Qld Guides | Spring Daisy - August 2022

SAMARITAN’S PURSE

By Hazel Hillier

This is a humanitarian Christian organisation, begun in the USA, but now world-wide. They do many things, like digging wells in African villages, building schools in Cambodia, they have a disaster relief truck in Australia, and so on. But one of their main thrusts is providing gifts for disadvantaged children around the world, through Operation Christmas Child.

Items are packed in shoe boxes and are age and gender specific. They contain stationery items, hygiene items, clothing, a toy and something to cuddle (even the boys get a stuffed toy.) From Australia, the boxes go to South-East Asian countries and Pacific Island nations, so the clothing is light - T-shirts, caps or shorts etc.

In the September school holidays in 2021, teenagers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints packed about 100 boxes, thereby contributing to the total of 37,605 boxes Queensland wide. (Because of privacy laws, I

was unable to ascertain whether other schools and/or churches in the Logan area contributed.) The boxes are shipped, about 10,000 to a container, and for Christmas 2021, the boxes went to PNG, Fiji, Cambodia and Madagascar (the latter having been in the news because of famine there.)

Because you are sending gifts, not money, everything you give goes to a child, which makes it a very worthwhile charity, one that I have been happy to support for many years.

SBIS Helen

TINA PIZZONI

Travel,

NOTE FROM THE TEAM.

HAZEL HILLIER

Teacher, Springwood

Welcome to the August edition of the Guides. It’s been a tough few months with so many changes happening around us, making large proportion of Aussies anxious with rising cost of living. Housing costs, petrol prices and groceries…. probably the biggest expenses of 2022 so far we can’t seem to avoid. So with August issue of the Guides, we hope you will find some good reads as well as those local businesses offering you with specials to make things a little more bearable. In exploring what is in our backyard, we have dedicated few pages on discovering the suburbs of Logan, outlining the history together with unique features and key businesses that make up the suburb. Through this we are hoping to share with you stories that will surprise and inspire us all.

And finally, aren’t we all excited just thinking about travelling overseas again? Check out our local travel guru Tina’s editorial and we strongly recommend you seek her advise if you are contemplating on international travels.

Must mention that in our July issue, there was a ‘Typo’ on spelling of the name, that should have been ‘Corbo! We made a front cover error and some of you have pointed it out to Larry, the master Jeweller based in Beenleigh! As they say any marketing is a good marketing, so, hopefully, you will remember to drop in to LC Jewellers for your next ring!

Have a great August.

Logan Artists Association

Five ways toswitch to a more sustainable home

Kylie Morris and Sharnelle James Elders Shailer Park

Soaring energy bills. More and more evidence of human-influenced climate change. The argument for creating a sustainable home has never been stronger.

Many of us already do the basics like sorting the recycling from the rubbish, reducing single-use plastics and turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. However, the most significant way to create a more sustainable home is by reducing energy consumption.

Here are ways you can start creating a more sustainable home.

Get connected with a smart home hub

A smart hub is essentially a master control for every smart device in your house. Appliances and technology can be controlled automatically and remotely in a connected home using your phone or home internet connection. It’s not just about convenience, though. A smart home hub can be part of your energy-saving plan.

Switch to energy-efficient lighting

Energy-efficient lighting technology has come along in leaps and bounds in the last few years. Making the switch to LED lighting is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your power bill.

It's going Bup ut why?...

Install a smart meter

A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records your electricity usage in at least 30-minute intervals and sends it directly to your service provider. Your energy usage data is also available for you to view via your energy retailer’s app or an in-home display. This information can help you be more energy conscious.

H O W T O U N D E R S T A N D T H E R E C E N T R A T E R I S E S

Kylie Morris and Sharnelle James Elders Shailer Park

Go solar

If you can, go solar. Adding solar panels has proven to be an excellent investment for your property. Houses with solar panels fetch a premium on the market as people seek to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Insulate your home properly

A well insulated home helps to maintain a comfortable temperature inside so that you use less energy to heat or cool a space. A good place to start is in the walls and your ceiling. If you can access the space under your floor, consider underfloor insulation too.

Sources: #sotm Newsroom.edu.au

This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter.

MAYOR’S JOBS TASKFORCE DELIVERS CAREER DREAMS

Ataskforce led by City of Logan Mayor Darren Power is kicking goals with job seekers and businesses.

The Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce has already put more than 100 people into work locally. Launched in November last year, the taskforce aims to reduce unemployment in the city. That figure has shrunk in the past two quarters to 7.7 per cent, while the annual labour force growth is up to 8.1 per cent – the highest in the region.

The Mayor said his program was making an important difference. “I’m proud to say the taskforce is achieving some great outcomes for local job seekers and businesses,” Cr Power said.

“It’s putting local people into work, while filling vacancies and easing the burden on employ ers. “More than 100 people being placed in work is a great outcome.”

The taskforce has established a network that links businesses and job seekers with em ployment service providers as well as training and youth organisations. The loganjobs.com. au website also helps businesses find the right staff.

Meadowbrook plumbing supplier Aquaknect has filled five processing positions thanks to the taskforce, which introduced them to local employment services.

General manager Michael Glover said the Mayor’s taskforce was a huge help for his business, which was struggling to fill vacancies. “The taskforce has been sensational, relieving a lot of the pressure for us in finding new and suitable staff,” Mr Glover said.

“It’s been hard trying to get people. They come and then they disappear, or they don’t turn up to begin with. “With loganjobs.com.au, we picked one new employee up right away. Oth ers came on board soon after.”

The taskforce also stepped in to help Securelux ease the production pressure at its Loganholme factory. The company, which makes security screens and doors, was short staffed. The task force introduced the firm to local training groups to help fill three vacancies.

Munster Services Group, at Slacks Creek, also placed two young workers into trade apprenticeships thanks to the taskforce, while Meadowbrook company Black Label Blending filled three food processing positions.

Beenleigh firm Residential Scaffold had 23 referrals to a ‘try a trade’ session organised by the taskforce.

The taskforce aims to increase engagement with local schools to further reduce local unem ployment. There are also plans to monitor job vacancies and work with job seekers to apply. City of Logan businesses that are struggling to find staff can contact the taskforce by emailing paulabailey@logan.qld.gov.au

Club Med. You’ve either heard of it or not but trust me when I say, once you experience the Club Med concept you will be converted for life and all future holidays will be based around a stay with Club Med.

Established in 1950 with the motto ‘“The purpose of life is to be happy. The time to be happy is now. And the place to be happy is here” Club Med introduced the all-inclusive concept. Now, 72 years later there are over 70 resorts worldwide made up of both sun and snow resorts.

Club Med caters for everyone from families to honeymooners alike. For families they have award winning Kids Clubs with inspiring facilities and the newly launched ‘Amazing Family’ Program giving parents the opportunity to create special memories with their children through a fun filled weekly agenda of activities (or you can just drop them at the Kids Club and relax!) When it comes to accommodation, they make it easy for larger families through the use of larger or interconnecting rooms.

For couples and honeymooners there is the Exclusive Collection. A series of resorts in stunning destinations with extra thoughtful touches to make your holiday unforgettable –

we’re talking champagne sunsets, breakfast in the privacy of your room plus much more.

Club Med are also very big on sustainability with over 75% of their resorts worldwide having received the Green Globe Certification. They take care of their staff and local communities by purchasing on average 90% of the goods, materials, and products from them.

Now if you’re a foodie (like myself!) your appetite and senses will be amazed by the culinary offerings of the experienced and talented chefs in each and every resort. Some resorts offer cooking classes, beach BBQ’s, poolside dining, burger bars, pizzerias and more in addition to their al la carte dining and buffet style dining options. Are you hungry yet?

With some incredible ski resorts located throughout Europe (France, Italy and

Switzerland), Japan, China and newly opened Quebec Charlevoix in Canada, you are sure to find a resort to cater to your snow dreams. Most resorts are ski-in ski-out giving you the opportunity to simply step out of the resort and onto the slopes. In additions to the Club Med ‘all inclusive’ program, snow resorts also include ski essentials like ski and snowboard lessons and ski lift passes.

One way to describe a Club Med holiday is similar to that of cruising - unpack once, all inclusive (more generous than a cruise!), fabulous food and entertainment and an overall easy holiday. So, if you’re not into cruising

or are prone to sea sickness Club Med is a fabulous alternative that will certainly deliver. Are you interested in a Club Med Holiday?

Reach out to your local Travel Agent who will be able to assist you with all questions Club Med.

Until next month, Tina

Ihave seen plenty of business plans over the years; some are very detailed; however, they miss the mark on planning, focus, strategy, and implementation; they are often just white papers with no support for implementation.

Why do you want your plan? Often it is some pretty pages to raise funding, or someone told you to write a plan and follow the template. But in reality, your business has not benefited from the process you have just been through, so the plan still failed and sits on the shelf.

Unfortunately, there are lots of people who have written business plans and just don’t see their purpose. It is a pity to waste that effort, isn’t it?

1. Business planning is an essential management tool for critical decisions making.

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Business planning takes you through your thinking and reviewing the situation, where you are now, where you want to be and how you will get there. A business plan helps you take a step back, think objectively and focus. Review your business, find reasons for potential decisions and challenges, communicate your ideas to other stakeholders, or create a successful business strategy. But the real benefit is still getting very clear and focused.

PLANNING?

2. Focus.

“The more focused your plan, the easier it is to implement.”

The greatest ideas can be useless if you cannot formulate and implement them. So, how focused is your plan? Do you know your Why? Have you got a clear Brand? Do you know your customers? Do you have developed Cashflow Forecasts, Pricing, and Budgets? Do you have a really clear Marketing analysis and schedule of implementation?

3. Your business Map for implementation

Writing a plan does not guarantee success; however, it should go a long way towards reducing those failure odds. And yet the purpose is fundamental - The biggest purpose is mapping a focused, well-informed strategy and steps! It gives you a Business Master plan or Maps to guide your every move and decision to stay on track.

Want to review your plan or get a business plan that works?

Contact Helen Cowley Ph: 0418 769531

Services for Business

Helping

"Going into business without a business plan is like going on a mountain trek without a map or GPS support- you will eventually get lost or starve."

Kevin J Donaldson

DYNAMIC

SAMUEL &

With around 70% of Australian busi nesses family-owned and operated, it’s no surprise that many of the small enterprises across the country are op erated by husband and wife teams or at least started out that way. But is teaming up with your life partner a smart business move, or a recipe for disaster?

Often marriages are made up of two people who have complementary skills, which also works well in a business sense.

This is certainly the case for Right at Home Logan Directors and husband and wife duo, Samuel and Samantha Dauncey. They know from experience just how hard it is to balance between work and home. The duo first met in 2008, while both in high school and since then their friendship and partnership blossomed. Now they live and work locally and are proud parents of two young boys.

“There are many positives of working together, however running a business with your wife can

be all-consuming. It’s important to set aside time for normal relationship things, like spend ing a day out together or as a family. We set aside one day a week, for us, it's Sundays, that is sacred for family time,” according to Samuel. “It’s also important to have hobbies outside of the business”.

