Our Kallangur Magazine April 2017 by The Local Times

APRIL 2017 EDITION 1

FREE

Neighbour Day BBQ a Success Five Ways to Improve Your Employability

Historic Club Determined to Stay Open

Rebecca Kuenstner:

Veteran Races Towards Invictus

Cover Photo by Danielle Garside

Local News | Community Stories | Directory & More

Editor’s Note Contents Welcome to the first edition of Our Kallangur Magazine – a free, monthly community magazine for your enjoyment. Our Kallangur will bring you good news stories from the Kallangur community and stories of interest to our readers. It is with great excitement that our team brings you this 100% independently owned and community funded magazine in direct response to your requests for our presence in the Kallangur Community. If you are interested in knowing more about being part of our team as a writer or photographer, we would love to hear from you. If you have a great story, event or would like to know about advertising in Our Kallangur Magazine, please contact our friendly team. We are simply residents in the Moreton Bay community, and would love to hear from you, even if you are just enquiring. Photographers, if you have a great photo you would like to have published, please send it through to editor@ournarangba.com.au for consideration for our Photo of the Month section. This month we bring you stories about Good Neighbour Day celebrations, a new home for the SES and an exclusive with Moreton Bay Veteran, Rebecca Knuestner, who has her eyes set on the 2018 Invictus Games. Anzac Day celebration information can also be found in this edition. I hope you enjoy the first edition of Our Kallangur Magazine.

Darren

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Editor’s Note Photo of the Month Date Claimers Grainne Farrant To Represent Kallangur Youth at Parliament Environmental Minister Tours The Mill 2017 Neighbour Day BBQ a Success Historic Club Determined to Stay Open New Home for SES Rebecca Kuenstner: Veteran Races Towards Invictus Tips to Help You Find the Right Real Estate Agent How to Improve Your Employability Laundry Makeover Directory

EDITORIALS Send all story ideas and articles to editor@ournarangba.com.au ADVERTISING For advertising rates, conditions and bookings please contact our team at ads@ournarangba.com.au or contact Darren More on 0416 430 792. BUSINESS HOURS Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm DISTRIBUTION Our Kallangur is available to residents and businesses within the Kallangur area or online at www.ournarangba.com.au COPYRIGHT & DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. The information in this magazine is for information purposes only. Our Kallangur and its editors, publishers and agents assume no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Our Kallangur. Therefore, Our Kallangur carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. INDEMNITY By advertising or submitting with Our Kallangur you agree to indemnify all participating contributors and supporting businesses such as graphic designers and printers against any claims. ABN 47 438 219 632

Our Team

Photo of the Month send your photo to editor@ournarangba.com.au

Date Claimers

April

-17 School Holidays 1Visit Need inspiration to busy the kids? www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ schoolholidayfun

1-9 National Youth Week The Australian Eagles Show 1Norths 7.30pm FREE for Members Leagues Club Free Big Night Out 6 5.00pm to 9.00pm The Space, North Lakes Cormier Vs Johnson 2 9UFC210 12 noon, Kallangur Tavern Easter 14-1715th 14th Good Friday Easter Saturday 16th Easter Sunday 17th Easter Monday

ANZAC Day Service & March 25 Norths League Club Refer Page 6 for Details

Clean Up Australia Day Photo contributed by Shane King, MP

List your event here for free Email editor@ournarangba.com.au

Local News

Grainne Farrant To Represent Kallangur Youth at Parliament WORDS: Media Release

Young Kallangur trailblazer, Grainne Farrant, will take to the floor of Parliament House after being selected to represent Kallangur at the 2017 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. Member for Kallangur, Shane King, said Grainne was one of 93 young Queenslanders taking part in the 22nd youth parliament, and contributing to positive changes in their communities. “The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is a unique opportunity for young people like Grainne to be a voice for their community, learn about Queensland’s democratic process, share ideas and debate bills,” he said. “Youth Members will also build their skills to influence community and public decision making, gain an understanding of parliamentary processes and engage directly with government. “This year, the YMCA received a record 302 nominations from young Queenslanders to take part, including 23 nominations from young people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, which is a wonderful reflection that Queensland’s next generation of

leaders are eager to have their voices heard. “I would like to congratulate Grainne on being selected as the Youth Member for Kallangur electorate, and I look forward to hearing the recommendations they make to help shape the future for themselves, their communities and Queensland.” The Youth Parliament brings together representatives aged 15-25 from each of Queensland’s 89 state electorates, with four additional seats available specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, ensuring the Parliament has a strong Indigenous voice. Youth Members will come together in April to form committees and discuss ideas, and will return to Brisbane in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their Bills at Parliament House. Mr King said the Queensland Government has provided more than $63,000 towards this year’s YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

“It is essential that young people receive the support they need to achieve their goals,” he said. “It is our aim to create a state where young people’s voices are heard, respected and acknowledged. “The Queensland Youth Parliament provides the State Government with the ideal platform to engage with young people and hear their ideas for the future. “We understand it is young leaders like those involved in the Queensland Youth Parliament who are vital to our state’s growth and inclusiveness.” For more information on the 2017 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament visit or www.ymcaqyp.org

Local News

Environmental Minister Tours The Mill

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Queensland Environment Minister, Dr Steven Miles, joined Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Allan Sutherland, to tour The Mill last month.

It’s incredible to think there could be a campus at the end of the street I grew up on.

Mayor Sutherland said the Minister’s visit, his first to the site, demonstrates the importance of this major regionbuilding project for local residents, and in particular young people, in generating future education and economic opportunities. The Mill at Moreton Bay is set to transform the 460 hectare site into a world-class innovation and university precinct, that will generate more than 10,000 places for university students, 6,000 jobs and inject more than $950 million towards the local economy, as well as protecting 110 hectares of environmental and conservation areas or almost a quarter of the whole Priority Development Area site. “Minister Miles is someone who grew up in Petrie and understands the difficulties that many students in our region continue to face commuting to and from university every day,” Mayor Sutherland said. “The Mill at Moreton Bay is a significant project for our community, that once complete, will include a full-service university campus at its core, meaning young people and people in our communities who want a chance at higher education will have the opportunity to attend university right at their doorstep.

“

WORDS: Media Release

Mayor Allan Sutherland with Queensland Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles for the first time, and to showcase the education, economic and environmental opportunities it will generate, especially the 110 hectares of conservation area. “The Queensland Government’s declaration of The Mill at Moreton Bay as a PDA last year was fantastic news for the future of one of Australia’s fastest growing urban areas.

“It’s important to remember that currently up to 90 per cent of university students in the Moreton Bay Region travel up to three hours a day to attend university; that’s a huge toll financially, mentally and physically on students and their families. This project addresses that imbalance for young people in our communities.

“With PDA status, not only will our community be able to realise the full potential of a university campus and innovation hub, council will also be able to secure and preserve an important part of our region’s environment. I thank the State Government for partnering with council to drive this transformational project forward.”

“I’m glad to have been able to show Minister Miles The Mill at Moreton Bay site

Minister Miles said he saw the university development as a priority for the region.

“One of the reasons I moved away from the Pine Rivers region was to be closer to the university,” Dr Miles said. “And now with the region’s population expected to grow by more than 40 percent in the next 20 years, it’s more important than ever to see this development go ahead. “It’s incredible to think there could be a campus at the end of the street I grew up on. “It’s a wonderful outcome for education and the local economy but also has some great conservation potential. “The university site is being designed with koala populations in mind, in consultation with koala conservation groups and using the expertise of the University of the Sunshine Coast.”

Community

Neighbour Day BBQ a Success WORDS: Katy More PHOTO: Danielle Garside

This year, Neighbour Day saw Kallangur residents gather together for a good yarn and free BBQ hosted by Kallangur Neighbourhood Watch Group 1. ‘The importance of social connection for the elderly’ was the theme this year, which acted as a strong reminder of the Day’s origins in 2003, when Andrew Heslop founded Neighbour Day after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death.

Speeding vehicles was a topic raised by many around the BBQ, with speeds of up to 80km per hour having been recorded in 40km zones. Residents were encouraged to use the Queensland Government online reporting tools available for suspicious activity, dangerous driving, drug dealing, stolen or damaged vehicles and nuisance/ disturbances.

“Seniors in the community can be vulnerable and unsure where to go to seek help. They don’t like to feel they are inconveniencing others,” said Crime Prevention Co-ordinator, Sergeant Sharnelle Harris. “It is important to check in on them occasionally, especially during hot weather or storms.”

“We would like to like to thank Shane King, MP, Councillor Denise Sims and local police officers for helping us host the free neighbourhood BBQ so we can remind people of how important it is to be aware of what is happening in your neighbourhood,” said Mr Beckett.

Mr Kevin Beckett, Area Coordinator or Kallangur Neighbourhood Watch 1, explained that awareness was the key.

“Kallangur Neighbourhood Watch Group 1 is a small group that cares for community, especially the children and elderly in the area.”

“Neighbour Day gives us the opportunity to hopefully make people aware of their surroundings, but really, every day should be Neighbour Day,” said Mr Beckett. “Many people mean to help out or check in on their Neighbours but don’t get around to it or feel they are being nosey. Ensuring you are aware of what goes on

around your neighbourhood is something we shouldn’t feel awkward about. It helps us identify if something is wrong.” Mr Beckett encouraged those who would like to be a part of Neighbourhood Watch Group, or who would like to start one in their area, to contact him via email on kevin.beckett@ bigpond.com.

With one in three Australian adults reporting that loneliness is a serious problem for them, why not take this moment to say hello to your neighbours today?

Historic Club Determined to Stay Open

Community

WORDS: Katy More

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s recent announcement to sell the property located at 1351 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur, could result in the closure of the historic Kallangur Memorial Bowls Club which has been servicing the area for over fifty years.

A new joint facility for the Petrie SES Group and the Moreton Bay Region SES Unit Headquarters on Ogg Road, Murrumba Downs, was officially opened last month. Community members enjoyed plenty of family-friendly fun at the small emergency services expo held in celebration of the opening, meeting local emergency services and watching demonstrations by SES Volunteers.

“During the time the premises has been under Council control, the Club was of the opinion that there was an amicable working relationship between both parties,” said a Kallangur Bowls Club spokesperson. “The Club is not in financial difficulties, as over the four years since the Council took control in March 2012, the Club had worked hard to upgrade governance and had spent in excess of $200,000 in upgrading clubhouse facilities for the benefit of bowling members and the many community groups that also use the Club. “This will be a loss of a community facility where ratepayers could meet and do something they liked, with people who they liked, and at a place they liked.”

New Home for SES

Mr Shane King, MP, has met with the Mayor to express his concerns over the Expression of Interest process into the Club’s future, and will continue to represent the club to Council. The Club has a strong history of providing bowling facilities and venues for community groups, seminars, weddings and anniversaries which are handicapped and senior friendly. Should the sale proceed, the Club will close its doors for the last time on April 27, 2020.

Community members, along with their family and friends, have been encouraged to sign and return a petition by March 23, 2017, with members set to present the petition to the Moreton Bay Regional Council in a bid to reverse the decision to sell the land. Those interested in finding out more about how they can assist in ensuring the continuation of this historic club can contact the Kallangur Bowls Club directly via 07 3285 2267 or kallangurbowls@gmail.com.

With costs exceeding $1,275,000, the new facility is a valuable addition to the Moreton Bay Region SES Unit who currently has 309 active members spread across Petrie, Arana Hills, Woodford, Caboolture, Bribie Island and Deception Bay. The Unit trains their members to assist in a variety of emergency situations, with all training provided being nationally accredited and recognised. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov. au/ses/volunteer for more information.

Sport

Rebecca Kuenstner:

Veteran Races Towards Invictus WORDS: Kristine Lane PHOTO: Pixels and Spice Photography

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Not all veterans are male, middle-aged and have obvious physical disabilities...

nspiring Veteran, Rebecca Kuenstner, is steadily overcoming the odds by preparing for the selection trials of the 2018 Invictus Games. Having suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and some concealed physical injuries due to her military experiences in the Australian Navy, this 28-year old former Communications Sailor has taken up cycling as part of her rehabilitation process – with her sights set firmly on next year’s Invictus Games, being held in Sydney from October 18-29. Having already participated in the 157km cycling Bupa Challenge Tour in Adelaide with five other veterans from Redcliffe RSL in January this year, and formerly representing the Australian Defence Force in New Zealand in 2012 for volleyball, Rebecca has been training hard for the 2018 Invictus selection trials in Canberra where she will try out, not just for cycling, but also for shot put, discus, rowing and volleyball. “I’m naturally competitive,” she says, “and want to put myself out there for the challenge – to train, to heal and to achieve one of my goals of being able to fit back into the community. I want to be the best of whom I can be.” With cycling an activity initially done for leisure, Rebecca now trains at least four times a week with her club, the Moreton Bay Cycle Team, consistently riding over

200kms per week to and from North Lakes and Redcliffe and all over the Moreton Bay region, whilst supporting other veterans who compete at speed racing on the Nundah Criterium Circuit. Coupled with at least three intensive gym workouts per week, plus stretching and yoga, Rebecca is aiming for gold at the world’s most celebrated sporting competition for wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women. With 17 nations competing across 11 different adaptive sports, the Invictus Games is heralded as the forum where the power of sport is used to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation. “These Games have become very important for ex-service people to celebrate, unite and to look at life with a positive attitude. By giving military personnel their confidence back, it gives them a purpose – and I am no different.” As a former sailor on the HMAS Melbourne, which was a part of 2010-2011 Operation Slipper patrolling the Middle East, Rebecca reveals that cycling has become her therapy. “The Moreton Bay Cycling Team has taught me some amazing cycling skills, but I have also been able to overcome my challenges because of being able to hang out with these people who understand what I’ve gone through, thus giving me a

new direction. I now love getting up early in the mornings to put on this ‘new uniform’ – the red and white, RSL bike riding uniform - and this cycling community has become my new family. The comradery enlivens me.” Inspired by her cycling teammates, some of whom are also former defence personnel who have already been selected for this year’s Invictus Games in Toronto, Rebecca is aware of the financial costs involved of getting herself to the trials and games next year.

“I’m probably looking at a minimum of $12,000 to get there, but am hoping to begin formulating some plans soon about how to go about my own fundraising.” As a person very much determined to succeed, Rebecca has even found the time to study a fitness and massage course. Holistic therapy has also been important in her recovery, and as an avid supporter and volunteer of support organisation Mates4Mates, this amazing local woman seeks to promote awareness of other veterans out there in the local community who may be suffering in silence. “Not all veterans are male, middle-aged and have obvious physical disabilities – some can be female, young, and have hidden injuries,” she says, “and sport can be one of the ways to begin this journey of recovery.”

Promotion

Real Estate

Tips To Help You Find The Right Agent WORDS: Gina Wells, Raine & Horne

During our lives we buy and sell a lot of things, but there are very few things we buy and sell that are worth more than a property. Whether you are selling your lifetime home or an investment property, finding and choosing a real estate agent is a big decision.

Look local: The agent you choose is going to represent you and your property. It’s important that the agent you choose knows (a) the area you’re selling in, (b) the other properties for sale and (c) properties that have sold recently. Other properties in the area could be competition to your sale, and it’s good to know what you’re up against. Call the agent on a Sunday and see if they answer their phone. If they don’t they probably won’t answer it for your buyer!

Get out & about: One of the best ways to research your shortlisted agents is at open house inspections, so why not pop into one and see your agent in action? Did they follow up with you after your attendance at the open house inspection to see if you wanted more information about the property? Is this something you want your agent to do?

Comfort matters: Do you feel comfortable with the agent? You need to be very honest with an agent during the selling process and hence you need to make sure you are comfortable with the agent and can have open and honest communications.

Market knowledge: The agent should be able to give you a thorough snapshot of the market in your area and surrounding areas. They should know about schools, transport, demographics and the sorts of buyers looking for homes in the area.

Commission negotiators: One of the most important things is you get what you pay for. Sometimes you have to pay more for top service and experienced agents who will work seven days a week to sell your home. If an agent is offering you free advertising and discount commission, they probably won’t come into the office on a Sunday for a buyer inspection.

Inflated prices: Don’t use the agent who gives you the highest price for your property. In agent talk, this is called a bought listing. This will cost you more money in the end and the agent will work quickly to drop the price on your home. Call three agents to appraise your home and give you proof of what your home is worth with comparative sales. Also do your own research on sold properties. These are just a few of the top tips and the initial things you need to consider when selecting an agent – so happy selling and buying.

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Careers

Feel You Can’t Compete Against 5 Ways to Younger Job Applicants? Improve Your Employability WORDS: Trish Evans, Solution Focused Consulting

Did you know that how you feel about your age is reflected in your attitude? If you find yourself saying something like this, you might want to rethink your mindset: “I’m too old – who’s going to hire me?” “I feel like I’m past my use by date.” “I have no skills and don’t have any value in today’s workforce.” “Nobody wants me because I’m too old. Companies want young and unskilled workers who will work for lower wages.”

While I totally understand why you would feel this way, it’s not going to help you get a new job if you’re feeling negative about your age. Your whole body language, attitude, and the way you speak - from your tone of voice to the words you use will showcase your beliefs. Think of it this way. We can tell when someone is confident by the way they walk, the way they make eye contact and the lack of a ‘poor me’ story. How you feel about yourself is reflected in everything you do. Don’t be a victim – be a victor! Try instead to focus on your years of experience, either in the workplace, or at home. You haven’t spent the last 20 years sitting watching TV (or at least I hope you haven’t). Raising children involves many

valuable skills that readily transfer to the workforce. If you’ve been working, what skills have you developed – you have a lot more experience of life than someone half your age, and will be far better equipped to handle many of the challenges in today’s workplace.

Try thinking and then talking about your reliability, your experience in conflict management, working as a team, exceeding the expectations of the company etc. – all of the things a younger person hasn’t lived long enough to experience. Sadly ageism does exist in the workforce, even though we all know it’s illegal to discriminate against a person based on age. With a positive attitude, there is no reason you can’t find another job.

Upskill: Check out free online courses and YouTube tutorials. Study: No qualifications? Consider doing a Certificate III under the C3G program. Network: Often it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Make a list of your achievements: Which are transferable? An example for your resume might be, “When volunteering at the school tuckshop, I implemented a stock rotation system which cut down waste by 15% over 12 months.”

Be proud to be a member of Generation X – think of the values and work ethic you are bringing to the role. You understand how to balance yesterday’s excellent customer service standards with the technology we enjoy today. Your years of experience give you the ability to mentor younger colleagues. You are valuable, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Trish Evans is a professional Career Adviser and CEO of Solution Focused Consulting. She can help with all your work related challenges – from resume and cover letter writing to interview coaching and career advice. Ph. 0408 732 579 or visit www.solutions4work.com.au.

Home

laundry makeover

oes your laundry room need a makeover? You might never have thought of it before, but your laundry room could be one of the most neglected rooms in your home when it comes to design. With the tips listed below, you can decorate your laundry even if you do not have a lot of money to budget for these improvements, and you will have a beautiful space that is sure to make you feel a lot better about washing clothes too! Start with Paint A little paint can go a long way, especially in a laundry room. Whether you have a large laundry space or just a little room to work with, changing the paint colour on the walls can make the area look amazing. Go for a much different colour than the one you start off with, and remember

that pale colours are a good choice for tighter spaces. Do not be afraid to paint an accent wall in a bold colour and work with neutral tones on the other three walls either. Add an Armoire If you do not have a lot of built-in shelving in your laundry room, or if you prefer to keep things a little more out of sight and out of mind, try adding a rustic armoire to the space and install shelves inside it. This way, you will be able to store your laundry items and even your dirty clothes without having to see any mess while the doors to the armoire are closed. You can even paint your armoire to match any style you are trying to recreate in your newly decorated laundry room.

WORDS: Oxmar Properties

Hang Curtains If there are shelves or other messy areas that you want to hide in your laundry room, consider hanging small curtains to cover these problem areas. You can easily make a set of curtains out of any fabric you like by simply hemming one long side and sewing a pocket in the opposite side. Thread these DIY curtains onto a tension rod and suspend them over your shelves, washer and dryer, or storage areas to bring a lot of colour and help de-clutter your space. Whether you have a large laundry room or a small one, you can put these budget decorating ideas to good use and make your space come alive. You will never have to step into a boring, drab laundry room again when you use these ideas to improve yours!

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