Toomulla News

AED (Defibrillator) available at little library in Herald Street

Well, our fantastic author Len is taking a well-deserved holiday, and has asked me to write the newsletter this month. It has been a long time since I have written so I am hoping I can do this as well as Len!

The second round of Lucky Numbers has started, and we have had two winners already winning $50 each Shellyweek 1 & Darryn – week 2. Good luck to everyone for the next three weeks. The 50 numbers sold very quickly this time round.

Mother’s Day is coming up and we have a beautiful Hamper to give away to one lucky member of the Community Association. Membership cost is only $5 per household, and this gives you the chance of winning any of our 3 giveaways throughout the year – Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. You are also eligible for a discount on the Community Christmas Party.

There are a couple of upcoming events for the month of May, firstly we are having a Morning with Cr Margie Ryder on Saturday 27th May starting with breakfast at 8.30am then 9.30am Cr Ryder will have open discussion & updates with the community.

Tony Barton from Ornatas Lobster Farm will also be in attendance to talk to people & give an update on what is happening over on the other side of Saltwater Creek where those lovely Lobsters are growing.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto will also be coming along to talk to residents and answer any questions or queries throughout the morning. We welcome everyone to come along if you are available to listen & talk to all three speakers as well as enjoy some breakfast with everyone. Shelly Beans Coffee is also coming along so you can purchase a coffee to have with your breaky.

Our next event will be the first game for the State of Origin, on the Big Screen at Brett & Kaylene’s place at 8 The Esplanade. There will be a gold coin donation Sausage Sizzle, Shelly Beans Coffee, our lovely resident coffee lady will be there with coffee & soft drinks for sale. It all starts at 6.30pm & finishes at Full Time on Wednesday 31st May. So, wear your supporters gear and come along and cheer on your team. Everybody is welcome, please bring along a chair & BYO drinks. Go Queenslander!!

As a committee member for the Rollingstone Pineapple Festival, which is well and truly into the planning stages, I can promise you that it is looking like one spectacular festival for this year. This festival cannot happen unless you have volunteers who help with the organizing, setup, running on the day and then the cleaning up the next day. So, if you would like to be a volunteer on the day please contact Suzi Vincent - svincent@westnet.com.au

Please remember if you would like to add anything into the newsletter next month please email me at schwarzee1959@gmail.com

I would like to wish all the lovely mothers in the community a very Happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy your day. Cheers, Rhonda.

Hello Rag Readers, Acting Senior Constable Sophie HORROCKS of Kirwan Station has already spent 4 weeks relieving at Rollingstone Station with another 8 weeks to go. We are lucky to have her in the community with us and one of her first tasks was to enter an article in the Rolly Rag regarding the QPS response to Domestic Violence. Thanks for your contribution Sophie read on. TJ

Each month of May the Queensland Government focuses community awareness towards the effects domestic and family violence (DFV) in the community. The entire month is dedicated to raising the awareness and effects of Domestic and Family Violence on our community.

As it is Prevention Month, I have put together some information for Rollingstone readers about what domestic violence is, the role Police have and what support services are available in the local Townsville and Ingham areas.

What is domestic and family violence (DFV)?

DFV occurs when one person in a relationship uses violent, threatening or abusive behaviour to maintain power and control over the other person.

DFV does not always involve physical violence. A wide variety of abusive behaviours including coercive control, emotional, sexual, verbal, or financial abuse, harassment or intimidation, damage to property or threats to do any of these things.

Under Queensland Legislation DFV is recognised in several different types of relationships:

• Spousal – defacto partners, biological parents of a child, or same-sex couples.

• Intimate personal – two people in an established relationship - which does not have to be sexual.

• Family – related by blood or marriage, or culturally related.

• Informal care – an unpaid carer who assists with day-to-day living.

What police will do when you make a domestic violence report:

Police take domestic violence seriously. If you call us to report a domestic violence incident that is happening now or has just happened, our first priority will be the safety of the people involved.

Under the Domestic Violence (Family

Protection) Act 2012, if Police reasonably suspect domestic violence is happening or has just happened, we must investigate. In order to do this we are provided lawful powers to enter and search the premises to ensure people are safe from any further harm and violence and to gather evidence. We will liaise with all people involved to determine what has occurred, we may require the names and addresses of any person involved.

