The Village Pump 11/11/22

The The

ILLAGE VPUMP

Samford Arts Trail starts this weekend

playing strings of many shapes including Celtic harp, ukulele, guitar, delightful vocals, with a gentle groove to carry it all.

There is so much for the whole family to experience at this year’s community event. Here’s just some of what we have planned.

MUSIC FOR ALL TO ENJOY

Like many young women her age, 21-yr-old Samford Valley local, Sinead Skorka-Brennan dreamed of finding the perfect job. One that would build her confidence but also give her independence and job satisfaction. In a world where preconceptions about disability are still an issue, she was finding employment opportunities really difficult to come by. You see, Sinead is a young woman with Down Syndrome and because of this, she is often treated like a child, instead of a young adult.

Anticipation is building for the Samford and Surrounds Arts Trail and Open Studios, commencing this weekend and continuing for the next four weekends in June. Thirty five local artists will display their talents throughout the Samford Valley, Samford Village, Yugar through to Warner, Cedar Creek, Clear Mountain and Dayboro. Join the talented artists and artisans for a great day out (or several!) in our beautiful region.

You can pick up a Studio Guide (which includes a map) from the Slab Hut in Samford, Information Centres and selected retail outlets in the area, or head to www. creativesamford.com/2019-arts-trail/ for a downloadable digital version. The Guide features the artists exhibiting in the Trails, as well as a great range of workshops on offer for you to enjoy.

Ironically, Sinead is an accomplished gymnast, having represented Australia at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in March this year, bringing home four medals, two of them gold in bar and beam events. She was also the recipient of the 2019 Dickson Young Sportsperson of the Year Award. You would think these achievements alone would open doors for her – but unfortunately not.

80 singers and musicians will perform this year - from blues, jazz, country, folk, contemporary, to singer songwriters and plenty of classic carols. Performers from the very young to super mature will turn out to entertain in a dozen shows dotted along the street including the Community Bank Samford Stage at John Scott Park, the Samford Veterinary Hospital Stage at the Samford Country Centre, Storyland presented by Samford Garage in the RSL grounds and the Mooey’s/Craig Doyle Real Estate Stage at – Mooey’s! You’ll be singing along as you experience this magical festival along Main Street.

For the first time this year, the Arts Trail will be working with MBRIT and Mountain Wine Tours to offer a ‘Wine and Art’ bus tour. This will be a great day out with wine tasting and food experiences, while enjoying a great variety of local art. Tours can be booked on the Mountain Wine Tours or Creative Samford websites.

Sinead hoped to work in aged care with the goal of improving the lives of those she cared for. Taking steps toward her goal, she completed a Certificate 3 in Aged Care and was looking for an employer to give her a chance. That employer was Anglicare Symes Grove, where Sinead secured a parttime role, helping residents with their daily needs two days a week.

in the wild - from beautiful big lions and elephants to the smalls of our very own endangered pygmy possum, the variety and numbers are overwhelming. As an artist, Danielle finds herself looking a lot deeper into every aspect of her surroundingsvisually, spiritually and emotionally.

Local market stalls will provide plenty of choices for your Christmas shopping – candles, art, books, jewellery, ceramics - and the Samford Support Network will be back again fundraising with their glow sticks and wands.

Drawing from these observations allows her to connect with the viewers of the resulting artwork. Danielle will donate a portion of the sale of artworks sold from this collection, to the corresponding animals’ preservation fund, in your name. Danielle’s studio is Number 23 in the Arts Trails booklet.

“I make cups of tea and coffee and serve meals and drinks. I feed someone if they can’t feed themselves. I help with activities like craft or physio classes, take residents for walks, or push someone in a wheelchair or wheelie bed so that they can participate in special activities, for example in a concert. I will also run activity programs in the future,” said Sinead.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Your kids won’t know where to go first! Storyland in the RSL grounds will have storytelling, books, children’s craft activities and singing; Mooey’s carpark will transform into a petting zoo with popcorn, face painting and a chillout zone; roving street entertainers will amaze with stilt walkers, angels on skates, bubble blowers and of course the incredible flame throwers. And let’s not forget - we’ve been in touch with Santa’s elves to ensure they get Santa to drop by too!

numbers increasing every year,” she said. The trails will run from 10am to 4pm over the first four weekends in June, with the fifth weekend playing host to some great workshops. This is your chance to get your friends together and enjoy a great day out

Kelsey Berrington: Kobble Creek based singer/songwriter Kelsey delivers songs straight from the heart. From busking at high school, Kelsey has opened for Australian acts and played festivals including Woodford Folk Festival.

Asked what she liked most about her job, Sinead said, “I like helping other people. That is why I had the idea to work in Aged Care already since High School. I find it most rewarding when I am able to make the residents happy and can help to make their lives a little bit easier. I find it very rewarding to get to know each resident and know what their needs are and how they like something done. It makes me happy when they are happy.”

For more information, see the Creative Samford Website, keep up to date on Facebook www.facebook.com/ samfordartstrail, or contact Ann Russell at trails19@creativesamford.com.

Wendy Murray: Another local favourite, Wendy quite rightly calls herself a musical chameleon; marinated in colours & flavours of jazz, blues, Latin, folk, and cabaret. This year she returns with the talented Triple Moon for some smooth Latin sound and lively beats.

FOOD AND MARKETS

There’ll be plenty of choices for eating, drinking and shopping with our local food outlets planning to stay open and provide some great specials for the night. To help them out, the Samford Stags will be serving up they’re famous BBQ in the Farmers Hall area and Meals on Wheels will have you covered with some amazing chocolate treats. The CWA ladies will have your Christmas treats to go at their CWA Hall stand, and we’ll have food trucks in John Scott Park, the Samford Country Centre, Mooey’s and other places along the street.

One of the artists featured this year is Danielle B Latta, owner of Running Duck Studio in Dayboro. This year, Danielle is undertaking an Endangered Project, whereby artwork will be created to draw attention to the plight of many animals

Enter the award-winning and critically acclaimed ABC documentary series Employable Me, which followed the stories of nine people with disabilities as they battled to find work. The documentary, which was aired in April, aimed to show potential employers the capable people behind their condition and highlight the importance for people to feel valued. Throughout the series, participants worked with experts, job coaches and their families to uncover their skills and talents and match them to roles that harnessed their strengths.

LOCAL MUSICIANS

Our focus remains firmly on local artists. Seasoned professionals will join our local choirs, alongside talented newcomers. Here’s a few to watch out for:

Anglicare Symes Grove Manager Sharon Marsden said Sinead had been a welcome addition to the team at the home. “We were thrilled to offer Sinead the chance to follow her passion of working in the aged care sector. She is a valued member of our team here at Anglicare and brings a lot of joy, compassion and empathy in the way she interacts with our residents.”

Christm on Main Street kicks off at 5pm with music from 5.30pm and running continuously until 8.30pm.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Creative

Inc. is the organiser of the

and Coordinator Ann Russell is hoping that this year’s Trails will attract new visitors as well as those returning to experience them again. “This unique art experience benefits not only the artists, but many other local businesses, with visitor

Kate B & Alex McLean : Much loved local identity Kate B teams up with top blues guitarist Alex McLean. Kate is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

Sinead believes that the series has made people more aware of what it’s like to have a disability and try to find a job. “It’s so much harder to even be invited for a job interview. Being in the Employable Me series was a huge opportunity for me to show that everyone has different qualities and strengths, disability or not,” she said.

A huge thank you to our sponsors and donors: Community Bank Samford (Bendigo Bank), Samford Garage, Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital, Mooey’s, Craig Doyle Real Estate, HMG Home Loans, iPlan Financial Services, Flametree Financial, Samford Variety Store, Peter Dutton MP, Nikki Boyd MP.

Real Estate 26-35

Christmas on Main Street is proudly presented by the SDPPA.

Real Estate .................................... 26-35 Trade & Business/Classifieds 36-46 Community Contact

Trade & Business/Classifieds 36-46 Community Contact 47

Image credits: the artists

@TheVillagePumpSamford

Pygmy Possum by Danielle B Latta

Samford

Arts Trail,

Happy Days by Lance Boucaut

E: editor@villagepump.org.au

VALE WALLY YOUNG

Samford Grove Retirement Village and wider community is mourning the passing of a true gentleman. Walter

(Wally)

Young of Samford Grove, Arana Hills and Paddington, passed suddenly on 20 September 2022. Wally’s funeral was attended by over 250 people – a true testament to the man.

Wally was heavily involved in the retirement village, taking the bus out for the older residents and organising a fish & chip collection every Friday night.

Supporting his wife Carol, he assisted at the Samford Slab Hut as assistant Treasurer and took it upon himself to upkeep the gardens out front. He also did deliveries for Stafford Meals on Wheels every Friday and the clients always loved his visits.

A ready smile and a really bad joke always greeted all who met him.

Condolences to his wife Carol and the wider family.

NEXT SDPPA MEETING

Wednesday 16th November 2022

Samford Community Hub (SCHUB).

7pm start. All welcome. Further information: secretary@samfordprogress.org.au.

JP’S IN THE COMMUNITY TRIAL EVENING SERVICE

Samford JPs in the Community would like to offer those who work full time an opportunity to access JP services. They are trialling an after hours service every Tuesday evening 5pm to 7pm at the SCHUB. The Tuesday and Thursday morning service from 9am to 12pm will continue at the SCHUB too.

If there are any registered JPs in the area who would be interested in joining the Samford JPs in the Community, please contact Ange Fairweather on 0433 119 811.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE COMMISSIONERS FOR DECLARATIONS

Justice of the Peace (Qualified)

Community Hub (SCHUB):

Tuesday & Thursday 9am -12noon

Tuesday evenings .................. 5pm - 7pm

Maggie Scattini (Mt Nebo) ........ 3289 8175

Peter Gloor (Cedar Ck) 0409 482 767

Peter Jackson (Camp Mtn) 3289 6495

John Green 0400 373 726

Ben Sorensen 0407 302 544

Sue Flinders (Kobble Ck) 0466 619 660

David Macdonald(S/Valley)...0452 406 050

Justin Desmond 0438 380 767

Julie Lummis (Armstrong Ck) 0404 606 575

Merv Brown 0408 748 133

Elliott Baldwin 0448 056 110

Linda Smith 0409 637 203

Anna Burden 0423 594 900

Liz Gibbs .................................. 3289 1700

Commissioner for Declarations

Alison Murphy 3289 2835

Don Goebel 0412 932 288

The

ILLAGE VPUMP

required. Please head to www.samfordprogress.org.au and click The Village Pump tab for dates, deadlines, rates and specifications.

ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL & COMPLAINTS

POLICIES

Our Advertising & Editorial Policy and Complaints Handling Policy can be found at www. samfordprogress.org.au - click on The Village Pump tab.

Photo by Pixabay

SCHUB FRIDAYS SEARCHING FOR A WISH-MAS TREE

As part of the Christmas on Main Street celebration on December 3, the lovely people from the Crafting Kindness group that meets at the SCHUB on the third Friday of the month are organising an activity for the young and young at heart to write their Christmas wishes on a decoration to hang on the Samford Wish-mas Tree.

The tree will be near the storytellers marquee in Storyland at the RSL grounds for the night and after the event will be outside Anita Rotteler’s Cape Diem Pro Te Natural Hairdresser, where additional ‘wishes’ can be attached in the lead up to Christmas. Anita has an accessible veranda outside her salon in Main Street. Hopefully the Samford Wish-mas Tree will become part of Christmas on Main for years to come.

Three storytellers will read and tell some of the beautiful Christmas stories (one of which is a special Samford tale) in a sparkling marquee. Baffies Oan (Samford’s wonderful bookstore at the Lifestyle Centre) will provide the books and have a range of great books for sale at their stall. There will also be children’s activities and some carols too!

Our slight problem is that we do not have a tree. If anyone has a tree that they could loan/donate to the group for this wonderful celebration, we would be very grateful. Please contact me on 0426 719 511 if you can help.

