be doing to minimise negative impacts on residents and the environment, and how to contact us, go to: logan.qld. gov.au/constructiontaskforce Focus of the taskforce is preventing soil-laden run-off going on to roads and into stormwater drains

Mobile Microchipping & Chip Check Saturday 7 March 2020 Yarrabilba State Secondary College (car park), 1-35 Darnell St, Yarrabilba.

7.30am to 9am Flagstone State School (car park), 1–45 Poinciana Dr, Flagstone.

9.30am to 11am Beenleigh PCYC (car park), 20–28 Alamein St, Beenleigh.

11.30am to 12.30pm All cats and dogs welcome!

Just $20 – that's up to 50% off.

It’s called Nia Dance When Janece De Las Heras, 61 said she wanted to try Nia Dance at the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre, her friend Brenda McGregor, 75, said she would come for moral support.

“That was in January 2019 and I haven’t missed a class since,” Brenda says. “It’s very holistic and has improved my sense of well-being. My husband actually says I have a sense of rhythm now when I dance.”

Janece has also experienced amazing benefits from Nia Dance. “When you’re here, you don’t think about anything else. There’s no judgement and you can just be yourself. Before Nia, I spent most of my time lying on the couch. I had no motivation and was depressed.

“Nia has given me more courage and confidence. My husband and I were having a coffee with our neighbours the other day, and my husband said to me, ‘That’s the first time in such a long time I’ve actually heard you laugh’.

Now he asks me each week, ‘Are you going to Nia today?’ and encourages me to attend. I also have more confidence to go out a lot more and I’ve taken up the hobby of dress-making,” says Janece.

Diabetes info session — it’s FREE! Do you or a family member suffer from diabetes? Do you worry you might be at risk?

Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia. More than 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year. It’s never been more important to learn about what you can do.

If you’re a diabetes sufferer or simply want to know more, join our FREE seminar.

We will cover the following topics: • What causes diabetes

“She even made me a dress!” says Brenda.

• Types of diabetes

Vivi Jensen, 58, has also benefited from the physical and social benefits of Nia.

• What does it mean?

“I’ve had major abdominal surgery three times. Nia is great for me because I can modify the moves to take care of my body’s needs” says Vivi.

• Treatment options

“I am always more happy after Nia. We’ve become a community of women.

After the class, we all go across the road for coffee and a quick lunch.

Session details: Date: Thursday 26 March Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre 357 Browns Plains Rd, Crestmead

“We also love Ann—our instructor,” Brenda adds. “We reckon she has red cordial every morning for breakfast.”

Nia Dance occurs every Tuesday from 11.30am to 12.30pm at the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre, 10 James St, Beenleigh. It only costs $5 per person.

For enquiries, please contact Ann Boon on 0437 392 424 or graceflow@bigpond.com. This activity is funded by Council’s active and healthy program, Live Well Logan.

• How exercise can help

Bookings are recommended as places are limited — phone to secure your spot today 3412 5650. loganleisurecentres.com.au

For more free and low-cost activities, visit logan.qld.gov.au/livewell From left, Brenda McGregor, Janece De Las Heras, Instructor Ann Boon and Vivi Jensen are all fans of Nia Dance

29

Don’t let your recycling go to waste!

Soft plastics aren’t recyclable in your yellow-lid recycling bin.

Council wants to help our environment by recovering as many resources as possible.

We rely on our residents to help us by choosing what should go into the yellow-lid recycling bin.

Contamination is a major problem with recycling – and soft plastics such as plastic bags are a major problem.

When your recycling is taken from your kerb it winds up at the Materials Recovery Facility at Gibson Island in Brisbane.

Here it is sorted by many machines that use size and shape to sort paper, magnets and anti-magnetism to separate steel and aluminium cans.

Optical technologies sort different types of hard plastics and crushing and gravity sorts out glass.

It’s here that soft plastic is a problem.

To the sorting machines, soft plastics such as Glad Wrap behave like paper and can’t be separated. If it gets through screening it mixes with the paper and can contaminate a whole bale. Soft plastics can also get stuck in machines and cause damage.

* The Our Logan magazine is packaged in a special type of plastic that is biodegradable when sent to landfill in your general waste.

Audits of recycling bins have found that many people bag their cans, paper and bottles—thus contributing to the problem.

Many people incorrectly believe that soft plastics can be recycled in their yellow-lid recycling bin.

Remember, if you can squash the plastic in your fist, it is cannot go in the yellow-lid recycling bin.

You can help the environment by NOT putting soft plastics, polystyrene, clothing and other contaminants

Kerbside collections: Loganlea, Waterford, Waterford West, Park Ridge 30

into the yellow-lid bin. Try looking for alternative charities or waste collections to recover your resources. recyclingnearyou.com.au

Just a small amount of soft plastic can contaminate paper and cardboard destined for recycling

2 March 2020 to 13 March 2020

HOW WE RECYCLE Your recycling goes to our Materials Recovery Facility where it is sorted and then sent to be re-manufactured into new materials.

You may see a friendly bin inspector around the streets. Feel free to stop and say hi, or ask about how you can improve your recycling.

Recycling Col lection

We need to work hard to ensure that our product is as clean as possible. This means ensuring your recycling is empty and dry and that only recyclable material goes in your bin.

These items cannot be recycled through your yellow-lid bin:

For more information about what’s recyclable: logan.qld.gov.au/wheelie-bins

31

Nominations are now open for the City of Logan Volunteer Awards.

Please help us to recognise the efforts of extraordinary people and organisations who volunteer in our city.

Nominate online by Friday 10 April via the following link: logan.qld.gov.au/awards/volunteers