How do Police protect victims?

In Queensland, a person who commits domestic violence is called the respondent and the person who needs protection is called the aggrieved. We have a duty of care to protect the aggrieved and under legislation:

• If Police believe domestic violence has taken place, we can issue a Police Protection Notice (PPN) to the respondent. In its most basic form it requires the respondent to be of good behaviour and not commit domestic violence against the aggrieved – or associated persons (children).

• When necessary addition conditions may be sought on the PPN to prevent the respondent from contacting the aggrieved, coming within a certain distance of a premises or other restrictions.

• If we believe the aggrieved is in immediate danger the respondent may be taken into custody for up to four hours and during this time Police will make application for a Protection Order.

• If the aggrieved has been hurt, property damaged or other criminal behaviour substantiated Police may charge the respondent with those offences criminal offences WITHOUT A COMPLAINT FROM THE VICTIM, this is in addition to making application for a Protection Order.

A PPN and Application for a Protection Order will go to Court and will be assessed by a Magistrate who determines if a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) will be granted. The respondent will not receive a criminal record or be imprisoned when the protection order is made. But, if they breach the conditions of the protection order, criminal charges may be instigated.

Help and support for victims of domestic violence:

If you do not feel comfortable contacting or talking to Police about DFV, there are several specialist support and services available in Townsville and Ingham to provide help and support with the application process for victims of DFV. You can also ask us to make a referral to an appropriate support agency for you, or go there yourself. These services also provide information about private applications, where you can apply for a Domestic Violence Order yourself, without Police intervention.

These agencies include:

North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service (NQDVRS):

390 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810 (07) 4721 288 http://www.nqdvrs.org.au

Hinchinbrook Community Support

MCILWRAITH STREET, Ingham QLD 4850 (07) 4776 1822 https://www.hcsc.org.au/servicessupport/ http://www.dvconnect.org

DV Connect 1800 811 811 24/7 crisis phone line providing confidential advice and counselling as well as referral to crisis accommodation for women and children escaping DFV.

DV Connect Mensline 1800 600 636 Statewide phone line providing confidential advice, referral and information services to men affected by DFV.

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

A national service providing counselling to people affected by sexual assault, domestic violence or family violence. You can phone this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lastly, if you need to report non-urgent police matters you can contact PoliceLink - 131 444. And always, if an emergency is happening now, your life or property is in immediate danger or an event is time critical ALWAYS call Triple Zero – 000.

Domestic Violence is not restricted to men dominating women. All people can be victims of Domestic Violence and police will investigate with impartiality.

A/S/Con HORROCKS

Rollingstone Station.

There was quite a good attendance and the Reports by the President, Treasurer & History Project Convenor were read revealing continued progress by the Association in tending the needs of the area while maintaining a healthy balance of funds despite the many increases in costs. The Townsville City Council’s Maintenance contribution was continued when the PDCA pointed out that work undertaken by the Community came at a fraction of the cost that it would take the Council to do it.

The election of officers brought about several changes with Juanita Poletto becoming the Secretary and Anneshka Brown the 1st Vice President. President Jamie Oliver and Treasurer Wilfred Karnoll retained their positions as did committee members Lynn Hyland, Jill Meads, Ross Hyne and Charlie Allen. Two new committee members were elected; Leonie Crennan & Linda Whitley.

Following the AGM there was the normal General Meeting which brought forth some ideas including the reinstatement of “Christmas in July” and the “Paluma after Dark”, which has been held a few times recently, will be held bi-monthly as a regular event. Other events were put forward for consideration.

It was a big Easter at Paluma with lots of visitors to the village, both day visitors, renters and campers who stayed on for a few days. The local accommodation was fully booked and reports are that the camp ground at the Paluma Dam was at capacity. There were certainly a lot of people out and about enjoying the beautiful Autumn weather and all that Paluma has to offer.

