The Local Times Jan 2023

CHAINSAW ARTIST TO CARVE MUSIC ICON

HAYES INLET IS BACK!

After

SAY:

Moreton

REMEMBERING EMMA

AS the community mourns the loss of Emma Lovell, a petition is underway for a strict new law, Emma’s Law, which calls for mandatory jail and no bail for armed and violent repeat home invaders, regardless of age.

The 41-year-old North Lakes mother lost her life on boxing day in front of her husband and daughters whilst she and her husband, Lee, defended their home against four teenage invaders who were known to police.

7 News reported that one of the teenagers was arrested on Christmas Eve and charged with multiple offences. He was released hours before he allegedly fatally stabbed Emma.

The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have multiple social media posts boasting about their illegal behaviour.

“Although Emma’s passing has ripped our family apart, I just hope there will be a positive change to come from this,” Lee Lovell said in a statement to 7 News.

The petition is set to become one of the top signed petitions on change.org, anticipated to reach well over 25,000 signatures. To sign, visit www.change. org and search for Emma’s Law.

A Go-Fund-Me page has also been set up, which is expected to exceed its fundraising goal of $50,000. To donate, visit www. gofundme.com and search for Emma Lovell.

A beautiful life gone way too soon.

| Image: Facebook

IN BRIEF

BURPENGARY LED Lighting Upgrade

COUNCIL has approved a $180,000 investment into lighting upgrades for the second field at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary. The new LED lighting upgrades to existing field lights will improve the overall quality for nighttime activities and save the club operational costs in the long run.

NORTH LAKES

Eco-Hotel Comes to Moreton

AN Eco-Lifestyle Precinct, planned for the corner of Diamond Jubilee Way and Anzac Avenue at Mango Hill, will include a a five-storey, 112-room hotel, garden centre, day spa, farmers’ market, wildlife rehabilitation shelter facility, community food gardens, and a drive-through compost and garden waste drop-off point . The project, undertaken by Maple Development Group, is expected to create more than 150 jobs.

PAGE 15

CABOOLTURE

Expo’s Profits Donated

The Caboolture Community Action (CCA) Group has benefitted from last October’s Seniors Expo hosted by Federal Member for Longman Terry Young, receiving the event’s profits amounting to $1,068. Volunteer-run CCA provides practical support, including food relief, to people doing it tough in the Caboolture/Morayfield area.

MODERN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT BIG FISH JUNCTION

BIG FISH JUNCTION HAS DELIVERED ON ITS PROMISE TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT, MODERN AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

Retailers have opened their doors as part of the $80 million retail precinct at the Big Fish business park on Pumicestone Road.

With the new $32 million Bunnings Warehouse set to open soon, major retailers Coles, Liquorland and

Chemist Warehouse are not the only ones currently open for business.

Dhamaka Indian Restaurant and Bar, KFC and Subway have joined McDonalds, Red Rooster and the Big Fish Tavern as dining options, with Sushi Tamashii and CJ Pastries soon to join the list.

Choice Discount Store is

also due to open its doors along with Ozze Nails & Spa. There is plenty of free, shaded parking located at the front of the centre, including accessible and parents with prams parking facilities and a well-designed, spacious Coles Click and Collect area.

Big Fish Junction is also accessible via public transport.

Public toilets, including accessible and family-friendly facilities, are located near CJ Pastries.

“The first time I came here, I expected to just be in and out for groceries,” said local Lynette Johnson.

“Now I think that, once everything opens, it will be somewhere I can take my

time - have a coffee or some lunch, get my nails done and enjoy my shopping more.”

Big Fish Junction is more than a local shopping centre that services the Caboolture North catchment. It is a shopping destination within easy reach of both Brisbane CBD and the Sunshine Coast, providing many local em-

ployment opportunities.

Become a Big Fish Junction VIP or follow their Facebook page to find all the latest news, special offers and updates from their fantastic stores.

Contact Colliers to find out more about leasing opportunities.

Luke Sheehan has been commissioned to carve a life-sized statue of country musician Chad Morgan.

KAY SAVAGE

CEDAR WOODS STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON NEW BURPENGARY COMMUNITY - ‘SAGE’

CEDAR Woods Queensland State Manager, Michelle Wooldridge, joined Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery in a recent ground breaking to mark the milestone.

Civil contractor Shadforth has been appointed to construct the new community, which will be developed over the next five years and ultimately be home to about 800 residents.

Located on Hunt Road in Burpengary, Sage will span 29-hectares, with more than 30 per cent reserved for a retained and rehabilitated environmental corridor, which will connect to a broader 300 hectares of conservation land to its south.

The first stage of land, comprising 49 lots, is already 55 per cent sold and anticipated to be completed in mid-2023, paving the way for construction of the first homes to begin.

Sage is Cedar Woods’ second masterplanned land community in South-East Queensland. Ms Wooldridge said the start of construction marked a major milestone for Sage and the growth of the Moreton Bay

region, which is anticipated to expand significantly over the next two decades.

“Demand for Sage has already been strong with $9 million in sales achieved ahead of the start of construction,” she said.

“This new community is set to help address ongoing issues of limited supply and high demand for new land in the South-East and, in particular, this fast-growing region.

“We handpicked the site in Burpengary due to its growth potential and the convenience it offers residents, with accessibility to both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, as well as regional centres and employment hubs like Caboolture and Maroochydore.

“With construction now underway, we’re looking forward to our vision for Sage taking shape.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said the new community was the kind of environmentally-conscious development needed to cater for Moreton Bay’s booming population.

“The 329 new homesites Sage will add to our region, the community will offer a diversity of housing choice that specifically appeals to first home buyers and families,” he said.

Sage’s focus on preserving and enhancing the environment will transform what was 14 individual residential properties

– previously home to a nursery and hobby macadamia farm, among others – into a vibrant neighbourhood surrounded by greenery.

“The community has been designed for those wanting to own and occupy, with every detail carefully considered, including the significant focus

on green open space with a central parkland and playground to become the active and social centre for the community,” Ms Wooldridge said.

“We will be undertaking an extensive replanting and rehabilitation program to establish the environmental corridor, including providing more than 200 nesting boxes to encourage wildlife movement.

“Our 8,100sqm recreation park will be designed around preserving established trees, so the community harmonises with the environment.”

Sage will deliver $5 million in infrastructure improvements, including significant upgrades to Hunt Road to improve efficiency and safety, as well as a widened verge and four metre native vegetation buffer alongside the new community.

For more information or to register your interest please visit sageburpengary.com.au

Cedar Woods Queensland State Manager, Michelle Wooldridge and Shadforth Managing Director, Ray Shadforth, joined Mayor Peter Flannery in a ground breaking ceremony for Sage Burpengary | Image: Contributed

Developer Cedar Woods Properties has officially commenced construction on its new $105M Sage community, delivering 329 lots in South-East Queensland’s rapidly expanding Moreton Bay region.

87-YEAR-OLD JUDI WALLER RELEASES HER FIRST BOOK

says of the war. “I wanted to put something into words because they wouldn’t know what it’s like to be running to get to an air raid shelter. Or the noise of the doodlebugs flying over the top of us and not knowing where it was going to hit.

“I can remember my father digging out a big dugout in our backyard. I can remember the council coming along and putting sheds all along the street, with long benches for everyone to sit on. It was no better than being in the house but we did what we had to at the time.”

Moreton Bay Residents Say ‘No’ to City Status

MORETON Bay residents have said “no” to changing the status of their home from ‘region’ to ‘city’.

Residents had their chance to have a say during a two-week window late last year. An overwhelming majority of respondencs favoured leaving Moreton Bay Region as it is.

proposal.

Since then, Mayor Peter Flannery has been a vocal proponent for the change of status and has received tepid support from Deputy Premier and Local Government Minister Steven Miles, who said he thinks the proposal has merit.

FOR Judi Waller, publishing her first book at the age of 87 has proven to be quite an achievement. The Tales End is a mixture of pieces including poetry and short stories, as well as personal recounts of different events that have taken place in Judi’s life. Although she has dabbled in writing throughout her life, Judi never imagined she would become a published author. Taking that first step has given Judi the encouragement she needed to continue writing, with work already underway on an autobiographical book.

Judi’s many life experiences, including growing up in London during World War II, have certainly shaped her as a person and her memory recall is amazing to say the least. Putting her memories, thoughts and creativity into words all lead to The Tales End coming to life.

“I had written a lot of little bits and pieces over the years, everywhere I go, I write things down,” Judi says. “But never had the courage to do anything with them in terms of getting something published.

“I did think a lot about whether my writing would be good

enough…everyone is their own worst critic. With a lot of encouragement from others and with the help of Disruptive Publishing, it all happened.

“I’m pretty chuffed about it all. Plus, it’s nice for the people that are around me, like my family, who can read about the things I have been through and also some of the stories I have created.”

The Tales End has certainly been a work in progress, culmi-

fectly.

“There’s one story in there I wrote about my grandson Craig who committed suicide,” Judi says. “I needed to put something into words which helped me work through what happened because it was a difficult time.”

Judi was about five-yearsold and living in London with her family at the time World War II broke out. For someone who was so young, she can remember quite a lot about what

Judi and her family moved out to Australia in 1949, seeking a better and different way of life. She has lived in various towns and cities along the east coast over the years and undertaken many different job paths including one in nursing. There’s not a lot she hasn’t done, so adding published author to her list is another amazing feat for this proud mum, grandmother and great-grandmother. The way she eloquently recounts her past personal experiences, it feels as though Judi was always meant to be a storyteller. But of course she takes it all in her stride.

“I wouldn’t say I have a passion for writing,” she says. “I think it was more of an interest in putting down my thoughts. Memories can be hard to hang on to.

The Local Government Change Commission received 103 public submissions by the deadline, with Commissioner Patrick Vidgen describing the volume of submissions as a high number; however, the contents of 34 public submissions were designated by the contributor as confidential, so they are unable to be classified as either as for or against.

Mr Vidgen acknowledged that people felt very strongly about the arrangements in their local area and that the feedback would inform the Change Commissions assessment process. He qualified this by stating that the consideration of submissions was just one part of the assessment process the Change Commission would undertake.

The Mayor said that Moreton Bay is the third largest local government area in Australia, and by definition, “we are already a city because our population is already bigger than Canberra, but we are missing out on funding because politicians have mistaken our region for being a regional centre.”

The proposed name change has provoked many comments on the region’s community-based social media groups. Most people engaging on social media have wanted to leave Moreton Bay as a region. Many commented on the large size and wide diversity of the region, which comprises around 75% rural landscape and several small towns.

nating in bits and pieces over a period of about 20 years. The book also has some input from other family members, with Judi’s grandchildren contributing a few pages here and there. Plus her son is also the brains behind the creative illustrations, matching their respective stories per-

happened and she’s using these memories to create her next book, an autobiography, a keepsake for her children to understand what she went through at the time and to share with others.

“I can remember being terribly, terribly frightened,” Judi

“I often go back through my old files before I throw them out and I’ll see letters that I’ve written in the course of business and I think how did I write that? You don’t realise that some of the things you write can actually be quite informative.”

The submissions are currently on the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) website. While some of the messages are a forthright statement of a yes or no position, many others are heartfelt and sincere love letters to our diverse and beautiful region.

Of the remaining 69 submissions, only 16 favoured the change to Moreton Bay City, with 53 stating a desire to remain as Moreton Bay Region. In percentage terms, that is 24% for a change and 76% against it.

When Moreton Bay Regional Council voted in July 2022 to pursue the controversial name change, councillors Brooke Savage, Tony Latter, and Darren Grimwade voted against the

Public submissions to the Change Commission can be viewed online. Visit www.ecq. qld.gov.au and type Moreton Bay Regional Council written submissions into the search box.

The Local Government Change Commission is the independent body responsible for assessing proposed changes to Queensland Councils. All proposals are first referred to the ECQ by the Minister for Local Government.

A decision is expected to be handed down by April.

Judi’s book launch for The Tales End | Image: Joseph Faye

“I write ... but I’ve never had the courage to do anything with them in terms of getting something published..”

Whilst she has dabbled in writing throughout her life, Judi never imagined she would become a published author.

BRUCE GIDDINGS

SHEREE HODDINETT

New

KALLANGUR SATELLITE HOSPITAL TAKES SHAPE!

BRUCE GIDDINGS

Ms Lamb commenced the position on 23 December 2022. She holds a Masters in Employment Relations, a Bachelor of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts.

New RTI Commissioner

STEPHANIE Winson has been appointed as Queensland’s new Right to Information (RTI) Commissioner.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon

Fentiman said Ms Winson was highly qualified, possessed international experience and would bring a fresh approach to a valued, vital and independent position

Ms Winson will start her three-year posting on 3 January 2023.

New Dolphins Recruit

JAYDEN Mitchell from Rothwell, a University of the Sunshine Coast Bachelor of Sports Studies student, will be suiting up for The Dolphins sales department after impressing the club during his work placement.

Jayden’s hiring marks a milestone in the ongoing partnership between The Dolphins and UniSC which is designed to underpin study and sport opportunities for Moreton Bay region locals, enabling them to tackle their career passions on campus and on the field.

The Dolphins play their first NRL match against Sydney Roosters on Sunday 5 March at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane

KALLANGUR’S new health facility was first announced by Premier Anastacia Palazczuk in 2020, during the early part of the covid19 pandemic.

Since then, the Australian-first project has been affected by a minor cost blowout and a building delay of several months due to lockdowns during the pandemic and various supply chain issues.

The proposed completion date in May has been pushed back to a date to be advised, but sometime in 2023, according to a spokesman for the Minister for Health Yvette D’ath.

The facility at 159-163 Dohles Rocks Road is one of seven satellite hospitals to be established in southeast Queensland, with three of them to be located within the Metro North Hospital and Health Service region - at Kallangur, Caboolture and Bribie Island. The other four will be located at Eight Mile Plains, Redlands, Ripley and Tugun.

The new hospitals will include a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic that will provide urgent care during extended hours. This clinic will be able to diagnose and treat conditions such

as simple fractures, minor head injuries, infections and minor burns.

There will also be other healthcare services on offer that could include treatments such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy, and day medical services, and other services such as mental health, child health services, women’s health and antenatal services, older person’s services, medical imaging, and oral health services.

Details of what services will be offered in Kallangur and the other six satellite hospitals will

stating that “a hospital has a theatre, Emergency Department and overnight beds,” and “the state government duped the people of Queensland.”

Lively discussions have also sprung up on various social media sites, debating whether the facility should be called a” hospital” or a “clinic”. Some locals have expressed the view that a “hospital” should offer overnight stays or even an emergency department.