On November 11 at 3.30pm, by popular demand, psychotherapist Nadine is returning to the SCHUB for an exciting yet tranquil afternoon promoting mental

wellbeing. Cuppa and Chat will run from 2ish. Everyone is welcome.

A special thanks must go to all of our wonderful guests and supporters:

Mr Ian Ross, Mitchelton Rotary Club; Dr Judy Law, Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital; Chris Veraa, CQUniversity Australia; Arana Leagues Club; Mark Furner MP for Ferny Grove; Moreton Bay Regional Council; GACCQ German Australian Community Centre Qld; The Hills and District Chamber of Commerce; Major Christopher K Moroney, Battery Commander, 104th Battery 1st Regiment, RAA; Cr Steven Toomey; The University of Queensland; Golden Valley Keperra Lions Club Inc.; Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch Inc. Eirryn Flouch

FERNY AIMS HIGH AT SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT

On October 20th, Ferny Grove State High School celebrated the achievements of the Year 10, 11 and 12 students in their academic studies and in a wealth of co-curricular activities that enrich the school community at the 2022 Senior Awards Night.

The student recipients certainly lived up to the school motto “Always Aim High” and their four key values of Respect, Learning, Creativity and Community. A big

Julie Martin

Don’t need the presents or the decorations, just the tree, if anyone has one.

Photo by Cameron Stewart of Unsplash

congratulations to all of the recipients and special thanks to everyone involved in the planning and execution of the night!

Dr Judy Law, Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital presenting Onyx and Lukas with Agricultural Awards

WORK LOCAL

With high school and tertiary summer holidays fast approaching, now is a great time for anyone of age to consider a casual job, and where better to work than in your own local area. There are a range of local businesses looking for extra help and are willing to impart training and skills that will look great on a resume.

The established Famous Samford Patisserie and the brand new Fish Lips at Samford both encourage people from the area to apply for local roles, each noting a range of benefits to employing locally.

“Our business does well employing and supporting people form the community. Many of our best staff over the years have come from locals dropping into the Patisserie and asking about work,” Anthony Newton from The Famous Samford Patisserie said.

“Every year we try to put on a few new staff over the school holidays. Employing school age staff in the holidays allows them to work more shifts closer together. This is better for their learning and helps build their confidence,” he said.

Hayley Maginness from Fish Lips at Samford is similarly eager to meet locals wanting to drop in their resumes.

“We have had a great response from school students who are keen to work for us!” she said.

“Some benefits include knowing the local area and customers having a familiar face. Less travel time to our store also means greater availability to cover shifts when other staff are sick or unable to work.”

It’s not just high school students who

can benefit from working local, but those studying at tertiary institutions can also find flexibility and commuting ease by gaining employment in Samford.

“Many of our staff work casually while studying at Uni or TAFE. We can be flexible around their study and social commitments and they help us continue to provide great products and service,” Anthony said.

“We can support them with a job throughout their studies and once they finish, they hopefully move into their chosen profession with our very best wishes and recommendation,” he said.

Hayley Maginness agrees, “as we are open from 7am until 8pm, there are great benefits to hiring staff who are of university age.”

“We are always flexible to roster around university study times and days and have a range of roles available. There is also job variety with lots of skills available to be taught to eager learners,” she said.

For those looking to take the next step in hospitality, fine dining businesses such as AlFreshCo Catering are similarly interested in speaking to anyone from the area with a willingness to learn the industry.

“We have a number of great local kids

on our books. Just incredible youngsters who are learning the ropes in events and fine dining!” said Ashleigh McLeod from AlFreshCo Catering.

For anyone seeking a casual local job, Anthony recommends it’s best to drop into a business, introduce yourself and have a chat.

The Queensland Government has furthermore released a series of MicroCredentials for businesses and workers to develop jobs skills and to support the hospitality industry. Employees can gain new knowledge and upskill in a range of areas including compliance, service, management and business. More information is available at: www. qtic.com.au/workforce-development/ Micro-Credentialing

Tanya Hall

Think Pink Thank You

On behalf of the Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Centre, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the fundraising morning tea held at the Samford Bowls Club on Friday 21st October.

There were 110 guests and we raised $2,855 for this very worthy cause. What a fantastic effort!

Thank you to the ladies from the Samford Bowls Club setting out all the tables and my friends for providing the delicious morning tea. Many of the ladies modelled the beautiful clothes for the fashion parade, provided by Portofino.

Thank you to Sandra and Zoe for the attractive table decorations. Thank you also to the Samford Patchworkers who donated two beautiful quilts and a very attractive tote bag to be raffled.

I would also like to thank several businesses for their generous support. Our major sponsor, The Famous Samford Patisserie, Samford Design & Print, Spokes Café, Drakes, The Long Yard Larder, Four Seasons Organic, Nikki Boyd MP, Harvey Norman Everton Park and MaryAnne Morgan, Village Pump Editor, for her great support every year.

Once again, thank you so much to everyone who supported and helped make this a very successful and most enjoyable event. I could not have done this without all of you. Well done!

Pauline Clark Event organiser

BRIGHT SPARKS SHOWCASE

Following the Dayboro Workshop in August - Community and Business Resilience in the Changing Climate, sponsored by TAFE Small Business Solutions and hosted by the Moreton Climate Action Now campaign (CAN) - discussions were held regarding how to include young people’s visions for the future of the area.

What better way to explore possibilities than through tapping into the imagination? And so - the Dayboro 2032 & Beyond Student Bright Sparks Creative Challenge was born.

one roof at the Dayboro 2032 & Beyond Bright Sparks Exhibition at Dayboro State School on 28 and 29 October.

Around 40 people attended the gala opening launch by Cr. Grimwade on the Friday evening and students were excited to receive Certificates of Participation and to draw their own lucky envelopes, each of which contained a share of the total $1000 incentive and reward money donated by local Dayboro organisations and businesses.

“Conversation among participants and attendees was positive and encouraging as they viewed all the works, sharing and exploring ideas. Some pieces were so intricate, that a slide show was created to draw attendees’ attention to some of the fine details,” said Joy from CAN.

Students work included a mix of stories, drawings and models, covering a range of ideas from restoring the rail line to Dayboro to provide public transport, through installing an EV charging station at the post office, to students’ thoughts on what the sustainable house of the future could look like.

having their ideas and works valued while exploring and enhancing their skills,” said local organiser, Will Parker.

E: moretoncan@gmail.com

Spearheaded by the Moreton CAN campaign, students with an interest in Dayboro were invited to share, in a creative format, how they would like the Dayboro area to be in 10+ years. The challenge was an opportunity for citizens of the future to share their visions and aspirations for the area conveyed in a format of their choice - whether it be story, poem, artwork, or performance - and for guests to gain a glimpse of what the area could be like in ten years’ time, through their eyes.

Thanks to local community support including businesses, individuals, MBRC, the Queensland Conservation Council, and fundraising by the Moreton CAN campaign, the student creations were showcased under

“One of the participants explained that she had tried several methods to best demonstrate her idea - beginning with a story, moving onto trying to weave the piece, before settling on making a model.”

The Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards, which invites students in the region from years 9 to 12 to develop a business idea is due to recommence in Term 1 2023, so the Bright Sparks Challenge and Exhibition offered students, individually or in groups, a chance to hone their presentation skills.

“This event has the potential to strengthen the sense of community by engaging locals in supporting the development and creativity of local students to create a positive vision for the future, and to nurture, encourage and empower young people by providing opportunities for self-expression, working cooperatively around a theme and

2023 Climate

School. “This

what

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP

QCWA Samford and Samford Support Network have joined forces with Eastern Star Foundation to present a FREE introduction to electronic media workshop, spread over two days.

Topics to be covered will include mobile phone App installations; electronic safety, banking and shopping on-line; social media, emails, facetime and conference calls; and photography and video recording.

Bring your own laptop/tablet or phone. Make sure they are fully charged!

You’re invited to join in for a bit of fun and a cuppa while learning a few tricks about how to use electronic media safely. Get your questions answered by helpful people.

Samford Community Hub (SCHUB) 2204 Mt Samson Rd, Samford. 9.00am till 11.30am Saturday 19th and 26th November.

RSVP: Fiona on fmoody388@hotmail. com, or phone Lilah 0410 691 186.

Light refreshments from the Ladies of QCWA. This event is sponsored by Eastern Star Foundation. Photo by Sound On

Change by Maeve T, Dayboro State

is

I think Dayboro could look like if flooding is worse. Everyone will have to get around in boats.”

Dayboro House 2032 by Pippy B, Prince of Peace Lutheran College.

Crafting Kindness from Samford to Arnhem Land

Ramingining Health Service is a clinic in Arnhem Land providing health expertise to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Their Child and Maternal Health unit were extremely thankful upon recently receiving two large boxes of children’s and baby’s clothes, all handcrafted by Samford’s own Crafting Kindness group.

Running on the third Friday of every month, Crafting Kindness started in June this year. In its short five-months of operation, the group has clocked up an impressive quantity and array of crafted items to donate to charities Australia-wide. Lucie Verhelst from Crafting Kindness said that projects range across a variety of crafting categories, responding to what is needed in different areas.

“We receive requests to make items for community and community programs, so the type of craft we do depends on what they need us to make,” she said.

“It can be anything from knitting, crochet, beading, stitching, to paper collage, etc. All materials we use have generously been donated by crafty individuals from the community.”

Crafting Kindness also create items for a range of groups closer to home.

“In August there was a local carers conference organised by DETAIL, a local community group run by Kim Garthwaite, that focusses on mental wellbeing. We had been asked to make 100 tokens to put in the information bags they were handing out,” Lucie said.

The Caboolture Community Centre also received a large box of rugs, beanies, scarves, clothes and household linen.

“All recipients are very grateful for the articles we make.”

While Crafting Kindness was formed to help others, there has been a secondary

benefit to the small group meeting each month.

“Creativity brings people together. We use our hands and socialise at the same time. Being together while making things for other people brings joy, purpose, selfconfidence and new friends. And often it is much easier to talk shoulder-to-shoulder instead of face-to-face,” Lucie said.

Currently around ten people attend group sessions each month, and there is plenty more room for willing hands.

“The more the merrier! There are no craft skills required, so everyone is welcome, and men are very welcome too!” Lucie said. “This group is about being together, sharing the joy of making, learning new skills and giving back to the community.”

Anyone who would like to take part in Crafting Kindness can find the group at the Samford Community Hub (SCHUB) on the third Friday of each month between 2pm – 4.30pm.

Tanya Hall

The Library crew have been as busy as ever. Thank you to the Samford Valley Community Church for putting on the car boot sale. The Library crew had a great time, found lots of bargains for themselves and the Library had a very successful day.

Weather permitting, the trailer continues to be at the RSL Samford car park on Saturday 9:30am – 2:30pm.

Coming up, the Library is fundraising for earthworks by providing BBQ food at the Creative Samford Art & Craft Fair at the Samford Showgrounds Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th November. Sausages will be the usual plus award winning, gourmet sausages - Lamb with Mint and Rosemary; Smokey Beef Brisket in BBQ Sauce and Chicken Kiev. All sausages are gluten free with natural casings. The BBQ will also have food for vegetarians. We will also have a table with homemade cakes, biscuits, pickles, cordials, jams and Christmas goodies. Inside the Showground Pavilion, the Library will have a table of homemade craft items, themed in the spirit of Christmas.

The last fundraising event of the year will be the fun night at the Bunnings Keperra Christmas Markets where Bunnings will have a variety of special activities for children.

See you at one, if not all these events! The Management Team

“The Dirt Patch”

A place to Connect, Exchange and Grow

Dirt Patch Dreaming…

On 19th June this year, we extended an open invitation for the people of Samford to join us in a “dreaming” session for the community garden. Over 30 people gathered together and we sat around in a big circle to share ideas, dreams and visions for what a community garden could look and feel like.

The ideas that flowed forth to shape our hopes…

• To create shared space in the heart of Samford for people and plants to be together.

• To grow a thriving garden to showcase the edible plants that grow in our area.

• To inspire and encourage people to grow more food in their own backyard.

And our dreams…

• A place for children and adults to

experience the joy of picking fruit from a tree and digging holes in the ground.

• People gathering together to share knowledge about growing food and supporting the garden to thrive.

• Gardening spaces for all abilities and ages.

• A seed library, a community library, and a seedling exchange.

• Beautiful and inspired design.

• Laughter, joy, belonging.

• Quiet garden nooks.

• Gathering spaces to talk, listen, create.

• Art, Song, Story.

• History of Place and People.

The essence of what we heard in that meeting is the sentiment that community gardens are a little bit about plants and growing, but they are even more about creating a shared space to gather together

to connect, and to feel belonging.

This is what makes them so special.

Please join us at the Dirt Patch (64 Cash Ave North) for our monthly Garden Meet-Up and Working Bee - first Sunday of each month from 9.30am-11.30am.

We need People Worker Bees to help with lots of small, medium and big jobs. Please reach out if you can be on a working group. It takes many hands to grow a garden of beauty. To get involved, please email our Garden Secretary (Brooke) on samfordcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

Next issue: A sneak peak of the design. Susanne Engelhard

EARLYACT OFFERS COMMUNITY SERVICE

Since 2005, members of Earlyact at Samford State School have offered service to both local and international communities. The Rotary Club of Samford Valley sponsors Earlyact and both are based on the same ideal that members will offer ‘Service above Self.’

Lorelle Holcroft who was Deputy Principal at Samford school in 2005, worked diligently to introduce Earlyact seventeen years ago. Students from Years 4 - 6 can volunteer to be part of Earlyact and they work together on two or three projects each year. Some projects involve fundraising and others may mean volunteering to offer a helping hand to improve communities or to add joy to the lives of others.

Examples of projects conducted in previous years and recently include:

• Participating in Clean up Australia where students worked together in the school grounds to rid it of all hidden rubbish.

• Encouraging students at the school to participate in Operation Christmas Child and donate a shoebox filled with items that are given to those in need.

• Raising funds to purchase a Shelterbox, a Rotary project that provides a tent and other essential items to people who are displaced from their homes because of natural disasters.

• Conducting ‘Spots, Stripes and Ponytails Day’ where students dressed up to raise funds to contribute to the eradication of polio throughout the world. The Earlyact project added a valuable contribution to Rotary Polio Plus appeal which is still ongoing.

• Participating in ‘Walk for Ukraine’ where in 2022 students donated funds and walked around the school oval to raise money to assist those suffering in war torn Ukraine.

Students gain much from being in Earlyact including working together to offer service to others in their own community and those who live overseas. They also learn more about teamwork, communication, leadership skills and how to make plans together and deliver goals. If students attend secondary school at Ferny Grove SHS, they can join Rotary sponsored Interact and continue to offer service to others.

Janelle Young Youth Director

Chaplain Josslyn Cathcart and the Interact team during the ‘Walk for Ukraine’ event.

Thursday, 17 November • Commencing 10.00am – 12.00pm

Samford Grove’s boutique retirement village community continues to grow, with our first three stages now sold out. We are delighted to inform you that our next stage home release is now selling.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Chat with some of our residents who call Samford Grove home

Learn about the community, facilities, activities and services available

Hear about our new home release from our Sales Manager

Take a guided tour of our Homestead and its 5-star facilities

Meet the team at Samford Grove retirement village including our friendly and supportive management team and Samford Grove’s very own residents at our free information session and tour.

Thursday, 17 November

Commencing 10am – 12pm

Samford Grove Retirement Village 18 Camp Mountain Road, Samford Village

RSVPs are essential.

Call us on 07 3289 3372 or visit samfordgrove.com.au/tea-and-tour

We’re boiling the kettle and icing the cake, and you’re invited to join us.

The Samford Grove team

Paint and Sip for Stationery Aid

Marist180 Business Trainees will be hosting an evening of Paint and Sip to raise funds and awareness for not-forprofit charity Stationery Aid on Saturday 19 November at the Kakowan Community Facility in Bunya. The two local community organisations are coming together to help others in need.

Marist180 is a not-for-profit community service that provides opportunities for longterm unemployed people to re-train and gain employment. The Marist180 Business Traineeship in partnership with Stationery Aid is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The trainees undertake hands-on practical paid work in a community setting at James Drysdale Reserve, Bunya in the Pine Hills Football Club house and Stationery Aid warehouse.

Currently, the business trainees are working with Stationery Aid to manage donations of used and unused excess school stationery supplies in preparation for the 2023 school year. In addition to this, as part of skills development, the trainees are organising and hosting the Paint and Sip fundraiser to raise much needed funds.

Stationery Aid is a Queensland based charity run by volunteers in the Hills District. They collect, renew and distribute used and unused excess school stationery supplies and educational material for Queensland students in need. They do this by preparing yearly school booklists that are packed and distributed to disadvantaged students who would otherwise not start the

school year with the required resources for learning. Stationery Aid helps disadvantaged children with environmentally sustainable school supplies. Used school stationery and books that may have gone to landfill are now serving a better purpose.

At this Paint and Sip, local artist Renee from Clover and Bird Creative Studio will guide you through the creation of your masterpiece with a lot of laughs along the way. The Marist180 business trainees will be working hard to make the night enjoyable and successful.

Doors open at 6.00pm with painting commencing 6.30pm. Tickets are $50 and includes a $25 donation directly to Stationery Aid, all painting needs and a lucky door prize ticket. Marist180 has also sourced donations from local businesses for raffles and a silent auction.

Drinks including beer, wine, soft drinks and tea and coffee will be available for purchase. You are welcome to BYO food to keep you going while painting your masterpiece.

Tickets: Scan the QR code or go to humanitix.com and search for Paint and Sip for Stationery Aid.

All profits raised from this event will help Stationery Aid with operational costs to renew school stationery supplies and expand their capacity to support more children across south east Queensland. No student should go without basic school equipment. If you’d like to donate stationery items in good working condition, check out www.stationeryaid. org for locations.

Thanks to Anji for this article.

ARANA HILLS LIBRARY ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

Tuesday 15 November: 6pm – 7pm. Perimenopause to Menopause.

Naturopath Wendy Burke shares information on body changes in the perimenopause to menopause years and what you can do about it. Pick up tips on managing common changes like weight gain, fatigue, sleep problems and mood changes. Free. Bookings required.

Bookings: mbrc.qld.gov.au/libraries

Crafting Kindness

Crafting Kindness’ Lucie Verhelst also has some textiles on display at the Arana Hills Library including a mandala she created using letters that form the word ‘accept’. Lucie’s displayed works were made when she recently visited an ill relative in the Netherlands but found her trip prolonged for months due to a series of cancelled flights, separating her from her children in Australia.

“In these eight months I was in contact with other Australians who could not return home. They were either overseas or interstate, not able to cross borders,” she said.

Lucie’s mandala was crafted by cutting letters out of clothes in her suitcase, layering them for strength.

“I was not concerned about how it was going to look; it was the process that was important and it helped me to calm down.”

*Libraries operate in line with Queensland’s Covid Safe Future Roadmap, including adhering to social distancing requirements.

Arana Hills Library, 63 Cobbity Cres, Arana Hills

BOLD EXHIBITION

FROM LOCAL ARTIST

Bringing art to everyday life is Stella Danalis’ latest passion, with her artistic display blending bold colour and geometry with functional interior items on show this month at Side Gallery in Brisbane.

‘The Art of Pattern’ exhibition includes surface and pattern design across homely objects including wallpaper, cushions, screen prints, scarves and jewellery.

“I’ve always resonated with the Bauhaus ideology of art being a key component of everyday life, and in ‘The Art of Pattern’ I am placing everyday life into a gallery context, removing the borders between the artist and the craftsperson and merging form and function,” Stella said.

“The majority of the pattern designs in my current body of work are based on a vintage fabric that I deconstructed and reconstructed a number of times to make the various mutations.”

After moving to Samford six years ago, Stella found herself amongst a likeminded, vibrant local art scene.

“We hadn’t been here long when we visited the market in Main Street and met members of Creative Samford. We’ve been

members of the group ever since and have made many friends, including Rachael (King), who in many ways is responsible for this colourful segue in my creative journey,” she said.

Local designer Rachel King asked Stella to be a part of her upcoming book, ‘Pattern Pulse Volume 2’ to be released later this month. Since then, Stella has been exploring the world of pattern and surface design.

Stella’s current artistic direction flows

from initially creating as an illustrator.

After previously working at an advertising agency, Stella became a magazine designer and illustrator in London, continuing this work when she moved home to Australia. She has been a Creative Director at a local design studio and Senior Designer at Queensland Art Gallery GOMA. Her merchandise is currently on sale at the QAGOMA Store.

“I’ve always had a personal leaning towards anything graphic and working with colour is a very important aspect of my practice,” she said.

Stella encourages other local artists to present their creative endeavours to the world, noting a range of various mediums available for art promotion.

“The type and level of work each artist produces, their personality and their audience would play a part in how and where an artist would showcase their work. There are many options these days - exhibitions, magazines, online presence, social media, traditional media, markets and fairs, and competitions,” she said.

‘The Art of Pattern’ can be experienced at Side Gallery, 7 Emma Street, Red Hill until Friday 25 November.

Tanya Hall

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

At 11am on the Eleventh of November 1918 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front, soldiers from our local districts were serving or had served in the four years of battle we call WW1. On Remembrance Day we remember them and many more who followed in these courageous men’s footsteps by serving in WW2 and again in more recent conflicts. Especially on Remembrance Day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. So many acts of bravery, suffering and loss by so many are remembered on this day each year.

Samford Museum honours service men and women who enlisted from our local districts in a War Memories display all year round and members are happy to share information with visitors.

Pictured above: Grandchildren of May Strain’s (Mrs Lyons) cousins.

L - R Sandra, Terry and Heather, admire their grandmothers 1904 Samford School exercise book. (pictured right)

What beautiful running writing. I’m sure many will remember learning this skill, keeping perfectly between the lines!

There is so much to learn about our local history at Samford Museum, open Wednesdays and Sundays 10am - 4pm and by appointment.

www.samfordmuseum.com.au Ph: 3289 2743.

THE WAR ON WEEDS CONTINUES

Bushcare

Our next MBRC-led bushcare working bee will be on Sunday 13 November from 2pm to 4pm. We will again focus on controlling invasive weeds, which have thrived in the wet conditions throughout 2022, with new problematic species brought in by the February flood. In a project such as this, weed control takes up about 90% of our volunteer efforts and most of our SDPPA maintenance funding. This is the last official working bee of the year so we will provide afternoon tea at the picnic site once the hard work is out of the way (contributions welcome).

Community Bird Walks

The Saturday walk at Undambi Rotary Reserve looked unlikely to go ahead, with small drizzly showers around, but some very enthusiastic attendees turned up regardless and were amazed to record 61 species in about 3 hours. We watched King Parrots, Little Corellas and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos eagerly consuming the seed pods of Brisbane Wattles near the gully. Other highlights were great views of Spectacled Monarch and Eastern Yellow Robin at the start of the recreational trail, and Blackfaced Monarch in a she-oak above the revegetated area. We also saw a Pale-headed Rosella perched between the two nesting boxes, so we hope they are breeding in the park.

Sunday’s guided bird walk at the EcoCorridor was cancelled because of the rain, but several of the people who had booked asked if we could re-schedule. So, a dozen community members, including a family of 4, took part on Sunday 30 October and recorded an impressive, combined list of 66 species in 2.5 hours. This is the third highest total since the Eco-Corridor became an eBird hotspot in 2012. Highlights were watching a pair of Pacific Bazas flying over carrying nest material and seeing all 3 local fairywrens (Variegated, Superb and Redbacked). We also saw or heard quite a few summer migrants: Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pacific Koel, Brush Cuckoo and Common Cicadabird.