Samuel and Samantha have found that along with open communication and trust, having clearly defined roles are essential so there is no cross-over or room for conflict, which is one of the keys to working together successfully with your spouse.

“It’s important to have defined roles, I am a registered nurse and care manager, while Samuel is a former Civil Engineer and familiar with construction project management, looks after Business development, accounts, recruit ment” explained Samantha.

However, it’s not just Samuel and Samantha, they have a team of dedicated individuals working together to make a positive impact in the Logan community.

“We currently have an amazing team around us, who share our passion for community and helping people. There are now 5 of us in the office. We hired our first office staff member Dawn in January; Kate started in February and we have recently added Stacey,” started Sam uel, “Everyone in our office we have known and worked with prior to them starting. Kate was the first care worker we hired when we started the business, Dawn came from Right at Homes head office and Stacey has been working for us casually as an Enrolled Nurse for a few months before coming into the office.”

When asked how important it is to have the right team, Samuel explained, “Having the right team is crucial. From an office staff point of view, it is important we have people who carry the same passion for the community that we do while being the face of our company from time to time and providing excellent customer service. From a care staff point of view, we are very careful who we bring on board. In an industry that already has a worker shortage, it can be easy to ignore traits and bring people on in desperation. Regardless of how busy we get, we will not lower our standards which include loyalty, compassion, work ethic and reliability.”

Tell us about the journey to how 'Right at Home Logan' began.

Samantha is a Registered Nurse who previ ously worked in the day surgery ward at the PA Hospital. Samantha would see aged patients coming through for surgery (hip replacements, knee reconstructions etc.) daily, but would find herself wondering who looked after them once they got back home.

On some occasions, she would see the same people coming back to the hospital in the days and weeks proceeding. This started us on a path to look into home care, and more impor tantly the companies/franchises that operated in its space. We were drawn to Right at Home as our own values aligned with theirs.

The decision to start our journey in Logan was easy, as both Samantha and I have grown up, gone to school and started our own family in the area.

Why did you become a nurse?

Samantha became a nurse because she had a passion for caring and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives in times of need. At one stage she was torn between nursing and teaching!

Did that impact your decision to buy the Right at Home franchise?

Absolutely. Having the chance to help people in our local community is one of the main reasons why we started. The opportunity to provide a family-friendly and personalised service to people in need was important.

What services do you provide?

We provide the following services: Personal care

Companionship

Domestic Assistance

Skilled nursing

Social outings

Transport Meal preparation

Medication management

What does an average day at work look like?

The mornings usually start with Samantha checking in with clients or delivering nursing services, before working her way back into the office after midday to catch up on care man agement and checking in with carers. Samuel’s mornings usually start in the office with the accounts, before progressing into the com munity for consultations, meet and greets and networking. Some weeks can be flat out with new clients coming on board, whereas other weeks that are slower can see us trying to get on top of things!

August can be a month where healthy diets and fitness routines begin to falter. As is true of any habit, once you are off track it can be tough to get motivated again. And the weather can provide an easy excuse for not exercising. We reached out to local Personal Trainer, Megan to find out what her top tips are for staying motivated when the temperature drops.

1. Have an Accountability Buddy

Whether it’s a person or an app that sends us reminders, we make better choices when we’re being watched (even by ourselves.)

Accountability works best when it comes from the outside. You can create accountability by checking in with a friend every day to talk about healthful eating. You’re more likely to exercise if you’ve made a plan to walk with a friend or schedule a workout with a personal trainer. You can create public accountability by declaring your intention on social media.

Why not join a local fitness group or community, like the “Crestmead and Browns Plains Fitness Community” on

Facebook. An online community for everyone who enjoys fitness or just wants to get started. It’s a place for sharing tips and tricks, making gym buddies and importantly sharing inspiration!

2. Set Short-Term Goals

Setting goals, both long and short term, is crucial to success in life; However, while it’s important to set long-term goals, these goals often take a long time to accomplish and most people will suffer from a loss of motivation. To avoid this, it’s critical to set smaller goals with a shorter time frame. This will help you keep track of how close you’re getting to your overall goal and it will seem much more attainable rather than something that is on the horizon.

3. Go At Your Own Pace

When you set out on your fitness goal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and can feel the pressure of changing everything all at once. However, that’s not sustainable and people often fall back into old habits and quickly lose motivation. The key is taking everything one step at a time and not trying to make drastic changes all at once. Stay positive, but keep your goals realistic.

4. Get Into A Routine

Life is busy and overwhelming.

in

It’s

each

introduce,

routine.

5. Have Fun!

accumulate to form

It’s important to have

WE E K E ND Getaways TOOWOOMBA

As Queensland’s largest inland City, Toowoomba retains country charm with a growing urban coffee culture and street art scene.

Also known as the Garden City, Toowoomba is home to hundreds of parks and gardens as well as the iconic Carnival of Flowers spring event. No matter when you visit, you’ll discover rolling plains, vibrant country towns, bright sunflower

farms and quaint hamlets. Head to the Garden City during September and join the festivities as the city blooms to life to celebrate the begin ning of Spring with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Start your weekend getaway to Toowoomba, with a trip to Toowoomba Farmers Market. Open every Saturday under the windmills at Cobb & Co from 7 am till noon. A perfect outing for the entire family, enjoy beautiful coffee and taste homemade goodies while purchasing pro duce straight from the farmer, baker or maker. Explore the handmade artisan stalls or perhaps stay a while, have breakfast and enjoy listening to a variety of local artists.

Next, you can uncover Queensland’s history at Highfields Pioneer Village. Located just 20 min utes from the heart of Toowoomba, the village showcases a gorgeous collection of relics that provide a look into the past. Highfields Pioneer Village is also home to The Big Cow!

The beautiful gardens, Big Cows and markets are not the only things to see in Toowoomba, The Empire Theatre is the largest regional theatre in Australia and is both an architectural showpiece and a vibrant home to the perform ing arts.

Built-in 1911, the Empire Theatre has served as an entertainment hub for Toowoomba and the surrounding areas for over 100 years, playing an integral part in the cultural development of the region.

Step back in time and quench your thirst at the award-winning Rudd's Pub. Established in 1893, Rudd’s Pub is in the township of Nobby, the heart of Dad ‘n’ Dave country, situated in Nobby, 35 km from Toowoomba. Immerse your self in the wonderful photographic collection and memorabilia that adorns the walls (and the ceiling) and enjoy a delicious meal and a cold ale. Free camping for motorhomes and cara vans is also available across the road.

There is plenty to see and do in Toowoomba, so why not visit on your next Weekend Getaway.

HIGHFIELDS PIONEER VILLAGE IS HOME OF THE BIG COW!

Celebrating the Big Cow at Highfields Pioneer Village from 16 to 25 Septem ber 2022. Recognising the history of the dairy industry in Australia and all things cow! The theme of the festival is 'All things Cow'.

Come and experience dairying life in the Aus tralian Pioneer days! Milk a cow, churn some butter and enjoy some ice-cream. The Big Cow was sculpted by Hugh Anderson in the 1970's and is seven times the size of an Ayrshire cow on which it is modelled and was moved from Nambour to Highfields Pioneer Village in 2020.

Walk inside and see the History of the Big Cow, don't miss the Downs Dairy Museum and the Russell & Sons Pavilion teaching the history of the local dairy industry. There will be live music and great food.

Whether you love history, you're a Big Cow Fan or you are just looking for great entertainment you will have a wonderful time at the Festival of the Big Cow.

It is an affordable, entertaining week for all ages! Tickets are available online! The High fields Pioneer Village is open to the public, all year round from 10am to 4pm Daily.

Don’t just take our word for it, read what our clients have to say...

The positive reviews from Google+ and Facebook. Will

be

Great Price, Great Service, Great Agency. The moment Peter came to the property, he told me how he would sell it, and how long it would take, It was sold within that time and for the price he recommended. I could not be happier with the result and would recommend Peter and his team at Local Realty Group for all your real estate matters.

experience this great service?

Matthew

Steven

Alex was on point from beginning to end. When we were first discussing selling our property we were not quite ready but Alex made a point to check in with us regularly until we were ready. Alex is very knowledgeable and obviously experienced in the industry and handled everything exceptionally well. After engaging Alex, the process was seamless and Alex kept us informed along the way including what he expected to achieve. We had a contract within a week. We are very happy with the outcome and the whole process along the way.Very responsive, speedy delivery, very knowledgeable Dealing. with Peter made our property purchase a very nice and seamless experience. He was very helpful, amazing responsiveness and everything moved really quick, any questions he’d patiently explain, has a great deal of knowledge about property inside out and expert in local market. Great job Peter and continue delighting customers.

Deepak

CAN A POOL ADD VALUE TO A HOME?

By Local Realty Group

Come the Aussie summer, there’s really nothing better than jumping into a pool.

It’s cooling, it’s relaxing and if you’ve got kids, it can be a great way to keep them busy over the holidays.

Aside from its fun factor, does a pool add value to a home when it comes time to sell? Or is it the opposite: a hindrance that makes a home less attractive to prospective buyers?

It turns out the answer isn’t so clear-cut. In some circumstances, a pool can be a big draw card, but in others, a major drawback.

How much value do pools add to homes?

As of 2018, nearly 2.7 million Aussies lived in a home with a swimming pool – or around 13% of the population – according to Roy Morgan. Compared to a 2015 Roy Morgan survey, where 12% of the population had a pool, that’s an increase of at least a few hundred-thousand people. So clearly pools are popular and may be becoming more so.

But how much value do they actually add? A pool can lift your home’s value by up to 7%, but it’s usually under certain circumstances.

Some of these factors include the climate where you live, the kinds of people you’re selling to and the type of pool you install – but more on these shortly.

Do buyers want homes with pools?

A big reason buyers might want a pool is the climate.

Obviously warmer locations – particularly in the tropics where beach swimming is limited during stinger season – pools are very favourable. On top of location, the type of buyer is a big determinant.

Families are, by far, the largest sector of the market that would include pools on their niceto-have lists. Often, downsizes would consider a pool to be less desirable due to the return on effort when comparing potential usage with maintenance.

Another consideration is the fact that not having a pool means prospective buyers have more flexibility when deciding what to do with the backyard.

How to add value to your home with a pool

If you’re thinking of installing a pool but are concerned about the potential impact on your home’s value, there are a few things you can do to increase the likelihood of it becoming an asset rather than a liability.

• Go for a high-quality pool

• Keep the design classic

• Know that bigger isn’t necessarily better

• Maintain your pool

Looking to sell your property? Contact the friendly and professional team at Local Realty Group. Phone (07) 3804 3555 or email us: office@localrg.com.au

Want to know how many properties we have sold recently? https://www.localrealtygroup. com.au/recent-sales

ACHIEVEMENTS

Logan is briming with local talent, especially in sports. This August, we are highlighting the locals in the community who have excelled in the sporting arena!

LOGAN BASKETBALL

The Under 16 Australian Junior Championships took place in Perth, WA from July 3 to July 10.

