Our Logan Magazine - December 2013

Vol 25 December 2013

See Timomatic and Academy of Brothers live in Logan

Crestmead couple open their hearts and home

Want more? Scan the QR codes for exclusive content www.logan.qld.gov.au www.visitlogan.com.au

Logan City Council Contact Details Phone: 1300 1 LOGAN* (1300 156 426) *Council’s 1300 number is only for use by customers within Logan City from a landline. When contacting us from a mobile phone or from outside Logan City, please phone 3412 3412.

Rochedale South

LOGAN CITY DIVISIONAL MAP

Springwood

Website: www.logan.qld.gov.au

Daisy Hill

Woodridge

Div 2

Div 3

Slacks Creek

Logan Central

Our Logan, Our City magazine

Shailer Park

Berrinba Forestdale

Kingston

Browns Plains

Hillcrest

Managing Editor: Deanna Nott Editor: Natalie Newell News Editor: Amy McKenna Writers: Nicole Barclay and David Shaw Graphic Design: Natalie Matthews

Div 7

Boronia Heights

Marsden

Loganlea

Carbrook

Div 6 Crestmead

Bethania

Waterford West

Div 8

Loganholme Eagleby

Edens Landing

Park Ridge

Holmview

Park Ridge South

Windaroo

Div 9

Belivah

Bannockburn

North Maclean

Lyons

Logan Village

Stockleigh

Produced by Logan City Council. None of the material in this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Logan City Council.

Bahrs Scrub

Chambers Flat

Munruben

Div 11

Beenleigh

Mount Warren Park Buccan

New Beith

Div 12

Waterford

Logan Reserve

Our Logan is produced and delivered to every household in Logan City at a cost of 60 cents per household.

Front cover image: Timomatic (photo by Marc Grimwade - www.marcgrimwade.com.au).

Div 10

Tanah Merah

Heritage Park

Greenbank

Cornubia

Meadowbrook

Div 5

Regents Park

To contact Our Logan magazine staff, phone 3412 4483 To enquire about advertising in Our Logan, phone 3412 4272

All content accurate as of 6 November 2013.

Priestdale

Div 1

Underwood

Wolffdene

South Maclean

Div 4 Cedar Creek Yarrabilba Jimboomba Undullah

Kagaru Tamborine Cedar Grove

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Cedar Vale Woodhill

Veresdale

Veresdale Scrub

Mundoolun

Council services & facilities availability during the festive season The availability of some Council services will change over the festive season. The times below are accurate at the time of print, but please check Council’s website, www.logan.qld.gov.au, for the most current listing of Council’s seasonally modified hours.

(1) Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries and the Animal Management Centre: - Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. (2) The emergency service will continue to operate – phone 3412 3412.

(3) Council’s Aquatic Centres: - Closed on Christmas Day. - Open 10am - 4pm Boxing Day and New Years Day. - For Christmas Eve hours, please check www.logan.qld.gov.au (4) Insports Logan Health and Fitness Centres: - Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. - Closed for group fitness classes from 21 Dec to 5 Jan. - Modified hours on 24 Dec, 27 Dec, 31 Dec & 27 Jan 2014. Visit www.insportslogan. com.au for opening hours on these days.

(5) Council’s Sports Centres: - Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. - Modified hours on 24 Dec, 27 Dec, 31 Dec & 27 Jan 2014. Visit www.insportslogan.com.au for opening hours on these days.

- Cornubia Park Sports Centre courts closed, 27 Dec - 10 Jan 2014.

(6) The Logan Art Gallery: - Closed 21 Dec - 7 Jan 2014.

(7) Mayes Cottage: - Closed 21 Dec- 8 Jan 2014.

(8) Logan Entertainment Centre and the Beenleigh Events Centre: - Closed, including for telephone bookings, 25 Dec - 1 Jan 2014.

(9) Kingston Butter Factory: - Closed 23 Dec - 25 Jan 2014.

(10) The Logan Recycling Market: - Closed 20 Dec - 9 Jan 2014.

(11) Waste and recycling bin collection: - Continues as normal, but may be earlier than usual on Christmas Day, so be sure to put your bin out the night before.

Dates to remember Kerbside Clean Up services: - 9 Dec in Hillcrest, Boronia Heights and Forestdale; - 27 Jan in Munruben, Park Ridge South, North Maclean, South Maclean, Greenbank and New Beith.

Pool parties will be held at all Council aquatic centres on Australia Day, 26 January.

Mayor’s Message Looking back at the year that was, Logan City and other parts of the country have celebrated many triumphs, but we have also suffered tragedy in the form of natural disasters.

In October, parts of New South Wales experienced some of their worst bushfires in a decade. One suburb devastated by the fires was Springwood in the Blue Mountains, and as a namesake to Logan’s own Springwood, my heart particularly went out to the residents and Council from this area. In a gesture of goodwill to the people whose lives had been devastated by these fires, Logan City Council donated $10,000 on behalf of the residents of Logan to the Blue Mountains City Council Mayoral Relief Fund.

Mayor Pam Parker Phone: 3412 3412 Email: mayor@logan.qld.gov.au @MayorPam

The similarities between our two areas resonated with me and my colleagues. Like Springwood in the Blue Mountains, many of our suburbs adjoin bushland and are extremely vulnerable to the threat of bushfires. It was a timely reminder that we all need to ensure we are well prepared for the real threat of natural disaster – whether it be storm, flood or fire.

I am sure the severe flooding our city experienced on Australia Day is still fresh in the minds of many. While it was Logan’s worst flood event in more than 20 years, it could happen again this storm season.

We all have a responsibility to protect and Celebrating Dami Im’s X-Factor prepare our family and our homes and I urge win with John Paul College’s you all to learn from our own experiences Niki Dowding. to ensure as a community, we are as well prepared as possible. Get ready Logan, stay safe and be prepared! There is a magnet enclosed with this magazine – keep it on your fridge. It will be useful in times of need.

Dannii Minogue and Logan’s Dami Im at a visit to Dami’s former school, John Paul College in Daisy Hill.

Council recently hosted “Get Ready Logan”, an event aimed at increasing awareness of the risks and hazards of natural disaster in Logan. If you missed this event, I strongly encourage you to visit the Get Ready Logan website at www.logan.qld.gov.au/getreadylogan As we head off into the festive season, let me congratulate our school and university students who have recently graduated. May they all go on to have great success and happiness. On behalf of Logan City Council, I wish all residents a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Deputy Mayor Chin-yu Lee of Logan’s sister city, Taoyuan in Taiwan, led an economic delegation to Logan in October.

Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen, toured the Logan City Council CCTV monitoring facility after securing an additional $960,000 in federal funding for Logan’s CCTV program.

Official opening of the Little Bush Chapel wedding venue at Joncia Gardens, Logan Reserve with owner Marcia Rivett.

3

A show like you’ve never seen before – Timomatic’s promise to Logan

Dancing and singing sensation Timomatic will perform at the Mayor’s Christmas Carols on December 14. Our Logan spoke to him about performing, Christmas and everything in between as he prepared for the show.

You stole the spotlight with performances on So You Think You Can Dance? and Australia’s Got Talent, where this year you have returned as a judge. What has your experience taught you?

It has taught me that it’s all about winning moments, as opposed to winning competitions. You can’t control the way the public is going to vote, all you can control is what you do and how you do it. So, just focusing on making the best of your opportunities.

Do you still have to stop and pinch yourself every now and again?

Yeah, most definitely. I never imagined having in-jokes with a Spice Girl. This has been an amazing experience, it really has, and I’m very lucky to be in this position.

What does it feel like when you walk out on stage?

I feel like a superhero! I honestly do. I feel like I’ve been given special powers to create this amazing atmosphere and people can just go crazy. I feel like I’m a million bucks – it’s an amazing feeling.

4

Continue reading the Q&A with Timomatic online.

Scan the QR Code for more.

Where, and with whom, would your dream performance be?

I’d love to perform with someone like Beyonce at Madison Square Garden.

That would be incredible.

Your career has taken you around the globe. Is there a place you would love to return to and why?

I’d love to return to Mexico. I had a really good time there. Mexican people love party music; and fun, upbeat music; and a lot of my songs are like that so I had a really good reaction there. I did the biggest performance of my life there in terms of size and number so I’d love to return.

Beyond performing, what do you like to do with your down time?

I love watching TV shows. Currently I’m watching whole seasons of Dexter. I love Breaking Bad. I just love great shows and I think we’re in a new golden era of TV – TV is just phenomenal right now.

What can the Logan City community expect from your performance?

Logan can expect a high octane performance; I’m bringing dancers with me. Expect to see something you’ve never seen before. With my shows, it’s all about creating an amazing atmosphere where people can have a dance.

Academy of Brothers is also performing. What do you find most impressive about the boys?

Just their energy and raw strength.

There’s 25 of them and they have a synergy where you know they’ve had a lot of hours of training together to get things right. It’s hard enough to get four or six dancers tight, but 25? That is a feat. That’s like trying to get an army in time. But they do it well and they do it with a lot of heart.

What can the Logan community learn from Academy of Brothers?

I think Academy of Brothers represents second chances. The boys have told their story – some of the boys haven’t had the best upbringing and have been in and out of trouble but they do a lot of positive things, not only for themselves but for kids. No matter where you’re at, you can turn your life around and these boys are proof of that.

What is your favourite Christmas carol?

I like Silent Night. It’s old-school but it’s a good one.

How do you traditionally celebrate Christmas?

With family – either my family or my girlfriend’s family – and lot’s of food! Lots and lots of food. As long as those things are involved, I’m all good.

A

tragic rugby accident brought them together and now Academy of Brothers (AOB) is taking Australia by storm.

See Logan’s

Academy of Brothers this Christmas

The humble 25-strong dance crew is now a household name after placing third overall on Channel 9’s Australia’s Got Talent – and the hearts of some of the country’s toughest judges along with it.

“Kyle Sandilands – he’s the man!”

AOB director Charlie Fetoai said.

“He was the number one judge we had to impress and when we got that positive feedback – he said ‘I don’t like you guys, I love you guys’ – we were all cracking up.

“Dawn (French) is another big fan of ours; she’s a lifetime member.”

Fetoai is the heart and soul behind the operation. The former Queensland Reds centre suffered a career-ending spinal injury in July 2009 at just 21 years old.

“It was excruciating… you always think of playing pro-football as a youngster, and that wasn’t going to be the case for me,” he said.

Fetoai had cracked vertebrae, a swollen spine and, with close to no feeling below his neck, he feared paralysis. Facing months of monotonous rehabilitation, he sought the help of a cousin, a dancer, who taught him some basic moves to help him regain coordination.

Dance became the rehab and so came the idea behind AOB. “I had this idea about pre-game entertainment for kids – I could teach them how to dance and it went on from there,” Fetoai said.

Almost 60 teenagers signed up and performed during half time at the Reds’ home games in 2011 and 2012.

From that group, AOB was born, alongside all-girl crew, Sisters Unknown, and a program for high school students, United Districts, designed to unite kids from different districts as well as different cultures.

Next up for AOB is the Logan City Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

For exclusive content, scan the QR code

“I’m excited for that – that’s our next gig after the Australia’s Got Talent grand final,” Fetoai said.

“We’re going to do a few Christmas carols themed around a hip hop Christmas spirit, so it’s inviting for little kids to have a boogie as well.”

Timomatic and AOB to set the stage alight at Carols Timomatic and Academy of Brothers will wow the crowd at this year’s Logan City Mayor’s Christmas Carols on December 14.

Pack a rug or chair and relax on the lawn at Logan Metro Sports Fields, Crestmead. Park at Berrinba Wetlands and take the free bus in.

The Bananas in Pyjamas will kick off the entertainment at 5.30pm, followed by a special visit from Santa.

“AOB has pretty much been my guideline for life,” said 18-year-old AOB member Cedric Taki Tupaea, from Woodridge.

Enjoy local acts Renea Suttie, Craig Martin and his Swing Band and David De Vito, before the Academy of Brothers and Timomatic take to the stage.

“If I wasn’t in Academy of Brothers I don’t know where I’d be right now. It’s helped me out a lot.”

Fireworks will end the night with a bang.

The Heat to turn up the temperature Logan City will feel the heat at this year’s Christmas Carols with Brisbane’s 20Twenty cricket club, the Heat.

Notable attractions include giant inflatable nets to hone your bowling and batting skills, a speed gun to track bowling speeds, test your outfield nerves against a machine launching balls sky high and test your mettle with a throwing accuracy game.

There will be a longest hit competition plus games of cricket all afternoon.

The Heat Dance Crew will perform on stage and keep an eye out for the Heat Hovercraft.

5

Samoans eating their way to

good health in Logan

The Samoan community is behind a project improving the health of families.

A Logan nutritionist and the local Samoan community are working together to make a real difference to their health and wellbeing.

Metro South Health’s senior community nutritionist, Kym McClymont, and the Voice of Samoan People Inc have been running the Soifua Maloloina ‘swap it, don’t stop it’ project – encouraging people to adopt healthy habits – for a little more than a year.

The idea behind Soifua Maloloina, or Healthy Living for Samoans, was to encourage the Samoan community to swap fatty meat for leaner cuts, reduce portion sizes and save fizzy drink for special occasions – all to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

“We don’t just hand out brochures and expect people are going to change – we provide hands on cooking workshops to teach community members how to prepare healthy meals at home,” Ms McClymont said.

New kindy program setting up kids for school 6

“The community told us they wanted to go on this journey and make a positive change, but they didn’t want to compromise on taste so we’ve made it all about the foods they are already eating.”

Samoan high chief Lemalu Felise Tautalasoo said sharing a meal with family and friends was an important part of the culture.

“The Soifua Maloloina program looks at popular Samoan meals and encourages alternatives to make them healthier, because our fanau (children) deserve to grow up healthy and to have healthy parents,” he said.

By working with churches and prayer groups and connecting to the community through social media, Soifua Maloloina has already reached more than 1500 people.

Metro Health South won the 2013 Queensland Multicultural Awards Public Sector award for Soifua Maloloina, while the Voice of Samoan People Inc were highly commended in the Community Organisation (Greater Brisbane) category.

For exclusive content, scan the QR code

Alberto Meleisea, 16, said the information he learnt in the cooking workshops was making a difference at home.

“Before, it was mainly just meat and a little bit of vegetables, but now we’re putting in all the colourful foods like capsicum and stuff, so it tastes better too,” he said.

A new kindy program for Indigenous families and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) is setting local children up for life.

Kids for Kindy coordinated by the Kingston East Neighbourhood Group and funded by the State Government, is the only one of its kind in Logan and supports the enrolment and participation of children in kindergarten by linking families with affordable options.

Program coordinator, Lari Stojcevska, moved to Australia 17 years ago from Papua New Guinea and has worked in the children services industry ever since.

“The problem for many families, from my own experience as well as from engaging with other families, is that they are unsure of the childcare fees and it puts them off,” she said.

“Families may also have fears about their child attending childcare due to past

experiences or things they may have heard from other families.

“We’re trying to break the barrier and give families options to get their child involved in educational programs that will allow them to develop the necessary skills needed before they go to school.”

Kids for Kindy is a free service for Indigenous and CALD families with children aged three to four. Contact Lari on 3808 1684.

New Year, New You

Unlimited love

It’s a new year, time to try a new activity, meet new people and get energised.

Start or expand on your active and healthy lifestyle today by attending a low cost activity in Logan in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Activities are no more than $3 a session and include: • Aqua aerobics • Bootcamp • Fitball fun • Gentle fitness workout • Parents and bubs playtime • Yoga • Pilates • Zumba For further information visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/ activelogan or contact Council on 3412 3412

Crestmead couple open their hearts and home to 300 children Crestmead couple Jan and Bernie Cormick have spent the past 27 years as foster parents, caring for more than 300 of Logan’s most needy children.

Jan, 75, and Bernie, 76, currently look after five children; four have a disability.

They have cared for up to 11 at any one time. One of ‘their boys’ has recently moved out at age 21; they took him in when he was just one.

“One of the girls we looked after spends Christmas with us every year and Bernie gave her away at her wedding,” Jan said.

‘That lady there makes the world go round. Forget all the high profile do-gooders, she is the person. People like Jan don’t get the recognition they deserve.’

David Koch, Channel 7

For two people who have dedicated so much to so many, Jan and Bernie said they don’t get tired – they say it’s kept them young.

“If you haven’t got the temperament, it can be a bit frustrating when you have young fellas who are really bad,” Bernie said.

“We’ve heard every story,” Jan said.

“I had a little boy come in and all he had was a pair of shorts and a singlet. I ‘I am in awe of people bought him some satin summer pyjamas and who open their homes he was so comforted, and hearts. This family he’d go straight to represents the caring, sleep. He’d never had pyjamas before. beating heart of Logan.’

“At Christmas, there Mayor have been presents at the end of the bed and the children have been sitting there, looking at them. They didn’t know what Christmas was.

“For a lot of them, we are their family; we can’t turn our backs on them.”

Pam Parker

“I like that we can give them some normality. I’ve had children that have never had sheets on beds, and children that, when they get clothes, they can’t believe they’ve got so many so they change all the time.”

The couple said seeing the children grow up and start families of their own is part of the enjoyment.

But, as he said, in the end, it’s all worth it.

“It’s good when you get results. It’s good to see that you can make an improvement in someone, get them a good education, and they can have a good life later on.”

For exclusive content, scan the QR code

7

Sun-smart Village Park safer for summer

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Super Councillor faces super fears for super cause Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Superman Steve falling from the skies!

Division 3 Councillor Steve Swenson took the plunge from the 40m bungy platform at Kingston Park Raceway in November – raising about $8,500 for sick Logan kids in the process.

All funds raised will be used to fit out the playspace in the children’s ward at the new Logan Hospital, due for completion next June.

Cr Swenson said facing his fears was worth it knowing the difference it would make in the children’s ward.

“If me stepping, or jumping, out of my comfort zone and doing something terrifying could make a stay in hospital more comfortable for Logan kids, then I would have been crazy not to do it,” he said.

The play equipment has also been revamped with a fresh coat of paint in bright colours to appeal to the younger children.

Councillor Steve Swenson said the park was popular with families, especially during school holidays, with a small adventure playground unit, springer rocker, swing and digger catering for young children.

“The shade sail has been installed in time for the Christmas holidays so children can enjoy the park with greater sun protection,” he said.

“The park looks a lot more inviting now – while it was a relatively small project, it’s made a big difference.”

The total cost of the works was $24,000.

“Standing on the edge, I must admit I was thinking twice about my decision, but it was all worth it in the end when we got to hand over the cheque.

“It was an awesome experience – not one I’ll hurry out and do again mind you – but it was a great thrill, made all the greater knowing it was to help our kids.

“We want our local kids to have the best treatment in the best facilities.

“That includes making sure the new playroom is bright and fun and cheerful – a place where they can escape from the pain, from the treatment, from their hospital rooms, even just for a little while.”

For exclusive content, scan Albert & Logan News journalist Stephanie Masters joined the QR code Cr Swenson on the jump, as did Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton, who demanded $5,000 be raised for the cause before agreeing to take the plunge.

“I did give Steve my word that I would jump if he raised the $5,000. I must admit though I was really wondering why on earth I made the deal when I was 40m up in the sky with only elastic tied around my feet,” he said.

Cr Swenson thanked everyone who donated to the cause, Bungy Australia and A&K Costumes.

CR STEVE SWENSON p: 3412 3412 e: steveswenson@logan.qld.gov.au Division 3: Daisy Hill (part of), Kingston (part of), Slacks Creek, Springwood (part of) and Underwood (part of).

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 3 NEWS

Bungy Australia’s Gary Wachter and Scott Whitehouse with Cr Steve Swenson and his family - wife Sherry, son Nathan (10) and daughter Jerah (16).

A new shade sail will be installed at Daisy Hill’s Village Park – just in time for the summer school holidays.

Cedar Creek Community Hall turns 100

C

edar Creek Community Hall has been at the heart of community life for generations.

Originally a school for the arts and reading, the hall became the focal point for the community; hosting socials, dances, and serving as a school.

Turning 100 last month, the hall is enjoying a renaissance of activity, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving and utilising the historic space.

Committee President Gary Hastings, said the centenary provided an opportunity to reflect on the building’s place in history, as well its future role.

“It was started by the locals who raised enough money to cut and mill the timber, to create the core of the building,” he said.

“A school of the arts was the first use and then a primary school. Later, the hall was used for dances and social functions – it was very important to the local community.

“Back in the old days, Cedar Creek would put a dance on, the boys would come across from Logan Village on horseback and the girls would be here.”

To mark the 100th anniversary, the hall committee decided to throw an old-style party with a family fun day and a combined old-time and rock’n’roll dance in the hall.

“We figured the best way to celebrate was to have a dance,” he said.

“The hall was full, everyone had a great time.”

The hall is a base for residents within both Logan and Gold Coast and the

event was supported by both Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates and Logan Councillor Don Petersen.

Mr Hastings hopes the renewed interest in the hall will help drive interest in preserving and better using the historic building.

“We’re going to talk to current users as well as think about who could use the hall and come up with some plans,” he said.

“There are a few ideas – a new commercial kitchen, perhaps a deck and a new entrance.

“The main thing is to preserve the core of the building – the roof and the dance floor.”

Gary Hastings at Cedar Creek Community Hall.

Mr Hastings hopes interest builds in using the hall, following its 100th anniversary in October.

Whizzy the Waterdrop visits Windaroo State School Whizzy the Waterdrop shared his wisdom on water with students from Windaroo State School recently.

Councillor Don Petersen said the classes, delivered by Council’s Water Business Branch as a free community education service, helped teach children good water saving habits from a young age.

“Students who attend the class learn through methods like singing and interactive class participation that demonstrates to them just how much water we use in our daily routines,” he said.

“Kids tend to bring the lesson home and it helps remind adults about the importance of water conservation. It was great watching them learn so quickly.”

Primary schools and Early Childhood Centres interested in hosting a visit can contact the Water Business Branch via email WaterEducation@logan.qld.gov.au.

CR DON PETERSEN p: 3412 5504 e: donpetersen@logan.qld.gov.au Division 4: Bahrs Scrub, Bannockburn, Belivah, Bethania, Buccan, Cedar Creek, Holmview, Jimboomba, Logan Village, Mount Warren Park, Mundoolun, Tamborine, Waterford, Windaroo, Wolffdene and Yarrabilba.

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 4 NEWS

Whizzy’s story follows the water cycle through the environment, from falling from the sky as rain, moving though river systems into the dam for our drinking water, eventually completing a journey back to the ocean and into another rain cloud.

9

I

t seems like only yesterday SouthEast Queensland was abuzz with fresh faces and excitement from across the globe as Expo 88 opened its gates to the world and sparked the cultural celebration of the century.

World expo lives on in Logan

A quarter of a century on, a lasting legacy lives on in Logan, soaring 15m above the gardens surrounding historic Kingston Butter Factory Community Arts Centre.

The striking sculpture, a symbolic totem pole hand-crafted by environmental artist Shane Stevens, was bought by Council following Expo.

It remains the only one of its kind.

“Ironically, the work was carved entirely by chainsaw but only from trees that had died in the field; an amazing piece of art when you consider the intricate details.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Kingston Butter Factory Community Arts Centre, following its previous history as a dairy factory.

“The original timber Butter Factory was built in 1907 and was producing 40 to 50 tonnes of butter a week by 1932, before production stopped in 1983,” Cr Able said.

“Council bought the building in 1988 as a bicentennial project where it was converted to a community arts centre.”

Cr Able said Council had recently completed a draft development plan and had sourced community feedback to help determine how the much-loved venue should be utilised in the future.

“The draft plan proposed a redesign and expansion of the internal space, including an extension to the theatre support space to better accommodate community participation in traditional and emerging performing arts,” he said.

10

Councillor Graham Able and Kingston Butter Factory’s Cathy Windsor.

Ignorance is not a disability or an excuse Council is cracking down on ablebodied motorists who illegally park in designated disability parking bays.

Since 1 July 2012, 1,105 infringement notices have been issued to ablebodied motorists who parked illegally in disabled bays across the city.

Councillor Graham Able said he had recently witnessed an incident where a motorist had parked in a designated disability parking bay for convenience.

“A disability parking permit is granted to someone when their ability to walk is severely restricted by a permanent or temporary medical condition or disability. They don’t have any other parking options, you do.”

Drivers parking in disabled parking areas must display a current Disability Parking Permit, ensuring the permit number and expiry date can be observed from outside the vehicle.

“There is no excuse, it’s just laziness,” he said.

“They don’t stop to consider the impact it might have on those who legally have the right to use the spaces.”

Cr Able said motorists are fined $220 for illegally parking in designated disability parking bays without a permit.

CR GRAHAM ABLE p: 3412 3412 e: grahamable@logan.qld.gov.au Division 5: Berrinba (part of), Browns Plains (part of), Crestmead (part of), Kingston (part of), Loganlea, Marsden and Waterford West (part of).

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 5 NEWS

“The sculpture represents our Australian endangered species, whether that be animal, man or plant, and features a snake winding its way up from the base to represent the ongoing issue of global warming and encroaching human development,” Councillor Graham Able said.

Perfect for the school lunchbox HIGH IN FIBRE

VITAMINS & MINERALS

LOWER GI†

SAFER INTERSECTIONS

Have your say

for those visiting Logan Metro Sports Centre and Browns Plains Waste & Recycling Facility Consultation closes 6 December 2013

Logan Metro Sports Centre

Browns Plains Waste & Recycling Facility

Logan Recycling Market

Once completed, the works will improve both traffic flows in and out of the site and site safety by separating park users (mainly children) from waste facility traffic (large garbage trucks).

Council invites your feedback on the proposed works, you can “Have Your Say’ by visiting Council’s website at www.logan.qld.gov.au/ haveyoursay.

INTERSECTION TO BE SIGNALISED (indicative only)

Browns Plains Waste & Recycling Facility Alternate entrance consultation PROPOSED CUL DE SACS WITH REMOVABLE BOLLARDS

OVERFLOW CARPARKING PARKING BAYS

PROPOSED CUL DE SAC WITH REMOVABLE BOLLARDS LEFT TURN ONLY OUT OF EXIT

BAYLISS ROAD

BROWNS PLAINS ROAD

Logan MetroSports Fields

To improve patron safety for users of the Logan Metro Sports Centre and Browns Plains Waste & Recycling facility, Council is proposing an Eastern entrance to separate access to these facilities.

200m

11

Good on ya’ Mum!

Tip Top and Logan City Council celebrate site expansion A bigger and better Tip Top factory in Slacks Creek has been officially opened by Mayor Pam Parker and George Weston Foods Chief Executive Andrew Reeves.

The $9 million expansion included a new automated packaging and handling system, and an upgrade to staff amenities, ensuring the site had the capacity to produce more than 1.4 million individual bakery items every week.

Mayor Parker said Tip Top had been operating in Logan for more than 30 years and currently employs more than 390 fulltime staff.

“When a major and well-respected brand like Tip Top shows it is confident in our city, and in our council, it sends a message to other businesses that it is a great place to invest,” she said.

“Logan City’s location in the heart of South-East Queensland is ideal for businesses – with access to three million consumers.”

Mayor Pam Parker with Andrew Reeves, Chief Executive of George Weston Foods.

Managing director of Tip Top Bakeries, Andrew Cummings, said Tip Top was a key employer in the community and a strong contributor to the local economy.

Governance, Finance and Economic Development Chairman, Councillor Luke Smith (Division 6) said Council had been a longtime supporter of the food and beverage industry.

Mr Cummings said the multi-million dollar investment would help future-proof the jobs of local staff for many years to come, “ensuring we continue to produce and deliver the highest quality product, daily, across Australia”.

“This investment is recognition of the perfect position Logan City is in to allow food and beverage companies to produce and distribute their products throughout Queensland,” he said.

Dami Im wins The X-Factor and keys to her hometown city More than two million viewers across Australia were on the edge of their seats as Channel 7’s The X-Factor Grand Final went to air in late October.

After 10 gruelling weeks of hard work and dedication, the three finalists’ talent was undeniable, but it was 25-year-old Logan girl, Dami Im who had won the hearts of the nation.

With a rendition of Purple Rain that brought goose-bumps to the skin, the self-confessed oddball took out the title and was crowned winner of The X-Factor 2013; a win that has earned her the keys to Logan City.

“I don’t believe that I’ve won… this is crazy!

I wanted to win this for people like me who are dags and inspire them to dream big,” she squealed with delight.

Those dreams have now become a reality for the Daisy Hill resident, whose first single, Alive, shot to number one on the iTunes charts on grand final night, beating the likes of international phenomenons One Direction and Katy Perry.

Logan Mayor Pam Parker said she couldn’t be more proud of the hometown singing sensation.

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“Dami is an example of the wonderfully talented young people here in Logan City,” she said.

“She set out with a dream and has proved that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

The win comes almost a decade to the day after Logan student, Matt Chadwick secured a spot in the maiden Australian Idol series Top 12; a win which saw his two-times platinum album and Rise Up single reach number one on the charts.

Matt, who was 19-years-old at the time, now lives in New York and said the Idol experience opened up more doors than he could have ever imagined.

“I met Lady Gaga a few years back while touring in Japan and her advice on working hard really struck a cord with me,” he said.

“If I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything.

The good and the bad; it all led me here and although I still have a long way to go, I feel like I’m finally starting to make a name for myself here in the US and I’m proud of that.

“I’d say to follow your dreams and work really, really hard! Follow up every opportunity and say “yes” to as much as possible. Gain experience wherever you can. Don’t pass up an opportunity to learn or grow; and enjoy every moment!”

Head and sole exhibition Logan Art Gallery 10 January - 15 February 2014

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I

ndigenous Australian and Pacific Island fashion designers, emerging from Logan and Brisbane, have brought their heart and souls together to form two trendy new exhibitions, Head and sole: swagga like us and Head and sole: caps and kicks.

Among the line up of leading fashion designers featured in the show is this year’s winner of the Deadly Award for fashion design, Natalie Cunningham.

Natalie, who lived in Beenleigh for eight years before relocating to the Sunshine Coast, said her range of swimwear featured in the upcoming exhibition had come from the need to supply beachwear for bigger busted women.

Dump your household chemicals for free

A descendant of Greek and Aboriginal Australian (Biripi and Ngarabal) ancestry, Cunningham grew up among a family of artists and seamstresses, crediting her flair for design to her family and cultural heritage.

For this range, she collaborated with Wiradjuri artist De Greer Yindimincarlie to create a series of bold Aboriginal Australian printed fabrics.

“I wanted to create a range of brightly coloured swimwear that reflects the Indigenous cultures of this land, while also functioning to provide proper support for real women’s bodies,” she said.

Natalie is joined in this exhibition by fellow Deadly Award design nominee, Nicholas Donlen

who wowed audiences with his Murri peacock wedding dress during the sunset ceremony at the 2011 awards, and Pacific designer, Janice Brown.

“Be flexible; making your designs exclusive can be a big obstacle for young designers, especially when you’re aiming to generate revenue,” she said

Janice, who started off in retail during her high school years, has worked for major fashion brands across Australia and now produces her own designs under her Bejanjan Style label.

Head and sole: caps and kicks features alongside the swagga exhibition and showcases sneakers and caps painted by local Indigenous Australian and Pacific artists such as Judy Watson, Richard Bell, Megan Cope and local graff-writing legends, G-Graffix collective headed

by Matthew Te Paea.

While she acknowledges her Pacific heritage plays a major part in her own personal fashion sense, Janice said she loved to merge many abstract things together and create her own look.

“My designs are a celebration of diversity and creation and ultimately a reflection of who I am,” she said.

When asked if she had any advice for young up and coming designers, she said to avoid the trap of trying to make your designs exclusive.

A free household paint and chemical dropoff day will be held from 8am to 4pm at the Carbrook and Logan Village transfer stations on 1 February.

Residents will be entitled to bring up to 10 litres of each chemical type – water and solvent-based paints, pesticides, arsenic-

A series of hip-hop related public programs have been scheduled to coincide with this exhibition which includes live graffwriting demonstrations, rap workshops and performances by local award-winning MCs as well as break dancing performances by the renowned Elements Collective.

For more information, visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/ artgallery

based materials, cyanide, photographic solutions, pharmaceuticals, acids, alkalis, solvents and pool chlorine.

The service is not available to commercial generators of such wastes.

For more information call Council’s Waste Services branch on 3412 3412.

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Thelma the heart and soul of Logan City

Y

ou might recognise her as Mrs Claus, but there’s a whole lot more to Thelma Towers than meets the eye.

The tireless volunteer, who is currently establishing the Meadowbrook Neighbourhood Watch, said she had many guises and adored every one.

“Nan, Mum, Nanna, Mrs Claus, Thelma; I have to be whatever the occasion is on the day,” she said.

“Whatever it is, I just love it. I love doing anything that helps people; anything that brings a smile to their face.”

One of her greatest achievements was moving 40 people out of the contaminated Kingston toxic waste site in the late-80s.

“The people in Kingston made Erin Brockovich look amateur,” she said.

Also known as Lady Disaster, Thelma helped people when they needed it most during the 2011

Thelma Towers with Councillor Luke Smith, Acting Chief Superintendent Noel Powers, OIC Senior Sergeant Mike Pearson and Logan Central police officers.

Brisbane floods and then Cyclone Yasi in Tully, where she spent months relocating families.

“During the Victorian fires, I collected donations from the wonderful people of Logan, but we couldn’t get a truck to take it down, so a friend and I drove it down and took it to Bendigo,” she said.

“At the moment, some of my friends and I are adopting a family from the NSW fires. We’re raising money for a family in Springwood who has lost everything – a family with children.”

Senior Sergeant Mike Pearson, Officer in Charge of Logan Central Police Station where Thelma volunteers as Justice of the Peace, said Thelma was ‘part of the police family’.

Councillor Luke Smith said while Thelma was well-known for her efforts as Mrs Claus, this barely scratched the surface of her community contribution.

“From picking up the elderly and taking them to doctor’s appointments, to donating food hampers to working with families in need, Thelma is one of the most selfless people I have ever met.”

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“She’s the bright light in what can sometimes be a dull day,” he said.

New shed for new PCYC bus Councillor Luke Smith said the $30,000 project would provide storage for the new 21-seater bus, purchased recently by the PCYC, and protection from the weather.

“The shed will be as high as we can make it in the existing car park to help protect it from any future floods,” he said.

“The PCYC is a great community facility, offering programs not only for our young people, but for people of all ages. It’s great to be able to give them a helping hand for the benefit of the entire community.”

Council will provide the civil works to create the pad and build the shed, re-direct stormwater behind it and provide security lights, bollards and locking rails.

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CR LUKE SMITH p: 3412 3412 e: lukesmith@logan.qld.gov.au Division 6: Bethania, Meadowbrook, Tanah Merah, Loganholme, part of Cornubia and part of Waterford West.

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 6 NEWS

A new bus at Tudor Park PCYC will be kept safe and sound with a new shed, funded by Council, to be completed early in 2014.

Peter Walker, Carmel Ford and Robert Woodburgess helping prepare a daily delivery run.

Meals and mates on wheels

L He oca ro l es

Many of us take it for granted that we will be able to live independent lives.

Unfortunately, it can be a challenge for many to keep up good health and nutrition – especially the elderly.

More than just food, Meals on Wheels often provide much needed social contact for house-bound residents.

Servicing 70 clients through Hillcrest, Boronia Heights and south to Munruben, Logan West Meals on Wheels relies on volunteers to help keep up with demand.

President Robert Woodburgess said he initially volunteered as a driver, and later in the kitchens and on the organising committee.

years now. I’ve been able to fit in what I do every day, it suits my everyday life,” he said.

“We always need volunteers – we’ll never say no to someone who wants to help.”

“The clients are great people, they appreciate the meal and someone having a chat with them.

Mr Woodburgess said residents, particularly the elderly or immobile, shouldn’t wait if they felt they weren’t able to keep up.

“It’s part of the Meals on Wheels services; it’s a caring organisation, just talking to people. Clients always look forward to a visit.”

“We’re here – you don’t have to be at death’s door to want Meals on Wheels,” he said.

Volunteers don’t need any special skills. Anyone interested in volunteering can simply call Meals on Wheels.

“Talk to us - we generally need a referral from someone in the medical profession, but that’s not always the case.”

“Just come along – we’ll talk and see what they can and they can’t do,” Mr Woodburgess said.

Logan West Meals on Wheels is located at the Community Centre on Wineglass Drive, Browns Plains. For more information phone 3800 5263.

“I’ve been involved for about five

Step out in style on new footpaths

Councillor Laurie Smith said multiple projects had started with a number planned for later this financial year.

“At the moment we are working on a 1.2km section of new footpath along Middle and and Old Greenbank roads to link Sheppards Dr to the existing footpath near the intersection of New Beith and Goodna roads,” he said.

“The project is part of extensive upgrades to Greenbank Recreation Reserve and will help connect the

community to new play facilities.”

Other major projects include 830m of new footpaths along Blackwell St, linking Peverell St to Anzac Ave. More than 200m of footpath will be installed on Helmet Court linking it with Sweetgum St. Incomplete sections of the footpath on the Mt Lindesay Hwy end of Crest Rd will also be filled.

“The completed footpaths will improve pedestrian and cycle access through the community and subsequently encourage residents to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles,” he said.

CR LAURIE SMITH p: 3412 3412 e: lauriesmith@logan.qld.gov.au Division 7: Boronia Heights, Forestdale, Greenbank, Hillcrest, Munruben (part of), North Maclean (part of), Park Ridge (part of) and Park Ridge South (part of).

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 7 NEWS

M

ore than two kilometres of footpaths are scheduled to be rolled out across suburbs in Division 7.

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Park Ridge SS most improved

Safety first in popular playground A fence has been installed to help reduce the risk of children accessing a drain near Fleet Park in Browns Plains.

Councillor Cherie Dalley said a number of residents had raised concerns about safety in the park, and the fence would go some way to reducing risk.

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Students at Park Ridge State School have shown just how much waste can be cut from a daily school lunch box; going ‘nude’ for the day to learn about sustainable eating.

During a spot inspection last month, 398 Park Ridge students across 16 classes yielded 1,841 individual items of rubbish, just from their lunches.

But, after learning about waste, sustainability and the idea of having ‘nude food’ for lunch, the volume dropped to just 827 items, the largest single reduction across participating classes in Logan City.

Year Two teacher and school Nude Food Day coordinator Christine Genrich said students really took to the idea, learning about nutrition and healthy eating habits along the way.

“I’ve been doing Nude Food Day with my class for about three years, but this year we convinced 16 classes across the school to get involved,” she said.

“We collected data before Nude Day and encouraged students and parents to pack less pre-packaged food in lunch boxes.

“I’ve been encouraging my students to keep it up, and even now there are about 10 in the class with zero rubbish - or Nude Food - out of a class of 24.”

“While the fence, which partially encloses the play equipment will go some way, supervision and discussing the dangers of playing in drains with children remains the best defence.

“Access to play equipment hasn’t been impacted during construction, and work has now concluded on the project.”

Other students have significantly reduced the amount of rubbish in their lunchboxes, and the inititaive has helped reduce the amount of litter around the school.

“More than that, the kids have learnt about good nutrition and are more aware of recycling, re-using containers and not putting so much into landfill,” she said.

Eight Logan City schools participated – a total of 110 classes and more than 2,600 students.

A pop inspection of participating schools prior to Nude Food Day counted 10,272 wrappers or packets in lunchboxes while a final inspection revealed a reduction of about 4,300.

CR CHERIE DALLEY p: 3412 3412 e: cheriedalley@logan.qld.gov.au Division 8: Browns Plains, Heritage Park, Park Ridge and Regents Park.

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 8 NEWS

Year Two students with teacher Christine Genrich, who have helped make the biggest reductions in waste across the city.

“It’s important to note the best way to prevent children accidentally playing in the drain is to keep a close watch on their movements,” she said.

becomes the norm in Queensland childcare Queensland Childcare Services understands the importance of teaching children to eat nutritional food to lead to a healthy adult life – so they built a $2.5 million kitchen to make sure that’s exactly what they get.

The Healthy Cooking Company is a full-time kitchen based in Shailer Park, where chefs and bakers work hand-in-hand with dieticians and nutritionists to cook healthy meals from natural, raw ingredients for more than 30 Queensland Childcare Services branches.

Queensland Childcare Services General Manager Jacky Purcell said the main purpose behind the kitchen, believed to be the only one of its kind in the state, was to produce food free from preservatives and artificial colours, and low in sugar and sodium.

“When young children start eating healthy food early they get into the habit and choose to eat only healthy foods,” she said.

“Even in this short time, parents have told us stories about children asking for fruit at home. That’s a good sign.

“Somebody has to do something and we’re in a position where we can be very helpful. It’s our duty as a company looking after more than 3,000 children to do this.

“Our baker uses only wholemeal flour and honey for sweetening. Our chefs strongly believe in our philosophy and are constantly developing and refining menus to reflect healthy eating which is inviting and enjoyable.”

Queensland Childcare Services is conscious of paying particular attention to food allergies and intolerances.“We serve egg and nut free meals for our Childcare Centres. We have children who are allergic to different ingredients and children with special diets,” Ms Purcell said.

“To extend further on our commitment to the well-being of children we are in the process of developing healthy meals for school tuckshops.”

Queensland Childcare Services has also engaged the services of a personal trainer to work with the children and staff on a Perceptual Motor Program. This program is designed for children as young as babies through to school age to move their limbs and stimulate muscle and brain development in a fun environment.

Queensland Childcare Services opened in 1993 with four centres in Caboolture, Inala, Loganholme/Shailer Park and Bethania. That number has now grown to 30. It operates under a sustainable business model with the furthest centres at Gatton and the Sunshine Coast, ensuring every director can travel to a monthly meeting at the Shailer Park headquarters.

Showcasing your small business Does your business need help with marketing?

Are you looking to grow?

The Logan Office of Economic Development offers support services to Logan City-based small businesses through the BizConnect Centre.

The BizConnect workshop series can give your small business the assistance it needs to grow your business by looking at a range of marketing and financial programs.

What participants say about our courses: “I had no idea the council supported small business in such a real, tangible way. We were so impressed and it’s already made a significant impact on the way we do business now. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” Hmily Shantala, Dry Hire Online

Healthy Cooking Company head chef Matt Moore with Clint Ferguson.

Healthy life

Workshops include the following: • Media advertising • Lead generation • Customer conversion • Critical non-essentials • Referrals • Measuring marketing success • Financial control

WHEN Four half-day workshops held every Tuesday or Thursday of each month.

WHERE The BizConnect Centre Logan City Council, 150 Wembley Rd, Logan Central

BOOKINGS Phone: 07 3412 4888 Email: BizConnectCentre@logan.qld.gov.au Web: www.loganbiz.com.au

The Results? After attending the BizConnect workshop series you will be able to develop an effective marketing campaign including costing and action plan.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Summer shades

your guide to what’s on this summer

With this month’s edition of the Our Logan magazine you’ll find your copy of Summer Shades – a comprehensive guide to what’s on in Logan City this season.

There is plenty to do, from swim school and carols by candlelight, to the Yarrabilba Water Park and the McDonald’s school holiday program.

Have your say

Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton with Pakileata Vakavelo and his winning postcard.

Woodridge student’s 30-year vision picked as a winner A Year One student from Woodridge North State School has been recognised with an award from the State Government for his contribution to The Queensland Plan.

Primary school students state-wide were recently invited to draw and write their personal vision for Queensland the next 30 years on a specially designed postcard.

Pakileata Vakavelo was named one of nine students from around the state who won an Apple iPad mini for his plan, which included ‘good roads’, ‘lots of trees’, ‘places to play’ and ‘places to worship’.

“I want Queensland to be more planned so we have places to live and play,” Pakileata wrote on his postcard.

Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton said Pakileata’s plan reflected the vision of many Queenslanders.

“Good roads, more parking, quality recreational areas and a healthy environment – that’s what we all want to see,” he said.

Premier Campbell Newman said students covered a range of topics, from town planning, to wishes for a safer and community-focused Queensland.

“One of the strongest recurring themes was their preferred choice of transport – hover cars,” he said.

See Pakileata’s winning entry at www. queenslandplan.qld.gov.au

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Coming in 2014: City plan public consultation The public will have a chance to comment on Logan City’s first post-amalgamation unified planning scheme in early 2014.

Pending State Government approval, Logan City residents and other interested parties will be able to view the draft scheme and provide comments from Monday 3 February 2014.

Currently, there are three separate planning schemes operating within Logan City, a legacy of boundary reform in March 2008 which brought sections of Beaudesert Shire and Gold Coast City into Logan.

The draft planning scheme will provide uniform standards for the whole city, reducing red tape and creating a coherent plan for future growth.

Consultation will be open for 60 business days to allow all residents, businesses, developers and other interested parties to review and make comment on the draft scheme, and will include a number of community mail-outs, local forums and opportunities to meet with Council planners.

Council will then consider feedback and aims to finalise the new planning scheme before the end of the 2013-14 financial year.

Christmas Lights Bus Tours The annual River 94.9fm Christmas Lights competition is on again and promises to be even bigger and better this year.

Bus tours, coordinated by St Mark’s Anglican Social Services and Logan City Council, will be visiting the entrants between 12 and 20 December. Tours will cost $10 per person with all proceeds going to help the needy with food hampers.

Seats are filling fast – secure your place by calling 3412 5016.

More work to do on waterway eco health Floods and droughts have played a key role in the reduction of the Albert and Logan Rivers’ environmental health, with both continuing a run of poor grades.

The 2013 Healthy Waterways Ecosystem Health Report Card indicates Logan City Council’s program to improve the health of our waterways will help over the long term.

Health, Environment and Sustainability Committee Chair Councillor Trevina Schwarz (Division 11) said Council would be working even harder to repair and build resilience in waterways to make sure they can cope with the extremes of the climate.

“We’ve made some significant progress already, with the establishment of our River Recovery Plan already delivering some key early wins through the Slacks Creek Recovery Program,” she said.

“This is on top of a range of initiatives right around the city to replant riverways, implementing management plans for priority water bodies, monitoring at 15 locations and continued delivery of community education initiatives.

“I’m confident that with continued hard work and greater community collaboration we will be able to turn these results around over the long term.”

Cr Trevina Schwarz with the 2013 Healthy Waterways Report Card.

LOGAN :

Cityof Choice

Life is a circus

you just have to roll with it It has been said many times that keeping youth active and engaged is the secret to raising healthy, well-adjusted adults.

Council endeavours to help achieve this through its wide and varied program of community and sport initiatives.

Through the Logan: City of Choice initiative, Council, with funding from the State Government, has coordinated a number of youth-focused activities.

These activities are planned for this year and into 2014.

The State Government allocated $35,000 to Council to arrange for two organisations, Flipside Circus and Skateboarding Australia, to run a series of activities as part of Council’s everpopular KRANK School Holiday Program and separate events.

Cr Phil Pidgeon and State Member for Logan Michael Pucci at the KRANK skate event launch .

Both organisations will run their events in conjunction with the KRANK School Holiday Program until June 2014.

As well as the KRANK event, Flipside Circus will also provide three six-week development workshops at three Logan City high schools from Term 4 2013 to Term 2 2014. The program aims to encourage and increase participation in physical activity through nonconventional sport, improving selfconfidence, trust and teamwork at the same time.

In addition, Skateboarding Australia will be providing learn to skate lessons at Logan Village Skate Park, Underwood Skate Park, Crestmead Skate Park and Shailer Pioneer Skate Park.

These skate lessons will rotate around these four parks every Saturday morning from 9am - 11am. For dates, visit http:// www.sba.org.au/QLD/logan and on Council’s events calendar.

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Mary-Jane Holden, Wendy Smith, Matt Harris, Jo Smith, Cr Phil Pidgeon and Robert and Jane Bagley.

‘Twas early December, excitement alight, wish lists were drafted, Christmas in sight. The families had gathered, the stage was set, drink bottles sparkled, for a night not to forget.

The festive spirit is more alive than ever this year, with Crestmead residents preparing to gather for the inaugural Crestmead Community Illuminated Carols.

Crestmead Neighbourhood Watch Secretary Wendy Smith said the carols would host a wealth of local talent and provide a more convenient, familyfriendly event for those who were unable to go to the larger events in Logan and neighbouring cities.

“We were delighted when Councillor Phil Pidgeon approached Sergeant Mel Cowie (from the Crestmead PCYC) and me to discuss the concept of a community carols,” she said.

“This is something Crestmead Neighbourhood Watch team has been hoping to develop for quite some time – it will help bring the community together.”

Cr Pidgeon said the carols, to be held Saturday 7 December at Pinnington Park, would be a first in 10 years and a real treat for the community.

“The carols will allow families and friends to bring along their picnic rugs and seats and watch local students and

the community perform,” he said.

“There will be local food and Illuminated Water available to buy, a coffee van for those busy parents and of course, a jolly visitor from the North Pole.”

The Crestmead Community Illuminated Carols will run from 5pm to 8.30pm Saturday 7 December at Pinnington Park.

For more information, contact Wendy Smith from Crestmead Neighbourhood Watch on 0410 504 640.

Flood warning system marks a first for Logan

Following the floods earlier this year, Councillor Phil Pidgeon allocated $150,000 from his division infrastructure fund towards the pilot project, due to be completed in time for Christmas.

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Cr Pidgeon said the state-of-the-art river gauging equipment on Schmidt Rd would be the first of its kind in the city.

“A camera component will send static images to Council’s website allowing residents to watch real-time updates during an emergency,” he said.

“We can’t flood-proof the area but we can help residents prepare for a flood emergency,” he said.

“The rain and river height information will be relayed to Council’s base station and will send a text message to registered residents advising them once it has reached a certain level.

“A rain and river gauge site will be installed on the southern side of Schmidt Rd and a river monitoring gauge site north east of the Bayes Rd bridge.”

“A radio signal will also be sent to signs on Logan Reserve Rd to trigger them to flash, warning motorists of potential water inundation.”

CR PHIL PIDGEON p: 3412 3412 e: philpidgeon@logan.qld.gov.au Division 9: Chambers Flat, Crestmead, Jimboomba, Logan Reserve, Logan Village, Munruben Forest, North Maclean, Park Ridge South, South Maclean, Stockleigh and Waterford West.

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 9 NEWS

Residents in the Schmidt and Bayes road area will be better equipped to prepare for floods with the installation of an advanced warning system.

Members of the Hyperdome Triathlon Club at a midweek training session.

Get your body racing Ever tossed around the idea of getting fit?

Perhaps you want to join a sports club to make new friends? Perhaps you just want to add another ribbon to your sporting bow?

Maybe triathlon is the sport for you.

Established 13 years ago, Hyperdome Triathlon Club is the ideal outlet for anyone who wants to improve their health and fitness and test themselves in the challenging and popular sport.

But far from the perception of triathletes needing to be in peak physical condition and “Olympians in training”, club coach Gary Robertson said Hyperdome Triathlon Club catered to males and females of all ages and abilities.

“Our youngest member is 11 and our oldest in their 60s and we are all here to have fun and enjoy sport,” he said.

“A real bond of friendship has been formed among the members. And you don’t need to have the best equipment to compete so it isn’t expensive – you just need a bike that is safe.”

The club trains several mornings a week with the quiet streets and car park surrounding Hyperdome the perfect venue for the cycle and run legs.

Councillor Darren Power has provided the club with sponsorship and encouraged individuals and businesses to get behind the local athletes.

“Like most people, I enjoy keeping fit and

triathlons are a wonderful way to do that. Who knows, I may even consider having a go myself; completing a triathlon is a great physical achievement,” he said.

Preparing for a triathlon may sound daunting, but Gary said broken down, the training is extremely manageable.

“Three months of training will do for a novice. It’s about breaking

down your training - swims and short rides or runs during the week and longer rides and runs on the weekend,” he said.

“Come down and have a go – anyone is welcome to try it out.

You can do as little or as much as you like.”

For more information and training times and programs visit www.hyperdometriclub.com.au

Scale new heights at Roselea Park The popular park in Shailer Park is getting a $450,000 facelift which will include a nine metre-high tower, complete with a surrounding planted moat. The tower is accessible by bridges and stepping stones.

Councillor Darren Power said he was not aware of another park in Queensland with equipment like the one planned for Roselea Park.

“These are really exciting plans – I think the community will really love what we have planned,” he said.

“Swing sets and a mini tower will also be installed, along with picnic facilities, tables, bins, and water bubblers – it is going to be a real hit with families.”

Cr Power said an outdoor exercise zone would also be built, complementing equipment at nearby Shailer Pioneer Park. The existing basketball key will be retained and resurfaced.

Work is expected to start in early-2014 and finish by July 2014.

CR DARREN POWER p: 3412 3412 e: darrenpower@logan.qld.gov.au Division 10: Carbrook, Cornubia (part of), Daisy Hill (part of) and Shailer Park.

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 10 NEWS

Logan City is synonymous with quality parks and next year Roselea Park is tipped to be another jewel in the city’s crown.

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Jimboomba rallies for cancer research

It’s the diagnosis that we all fear, but most of us will have to face during our lifetimes; either directly or through friends and family we love.

The fight against cancer has made many advances in recent years, thanks to dedicated teams of scientists, concerted education efforts and greater community understanding.

It has all been made possible, in no small measure, by communities rallying together to raise funds to help the fight, through funding support, research and raising awareness.

And momentum is building.

Last month saw the ninth Jimboomba Relay for Life, with the event reaching its highest levels of participation and fundraising, according to Relay Chair David Kenny.

“This year we had 74 teams with 704 participants, the biggest relay we’ve held,” he said.

“We’ve raised over $151,000 this year alone, another record, and our top fundraisers managed $7,000.

“Next year is our 10th anniversary, and we’re aiming for 100 teams participating.”

This year’s relay included a special guest, with local resident and cancer battler four -year-old Ashley Quinn-Henare officially starting participants on their 15-hour walk to fight cancer.

“Everyone involved has a story – it could be a brother, a friend or a relative,” Mr Kenny said.

“The relay is about sharing experiences, fighting back and finding a cure.

“It’s also about remembering those who’ve lost their battle.”

afield as Rockhampton, the Jimboomba Relay for Life has been heavily supported by the local community.

“Councillor Trevina Schwarz was our patron for this year’s relay and a number of local business got on board – they did whatever we asked and much more,” he said.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of the relay, it’s a pleasure to be involved.”

Started in the United States in 1985, the relay has grown to a worldwide movement with more than 130 million participants raising over $500 million this year alone.

The 2014 Jimboomba Relay for Life is scheduled for 11-12 October.

Attracting participants from as far

Grant to teach waterwise habits

The grant will cover the costs associated with plumbing in rainwater tanks to toilets and installing a set of automatic cut-off taps to help cut down on water wastage.

Councillor Trevina Schwarz said the grant, valued at over $4,200, would help the kindy cut its costs while teaching kids about the importance of developing smart water habits.

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“We all know that the sooner good habits are taught, the more likely they are to stay with children, and even get adopted

around the house,” she said.

“By undertaking this project to retrofit the kindy, the children attending will be able to learn with the centre as the project unfolds, as well as through formal classes and incidental education at important times, such as handwashing.

“The centre will also save money on water costs, which can be reallocated to other important learning activities.

“I would like to congratulate the association for their initiative – by making sure kids pick up waterwise habits early they are helping ensure a more sustainable future for all.”

Installation work was to be completed in late-November.

CR TREVINA SCHWARZ p: 3412 5511 e: trevinaschwarz@logan.qld.gov.au Division 11: Cedar Grove, Cedar Vale, Flagstone, Greenbank, Jimboomba, Kagaru, Lyons, New Beith, North Maclean, South Maclean, Undullah, Veresdale, Veresdale Scrub and Woodhill. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 11 NEWS

Children attending Jimboomba Community Kindergarten will get a head start on learning important waterwise habits through an Envirogrant from Logan City Council.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT As unpredictable as the weather is, one thing you can count on is the Queensland summer storm.

And like many areas in South-East Queensland, Logan City can be subjected to severe storms, particularly those involving lightning.

Logan’s storm season traditionally runs from November to March and some simple steps taken now could give residents peace of mind when the next storm strikes.

Preparation is critical • Prepare an emergency kit • Trim trees and branches well clear of your home (keep trees under or near powerlines less than four metres high) • Check/secure roofing • Clean gutters and downpipes • Clear yard of loose materials that may become wind-blown hazards • If possible, fit window shutters or, at least, metal screens • Energex prefers trees not be planted under powerlines.

For more information visit www.energex.com.au

Preparing - when a storm is approaching • Listen to your local radio/TV station for official advice and warnings • Visit Council’s website, facebook and twitter • Do not tether dogs outside but shelter and secure pets in a small room within the house if possible • Store loose items inside (if possible, put outdoor furniture in your pool) • Shelter vehicles under cover or cover with tied tarpaulins/ blankets • Secure doors and windows and draw curtains • Put valuables, medications, spare warm clothing etc. in plastic bags with your emergency kit • Disconnect electrical items/outside TV aerials and turn off gas • Fill bins and boats with water, in case of extreme winds • Keep timber strips, hammer and nails handy.

Storms and festive season celebrations also impact our fourlegged friends with many sensitive to thunder and lightning. If you know storms are approaching or an event is having fireworks, it is always a good idea to secure your dogs and cats.

If your pet is missing contact Council’s Animal Management Centre at 213 Queens Rd, Kingston. Phone 3412 5397.

Patrick is streets ahead in road safety An initiative by Logan City Council to improve pedestrian safety around schools has claimed state honours.

Patrick Pace Car, an integral aspect of Council’s SafeRoads4Logan campaign, won the recent 2013 Queensland Road Safety Award.

The awards, run by QUT’s Centre for accident Research and Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q), recognise practical and positive road safety programs conducted in the community.

Taking to the streets for the first time in 2011, Patrick Pace Car, a Council vehicle branded like a V8 pace car - complete with flashing light, travels at 40km/hr throughout school zones in the Logan City area. Patrick serves as a reminder to motorists to adhere to the legal speed limit, subsequently improving the safety of students around many of Logan’s schools.

The pace car is also supported by Queensland Police.

“Council and local police regularly meet to discuss the deployment of the pace car and assess requests from schools for Patrick to include their school in his hectic schedule,” Council’s Traffic Safety Coordinator Deva Naiker said.

“Patrick operates throughout all four terms and patrols public and private primary and secondary schools zones.

Demand for Patrick is increasing at such a rate that Council is investigating the possibility of adding another pace car to the team.”

Deva Naiker and Cr Lutton with the road safety awards.

Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton said Patrick Pace Car would play a major role in Queensland Police’s Operation Back to School which will target speeding in school zones in the first two weeks of February.

“Patrick will also visit rural and urban schools in February. Schools wanting to have Patrick visit their school fete can call Council on 3412 3412,” he said.

23

Logan City Council Libraries Santa visits Toddler Time and Story Time!

See our online events calendar and What’s on for Christmas workshops dates and times! www.logan.qld.gov.au/libraries

Beenleigh

Become a super sleuth Join in the National Summer Reading Club

Win great

prizes!

Put on your detective cap this summer!

Investigate mysteries, hunt down clues and become a master of disguise with your favourite authors at Logan City Council Libraries.

Put on your detective cap this summer! Investigate mysteries, hunt down clues and become a master of disguise with some of

Register online www.summerreadingclub.

Jump online or participate at your local public library. org.au or at the library. Visit your library to collect your reading log bookmark, sticker and tattoos! Receive an entry for the Super Sleuth prize draw every time you borrow from a Logan City Council Library!

Greenbank

Hyperdome

Jimboomba

Toddler Time

Story Time

Toddler Time

Toddler Time

Mon 16 Dec - 10am Santa Visits

Wed 18 Dec - 11am Santa Visits

Mon 16 Dec - 11am Santa Visits

Thu 19 Dec - 11am Santa Visits

Logan Central

Logan North

Logan West

Marsden

Story Time

Toddler Time

Toddler Time

Story Time

Wed 18 Dec - 10am Santa Visits

Fri 13 Dec - 11am Santa Visits

Tue 17 Dec - 10.30am Santa Visits

Fri 20 Dec - 10am Santa Visits

Story Time Fri 13 Dec - 10am Santa Visits

A ustralian Lib rary an d Information Association

All Libraries 1 December 2013 to 31 January 2014

Library Start the New Year with the ABC’s Information gardening guru Annette McFarlane.

Au st ralian

and Association

Sessions include Beginners guide to vegetable growing, Heirloom seed saving and plant swap, and Create your own herb garden. Spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Book online at www.logan.qld.gov.au/libraries or at your Logan City Council Library.

Logan North Library, Sat 11 Jan - 10am Beginners Guide to Vegetable Growing with Annette McFarlane Would you like to grow vegetables, but don’t know how to get started? Learn all the tips and tricks to growing great vegetables in this session presented by Annette McFarlane. Whether you garden on a balcony or have an enormous backyard, this workshop will provide all the tips and tricks you need to grow great vegetables.

Family fun day - Swagga like us noon – 5pm, Saturday 15 February 2014 Come along and get involved! Join us on the last day of the Head and sole: swagga like us and caps and kicks exhibitions.

• Live Hip Hop music performances • Graff-writing and break dancing demonstrations For more information visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/artgallery or telephone 3412 5519

Jimboomba Library, Sat 18 Jan - 9am Heirloom Seed Saving and Plant Swap with Annette McFarlane Keen to save seed from plants in your garden? Interested in heirloom varieties of vegetables and old fashioned cottage garden plants? This workshop provides tips for preserving pure seed lines, demonstrates dry and wet seed cleaning and discusses seed storage. If you already save seeds or have plants to share, bring them along to swap with others.

Beenleigh Library, Thu 30 Jan - 10am Create your own herb garden with Annette McFarlane Herbs are some of the easiest and most productive plants you can grow. Great for beginner gardeners or those with limited space.

This small workshop provides you with the opportunity to create your own mixed potted herb garden to take home and enjoy. Learn how to combine plants, what potting mix and fertiliser to use and how best to water.

24

Head and Sole and Caps and Kicks exhibitions 10 January – 15 February Logan Art Gallery Corner Wembley Road and Jacaranda Avenue Logan Central QLD 4114

Image above: Juse1, Cookie Monster shoes, 2013, acrylic on canvas shoes

Volunteers keeping the community mobile For many, a fall in the house or an accident can mean the end of independence and personal mobility; as the cost of a wheelchair or walker can be out of reach.

One organisation committed to helping restore independence to hundreds in the community by offering a range of personal medical devices for hire at heavily discounted rates is Beenleigh Red Cross.

While the group is not widely known, President Barbara Wishart said it was here to help.

“We offer mobility hire services; wheelchairs, walkers, crutches all sorts of things,” she said.

“We provide trauma teddies at no cost to emergency services, hospital and doctors’ surgeries so distressed kids have something to cuddle.”

Top: Volunteers Diane Crealy, Mike Moat and Cesarina Pereira.

Bottom right: President Barbara Wishart with a trauma teddy.

“A group of ladies come in and do arts and crafts – we supply the materials – and we sell those at a very low rate,” Barbara said.

“We also have a little branch at Logan Hospital. We accept donations – any unwanted equipment is welcome and appreciated.”

Barbara said residents were now approaching Beenleigh Red Cross enquiring about equipment hire before planned operations.

“We always need more volunteers – anyone interested should give us a call,” she said.

Beenleigh Red Cross Craft Club meets every second Saturday, from 9am at the building inside Beenleigh Showground. Entry is via James St Gate 3. The building is open until 3pm.

The Logan Hospital service is located in a demountable building near the main entrance.

Run entirely by volunteers, Beenleigh Red Cross has about 30 staff on board but is keen for more.

New garden initiative blossoms The final seeds have been sown for Logan’s first community garden on Council land with talks between Council and the Fryar Road Community Garden Committee progressing through the adoption of a lease for the site.

“It’s been a long time in the planning but I think we’re nearly there,” she said.

“Once the garden is established it will provide a great community hub where friends and neighbours can come together and plant fresh fruit and veggies, as well as socialise over time in the garden.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing progress over the next few months – the garden is an exciting project and will be a great addition to our community.”

Cr Breene donated $3,000 from her divisional funding to the establishment of the garden.

To find out more about community gardens, visit www.communitygarden.org.au with Mayor Pam Parker and Cr Jennie Breene 10am to noon - Thursday 12 December 2013 Zarraffa’s Coffee, Beenleigh 114-118 George St, Beenleigh

CR JENNIE BREENE p: 3412 3412 m: 0411 658 297 e: jenniebreene@logan.qld.gov.au Division 12: Beenleigh, Eagleby, Edens Landing and Holmview (part of).

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 12 NEWS

Councillor Jennie Breene said Council staff were continuing to work closely with the community to help progress development, with hopes of breaking ground in the New Year.

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Watch out for wildlife on roads Strategically placed wildlife corridor warning signs have been placed on roadsides in Springwood, Rochedale South and Daisy Hill to help improve motorist awareness and wildlife safety.

The permanent signs warn road users to drive with caution and reduce their speed because of potential wildlife hazards on or near the road.

Councillor Lisa Bradley with Logan Vikings’ Lexie Kuhnemann, Luke Harris, Charly Kuhnemann and Tayla Raines.

Vikings victors of the water Councillor Lisa Bradley said with the Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School and the Logan Vikings Swimming Club based at the centre, children could start a swimming program from as young as four months and continue through school to adulthood.

“While there used to be lessons for very young children and programs for competitive swimmers, there was nothing really in between,” she said.

“That’s all changed and it’s brilliant how popular the facility has grown to be.”

It continues to grow, with the Vikings recording a 30 per cent increase in new members this season alone.

Cr Bradley said the Vikings focused not only on team success, but also on team spirit.

“You can really notice the progress and improvement of the group.”

Sisters Charly and Lexie Kuhnemann, and Tayla Raines, were among swimmers to represent Queensland at the National Australian Schools Championship in Adelaide bringing home gold and silver medals and smashing a national record. Luke Harris won gold at the Queensland Open Water Championships in October.

“The Vikings and Council are training the next generation of professional swimmers – it’s exciting to think a future international champion could be training now at Logan North Aquatic,” Cr Bradley said.

“Council appreciates hearing about sightings of threatened or significant wildlife or road kill because it can help gather evidence about other areas where warning signs may be needed,” she said.

“We can all do our bit to help reduce road kill by being alert for animals, especially between dusk and dawn, in bushland, and when driving through gullies and approaching corners and crests.”

If you see an injured animal, call the Logan Wildlife Ambulance on 1300 ANIMAL. Report wildlife sightings at logan.qld.gov.au/wildlife

“It’s amazing to see the progress they are making with some of our young swimmers. We have some great achievers coming through.”

Visit www. loganvikingsswimmingclub.com or logan.qld.gov.au

“The Logan Vikings is more than just training; it’s about letting children develop their swimming in a positive environment,” she said.

Watch out for wildlife! with Mayor Pam Parker and Cr Lisa Bradley 10am to noon - Thursday 30 January 2014

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Rochedale Deli Café, 549 Underwood Rd, Rochedale

• Springwood, Dennis and Daisy Hill roads in Springwood and Daisy Hill • Underwood Rd in Rochedale South

CR LISA BRADLEY p: 3412 3412 e: lisabradley@logan.qld.gov.au Division 1: Daisy Hill (part of), Priestdale, Rochedale South, Springwood (part of) and Underwood (part of).

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 1 NEWS

L

ogan North Aquatic Centre now has a swimming program to cater for all ages.

Councillor Lisa Bradley said the signs were installed at strategic locations after Council received community feedback, via its wildlife reporting webpage, that the areas were ‘hotspots’.

A rocky road

to success

When opportunity knocks, you have to grab it with both hands.

With a best throw of 9.98m, Paul is confident he will crack 10m at the late-November national competition.

That is exactly what many of Logan City’s youth do – and Woodridge students Paul Raphael, 10, and Aimee Mufasha, 17, are perfect examples.

Paul’s sporting versatility is evident in his selection in the Brisbane SouthEast AFL side and his ability to match it with players two years his senior in the interschool rugby league competition.

Unknown to each other, the two have one thing in common – both arrived in Australia as refugees and both have embraced the opportunities presented to them in Logan.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Russell Lutton said Paul and Aimee embodied the determination and commitment demonstrated by so many of the city’s migrants.

“Both Paul and Aimee have had a tough start to life; Aimee was born in a Rwandan refugee camp where she spent the first 13 years of her life while Paul arrived from Uganda as a refugee, leaving behind his mother and brother,” he said.

“They have been given the chance of better life in Logan and are certainly not taking it for granted.”

For Paul, sport and support from teachers at St Paul’s have opened doors of opportunity.

“He won the school shot put and progressed to Districts which he won and the Met East carnival,” St Paul’s Community Partnership Coordinator Jon Sorohan said.

“He trained hard in his yard after school. He was actually using a large rock he found because he couldn’t afford his own shot put. Once we found out about that we fixed him up with one. He ended up winning the bronze medal at the State Titles which was fantastic.”

She will reap the rewards of her hard work when she spends 12 days in early January with like-minded students at the National Science Fair.

After a series of interviews, Aimee was selected to represent Logan Rotary Club, following in the footsteps of brother Amiel, 18, who attended last year’s fair in Canberra. Cr Lutton has helped cover some of the costs of the trip.

“I enjoy science, particularly chemistry and biology, you get to see the world from a different point of view,” Aimee said.

“In Perth I will get to be exposed to all elements of science and benefit from a series of intensive sessions and workshops. Being part of this will absolutely help me make the right decision on what I want to do in my future.

I definitely want to go to university; at this stage I am considering a career in nutrition.

“Obesity is a major problem and I want to do what I can to help make people healthier and have a better lifestyle.”

Paul Raphael (above left) and Councillor Russell Lutton with Aimee Mufasha.

CR RUSSELL LUTTON p: 3412 3412 e: russelllutton@logan.qld.gov.au with Mayor Pam Parker and Cr Russell Lutton 10am to noon - Friday 21 February 2014

Division 2: Woodridge, Logan Central, Kingston and Underwood.

The Coffee Club - Underwood Market Place, 3215 Logan Rd, Underwood

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 2 NEWS

Paul, a Year 5 student at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, will represent Queensland at the National Primary Schools Athletic Championships and is a promising rugby league and AFL player, while Year 11 student Aimee has been selected to travel to Perth in January for the National Science Fair.

For Aimee, it is science that captures her interest and imagination.

27

Do you know a local hero?

When asked what it means to be Australian, the general consensus would be that we, as a nation, are all about mateship and helping each other out whenever we’re in need and Logan City residents are no exception.

Volunteers raising reading skills Imagine going to school and not speaking the same language as your classmates or learning English for the first time in the classroom.

This is the reality for many students across Logan City.

Reading skills are the building blocks for life – it’s almost impossible to cope with daily tasks such as banking or using technology without these essential tools.

But there are consequences for the broader community as well. Literacy levels are a major indicator of future prosperity and economic growth for the whole community.

In response, Mayor Pam Parker launched a volunteer Reading in Schools program to help students sharpen their reading skills, improve literacy and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Council’s 2014 Australia Day Awards aim to recognise the selfless work of our “hidden heroes” who serve our community in so many ways every day.

Whether it’s a friend’s community involvement, a colleague’s outstanding service, not-for-profit contributions or a neighbour’s unselfish act of generosity and compassion for the community – this is Logan’s chance to recognise everyday people who they feel make a difference to our community.

Residents and community members can be nominated in the following categories: • Citizen of the Year (presented to a person for their endeavours, achievements and community involvement)

Launched in April, the program consists of 44 Logan City Council employees who volunteer for one hour a week to read with students at three Woodridge primary schools.

• Young Citizen of the Year (aged 27 years or less - for someone who has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over several years)

Already reaching 150 students, the program is having a visible effect on the students – not only have their literacy levels significantly improved, but they are more confident readers, able to read aloud to their classmates.

Nomination forms are now available from Council’s customer

As further testament to the program’s success, the Reading in Schools Program was recognised as the ‘biggest idea’ to come out of Queensland libraries this year.

The program beat 18 other nominees to take home the top prize, the 2013 Big Ideas Award, at the Annual Queensland Public Libraries Association conference last month.

Anyone interested in volunteering opportunities at Logan City Council libraries to support reading and literacy should contact the Outreach Librarian on 3412 4459.

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Our community battled against the odds throughout the January floods, the worst Logan has seen in 21 years, but our community spirit prevailed and more local heroes emerged.

service centres at Logan Central, Beenleigh and Jimboomba, online at www.logan.qld.gov.au or by phoning 3412 5020. Nominations for the 2014 Awards close Monday 16 December 2013.

Winners will be announced at a special function at the LEC on Australia Day, Saturday 26 January 2014.

The Logan Thunder season is well and truly underway.

Make sure you get to a game at Logan Metro Sports Centre to cheer the girls on!

Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton, Logan Hospital Executive Director Brett Bricknell, Nurse Unit Manager Marian Rigney, Councillor Steve Swenson and Acting Nurse Unit Manager Alison Stewart.

Team Zaraffas have some fun at the Fourth Annual Logan Charity Golf Day held at the Carbrook Golf Course.

Mayor Pam Parker presented Rochedale South’s Andrew Abrahams with a $20,000 sponsorship before he set off on a feat bigger than most people even dream about – rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, solo, in a record breaking 46 days.

Andrew – team name Adventure4aCure – will row 5,000 kilometres in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge to raise $500,000 for disadvantaged children.

The Atlantic Challenge begins December 2.

29

Marsden students shoot for the stars Marsden State High School students had the opportunity to shoot with the stars last month when they were joined by international basketball player and motivational speaker, Jim Brandon.

International basketball player and motivational speaker Jim Brandon visits Marsden State High School.

The former Boston Celtics player, who holds the record for the highest points scored by an American player in an international competition, met 75 students in the school’s Basketball Excellence Program and offered valuable motivational and coaching advice, plus the chance to shoot a few hoops.

Marsden High Basketball Coordinator, Geoff Procter said he jumped at the chance when Council and St.George Bank approached him regarding Brandon’s visit.

“I couldn’t think of a better fit, especially as skill-development is what really helps youth to build personal resilience and employ positive decision making skills,” he said.

“His visit was an amazing opportunity for our basketball kids, not just in terms of meeting a former NBA player and coach, but with the excitement of his visit, numerous students have expressed interest in further developing their basketball skills and knowledge.”

A lifelong dream to take a wheeldriven vehicle over 400 miles per hour is gearing up for a crack at a longstanding Australian speed record.

world land speed record, providing our run at the Australian record is successful.

Trevor Slaughter, from Slaughter Motorsport, will be spending this Christmas fine-tuning plans to attempt a record that has stood for 50 years, breaking through 403 miles per hour (nearly 650km per hour, or over six times the top legal speed limit in Queensland).

“That will mean taking the vehicle to over 458 miles per hour, or 730km per hour.”

Mr Slaughter said the plan was to make a trip to Lake Gardiner, South Australia, in late-February 2014, spending three weeks preparing and attempting the record.

“The timing is fantastic – it will be the 50th anniversary of the great Donald Campbell’s original record, set back in 1964,” he said.

“We’re aiming to go on to break the 30

Mr Procter said the Marsden High Basketball Excellence Program had been successfully running for four years and aimed to provide students with sporting and academic opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.

“The aim of the program is to improve students’ basketball performance, academic results and attendance, and also assist students in developing their self-confidence and a sense of belonging,” he said.

“All successful students sign an academic and behaviour contract which is closely monitored throughout the year, to help students become a complete student athlete. The program serves to help students develop goals for success in life, not just basketball.”

Since 1991, St.George Foundation has donated more than $20 million towards improving the lives of physically, socially or economically disadvantaged Australian children.

Local community organisations can enquire about grant funding by visiting www.stgeorgefoundation.com.au.

Land speed attempt driving forward

Slaughter’s ultimate aim is to break 800km per hour, a feat never before achieved in a wheeldriven vehicle.

“It’s a big task, but our team has been working hard for years, finetuning and planning, he said.

VISIT www.slaughtermotorsport.com

“More men have gone to the moon than have driven at over 400 miles per hour on the earth – it’s taken some phenomenal work.”

Wheel-driven land speed records rely on piston or turbine engines driving wheels as opposed to other land speed records based on jet or rocket-driven freewheeling vehicles.

MEET THE HEAT AT THE LOGAN CITY MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS JOIN US AT THE LOGAN METRO SPORTS FIELDS ON DECEMBER 14 Huge cricket gala day, including the entire Brisbane Heat team from 4:30pm with giveaways and prizes to be won.

Don’t miss Heater and his hovercraft as well as the Brisbane Heat dance crew performing live on stage.

Australian singer and dancer TIMOMATIC will be headlining on the main stage.

Run in conjunction with the Logan City Council for the 2013 Logan City Mayor’s Christmas Carols

FREE Environmental event

Come See the Sea! Wednesday 22nd January, 10.00am - 11.00am Location: Eagleby Want to get up close and personal with some live marine creatures? Join us and Ocean Life Education to get hands on and learn how even our actions in Logan can affect marine life. Children’s show suitable for primary school ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bookings This is a free event run by Logan City Council for Logan residents. Bookings are essential and places are limited.

Email environment@logan.qld.gov.au or phone 3412 4491 to book or be placed on the mailing list for future programs.

The 2014 World Environment Day Calendar is now available!

The Calendar features winning artwork from Logan’s talented primary school children as well important dates such as school holidays and some excellent eco tips and information about Council’s environmental programs.

Every year between February and June, Logan City Council hosts a primary school poster competition in celebration of World Environment Day (which is held on 5 June every year). Primary schools are encouraged to participate in the competition and have students create a poster relating to the World Environment Day’s theme for the year, which in 2013 was ‘Think.Eat.Save’.

You can pick up your free copy of the 2014 World Environment Day Calendar from any of Council’s customer service centres or libraries.

Cover artwork/Mayor’s Choice winner: Claudia McCutcheon, Grade 7, St Edward’s Primary School.

January artwork/ Mayor’s Choice Runner-up: Ella Quill, Grade 5, Canterbury College

31

2014

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