These guided bird walks have been one of our most successful community engagement activities, with a record attendance in 2022. Some of our attendees from earlier years have become keen birdwatchers since taking part. Birdwatching involves mindfulness, which is great for your mental health.

In the summer months we will invite community participation in frog, spider and butterfly surveys, so stay tuned for further information.

Peter Storer

Samford Eco-Corridor is a project of the SDPPA

EXCHANGING ORANGES FOR CAKE!

Samford Edible Exchange

We moved to the area three years ago after having been overseas for over 25 years. We were approaching our retirement and were looking for a good community to settle down in. A friend of ours recommended the local area. We looked around, loved the area and built our dream home here. Most of our kids have now moved out but I love cooking and the Samford Edible Exchange is a great place to share some of my baking.

Michelle Frohlich

FIND

ORANGE CAKE (with Chocolate topping)

INGREDIENTS

Cake:

2 Unpeeled oranges, chopped (with skin)

1 cup Caster Sugar

1 block (250g) unsalted Butter, softened

3 eggs

2 cups Self Raising flour, sifted

½ tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Bicarbonate Soda

Topping: 300g chocolate

Icing sugar

Or your choice topping

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 170°c. Grease 20cm round cake pan.

Blend the orange, sugar, butter and eggs in a food processor until smooth.

Transfer the blended orange mixture into a bowl. Fold in the flour, baking soda, bicarbonate soda and mix well. Put mixture into the cake pan and bake for about 50 mins or until cooked through. Let the cake stand in the pan for 15 mins or until cooled down.

For topping: Serve the cake either dusted with sifted icing sugar, melted chocolate or a topping of your choice.

Some of our volunteers enjoying afternoon tea

Michelle

When you advertise in The Village Pump, you’re helping to support local groups and clubs too!

Micro Farming Yields Abundance

While acreages abound in the Valley, not everyone has ample room to design and grow a small-scale farming venture. After purchasing a 600 sqm block, Andy Cumberland decided to see how selfsufficient he and his family could become on their compact bit of earth. After years of learning and experimentation, their modest backyard is blossoming with vegetable beds, fruit trees, chickens, quail, fish and native bees while still leaving room for dogs and grandkids to run around.

With over 60 different types of edible plants including banana trees, Madagascar beans and Okinawa spinach, this backyard is pulling its weight in providing food for the masses. Andy wasn’t blessed with good soil and had to think creatively to get his micro farm up and running.

“I decided to ‘go up,’ using raised garden beds. Most vegetables will do fine in between 30-60cm of soil, so I only built the beds two sleepers high. Suddenly, we were getting vegetables like cherry tomatoes, silverbeet, lettuce and shallots,” Andy said.

“Herbs are pretty easy too. I always recommend you start with the notoriously

easy crops like those, because a little bit of success will help spur you on (or in my case, become mildly addictive). Also, if you don’t eat it, don’t plant it.”

Andy also used garden beds to plant fruit trees including grapefruit, lime, lemon and lemonade.

When expanding to small livestock, Andy and his partner Roz created a chicken coop under the canopy of an existing large tree, making the most of an area with limited sun exposure that was never going to support vegetables. He also fitted in a multi-level Japanese quail hutch for more eggs and meat, and created a raised bed lined with pool liner which sports fish.

“The fish tank got connected to an aquaponic grow bed where the sun does reach and we created even more useful space. Our perch taste good and provide nutrients to grow even more veges,” Andy said.

“Things like citrus have a shallow root system and others like sub-tropical peaches can manage to punch through the shale once they grow big enough,” Andy said.

“When I ran out of room, I went even more vertical. Beans, tomatoes, passionfruit, choko and even tromboncino (which we use like zucchini) either grow on our wire side fence or are trellised,” he said.

“I bought some big buckets and hung them off the rear wooden fence using ‘S’ hooks. They made good sweet potato growing spaces. Another great idea is big 100 litre grow bags. You can grow on concrete in those things, or on a verandah or balcony.”

By making the most of each square meterage and going vertical, Andy has achieved a self-sufficient garden in just a few years. He shares his knowledge of micro-farming as well as making your own alcohol, bread and cheese online at: youtube.com/mcdowallmanor, ensuring he shares learnings from his mistakes as well as his successes.

“You don’t need to be limited by the size of your yard, or lack thereof. There really are a lot of options for small space farming. Our tiny farm is quite a refuge where you can pat a chicken, pull a weed and completely de-stress.” Tanya Hall

SANDPAPER FIG

Of the forty-two species of fig found in Australia, three have the common name of Sandpaper Fig due to the rough texture of the leaves. All grow along the east coast and top end of Australia in gullies, along creeks and in rainforest. Ficus coronata, so named because of the crown-like ring of bristles around the apex of the fruit, is the most common of the three.

and buildings. It can be pruned to maintain an elegant specimen tree or as a hedge. If space is a limitation, it can be grown in pots and makes an interesting bonsai. This is a low maintenance, hardy, drought-resistant plant that produces edible fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked into cakes, biscuits, jams or sauces.

for the pollen-laden females to escape) and then dies. This hole reduces the carbon dioxide level inside the fruit and stimulates ripening. And so, the cycle continues. The fig produces an enzyme (ficain) that digests any trapped dead wasps, the resulting nutrients being absorbed to assist in ripening the fruit and seeds.

Sandpaper Figs have been important to First Nations people. The leaves were used by women to remove the hairs on their thigh to enable fibres to be rubbed painlessly to make string. The men used the leaves to smooth weapons and wooden implements. The fibres of the inner bark were spun into string for fishing and animal traps. The fruit was eaten when ripe after removing the fine, surface hairs, whilst the milky latex was used to treat warts and ringworms. The wood was used in tool making and for fire.

Unlike other native figs, the Sandpaper Fig is a medium tree, usually growing between 6 and 12m tall (the latter under ideal rainforest conditions) with a weeping growth habit. It is adapted to a range of habitats – rocky gullies, creeks, open country and rainforest – and will grow in full sun or low light and in poor soils. This tree is, however, frost sensitive in its early years. Although it has a smaller root system than other figs, the Sandpaper Fig should be planted a least 5m away from plumbing

Like all figs, the plant has a fascinating reproductive cycle. The green, immature ‘fruit’ which emerges directly from the trunk or branches, is really a hollow, expanded stalk with a small opening (ostiole) at the apex. The flowers are found on the inside of this structure. For the fruit to develop, the flowers have to be pollinated and this involves an obligatory co-dependent relationship with a wasp specific to the fig species. The female wasp, carrying pollen from its host fig, enters the ostiole and deposits her eggs inside the flowers whilst coincidentally pollinating them. She then forces her way out and dies. Pollination stimulates development of the fruit during which time the wasp eggs hatch into larvae that eventually pupate. The emergent adult males mate with the female pupae, and each burrows out of the fig (providing a funnel

The Sandpaper Fig is also an important provider for a variety of wildlife. It is the host plant for the caterpillars of the Purple Moonbeam butterfly. Lizards, several birds (including the Figbird, Green Catbird, Olivebacked Oriole and Topknot pigeon) and the Grey-headed Flying Fox feed on the fruit.

Learn more at Paten Park Native Nursery. www.ppnn.org.au

Welcome Dr Nicole O'Kee e

After developing a passion for dentistry as a dental assistant, Dr Nicole completed a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and Graduate Diploma of Dentistry at Gri th University. Nicole has an interest in paediatric and restorative dentistry and particularly enjoys making a child’s visit to the dentist memorable and fun.

After developing a passion for dentistry as a dental assistant, Dr Nicole completed a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and Graduate Diploma of Dentistry at Gri th University. Nicole has an interest in paediatric and restorative dentistry and particularly enjoys making a child’s visit to the dentist memorable and fun.

Dr Nicole is warm, friendly and considerate of her patients, ensuring procedures are as gentle and comfortable as possible. She understands that a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety, and is motivated to ensure all her patients have a positive experience during their dental appointment. Nicole likes nothing more than to send her patients away with a smile!

Dr Nicole is warm, friendly and considerate of her patients, ensuring procedures are as gentle and comfortable as possible. She understands that a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety, and is motivated to ensure all her patients have a positive experience during their dental appointment. Nicole likes nothing more than to send her patients away with a smile!

Outside of dentistry, Nicole enjoys reading a good book, trying out new restaurants and cafes with family and friends, and baking.

Outside of dentistry, Nicole enjoys reading a good book, trying out new restaurants and cafes with family and friends, and baking.

Dr Nicole will be available on Thursday and Friday’s. Contact Admire to make an appointment.

Dr Nicole will be available on Thursday and Friday’s. Contact Admire to make an appointment.

Samford Bowls Club

With Christmas on its way our members brought out the baubles, trees, tinsel and cheer to decorate our club in readiness for a jolly Christmas season. No one at our club enjoys the wonder of decorations more than our member Tracey DeKever. Tracey is a wonder at the after Christmas sales where she will purchase some magic for us all to admire. This week Tracey and helpers will transform our club into a Christmas wonderland.

Competitions

Brisbane District Bowls Assn. (BDBA) Novice Championship 2022. 21 men and 11 ladies played at Enoggera. Adam LeFlay playing on his home green was the men’s winner and Sue Jensen of Chermside the ladies winner. Well done to our four Samford club players.

BDBA Men’s Singles competition was played at Everton Park Bowls Club over the weekend of 5th and 6th November. Neil Mason of Samford Bowls Club was one of 54 players representing every Bowls Club in the Brisbane District.

Mixed Pairs semi-final. Lesley Maher and Barry Maher were too good on the day defeating Di Smith and Dave Taylor. Lesley and Barry will now play Chris and Pam Campbell in the final. A real “pairs” final. Village Barefoot Bowls. 18 teams are battling it out for the shield with “Samford Fun” leading with “Biasabeer” second (love the name of this team) and the “Rattlers” third. With 4 weeks to go and knowing the spirit of Barefoot Bowls, these positions may well change!

Other news

The Waterloo Social Bowls Club visited our club on 6th November for a fun day of social bowls sponsored by Car Search. Lunch, prizes, lucky draws and raffles made for a great day.

Samford Bowls Club has been successful in our application for a grant from the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund. (GCBF). The money from this grant will be used to redo the artificial grass surrounding the two playing greens. This area was damaged in the flood and repaired by members, but now we will have this area professionally repaired which will be a dramatic improvement.

Further information: info@samfordbowls. com.au

members of the Royal Family on commercial flights. Mike did special training for this, learning about etiquette and the need for discretion. He did however confirm that the Queen Mother was partial to a little gin! When he moved back to Australia, he joined a list of folk who are called upon to look after royal visitors, which he has done several times, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

MORNING TEA FIT FOR A QUEEN

In honour of the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, members of the SSN Social Networking group enjoyed a Silver Service morning tea. Dressing very smartly for the occasion, they enjoyed a delicious spread catered by the Samford Patisserie, together with tea, coffee and punch.

Local character Mike Furminger entertained with his experiences as an air steward on British Airways, looking after

The Social Networking group get together every second Friday. It is an opportunity for our clients to catch up over a cuppa and a bite to eat at a range of different outings. Due to the popularity of this group and our volunteer availability, numbers are limited to 25 with a waitlist. SSN volunteers use their own cars to drive the members of this group to the outing and find it’s a great way to get to know the Samford community.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the community, have you considered driving for the Samford Support Network? If you would like to know more, please go to the SSN website www. samfordsupportnetwork.com and follow the directions to become a volunteer member.

Janice Ridley

L to R. Wayne DeKever, Andrea Rhind and Jan Smith getting into the spirit of the season.

If there is anything that covid has taught us it is that our health, state of mind and resilience are the most important elements to a happy and healthy life.