The fundraising efforts for the PDCA on the day were outstanding. The Sausage Sizzle alone took over $630.00 and thanks go to Don, Leslie, Anneshka and Jill for keeping everyone fed. Lynda made the delicious coleslaw for the BBQ. Jill was a roving volunteer who popped up everywhere and between herself and Colin the coffee/tea stall raised $80.00. Stella’s contribution of freshly baked scones with jam and cream were a delicious addition to the coffee/tea stall, giving people the opportunity to enjoy a Paluma-style version of ‘Devonshire tea’

PALUMA BAKER’S STALL

The Paluma Bakers Stall made a record profit of some $454.00. Once again the Kitchen Goddesses of the village excelled themselves with their efforts. Eleven ladies baked to their hearts content to produce a huge variety of cakes, slices, biscuits and other sweet treats. Anneshka and Bronwyn deserve special mention as they both went above and beyond.

Anneshka donated a huge variety of goods including freshly baked hot-cross buns. Bronwyn’s gluten free options and very glamorous baked treats sold like’ hotcakes’ and were all snapped up early in the day. Thanks to the following ladies for their outstanding and very generous contributions for the cake stall – Stella, Ros, Bronwyn, Jill, Anneshka, Julia, Jan, Lynn, Michele, Bobbie and Jennie. Charlie ran the cake stall, assisted by Michele.

Other funds were raised on the day from an Easter raffle run by Wilfred. The raffle raised over $140.00 and the Easter egg and chocolate-filled food hamper was won by ‘Jessie’ ,a visitor to the village staying at one of the cottages on Mt Spec Road. Con the Fruiterer (aka Wilfred) raised $165.00 from the sale of produce (pineapples and bananas, etc). Les and Lynn report that the Paluma History (books and card sales) raised $124.00. Peter and Jan ran the book stall as fund-raising for the Paluma Rural Fire Brigade.

The overall success of the Paluma Easter Market and the impressive fundraising for the community is possible due to the generous contribution of time from the many volunteers in planning, setting up and cleaning up on the day. Thank you to all of the volunteers from the community, well done and a big thank you! And a similar big thank you to all those residents and their visiting friends and families who stopped in at the market to buy a sausage sizzle, some baked goods for morning/afternoon tea and to shop at the numerous stalls. Your support is greatly appreciated. Well done Paluma!

The monthly Working Bee at Paluma was held on Easter Saturday (8 April). A small group of volunteers turned up to undertake some much-needed tasks around the village. Colin and Richard carried out work along the Rainforest Walking Track in installing a new bench seat. Charlie, Anneshka, Wilfred and Michele took on the unenviable task of continuing the clean-up along the road verge at the Loop Road.

The clean-up involved trimming back the overgrown vegetation on the road side and in the table drain including dead wood, overhanging low branches, encroaching sword grass and a variety of introduced weeds including dense patches of Singapore daisy. They also tackled the last of the lantana along the (raised wall) road verge at the top of Loop Road. It was hard but satisfying work in tidying up this area, removing some noxious invasive weeds and (hopefully) improving the stormwater flow to the culvert at the bottom of Loop Road. They were rewarded with a cool drink at the end of the session and some of them took home some leeches and ticks for their efforts.

Another improvement undertaken by Wilfred and Colin was the replacement of the ramp leading to the main door of the Community Centre. The timber has been there since before the Centre was opened in 2001. The next Working Bee will be held on Saturday 6th May so save the date and take up the challenge!

The Paluma Rural Fire Brigade celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Saturday 15th August with an Open Day at the Community Centre. It was notable that three long-standing members were present ; Len Cook, a member since formation in 1983 and Les & Lynn Hyland who joined in March 1987.

A delicious barbeque lunch was provided and a commemorative cake was duly cut and shared with those present. Lynn Hyland gave a brief history of the Brigade’s early years when we had only a trailer with a tank and pump as our fire fighting equipment. The original shed, of which the slab still exists, was built in 1988 with a loan from the PDCA and served until the combined Community Centre was built in 2001.

We would like to congratulate Ian & Julia Anderson on their recent successes representing Arcadia Beach in the Easter Life Saving Carnival. Well done both of you.

You will find a splendid picture of a Cairns birdwing caterpillar on the Dutchman’s pipe vine on the verandah of the Community Centre. Picture was taken by Peter Cooke.