The U16 National Championships included teams from all over the country, coming together and battling it out for the top spot as the 2022 U16 National Champions. In both the girls and boys competition, Logan Basketball had 8 members compete in the National Championships. All 8 members were a part of the Queensland South state programs with 5 members of the girls team and 3 members of the boys.

Queensland South Girls: 5th Place – Beat South Australia Country in 5th/6th game on Final Day, 85-79

Alleah Hanson

• Averaged 9.75 points & 7.38 rebounds per game

• Best performance of the tournament

• vs New South Wales Country

•15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 assist & 1 steal

Keriana Hippolite

Sharni Reisinger

•Averaged 8.62 points, 11.12 rebounds, 2.12 assists & 1.12 steals per game

•Best performance of the tournament

• vs Victoria Country

•10 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists & 1 steal

Vahayliah Seumanutafa

•Averaged 22 points, 6.62 rebounds, 3.75 assists & 2.25 steals per game

• Best performance of the tournament

• vs Australia Capital Territory

•35 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists & 1 block

Prasayus Notoa

Queensland South Boys: 2nd Place – Silver Medallist – Lost Grand Final to Victoria Metro, 85-70

Ashley Mcgrath

•Averaged 9.38 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.88 assists per game

• Best performance of the tournament

•vs Western Australia Metro

•14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals & 1 assist

DAISY HILL SQUASH CLUB

Joshua Raj (Left)

• 2022 Brisbane Junior Open Boys Under-17 - Champion

• Queensland Junior Championship 2022 Boys Under-17 - Champion

• 2022 Australian Junior Open Boys Under-15 - Champion

“It felt good winning the AJO. But for the QJC I moved up an age group and was a little nervous knowing it would be much more challenging. The pace and intensity is definitely a different level. I will have to train harder and smarter to get ready for the AJC, but I am looking forward to it.”

- Joshua

Joel Raj (Right)

• 2022 Brisbane Junior Open Boys Under-13 - Champion

• Queensland Junior Championship 2022 Boys Under-13 and Boys Under15 — Champion

• 2022 Australian Junior Open Boys Under-13 - Champion

“I was over the moon. It was my first AJO title and then winning 2 age group QJC titles after that was just fantastic. I was pretty overwhelmed. I think this gives me a good confidence boost for the AJC” - Joel

Brendan Macdonald

• Queensland Junior Championship 2022 Boys Under-19 - Champion

• Selected to represent Australia to compete in the 2022 WSF World Junior Squash Championship in Nancy, France

“Really happy and proud of myself for making the world juniors team. It has been a long-time dream of mine and it feels good to finally turn that into a reality and know that all that hard work has paid off. Winning the QJC was a great achievement to be able to complete being that it is my last year in juniors. It made me really happy to be able to say that I ended my junior career on top. It’s something that I am very proud of.” - Brendan

Sean Carroll – Head Coach (left)

Michael Devitt – Assistant Coach (right)

Lijana Sultana (Left)

• 2022 Australian Junior Open Girls Under-17 — Champion

• Queensland Junior Championship Girls Under-17 - Runners-Up

• Represent Malta at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom

“I am very happy to have won the Australian Junior Open as this was my first national event in Australia. It was great to play with different players from around the country. I played really well thanks to the support from Daisy Hill Squash Club and it was a great event.” - Lijana

Bryan Lim (White)

• PSA Gold Coast Closed Satellite 2022Champion

• PSA Moreton Bay Closed Satellite 2022Champion

• PSA 3K Greater City of Bendigo Open 2022Champion

• PSA 5K Victorian Open 2022 - Semi-Finalist *PSA - Professional Squash Association

“Very happy to win all the tournaments this year and looking forward to playing more tournaments against overseas players to gain more exposure to help me move forward from where I am now. I got to step out from my comfort zone to be where I want to be.” - Bryan

Kijan Sultana (Red)

• Represent Malta in WSF World Doubles Squash Championships 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland

• Represent Malta in European Team Championships 2022

• Represent Malta at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

• Malta Team Flag bearer for the opening ceremony in the 2022 Commonwealth Games

“I feel grateful to be chosen for such prestigious events and I am honoured to be holding the Maltese flag at the commonwealth games.”Kijan

LOGAN BOXING

Diaz Tuakifalelei (centre) is a 75kg Amature Boxer that fights out of The Fight Centre. He recently captured the ‘GLIBI Australian’ title in the 75kg division which is a unification of the Australian Boxing Council and the Global titles. Diaz was 18 years old when he started at The Fight Centre under their scholarship program. He first joined The Fight Centre in October 2019 and has been training hard and competing under the TFC banner ever since.

Winning the ‘GLIBI Australian’ title in the 75kg division means a lot to Diaz because it’s a reflection of all the hard work that he’s put in. He’s proud of the dedication and the sacrifices that he’s made to get himself to where he is today and is excited for the future. Diaz hopes to keep training, keep improving and looking forward to facing the best boxers from Australia and Oceania.

CONFIDENCE IN COLOUR

How to inject colour into my wardrobe

t's no secret that how you look on the outside can directly impact how you feel on the inside. Yet, we all seem to be a little guilty of losing our inspiration to wear bright, bold pieces in the cooler months and find ourselves gravitating towards black/navy/grey.

It's time to ditch the security (and dullness) of your neutral wardrobe, and start dressing happy by adding some colour to your look. With these simple to follow steps, you can easily inject some well-deserved dopamine dressing into

INTRODUCE A BIT AT A TIME

It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re experimenting with colour for the first time, so don’t feel like you need to overhaul your wardrobe all at once. Why not dip your toes into the colourful world by introducing a pop of colour at first – start with a statement necklace or earrings, a standout scarf or colourful shoes. Even a brighter lip colour could be a nice pop of colour.

START WITH A BLOCK COLOUR

A great place to start when trying to add colour to your wardrobe is to find a colour you adore and build on it by adding classic pieces in neutral colours like blacks, denim, navy, tan. This will break up the block colour a little and can be a great way to style an outfit up and down, depending on the occasion. Make sure you're always picking colours you love and that work for you!

EXPERIMENT WITH PATTERNS

Experimenting with patterned clothes is a really easy way to introduce more colour into your wardrobe. Find a pattern that makes you smile – it might be floral, swirls, or geometric. Chances are, it will have lots of colour on it. Opt for a subtle print, one that is classic and timeless and won't go out of fashion. Once you

have a few good patterns to work with, adding different colours to wear with it should be super simple (and super fun).

START WITH A NEUTRAL BASE

You can experiment with having a neutral monochromatic base either all black, white or neutral. Then add a pop of pattern or colour in a classic style like a coat, blazer, over shirt, scarf, bag etc.

If you are feeling a little more daring than the classic neutrals, considering trying the 'new neutrals' like denim, blush, khaki, mustard, tan. These are familiar colours that will add a little bit of character to your outfit without turning (too many) heads.

FIND YOUR HERO PIECES

Find a hero piece with a colour or pattern you absolutely love, like a maxi dress or statement pant, maybe even a bright knit, and then tone it down with a neutral piece. This will break up the showstopper piece, by allowing it to still peep out from under pieces, offering any outfit a little bit of personality. Finding a hero piece that works when paired back with multiple neutrals is a great way to give the illusion that you have an endless wardrobe, from just one piece!

BLONDE,

THE MUSICAL COMES TO KIMBERLEY COLLEGE THIS AUGUST

For the last three terms, a dedicated cast of students from Kimberley College have worked together to learn songs, perfect dances, develop characters and polish performances in preparation for the school’s production of Legally Blonde.

Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods (Samara Leeuwendal), a sorority girl who enrols at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner (Kate Gillespie). With the help of her mentor, Emmett (Kane Brindley), and hairstylist turned confidant, Paulette (Ellie McKenzie), Elle becomes a successful law intern with unwavering morals and a determination to prove her worth. Throughout the show, Elle is underestimated by her peers. However, she remains true to herself and in the process, defies all expectations to successfully defend exercise queen Brooke Wyndham (Evelyn Hughson) in a murder trial.

Kimberley College Year 12 student, Samara Leeuwendal in the lead role of Elle, decided to audition as she loves to sing and act. While pink is not Samara’s signature colour, she said “The rehearsals have been great, I have enjoyed hanging out with friends and the teachers have been so supportive. I really have had to learn patience and while it is hard work, it really gets you out of your comfort zone and you just have to go for it. I am so much more confident now”. Middle school student, Kane Brindley in the role of Emmett agreed and said, “I’ve made a lot of new friends from across

all year levels at Kimberley College and the atmosphere at rehearsals is really fun and I always leave feeling happy”.

The college chose the musical because of the passionate and enthusiastic characters, uplifting narrative, and the irresistibly fun and energetic musical score. “I love the message the story conveys to students and audiences about the importance of staying true to yourself by trusting your morals. As they say in the musical, being true to yourself never goes out of style!” said Ms Hannah Larkin, Kimberley College Film and TV Studies Teacher and Musical Director.

Activities within the Performing Arts space allow students to be creative and explore different ways to express themselves, all while having fun alongside their peers. Kimberley College Teacher and Musical Producer, Ms Bridget Bunker said “Our cast have worked diligently for the past year in rehearsals, exhibiting true professionalism as they invested their time, and best effort into bringing this show to life. We can't wait for them to stand on stage, feel the stage lights and hear the applause."

The family friendly musical will run from Saturday 20 August for three performances until Sunday 21 August at the Lingo Lin Performing Arts Theatre at Ormiston. Tickets are $25 for an adult and $15 for a student/child. For more details visit the college website www.kimberley.college or tickets are available for purchase online at https://www. trybooking.com/CAUFQ

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Property investment is often seen as being less risky than other forms of investment. However, while it may seem more straightforward, there are pitfalls to be aware of. There are several advantages of property investment but it’s important to have a strategy and make dispassionate decisions based on what will give you the best returns. Here are some key factors that could help ensure your investment proves to be a good one.

Capital growth

Put simply, capital growth is your property increasing in value over time. Its important to research the growth-trend indicators for the property you’re thinking of investing in. Discov er what’s the median sale price for the suburb? Has it increased over the past few years?

Rental demand and yield

Rental yield is essentially the amount of money you make on an investment property by measuring the gap between your overall costs and the income you receive from renting out your property. It’s important you researching areas with strong rental demand and yield is an important part of assessing the financial viability of an investment property.

Location

How often have you heard someone say it’s all about the location! When choosing a property, put yourself in a prospective tenant’s shoes and think about what they will be looking for in a rental. Proximity and convenient access to public transport, schools and other amenities that are part of most people’s lifestyles, such as

shops and restaurants, will make the property more appealing to a tenant.

Type of property

While location is important, you should also consider the type of property in the context of location too. It’s really important to understand the demographics of the area and choose accordingly. In suburbia, a house with a yard would generally be more appealing than an apartment.

Age of the property

The age of a property can directly affects the cost equation. Older homes may have a multitude of maintenance costs that can have a drain your finances. Check everything, from the structure to fittings and fixtures and ensure you get professional building and pest inspections done before you commit to a contract of sale.

Property features

While you may not be planning to live there, someone will be. So, its important to think about things people typically look for like a garage, extra bathrooms or a home office space help to increase a property’s rental value. Also take into consideration, the layout, how people use the space and design of the property.

For more information, visit the Austex Property Investors website, https://austexpropertyinvestors.com.au/ or contact Darren on 0435 863 931 or email djones@austexgroup.com. au.

READY, SET… BBQ!

Logan City Council has partnered with BBQ & Beer Roadshow to bring you the City of Logan's first FLAME BBQ Street Festival, which will deliver on one of the key outcomes from the 2019 Jimboomba Summit.

On Saturday the 17th September from 3pm to 9pm, everyone is invited to come along to enjoy the very best that BBQ has to offer.

Proudly hosted in the town centre of Jimboom ba on Brisbane St & Cusack Lane. There is something for everyone with delicious BBQ & local food, live music from regional bands and artists, BBQ demonstrations, a beer garden, local market stalls, kids' activities, eating competitions and a Flame BBQ local cook-off competition!

This is a free event for all ages; however, regis tration is required. Visit Eventbrite 'FLAME BBQ Street Festival – Jimboomba' to register.

This is a pet-free event and is co-funded by Logan City Council and the Australian Gov

ernment, through the Building Better Regions Fund.

City of Logan Councillors are hosting four local BBQ cook-off competitions across the city in August, where suburbs will be divided up into North, South, East and West competitions. The winner from each cook-off will compete at the FLAME event, where the winner will receive a new BBQ Smoker and trophy. For more information, visit https://ourlogan.com.au/flame/.

Those interested in registration as food ven dors, market stalls and volunteers should email BBQ & Beer Roadshow at lowdown@bbqbeer roadshow.com.au.

HOW TO LIKE A PRO! BBQ

Australians love a good BBQ. BBQing is more than just a casual get-together –it's tradition! There is no better way to spend Easter, Christmas, Australia Day or just a regular weekend, than firing up the barbie and inviting over a few friends.

When it comes to feeding these hungry crowds, serving up flame-licked meats is a time-hon oured custom. It’s all about the quality of the meat, says Simon Neller from Mega Meat in Browns Plains; a family owned, wholesale butcher providing the freshest quality meat at the best possible price to locals.

Whether you're looking for the ultimate sirloin steak, slow-cooked brisket or the perfect burger, here are the best cuts of beef to use on the BBQ.

STEAKS

A juicy steak is a crowd-pleaser at any barbe cue. Steaks don’t take long to cook on the grill, so tender cuts such as sirloin, ribeye and fillet

give the best results. These cuts come from areas of the cow that do less work, whereas hard-working muscles are better for long, slow cooking. To cook the perfect steak, allow the meat to come to room temperature before seasoning. Before you start cooking, ensure your BBQ is really hot, this will ensure the meat will start to sear as it touches the grill locking in the flavours and juices. Cook over a direct heat and resist turning them more than once.

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks. As a rough guide, cook a 1.5cm thick steak for 1.5-2 minutes each side for rare, 2-3 minutes each side for medium rare, and 4 minutes each side for well done. Its vital you leave the steaks to rest before serving, allowing the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat.

SIRLOIN

For the perfect balance of tenderness and fla vour, a popular choice for barbecuing is Sirloin steak, cut from between the fillet and the rib.

RIBEYE

Cut from the eye (the middle) of the forerib, ribeye steaks are marbled with a little bit fattier than most steaks, which makes them extra juicy and full of flavour. As ribeye steaks tend to be thicker cut, they are great for dicing into chunks for BBQ skewers and kebabs.

BEEF MINCE

For a versatile option or if you’re nervous about cooking large cuts of meat on the barbecue, start with beef mince instead for easy family fa vourites. Burgers are a must-have and making your own at home means you can add different flavours and toppings. Mince makes the perfect base for adding extra flavours and hiding those extra veggies for those picky eaters.

BRISKET

Brisket is from the shoulder and is generously marbled with flavourful fat which prevents it from drying out. As a firm hardworking cut, brisket benefits from long, slow cooking but that doesn't rule it out for barbecue cooking. Let the oven do the hard work then transfer to the barbecue to finish off cooking and get that classic charred flavour.

TOP RUMP

Give your Sunday roast a summer makeover by cooking a whole joint on the barbecue. Cuts such as top rump are great for roasting, but can be cooked on a barbecue to get that extra smoky flavour. To make it easier to cook, slice through the joint horizontally and open the meat out into one large flat piece – this makes it thin ner so that it cooks quickly and evenly.

For more information about the best meats for your next BBQ, pop into to Mega Meats to speak with Simon and his team of experts for the best quality and great prices.

MEGA

Bhutanese

7/18 Fitzgerald Ave,

Dining Guide

COFFEE & DUMPLINGS

Coffee & Dumplings is a locally-owned community gathering place located in Springwood. Providing the community with an exciting fusion of East meets West flavoursome food at an affordable price for all to enjoy. People can expect generous portions, heavenly coffee, healthy smoothies and thoughtful service. Come along and let us provide you with an experience beyond your expectations.

Big Buns

American Shop 5A/111-121 Grand

Fb: @bigbunsqld

Big Buns in Browns Plains is a game-changing burger joint slinging gourmet burgers and fingerlickin’ ribs. A collaboration between four mates, the American-style eatery was conceived in the midst of COVID-19. The mouth-watering menu has something for everyone, boasting 7 beef burgers, 5 chicken burgers, 5 plant-based burgers and 1 fish burger. So come along and try them for yourself!

GEORGE’S GRILL SEAFOOD & BURGERS

Seafood/Burgers

Cornubia

Cnr

Chatswood

A favourite with the locals, George’s Grill Seafood & Burgers is popular for its range of top-quality seafood, varied cooking techniques and original recipes. Its menu features traditional and specialty items including Grilled Baby Octopus and Moreton Bay Bugs, and the famous gourmet burgers. The fish here is beautifully battered, crumbed or grilled and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A must try visit!

LITTLE RED DUMPLINGS

Whether you like sweet and soft or crunchy and succulent, Little Red Dumpling serves some of the best and most authentic dumplings in Logan. Prepared daily, their dumplings are made from fresh local ingredients and served with a delicious secret sauce. Why not expand your repertoire and try some of their ‘Not Dumplings’ dishes. Stand-outs include fried chicken baos and the wonton in red chilli sauce. They are open 7 days from 11am-9pm.

Coffee

On the 17th and 18th September, at the Beenleigh Multisports Association (Bill Norris Oval Beenleigh), the Papua New Guinea Federation Queensland Incorporated is hosting the PNG Independence and Cultural Day Celebrations!

Incorporated on 13 February 2013, Papua New Guinea Federation Queensland Inc. as an umbrella association to bring the Papua New Guinea Community living in Brisbane together under a National Identity.

This not-for-profit group consists of members originally from Papua New Guinea and friends of Papua New Guineans now living in Brisbane to promote cultural awareness, networking and social gatherings to unite and support members through activities.

Everyone is welcome to come along, celebrate and experience the Papua New Guinea culture.

SeptemberFest 2022 will be better than ever with performances from Mali Music alongside other top PNG Local Artists.

For enquiries on Membership Forms, Stall Application Forms and Group Performance Application Forms, please email, pngfqievents@ gmail.com.

For more information and to stay up to date on what’s happening at the club, visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ PNGFQI2021/.

Don't Get Looking For A

Discover What’s Actually Inside the Mattress Luxury $6,000 Mattress For Less Than $2,000.

Many people feel overwhelmed when they walk into a mattress store. There are so many choices. The truth is, it's designed to be that way. And it gets even worse when the 'Mattress Consultant' further bamboozles you with terms like micro-pocket coils and alternating coil technology.

In this article, I'm going to expose the sneaky tricks that mattress manufactures and retail stores use to get you to pay thousands too much. I'm going to show you the most important things to look for in a new mattress (including the one question you must ask). And how to get a $6,000 mattress for less than $2,000 or a $1,200 mattress for less than $400. But first...

I Have a Confession to Make

My brother and I own 4 mattress stores in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and a mattress factory at Sumner Park. So naturally, we'd love you to buy your mattress from us. But more than that, we want to make sure you get a mattress you'll love - a genuinely high-quality mattress that will last for years - without getting ripped off.

You see, we meet people every day who are totally confused about mattresses. And people who feel disappointed (even angry) because they paid thousands for their last mattress and it has not lasted. So we're on a mission to expose the industry scams. And it starts by telling you...

What's Actually Inside the Mattress

You're Thinking About Buying

The core of most mattresses is made from one of two types of springs. The first type uses lengths of wire formed into hour-glass shapes, connected by rows of spiral (helical) wire and held together by a wire hoop at the top and bottom. These are often called Bonnell Springs. But no matter what name mattress stores use, this traditional style of wire spring is essentially the same. In fact, most are made by one company and shipped in compressed form to mattress companies all around the world.

The second type of spring is called a Pocket Spring. This is where each spring is wrapped in a thin layer of fabric and moves independently to minimize partner disturbance. Pocket Spring mattresses often come with heavier springs in the middle of the bed to give extra support for your hips (3 zone). Don't be fooled by sales people who tell you 5 or 7 zones are better. This is just a gimmick to get you to pay more for a mattress. Likewise, don't be fooled by people who tell you more springs are better. The more springs a mattress has, the smaller and thinner those springs have to be (and potentially weaker). But I suppose with someone is

trying to sell you a $6,000 mattress, 4,000 springs sounds better than 1,000 even if it's not true.

Pocket Spring mattresses tend to cost a little more than Bonnell Spring Mattresses but offer a genuine advantage in terms of less partner disturbance.

What About Edge Support

In order to maintain support right to the edges, an extra piece of wire can be connected to the top and bottom hoops of a Bonnell Spring mattress and a strong foam box can be added to a Pocket Spring Mattress. Edge supports add genuine benefit because they allow you to sleep or sit right on the edge of the bed without the side collapsing.

Edge supports should add around $100 to the price of a Bonnell Spring mattress and around $200 to the price of a Pocket Spring mattress depending if the support goes all the way around or if it is just added to the sides. What's on Top Of The Springs?

Most mattresses have a layer of felt directly on top of the springs. But many manufacturers skimp by using very thin felt or only putting felt on one side of the springs. We use heavy grade felt that provides a solid base for comfort layers.

On top of the felt you'll find a variety of comfort layers - usually a combination of foam or latex and sometimes other natural materials like wool. This is by far the most expensive part of a mattress and the reason luxury mattresses cost more. But don't be fooled. No matter what type of foam or latex (or what fancy name a manufacturer gives their comfort layers), it should never add thousands to the price of a mattress.

The Truth About Different Foams

Listen carefully because this is one of the most important things you need to know when choosing a mattress. The type of foam used in a mattress will not only affect its feel, it will significantly affect the longevity of the mattress.

Foams are measured in two ways. Firstly there is the feel

- hard or soft.

Then there is the density - high or low. The feel is what makes one mattress appear plush and another firm. The density is what makes one foam last longer than another. You can get a soft mattress in low or high density. Density does not affect the feel. But it will make a big difference to how long your mattress will last. Density is what costs the money. So before you buy a mattress, be sure to ask about the density of the foams inside.

The first layer (on top of the felt) is usually the lowest density (20-25kg/m2 is usually fine for this layer). But many manufacturers continue to use low density (20kg/m2 or lower) for the top comfort layer. While

can be flipped will generally last twice as long as a single side mattress (provided you do actually flip it).

What About The Plush Top?

What

Memory and Gel Foams?

a term

that have a slow 'bounce'. In other words, once depressed, they take a few seconds to regain their original shape. Gel foam is a term used to describe foam that is infused with a special gel substance. Both memory and gel foams feel similar to touch. But because some people complain memory foams are hot to sleep on (due to the fact you tend to sink into the foam more), the addition of gel particles encourages air flow and a cooler sleeping surface. Although used as a marketing gimmick by many manufacturers, we do see some benefit in using gel infused memory foam if you tend to feel hot when you sleep.

What About Latex?

Unlike memory foam that has a slow 'bounce' latex returns to its original shape very quickly. This doesn't mean latex feels hard to sleep on. Quite the contrary, latex has quite a plush feel. But unlike memory foam which causes you to sink into the bed, latex supports you on the surface

What's About Pillow Top?

The term pillow top refers to the extra comfort layers usually only on one side of the mattress. This provides an extra soft sleeping surface for those who like a plush feel. Once again, the most important thins is what is inside the pillow top - namely, the density of foam. A low density foam may fee luxurious at first, but as it breaks down you may feel like you are sleeping in a hollow.

What about Non-Flip Mattresses?

In some ways, this is another industry gimmick. The face that most people don't like to flip their mattress each month has lead manufacturers to say things like 'non-flip technology'. What this really means is that the mattress only has comfort layers on one side. So in a way, this has enabled manufacturers to save money on manufacturing while charging more. A mattress that

Some people like the look and feel of the 'cloud-like' comfort layers incorporated into the quilting of some mattresses. The problem is, this layer usually flattens quickly. Some salespeople say, "Your mattress will settle and mould to your body shape over time." The truth is, the fluffy quilting is simply getting flat. We advise against plush quilting because if you like the plush feel, you will soon be disappointed as the quilting flattens. If you do like a particularly soft surface layer, we recommend inserting a thin layer of high density memory foam in the quilting.

What About Mattresses That Cost $3000, $5000 and Even $10,000?

As you now know, the internal components of most mattresses are pretty much the same. And the most important part is the comfort layers (i.e. the density\quality of the foam). But no matter what fancy names are given to a mattress or it's componentsincluding terms relating to the type or number or springs - if you're paying $6,000 for a mattress, we think you are being ripped off.

Summary and Special Offer

Want to get a $6,000 mattress for $2,000? Our Luxury Heaven mattress is equivalent or better than most big brand $6,000 mattresses and includes a dual spring system with pocket coils, full foam box support on all sides, extra-thick felt padding, and 5cm of natural latex and premium quality quilting.

If you prefer a cheaper mattress, our sensor comfort mattress is equivalent or better than most big-brand $1,200 mattresses and includes Bonnell Springs, firm side supports on all sides, extra thick felt padding and a generous amount of high density foam.

For more information and personal assistance from a Factory Trained Mattress Specialist, vist our showroom at C1, 10 Compton Road, Underwood, click onto our website www.simplybeds.com.au or call 34163368.

HIGHLIGHTING LOGAN'S STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Logan’s younger generation is bursting with talent! This August, we are showcasing locals students success stories and achievements.

CANTERBURY COLLEGE

Canterbury National Music Success: Musica Viva Australia - Strike A Chord Championship Finalists

The Musica Viva Australia Strike A Chord National Music Championship finalists were announced in late June.

This is the largest competition of its kind and is now in its third year.

The 2022 Championship saw a record number of 119 secondary school ensembles (representing 445 students) from all over Australia, vying for a total prize pool worth over $40,000, comprising of cash and professional development prizes, as well as interstate performance engagements.

Groups submitted a video recording of their performance, from which 12 finalists were selected nationally.

Among these 12 finalists chosen to proceed to perform LIVE at the Strike A Chord Grand Final in Melbourne this August, are two groups featuring Canterbury College students:

The IncrediBows are a collaborative string quartet between Canterbury students Haydn and George Li, and their childhood friends; plus, Canterbury’s very own Trio Bellissimo starring the incredibly talented Isabella Oxenbridge, and again brothers Haydn Li and George Li.

It’s a remarkable feat that both groups are coached by Canterbury’s Coordinator of Piano and Chamber Music - Mr Tim Li, and they are two of only three groups representing all of Queensland in the Australian Grand Finals.

Mr Li also coached the Amogus Trio who won this competition last year.

Tickets for the Grand Final in Melbourne on Saturday 27 August are on sale now via the Musica Viva Australia website.

You can also tune in via their FREE livestream. Throughout June, these same Canterbury students competed in the annual Redlands Eisteddfod, and took home many of the major awards and prize money on offer.

The main highlights included:

Isabella (Bella) Oxenbridge:

• 1st Prize and $1,000 in the Open Scholarship Section (all ages).

• 1st Prize and $100 in the Piano Championship (13 years and under).

• Most Promising Pianist Award and $100.

Haydn Li:

• 1st Prize and $200 in the Open Concerto Section (all ages).

• 1st Prize and $100 in the Strings Open Championship (all ages).

• 1st Prize in the Diploma Levels Open Section (all ages).

• Redland Sinfonia Award solo performance opportunity with Redland Sinfonia in 2023 and $150.

Canterbury’s new Chamber Music School also enjoyed a triumphant outing.

Our Chamber Music ensembles achieved a clean sweep of 1st Prizes in every single ensembles section including:

1st and 2nd Prizes in Strings Duo/Trio/Quartet – 10 years and under: George Li with external ensemble and Junior Quartet.

1st and 2nd Prizes in Strings Duo/Trio/Quartet – 13 years and under: Canterbury String Quartet and Good Shepherd String Quartet.

1st Prize in Strings Duo/Trio/Quartet – Open all ages: Haydn Li, George Li with external ensemble.

1st Prize in Mixed Instruments Duo/Trio/Quartet

– 10 years and under: George Li with external ensemble.

1st Prize in Mixed Instruments Duo/Trio/Quartet – 13 years and under: Volante Trio.

1st Prize in Mixed Instruments Duo/Trio/Quartet

– Open all ages: Trio Bellissimo.

Other prizes include:

• 2nd Prize, Own Choice: 14-15 yrs, Haydn Li.

• 3rd Prize, Own Choice: 14-15 yrs, Susie Kim.

• 1st Prize , Own Choice: 10-11 yrs, George Li.

• 2nd Prize, Baroque Composer: 10 yrs & under, George Li.

1st Prize, Jazz/Pop/Latin styles: 12-13 years, Isabella Oxenbridge.

ed to participate in the ISS program, it really is a dream experience for any budding scientists and researchers and Rachael’s successful application is testament to her dedication to studies and hard work, the school was only too happy to support her during the application process”.

Rachael said, “Both of the programs were incredible and there wouldn't have been a better way to spend my holidays and hope to attend them again in the future.”

KIMBERLEY COLLEGE

Year 11 Kimberley College student, Rachael Stalley was chosen to join 150 outstanding year 11 -12 science students from across Australia and Internationally to participate in the prestigious Professor Harry Messel online International Science School (ISS) through the University of Sydney. She also attended the Dr Gurion Ang's Biology Winter School (UQBWS) through the University of Queensland, with both programs held over the recent July school holidays.

Rachael said “The ISS was a truly phenomenal experience. Spanning over the course of 10 days, myself and other scholars worldwide got to partake in unique and revolutionary lectures delivered by internationally renowned scien tists, engaging workshops featuring all aspects of science, and interactive lab tours which gave a close-up view into the exciting field of research”.

Kimberley College Principal Mr Glenn Johnson said, “we are so proud that Rachael was select

Ella’s Soaring Success:

Year Twelve student and future health professional Ella has embarked on her nursing career early, commencing an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) position at the Mater Redlands Hospital. As an AIN, Ella works alongside Registered Nurses to care for patients, performing various duties. Working as an AIN one day per week has not only fuelled Ella's passion for health care but is supporting her career journey to become a Registered Nurse post-JPC. Well done, Ella!

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE

Photo Caption: The IncrediBows String Quartet

Photo Caption: Rachael Stalley (Above)

Photo Caption: Ella (above)

Welcome to the ultimate Brisbane to Cairns Road trip itinerary! Straight up the Bruce Highway, along Queensland’s Tropical Pacific Coast; taking in the best places to stop along the way.

Okay, so you’ve passed the popular Sunshine Coast and the beautiful Hervey Bay. From here, it’s another stint along the Bruce Highway, before following the Goodwood Road on your journey to the City of Bundaberg!

Famous for its iconic distillery, Bundaberg offers a whole lot more than just its legendary Bundy Rum.

But how did the iconic city get its name?

Located on the Burnett River, Bundaberg is the tenth largest city in Queensland and is commonly known as ‘Bundy’ by the locals.

While the name ‘Bundaberg’ sounds like it might stem from German origin, it actually has Aboriginal heritage. Formulated from an odd mixture of the local Aboriginal language and an ancient European term. ‘Bunda’ was the name of the local Aboriginal group and ‘burg’ is an ancient Saxon word meaning ‘town’. Thus ‘town of the Bunda tribe’.

Initially, the forested land which would later become Bundaberg to supply timber to the pastoral industry that had recently been established in the region was obtained by a pair of settlers, John and Gavin Stewart in the 1850s.

Before being given the name Bundaberg by John Charlton Thompson, the surveyor who laid out Bundaberg in the 1860s. Thompson was applauded for his use of an indigenous name.

In 1880, Bundaberg became a municipality, a town in 1881, and a city in 1913.

Since then, Bundaberg has become a bustling city and is now known for hatching turtles, world-class rum, where the sparkling white

beach meets the Great Barrier Reef, where your plates are always filled with abundant local produce and the rum is always worldclass.

Have you been to Bundaberg? Discover first hand for yourself why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting again and again. There are so many great things to see, do and experience in and around Bundaberg. Why would you want to holiday anywhere else?

Bundaberg War Memorial in front of the Bundaberg Post Office, 1948

BRUSH UP AT

PAINT AND SIP CLASSES

Wine, painting, and friends is a guaranteed recipe for fun. We know our painting classes are fun – and we want to share our classes with the world.

Here are 5 more reasons why you’re guaran teed to have a good time at any of our painting class parties.

1. Get More Creative: Most jobs don’t let you be creative. You may have gone years without really flexing your creative muscle. Painting literally works different parts of your brain than other activities. It works your creative skills, expanding new areas of your brain. A good painting class party changes the way you think.

2. Meet New People: Our painting classes can be as social or antisocial as you like. You can meet new people, see new faces, and make it a social event. Whether you want to meet new people or just paint by yourself, our painting classes are always entertaining.

3. Party Time: If you are looking for a novel idea for your next birthday party, baby shower, hens’

night, or family celebration, Paint and Sip at the MAFM Gallery is a perfect choice. Not only will you and your guests each go home with a beautiful masterpiece, but also an unforgetta ble night with those nearest and dearest to you.

4. Hang Up New Decorations: When you attend a paint and sip class, you get something out of it: you create a piece of art you can hang in your home. Maybe you and your partner have something to laugh at or appreciate every time you walk into a bathroom. Maybe you hang it in a forgotten corner of your home and laugh every time you see it. Or, maybe you’re a great painter and you hang it in your dining room – there are no rules about where you can hang your creation!

5. We Need Any Excuse to Eat or Drink with Friends: We could list 100 reasons why our Paint and Sip classes are fun. Suffice to say, however, that most of us will take any excuse to eat or drink with friends. We can’t afford to turn down event invitations any more!

LOCAL OPINIONS

We asked Logan locals and business owners their thoughts on the new minimum wage increase and how this will affect Logan businesses & community?

Tegan: In my opinion, it’s not enough to even cover 1 component of cost-of-living increases. For example, my grocery bill has gone up nearly $60 a week, my petrol has gone up nearly $50 a week, rates have gone up, electricity has gone up and it goes on and on and on

David: It’s great to see workers getting their purchasing power restored.”

On Wednesday, 15 June 2022, the Fair Work Commission announced a minimum wage increase for Australian workers. From 1 July 2022, Australian workers will be entitled to a 5.2% wage increase –equivalent to an extra $40 per week for full-time workers.

Let’ dive in and see what Logan locals have to say...

Brian: I'm afraid that many small businesses will either have to let some staff go or they will have shut down altogether. $40 dollars might not sound like a lot but that is $40 per employee. The government should be giving tax cuts to low income earners, not just the rich people.

Ben: Everything’s getting more expensive. A little extra $ for some might be helpful.

Brooke: In my opinion it won't make any difference, wages go up, food, fuel, rent everything still going up. We won't be any better off.

Mark: So, they should get a pay rise. I hear businesses complaining about going broke and shutting up shop but you will shut up shop if you can't get workers in to help you open. I own my own business and I am more than happy to give them 40 dollars or even more.

Siobhan: Well, it won't cover my per session increase in childcare. Nor the extra $ in fuel to GET to work. Nor the $60 a week increase in my rent. Not to mention the essentials of life.

Ronnie: Short term it will help those at the bottom end of the pay structure survive but as a result business costs will increase across the board therefore increasing living costs. So basically, nothing changes.

Christopher: It's stupid. Inflation is running rampant and by putting more money into the system, it adds upwards pressure to said inflation. It is literally working against the RBA meaning the rate rises have done less so expect it to raise them higher.

Katie: I think a lot of workers already get over minimum wage. Help support local business owners as business is not easy for many.

Tracey: Why is it the average worker has to fight for a better wage and yet politicians automatically get a pay rise every year? How about we get the pay rise and the politicians live on what they already get! I bet they can’t last 1 week on what we get.

Bob: Don't you just love how the government thinks they should be praised for this. They have done nothing but tell someone else to pay more, they are not footing the bill themselves. So let's put more pressure on business owners.

Alicia: Makes so much more sense to reduce the cost of living as this increase won’t change much in the grand scheme of things and only puts more pressure on small businesses to be able to afford to pay it as their costs to run a business have already increased… vicious cycle

Rachel: The problem is not that wages are too low but that the cost of living is too high. In Tokyo, the minimum wage is about $10/hr. So, half of Australia. The country needs housing reform like property ownership caps to stop monopolisation of available housing and retail space forcing up costs on everyone.

Siobhan: Well, it won’t cover my per session increase in childcare. Nor the extra $ in fuel to GET to work. Nor the $60 a week increase in my rent. Not to mention the essentials of life.

Bronwyn: I feel like many people will be out of jobs as small business will have to close.

Danny: If all these rate hikes are successful in bringing inflation down, or possibly even creating deflation, this minimum wage increase will contribute substantially to unemployment. On the other hand, if inflation remains elevated, this won’t really impact unemployment much.

Share your thoughts on our social media page. Facebook: @Logancityguides

As a friendly reminder, you are the star of this year’s show—and August is the perfect time to do a check-in on your goals, hopes, and deepest dreams. Luckily for you, the inner (and outer) tension that you now feel serves as fuel to take this year’s chance of reinventing yourself.

You are being called to wake up and channel your inner strategist! You have a lot to look forward to—but during the remaining of the year, the cosmos is asking you to adopt a more analytical approach to your life in order to prepare yourself for what’s to come!

August brings your friendships front and center, brave Aries. Of course, you can keep dating, but take a moment to appreciate how your friends have had your back through so much. Also, try to get out of your head and into the beautiful world around you.

Uranus goes retrograde in your sign this month, Taurus, encouraging you to advocate for yourself in all areas of life. August is all about feeling as confident as possible, and goddess Venus has your back. This planet will bring plenty of abundance your way.

You’re known as the social butterfly of the zodiac, Gemini, but this month you feel called to stay in. You should honor that and pamper yourself with delicious food, skincare, and plenty of sleep. The month ends with tons of love, flirting, and attention. coming your way

You’re an amazing host and always have the best dinner parties. But August asks you to sit back and let someone else take care of you. Expect to receive party invitations, and if a love interest offers to cook you dinner, please let them.

August brings out your loyal side, Leo, and you’re much more interested in protecting friends’ secrets than engaging in gossip. Bountiful professional news is also likely to come your way, thanks to the abundant goddess Venus.

Your season begins this month, Virgo! Everyone wants to be as perfect and hardworking as you are. Sometimes you prefer staying in over going out, but if there was ever a year to celebrate, it’s now. Bring out your primal side and creating the perfect weekend for a party.

August is fantastic for your wallet, Libra. Your ruling planet, Venus, gets so much attention for being the goddess of love that people can forget that she rules money, too! Demand your worth this month and hold firm, and remember that Venus wants you to have everything you desire.

As a result, people from your past may arise, and you might also find yourself interested in humanitarian efforts. You’re also in store for plenty of love and affection coming your way, thanks to the romantic planet Venus.

You’ve been working hard,

and you need to make

for self-care. Some rest and relaxation will do you well; after

when you’re overstressed, it affects your professional and personal life. Take time for yourself this month so that you can be your best self in all areas.

August brings smooth communication to your love life, Capricorn. Just make sure to tell your lover or crush how much they mean to you. You’re feeling confident, and as a result, are extremely attractive. New adventures are headed your way.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. And that's where pets come in. We cherish our pets as the family members they are. They bless our lives with their loving presence, shower their endless love upon us and leave us heart-warming memories that simply cannot be described in words. They know the true art of living and every step of the way try to teach us the same.

The question is how much do we learn from them. Here are some lessons our pets are silently trying to teach us. Are you paying attention?

To be selfless

Our pets devote their entire life to us. Their dedication to us makes them our true companions. No book or person can teach us such compassion and love towards others the way they can.

To love unconditionally Love is difficult to find in today's world. We think we know love and we think we show love. But do we? How about we tally it with the amount of love our pet shows towards us? I know we cannot quantify love but in the back of our heads, we know what's true.

Forgive and stop holding grudges How long does your cat stay angry when you accidentally step on his tail? Does your dog become angry when you come home late from school or work? Probably no longer than a few seconds. Pets forgive very easily and you can incorporate that into your own life.

Holding a grudge has a negative influence on your emotional well-being and it keeps you from moving forward. Take some advice from pets and learn to forgive yourself and others. It will give you a sense of freedom.

To listen. And listen patiently Every time we have a bad day with no one around to talk to, we tend to confide in our pets. Sometimes in anger, sometimes in grief, sometimes out of joy. In any case, they're all ears, whether they make sense of our words or not.

Gratitude

Pets are thankful for cuddling with their owner, for being fed every day or for their daily playtime in the garden. They appreciate whatever they have and show that openly. Do you find yourself having a hard time being grateful for the current situation or thankful for people that care about you? Even when life presents great challenges or you’re going through a tough phase, you can learn to focus on your blessing, instead of focusing on the negativity in your life. Focus on the small

Slacks Creek

Slacks Creek is a fantastic suburb filled with friendly down to earth people and a thriving business hub located in the heart of Logan City. Here are is a selection of iconic local businesses that make up the Slacks Creek community.

AUSSIE PET COLLECTIVE

When we talk about iconic Slacks Creek businesses, few surpass Aussie Pet Collective. The central hub of all your pet needs, Aussie Pet

Collective is a consortium of over 50 Australian businesses who are committed to producing quality hand-made pet products.

These Australian owned businesses offer everything a loving pet owner could need. From food to pet clothing, equipment, furniture, pet care products and even gifts!

To learn more about Aussie Pet Collective, the products they sell or their regular events, visit their new revamped website, https://auss iepetcollective.com.au or stop by for a visit at the standout orange building along the Pacific Highway.

Your pets deserve the best. So, for expert pet knowledge and a wide variety of quality Australia products, you can’t go past Aussie Pet Collective.

By far, Harley Davidson is the most iconic motorcycle brand the world over! Ever since

GASOLINE ALLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Harley Davidson Motor Co. opened its doors in 1903, they have been wowing its custom er base. Fortunately, for motorbike lovers in Logan, there is a dealer located right here in Slacks Creek!

opening its doors in 2011, Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson Brisbane has become a pivot al business in the Slacks Creek community and is a proud supporter of other local independent businesses and community focussed motorcy cle and sporting events. Owned and operated by tragic motorcyclists, they and their team of specialists are truly passionate about ensuring you receive the best service and experience possible.

the opening of The Alley Pitstop Café, Gasoline Alley has become a community hub

locals, not just motorcyclists, to drop by for a coffee to go or catch up with friends and family.

over 100 genuine

all the family, bags, jewellery, ride bells and more,

to their new online store, there is more to see than ever before! Why not have a look

yourself

visit their website, https://gasolinealleyhd.com. au or stop by the store to speak with one of their expert staff.

DENT DOCTOR

in 1990,

ny

Doctors have become a central part of the local community. With their head office based in Slacks Creek, their

30 years,

mobile technicians have been catering

needs across 8 regions in South East Queensland. From minor dents and dings

vehicles. Conveniently

in a fraction of the time that

traditional smash repairer would take.

more information about Dent Doctor and

Services, visit their website https://www. dentdoctor.com.au or call 1800 242 668 to book

OPEN MIC NIGHTS AT KBF (FREE)

Discover Logan’s vibrant and diverse musical talent as musicians of all styles and skill levels perform at the Kingston Butter Factory Open Mic Nights. Kingston Cultural Precinct.

BEENLEIGH TOWN SQUARE MOVIE NIGHTTOM & JERRY (FREE)

Bring your own chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a free cup of popcorn if you are one of the first 100 to arrive. Beenleigh Town Square.

SHIMANO GRAND PRIX

LOGAN

The Shimano MTB Grand Prix is classic cross-country mountain bike racing at its best. Rocky Trail Entertainment takes competitors to some of the best mountain bike trails across the Australian east coast. Daisy Hill Conservation Park - Neville Lawrie Reserve.

MILKY WAY MARKETS

The Milky Way Markets are a twilight market like no other! Held on the 3rd Friday evening of every month, these markets are action packed with food stalls, live entertainment and fun for the whole family. Kingston Cultural Precinct.

SETTLING IN AT SCRUBBY CREEK (FREE)

Hear about the hardships and achievements of the Mayes and Kingston families as they settled into their new homes 150 years ago. Mayes Cottage House Museum.

LOGAN ORIGINALS

– LIVE

Talents hailing from Logan City, Sana Music and Mark Lowndes. Sana is an emerging young artist hailing from Logan City. If Jack Johnson and Stevie Wonder had a lovechild his name would be Mark Lowndes. Kingston Cultural Precinct.

LOGAN ORIGINALSLIVE MUSIC

Join in for a family day of fun at Woodhill Family Fair from 9 am to 3 pm. All proceeds will be going towards the new tennis court roof to provide the school’s students with a weather-safe place to play all year round. Woodhill State School.

LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL

This family friendly musical will run from Saturday 20 August for three performances until Sunday 21 August by dedicated cast of students from Kimberley College. Tickets are $25 for an adult and $15 for a student/child. For more details visit www.kimberley.college or tickets are available online at https://www. trybooking.com/CAUFQ

The Lingo Lin Performing Arts Theatre at Ormiston.

EATS & BEATS - BEENLEIGH

Eats and Beats will be venturing over to the south side of Logan for a night of fun, live music and great food. Logan River Parklands

THE SAPPHIRES

The Sapphires is one of Australia’s best-loved stories. Winning multiple awards as a play, film and soundtrack album there was one challenge left and that was to undertake a national tour of Australia. Logan Entertainment Centre.

FRI 7:30PM

FREE SINGING WORKSHOP

The fabulous Pauline is hosting a FREE French singing workshop on 27 August at 10 am. She teaches French songs and harmonies to people of all levels and ages and quickly gets people singing together with ease. Kingston Cultural Precinct.

31STWED

THE 22ND AUSTRALIAN ORCHID COUNCIL CONFERENCE

The 22nd Australian Orchid Council Conference is coming to Logan! This incredible five day event will feature orchid and foliage displays, benched orchids, photography, visual and floral art, and expert presenters from Australia and overseas. Logan Metro Sports Centre.

1300MOZZIE specialise in Mosquito, Midge and F ire Ant Management

For Fire Ants depending on the size of your problem we can direct nest inject into the Fire Ant nests, conduct large area spraying and UTV granular spread treatments for a tailored Fire Ant Management property plan.

For Mosquito Control we will inspect your property and identify at what stage the mosquitos are in their life cycle and provide either a spray and/ or a solid granular treatment solution or both that will effectively reduce and prevent the amount of mosquitos around your property and reduce the likelihood of future infestations around your property after our treatment.

For Midge Control we will spray and mist areas of your property structures, lawn and vegetation to create an invisible barrier treatment solution which will last for some time, reducing the annoyance, itch and grief that the midges may currently cause your family and friends while entertaining or just enjoying your outdoor areas around your property.

Dry hire of one or two side by side UTVs to businesses (the dry hire includes a registered trailer and lockable storage box) each UTV operates with its own petrol powered retractable compact 200L quikspray. The UTVs are conditionally registered, with strobes, reversing camera and beeper, safety equipment and helmets. Minimum 7 day hire from $880 per week.

We specialise in creating integrated monthly Mosquito and Midge management programs for Golf Courses, Resorts, Motels, Sporting Fields and Schools. From 30 cents per square metre. Minimum 1 acre (4000sqm).

It’s easy to admire houseplants. You can imagine how introducing a collection of greenery to your home could add a new dimension of texture, colour, and interest to your interior – but don’t forget that plants can be a lot of work.

Many people spend a small fortune on houseplants, purchasing the plants that they like the look of or that they think will complement a particular corner of their homes. What they so often neglect to do is a little research ahead of making their purchase to discover which plants would best suit their homes and their lifestyles. Some plants need to be in direct sunlight at all times, others need to be tucked away in dark corners. Certain plants can be left alone for weeks while their thirstier counterparts need watering twice a day.

If you have a hectic lifestyle – rushing out of the house early to drop the kids off before work and returning late in the evening only able to crash onto the sofa after you’ve put your children to bed – the last thing you’ll have time for is taking care of high-maintenance plants.

1. Snake Plant

During the winter months, it barely needs watering at all, while it prefers a twice-monthly drink in warmer temperatures. Snake plant can survive in rooms with very little light, although it will grow larger if placed in a brighter spot.

2. Bamboo Palm

A shade loving palm particularly suited to growing in pots either indoors or on patios and verandas. Named ‘Bamboo Palm’ due to its multi-stemmed growth habit, resembling that of bamboo. A great air-purifying plant for indoor spaces and offices. They are also very hardy and low maintenance and are happy with a weekly water as a general rule.

3. Peace Lily

The peace lily is one of the best air-purifying plants you can get. A sunny spot, weekly watering and light, mid-week spray-bottle spritzes makes them happy.

4. Rubber tree (ficus elastic)

Much like their large, waxy leaves, rubber trees are super tough and require very little maintenance at all. Because rubber trees can also be grown outside, they can tolerate sunlight and can survive with little water.

5. Dracaena

If you're looking for a large indoor plant, you really can't go wrong with a dracaena in your living room. These tall and spindly guys are happy with a drink once a week and as long as the soil dries between watering, you're looking at one super-chilled plant.

DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CAR MAINTENANCE

When it comes to car maintenance knowledge, there are a lot of opinions out there. A lot of this so-called advice is questionable, and may not be good advice at all. At worst, there is a lot of fake news floating around, too. The problem is that many car repair myths are very believable, which is why it’s important to be able to identify what is true and what is not. In this article, we let a real auto mechanic debunk the most common myths when it comes to car repair, and how you can avoid wasting money on a misinformed repair job.

Myth #1: You Should Change Your Oil Every 5000km

Once upon a time, you may have had to change your oil frequently, but the truth is that modern cars are designed to run a lot longer without an oil change. Superior engine design and the advancement of synthetic fuels have improved overall oil consumption figures greatly. On average, you can look at covering around 12,000km before needing an oil change. But this figure is also dependent on how you drive. If you live in a dusty climate and do a lot of start-and-stop driving, then you’ll need to get your oil changed more frequently.

It’s best to get advice from a reputable service facility that can advise you correctly on when to change your oil.

Myth #2: You Can Ignore Warning Lights For a While

Warning lights are designed to do exactly what the name says: give you a warning. When your engine light comes on, that’s a serious warning that something isn’t right with your engine. If you choose to ignore it, you risk inflicting major damage. Whenever you see a warning light come on, it’s a sign that urgent attention is required. It could be your tire pressure, your windshield fluid, or even your brakes that need attention. No one wants to place themselves and others in the way of danger, so best to get it checked out.

Myth #3: Premium Fuel Is A Sales Tactic

The type of gas you put in your car affects the car’s performance and efficiency. A lot of vehicle brands like Audi, Mazda and Hyundai recommend running 95 Premium as a minimum RON in all their models. When lesser fuel is used instead, it can result in engine knock - a damaging effect inside the motor and can over time result in an expensive engine rebuild/ repair. This is a common occurrence in the VAG 1.4L TSi motor engines where the piston cracks.

Although cheaper, Ethanol-based fuels like E10 91RON, are generally not recommended unless fuel system cleaners are used periodically, like at service time. Long-term use can leave deposits behind in the fuel system, resulting in a poorly running vehicle. While some vehicles do have E10 suitable stickers inside the fuel cap, it can still be a MIN 95 RON vehicle. This can be confusing for an owner.

The reason it is there is that it gives the driver a supplement fuel to use if 95RON is not available at the time (such as in rural towns). Here you would fill your vehicle with enough fuel to get to the next service station where 95RON is available, taking care not to stress your motor while it is running on the E10 fuel or add an octane booster in along with the E10.

If you are unsure about what fuel you should be running to get the best out of your vehicle contact your mechanic, who should be able to assist and also consider how you use your vehicle.

Myth #4: Factory Dealerships Are More Professional

There is a dominant misbelief that factory dealerships offer a superior auto repair service. The truth is that factory dealerships are often more expensive on their parts and their labour. When you go through a reputable auto shop such as BMS Automotive, you have a much better chance of meeting the mechanic responsible for your car. Top-line independent shops pride themselves on offering a personal touch.

According to a Consumer Reports survey conducted in 2014, independent mechanics fared better than dealerships when it came to customer satisfaction, quality, and price. Think twice before booking your car into a factory

dealership. If it’s the personal service you’re after, then an independent mechanic may be just the move you need.

Myth #5: You Need To Warm Up Your Car Before You Drive

The truth is that engine parts don’t require a lengthy warm-up period. Most require a couple of seconds before they’re good to go. Keep in mind too those certain moving parts, such as your transmission and wheel bearings, require movement to warm up. Idling your car endlessly in the drive just consumes more fuel. For the vast majority of cars, a couple of seconds is all your car needs before it’s ready to go.

WE E K E ND Getaways Gold Coast

The first thing that usually comes to people’s minds when they think of the Gold Coast is its beaches. The seemingly endless stretch of sands adorns many postcards and tourism posters.

However, as Australia’s holiday capital the Gold Coast is not just home to beautiful beaches, is just the tip of the iceberg. With a fantastic range of attractions, thrilling theme parks, ancient rainforests, shopping, a vibrant dining and cultural scene, major events and more! It’s a true entertainment playground. There is something new to discover around every corner.

Whether it’s watching the sunrise at Burleigh, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking with Go Vertical at the beautiful Budds Beach, fishing

at Main Beach, taking in the golden sand at Surfers Paradise or surfing with the pros at Coolangatta, there’s a spot reserved for you on the spectacular coastline that draws visitors locally and from all over the world.

But did you know it wasn’t always called the Gold Coast.

Originally, the Gold Coast was known as the South Coast because it was south of Brisbane. However, over-inflated prices for real estate and other goods and services led to the nickname "Gold Coast" from 1950. Initially, South Coast locals considered the name "Gold Coast" derogatory. However, soon the "Gold Coast" simply became a convenient way to refer to the holiday strip from Southport to Coolangatta.

As the tourism industry grew into the 1950s, local businesses began to adopt the term Gold Coast in their names and on 23 October 1958 the Town of South Coast was renamed Town of Gold Coast. The area was proclaimed a city, despite the lack of a cathedral, less than one year later on 16 May 1959.

In the 1980s, the area boomed as a leading tourist destination and today is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia. So, on your next weekend getaway, why not discover the charisma of the coast for yourself.

ENCOURAGING THE FUN OF LEARNING

By Brigitte Hawkins, local tutor

Inspiring children to want to learn, an astute leader relishes voluntary, enthusiastic and inquisitive participation above all and by all.

Instinctively, every person, and especially our youngest citizens, want to learn. You don’t have to be in schools to see the evidence – local libraries, shopping malls, parks, beaches, zoos, sporting competitions, gyms, swim schools, ovals, the EKKA, theatres, theme parks, National Parks… are teaming with families having fun and learning lots. Furthermore, the list of places – especially in Australia – where kids as well as adults find it easy to engage in learning, is endless.

However, when it comes to a place called National Curricula, students are not so keen or inspired, the agenda not so appealing or motivating, and the process not so clear or easy to follow. For many kids, these more structured surroundings seem more vigorous for conforming rather than creating.

How then can we create the fun of learning in not only our more academic environments, but in all the environments so our young and old can be inspired to learn and have fun?

Certainly, when children are out and about in our communities with their families participating in the wide range of activities available, one can easily note the main reasons for such enthusiasm for fun and learning – positive adult participation, stimulating resources and real-life scenarios.

During these past couple of years, our families have had to spend more time helping their children with the required academic agendas which was, and still is, an enormous task. Hopefully, back then as well as now, families are able to make time for some fun; and put voluntary, enthusiastic and inquisitive participation above all else.

Are you looking for ways to prevent your drains from blocking? Have you tried everything from a simple home recipe on how to clear a blocked drain to having a professional come clear them time and time again? Worry no more! Here are some quick and easy things you can do to avoid your drains from blocking.

Use a Drain Strainer

Small debris is one of the main reasons for having a clogged drain. One way to prevent these from getting inside your drain is by using a drain strainer. A drain strainer is a stainlesssteel object you can place on the opening of your drainage, which will help prevent debris from getting inside your drain pipes. Similar strainers are available for your shower drain. Be sure to clean your strainers after use.

Avoid Disposing of Cooking Grease in the Kitchen Sink

Some people might think that disposing of used cooking oil in the kitchen sink is not a big deal. This is because cooking grease is not solid, but the thing is, it can still stick to the insides of the pipes. This grease will stay on that surface and build up as time goes by. To solve this, disposing of used cooking oil should be done by placing it in a can or jar. After filling your container, you can throw it out in the trash bin.

Never Flush Non-Toilet Paper Products When using the toilet, the only thing you should be flushing is toilet paper. Flushing other objects like wipes and sanitary products like pads and tampons have to go in the garbage since these items are made of plastic and cotton. Flushing these things will cause blocked pipes and can permanently damage your whole sewer system. As a result, you might have to replace all of your drains.

Have Regular Pipe Inspections

Prevention is better than cure. It's recommended you regularly have the status of your drainage checked by a professional, around every 2-3 years. It is better to avoid it from getting clogged than having to find ways to clear it out. A licensed blocked drain plumber will check your drain pipes to see if there are problems with them. They will also give you useful and legitimate advice.

WHERE THE PLATE?

Can you believe we’re in the second half of the year already! So much has happened since our June issue, we’d thought we’d give an update on how ‘Where the Plate’ is travelling.

This community initiative, launched by us, is aimed at bringing people together and strength ening the Logan community. Over the past 6 months, the plate has taken on a life of its own. It has been passed on from business to busi ness around the Logan area, since it started its journey with Arwen from Devon Pixies. The plate has been shared by the community over 10 times now!

Since the last trade, the plate was passed from Deborah from Muse: Crystals & Mystical Gifts to Dennis Nielsen from Nielsen's Native Nursery. Located in Loganholme, for the past 28 years, Nielsen’s Native Nursery is a fam ily-operated business, that has been proudly promoting the use of Australian native plants across South East Queensland. Their goal is to show how Australian natives can offer all of the colour and vibrancy of their international counterparts.

The plate continued on its journey when it was passed on from the Nielsen's Native Nursery to Martin and the team at The Local Fisho in

Loganholme with a travel coffee mug and a stubbie, both with beautiful 3D moving patterns. This family owned and operated fish and chip shop, located along the Pacific Highway, has been serving up delicious fresh and cooked to order seafood for their customers since they opened in 2013.

Due to the success of the first plate, we have launched a second plate into the Logan community. What better place to start that at Helloworld Travel in Rochedale South, with the lovely Tina and Jess. Planning to Travel? Tina and her team are ready to help you create your trip a lasting memory.

Stay tuned for the next destination for the ‘Where is the Plate?’. We also encourage readers to check out the hashtag #whereis theplatelcg and like or follow the participating businesses or stop by for a visit.

You can also follow the journey on the Logan City Guides Facebook page, https://www.face book.com/logancityguides/.

WATER HEALTH PROGRAMS CLEAR RUBBISH FROM RIVERS

Water health programs clear rubbish from rivers Logan City Council is supporting three vital programs to improve the health of local waterways.

A 20-year initiative between Council and Healthy Land and Water (HLW) is drastically re ducing the number of single-use plastic bottles and cans in the Logan and Albert rivers.

Council also works with social enterprise Substation 33 to have clean-up crews collect rubbish along Slacks and Scrubby creeks.

Crews collect the items from the water and riverbanks, and record data on what is being collected.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the work has led to a boost in river and creek health.

“Council understands the importance of dedicated and ongoing clean-ups across our waterways and natural areas,” Cr Power said.

“The benefits, both for the waterways and our city, are obvious.”

Council is also funding a local river clean-up by Brisbane-based Ocean Crusaders.

Their volunteer-driven program is assisting flood recovery efforts by collecting larger items that were washed into the Logan and Albert

rivers during the severe weather in February and March.

Collected items include tyres, plastic pipes and steel and timber from pontoons and jetties.

Cr Power praised the volunteers’ efforts.

“Ocean Crusaders volunteers are doing a remarkable job by helping to restore the health of our local waterways,” Cr Power said.

Supporting the three river clean-ups comple ments environment initiatives announced earlier this month as part of Council’s ‘Building on today for a brighter tomorrow’ budget.

Initiatives funded by the Environmental Levy include the Logan and Albert River Visions, which are 50-year plans to support the health of the city’s two major waterways.

Council will also continue its campaign to achieve net zero by the end of this year and retain certified carbon neutrality status.

INTRODUCING THE SCOOTER GANG INC.

Dreams do come true when you have the community behind you. As Logan West resident Lillian Stranic, 74, discovered when she launched The Scooter Gang. As a result of a dream and passion she had to ignite community spirit and bring diverse community members and groups together to ensure “ev eryone belongs”. So, together with co-founder, Bill Lorigan, they created The Scooter Gang.

“The Scooter Gang is for Logan West residents, especially for over 50 looking to connect and boost their well-being through social activities. The ‘scooter’ refers to the mobility scooters group members ride on – but anyone over 50 is also welcome to join with or without a scooter”, Lillian said.

Recently, the group has moved into a new home in the Logan West Community Centre in Hillcrest, thanks to volunteers and supporters like Division Seven Councillor Tim Frazer, Linus Power MP, Dr Jishu Das Gupta (JD) and many others.

Currently, The Scooter Gang meets regularly on Tuesdays at the Logan West Community Cen tre. The meetings are predominantly focused on creating friendly, relaxed and proactive health-boosting activities like Tai Chi, which are held every Tuesday from 1pm. More activities are in the process of being incorporated into the program such as a presentation of crystals and potentially fresh flower arranging.

“I want to be able to help our community – I’m talking about seniors here – because they don’t get much help, especially Logan West areas,” Lillian said. “There is a lot of loneliness among elderly people over 50, you’d be surprised”.

“My hope and goal would be to establish Scoot er Gang right across the country if I can. You never know. This is not only needed in Logan West – this sort of thing is needed across Australia.”

“However, The Scooter Gang is not a solo effort and more help will be needed to turn it into a flourishing community group” Lillian stressed, “I don’t want to be known as it’s all me. It’s not, it’s everyone put together, it's a team effort. We’ve had some amazing supporters along the way”.

Currently, they are looking for local business es to donate gifts to raffle off in the upcoming Father’s Day and Xmas raffle. Any gift can be posted to The Scooter Gang’s PO Box 1311, Park Ridge 4125. If you would like to help The Scooter Gang in their fundraising efforts, they will be at the Browns Plains Plaza once a week, if you wish to purchase a ticket in the raffle.

For more information on The Scooter Gang or wish to join, contact organiser Lillian on 0400 779 088 or email Thescootergang2021@out look.com. Alternatively, stay up to date via their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/thescootergang.

SNAP FITNESS WINDAROO IS NOW OPEN!

Looking for a gym with brand new, stateof-the-art equipment and lots of support from a friendly, professional team?

Then look no further than Snap Fitness Windaroo! This brand-new gym recently held its Grand Opening on Saturday the 16th of July.

Decked out with the latest and best technology and equipment, to help towards your health and fitness goals.

It was a fantastic morning, with face painting available for the kids (and adults), Food sampling by local businesses and lots of giveaways and prizes, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

On the day of the Grand Opening, Snap Fitness Windaroo awarded local athlete, Joss Brass with a sponsorship at the gym. Born with a condition called Sacral Agenesis/ Caudal Regres, Josh is an active sportsman,

competing in multiple sports including swimming, wheelchair basketball and his favourite wheelchair tennis.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Snap Fitness Windaroo. It was a complete surprise when they awarded me with a sponsorship at the club,” commented Josh, “The backing of our local club means so much to my development as an athlete and the community.”

For more information about Snap Fitness Windaroo, visit their website https://www. snapfitness.com/au/gyms/windaroo or call 0458 304 405 to speak to one of their friendly team.

Australia has some of the best conditions in the world for producing solar energy.

It is estimated that solar energy could produce up to 60 per cent of Australia’s energy needs, which would dramatically reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

Now, with solar panels on the rise for many homes, there has been a surge in popularity of these power sources; with solar installations proving to be one of the best solutions for increasing sustainability while also conserving natural resources.

Still not convinced? Here are some benefits of using this renewable energy source.

Renewable energy

Solar power systems derive energy from the sun. Panels on your roof help reduce carbon emissions and bring down our collective dependence on fossil fuels. By installing solar, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also doing your bit to increase renewable energy generation when you export energy from the panels to the grid.

Reduce what you pay for electricity

Generating your own electricity means that you will be using less from the utility supplier. This will immediately translate to savings on your energy bill. Plus, you can also make money by selling the unused electricity, which you have generated, back to the grid. This is called a ‘feed-in-tariff’. How much you save will be dependent on the size of your solar system and your electricity usage.

The more energy you produce, the less you will need from the supplier which will increase your energy self-reliance.

Property value increase

If you’re looking to sell your home, the installation of solar power systems can increase its value. Based on surveys, most Australians think that solar panels add value to a property and estimates suggest that a 5kW solar panel installation could add around $29,000 to the value of a house. That’s a bright investment.

Low maintenance costs

Solar power systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them relatively clean; cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. After covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work. The average cost of an annual inspection with a qualified inspector is about $150.