Tawny Trails is a creative living experience. It shares with you all the different aspects of what living creatively can mean to you - because we are all different.

It’s not just about looking at pretty pictures (and my gosh, they are) but finding a connection that allows you to help express yourself. Whether hands-on creating or surrounding yourself with beautiful things that show your style and loves.

So, I am going to introduce you to some of our creatives. I say creatives and not artists because an artist is a professional identity and I want you to meet the ‘you’ that is in every artist.

Starting with Judy and Sheralyn, our talented crafters at the art house on the hill showing us that it’s never too late to try something new. They found their creative

selves with liquid pour in during covid lockdown. This is a craft that is as much fun as it is beautiful.

“I like playing around with colour. I hate that we have kids who can draw and paint and pick up colours and put them together, and they can do the most amazing drawings, and then we try to teach them how to do drawing and painting, and they lose that natural talent that they had.”

you and take you to your special place.

“(Art) is not bound to a specific language, and you can really talk to anyone. Just the fact that you can express and be creative and play with colours and thoughts and concepts to provoke certain emotions in people, and to me, it really needs to come from within. That total sense of being without using words.” (Christa)

So whether you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, expression or just pure enjoyment, Tawny Trails will get you there. And if anything, I can’t think of a more enjoyable experience while shopping for Christmas presents.

It’s about exploring the idea of living creatively and finding what works for you. Then there are our successful large-scale artwork professional career artists like Christa Coetzee (Christa’s art and gilding)

OPEN the last Sunday of the month 10am-3pm. November 27 is our Christmas celebration trail event. We would love to meet you. Check out the details at www.tawnytrails.com

Danielle B Latta

and Deb Pettigrew (Good Egg Gallery). With artwork that fills the wall with colour and sometimes silver and gold. These are works that envelope

Great work Sophie and Xavier for competing in the Qld Teams Dressage Championships Competition held at Southport Pony Club in October. Sophie joined local rider Lara from Dayboro and two other Zone 26 riders to place second in Novice Dressage 2a and fourth in 2b. Congratulations riders.

After the success of last year’s Tetrathon, and many club members really enjoying this

discipline, on November 20, SGVPC will host the PCQ State Tetrathon Championships. Already riders are looking forward to the jumping competition followed by a run, swim and laser shoot. It should be a fun weekend at the club and spectators are always welcome. Please follow our Facebook page for more up to date details.

decoration, there is the quiet message of divine love. Our giving can sometimes be driven by a sense of duty, but the greatest gift of the day is one given out of selfless love. The Christmas message is that the creator of all that is, became a part of creation itself, so that all that was created could be drawn into the divine. As imperfect as we are, the message is that we have been loved.

So, remember in all that business God says, “You are loved”. And that goes for every single one of us.

CHRISTMAS AND ALL THAT

It’s that time again. Halloween is now over and Christmas becomes our focus. If you haven’t yet booked the venue for your work Christmas function, good luck finding somewhere. Information for Christmas on Main Street was in the last Village Pump and planning for that event is well under way. Our thoughts turn toward family gatherings and panic sets in if we haven’t finished our Christmas shopping in the time that we feel we should. To be honest, I haven’t even started that task.

But in the midst of hustle and bustle, hidden at times by the tinsel and garish

The Long Ride 2022 to Victor Harbor is now done and dusted. It was a cold, wet and windy trip but one well worth taking. The ride raised over $150,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. I personally would like to thank those who sponsored Helen and I and helped our contribution to the PCFA reach just over $1700.

Regular Sunday Services – 7:30am and 9am.

Motorcycle ride group gathers at Samford AMPOL on the first Saturday of the month for an 8:30am or 9am departure. Destinations vary and riders of all experience levels are welcome.

SPYs – St Paul’s Youth – 3rd Friday of the Month 6pm-9pm for an evening which always includes food and an activity.

Samford Valley Market: 2nd Saturday of the Month 7am – Midday.

December Markets are the Christmas Twilight Market: 3pm-7pm.

Samford Fresh Food Market: 4th Saturday of the Month 7am – Midday (including Christmas Eve)

Robert Paget Priest in Charge

Samford Golden Valley Pony Club

This month is Urban Agriculture Month which is about celebrating and raising awareness of Australia’s urban agriculture movement. Millen farm is celebrating and wants your involvement.

How can we, through Millen Farm, provide resources and facilities to learn about urban agriculture and educate residents who have similar aspirations and projects in the Samford Valley?

Contact Greg 0419 913 536 @ Millen Farm to discuss a way forward. www. urbanagriculturemonth.org.au

Thanks to the generous donations of materials from Councillor Darren Grimwade and Mooey’s Hardware, and the work of our volunteers, the Education Garden is quickly taking shape. The garden is open to the public to have a look at various worm farms, composting systems and raised beds. It will soon be planted out with medicinal plants, edible weeds and a sensory garden.

The Millen Farm Community Exchange now has around 450 members who are exchanging excess produce free of charge, and our farmers are placing excess fresh vegetables in the exchange fridge. Want to know more? Head to www.millenfarm.org

from 6pm, followed by an In Conversation from 6.30pm, when Fiona welcomes Inga Simpson with her new book Willowman.

From the critically acclaimed author of Mr Wigg comes an enthralling literary novel about a batmaker and a gifted young cricketer, around the time the game began changing.

Set as the new ‘short form’ of the game began to gain prominence, Willowman is a love letter to the art and beauty of cricket and a meditation on the inner lives of certain kinds of men and women, for whom it is a way of life. Award-winning author Inga Simpson writes exquisitely about a national sport you will never view the same way again.

BOOK NOW – Instore or Online $15 www.baffiesoanbooks.com.au

CRICKET ANYONE?

On Friday 25 November, join us for drinks and nibbles and a chance to mingle

Lifestyle Centre - 225 Mount Glorious Rd, Samford DID YOU KNOW...

When you advertise in The Village Pump, you’re helping to support local groups and clubs too!

FIND OUT HOW editor@villagepump.org.au

ALL IN AT ARTHOUSE SUSTAINABILITY

The next gathering of Samford Sustainable Business Network members and interested members of the community will be on Monday 14 November at 5.45pm (for a 6pm start) at Murray Bailye’s Arthouse Constructions space at Yugar. The main focus will be on an overview of what happens in Murray’s business and the direction they are heading with reference to sustainability challenges and solutions.

The workshop space he has designed and built in Yugar is very much worth experiencing and likewise his efforts in contributing to a sustainable planet will inspire valuable insights and conversations. As usual, all who participate will have an opportunity to highlight their own activity and aspirations. Some very nice food will be provided also and all in Samford are welcome! There is no cost and the address and timing is:

Arthouse Building Company (There is a sign in front of the shed.), 5 Parker Road Yugar. Parking is on Parker Road or in front of the workshop building. Come along at 5.45pm for a 6pm start and 7.30pm finish.

Please RSVP by at least 13 November so that we can cater for food and drinks. (Indicate any eating requirements). email info@greenstreet.net.au or call or text to 0407 190 162.

Howard Nielsen

Art & Craft Fair

Don’t miss this wonder Fair on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November

in the Pavilion at the Samford Showgrounds. View some beautiful art and do some Christmas shopping while enjoying the talents of local dancers and musicians. Keep the kids entertained with face painting and storytelling.

The Fair will showcase handmade art and craft from 45 local artists and artisans, all of which will be for sale at a range of price points. Visitors will be able to find original artworks, ceramics, jewellery, fabrics & textiles, fine woodwork, photography and more. Come along and enjoy the wonderfully creative talent that exists within the Samford Valley region.

Creative Samford would like to thank Moreton Bay Regional Council for a grant that supports local artisans to perform at

the Fair. This grant means we can have the brilliant Luna Jazz performing on Sunday from 11am-2pm. Visitors to our last Fair were able to hear this wonderful band. Diane has a beautiful smooth and smoky voice. An event not to be missed.

The Council’s grant also allows Flamenco Maduro dancers to perform their stunning flamenco dancing at the Fair on Saturday from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Sunday will also see more wonderful dance performances with the Samford Community Folk dancers performing from 10am-11am.

Kids are not forgotten with face painting and storytelling on Saturday from 11am-12pm and Sunday from 12pm-1pm.

If you are a little hungry while at the Fair, we have that covered for you too. The Community Library Samford will be running a sausage sizzle and cake stall both days until 2pm, and the Grounds Café will also be operating across the weekend. See you then!

Creative Samford Art & Craft Fair, 12 (10am – 4pm) & 13 (10am – 3pm) November, The Pavilion at the Samford Showgrounds. Facebook: www.facebook. com/CreativeSamford. Instagram: www. instagram.com/creativesamford

Samford RDA

volunteers raised a record Brisbane raceday amount during the 50-50 Charity Raffle held on Melbourne Cup Day – and in doing so, earned more than $9,500 for the RDA Centre at Samford Showgrounds.

The not-for-profit raffle is operated by the 50-50 Foundation in partnership with the Brisbane Racing Club and is a regular feature of race meetings in Brisbane. Melbourne Cup Day was the second time that Samford Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) had been selected as a beneficiary.

RDA volunteers took advantage of the large crowds at Eagle Farm, selling a total of $23,794 worth of raffle tickets. The lucky winner won half the money raised on the day.

Samford RDA President, Rebecca Clemmey, thanked the 50-50 Foundation and Brisbane Racing Club for the opportunity to be involved once again in the fundraising initiative, which will support the centre’s work with children and adults with a wide range of disabilities.

Seniors Christmas Lunch

How Christmas is celebrated around the world. Arana Leagues Club, Thursday 15th December from 11.30am - 2pm. Buffet roast with vegetables & Dessert, Tea/Coffee & Bread Roll. $25.00pp. Bookings www. hillschamber.org.au Click on Events and

go to Senior’s Christmas Lunch. Raffles and a Christmas basket lucky door prize, Christmas fillers from the craft table. Need that extra Christmas gift? The Craft Table will welcome you.

A welcome is extended to all seniors for this event.

Further information: The Hills & Districts Chamber of Commerce: John 0448 186 115 or Carolyn 0448 328 914..

Samford RDA volunteers at Eagle Farm on Cup Day.

Samford Area Mens Shed

There is the old saying: “Don’t hide your light under a bushel”. Yet so often people don’t speak up for themselves and let others know about their opinions, their ideas and their beliefs. Usually, they are too timid or modest to claim their rightful ownership of an idea, concept, invention or an achievement.

However, it is good to let others know who you are and what you do. Where would businesses be if they didn’t let others know of their goods and services? And how would people in need know where to go to avail themselves of the services offered by those who could give them a helping hand?

There are of course, the quiet achievers. They don’t want to boast about what they do; they just quietly go on doing the things they do best, quite often to the benefit of others.

Samford Area Men’s Shed (SAMS) is a case in question. There are no outrageous advertising campaigns or public announcements. The men at SAMS just go about their business of touching the lives of other men in a back yard shed type of environment. It’s a place where men can feel safe and welcomed regardless of colour, religion, ethnic origin or social/economic status.

Of course, SAMS does have ways of letting men and the wider community know who they are, what they do and where to find them. This is achieved by way of the SAMS

website as well as a contact phone number and email address.

Men of Samford and surrounds, you can see what SAMS is all about just by dropping in to the Shed on any Tuesday at about 9am, located at the far end of Showgrounds Drive, Highvale, just near the high voltage power tower. If you want to find out more, visit samfordshed.org.au or send an email to samssecretary1@gmail.com.

Brian Slattery

Thank Goodness it’s Friday!

The Cedar Creek Community Hall is a happening place these days, with our TGIF events gaining enthusiasm! These events are the perfect setting for the local community to take five from the hectic pace that is keeping us on our toes.

What better way to kick-start the weekend than a catch-up with old friends and make new ones? There are games for the kids available and plenty of room for them to run off some energy. Let us be your host, so you can relax! TGIF is a great way to get the family away from technology and see the kids enjoying the great outdoors.

It’s also a great fundraiser for the Hall and your support by coming down and enjoying a burger or sausage sizzle and a good yarn is all it takes to show you care for the Hall’s future.

Not a member? Well for just $10 you can sign up and stay up to date with what’s

happening at the hall. You can sign up in person at the event or via the Cedar Creek Public Hall website. cedarcreekpublichall. org.au

Don’t forget we will also be selling soft drinks and when we can slip them in, a dessert or two! Feel free to bring a picnic rug, some nibbles and your favourite Friday arvo beverage.

We have been fortunate to see some of our locally talented musicians stepping up to perform for us. If you are interested in performing, contacts us via contact@ cedarcreekpublichall.org.au

With Christmas just around the corner, November 25th will be the last TGIF for 2022.

We look forward to returning to our events in the New Year with our first event for 2023 on Friday 27th January. Don’t forget the new time slot - 5.30pm to 8.30pm - with the kitchen closing at 7.30pm to allow your host to relax and catch up with their guests.

Looking for other ways to unwind? The Cedar Creek Public Hall is also a little Yoga hub. Check out the website for available classes. These classes are also an important part of the Hall’s fundraising, so if you have been thinking of starting yoga, we would love to see you.

Belinda

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Look at this cute little guy chillin’ in Samford Valley. Thanks to Adam Atkinson for this super photo.

DIVISION 11 COUNCIL REPORT

BUZZ OFF

The typical mosquito breeding season which is September to April has apparently been off to a slower start this year, but they are really starting to make themselves known lately.

There are a number of different types of these little critters. The freshwater mosquito can be found in pooling water after rain or floods, and is the most common species found around the Moreton Bay Area. The weather this year, with ongoing rainfall has created the perfect breeding conditions so Council’s Mosquito Management Program monitors the region and is targeting pools of water using a product called S-Methoprene which is long acting and specific to mosquito larvae.

Another common mosquito you will find around your home is the container breeding mosquito, which does not really fly great distances, but they can have a huge impact on our lives, making their home in pots, dog bowls, gutters, bird baths and anywhere that can hold water. Make sure you pay attention to cleaning these out regularly, and don’t forget to empty things such as old tyres and tarpaulins that may be laying around. Even a small amount of water can produce hundreds of adult mosquitos.

A few tips to remember is to make sure you use a mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Spraying your screens and outdoor area with products that contain Bifenthrin can help and did you know that mosquitoes do not like flying into the air currents, so try placing fans in your outdoor area facing away from where you are sitting or entertaining. Go to Council’s website www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au and search ‘mosquito management’ if you would like more information on how Council monitor and manage mosquitos in the region.

Cr Darren Grimwade

Raining

Snags and Smiles

The Brendale Evening View Club members were all on board again for the final Brendale Bunnings sausage sizzle for the year. Ladies arrived with smiles and a determination to make what was a very damp day into another very successful fundraiser for The Smith Family Learning for Life Program. This program helps to educate and provide necessities for Australia children so that they may reach their potential. The Brendale VIEW Club sponsor eight Learning for Life students and it’s so rewarding to know as a VIEW Club member we can make a difference.

We also have a commitment to have fun and nurture friendships. Our club is a place where you can meet new friends, enjoy a 2 course meal, listen to an informative guest speaker and attend additional social activities. You can connect with like-minded women at our dinner meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. It is important to book with our President Shayne on 0409 991 428.

At our next meeting on 15th November, we will celebrate Christmas so don’t forget to wear your Christmas T-shirts and hats to

night.

Can’t make dinner? What about our ‘Coffee and Chat’ morning on the first Saturday of each month, 10am at White’s Coffee Co. at the Bracken Ridge Tavern. You are welcome to both

join in the festivities. Raffles and lucky door prizes and our guest Dr James Lergessner will again entertain us with a number of timeless Christmas carols. It will be a fun filled

events as a visitor to see if VIEW is for you.

Barbara

L-R: Bunnings Sausage Sizzle ladies, Judy from Aspley, Shayne from Northgate and Gerry from Everton Hills.

DICKSON NOTES

Christmas Card Competition

It is hard to believe we are well into Term 4 of the school year and many in our community are preparing for Christmas. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at end of year functions, school graduations and other events in coming weeks. Thank you to all the students who entered my annual Christmas Card Competition. This year’s theme was ‘My favourite Christmas memory.’ Every year we receive hundreds of entries and it’s always hard choosing the winners.

Congratulations to the 2023 winners: Prep - Mia from Ferny Hills State School; Year 1 – Amelia from Kallangur State School; Year 2 – Marlise from Mount Samson State School; and Year 3 – Teyah from Dayboro State School. Feel free to drop into my office in Strathpine to view many of the entries on display in the foyer.

Good luck!

I’d like to congratulate all those finishing year 12. I wish you all the best for your final exams and future endeavours, whether starting in the workforce or continuing on to complete further study.

Congratulations

Well done to all the Dickson winners at this year’s Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards. It is especially rewarding to see our local businesses recognised for their success:

EJ Australia Pty Ltd; Tracy Johnson - SRJ Walker Wayland Pty Ltd; Elexon Mining; Cashmere Syrups; Encircle Ltd; Ocean View Estates; Shnoompy Boy Designs - Bray Park State High School; and Solar Bollard Lighting.

I want to see more local business opportunities created in our community so more people will have jobs. If you would like me to visit your business, please get in touch with my office via email – contact details are below.

2023 Dickson Community Awards

The deadline (Friday 25 November) to nominate someone or an organisation in any of the 11 categories for the 2023 Dickson Community Awards is fast approaching:

• Citizen of the Year

• Small business of the Year

• Sports person of the Year

• Young Sports Person of the Year

• Community Group of the Year

• Community Service Award

• Ian ‘Watto’ Watson Great Mate Award

• Inspirational Youth Award

• Dickson Youth Achievement Award

• Dickson Volunteer Award

To nominate please get in touch with my

office – contact details are below.

What’s important to you?

Please get in touch with me at peter. dutton.mp@aph.gov.au or 3205 9977, stop by one of my mobile office caravan visits, or drop into my office in Strathpine to let me know what your priorities are for our community.

Peter Dutton MP Federal Member for Dickson

Newmarket VIEW Club

Did you know that VIEW clubs across Australia support The Smith Family, by sponsoring children through the Learning for Life education support program?

The issues of education inequality are being highlighted during Anti-Poverty Week (16-22 October).

This year has been particularly difficult, with the ongoing effects of COVID and now the rising cost-of-living having a major impact on families already experiencing disadvantage and causing worrying disruptions to children’s education. The Learning for Life program provides families with long term educational, financial and personal assistance so that children have all the essentials needed to fully participate in their learning.

Newmarket VIEW Club provides a place for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities and develop lasting friendships – all while supporting the work of The Smith Family. Why don’t you join us? E: newmarketview@gmail.com

New member Sheryl Collie catches up with Lynne Belgrove and Joyce Downing at our monthly lunch at the Alderley Arms Hotel

PINE RIVERS UPDATE

SMALL BUSINESS EVENT

Early this month I had the pleasure of hosting my Small Business Awards at the Samford Districts Bowls Club. Mayor Peter Flannery, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead and Councillor Darren Grimwade were special guests in attendance at the event.

Congratulations to all the small businesses, social enterprises and outstanding customer service personnel who were nominated to receive an award. Thank you also to the all the community members who nominated or voted for a business.

We appreciate that the last couple of years has been particularly difficult for small business and this event was an opportunity to acknowledge and thank our community for their perseverance and continued contribution to our community.

Congratulations to all the local businesses who won an award!

BUSINESS WINNERS:

• Health & Fitness Category - Cloud Radiology.

• Trade & Services Category - Pulse Vets.

• Beauty & Hairdressing CategorySimply Elegant.

• Social Enterprise - YDF.

• Hospitality Category - 2 Chefs and a Cupcake.

• Retail and Sales Category - Twigs Toy Store.

• Micro Small Business CategoryMads Creations.

CUSTOMER SERVICE WINNERS:

Presented by the Mayor, Peter Flannery.

• Beauty and Hairdressing – Eloise from Torrisi Beauty.

• Social enterprise – Courtney Baker (YDF) and Ardie McGrath. (2-Do Crew)

• Retails and Sales – Baffies Oan, Fiona Taylor. (pictured above receiving her award)

• Micro business – Veridian Pens, Brad and Rochelle Melville.

Thank you also to the Samford Country Women’s Association for the delicious catering they provided.

KINDY UPLIFT

Queensland families will receive even better services and more cost-of-living relief thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s $1 billion investment in kindergarten, with 14,000 children now able to enrol for free kindy in 2023.

Parents and carers can now jump online to see exactly what savings they are eligible for. The website, www.qld.gov.au/ kindysavings will prompt users with a series of easy questions to determine whether they are eligible for free or cheaper kindy. This is significant, targeted, financial support for low to middle income families that will help with the cost-of-living and give more kids a great start in life. Our kindergarten program funding overhaul – the most significant reform for the sector in more than a decade – also includes:

• $38.5 million to help 300 remote and regional services attract and retain early childhood teachers by providing relocation expenses and

accommodation assistance.

• Doubling the number of services covered by Kindy Uplift to more than 900.

• $19 million a year to enhance support for families with children who have a disability or are developmentally vulnerable.

Nikki Boyd MP State Member for Pine Rivers

Arana VIEW Club

Our recent guest speaker was Sue Ellen Doherty, who had us enthralled with her life story as the daughter of spies in postWorld War II in Australia.

Our December meeting on 7th December will be extra busy. We will be having our final “Make, Bake and Grow” table for the year and are hoping for lots of Christmas goodies to purchase. We’ll also have our book table where you can stock up on Christmas reading by filling a bag of books for $5.00. Doors open at 10.30am and the fun starts at 11.00am when we hope to see lots of members dressed in white/gold/silver and wearing angel wings and maybe a halo! After all, we are “Angels in disguise” as we support our Learning for Life students with The Smith Family. Arana Leagues Club, Keperra - $30.00 for a 2-course meal, tea or coffee.

Entertainment for the day will be by Ukulele Extravaganza and Ian Maurice and friend. Ian is well known in radio, television and the cabaret scene as “The man for all seasons”. It is sure to be an entertaining finish to the year.

Members are also looking forward to attending the Lord Mayor’s Senior Christmas Party at City Hall - a very enjoyable concert according to those who have attended in previous years.

Please contact Carol on 3355 5349 by noon on Monday 5th December if attending our lunch. We would love to see more ladies coming to enjoy our company.

BOOK REVIEW: EXILES

Jane Harper

If you loved Jane Harper’s previous rural crime mysteries featuring Aaron Falk, then you’ll enjoy meandering into the two perplexing crimes Falk and his mate Raco slowly unravel in the Exiles.

During Marralee’s Food and Wine Festival in South Australia, Falk’s godson is to be christened but the shadow of the disappearance of Raco’s schoolfriend Kim, a mum who deserted her well-cared-for baby in the festival carpark a year earlier, hangs over the celebration. Her body was never found.

Kim’s eldest daughter pushes for further investigation, backed by her friend whose father also died in mysterious circumstances twelve years earlier. Is there a connection? As Falk gets to know the two teenagers, he is drawn into their unresolved anguish and their assertions that not all leads have been followed.

Exiles is about close friendship and family relationships, about how far someone will go to protect a loved one, about seeing what you expect to see, not what is actually there, about coercion. It’s also about reshaping your life to find happiness rather than realising a soulless ambition.

While the action is as slow moving as a country town at first, the story weaves an inescapable net of intrigue. Definitely a must for lovers of crime fiction. Samford’s bookstore, Baffies Oan, at the Lifestyle Centre, has it.

Julie Martin

INDIGENOUS CARE AND ANIMAL WELFARE

UPDATE:

You will recall we ran an article earlier in the year about Wayne Coolwell and his hope to provide support which would benefit animals and indigenous people. Wayne has let us know that he had a good response from the article but no offer of land as yet.

To recap – Wayne is a Mununjali man from Beaudesert who now lives in Ocean View. He is looking to lease 15 -25 acres of farming land to provide care for farm animals who have done their time and are of no more use to farmers, and at the same time improve the lives of incarcerated indigenous people.

The land will be used to create a haven where animals will be cared for by low-risk indigenous prisoners or parolees who would come to the farm to be re-skilled. With a farm management team and volunteers, Wayne believes that connecting animals and people in this way will help to build confidence and skills, reducing the risk of re-offending.

According to ABS, between 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2021, the total number of prisoners in Queensland increased by 15% (1,295) to 9,952. This was the largest annual increase, both numerically and proportionally, of any of the states and territories. Sadly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners increased by 15% during the same period (441) to 3,479, more than a third of the total prison population. This is a shocking statistic that Wayne wants

to change and while he accepts there will be plenty of challenges along the way, he believes this idea can work.

Wayne is a former journalist and has been involved in animal welfare for about 30 years. His love for animals and his sadness at the increasing incarceration of indigenous people is his motivation to make a difference.

“There’s been a long association of indigenous people with animals on country for thousands of years. Animals have always paid an important role for our people as totems and as a food source. Programs like this have worked in other states,” he said.

Initially, the work undertaken would include building fences, feed sheds and housing for animals and people and Wayne has been speaking to Qld Corrective Services about the potential for rehabilitation of prisoners under supervision with this project. His plan is for the first stage to not only include indigenous people, but also community groups and volunteers who would be willing to come together to bring Wayne’s vision to life. Down the track, there would be potential to incorporate students who could come on tours, learn about caring for animals, indigenous care and conservation principles.

Wayne is looking for someone willing to lease the land, working with him to give animals and parolees the second chance of life, so the healing work can start. He’s also hoping for community support to see his vision become a reality. You can get in touch with Wayne to learn more. Call 0435 330 758.

Australian First Virtual Career Experience Program Launched

Moreton Bay Regional Council has launched a free, new virtual career experience program to give high school students a taste of what it’s like to work across 10 priority industries, while addressing workforce supply shortages.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the new My Future In Moreton Bay program was designed to give future employees a step ahead in the workforce and provide them with the suitable skills to have a career in Moreton Bay long-term.

“Moreton Bay Region’s economy is growing quickly but one of the lasting legacies of COVID has been the shortage of skilled workers in the labour market across Australia,” he said. “Local industries have told us that it’s difficult to source and retain skilled workers, so we’ve responded

by creating a local government-first online simulator designed to give high school students (year 10-12) a taste of the workforce before they start their careers. While it’s targeted at students, it will also be free to all Moreton Bay residents to use and we’ll be providing to Workforce Australia agencies to rollout with their clients.”

10 modules have been created covering 10 priority industries that were identified by Council as being key to Moreton Bay’s growing economy. These include Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Agribusiness, Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Innovation and Entrepreneurship businesses.

“Students across eight pilot schools can access these bite-sized modules to experience what it’s actually like to perform those jobs in a real-life setting.”

“The program was developed in partnership with The Forage, who is a national leader in virtual work experience programs, and this will be the first time they’ve worked with a local government to roll out a program like this. We hope to have over 3,000 enrolments in the virtual career experience program by the end of 2024 - a target I believe is beyond achievable.”

Each module takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete and is 100 percent online making it easy for schools to implement in career development classes and curriculums and making training modules more accessible and flexible for all participants to complete it in their own time and at their own pace.

On completion of the program, participants will receive a digital certificate to share with potential job prospects with the goal of this becoming widely recognised by businesses as a notable achievement and desirable prerequisite for potential new recruits.

The virtual career experience program is an extension of Moreton Bay Regional Council’s ongoing commitment to creating a brighter future for the younger generations and is an addition to their existing programs including the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards, Create Your Future Jobs and Innovate Moreton Bay programs.

The program is open to all local residents in the Moreton Bay Region.

The new virtual career experience can be found at www.theforage.com

Rate rises - Are you paying too much interest?

The latest interest rate hike marks the seventh month in a row that the cash rate has risen. As an example of the real cost of servicing a home loan, a $750,000 loan amount with principal and interest repayments on a 30-year loan term, would have increased by approximately $1,000 a month.

Serviceability buffer levels exceeded

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent 25-basis-points rate hike has added further pressure to many of the nations mortgager holders. This takes home loan rates above the 2.5 per cent serviceability buffer that was used before October 2021, and close to the current 3 percentage point serviceability buffer. So if you took out a loan before October 2021, you probably wouldn’t service your loan buffer today.

The leap is particularly painful if you were one of the many who took advantage of the very cheap (sub 2% p.a) fixed rates on offer a year ago. Your rates would have potentially doubled.

It really does pay to be bothered

The added pressure from rising rates and higher inflation makes it more important than ever to review your lending to make sure you’re on the best deal possible. We review our clients lending annually as a matter of course. On most occasions we’re successful in reducing their rate.

We’re noticing that more lenders are coming to the party and matching opposition rates, and if they don’t, there are plenty of other lenders keen for your business.

Working for you

This is the value proposition added by using a mortgage broker. We have no allegiances to any particular lender, because their rates and policies change from year to year. If they become uncompetitive, we simply take you elsewhere.

The competition between lenders remains fierce, and regardless of current interest rates, there are some compelling offers available. At least a dozen lenders are offering ‘Cash Back’ bonus’s of up to $4000 to try and win your business. If you combine this with the interest saved, it’s a decent carrot.

Equity releases - tame those power bills

The increased equity available from recent strong surge in property values has meant that a lot of us are now able to borrow against our property for a range of investment and personal uses. One of the more logical enquiries we are receiving relates to the purchase of solar installations. With the increasing cost of energy prices and the expected large bill hikes, perhaps there has never been a better time to invest in your property and reduce those energy bills.

Please get in touch if you need a hand. Pick up the phone or drop us an email, we’re happy to get together for a chat.

John Hudson 0413 741 456 john@flametreefinancial.com.au

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Photo by Antoni Shkraba for pexels

AUSSIE ACTRESSES

Shy Influential Actress initially starred in her own music videos (3)

Toni’s breakthrough role was in Muriel’s Wedding (8)

Ms. Wasikowska, initially missing in action (3)

Rose to fame in the movies Attack of the Clones and Troy (5)

Sophie has hosted Love Island and Beauty & The Geek (4)

Ms Burch graced the screen in Water Rats, Flying Doctors, Cop Shop (3)

Otto, Tapsell or Kerr (7)

Carides, Caldwell, Ventoura or Naylor (3) 24 Honolulu born, Aussie raised, Urban wed (6) 25 Stage surname of Holly Rachel Candy who starred in Neighbours (7) 28 Ms Kedder known for Offspring and X Men (5) 29. Ms. Nevin, hailed as the First Lady of Australian Theatre (5) 31. Ms. Tenney aka Madge Bishop in Neighbours (4) 33. Ms. Imbruglia (7)

DOWN

2. Ms. Karvan (7) 3. Tough in Mother And Son, but not completely ruthless (4) 5 Born Eleanor McPherson, she’s this to her close friends (2)

6. Ms. Wilson lives up to her

24. Honolulu born, Aussie raised, Urban wed (6)

25. Stage surname of Holly Rachel Candy who starred

28 Ms Kedder known for Offspring and X Men (5)

29 Ms Nevin, hailed as the First Lady of Australian

31 Ms Tenney aka Madge Bishop in Neighbours (4)

33 Ms. Imbruglia (7)

DOWN

2 Ms. Karvan (7)

3 Tough in Mother And Son, but not completely ruthless (4)

5. Born Eleanor McPherson, she’s this to her close friends (2)

6 Ms Wilson lives up to her name (5)

7 Rebecca, NZ born but a Gold Logie winner over here (6)

8. Olivia! (6 4)

10 Ward, Friend & Griffiths (6)

11 Ms. Thornton (6)

14 Kate with a C (9)

16. Ms. Mathews starred as Rachel Armstrong in Home and Away (3)

18. Casey Donovan won 2017’s “ a celebrity get me out of here” (1’1)

20 In short, Ms Davies has the same first name as Mr. Dimitriades who both starred in Young Lions (4)

22 Singer, songwriter and actress, Jessica (6)

23 Jacki is an actress and maybe a seamstress (6)

26. Palindromic actresses Ms. McGahn from Underbelly, & Ms Torv from Fringe (4)

27 Number 96’s McDonald, & Strictly Ballroom’s Thompson, both deserve one on the back (3)

30 Ms Cilento, known as this to her friends (2)

32. US city where 9Ac hangs her hat nowadays (abbrev) (1,1)

ORDERS for point of lay pullets. Gleam O Dawn 3289 1699.

BULK CANE BALES Gleam O Dawn 3289 1699. 45kg GAS BOTTLES exch. Gleam O Dawn 3289 1699.

GLEAM O DAWN stocks NutriRice range. 3289 1699. CONTACT GLEAM O DAWN for all your fertilizing, gardening & micro irrigation requirements. Ph 3289 1699.

FREE removal unwanted cars/car bodies. 0412 268 087.

GREAT GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS: To celebrate 30 years of producing ROLKA Creative Building Blocks, we are offering 10% off all our sets and free delivery to 4520 residents. Our wonderful eco-friendly wooden blocks are enjoyed by thousands of children across Australia. 3289 4505. rolka@rolka.net.au. Check out our site for more info.

CELEBRANT with depth and warmth. Contact Margit on 0410 030 870 or margitradcliffe@gmail.com

FUNERAL CELEBRANT Services with soul. Contact Robyn on 0412 083 641 or robyn@eyesofheart.com. au

LANTANA a problem? Call Peter on 0417 726 923 for prompt removal, roots and all with no pesticides used.

L&S DOYLE ELECTRICAL Competitive rates, free quotes. Liam Doyle 0404 494 184. Lic No 73073

LOCAL CLEANING LADY $30/hr. 0488 483 231.

RESIDENTIAL HOME CLEANER AVAILABLE. Closeburn & Cedar Creek only. Collect & return wash & fold service. Call Catherine for quote. 0491 364 726.

RIDER MOWER and small engine repairs & servicing, general welding & fabrication work. Low rates no frills. Call Aaron: 0417 716 662 8am-4pm Mon-Fri. Pick up service avail.

TLC CLEANERS – Reliable, local service over 20yrs. Many references avail. 0414 328 945

WELDING: Minor welding work. 0407 255 549

FARRIER Good rates. 0417 738 722

PETA’S PET MINDING Ph: 0418 118 708.

SAMFORD PET RESORT AND DOGGY DAY CARE Ph 3289 1600 www.samfordpetresort.com.au

DRIVER TRAINING: Automatic/manual, accredited female trainer, own car only. $40 p/hr M: 0434 544 215.

FRENCH with a native speaker with over 20 years’ experience. High school & uni students + advanced learners. Ph Rose: 3289 4505/0408 249 013.

DEATH WALKER/DOULA Support & care for the dying and their families. Contact Robyn on 0412083641 or robyn@eyesofheart.com.au

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Early childhood/school/ executive skills, self care, sensory/self regulation. gwen@ gwenliddleot.com M: 0413 124 121

YOGA AT ZEN SPACE is for every-body! With nearly 15 classes a week we are your one stop shop for yoga & meditation offering courses and classes for beginners, over 60’s and established students. Plus regular workshops, weekly HeartSong Community Choir and live music events! Space for hire for your events too! www.zenspace. com.au or 0421 058 250 for more info.

PSYCHOTHERAPY + HYPNOTHERAPY Feel like your mind and emotions have control over you? Gently rewire your automatic, subconscious processes and address issues at their core to achieve lasting change and enjoy greater resilience, empowerment, peace and joy. Visit www.takethewheeltherapy.com or contact Mel on 0493 426 961.

SAMFORD WOMEN’S MASSAGE: Remedial & Relaxation Massage Therapy. M: 0401 844 554 www. samfordwomensmassage.com

WANTED: Truck Driver. Min HR Licence. Ph: 3298 5436

CLEANER WANTED 0414 328 945

GLEAM O’DAWN HIRING – 2 positions available: delivery driver and delivery driver/salesperson. Please contact Alan or Louise for information.

BUS DRIVERS: Casual vacancies. Samford Valley Steiner School. Min LR Licence. Blue Card. Ph: 0493 557 119. Details: samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au

COMMUNITY CONTACTS

Aged Care Advice and Advocacy. FREE Service. Samford Community Hub by appointment. Jay Richters 0420 278 240

Aikido Samford Club Beginners welcome. Darren 0402 901 933.

Facebook: Aikido Samford

Alcoholics Anonymous Helpline 3255 9162 Samford Community Hub every Tues: 7pm. Farmers Hall every Thurs: 10am. No need to book just turn up. These are both child friendly meetings.

ALP Australian Labor Party Monthly meetings in Samford. Kerry O’Connor 0417 634 755

Archery- Target Archers Beginner courses and new membership enquiries email: samfordvalleytargetarchers@gmail.com

Army Cadets: Samford 107 ACU parades from 6pm to 8:30pm every Monday, excluding holidays at Samford Community Hub. E: 107ACU@ armycadets.gov.au for further information.

Avenue of Honour For all information on this project or to order a memorial plaque contact samfordaoh@gmail.com or leave a message at the RSL on 3289 6928

Book Club Contact Rose: 0414 973 010, E: rose.moss@bigpond.com

Bowls Club Wednesday is Ladies Bowls at 9.00am (Men welcome) Saturday is mixed bowls at 1pm. For Sunday bowls & financial days contact Club. Ph: 3289 1204

Bunya Residents Association SES Building, James Drysdale Sport Reserve 7.30pm last Wed of month, Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov. email: president@bunyaresidents.asn.au. www.bunyaresidents.asn.au

Caravan Club Dog friendly club holds rallies one week each month within 350km. Marion 0409 028 851.

Cards@TheSCHUB: 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of each month. 11am to 3pm. All card games welcome. Contact June at nowhiskey53@ gmail.com

Cedar Creek Bushcare Group: 2nd Thurs of the month (except Dec and Jan). Andy Williams Park. 8:30am - 10:30am. MBRC provide tools and insurance. All welcome. Contact Fiona 0421 071 412

Churches/Religions

Sacred Heart Catholic Church: Enquiries 3355 2667

Samford Valley Community Church. 3289 2832

Samford Baptist Church: Pastor Samuel Thompson 0409 797 931 St Pauls Anglican Church: Rev Robert Paget 3289 1715

Brisbane Christian Fellowship: Alan Elliott 3289 2888

Mitchelton Presbyterian Church: Rev. Phil Campbell 3355 3843 Baha’i Faith Azita 0405194623

Church of United Spiritualism: Rev Lee Ovenstone 0404 059 916

Alive Church: Ps Duane Van Vuuren 0488 495 049

Mychurch Everton Park Ph: 3355 7444

Nexus Church Samford: www.nexuschurch.com.au

Community Library Samford Books, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s, social groups Contact Linda Murray 0408 062 393 or email info@communitylibrarysamford.org

Creative Samford Inc A community group whose aim is to foster and increase the visibility of all arts in Samford & surrounds. Contact: admin@creativesamford.com

CWA CWA Hall at 10.00am on the third Wednesday of the month. Hall bookings Lilah: 0421 709 723

Cycling Samford Velos. Every Saturday from Samford Patisserie. Contact Daryl Van Cooten 3289 8319 (h) 3480 6602

Eco Corridor Samford (SDPPA) Monthly bushcare 2-4pm 2nd Sunday except Dec/Jan. Meet in Samford parklands carpark by netball courts. samfordecocorridor@gmail.com

Equestrian Group (SEG) Riders of all ages and abilities welcome. For full details, calendar & contacts - www. samfordequestriangroup.com

Halls for Hire

Farmers Hall, 0422 054 378.

CWA Hall. Lilah 0421 709 723

Showgrounds Pavilion - Seating for 500. 3289 7057.

Samsonvale Hall - Linda Jeffrey 0416 735 361.

Cedar Ck Hall - cedarcreekhall4520@gmail.com

Samford Bowls Club - info@samfordbowlsclub.com.au

Samford Community Centre, School Rd - 0408 665 434

Mt Nebo Hall - mtnebohall@mtnebo.org.au

Samford Scout Hall & Shelter - David Reed 3040 6400

Anglican Church Hall 3289 1715

Zen Space Samford - 0421 058 250

Greens Meetings online 6.30pm, first Tues of each month. Facebook: pineriversgreens. E: pine.rivers@qld.greens.org.au

Liberal National Party LNP Darcy Creighton 0403 435 606 Lions Club 7.00pm on the first and third Thursday of the month. Contact David 3289 4378 samford@lionsq3.org.au

Meals on Wheels Delivery Mon - Fri. Ph: 0409 920 824. samford@ mowpr.org New volunteers always welcome.

Men’s Coffee Morning: Meet other local retired and semi-retired men for a coffee and chat. 10am Fridays at Collies & Co, Main St, Samford. Contact Morris: 0409 614 855.

Millen Farm and The Mini Farm Project have created an online store. Purchase fresh farm produce and support charity. Order up to 6pm Thursday and collect Saturday’s from 9am at Millen Farm. www. minifarmbox.com.au

Mt Nebo Resident’s Assoc. Mt Nebo Hall at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month. mtnebohall@mtnebo.org.au www.mtnebo. org.au

Native Plants Qld (formerly SGAP) CWA Hall 7.15pm first Tuesday of month (except January). Enq sgapsamford@outlook.com or 3289 7858

Netball Club Meetings are the 1st Monday of each month at the Parklands Clubhouse, 7pm. Contact Sonya Grieve 0428 648 154. www. samfordnetball.org.au

North Pine Poultry Club Inc Meet 3rd Saturday of each month. See facebook page for details.

Pine Rivers Croquet Club Deakin Street, Brendale. Social sports club, play days: Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sat. Carolyn 0480271272 or pinerivers@croquetqld.org

Pine Rivers Koala Care Assoc Inc 24 hour Koala & Wildlife Rescue 0401 350 799.

Playgroup Contact Julia 0459 067 752 or samfordplaygroup@gmail. com or www.facebook.com/samfordplaygroup

Pony Club Committee meetings at Richards Rd, 7.30pm first Monday of the month. Pony Club Muster at Richards Rd on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month at 8.30am. www.samfordgvponyclub.org.au

Reko Samford & Dayboro: Order ea week online for contactless pickup ea Saturday. Facebook: Reko Samford/Reko Dayboro for details.

Rotary Club of Samford Valley 6.45pm second and fourth Tuesday. Contact President Amanda: 0417 612 400

RSL Sub-Branch Memorial Park corner Main and Progress. Pension and welfare on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Meetings as arranged, phone 3289 6928 for details or email samford@rslqld.org

Samford & Districts Progress & Protection Association (SDPPA) Meetings 7pm, 3rd Wed of month @ SCHUB. Email: secretary@samfordprogess.org.au W: samfordprogress. org.au Facebook: SDPPA

Samford Stags Rugby League Club Committee meetings at 6.30pm at the Clubhouse on the third Wednesday of the month. Contact Mick Hughes 3289 1027

Samford & District Carriage Drivers Based at the Samford Showgrounds. Contact sdcarriagedriversinc@gmail.com

Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce Meets 7am on the second Wednesday of each month at Flying Nun cafe. Contact President info@samfordchamber.com

Samford Area Men’s Shed E: samssecretary1@gmail.com

Samford Art & Craft Association Slab Hut John Scott Park 7 days 10am-4pm. Ph. 3289 3113

Samford Bowls Mah-jong Every Wednesday & Friday 1pm4pm. Contact Jan Smith: 0402 623 794

Samford Commons admin@samfordcommons.org.au. Leah Hudson M: 0432 682 024. Community Conversation @ Little Tree Bake & Brew House. 2:30pm – 4:30pm – 1st Sunday of each month.

FIRE WARDENS:

SAMFORD

Highvale: Rob Packer 0408 728 727

Jolly’s Lookout: Les Austin 3289 1465

Mt Glorious Rd to and incl. Hulcombe Rd: Noel Draper 3289 1811

Gibbons Road: Kemsley McDowall 3289 1215

Samford Village: Tony Marks 0422 001 814

Camp Mountain: Bob Millar 0409 890 203

Wights Mtn: Garry Morrison 3289 1748

Draper: Irwin Draper 3289 1497

CLEAR MOUNTAIN

John Blake 0418 878 575

Samford Community Folk Dance. All welcome at 7:30pm on 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month in the Farmers Hall. Contact Heather 3289 4708 www.colonialdance.com.au

Samford Community Singers Mondays 7pm. Farmers Hall. Coordinator, Nettie Carroll 0412 991 759. Membership Secretary: Raymond Adams 3289 1789

Samford Hash Group Since 1991. Runners, walkers, joggers. Ph Haughty 3289 4378 Payback 3298 5194.

Samford Hash House Harriers Contact Stubby 3425 2849 for location of run. Meet 5pm every Sunday. (4pm winter)

Samford Landcare www.samfordlandcare.org.au. Contact: samfordlandcare@gmail.com

Samford Local Growers 3rd Sunday of each month, 9am to 11am. Contact Jason 0407 740 856 or go to http://groups.google.com.au/ group/samford-local-food-group

Samford Museum Station St, open every Wednesday & Sunday 10am - 4pm. info@samfordmuseum.com.au. Ph: 3289 2743

Samford Patchworkers Meet CWA Hall every Wed morning 9am except 3rd Wed. Ph: Rae 0407 693 818. ‘Nighties’ meet at Samford Community Hub 2nd & 4th Wed. 6.30pm to 9pm. Ph: Victoria 0438 757 185

Samford Pool - Redfin Aquatics www.redfinaquatics.com. M: 0448 726 343

Samford Rangers Football Club (Soccer) PresidentGraham Young, pres@samfordrangers.org.au, 0400 487 809. Secretary - Mathew Kilkelly, secy@samfordrangers.org.au, 0437 437 313

Samford Riding for the Disabled Samford Showgrounds Call 0458 246 883. www.samfordrda.com.au

Samford Scout Group Membership enquiries to David Reed: gl@ samford.scoutsqld.com.au www.samfordscouts.com.au Ph: 3040 6400

Samford Support Network 0470 214 916. SSN@ samfordsupportnetwork.com. www.samfordsupportnetwork.com.

Samford & District Show Society Committee meetings at Showgrounds - 2nd Wednesday each month. www.samfordshowsociety. com.au

Samford Valley Markets. 2nd Saturday each month 7am-noon. Facebook: Samford Valley Markets.

Swimming Club Contact Anna Wilson 0427 659 388. president@ samfordswimclub.com.au

Samford Tennis Club Enquiries Jessica Catterall 0466 883 899 www.samfordtennis.net. hello@southerncrosstennis.com.au

Samford Valley Weather Station Visit www.samfordweather. com

CLOSEBURN-UPPER

CEDAR CREEK

Closeburn and Upper Cedar Creek: Miles Boon 0409 661 353

SAMSONVALE

Kobble Creek east of Mt Samson Rd & Watson Rd to Dales Rd: Glen Lake - 0418 153 116

Kobble Creek from Dales Rd to Kriesch Rd:

Steve Arkell 3289 9061 - 0408 792 975

Kundes Rd south of Hills Rd to Clear Mtn Rd & Basin Rd Area:

Chris Kunde 0408 180 669

MT NEBO

Mt Nebo Terry Bradford 3289 8181

Mt Glorious Bob Snowdon 3289 0150