However, several reputable reference works provide a definition that indicates the new facility need not offer overnight stays or an emergency department to be termed “a hospital”.

Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Stephen Miles said in September that the Kallangur Satellite hospital is specifically designed to deliver health care to local residents where they live.

“It will reduce travel times for residents who currently need to visit major hospitals further away,” he said.

On top of the Satellite Hospitals Program, The Queensland government is also investing

$9.78 billion on a building drive that will deliver three new hospitals, 11 hospital extensions and a new Queensland Cancer Centre.

Moreton Bay residents can look forward to an expanded bed capacity in the region, with 130 more beds at Caboolture and 204 extra beds at Redcliffe. On Brisbane’s northside, another 93 beds will be added to the Prince Charles Hospital.

be announced after the community consultations and the government decision-making process have been completed.

The terminology used to name the new healthcare facility has been contentious, with the term “Satellite Hospital” causing confusion and comment in some quarters.

State opposition shadow minister for Health, Ros Bates, issued a statement early in 2021

For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines a hospital as “a place where people who are very ill or injured are treated by doctors and nurses.” The Collins Dictionary states that a hospital is “an institution in which sick or injured persons are given medical or surgical treatment.”

No matter what lettering is used on the front gate of the new healthcare facility on Dohles Rocks road, the government expects the service to help take pressure off emergency departments and provide hospital care closer to home for local residents.

“It will reduce travel time for residents...”

Artist Impression of the Kallangur Satellite Hospital

The first concrete slab at the Kallangur site was poured in late September 2022, with construction now well advanced | Image: Contributed

FEATURE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE RELEASES A FRESH NEW BRAND FOR 2023

IN an era where people seek to digitally detox and retro is the new trend, the Feature Magazine team has inspired and informed the local community each month with their A4 glossy print publication.

In celebration of its ninth year, the much-loved community magazine enters 2023 sporting a brand-new look, meeting the community’s request for a genuinely local newspaper.

“We are the same team, delivering the same high quality and community focus. Just packaged a little differently,” said Editor Darren More. This team of local freelancers have been promoting the community since 2014 in a manner that provides quality, affordable and customisable print advertising options for local businesses in the Caboolture to Murrumba Downs corridor along with Mango Hill, North Lakes, Deception Bay and Rothwell. They have now added digital advertising to their list of value-packed services.

“People reading print publications tend to be much more actively engaged than those consuming other media types,” said Darren. “Yet we

can’t ignore that digital will always play a part in successful advertising and marketing campaigns.”

Perhaps one of the most original and sincere media forums, the Narangba-based business is excited to release its new masthead, The Local Times believing that the community will welcome the return of non-biased, upbuilding news.

One of the key motivators behind the change is to create a wider variety of advertising options, particularly for small to medium businesses. With twenty-four print ad sizes available starting from $20 per month, local business owners now have a unique and valuable resource with the potential to reach a local and highly targeted audience.

“In a global world, I want to reach readers in my own backyard,” said advertiser Heather Joy Campbell. “That is why I choose the team behind Feature Magazine and celebrate the release of The Local Times. It is locally relevant and independent.”

Loyal readers of Feature Magazine will also benefit from the new brand with more original content, inspiring stories and more room for images. New sections include What’s On, A

Dose of Dorin cartoon and Letters to the Editor.

“We really encourage the community to engage with us. Tell us what is happening in your community; send us your favourite recipe or photo. Submit your articles for consideration,” said Darren.

Community clubs and non-profits

are encouraged to reach out and take advantage of the numerous promotion options requiring little effort and, sometimes, no budget.

Feature Magazine Founder, Katy More, said that the rebrand has enabled her vision of community promotion to reach new heights.

“Businesses with large advertising

budgets purchase ad spaces and donate them to their favourite clubs and charities. Students submit photos and articles which are published with credit. Readers are confident they will not receive an onslaught of bad news and are delighted to see someone they know in nearly every edition,” said Katy. “We truly are authentically local!” Feature Magazine will no longer be produced in its current format. Its new look and brand, The Local Times, will take its place in the same distribution points throughout Caboolture, Morayfield, Narangba, Burpengary, Burpengary East, Kallangur, Griffin, Dakabin, Petrie, Murrumba Downs, North Lakes, Mango Hill, Deception Bay and Rothwell.

Unlike its predecessor, The Local Times has a digital footprint through its website and Facebook, where new stories are regularly shared. Advertising and advertorial spaces are also available on this medium, and Facebook-inclined readers are encouraged to follow us at @localtimesmoreton. With the ability to work directly with decision-makers, The Local Times is the newspaper our community can call its own.

After nine years of promoting the local community the glossy print magazine has rebranded into a free local newspaper

1,000M2 OF FRESH PRODUCE

WITH a strong family background in the fruit and vegetable industry, it was inevitable that Sam Etri and Nic Quintili would also go down the same path. The dynamic duo, who ventured into the fruit and veg business as teenagers, are the faces (directors) behind Skippy’s Market Fresh at Rothwell. The store, the third in operation for Etri, opened to much fanfare late last year, proving to be quite a popular destination for many locals in the area.

As one of the biggest independent fruit and veg stores on Brisbane’s northside, coming in at 1000m2 of retail space, Skippy’s was flooded with thousands of customers on its opening weekend alone. With a steady stream of customers continuing to make their way through the doors since, Etri and Quintili are more than happy with how things are progressing. So, what sets this store apart from others like it in the area? A combination of product knowledge and going the extra mile certainly have much to do with it.

“Compared to the bigger supermarket chains, I go to the market at Rocklea to source our stock every day,” Etri says. “And when a truck arrives at the shop, a lot of that stock goes straight out on to the floor for custom-

ers. It’s not put into storage for a lengthy period of time before it goes out on show.

“So, when it comes to the quality and probably even the price, we’ve got the edge.”

“Also, with the customer service side of things, if you have a special request, we’ll order it in for you,” Quintili adds. “We’ll go that extra step for customer satisfaction.

“If you want to try a piece of fruit or a vegetable, we’ll make it happen.”

Buying products daily from the markets means Etri can provide customers with a large range of fresh produce straight from thousands of Aussie farms and support local businesses and growers who are also families just like their own.

“We know in this area here, there is a lot of families, big families too,” Etri says. “The way we have set the shop up is for a family to come in, do their shop and save money on that shopping and we know they will save compared to at the bigger retailers.”

“We’ve also got a lot of the grocery items that you’ll find that the supermarket don’t sell like European lines and we have a big variety of it all too,” Quintili adds. “There’s gherkins, fish, glad wrap and toothpaste.

We’ve tried to make it like a onestop-shop and by the time they get down to the registers they have the butcher there too. It all works in together.”

With every good part of business comes a downside, which Quintili highlights as “waking up early every day”. When he says he’s waking up early, he’s not kidding either. While most of us are still asleep, we’re talking 2.45am, Quintili and Etri are making their way to work. But it’s not all bad, with Etri also talking about the positive side of running a business.

“Yes you’re in business to make money, but for me, the best part is I love seeing the

customers in the shop,” Etri says. “We’re here for them and to provide them with the best shopping experience with the best products we can offer.

ers a week. So I sit back and I’m thinking okay we sold products to 5,000 customers this week. That’s 5,000 families, that’s a lot and it’s a lot of food from one store. I get a kick out of it knowing where it’s going. Whether you make heaps of dollars or 50 cents off something, at the end of the week, you still get the satisfaction out of it all.”

With a team of almost 30 staff (all locals), Skippy’s is also on the hunt for more crew to join the ranks in various positions including experienced fruiterers.

meats and dried pasta. You’ll find Skippy’s located at the Rothwell Central Shopping Centre, 743 –757 Deception Bay Road, Rothwell (in the same complex as Officeworks).

The shop is open seven days a week from 7am - 7pm Monday – Friday and 7am-6pm on weekends.

“Take for example, our store at Victoria Point. We serve about 4,500lf to 5,000 custom-

Skippy’s Market Fresh also offer a wide range of speciality and continental products including cheeses, nuts, biscuits, cold

As one of the biggest independent fruit and veg stores on Brisbane’s northside, Skippy’s was flooded with thousands of customers on its opening weekend alone.

“...when it comes to the quality and ... price, we’ve got the edge.”

Buying products daily from the markets means Sam can provide customers with a range of fresh produce straight from Aussie farms | Image: Contributed

SHEREE HODDINETT

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CHARISMA AMOE TARRANT

THE Narangba Valley High School Alumni and Tokyo Olympian is dubbed Australia’s strongest woman and is thankful her Uncle tricked her into trying a new sport. Because that’s when she discovered a passion for weightlifting that has led her to the Olympics and two Commonwealth Games medals.

Charisma’s Uncle, a coach in weightlifting, spotted her potential when she was an 11-year-old training at the gym for the Shot Put team. When the other participants were lifting 25 kg, Charisma quickly transitioned from lifting 30kg to 65 kg that day. Her Uncle then tricked her into returning for another weightlifting session the following day.

“He made a deal that I stay and train [for weightlifting] for a week, and if I hated it, he wouldn’t bother me anymore. I ended up loving the sport four days into it.”

Graduating from Narangba Valley High in 2016, Charisma travelled to New Caledonia to train for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where she snagged a silver medal in the Women’s 90+kg event and in 2021, she competed in the Tokyo Olympics representing her birth country Nauru.

Her medal-winning success continued in August 2022 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she won a Bronze Medal in the Women’s 87+kg Final, lifting 127Kg and 139Kg in the Clean and Jerk. The win was even more impressive, given the intense pressure on her to bring home a medal and the fact that she carried an injury going into the Games.

“I’ve had these injuries since the Tokyo Olympics, so the mentality towards training was draining. There were so many moments when I wanted to

stop because of my knee. It was sad for me at the same time because the weights I do now, I could do more, but my injuries are preventing me from doing so.”

Despite injuries impacting her performance, Charisma’s attitude to handling the intense pressure of elite competitions is remarkably level-headed.

“With me, I just go with the flow at comps. Whatever results I put up on the platform, I just do my best and hopefully don’t bomb out.”

Recalling her Gold Coast Commonwealth silver medal-winning performance, Charisma admits, “That’s all I ever think about. The feeling, the pressure… I was told that I must win a medal, which I didn’t think was possible since I only had six months of preparation. The next thing I knew, I was on the stands. Definitely memorable and a top achievement so far.”

It is little surprise Charisma’s identifies a fellow Australian weightlifter, Eileen Cikamatana as the greatest influence on her sporting career.

“Watching her lifts always puts me in a good mood. She is also someone I talk to when things are getting hectic, or when I’m at my lowest too. She inspires me every time I watch her lift and I just honestly can’t wait to see her performance at the Paris Olympics.”

Will Australia see Charisma competing in Paris?

“My first goal is to look for work and also get my knee and elbow checked and hopefully just heal,’ she says pragmatically. Her journey of humble perseverance and dedication is bound to be inspirational for other students who wish to try a new sport or activity, because as Charisma emphasizes, “I got this far because of the time and effort I put into this sport.”

FIRST ‘HEAR HER VOICE’ PROGRESS REPORT SAYS STEADY PROGRESS

IS BEING MADE

The first independent progress report of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce reforms has been released.

THE report considers the progress and adequacy of the Queensland Government’s response to the Taskforce’s first report—Hear her Voice – Report One – Addressing coercive control and domestic and family violence in Queensland.

It also summarises Queensland Government agencies’ approach to implementation, as well as challenges and opportunities, outlining activities carried out by the Office of the Independent Implementation Supervisor (OIIS) since the Interim Independent Implementation Supervisor assumed the role on 28 November 2022, as well as an indicative OIIS work plan for early 2023.

Attorney-General and Minster for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the progress report prepared by Ms Linda Apelt, the Interim Independent Implementation Supervisor, showed considerable work had been achieved to date.

According to the OIIS report, government agencies

are making steady progress towards honouring the voices of everyone who shared their stories or contributed to the Hear Her Voice and A Call to Change reports.

In response to Report One of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce recommendations, the Queensland Government has: Conducted a Commission of Inquiry into police responses to domestic and family violence, Introduced the Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combatting Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, laying the legislative foundation for the introduction of a new criminal offence of coercive control, Uplifted Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams to support growing demand and began work to establish three new teams in Townsville, Brisbane South

and Rockhampton, Launched the new Prep to Year 12 ‘Respect’ program to offer resources to help guide teachers and students, so they benefit from the Respectful Relationships Education Program, Revised the Common Risk and Safety Framework to support a more consistent response to Queenslanders experiencing domestic and family violence and allow for appropriate support across the state.

An Independent Implementation Supervisor responsible for overseeing implementation was a recommendation of the first and second Taskforce reports and the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence – A Call to change Ms Apelt said agencies do not have an easy task ahead but are demonstrating a strong and clear commitment to implementing the Government

response.

“The breadth, scale, and complexity of the program of reform to be undertaken is not to be underestimated,” Ms Apelt said.

“However, I acknowledge the extensive work already underway by agencies to deliver on the Government’s commitments.

“My initial view is that they are making steady progress towards honouring the voices of everyone who told their story or contributed to the Hear her Voice and A Call to Change reports.”

The independent implementation supervisor’s report is available at www.qld.gov.au/ OIIS

For More Information

www.qld.gov.au/womenstaskforceresponse

New Home for Flood-Affected Locals

A DECEPTION Bay family who lost everything in the 2022 February/March floods have been given a new start.

Thanks to the jointly funded Commonwealth and State government $741 million Resilient Homes Fund, Miika and Melina Puhakka were able to move into a new home just in time for Christmas.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was partnering with the state and federal governments to purchase homes from residents whose properties were severely damaged during this year’s floods and were at the greatest risk of flooding again.

“Miika and Melina Puhakka lived in one of the houses I

visited in Major Street, Deception Bay earlier this year that had over half a metre of water throughout the home and it destroyed just about everything,” he said.

“After nine months of living in between various accommodations that weren’t suitable for them and their son, Council moved to prioritise the purchase of their home, so they could afford to buy a new home that was out of a flood zone and just in time for Christmas.”

Mayor Flannery advised that once the damaged properties were purchased and the settlement finalised, the houses will be demolished, and the land

will be rezoned for non-residential use, so no one has to go through a flood on that property again.

“We pretty much lost everything, there wasn’t much that was salvageable,” said Melina Puhakka who revealed that 63cm of black sewerage water come through the house. Then the mould took over.

“We even lost all of our clothes,” she said. “We went into emergency accommodation through our insurer for two months, which was a single motel room that only had a microwave and a fridge, so we lived off microwave meals.”

“ It’s been tough.”

Deputy Premier and Minister

responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said this was the first offer to be accepted in the Moreton Bay region.

“It’s estimated over thirty Moreton Bay homeowners of flood impacted homes will receive valuations and offers as part of the Voluntary Home Buy-Back program,” Mr Miles said.

Valuations are continuing across Moreton Bay in the suburbs of Beachmere, Burpengary, Caboolture, Clontarf, Deception Bay, Eatons Hill, Morayfield, Rothwell, Whiteside, and Woody Point.

MARNIE BIRCH

UNKNOWN FUTURE FOR KOALAS

Koalas in Queensland have recently been declared an endangered species under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

THIS new declaration cuts deep for lovers of the cuddly Aussie icon, who have watched koalas go from not being listed at all to being listed as vulnerable and now endangered, all within the decade since 2012.

The new endangered declaration is especially relevant to our Moreton Bay Region, where humans are developing new housing estates fast, displacing koala populations as they go. According to the latest census figures, over 107,000 people moved to Queensland last year, with many settling in the southeast corner.

Land clearing for housing development is the biggest threat to koalas, followed by vehicle strikes, dog attacks, and sickness.

Moreton Bay Koala Rescue (MBKR) reports a recent upwards trend in koalas being hit by vehicles and an increase in sick koalas being rescued. MBKR says that around 80% of all car hits are fatal, and approximately 75% of dog attack victims succumb to their injuries.

Moreton Bay is part of an area known as the Koala Coast,

which has suffered a jaw-dropping 80% decline in koala numbers between 1996 and 2014, according to the Department of Environment and Heritage. The Koala Coast encompasses much of South East Queensland, including Moreton Bay, Noosa, Ipswich, Brisbane, and Gold Coast.

Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT are alone in having their koala populations declared endangered. Victoria and South Australia have large and stable koala populations termed vulnerable rather than endangered.

Victoria can boast an estimated koala population of around double what Queensland can muster.

Estimates from the Australia Koala Foundation (AKF) in 2021 put New South Wales at the bottom of the koala population table (estimated 6,040 to 9,605

individual koalas), with Queensland next (estimated 6,455 to 12,085).

According to AKF estimates, Victoria is home to between 11,950 and 23,080 individual koalas. South Australia is estimated to have a population of between 7,615 to 13,150.

While Victoria and South Australia are home to a healthy number of the marsupial, there are problems with a lack of genetic diversity. Much of the current population has descended from a few individuals who were reintroduced to the mainland from French Island in the early 20th century after the marsupials nearly became extinct in Victoria and South Australia.

According to the Australian Koala Foundation, “these populations cannot be considered to have long-term viability because of their inbred status.”

This near-extinction event

First Aid Volunteers Celebrate Four Years

Moreton Bay First Aid Volunteers (MBFAV) hosted their fourth birthday party on 6 December 2022

beginning in the late 1800s, was caused by the fur trade. Before that time, Australia was home to an estimated ten million koalas.

Between 1888 and 1927, over eight million koalas were slaughtered for their soft fur.

Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) has beefed up environmental protections in 2022. They have implemented a habitat protection and restoration scheme designed to improve the amount and quality of koala habitat across the region. A part of this scheme is a land buyback program, funded to the tune of $2.9m per year. Council also has three dedicated koala nature refuges covering 282 hectares.

In addition, Council offsets any tree loss incurred during the development of new estates, planting three koala trees for every tree removed.

Recently, the MBRC Mayor Peter Flannery announced an intention for the Council to limit the urban footprint to no more than 25 per cent of the region’s total land area.

Despite these efforts, koala lovers have good reason to be apprehensive about the future of the now-endangered marsupial.

IN recent years, MBFAV has been very creative in gaining funding and grants to help the group acquire their much-needed equipment and was very fortunate to receive a Gambling Community Benefit Grant to purchase a second-hand ex-ambulance which has been converted into a Mobile First Aid Post that can be taken to events.

With a membership of 20+ volunteers, MBFAV has been reaching many milestones and hope to keep growing bigger, stronger and more skillful.

“We have to thank Laurie Smith and his team at Storage King Burpengary. Without their support and that of many other local businesses our group would not be here today.” said MBFAV President, Simon Robson.

As a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, all monies raised by the group go to fund equipment and training of their volunteers.

MBFAV hope to one day become an independent training organisation – big hopes and dreams for such a young group.

Moreton Bay First Aid Volunteers with Councillors Yvonne Barlow, Adam Hain & Sandra Ruck | Image: Contributed

BRUCE GIDDINGS

RECOGNITION FOR DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

Volunteering for over 20 years, Geoff Murray has been awarded the honour of a park seat in his name.

GEOFF Murray (pictured) has spent more than 20 years dedicated to volunteering within the community. It’s a role that has earnt him much praise from fellow Burpengary Community Association members and also the naming of a park bench in his honour. For Geoff, the path into volunteering came about naturally and in particular his work with the Burpengary Community Association has been instrumental in implementing improvements and projects, helping to make Burpengary the great place it is to live today.

Geoff is certainly no stranger to life in the Moreton Bay Region, having lived here since 1977. Starting out in Kallangur and followed by Petrie, Geoff and his wife Bev settled in Burpengary in 1991. During that time, he has seen the area evolve into the Burpengary we now know. So, what prompted Geoff to head down the volunteer path? It all began when he retired and was looking for something to help fill the void. Geoff initially became a part of the Burpengary Community Association as a resident looking for assistance

in regard to an upcoming local development and grew into something more. He has held the position of secretary and treasurer and is now a life member.

“I’ve done a little bit of community work,” Geoff says with a laugh. “When I retired I just felt that I needed to do something.

“But as with a lot of things in life, it’s one of those things that you enjoy until you don’t and it was getting to that stage that I felt I wasn’t prepared to give anymore and felt my time was up, so I politely resigned. I’m still a member of the association of course, so I’m still around.

“Being a part of the association has been quite a journey and quite fulfilling in many ways. I’ve met and made a number of friends throughout the community and it’s definitely one of my greatest achievements.”

Along with his role at the Burpengary Community Association, Geoff was the treasurer at the Pine Rivers Golf Club for four years, he undertook four years of national service, has been treasurer for the Caboolture and District branch of the National

Serviceman’s Association of Queensland and is also a life member of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Queensland Inc.

To say Geoff has lived and breathed quite a varied life is definitely an understatement. Long before he was a volunteer, he worked in retail for a number of years before spending the last 20 years of his working life in aged care.

“We had people with dementia, stroke, young and disabled…it opened your eyes to the other side of the world to see how they coped,” Geoff says. “It was a different experience and days were different all the time, especially when it came to dementia patients and responding to their changes in behaviour.

“I have a lot of memories from my time working in aged care, too many to recall, but taking residents out for lunches was always fun and memorable.”

While he may be getting on in age (believe it or not, he’s 85!), Geoff still finds time to do a little bit of the things he loves.

“I’m still with the RSL subbranch at Caboolture, so I help out there with the Anzac and Remembrance Day selling,

Offensive Odours in Narangba Industrial Estate Investigated

DUE to the nature of the operations carried out at the Narangba Industrial Estate, The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is continuing to investigate any potential sources of offensive odours that could impact the area.

The investigation follows the issuing of a $14,000 fine to a Narangba company last month for causing a noxious and offensive odour on Brisbane’s northside and a number of reports from the community concerning an obnoxious odour in the Narangba area in

November last year.

In response, DES compliance officers carried out an extensive investigation including out-ofhours odour monitoring during evenings, early mornings and weekends, multiple inspections of potential sources and air quality sampling.

DES identified one source of odour from a site within the Narangba Industrial Estate and the company has taken steps to prevent further odour issues including installing new equipment, reducing their hours of operation, and focussing on

the quality and composition of feedstock materials used to manufacture its products.

The success of these actions is being evaluated and additional measures will be explored if required as DES continues to engage with the company, conduct site visits and odour monitoring including out-ofhours monitoring.

If anyone in the area continues to experience offensive odours, they are urged to call the Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372 or email PollutionHotline@des.qld.gov.au

SEEKING VOLUNTEER MEMBERS

PROVIDE

Moreton Bay First Aid Volunteers focus primarily on the needs of local schools, charities, sporting groups, community, and business organisations within our region.

Do you have a passion for First Aid?

Are you keen on expanding your first aid skills and getting out in your community with like minded people?

WASTE REMINDER TAKE YOUR BINS OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE

Moreton Bay residents are being reminded that garbage bins need to be placed out for collection before 6:00 AM on collection day.

“Resident in a few suburbs have recently reported their bins being missed, which may be because drivers have come through at a different time of day,” Mayor Flannery said.

sausage sizzles and the likes but I’ve quietened down a bit now,” Geoff says of his once busy life.

“I just take my time now and if I don’t feel up to doing something, it becomes a rest day. I’ve still got a few years left in me yet.”

Down in Ruth McDonald Park in Rossini Street Burpengary, you’ll find the park bench honouring Geoff for his commitment to the community. The dedication took place back in September. Geoff worked alongside Ruth for many years, running the hall committee between them, undertaking

bookings for the council and building quite a good rapport.

To Geoff, the placement of the bench in the park named after Ruth is quite an honour and he is proud to be associated with it.

“I was quite surprised at first, because I believe there’s still a lot of other people out in the community that are worthy of honours and distinctions for all of their achievements,” Geoff says of the park bench dedication. “But I am extremely proud of it and I appreciate those who have taken the time to make this happen.”

“Our bin collection contractor Cleanaway needs to collect 45,000 bins each day so the exact collection during the day can change for a range of reasons.

“That could be staff rostering, vehicle maintenance, road works or closures or even bad weather. The easiest thing to do is take your bins out the night before your collection day.”

A service is not actually considered ‘missed’ until after 6:00pm on your collection day.

For information on collection days and services visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au.

LIMELIGHT SHINES IN MORAYFIELD

IN a total transformation of the former BC&C cinemas, Limelight has created a stylish, state-of-the-art 7-screen cinema complex, with a range of premium cinema formats, luxury seating options, a vibrant casual bar and cafe, as well as private party and function spaces.

‘We know the Morayfield community has been looking forward to having their own local cinema again and we’ve been working hard to ensure we deliver them a better experience, and a better deal. We believe our unique combination of premium cinemas, better food & drink options, and better value for money, will give people a reason to return to the movies these holidays, and to keep coming back” says Ross Entwistle, Limelight Cinemas’ Founder & CEO. In addition to playing all the

latest blockbusters, Limelight plans to inject some fun signature programming and events into its schedule at Morayfield. “We’re all about celebrating and elevating movies on the big screen. From movie themed cocktails and menus, to trivia nights, sing-along screenings, dress-up previews or seniors morning teas, it’s all

an opportunity to build a spirit of fun and community through cinema”.

Limelight fielded more than 800 applications for jobs ranging from managers to cooks to frontline cinema workers. “We’ve been totally blown away by the enthusiasm this community has shown us already, and we’ve pulled together an amazing

WAYS TO WATCH

THE GOLD EXPERIENCE

A luxury dine-in cinema experience. Indulge with a drink from the bar, choose from an extensive food and beverage menu, then kick back in a luxury recliner, and your meal and drinks will be delivered directly to your seat.

THE XD EXPERIENCE

A premium large format cinema experience. Wall-to-wall screens, 4K projection, state-of-the-art immersive sound, and a choice of our extra spacious ‘Premium View’ seats, or luxury recliners.

local team who can’t wait to welcome everyone with a smile” says Alexis Poulsen, Limelight Cinemas’ General Manager.

Morayfield is the third location for Limelight Cinemas and its second in Queensland. Their first site launched in Canberra 13 years ago with James Cameron’s original Avatar and coincidentally the highly anticipated sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is set to be the first major blockbuster released in the opening weeks of Limelight Cinemas Morayfield.

Limelight Cinemas Morayfield opened late last month and is located within the Morayfield Shopping Centre, 171 Morayfield Road, Morayfield.

Tickets can be purchased via Limelight’s website or via their Candy Bar.

THE CLASSIC EXPERIENCE

Limelight has taken the ‘Classic’ cinema experience to a new level. New screens, new sound, and a choice of extra spacious ‘Premium View’ seats or luxury recliners in every cinema.

MOVIES & MORE

In addition to all the biggest blockbusters, Limelight will bring a wide variety of signature programming and events to Morayfield. From the Girls Night Out, Friday Fright Night, BYO Babies and Seniors Morning Tea programs….. to live sport, big-screen gaming, sing-alongs, trivia and more….Limelight is creating a community entertainment hub for all ages.

RUBY’S KITCHEN AND BAR

Beyond popcorn and choc-top, Ruby’s raises the bar with an expanded grab ’n’ go menu. Treat yourself to a gourmet pizza, hot dog, or an ice-cold beverage, and take your moviegoing experience to the next level.

PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS

Birthdays, staff get-togethers, client nights, or fundraisers – Limelight will cater to all with their private party and function spaces.

wait is over for Moreton residents as the doors swing open

AWE-INSPIRING AIRSHOW

August 2023 has been locked in for the greatest airshow Australia has ever seen with Air Race world champion and former Royal Australian Air Force top gun fighter pilot, Matt Hall, the event’s first ambassador.

THE spectacular three-day Pacific Airshow will take off over Surfers Paradise from 18 to 20 August 2023 and holiday makers are encouraged to book early with tourism bookings set to soar.

The Pacific Airshow, now the biggest Airshow in the United States, features an outstanding aviation line-up year after year, including performances by the US. Air Force Thunderbirds, US Navy Blue Angels, UK Royal Air Force Red Arrows, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, as well as many of the world’s finest civilian performers.

“Now the suspense is over –it’s time to book your holidays and register your interest in attending Pacific Airshow Gold Coast,” said Kevin Elliott, CEO of Code Four, and owner of the famous Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach in California

“There will be hospitality options for everyone – ranging from show-centre General Admission on the beach to ‘money can’t buy’ VIP experiences, corporate chalets, private cabanas, and more! The hospitality

build-out on the beach is going to be truly extraordinary and when combined with our highly curated cuisine offerings - we’re taking hospitality on the beach to a whole new level!”

Elliott explained how the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is so much more than what happens in the air, with something for everyone throughout the event precinct stretching for several kilometres along the esplanade. From street vendors, STEM exhibitions, art, entertainment, and more, the whole of Surfers Paradise, land, sea and sky to be transformed into the world’s biggest stage.

Pacific Airshow is all about maximising the adrenalin rush as the world’s best aviators push to the edge of what’s possible - where you can surf to the sounds of 40,000 pounds of thrust racing across your chest and be left scratching your head in amazement at the same time.

While parents and children mix with the bikini-clad bodies on the beach, foodies savour the experience over fine wine and gourmet cuisine, and music lovers gather to dance the night away. The skies overhead will

be ablaze with the world’s best aviation aerobatics as a flotilla of spectator boats head to deeper water to take in the view offshore.

“Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be awe-inspiring recognising the incredible talent and skills of civilian and military avi-

Artist Impression | Image: Contributed ators, and that is sure to be a powerfully inspiring experience for everyone,” said Kevin Elliott.

“We are excited to be working closely with the Australian Defence Force, especially as the inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be honouring and recognising Australian Viet-

nam Veterans’ Day on 18 August 2023 and marking the important date with a tribute to those who have served.”

The three-day lifestyle festival will incorporate an epic entertainment and hospitality program, A-lister parties and exclusive VIP meet and greet events.

Enthusiasts can subscribe to become a Pacific Air show insider and be the first to receive important updates, performer announcements and early access to ticket offerings at pacificairshow.com.

Not Quite Your Speed?

For those seeking a more intimate aviation experience closer to home, The Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum is Queensland’s only flying warbird museum where you can still fly in a warplane!

The Museum currently houses the North American T-4 Texan and a Winjeel and Gipsy Moth. The Wirraway and T-28B Trojan are hangared nearby on the airfield by Warplanes Pty Ltd and are readily available for Adventure Flights and other static display events run by the Museum. You can learn more about the Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum by visiting cwpmuseum.com.au.

KAY SAVAGE

GREEN LIGHT FOR $72 MILLION ECO-HOTEL AND WELLNESS RETREAT

1.5 Development Components

MORETON Bay Regional

Council has approved the region’s first eco lifestyle hotel and wellness retreat, addressing an urgent need for hotel rooms to meet growing tourism numbers.

The North Lakes Eco-Lifestyle Precinct will include a five-storey, 112-room hotel which will help fill the demand for more accommodation in the region, to support growing tourism numbers as well as the influx of visitors the 2032 Olympic Games will bring to Moreton Bay.

“We know Moreton Bay needs up to eight hotels and 1,035 hotel rooms by 2032, with four hotels needed by 2026, so this is an exciting start just five months after we put out the call for investors,”

Mayor Peter Flannery said Maple Development Group Managing Director Nick Liu said they chose the Moreton Bay site because of the region’s surging tourism industry, lower operational and land costs, and proximity to Brisbane’s domestic and international airports and ports.

“It is exciting to see this

project become an inviting and welcoming precinct for locals and visitors as well as getting a balance between the lifestyle and economic

growth in the region; and we really appreciate the effective communication support from Moreton Bay Council on our project”, Nick said.

The precinct will also include a naturopathy centre to cater for home, garden and health care, a day spa, outdoor yoga, a

farmer’s market, wildlife rehabilitation shelter facility, community food gardens, a drive-through compost and garden waste drop off

point support the precinct’s sustainable approach. The development will deliver more than 150 jobs in the region.

Image: Maple Development Group | Open Architecture Studio Concept Only

BOWEL cancer is rarely discussed and quite often deadly. It affects men and women, young and old, with Australia having one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. According to Bowel Cancer Australia, one in fifteen Australians will develop the disease in their lifetime.

Whilst approximately 30% of people who develop the disease have hereditary contributions or family history, 70% do not, and the risk of developing bowel cancer rises sharply and progressively from age 50.

Associate Professor Michelle Wykes leads the Molecular Immunology Group at QIMR Berghofer, Herston. Having worked for over twenty years at the Institute, investigating how our immune systems respond to the challenge of disease, she is now seeking donations to help progress her exciting research discovery – the Masterswitch

“We have developed antibodies that turn on a Masterswitch on dendritic cells to detect and discover cancers, which usually hide amongst the good cells,” said Associate Professor Wykes.

“The discovery came as I investigated how the immune system responded to malaria. I wanted to help half a million children who die every year from this dreadful illness. I never thought it would lead to new hope for breast and colorectal cancer treatment. Finding this potential Masterswitch which turns on the body’s dendritic cells, central to the body’s immune response, was incredibly exciting. We thought we could use this switch to turn on the body’s fighter T-cells to recognise and attack cancer cells.”

Associate Professor Wykes says that the pre-clinical laboratory results were simply breathtaking.

“We started with Micro Satellite Stable (MSS) bowel cancers, responsible for about 80 per cent

of all bowel cancers. Those who have this type of cancer have very few good treatment options, and outcomes sadly reflect this. It’s the same for people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment options are just not good. To our amazement, results obtained in pre-clinical laboratory work showed an 80% success rate in clearing the cancers! And after ten months, it hadn’t grown back. The next step was to see whether results could be repeated in blood samples from metastatic colon cancer patients at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. They showed the same stunning results.”

“This could be a real game changer in how we treat cancer patients in the future. I won’t give up.”

For Research Officer Dr Rebecca Faleiro, it is personal, with her partner having a family history of breast cancer.

“If we don’t have enough funding, the project might stop,” explained Research Assistant Ji Liu. “We are so close. We need to keep going.”

For those interested in donating to this life-saving research, call 1800 993 000 or email supportus@qimrberghofer.edu.au. Donations go directly to QIMR Berghofer, with donations of two dollars or more tax deductable.

“It’s a very tough conversation to have when you have to tell someone their cancer is not curable. People come to me after their diagnosis, they are devastated, and they just can’t believe there isn’t a better treatment. It is quite simply heartbreaking,” said Association Professor Melissa Eastgate, Deputy Director of Medical Oncology, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Associate Professor Wykes and her team hope that one day soon, no one with bowel cancer will be told they are going to die.

YOUR SAY: Proposed Suburb Changes for Caboolture West

Lilywood (potential future suburb 1) Wagtail Grove (potential future suburb 2) Greenstone (potential future suburb 3) Corymbia (potential future suburb 4). Waraba (new city name and potential future suburb 6) Another potential three suburbs (5, 7 and 8)

ON 22 April 2022, The Department of Resources received a proposal from the Moreton Bay Regional Council recommending altering the current boundaries of Upper Caboolture, Wamuran, Bellmere and Rocksberg, creating new suburbs named Lillywood, Wagtail Grove, Greenstone, Corymbia and Waraba.

In their proposal, Moreton Bay Regional Council justifies the changes due to the substantial population growth predicted in Caboolture West in the coming decades. It is believed that the new suburb names will ensure adequate delivery of postal and emergency services to the area.

Caboolture West is expected to become Moreton Bay Region’s largest emerging community over the next forty years. The implementation of the proposal means that some

addresses will have a change of suburb, whilst their street number and name will remain the same. The Department of Resources will directly mail known affected addresses.

Australia Post and Queensland Police Services have been consulted with no objections. Whilst Native Title has not yet been determined over the area, consultation and engagement

The two-month community consultation period will close on 3 February 2023.

have been undertaken with the registered Cultural Heritage Body for the area - Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation – leading to the endorsement of the use of the Kabi Kabi word ‘Waraba’ as the name for one of the suburbs and the overall city name.

Waraba (wa-ra-ba) is a Kabi Kabi word that means ‘burn’, referring to the traditional land management practices carried out by the Kabi Kabi Peoples.

Lilywood is a hybrid of ‘lily’ and ‘wood’ in reference to the Blue Flax-lily (Dianella caerulea), a common plant native to the Caboolture region.

Wagtail Grove refers to the bird commonly known as the Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), with Grove meaning a small wood or plantation of trees.

Greenstone references the unique igneous rock in the area known as Rocksberg Greenstone.

Corymbia (co-rym-bi-a) is a genus of about 115 tree species generally referred to as Eucalyptus, of which several species are common in the Caboolture area.

Do you support the names: Waraba (for the whole city and a suburb within it), Lilywood,

Wagtail Grove, Greenstone and Corymbia?

The two-month community consultation period on this proposal will close on 3 February 2023, and Moreton Bay Residents are encouraged to have their say. Find out more at www. haveyoursay.resources.qld.gov.

au, email the place names team at QldPlaceNames@resources. qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68.

Following the State Government’s two-month community consultation period, they will consider all submissions received.

The Minister for Resources will then make the final decision. If approved, the Minister’s decision will be published on the Department of Resources website.

The changes will be recorded in the Gazetteer of Place Names, the official record of approved names recognised under the Place Names Act 1994

Denser Vertical Living Set to Become the Norm

DENSER, more vertical, living, is set to become the norm in Moreton Bay region.

With more than one-third of the anticipated 23% population growth in Queensland by 2041 within this region, pressure is on to meet demand for housing while balancing desire for open space.

In his inaugural ‘state of the region’ address late last year, Mayor Flannery announced an ambitious goal of protecting 75% of the areas landmass from development.

“Of course, that means limiting new unplanned greenfield housing construction, which means a serious conversation as a community about how we manage growth, and a big part of that is building up, rather than out.

His declaration came as population analysts www.id.com.au released their latest forecasting which acknowledged that beyond Caboolture West and Morayfield South’s greenfield growth areas, neighbourhoods were likely to go skyward, following the Redcliffe train line at North Lakes, Mango Hill, Kallangur.

“I’ve repeatedly said we must learn from the mistakes of other cities, and in 2023 we will start putting that into a positive plan of action that will make Moreton Bay look and feel different to the rest of southeast Queensland,” said Mayor Flannery “I believe Moreton Bay is the only Council now capable of preventing southeast Queensland becoming a mega city that sprawls from Coolangatta to Coolum.”

KAY SAVAGE

CHAINSAW ARTIST TO GRAB ATTENTION OF MUSIC FANS

Luke Sheehan is no runof-the-mill artist, carving his way through life. He’s both a musician and a star boxing coach who has produced five national boxing champions in as many years. His talent for creating intricate public artworks using only a chainsaw as a carving tool is set to grab the attention of country music fans as he carves a statue of one of Australia’s iconic musical entertainers.

Chainsaw carving is relatively unknown in Australia but is popular overseas, where ice is sculpted during winter. Luke’s father, Rod Sheehan, pioneered chainsaw carving in Australia and was one of the country’s first national speed carving champions, creating The Big Cassowary in Tully. Luke says he developed a love of chainsaw carving by watching his father carve, stating he wouldn’t be a chainsaw carver if it wasn’t for his Dad.

The first carving Luke created with a chainsaw was a goanna in 2010. Since then, he has carved a myriad of human and animal-shaped sculptures, and a Harley Davidson motorcycle, using this dangerous implement. The sculptures are installed in playgrounds at childcare centres, schools, public parks, and private homes when they’re complete.

Even more extraordinary is that Luke fashions his artworks in speed carving competitions in front of large audiences at shows and festivals around the country. At the Inglewood show, Luke carved a dolphin, a kookaburra and a wombat on the first day of events. The following day he carved out a giant pelican in under four hours. Luke carved a magnificent red deer for the town’s community garden dur-

ing the Heritage Festival in Linville. Spectators find it incredible that Luke can achieve detailed representations of living forms using a cumbersome and hulking chainsaw, but this master craftsman enjoys challenging stereotypes. “I don’t fit the natural criteria, and I like that. I don’t think anything special came from normal,” he declares.

Hailing from a small town in regional Victoria, Luke found carving in front of a large audience daunting but threw himself into the challenge. “It feels scary, but once you’ve made it through the first time, you can do it again and again.

The audiences often tell me I’ve had a massive crowd watching me carve but, in my head, there were only a couple of people.”

Despite the crowd’s fascination with his work, he doesn’t consider himself a gifted artist, putting his skill down to sheer willpower and his own way of expressing himself. He explains that he visualizes a project, as a series of images, in his head, similar to a picture story. Sometimes, it is the shape of the log itself that inspires what form it will eventually become.

His latest project, commissioned

by the town of Childers, is a lifesized statue of country musician Chad Morgan. A tourist attraction for the town. Chad wanted Luke to depict him holding a cane knife in tribute to his beginnings as a Childers cane-cutter. In a nod to Chad’s musical career, Luke proposed that he also incorporate a guitar into the final carving, and Chad loved the idea.

How does one transform a timber log into a life-sized replica of an 89-year-old country entertainer wielding only a bulky chainsaw?

Luke says each artist approaches a piece differently. He examines the timber log for lines with which to define the ultimate shape he will carve, then removes excess wood, bringing it into scale, fine-tuning and chipping away each layer from the top downwards. “Not too much, though; if you chop off more than you need, you can’t put it back!” he says with a laugh, adding that he has never had that problem, which is a testament to his skill.

“The audiences often tell me I’ve had a massive crowd watching me carve but, in my head, there were only a couple of people.”

“I do not fit the natural criteria and I like that...”

Caboolture Chainsaw artist, Luke Sheehan, has been commissioned by the town of Childers to transform a timber log into a life-sized replica of 89-year-old country musician Chad Morgan.

MARNIE BIRCH

Even though Luke finds the definitions and proportions of faces the most difficult part of a carving to perfect, he says it has helped that the tools available to chainsaw artists have improved substantially in recent years.

“The bars are used to carve down into a fine point, in the same way we might use a pencil, but it is a chainsaw.” For the details on a bird, Luke will use an oxy-acetylene torch and a burning technique to create the impression of feathers. The whole piece is then finished with a layer of protective poly urethane varnish.

In the years ahead, Luke wants to create more signature pieces using his chainsaw including timber slabs for bench tops, furniture, and carvings with a functional purpose. “I am still learning and growing as an artist. I chip away at it,” he says philosophically as he continues to chip away at his carvings.

Luke Sheehan 0418 195 198

chainsawart@hotmail.com.au

Luke working on a custom order (above) and the finished design (right) | Image: Contributed

Luke’s Harley Davidson Motorcycle is a popular piece | Image: Contributed

5 TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2023

THE market has been tumultuous in 2022. The cash rate started at a historic low of 0.1% and ended with a 10-year high of 3.10%. Inflation is at its highest in 32 years, at 7.3%. Under these conditions, the property market took a dive, erasing many of the gains made during the pandemic; some states’ falls have been harsher than others. Many factors contributed to this turmoil, such as government pandemic spending, a low unemployment rate, external economic conditions like the Ukraine war, and increased consumer spending. Will the turbulence continue in 2023? Here are some indicators to watch that might provide some clues.

CASH RATE: It looks like the RBA will continue the interest rate hikes for a while. Big banks like Westpac and ANZ expect the rate to reach as high as 3.8%. Many economists expect interest rates to peak sometime in the next couple of years, however, with some predicting a fall will start at the end of 2023 or early 2024. It is still too early to say with conviction what will happen.

BORROWING POWER: The borrowing power of Australians will most likely decrease in 2023. Banks will check the serviceability of borrowers based on the assumption that rates will rise by another 3%. If the lowest interest rates are about 5%, borrowers will be serviced based on a buffer rate of 8%. Most first-home buyers will need to compromise and buy a smaller property because their borrowing power will be lower than it was in early 2022.

FIXED-RATE CLIFF OR THE REFI CLIFF: CoreLogic data shows that a large percentage of homeowners will be coming off their fixed-term rates in 2023. These are people who purchased homes during the pandemic when the cash rate was at 0.1%. Some of these loans were secured on a fixed rate as low as 1.95% for three years or less; most of them were a two-year term. This means that if the peak of fixed lending was from April 2021 to December 2021, many people are scheduled to finish their fixed term between April and December 2023, and revert to a variable rate of around 5-6%. This could cause many borrowers to reach out to brokers or professionals for refinancing and other options.

OVERSEAS MIGRATION: With the opening of borders, many students and workers are expected to arrive in Australia in 2023. This would affect the rental market. More rooms for rent will be required in the already strained rental market. This could lead to a further rise in rents. On the positive side, rising rental rates could attract more property investors into the market.

PROPERTY PRICES: Most of the property markets in Australia are falling, and Sydney and Melbourne are expected to fall more than others. With further increases in the cash rate expected in 2023, further downward pressure on property prices is expected. However, we are seeing a slowdown of the property market decline, and some cities, such as Adelaide and Brisbane, are showing signs of reaching the end of their downturn; however, further interest rate increases could re-accelerate the decline. Each city will reach its low point in property prices at different times, so it’s essential to watch your local market to determine when it is best to buy.

As we enter a new year, there are a few important things for homebuyers and investors to keep in mind for the next 12 months and beyond.

VANESSA BRAGDON

2023 FORECASTS: Q&A with BEN KINSLEY

Property prices set to rise in 2023

PROPERTY prices set to rise moderately next year with regional differences in play.

There is a growing chorus of real estate analysts who are forecasting that residential property prices will rise in 2023 – and I am one of them.

In contrast to the predictions of economists working for the big banks and other institutions, specialist real estate researchers see prices growing in the year ahead.

No one is forecasting price rises like we saw in 2021, when the national average was an increase above 25 per cent.

Rather, most credible analysts are suggesting price growth that could be described as solid or moderate. That’s certainly how we see it at Hotspotting.

Experienced research professional Louis Christopher of SQM Research recently published his annual Boom and Bust report, in which he stated, as his base case scenario, house price rises in 2023 in all capital cities except Darwin.

As is always the case with the Housing Boom and Bust report, Louis Christopher presents a range of scenarios with different estimates of the impacts on property prices.

The four different scenarios assume particular outcomes with interest rates, inflation and unemployment.

Under his base case, the one he expects to happen, Mr Christopher roadly assumes that unemployment will not rise very high, that inflation will peak and then come down again, and that the Reserve Bank will stop lifting the official interest rate in the first half of 2023.

Under this base case, he is projecting moderate but solid price growth across Australia generally, with the capital city average being a rise of up to seven per cent.

According to Mr Christopher, Sydney will do best, with prices potentially rising by almost 10 per cent, with Perth next best with an

increase of about eight per cent.

BY BRICKS & MORTAR MEDIA

TERRY RYDER HOTSPOTTING Managing Director BEN KINGSLEY PICA CHAIR Property Investors Council of Australia

In each case, he is expecting single-digit growth and at Hotspotting we think he’s being quite conservative in his forecasts.

Our view at Hotspotting is that most markets across Australia will deliver some level of price growth in 2023.

There will be regional differences, as is usually the case in real estate, but the general trend will be solid increases in prices.

The key national factors influencing markets will include The shortage of homes, relative to deman

The serious undersupply of rental properties

Ongoing growth in residential rentals

The return of overseas migrants and students with borders open

The increase in the migrant intake by the Federal Government

Ongoing strength in the Australian economy, with unemployment remaining low

The impetus from major infrastructure projects

The end of the cycle of rising interest rates

Those are some of the key national: actors – but ultimately real estate markets are local affairs, and some locations will outperform others.

In the new edition of the Rising Stars report published by Hotspotting in conjunction with the comparison site Canstar, we rank the 14 major market jurisdictions across in the nation based on a series of forward-looking indicators.

In the report, we rate the top four markets in terms of prospects in 2023 as Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Regional Queensland. Other locations across Australia will also deliver price growth and generally there will be moderate to steady increases in most parts of the nation.

What is your overall view about how markets will perform in your specialty area in 2023?

There are two scenarios we need to consider, and they both have to do with market interventions in 2023.

Firstly – RBA and interest rates. If the cash rate stabilises at just above three per cent, and we don’t see rate rises from this point forward as inflation begins to ease – plus we see APRA reduce their servicing buffers back down to two per cent or 2.5 per cent allowing borrowers back into the market – then we’ll most likely see a stabilising of prices in more states than less, from the current declining markets we have now.

If the cash rate pushes to midthree per cent and even beyond, we will continue to see a very sluggish market, with further price corrections, even if APRA do adjust their buffer rate down.

If they don’t move the buffer rate at all in 2023, we are in for a tougher landing in the property sector than was really needed, and this will cause unnecessary pain on more households than needed.

What are some important sectors we should watch out for 2023?

Vacancy rates will remain at record low levels off the back of higher immigration. Flatmate sharing will increase as renters look for ways to reduce rental costs.

Continuing on from our correct prediction of last year, rents will continue on their upward trend as investors pass on the increased lending costs from higher mortgage repayments.

There is currently a housing undersupply due to our increasing population, but limited lending will see the undersupply of stock amplify in 2023.

Regional markets will come under selling pressure as the higher running costs of second lifestyle homes due to increased interest rates, as well as the relaxation of the pandemic health orders, potentially will see some of these properties become excess to need.

Six Steps for Better Cashflow

RECENTLY published research by American Express has found that 49 per cent of Australian small business owners find managing cash flow the most stressful part of running their business. 31 per cent reported losing sleep due to the stress of cash flow management, 21 per cent have had their physical well-being affected by cash flow tension, and 22 per cent have experienced strain on their personal relationships due to this pressing issue. 17 per cent of Australian small business owners have considered closing their small business due to cash flow challenges impacting their health and well-being.

Here are six simple steps to help small businesses better their cash flow:

Keep financial records up-to-date and accurate

Cash flow management in a small business will only be as accurate as the business’s accounting and reporting. While staying on top of cash flow management can be tricky, bigger business challenges can arise if you fall behind with your accounting and reporting. To help avoid that, routinely update your financial records, which can make it easier to gauge where your business stands financially at any given time.

Keep cash in reserve to reduce risks to your business

Not having access to cash when you really need it can make or break a small business. One of the most important cash flow management tips for small business owners can be to keep cash in reserve, which can provide a buffer to help you manage unexpected events that may impact your small business.

Be lenient with your customers – to a point

Your customers will appreciate leniency with their payment terms, especially when business is slow. However, you must maintain your profit margins. Be fair and direct, but never a pushover. Set the terms that first and foremost work for your business.

Seek help from a finance professional

Suppose you’re not confident with numbers, or don’t have the time to do it yourself. In that case, you may benefit from hiring a professional accountant to manage your business finances. If you are doing it yourself, you may consider one of the many accounting software products on the market that help simplify cash flow management for small business owners.

Segment your finances

A simple but essential cash flow management tip for small business owners is to separate personal and business bank accounts. You may even have each of them with different banks to draw a clear line between your business and personal funds. You don’t want your business funds going into your personal account and vice versa.

Reduce your risk via business insurance

Forewarned is forearmed, and an essential cashflow management tip for small business owners is reducing the risks to their business via business insurance.

“Business insurance products such as Public Liability Insurance, Building & Contents Insurance, a Business Insurance Pack, and Business Interruption Insurance can help small business owners to maintain their cash reserve at a comfortable level by indemnifying you for claims or lawsuits that can be very costly when they occur,” explains Jane Mason, Head of Product, Channels & Risk at business insurance comparison website BizCover.

Claims and lawsuits can be costly for small business owners. Not only can they add additional stress to running a small business, but they can also impact your cash flow and potentially reduce your business’s cash reserve.

This information has been provided by BizCover and is general only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording.

MUST READ

KAY SAVAGE

ANGELA Smith, co-founder of Dr. DRiP Plumbing and Lifestyle Tradie and co-host of the podcast, The Tradie Show — Together in Trade Business, recently released a new book, Tradie Wife: Why Winging It Isn’t Working (And Breaking Old Habits Will Help).

Packed with relatable lived experiences, practical, evidence-based tips, the book includes advice from leading habit researcher, Dr Gina Cleo, to help you gain your wings in life and business.

“Many women start by helping out in their partner’s trade business because he couldn’t manage the overwhelming administrative workload, and then quit their career to go all in,” said Angela.

“It’s a whole new world for them and their partner where love, leadership and doing the laundry has turned into a battleground. The trouble is, they’re winging it — and it isn’t working.

“They are not alone. Women in trade businesses everywhere share a similar story.”

The book openly discusses topics such as: Why habits are the only

proven method to achieve sustained behaviour change. Day by day, habit by habit. This is the process of becoming ourselves.

Understanding stubborn stereotypes (and why they’re holding you back).

Language can be a barrier to your self-belief in your relationship and business.

• Ways to create a true partnership in the male-dominated trade industry.

The ultimate superpower is clarifying your roles and responsibilities. How you and your partner will be unstoppable, if you get this stuff right!

Plus, a word on that label: Tradie Wife.

SIPnDIP PROVES TO BE GREAT THERAPY

Workshops are hosted at suburban coffee shops and restaurants across the region and Southeast Queensland.

Lear ning to be an Artist

LOOK, I have always admitted to my failings, and my attempts to become another Rembrandt, a Da Vinci or even a Brett Whitely, is undoubtedly one of them.

I really do envy those `lucky so and so’s` who, by just picking up a brush, pen or pencil, can, as if by magic, transform a blank canvas into a stunning work of art worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

My art teacher tells me kindly, “It is not unusual for a would-be artist to feel discouraged when creating art. It is part of an artist’s journey. The secret is to persevere and keep trying.”

Her comment reminded me of a story that the world-famous artist Picasso would tell when relating his artistic life’s journey. A woman approached Picasso on the street and asked him to draw a picture for her on a sheet of paper. He obliged and gave her the sheet back. “Mr Picasso, that only took you 30 seconds to produce this wonderful drawing. How is it so?” she asked, amazed at his drawing speed.

Picasso smilingly replied, “Yes, but it took me 30 years to be able to draw that in 30 seconds!”

Therein lies my problem, which led to my failure. You see, I’m an action person who likes to get things done quickly and efficiently. No mucking about being patient for me! No! No! But hang on, all was not lost.

While surfing the internet, I came across an art form I had never encountered - Line Art!

Line Art is evidently centuries old. Leonardo’s scientific sketches, some of Picasso’s abstracts and even the minimalistic drawings of Matisse, to name but three artists, all successfully proved it to be a splendid art form. Many artists successfully use this art form for portraits, still life, and landscapes. The internet is full of Line Art, and it looks good. According to experts, Line Art is any image made by drawing straight or curved lines on a plain background. That sounds simple enough. Is doodling Line Art? It’s got to be! I like it and here goes. I’ll try it!!!

The Van Gogh Reality

is self-evident, especially given workshops sell out well in advance. With plans to expand to a larger premises in 2023, she has her eyes set on taking SipnDip Australia-Wide | Image: Contribued

SIPNDIP Teacher, Katie O’Brien, insists there are no mistakes in creating art, only happy accidents. For the past three years, she has taught art and craft around Brisbane’s north and the Moreton Bay region. SipnDip is a new concept that specialises in fun art, not fine art. Participants can enjoy a drink and something to eat while creating a functional piece of art or craft.

SipnDip workshops are hosted at suburban coffee shops and restaurants across the region and Southeast Queensland. Depending on the venue, tuition is complemented by lashings of coffee and cake or pizza and wine, making for a fun social activity for groups of friends. They’re ideal for hens’ parties, team-building events, birthdays or individuals wanting to try something creative.

Daytime and evening slots are available, and weekend classes are offered at the Rothwell studio. Projects include resin and alcohol ink tumblers, garden pots, chopping boards and kitchenware. There are also classes in macramé, mosaics, pottery, jewellery-making, kokedama (i.e. making a mini-succulent in a string pot) and bonsai. Students can even learn how to paint a portrait of their pet.

Katie joined the SipnDip brand three years ago, although art had always been significant in her life. To begin with, she dreamt of becoming an artist until an inspirational TAFE teacher triggered her fascination with art education. Her Visual Arts teacher had a vibrant and energetic persona and connected well with the students. This made Katie rethink her career direction, and she became an art and craft teacher and owner-operator of SipnDip Brisbane North in 2020.

Whilst Covid hit just as the business launched, it did not dampen Katie’s enthusiasm. Undaunted, she continued to offer workshops for adults and children, designing new projects around current decorating trends. It worked. Katie is constantly developing new ideas and projects, adding leatherwork and wood-burning work-

shops to SipnDip’s comprehensive offerings, classes she hopes will attract more male students.

“Our demographic is mainly women and, occasionally, men. The men may have been dragged along, but they all leave happy.”

The common misconception that a person has to be naturally gifted to produce artwork is something Katie challenges, disclosing that several customers

itive difference in her life.

SipnDip sources local art supplies and impressively strives for a small environmental footprint. But there is one thing Katie would change about workshops if she could. “That’s ladies who wear beautiful white dresses or valuable designer clothing to art classes. Things can get messy,” Katie says, suggesting participants bring an apron, or steal one of hubby’s old shirts, as protection rather than use a disposable plastic apron.

The success of the SipnDip is self-evident, especially given workshops sell out well in advance. There are plans to expand SipnDip in 2023 and move the studio to larger premises.

I HAVE lost count of the number of my students, both adult and children who have asked whether I had visited the magnificent 2022 `Van Gogh Alive` exhibition at The Grand Pavilion at suburban Hamilton’s Northshore. But due to heavy work commitments during its showing I missed it, much to my immense disappointment.

Students’ comments like “It was like being in his paintings” and “It was being surrounded with so much colour and light.

to do missionary work with the impoverished coal mining community in Belgium. But again, he fell afoul of church authorities and once again abandoned and penniless he sank into depression.

Increasingly his erratic behaviour, brought on by depression created his further isolation from everyday life and turning inwards he started to draw at the age of twenty-seven. Suddenly finding solace that he had not experienced before.

are nervous, but there’s no need.

“Our classes are designed for people who have never done art since school. We walk them through the creative process step by step, so they leave satisfied, wondering what they were nervous about.”

The workshops are inclusive of people with disabilities, and carers are also welcome to attend. One regular customer likens SipnDip art classes to her weekly ‘therapy’ due to the pos-

“Workshops were held in Thargomindah last year, and now we’re expanding to the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. We’re trying to go Australia-wide.” Katie says.

SipnDip workshops and classes start at $20 for children and $50 for adults. School holiday craft packs are available for purchase at the Rothwell Studio.

A truly wonderful experience!” were just two that I can remember, and these only added to my misery. Before it came to Brisbane, the exhibition had entranced over one million visitors in sixty-five countries, worldwide. I had long admired the work of this great post-impressionist Dutch artist. The bold colours, his strong brushwork, and the wonderfully different forms he produced all had a great influence on my subsequent work as an abstract artist.

But sadly, his life was not a happy one. In his 37 short years on this planet, he was racked with self- doubt as he craved human affection, which eluded him.

Unlucky in love, he was rejected by a girl in London, where he worked first as a language teacher and then a lay preacher. Dismayed, he returned to his native Holland, continuing his religious studies. His disagreement with church authorities led him

He met and formed a turbulent friendship with fellow artist Paul Gaugin, with whom he competed for the affections of a prostitute. Desperate for her love, he cut off an ear and presented it to her as a token of his passion for her.

Subsequently admitted to a mental asylum, he continued painting, during which he produced his most famous oil on canvas painting `The Starry Night`, one year before committing suicide by shooting himself in the chest.

He only sold one painting during his lifetime which is ironic when in 1990, his `Portrait of Dr Gachet` sold for U.S.$82.5 million.

Teacher, Katie O’Brien, says that the success of SipnDip

“Our demographic is mainly women .... The men may have been dragged along, but they all leave happy.”

SMARTY ARTY

GABRIELLE TURNBULL

MARNIE BIRCH

Poor Movement Patterns Vs Weak Muscles

OFTEN people are told they have weak muscles or weak joints, and this is the reason why they may be experiencing pain. Although this may be true, there are several other reasons wherein the muscles can contribute to pain or discomfort. One of these reasons may be poor movement patterns, which often gets confused with weakness.

An example of this may be when you hear someone say, “I have been told my glutes are weak and that’s why my low back/hip is sore”. In fact, most of the time, this person’s glutes will be strong enough for most activities of daily living which allow them to sit to stand, walk and step up etc.

A poor movement pattern does not always mean the muscle is weak. It often means that the appropriate muscles are not engaging or activating at the correct time or in the correct way. The strength of the muscles may be fine, however if they do not turn on to support the appropriate structures this may lead to pain or discomfort. Poor movement patterns can affect people during day-today activities as well as during

Using Taping for Injury Prevention in Sports

exercise and sports.

Fortunately, poor movement patterns are not permanent and can be improved. Techniques such as cueing, facilitation and feedback can be used during activities and exercise to retrain the muscles. The emphasis of these exercises are more co-ordination and control rather than strength.

Sometimes it can be difficult to assess a poor movement pattern by yourself. Pain and discomfort can also be very complex and involve several systems. If you have been experiencing pain during an activity you perform or when you are participating in physical activity you may benefit from a consult with a physiotherapist.

A physiotherapist can assess the area of the body as well as the task that may be giving you discomfort. Your physiotherapist can also provide you with the right exercises as well as the right cueing and facilitation to get the muscles working correctly.

If you have any questions or want to discuss this topic further feel free to contact one of our physiotherapists at Moreton All Body Care.

MANY athletes and sportspeople, whether they play high level or not, have had some experience with sports taping - also called strapping. Taping is completed by a qualified sports trainer/health professional. It is usually provided to prevent injury, reduce pain or facilitate/inhibit areas of the body.

There have been discussions about taping and whether regular taping has negative consequences. It has been suggested that frequent taping will reduce the athlete’s performance or weaken the area of taping. Still, evidence has shown that this technique does not negatively affect the athlete’s performance, with or without a history of an injury.

There are many benefits to using taping in sports, such as:

Injury prevention: Studies show that taping will significantly reduce ankle sprains with rigid tape, especially for those with a history of ankle sprains. This also applies to braces.

Pain reduction: Reduction of stress on structures around the

injured area. Reduce swelling in acute injuries.

Proprioceptive feedback: Taping can improve proprioception by enhancing muscular control and can provide ankle position awareness.

Psychological: Taping increases confidence and decreases anxiety about sustaining an injury in athletes - with or without previous injury- and provides a feeling of stability and reassurance.

Taping is usually provided for the athlete during games for injury prevention or following an injury for protection. It is arguable due to the training and rehabilitation being completed outside of the games and with

the taping only being on for a few hours, it is not enough to weaken any joints or ligaments.

netball, with a history of ankle sprains.

In summary, it is advisable for the average athlete/sportsperson to be taped up for games, especially when returning back after an injury or with a history of injury. There are circumstances where taping would not be advisable such as skin allergies and conditions, open wounds or sensory loss around the area.

It is now recommended to tape or brace all ankles for specific sports, such as basketball and

If you have any concerns about taping or bracing as an alternative, you should chat with your team trainer or physiotherapist. Moreton

It is advisable for the average athlete... to be taped up for games, especially when returning back after an injury...

GEORGIE VINTON MORETON ALL BODY CARE

MACRO MAGIC

WHAT exactly are macros?

Short for macronutrients, macros refers to carbs, fat and protein - the three basic components of every diet. We need them to feel energetic and strong, and for our bodies to grow, function and perform their best.

So why do we need these macronutrients and what do they do for us? Well let’s break it down.

Protein = 4 calories per gram

You will have heard of many diets that focus on high protein, with the Atkins diet being one of the popular ones that was very much protein orientated. Arguably, in the world of fitness nutrition, protein is essentially associated with muscle building, but it is also the core component of organs, bones, hair, enzymes and pretty much all other types of tissue in the body. Complete proteins are found in animal products such as meat, eggs and milk.

Carbs = 4 calories per gram

Carbohydrates can be likened to the kindling of a fire. While

they may get the flame started, they won’t keep it going. Carbs provide quick energy to the brain and body, which tends to be the reason we crave them (i.e. sugar). We understand that carbs will give us a quick hit, and we’ll end up with a burst of energy. This makes them great for pre-workout fuel or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Carbs are either simple or complex. Your complex carbs come from healthy starches, while your simple carbs come from sugars. These sugars head directly into the bloodstream and fizzle out fast, hence the sudden spike and drop we often get after a meal heavy in carbs. Your healthier options for carbs include fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts, as well as whole grains.

Fats = 9 calories per gram

I know a lot of us fear fats, but they are the firewood to our fire. They are satiating and provide us with sustainable,

TRIAL OF ULTRASOUND TREATMENT FOR ALZHEIMER’S UNDERWAY

A PIONEERING treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, developed at The University of Queensland, is being tested in a small safety trial underway in Brisbane.

• Reflexology

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long-lasting energy. They’re the key to endurance, and they’re what will keep us going, with the body needing around 20% of our diet to consist of ‘good’ fats (the unsaturated kind) to function well.

There are three main types of dietary fats which I’m sure we have all heard of.

Saturated Fat: Found in foods like meat, butter and cream (animal sources).

Unsaturated Fat:These are the ‘good’ fats found in foods like olive oil, avocado, nuts and coconut oil (plant sources).

Trans Fats: Found in commercially produced baked goods, snack foods, fast foods and some margarines.

Although bodies are complicated in their nutritional needs, meeting those nutritional needs is not complicated.

In fact it’s really quite simple… just eat real food.

The safety trial - with a limit of twelve participants - is the culmination of a decade of ongoing research led by Professor Jürgen Götz (pictured) at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)

Professor Götz said the study was an important step to determine whether the ultrasound could be safely delivered, following pioneering discoveries about its potential use to improve memory function.

“There is currently no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, so it is hugely rewarding that we could in the future poten-

tially treat the disease with ultrasound,” Professor Götz said.

The twelve-month trial is being conducted at Mater Hospital Brisbane and UQ and is being overseen by researcher and neurologist, Professor Peter Nestor.

“We’re treating an area at the back of the brain that is affected early in the course of Alzheimer’s disease,” Prof. Nestor said.

“Each participant receives four treatments which will be administered fortnightly, and after completing the course, they’ll have an MRI scan of the brain and a repeat cognitive test.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia and the second leading cause of death in Australia.

ASK AN EXPERT

What are the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

LYMPHATIC drainage massage supports the body’s natural detox process.

If you have tried fasting, fad diets, hours of exercise and still aren’t seeing the results they’re striving for, there’s a good chance your detox system could be clogged up.

Lymphatic drainage massage has become a popular form of massage due to its potential health benefits. This specialized approach focuses on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This type of massage aims to help

the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune functions.

It is a gentle, rhythmical massage treatment performed by a specially trained lymphatic

massage therapist to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. This physical stimulation helps to rapidly speed up the removal of wastes and toxins from a sluggish lymphatic system.

Lymphatic massage can also aid in the prevention of swelling after injury or surgery. It may even provide a significant boost to your immune system.

Lymphatic massage aims to increase the efficiency of your lymphatic and circulatory sys-

tem by reducing the volume of retained fluid and the pressure associated, it can reduce the risk of impeded circulation. This volume reduction increases your circulatory system’s capacity to rapidly remove retained fluids and toxic waste build-ups.

Sometimes, we have found that a patient feels quite “energised” post-drainage.

“...it is hugely rewarding that we could ... potentially treat this disease with ultra-sound.”

It is a gentle, rhythmical massage treatment performed by a specially trained therapist...

MEL TORAYA

‘LANDSCAPE Matters’ to us all, even though it may not always be immediately obvious. Our lives, personal environment and lifestyle are constantly enriched by the landscape we regularly experience; not only through plants and gardens, but in many other beneficial ways. Each month on this page, one of the many aspects of landscape that make a difference to us will be explored – ‘landscape’ is a term certainly applied in numerous distinctive ways: Our wide Australian landscape is unique in all the world; the Glasshouse Mountains form a unique and dramatic landscape; an artist takes up brush and canvas to paint a landscape picture; a rectangular photo that is wider than it is high, has a landscape format; builders and demolition companies are busy changing the urban landscape of towns and cities; the suburban area in which we live is a landscape, sometimes natural, often newly built; we generally go out into the landscape for recreation and leisure; your private home landscape is most likely a lawn and a few garden shrubs or maybe vegetables; the best way for gardeners to save water is to grow a landscape with native plants; your garden terrace probably had a hard

PLANTS OF THE MONTH: January

MATTERS

The Australian Landscape

The tall, irregular, stately forms of a gum tree are almost always the most iconic and distinctive vertical feature of any Australian landscape. That, together with the palette of organic colours, and bold textures of the landform, all sheltered under the umbrella of vibrant blue skies, creates a unique visual quality that cannot be mistaken for anywhere else on earth. The complimentary forms of the native flora enhance the overall landscape character. In interpreting the landscape of our sunburnt country, every artist from the First Nations to contemporary times, have been inspired by these simple ever-present natural features. This is our landscape heritage which we treasure.

‘Ivory Curl Tree’ Buckinghamia celsissima

The natural habitat of this spectacular tree is the wet tropic rainforests of Queensland but it thrives in most other situations. An excellent small, dense and globular tree which literally covers the leaf canopy with massed sprays of cream flowers. A close relative of the Macadamia nut, Banksia and Grevillea it is an ideal street tree or garden specimen.

LOCAL WILDLIFE

Email your photo along with your name and

Although it grows naturally along wetland edges, this Banksia is a very forgiving shrub that will tolerate much drier conditions.

Summer rain brings on the displays of amazing dense bottlebrushes, changing from tones of emerald to yellow which provide several months of garden display. The large sculptural leaves work well as an all-season garden accent plant.

This rare and unusual palm was first discovered in 1978, and is found only on Cape Melville FNQ. The dense bushy leaf fronds hang decoratively around the top of the trunk, like foxes’ tails, which provide the common name.

Huge decorative flower spikes display in spring, followed by dramatic clusters of egg size fruits providing summer colour and interest.

This attractive understory tufting plant, a native herb or spice, also known and used as Native Tumeric. The bulb spends winter lying dormant underground, and in spring the attractive pink flowers emerge, followed by the tall emerald green leaves. Makes an excellent container plant or a massed display in a shaded moist section of the garden.

Every afternoon we have these lovely Wrens visit our garden in Narangba. We can have up to six females and/or babies with the one Blue male.

They sing beautifully as they hop around the lawn snatching what I can only assume are little bugs.

‘Cape York Lily’ Curcuma australasica

‘Foxtail Palm’ Wodyetia bifurcata

‘Swamp Banksia’ Banksia robur

Garden Wrens by Sarah Woodhill

LAWRIE SMITH AM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Ask A Vet: How Can I Keep My Pet Safe In Summer?

Never leave your pet in a car

Leaving your pet inside the car can be dangerous, even on cooler days. The temperature inside a vehicle can be 30-40 degrees hotter than outside, and leaving a window open or leaving the air conditioner on will do little to nothing to help your pet’s chances of survival.

Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature and will try to cool themselves down with excessive panting, which, if they cannot access water, can lead to dehydration or heatstroke. Symptoms of distress from overheating can also include drooling, restlessness, vomiting, and in extreme cases, seizures.

Hot pavement and paws

Playing outside in the summer sun means that paws will encounter hot surfaces like pavement and stones. The temperature of the ground is significantly hotter than the temperature of the air. It absorbs heat quickly, putting your pets paws at risk of blistering.

If you’re unsure whether the ground is too hot for your dog, place your hand on the ground for five to seven seconds. If it is too hot for you to keep your hand on the ground, then chances are it is too hot for your dog’s delicate paws. To treat already damaged paw pads from heat exposure, place a cool and damp towel under your pet’s feet and apply ointment to the affected area to soothe and repair. If your pet’s symptoms worsen, please visit your local vet.

RETRO NOW VALUE FOR M ONEY

AS a licenced second-hand dealer, it has always been hard to buy what the public wants. Currently, the younger generation class antique furniture as ‘brown furniture’. In the 1920s, the only stain used was bitumen based and then finished in a brown varnish. For decades we stripped it all back to bare timber, then sanded and cleaned it to a natural clear finish. In the last few years, fashion has changed again. We are now applying a 2-pack product to this antique furniture to achieve a satin white paint finish.

I am seeing now that 1970s furniture and collectables are becoming popular with the younger generation for several reasons. The new modern painted cardboard furniture did not survive the floods over the past few years. The price increase of modern furniture due to increased shipping costs after the Covid-19 broken supply chain. Then, of course, the rise in interest rates, rents and fuel is pushing up the cost of living.

The younger generation also grew up with 1970s furniture

in their family home. Until now, we Murphy’s have never dealt in 1970s items for one simple reason. My Uncle Kerry started antique dealing in 1969. When he opened his shop, Murphy’s Mart, retro furniture was brand new and wasn’t considered second-hand items. Uncle Kerry dealt in 1920s and 1930s art deco furniture, which 50 years ago was classed as vintage furniture.

In 1972 my Father bought Murphy’s Mart from my Uncle, who moved into the Brisbane Antique Market in Clayfield. They were simpler times for the trade back then. It was pre-Fitzgerald Inquiry and the dealer’s licences were managed by the police, not by the Department of Fair Trading as it is now.

So in the 1970s, even though the 1970s furniture still had machine dovetails in the drawer

fronts with the backs made from ply and not cardboard like today, we classed this furniture as rubbish new furniture. We left it for the second-hand shops to buy while we bought the old furniture.

The introduction of the internet led to thousands of unlicenced second-hand dealers, which resulted in most secondhand dealers closing their shops. Still, we left the 1970s furniture behind for the backyard and gypsy fair dealers to set the price for their Facebook and Instagram followers while we continued to chase antiques.

Everything changed this month when I bought 45 pieces of 1970s retro furniture from a deceased estate. After cleaning it up for the last week, I can see it is all glue blocked underneath, and all the backs are glued and

nailed to give this furniture super strength, unlike flat pack furniture. 1970s retro furniture can also be modernised with a paint finish, which the younger generation seem to be doing themselves. If you are going to do this yourself, make sure you wash the furniture down with Digger’s grease and wax remover with 00 steel wool, then dry with a rag. Give it a light sandpaper followed by an oilbased undercoat. Leave to cure overnight before papering back with 400-grade paper before finishing in your choice of paint finish.

SUDOKU #76

aussieeducator.org.au

Ye Olde Brass RSL Memorial Band Redcliffe

If you play or have played a brass instrument, join us for a fun time making music. We play a wide variety of music, from pops to classics.

Redcliffe’s Unique Contribution to the Arts

DATE CLAIMERS

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MOVIE STUNT DOUBLE?

On 20 January, instructors from Stunt Park Gold Coast will host an awesome day, packed with adrenaline inducing activities for kids and adults of all abilities and confidence levels. Overcome ninja obstacles, fight like stunt men and create your own action stunt film!

1 January Redcliffe Triathlon Club’s Saturday Group Ride. Adults usually leave at 6 am from Bunning’s Rothwell Car Park so be there at 5:50am – enter via Bremner Rd off Anzac Ave Rothwell , ready to leave at 6am (For those new to the club, we then come back to Coffee shop & enjoy a social chat & coffee - after the run off the bike of course!). Juniors will leave from the car park opposite Redcliffe Police Station @ 5:30am

Details: Check Facebook @ RedcliffeTriClub for information and last minute changes.

1 January Celebrate 2023 with a cheers!

A guaranteed $2,000 in Cash & Gift Card to be won! Six lucky winners will play the gameboard to determine their prize! Details: FREE, 1-3.30pm, Sports Central Caboolture, Cnr Hasking St & Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture. sportscentralcabollture.com.au

2 January Celebrate the New Year in style with Sports Central Caboolture’s Bingo Super Session. $500 Unlimited | Jumping Jackpots | Bonus $1500 Unlimited Jackpot | Extra Pets available. Details: Doors open 9.30am | Eyes Down 11am, Sports Central Caboolture, Cnr Hasking St & Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture. sportscentralcabollture.com.au

4 January Corvettes Down-Under Car Club Cars and Pizza. NonClub Run. Good Selection of cars and incredible pizza at discount prices plus a coffee van on site. Details: 5-7pm, Gardian Pizza, 24/7086 Michael Ave, Morayfield. corvettesdownunder.com.au

6 January CardiGras Dinner with the Cars. Car show, markets and food. Details: Gold Coin Donation, Kallangur Fair, Anzac Ave, Kallangur. Ph: 0416 257 586

7-8 January

The Caboolture Dressage Group’s (CDG) Summer Series Shelter from the summer Sun while watching this relaxed, 3-round dressage event where riders hone their skills on young horses and horses that are moving up a level in preparation for the 2023 season. Details: FREE, All Day, QSEC Corner Tuckeroo Drive and Beerburrum Road, Caboolture, 0418 781 697

8-22 January

Enjoy a bounce bonanza on the mobile inflatable obstacle course followed by a cruisey cool down at the Monster Jump and Splash! Boasting a monstrous 280 meters of endless obstacle excitement including a paddle boat pool, Gorilla Pool and massive Epic waterslide, it’s guaranteed to be heaps of fun for the whole family. Book online to avoid disappointment. Details: $40/2-hours, Sandstone Point Hotel, 1800 Bribie Island Rd, Sandstone Point. sandstonepointhotel.com.au

13 January

Celebrate local producers and makers from throughout the Moreton Bay Region at North Lakes Sports Club’s pet friendly Summer Alleyway Night Market. A variety of stalls, food trucks, live entertainment, face painter and roaming entertainers. Dress up your pets to celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Details: Gold Coin Donation, 5-9pm, North Lakes Sports Club, 36 Flinders Pde, North Lakes. northlakessports.com.au

14 January

Award winning, globally nominated Pop Country Artist, Jade Holland has released two albums and thirteen singles to rave reviews, but her strength is in her live shows. Jade and her band will be performing at Caboolture Sports Club celebrating the release of her 14th single, “Oh My Heart”.

Details: FREE, 8.30pm, The

Grevillea Room, Caboolture Sports Club, Station Road, Morayfield. cabsports.com.au

17 January

Art So Lively Kids Art Workshops. A fun activity still creating art. All materials provided including Fruit/ Vegie platter. Family discounts available. Details: $50, 9.3012noon, Art So Lively, Phone Gabrielle on 0477 002 545

18 January

Encircle Community Family Movie Night. Watch family favourite movie Encanto and enjoy free pop corn and fairy floss. BYO picnic rugs, blankets and snacks. Details: FREE, 6pm, Encircle Kallangur Neighbourhood Centre, 51 Marsden Rd, Kallangur.

19 January

Bully Buster Self Defence seminar for ages 7 to 17. Learn self defence techiniques to help you stay safe when being attached by a bully. Details: $50, Red Dragon Martial Arts, 379 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield. www.reddragon.com.au

20 January

Stunt Park Adventure Day. Ever wondered what goes into becoming a stunt double on a movie set? Come along and be taught to fall safely from ground level and from low heights, how to fly on wires, overcome ninja obstacles, fight like stunt men and create their very own action stunt film! For kids and adults of all abilities and confidence levels. Details: $600, 8.30 - 6.30pm, 40 Hickey Road, Caboolture,Registrations

close 6.30pm Jan 9. odysseysupportservices.com.au

21 January

Pets in Public Spaces. Join Council Rangers to learn about your responsibilities as a pet owner. Get some tips, advice and pick up some freebies at this pet-friendly education event. Free microchipping for your registered dog at each event. No booking required..

Details: FREE, 6-11am, Aurora Boulevard Park, 22 Aurora Blvd, North Lakes Ph: 3205 0555

22 January

Beginner Tai Chi experience under the fig trees at Old Petrie Town. Find us in the shade of the ancient fig trees at the top of the hill, beyond the Rotunda. Details: $15, 8am, Old Petrie Town, 901 Dayboro Rd, Petrie. Ph: 0405 053 062

24 January

Makeup Masterclass. Leran how to create a Flawless Everyday Make-up Look with the latest styles and trends with Makeup Artist and Colour Expert Adam Buechner. Classes limited to 12 people. Details: 1012.30pm, North Lakes Library, North Lakes

25 January

Australian Country Music

Legends The Wolfe Brothers’ only Brisbane Show before their forthcoming 6th studio album! Renowned for their jaw-dropping live shows and steady ascent to Australian country music’s upper echelon. Details: M$42/NM$45, 18+, 8pm, Norths, 1347 Anzac Ave, Kallangur. northsleagues.com.au

27 January

LAC in Community. This workshop is for anyone wanting to access the National Disability

Insurance Scheme, as well as current participants, families, carers and nominees. If you are a NDIS participant, you can ask questions about using your funding, finding and working with service providers, and using myplace portal Details: FREE, Kallangur Neighbourhood Centre, 51 Marsden Rd, Kallangur. Ph: 1300 999 636

28 January

INEXCESS is Australia’s best INXS show. performing all the hits that made INXS famous throughout the world during the Michael Hutchence era. 100% live with a six piece-

backing band featuring some of Australia’s very best musicians..

Details: FREE, 8pm, Caboolture Sports Club, 19-27 Station Rd, Morayfield. cabsports.com.au

28 January

Join a series of guest speakers at the Wahine in Business event openly discussing the problems faced in business today.

Details: $9.95/$55, 10am to 2pm, North Lakes Hotel, 22 Lakefield Dr, North Lakes. events.humanitix.com

January North Lakes

THE Moreton Bay Regional Council’s building maintenance budget is bigger because it has to stretch to look after 1,800 buildings in the Council’s entire region. Two of these publicly utilised Council owned buildings are on the Redcliffe Peninsula. They are now closed to the public, pending demolition or repairs.

The first is Sutton’s Beach Pavilion, with Council estimating repair costs to total over $10 million. The second is Mousetrap Theatre, where repairs are estimated to cost between $2 and $3 million. These buildings have existed as publicly utilised buildings for many decades. No significant Council maintenance or repairs have been allocated to them since amalgamation 14 years ago. None that have been publicly advertised anyway! Is policy now to be demolition by neglect?

Admittedly, not all of the 1,800 Council buildings require

THE CRYPTIC CRITIC

repair. Thank heavens for that! But surely, all need some degree of regular maintenance over time. Even many publicly utilised BBQ facilities in our parks cannot be used due to a lack of maintenance.

With Redcliffe about to celebrate its bi-centenary as Queensland’s first European Settlement in September 2024, it’s undoubtedly not a good look to have two of the only few remaining local historic, iconic buildings left on the Peninsula closed to public access.

Before amalgamation, the Redcliffe City Council was able to regularly balance its budget and had a surplus. The third largest Council in Australia, Moreton Bay Regional Council, does not. It currently has a debt of over $300 million!

Is this the price that ratepayers have to pay for being part of being bigger!

THE WISDOM OF HAVING LOOKOUTS

I AM quite fond of kids. Even have a couple myself, though in all fairness they’re adults now with kids of their own. I digress. As I said, I don’t mind kids.

However on two separate occasions recently I have driven around a corner to be confronted by a group of kidsquite young - playing in the road. The games must have been quite strenuous as one lad was even lying down resting in the middle of the road. No parents in sight though in all fairness they may have been supervising from inside a nearby air-conditioned living room. It was quite hot. Kids didn’t seem to mind.

Now I know it’s school holidays and I love seeing young ones outside doing physical

stuff instead of being glued to their devices. I also understand some games just demand a nice hard flat surface, like a road

MAC - THE KNIFE FAST FICTION

OPENING time at the Aquarium and Mac, the sea turtle, was bored. He nudged Leo, the starfish – “C’mon, the kiddies will be here to see us soon. Let’s have some fun”. “Not in the mood” Leo grunted grumpily. The wide-eyed school children were already lining up. “Get on my back” Mac said to Leo, “I’ll take you around”. Leo clambered on. Mac cut cleanly through the water –“kinda like Mac the Knife, in the song” he thought to himself, while Leo clung on tenaciously. For almost an hour they whirled, cartwheeled, nosedived and somersaulted before finally sinking to the aquarium floor, spent. The children clapped and cheered. They had never seen anything like it. Mac had a memorable day. Leo had the time of his life

Letters and emails must be dated, carry the full address of the writer and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters should be concise and topical. Writers may choose to have their name and email address published rather than their name and suburb or town. Letters are submitted on the condition that Local Times Moreton Bay as publisher of The Local Times may edit and has the right to license third parties to reproduce in electronic form and communicate these letters.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

for instance. My concern is that not all drivers are as cautious as I am. Yes, I am old, but still.

So parents, can I suggest you

talk to your children about the wisdom of placing lookouts for those odd occasions when a not so slow car turns up unannounced. Yeah, rude of the driver, I know. A shout from the lookout to their mates to temporarily suspend the game is far preferable to a child/vehicle interaction and any potential outcome.

Thanks parents and keep having fun kids.

`Bigger is better` so goes an old saying. Well, that needs challenging!

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Country across our region. We also acknowlege and pay our respects to the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara and Turrbal Tradditional Custodians, and their elders past, present and emerging.

LETTERS FROM READERS

FROM THE EDITOR:

THERE was a time when claims to make North Lakes the city of Moreton Bay was considered bold and somewhat outrageous.

Today, our modernised Moreton Bay continues to attract exciting new retailers and housing developments at what appears to be an extraordinary speed.

Whilst we are spoilt to have such a wonderful range of food and retail outlets close to home along with a wide choice of new developments in which to build our family dreams, one can’t help but wonder about the cost.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of new cafes and major retailers that we forget about the family businesses who have been loyally serving us since the beginning.

Or for housing developers to neglect the care of their new estates, underdelivering on their promises to home buyers. Let alone the enviornmental impacts.

Could it be that we are moving too fast?

NOT A MAD ‘GREENIE’

I WOULD like to congratulate Mr Richard Lancaster on his piece about Planet Earth which appeared in the November Issue of the Feature Magazine (now known as The Local Times).

I have long said the same things but the media doesn’t care after a few days.

The population of the world is out of control. I have sympathy for my three grandkids and hope they can help fix the problems of our fractured earth.

I am not a mad ‘Greenie’, just love our Earth.

Joy | Petrie

BAD FOR BUSINESS

I AM a driver of many years and while I’m not driving now as much as I used to, I am still frequently on the road. As a result, I have seen and continue to see many dangerous driving habits. It happens every day and is sadly part for the course for all drivers, their passengers and pedestrians, for that matter. Let me just say I’m not perfect. I’ve been known to go a little over the speed limit if my eyes aren’t glued to the speedo and I may have gone through the odd amber light when perhaps I could have applied the brakes a little harder and stopped in time.

I think we’ve all been guilty of that. I’m not talking about little

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misdemeanours; I’m referring to those drivers who exceed the speed limit by lots, tail gate, cut other cars off, run red lights, etc, etc.

What I don’t understand is why someone who is self-employed would spend lots of their hard earned money on having their car/truck/van spectacular-

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ly sign written in eye catching colours with catchy slogans only to be one of those aforementioned drivers who choose dangerous driving habits and drive like a maniac?

Do they really think this is a positive way to promote their business?

I see it as a very clear reflection of the business owner’s overall personality and their care and consideration of others. As a result, I make a mental note to never use their business and when I get home, their business name is added to my “never use” list. Yep, I’ve got quite a few names on the naughty side of my naughty and nice list!

Now, I am aware that the driver of these vehicles may not actually be the owner of the business so I would ask this…. would businesses who own these sign written vehicles like to be contacted and made aware that one of their vehicles is being driven by a maniac, endangering other road users and making the dollars spent on their mobile advertising a complete waste of money. Makes sense to me - I’d certainly like to know if my business vehicle was being driven dangerously. Maybe people are doing this already and I am also aware that dangerous driving can be reported to the police but seriously, I’d be reporting every other day!!

I’d be interested to know if anyone else finds the issue of many dollars being spent on sign written vehicles that are then driven dangerously, perplexing.

Kathy | North Lakes

PATIENCE PLEASE

I would like to ask your readers to show a little kindness and

respect to all those who work in any retail or service industry.

We’ve all just survived the silly season and it’s school holidays. Shops are crazy; people are busy and maybe a little impatient.

Please don’t unleash any frustration on those working to serve us. They don’t deserve it and who knows, one day someone we love may be in that role.

Remember that saying - do unto others?

An Oldie | Burpengary

CORRECTION:

IN our last edition - Feature Magazine December 2022, page 15, article titled Customer Wins Jade Jewellers $3,000 Diamond Ring Bon Bon Promotion, the first paragraph should have stated that Astrid Kuenne was the 2021 winner of Jade Jewllers promotion. We apologies for any inconvenience.

The Editor

www.localtimes.com.au

PUBLISHER

Local Times Moreton Bay 07 3886 9040 PO Box 105, Narangba Qld 4504

EDITOR Darren More 0416 430 792 editor@localtimes.com.au

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BACK TO NATURE PLAN A BLOCKBUSTER HOLIDAY

Get some serious holiday inspiration with these top films and TV shows filmed across Queensland.

Beyond the Reef

Presented by award-winning actress, writer, producer and social media influencer, Shuang Hu (@theoneshu), Beyond the Reef explores Queensland’s diverse and ancient ecosystems that are the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The first Australian documentary shot in 8k Premium Large Format, Beyond the Reef has an impressive call sheet of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef tourism operators featured throughout the flick.

On her travels Shuang Hu experiences the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Freedom, Sailaway, Green Island, the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Nautilus Aviation, Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel. Back on dry land, Oaks Kitchen and Garden and Hot Air Balloon Cairns join the list of location credits along with Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises, Back Country Bliss Adventures, Walkabout Cultural Adventures, Wildlife

On location: Beyond the Reef with Shuang Hu

ly to Queensland destinations - the Great Barrier Reef and the Torres Strait. Queensland tourism experiences featured throughout the series include Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Reef Magic, Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours, Chillagoe-Mungana Caves, Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld/Reefsuites and Skypark Cairns.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron:

era such as Q1 Gold Coast, the Palazzo Versace hotel, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Tamborine Mountain and Kurrawa Beach.

Strait to the Plate Embark on a cultural and culinary journey to the untouched paradise that is the Torres Trait in NITV’s second series of Strait to the Plate The series, which is also simulcast on SBS Food, joins actor, producer and Koedal and Samu man, Aaron Fa’aoso, as he returns to the Torres Strait to explore the cultural and food traditions of the islands.

Scenic Rim ‘Bowlo’ to Become

Latest Food Destination

Habitat Port Douglas, Kuranda Scenic Railway, FNQ Nature Tours and Barron River Rafting, all showcasing the beauty of the rainforest.

Beyond the Reef is now showing in cinemas Australia-wide.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron:

Down Under Hollywood heartthrob Zac

Efron takes a deep dive ‘Down

Under’ in the second season of Emmy-Award winning series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron, unearthing a variety of sustainable initiatives and lifestyle practices. The Sunshine State makes cameo appearances throughout the eight-part season, featuring two episodes dedicated entire-

Down Under is now streaming on Netflix in Australia.

Irreverent

Flick on Netflix where a covert mission unfolds in Mission Beach in the new TV series, Irreverent. The drama series follows the story of an American criminal who hides out in a fictional quiet coastal town in Far North Queensland under the alias of the new church reverend after a hefty heist goes terribly wrong. Locals and visitors to Mission Beach will recognise iconic backdrops like Coconut Beach, Wongaling Beach and the Ulysses Track, while eagled eyed viewers spot Gold Coast locations also caught on cam-

Strait to the Plate 2 is more than a food and lifestyle show, it is a cultural journey whereby food becomes the binding source that allows viewers to access a very little-known part of Queensland and furthermore Australia in the Torres Strait region,” Fa’Aoso said.

Can’t get enough of spotting gorgeous Queensland backdrops at the cinema and on TV? Be sure to check out Chris Hemsworth on Heron Island in Limitless, now streaming on Disney+ and Upright season two on Foxtel, starring Tim Minchin as his character embarks on an adventure in Tropical North Queensland. Keep an eye out for the release of Land of Bad which recently filmed in Southeast Queensland, starring Russell Crowe and Hemsworth brothers Liam and Luke, the Godzilla Vs. Kong sequel which just wrapped shooting on the Gold Coast and Southeast Queensland, and the TV adaption of Trent Dalton’s bestselling novel, Boy Swallows Universe currently filming in Brisbane.

Now you’ve seen Queensland through the screen, make yourself the lead character and visit these incredible film locations to experience the cinematic beauty of the Sunshine State for yourself and start planning your own blockbuster holiday.

THE Bowl kitchen will feature affordable inside dining and outside lawn dining. A tasteful makeover is currently underway with a Summer 2023 opening planned. The result will be a family friendly dining experience, which features a spot for cocktails with your crew at the bar, barefoot bowling or a social game of croquet on the green, all overlooking spectacular mountain views, and menus created by one of the country’s best chefs, using food from paddocks you can literally see!

“We live in an incredible Food Bowl – there’s no need for long food miles when everything surrounds us here in the Scenic Rim,” Emily said. “And the fact we are also at the Bowls Club, makes the reincarnation perfect for the local community, the region and for visitors.”

Named by The Lonely Planet as one of the Hottest 10 Regions in the World to visit this

The Outside Menu features the best in snacks, shared plates and taste-bangers starring, Scenic Rim olives and cheeses, free range chicken liver parfait, zucchini pickles, toasted focaccias Harrisville mushrooms, Beaudesert Crayfish & potato brioche rolls, hand cut russet fries with smoked garlic mayo, Troy’s tomatoes from Peak Crossing, Mt Tamborine mozzarella, with The Bowl Cheeseburger set to be a standout!

The list of Scenic Rim suppliers already on board include Towri Sheep Cheeses, Tommerup Dairy, Summer Land Camels, Mt Tamborine Cheese, Oppies Fruit & Veg at Boonah, Scenic Rim Farm Box, Harrisville Mushrooms, Fifth Acre, The Butcher Co at Boonah & Kalbar, Rob Joyce Heritage Poultry, Kalbar Lamb, Australian Sweetwater Crayfish Traders at Beaudesert, Witches Fall Winery, Scenic Rim Flower Farm and the Scenic Rim Brewery.

“There is incredible local produce in the Scenic Rim,” said Jack. “If you want the best cream and milk, then call Tommerup Farm; great sheep’s milk and cheese, then Towri is not too far from Blume. Live Crayfish can be purchased at Beaudesert from Alex at Australian Freshwater Traders. It’s pretty simple isn’t it!”

The venue is spoilt for choice with meeting and event spaces. A private dining or conference room for 14, inside dining for up to 100 or a green for your barefoot bowls events. Plans are already in the works for a stage two wood fired pizza oven.

year, the rural town located in The Scenic Rim and now Boonah is set to get a culinary hit that’s aimed at all ages and it’s just under an hour from Brisbane.

Emily said there’ll be no frozen schnittys. “Instead, think handmade pasta with in-season flavoursome local produce, like ricotta gnocchi, broad bean & walnut pesto, pecorino or a risotto of Harrisville mushrooms with truffle pecorino, or lasagne of rabbit, duck and wild boar. We’ll shine the light on our wonderful producers with dishes like Tommerup veal cotoletta, anchovy butter, and Coochin Fullblood wagyu T-bone with Boonah butter.”

Jack and Emily plan to link with hospitality training for school age children in Boonah as well as host a twice monthly Friday twilight producer market on the green along with a calendar of activity for the region’s famous Eat Local celebration in June and they are currently recruiting all passionate Scenic Rim foodies for FOH and Kitchen.

On location: Strait to the Plate 2 with Aaron Fa’ Aoso | Image: Contribued

On location: Boy Swallows

Universe filming in Brisbane | Image: Contribued

The Boonah Bowls Club/Fassifern Sports Club has undergone a tasteful makeover making way for a new family friendly dining experience.

“...think handmade pasta with in-season flavoursome local produce, like ricotta gnocchi, broad bean & walnut pesto.. .”

Latest Food Destination: Chef Jack Stuart and the Scenic Rim’s Emily Lochran are opening The Bowl at Boonah early this year. | Image: Contribued

HAYES INLET IS BACK!

HAPPY New Year! For recreational fisher folk still on annual leave, it is time to take the wife, kids or grandkids out fishing.

What a choice of fishing destinations we have to choose from! From Fraser Island to the N.S.W. border, it is one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. Our offshore reefs are producing good catches of coral fin fishery from Fraser Island to the Gold Coast.

Pick of the reefs has been the Ribbon Reefs formation off Caloundra, which produced good catches last year. Moreton Island is also fishing well with plenty of Darts on the surf gutters during the day, Whiting at Reeder’s Point at night, and Bream at night on the flooding tide at Kooringal. Last month I caught 15 Whiting and four Dart in Tailor Bite using blood worms at dusk before returning to our clubhouse for a few beers.

The Kalinga Bank side of the middle bank at Jumpinpin produces a few Whiting, Bream and Flathead on the run-out tide when the water turns dirty. You can pump Yabbies down there with numerous Yabby banks there. Maroochydore River is fishing well at night as the water is too clear to fish during the day. For the best results, fish on the run-out tide.

The best news is that Hays Inlet is starting to produce a few fish after all these years.

20 years ago, S.Q.A.F.C.A. clubs stopped fishing in this small estuary when the fish stock dropped dramatically. In 2008

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Rare Fish Caught on Camera on Great Barrier Reef

we made it a green and yellow zone and left it to the kayak Flathead fishermen hoping one day it would recover.

Then in 2019, when Unity Water upgraded the Redcliffe sewage system to a U.V treatment plant, we started to notice a return of seagrass on the banks. In late 2020 a few of the old guard of S.Q.A.F.C.A. began to get double fishing figures whilst fishing with the grandkids in the Inlet. Then in late November last year, the social chairman of R.C.A.A. caught 30 Whiting there in two hours, and the class of fish was excellent.

Last month I thought I’d better see this for myself. I drove out to Scarborough and dug for a few rock worms. Leanne and I headed to where we were told to fish – 200 meters east of the sewage pipes, to the end of the mangrove island in the middle of Saltwater Creek at the start of the flooding tide. We caught 28 Whiting and one Bream and not one undersized fish (picture below). You will need to use either live yabbies or worms to get a decent feed of fish no matter where you choose to drop a line.

The Moreton Bay Working Group had a meeting on 2nd December last year. This was nearly four years since our last meeting. To view this meeting, visit:www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/sustainable/fishery-working-groups/ moreton-bay-working-group/ communiques/workshop-overview-2-december-2022.

Wavelength Reef Cruises Master Reef Guide Tahn Miller knew he had come across something extraordinary when he saw a glistening silver ‘sword-like’ fish dancing through the shallows of Opal Reef on the Great Barrier Reef on June 16, 2022. The individual was a juvenile oarfish (Regalecus russellii) and Mr Miller’s video footage is the first recorded encounter of this species on the Great Barrier Reef and the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Mr Miller and his colleague, Marine Biologist Jorja Gilmore, spotted the 35 to 40 centimetre long, skinny fish with a shimmering mirror-like outer skin while leading a group of snorkellers on a Wavelength Reef Cruises Outer Great Barrier Reef tour. The unique physical characteristics of the species made them realise they had found something very special.

“At first I couldn’t quite place what species of fish it was, but then I saw the shiny mercury-coloured body, two predominant eyes and the ultra-fine dorsal fin running head to tail, undulating like mini waves propelling through the water. I knew we had come across something rarely seen on the Great Barrier Reef,” said Mr Miller.

“Luckily, I had my camera and started to film straight away.

“At that moment I felt like the ocean had delivered a secret treasure to us. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.”

Mr Miller said it was an exciting moment, not just for the Wavelength Reef Cruises crew, but also for the guests snorkelling the Reef that day.

“The sighting definitely enriched our guests’ snorkelling experience - not only the initial encounter below the surface but also the identification process that unfolded throughout the day,” Mr Miller said.

“The oarfish wasn’t in any of the Reef guidebooks onboard, so we tapped into the Master Reef Guide network and experts from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to help identify the species.”

Oarfish are believed to be the world’s longest bony fish and can grow to an incredible eight metres in length.

“This little oarfish was about 35 to 40 centimetres long or about one to two metres including the fins, which is what led us to conclude it was a juvenile,” Mr Miller said.

“It had a mirror finish, like perfectly polished silver, and was as straight as an arrow, almost having the initial appearance of a newly forged sword.”

Since the sighting, Mr Miller has investigated other recorded encounters with a juvenile oarfish in the wild, including reaching out to deep-sea experts such as Dr Tyson R Roberts, the world’s leading oarfish expert, for many years a Research Associate of the Smith-

sonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.

Dr Roberts confirmed that the individual filmed by Mr Miller was the species Regalecus russelli, which features a single dorsal fin crest with five to six extremely elongated rays.

“This is the first record of this species on the Great Barrier Reef and on the eastern seaboard of Australia,” said Dr Roberts.

“There have been other oarfish recorded in southeastern Australia, but they are the Regalecus glesne species, which lives in cold water and has two dorsal fin crests above the head, differing from the individual spotted at Opal Reef.

“The only other Australian record of Regalecus russelli was at Port Hedland in Western Australia.”

Anyone who comes across what they believe could be an oarfish on the Great Barrier Reef is encouraged to log the sighting with the Eye on the Reef App.

Mr Miller said while an encounter with an oarfish on the Great Barrier Reef is highly unusual, with over 1,600 species of fish found on the Reef, visitors can experience a diverse selection of exceptional marine life and underwater structures.

“The Reef has an amazing power to connect human beings with nature. When you see it firsthand, it entices you in, you fall in love with this environment and are inspired to protect it,” Mr Miller said.

“Put simply, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must!”

Opal Reef is located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation in Queensland. Wavelength Reef Cruises was the first tour operator to visit this Reef in 1986. It has been offering world-class snorkel experiences at this site ever since.

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Juvenile Oarfish (Regalecus russellii) | Image: Tahn Miller

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