Fantastic weekend results on 22 and 23 April with 17 players (3 teams ) heading down to Sarina for Mens Handicap Pennants for Div 1 and 2 . Home they came with the flag for division 1 and Division 2 saw Mystic coming 1st and 2nd Another Flag !!!

Awesome and thanks to everyone involved in making the weekend such a success.

Bring on July events!

1st Ladies Open

2nd Prostate Cancer 3 Ball Ambrose Event

15th & 16th Mens GNQ Women’s Handicap

22nd & 23rd Pennants

Mick and his team are madly working on getting some major works actioned including gardens and course tracks so course is improving by the week.

Vets and Bushrangers have been having big fields and with the humidity finally going, fields are filling up for our competitions.

April monthly Medal winners were::

Mens Div 1—Travis Reinders Nett 73, Winner; Darren Beavis Nett 75, Runner Up Mens Div 2 Allan Laundess Nett 71, Winner; Lindsay Pemberton Nett 77, Runner Up

Mens Div 3 Rod Charleston Nett 80 Winner; Nick Walker Nett 84, Runner Up

Ladies Rhonda Gurd Nett 73, Winner; Emma Perkins Nett 75, Runner Up

Congratulations to all, you qualify for November Medal of Medallist

Save the date for:

2nd July Prostate Cancer 3 Ball Ambrose

13th August Breast Cancer Fun Day 3 Ball Ambrose

26th August Pineapple Pairs

Lots happening down the club, pop for a drink, a round or a meal its all happening at the resort.

Remember to hit ‘em long, hit ‘em straight, but most of all have fun. Gurdie

Mystic Sands Bowls

Another successful month for Mystic Sands bowlers. Thursday nights have been well attended and with caravaners starting to head north, numbers will increase over the next few weeks.

Star bowlers over the last 4 weeks have been Emma Perkins, Big Barry O, bowler, and the gold man Bruce Smallbon, and of course, "the general" Mr Perko.

Good to welcome back Tom and Trudie, with their neighbours Chris and Rachael. Others back are Pom, Tom and Rosie, Hillary and Chelsea

On the bowls circuit Tim, Trudie, Bruce, Irene and "the Pres" played at Cutheringa on jackpot day. The Pres playing skip led his team which included Trudie, to a 32 to 13 flogging of the home team. All the others had good games holding the Mystic banner up but no chocolates.

Three Mystic bowlers have been selected in the QRI challenge for Cutheringa. On the bad news side, we had to cancel the Smallbon Cup Day due to the hot weather and without a cover, duty of care came into play. Thank you to Noorla and Cutheringa bowlers for entering, we will play it in the winter. Keep watching the "Rag" for details.

Well that's all for another month. If you want fun and fitness come and join us Thursday nights from 5:30pm for a game and sausage sizzle. All for $5 and free tuition for HB beginners. Remember; if you don't use it, you could lose it. Till next month, happy bowling.

Seniors Enquiry Line is a state-wide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers.

We can help you with concessions, social activities, household assistance, retirement accommodation, financial and legal matters, health, education,

Kids Helpline

1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is a national, free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years.

(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

DVConnect Womensline

1800 811 811

DVConnect Womensline is a statewide telephone service offering free professional and non-judgemental telephone support to women who are experiencing domestic or family violence. They can help women to obtain safe refuge accommodation, confidential counselling and referral to other services.

(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Simply this is Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with others that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for Alcoholics Anonymous membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for Alcoholics Anonymous

Supporting Queensland Grandparents

The service was set up by the Queensland Government Department of Communities to support grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. For more information visit: https://www.grandparentsqld.com.au/

Lifeline 131114

Lifeline provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to crisis support and suicide prevention services.

(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

DVConnect Mensline

1800 600 636

DVConnect Mensline is a statewide telephone service offering free confidential counselling, referral and support to men affected by domestic or family violence.

(9am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week) membership. We are self supporting through our own contributions. Alcoholics Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution, does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses or opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

If you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol, please contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 4771 5411 or come to a meeting Monday nights 7pm at Rollingstone Rural Transaction Centre…...Phone: 4771 5411

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, IT IS VITAL THAT YOU TUNE INTO YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATION