Advertiser'sDirectory
In Commemoration of ANZAC Day
This edition of The Western Echo has a special focus on ANZAC Day. Including local ANZAC Day 2025 commemorations, Col’s Chat column, and editorial contributions from our local RSL Sub Branches, The Gap and Ashgrove-Bardon.
ANZAC Day is a time to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of our local servicemen and women. Coming together on ANZAC Day ensures that their contributions are remembered, and reinforces the values of courage, resilience, and community that they fought to protect. It's a day of remembrance and respect for the freedoms we enjoy, thanks to their sacrifices.
Looking for a way to commemorate ANZAC Day this year? Here’s a list of local locations.
Ashgrove-Bardon
• 4:28am (arrive by 4:15am) Ashgrove-Bardon Sub Branch Dawn Service – Stewart Place Memorial Park
• 7:15am Ashgrove-Bardon RSL Sub Branch March
– from Betheden Tce to Ashgrove Memorial Park
• 7:45am Ashgrove-Bardon RSL Sub Branch Service
– Stewart Place Memorial Park
• 11:00am Ashgrove-Bardon RSL Sub Branch Service
– Bardon Bowls Club
Mitchelton
• 6:15am Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch March from Sid Loder Park, Tel El Kebir Street
• 6:45am Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch Memorial Service at Sid Loder Park, Tel El Kebir Street.
Paddington
• 7:30am (arrive by 7:15am) ANZAC Day Service
- Ithaca War Memorial, Enoggera Terrace
The Gap
• 5:30am The Gap RSL Sub Branch Dawn Service – Walton Bridge Memorial Park
• 9:15am (meet at The Gap State High School by 8:45am) The Gap RSL Sub Branch March – from The Gap State High School to Walton Bridge Memorial Park.
• 9:30am The Gap RSL Sub Branch Service
– Walton Bridge Memorial Park
Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek 2025
The annual Midnight to Dawn ANZAC Service Trek is a 20km trek beginning at ANZAC Square on Thursday 24 April in Brisbane CBD and finishes at The Gap RSL Dawn Service at Walton Bridge Memorial Park on Friday 25 April. Trek2Health is a local organisation founded to support the physical and mental health of our local frontline workers and veterans. To find out more visit www.trek2health.org. au to register. For more: www.trek2health.org.au/midnight-to-dawnanzac-service-trek-2025
Toowong
• 6:00am Toowong RSL Sub Branch Service at the Cenotaph on top of the hill in Toowong Memorial Park
Brisbane City / CBD
• 4:28am ANZAC Day Dawn Service – Shrine of Remembrance, ANZAC Square, between Ann and Adelaide Streets
• 9:45am ANZAC Day Parade – Adelaide Street between George Street and Creek Street, finishing at 12:30pm.
Other
Looking for a service somewhere else? Search on the RSL Queensland website: www.rslqld.org/whats-on/anzac-day
Explore more related ANZAC Day events on the Brisbane City Council website: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-and-events/anzac-dayin-brisbane
Photos credit: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography
From theEditor COL’S CHAT
Locals through my Lens
Lou Bennett
War these days is – for most of us here in Australia – something that happens somewhere else. A distant conflict, removed from the trappings of our lives. But for the men and women who serve it’s as real as those first landings in Gallipoli in 1915, or their arrival at Fromelles in July 1916. Remembering them, and their sacrifice and service is a stern responsibility, and one that we all treat with the reverence it deserves.
For one local, this ANZAC Day will prove extra meaningful. Lou Bennett is off to Gallipoli for the 110th anniversary of the landings.
Lou holds the distinction of having been born on Christmas Island; her grandfather the recipient of a DSO for his part in the famous, Swordfish Channel Dash, and her father a merchant sailor and harbour master. Today, Brisbane is home. “I studied at UQ to be a physio, working overseas for the British Army, and the Australian Army. I currently work at St. Vincent’s Northside. My husband, Ed served for ten years in the British army and ten in the Australian army, before being seriously injured in Afghanistan in 2013.”
The harsh reality of the risks involved in military life had been brought sharply home. So, this year, Lou really wanted to engage with veterans and their families. “I saw an opportunity advertised through RSL for Veterans and family members to participate in the delivery of the commemorative services overseas. It is the first time that veterans and family members have been included in the delivery team. I was so privileged to be chosen to attend on the Gallipoli peninsula. Very few people get this honour and it is amazing that I have been recognised to make the pilgrimage.”
Lou continued, “It’s important to remember what people have gone through. It highlights not just the impacts of those who lived it, but also of the families affected in so many ways. For too long, only the milestones were recognised while, with limited support, many individuals fell through the cracks. Today, the attitude is a lot more positive and organisations like the RSL, Mates4Mates, Soldier On, Trek2Health and others are making a significant difference to the lives of those impacted by conflict in all its forms, providing the help and support family members need.”
The opportunity for Lou to attend on that sacred soil is evident, but why is that important for others less invested? “It demonstrates what it takes to ensure our freedoms. These sacrifices allowed us to be who we want to be, embrace a multi-cultural ideal, and respect the ideas and beliefs from generation to generation. It’s also about continuing to emphasise the impact of trauma and learning the nuances that accompany it.”
You can support Lou by attending an ANZAC Day service this year. Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our April edition!
In this edition, enjoy our cover story about ANZAC Day events, another personal story from Maurice Serico, and a special feature about local major parties’ Ryan candidates for the upcoming Federal election.
As most of you know, Kym and I donate our time and skills to publish The Western Echo, to share local stories for our community. We do need your assistance please though to keep it going – so please see our ‘Donation Campaign’ request on page 6. All donations will help us cover costs.
And don’t miss our monthly fun Photo Quiz, guessing where Colin Bushell (photographer) has been this month with his camera.
If you are a local business wanting to reach your local audience – we look forward to hearing from you, we have very affordable advertising rates.
Please visit our website: www.westernecho.com.au
Happy reading! Mel & Kym
Melanie: 0409 440 501 | editor@westernecho.com.au or melanie@planetmarketing.com.au Kym: 0402 450 568 | spotart@spotart.com.au
Newmarket Bocce Club News
Charlie Parrella Cup
Our first sponsored competition of the year was the Charlie Parrella Cup held on Sunday 16 February. Redlands Bocce club was invited to join us in what resulted in a great day for all, especially Newmarket Bocce achieving 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. As usual the food was great - prepared by Gina Rotili and Luciana Alberti, and add some cheer and a raffle you have the making of a great competition. Redlands club achieved 4th place. The winners were from left Silvio Rotili, Aurelio Fioravanti, Tony Servodio, and Mario De Marco with sponsor Charlie. Congratulations to all place getters.
For more please contact: Mario 0403 257 325; Tony 0418 731 423; or Bill 0431 458 481.
Please Support The Western Echo!
It’s Our Local News. Your Voice.
As you know, The Western Echo is an independent news organisation owned and run by locals in your community. But to keep telling and sharing your stories we need your help.
That’s why we’re launching another fundraising campaign from 28 April to 4 May - to help us keep local news vibrant and alive in our community.
Without your assistance we risk having to stop publishing The Western Echo. Advertising income does not fully cover printing, distribution, and other necessary costs – and we don’t pay ourselves anything. We continue to publish The Wester Echo as a voluntary contribution to the local community – and we want to keep doing this.
With your help, we can continue to tell and share the stories that matter to our community.
We are aiming to raise $8,000, and any amount counts.
MATCHED FUNDING! From 28 April - 4 May, LINA
(Local & Independent News Association) will provide matched dollar-for-dollar funds for every $ we raise!
Donate via our website (starting 28 April): www.westernecho.com.au
CHAT WITH US IN-PERSON:
We will have a stand in The Gap Village on 29 April & 2 May – see you there! We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you – Mel + Kym
The Gap Pioneer & History Group Inc
Ethel Grace Brook
The first girl to pass Scholarship Examinations at The Gap State School
The George and Grace Brook family came to The Gap after WW1. as a Soldier Settler family and settled in Hilder Rd on Portion 95 in 1921, before moving across Fish Creek to Portion 91 during 1922-23.
George Brook ran a mixed farming operation with poultry, dairy and vegetable growing and was always generous with gifts of produce to other needy returned servicemen and their families.
Their daughter Ethel Grace and her siblings attended The Gap State School. George Brook monitored their homework and if it was not done to his satisfaction, he tore out the page and made the child repeat the work. The child then had to face the teacher’s ire over the torn-out pages. Headmaster Mr Gall let Ethel help with the younger pupils at school.
Ethel Grace Brook was the first girl to pass the Scholarship Examination at The Gap State School in 1925. Ethel passed with 65.7% while Mervyn Gall, the head teacher’s son, also passed with 55.8%.
The scholarship pass enabled Ethel to attend Brisbane Girls Grammar School where she passed the Junior Public Examination in 1927 with a very creditable pass.
Ethel milked the cows in the morning before walking four miles from Hilder Road to the old Ashgrove tram terminus near Jubilee Terrace. She travelled by tram to school on Gregory Terrace and reversed the trip in the afternoon.
Ethel Brook became a Pupil Teacher at Ithaca Creek State School in 1928 where she taught for three years, and she finally retired from teaching 46 years later in 1974. Enquiries: jeffhilder@outlook.com
State Government Update
april update
Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred Update
As at the time of writing this, the risk from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred has just passed Thank you to everyone who heeded the advice, prepared their homes, and looked out for their neighbours at such a difficult and unprecedented time
I want to thank any local Energex and SES workers who responded to thousands of calls for service Also our local emergency services including Queensland Police, Fire and Emergency and Queensland Ambulance who provided a great deal of comfort and direction during a challenging period And of course our Principals who had to make some difficult decisions about school openings
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS
A range of financial assistance payments are available for residents, community groups, sporting groups and small businesses Financial assistance may help cover incidental costs you incurred through a loss of power, through to covering costs of lost stock for businesses There are also some structural grants available for homes that experienced substantial flooding
If you would like know about this, or would like help in finding and applying for assistance please contact my office
SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Our office has secured a commitment from the Small Business Minister to meet with flood-impacted businesses This is a great opportunity for you to share your expeirences of business disruption and what assistance would help If you’d like to be involved in this please get in touch with our office
Anzac Day events
On Anzac Day we recognise the contributions and sacrifice of our serving women and men - past and present Anyone is welcome to come along to local events throughout the electorate, the times are - at this time - still being finalised However the usual program includes:
Dawn Services at The Gap Memorial Park on Glen Affric Street, and Stewart Place ANZAC Park Morning services at Ithaca War Memorial on Enoggera Terrace, The Gap Memorial Park and Stewart Place Anzac Park again, and Bardon Memorial onsite at the Bardon Bowls Club
Local charity Trek2Health also run an annual Midnight to Dawn ANZAC Service Trek It’s a 20km fundraising night trek from Anzac Square to the Gap Funds raised provide mental wellness support services for Queensland veterans and frontline workers via Trek2Health programs You can read more here - https://www trek2health org au/midnight-to-dawn-anzac-service-trek-2025
Jonty bush MP
The Brisbane Tramway Museum
TRAM HERITAGE DAY IS ON 13 APRIL!
Now that the museum is back to full operations, we will once again commemorate the last tram trip in Brisbane. This trip occurred on
BRISBANE TRAMWAY MUSEUM
TRAM
the 13th April some 56 years ago when Tram 554 was driven into the Milton workshops at midnight by the then Lord Mayor Clem Jones.
This event marked the end of some 70 years of electric trams serving Brisbane. Over that time, trams carried millions of passengers with very few incidents – a really good safety record.
Today, the museum operates one of each model of tram that was used during those 70 years.
On Tram Heritage Day, passengers will have the opportunity to experience riding in all those trams – from the oldest ‘Matchbox’ built in 1901 to the ‘youngster’ of the fleet – 554 built in 1964.
Joy rides in vintage BCC buses (which took over from the trams) will also be available.
On site passengers can enjoy a sausage sizzle, donut stall and a coffee wagon and the usual ice creams and drinks.
Our spacious grounds are ideal for a picnic afternoon tea or evening meal.
Image credit: photo of tram 47 by Brian Martin.
For more about the museum: www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org
The Brisbane Tramway Museum is open every Sunday from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Address: 20 Tramway St, Ferny Grove
The museum is also available for special events and groups.
“TheBrisbaneTramwayMuseumisProudly Supported by The Brisbane City Council”.
Photo: BrianMartin
You’re invited to my Keperra Family Fun Day!
Dear neighbours,
After the roaring success of my Toowong Family Fun Day in January, my team and I will be putting on another great afternoon of kids’ entertainment – this time in Keperra!
I’d love it if you could join us during the April school holidays for a free afternoon in the park Bring along a picnic rug and your little ones, and we'll bring the rest – games and activities for the kids, a jumping castle, facepainting, live music, craft and heaps more There'll also be a free sausage sizzle, snacks, and drinks
Here’s the details:
What: Keperra Family Fun Day
When: 1-5pm, Sunday April 13
Where: Heiner Park, Keperra
Cost: Free!
Whether you’ve lived in the neighbourhood for years, or have just moved to the area, we can all agree there are just not enough free community events in our neighbourhood School holidays in particular can be tricky for families, especially those struggling with the rising cost of living
This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet more of your neighbours, and chat to me and my team of friendly Greens volunteers So invite your friends, and we’ll see you there!
In hope,
Ashgrove Bardon RSL Sub Branch
ANZAC DAY SERVICES
There will be three services conducted by the Ashgrove-Bardon Sub Branch. The Dawn Service at Stewart Place Memorial Park will commence at 4:28am (please arrive by 4:15am). The Ashgrove march will commence at 7:15am from Betheden Tce to Stewart Place Memorial Park, and the second service will commence at the Stewart Place Memorial Park at 7:45am concluding at 8:30am. The third service at the Bardon Bowls Club will commence at 11:00am concluding at 11:45 am.
A Guide to Wearing Medals on Commemorative Occasions
The RSL is often asked about the correct protocols for wearing medals and we hope this guide will support those who have earned medals, and those who wear them in memory, to wear their medals proudly to honour our veterans and remember those who have served.
This article serves as a general guide, offering suggestions for standardising the wearing of medals on commemorative occasions. It is intended to be a helpful resource, not a strict set of rules.
Placement of Medals and Badges
• Medals awarded to the wearer: These are worn on the left side of the chest or jacket. This includes campaign medals, bravery medals, and service medals.
For the Love Of Books
Last month the Longlists for the Stella Prize and the Women’s Prize were both announced. Love or hate book awards, they certainly help promote reading and often can lead us to incredible books or Authors we may not have come across on our own.
The Stella Prize was created in 2012 and celebrates Australian women and non-binary writers. I was lucky enough to be gifted the 12 longlisted books and have worked my way through 7 so far. Of those 7 (full reviews @sarahsbookchat) it’s hard to pick a favourite. Each one has been brilliant – from the quiet unassuming look at the grief of losing a child in The Burrow, to the scathing insight into our biased Australian media in Black Witness, to
• Ancestor's medals: Medals that were not awarded directly to the wearer, such as family medals, are worn on the right side of the chest or jacket. This indicates that the wearer is not the original recipient.
• State-issued medals: Medals for service and bravery issued by a state (e.g., for emergency service personnel) are worn on the right side of the chest or jacket.
• Association Badge (e.g., RSL): This badge is usually worn on the left side of the chest or jacket, typically above the medals.
• Combat Badge: This badge is also worn on the left side of the chest or jacket.
• Medals Level: Medals should be worn in a horizontal line, with the top of the medals positioned at a consistent level. A coat should be buttoned up to maintain a smart and respectful appearance.
Unit Citations
• Army and Air Force: Unit citations are worn on the right side.
• Navy: Navy citations are worn on the left side, below the medals.
ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day Symbols
• Rosemary on ANZAC Day: Rosemary is the traditional symbol of remembrance worn on ANZAC Day in Australia. This is because rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, giving it special significance.
• Poppy on Remembrance Day: The poppy was formally adopted as the international memorial flower to be worn on 11 November (Remembrance Day) by the Australian Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League (the forerunner to the RSL). RSL Australia continues to uphold this tradition, encouraging the nation to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Sub-Branch Annual General Meeting was rescheduled due to the intervention of Cyclone Alfred. The AGM was held on Sunday 23rd March at the Bardon Bowls Club.
the streets of Palestine in Cactus Pear for my Beloved, each story not only entertains but teaches us something along the way. I don’t envy the judges having to pick the Shortlist and eventual winner.
The Women’s Prize has been around for 30 years now and showcases women writers from across the globe. The Longlist consists of 16 genrespanning books, many of which explore world events both past and present that impact woman. I have only read 4 of the 16 so far – The Ministry of Time, All Fours, Nesting, and The Safekeep. Of those, I feel the latter 2 have a good chance of making the Shortlist (announced this month). Nesting would be my stand out. A heart in your throat insight into domestic abuse, particularly coercive control.
Do you have a favourite Literary Award? Come chat @sarahsbookchat Happy reading!
Author: Sarah Krause
Maggie FORREST
LNP FOR RYAN
A MESSAGE FROM MAGGIE FORREST
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Recovery
Fortunately, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred wasn’t as bad as we expected in our area, but there were still many people without power and water for many days.
The Gap Football Club Synthetic Pitch
After an overwhelming response to my recent petition, I am very excited to announce that an elected LNP Government will fund a new synthetic pitch at The Gap Football Club.
Throughout the recovery it has been wonderful to see the volunteer spirit and community resilience across Ryan.
This $2.74 million investment will allow players to train all year long and prevent the Club from having to close fields. I’m so pleased this funding will benefit not just the Club’s players, but also local schools who seek to utilise the facilities.
It was great to be out with my team helping people to prepare for the bad weather and also throughout the recovery. Thank you to everyone who chipped in to prepare your own houses and also to assist friends, neighbours and family. This includes our servicemen and women stationed at Gallipoli Barracks who once again answered the call to keep us safe.
-Maggie
M: 0482 059 763
E: ryan@lnp.org.au
W: maggieforrest.com.au
F: @Maggie4Ryan
I: @maggieforrestlnp
Helping to clean up green waste in The Gap and Ashgrove as part of the Ute Army with Cr Steven Toomey.
With Chris, Simon, John and Lea from The Gap Football Club at the funding announcement.
Authorised By B. Riley, LNP, 281 Sandgate Road, Albion QLD 4010
The Gap RSL Sub Branch
ANZAC Day: Honouring Our Heroes
ANZAC Day, celebrated on April 25th each year, is a significant national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers are known as ANZACs.
ANZAC Day ceremonies are held across both nations to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and legacy of these soldiers. For The Gap, the day begins with a Dawn Service at 05:30, symbolising the time when the ANZAC forces landed at Gallipoli in 1915. As usual, this year's Dawn Service will take place at Walton Bridge Memorial Park.
The Gap’s Main Service will commence with the march at 09:15. The march will step off promptly at 09:15, leading participants to Walton Bridge Memorial Park for the Main Service at 09:30. The march is a proud tradition that allows veterans, service members, and the community to come together in solidarity and remembrance. For those wishing to take part in the march, please form up in The Gap State High School quadrangle at 08:45.
ANZAC Day is a time to remember past conflicts and to express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is a day to reflect on the values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice that have shaped our nations. Join us as we honour the legacy of the ANZACs and ensure their spirit lives on in our hearts and actions.
AshgroveHistorical Society
Visitors are encouraged and very welcome to attend the Ashgrove Historical Society meetings held at the Ashgrove Library on the first Saturday of the month from 10amnoon. Topics and guest speakers can be found on the Society’s website under What’s On ‘Meetings’. The topic on 3 May 2025 is A Continuous Thread: the Lebanese presence in Queensland from the 1880s to the present which will be presented by Dr Anne Monsour. Despite the continuous Lebanese presence in Brisbane and throughout Queensland since the 1880s, theirs is a largely untold story. Dr Anne
Rotary Club Ashgrove The Gap
We have supported two very different causes this month, one a regular and one a brand-new one-off.
The regular donation is to the Feros Foundation, originally an initiative of the Rotary Club of Toowong. Feros supports medical work in rural and remote Indigenous communities that would not otherwise happen, for example funding second-year UQ Master-in-Audiology students to do clinical placements with Deadly Ears and screen children and youth for ear infections. A tiny intervention can make a life-changing difference – such as the insertion of a “grommet”, a routine procedure taken for granted in the city.
The greatest success of Feros is to work itself out of a job altogether: it used to support trainee nurses on their unpaid placements – but have shamed the Government into paying these young people.
The one-off is very different. The local band Brisbane Brass 2, which rehearses at The Gap State High School, has been given the honour of representing Australia in the Australian pavilion at the Osaka World Expo later this year. Hooray! But there is a catch: these local amateur musicians have to pay most of their own way, including transport of instruments. The club has decided to contribute. For more information or to donate, go to https://www.brisbanebrass.org.au/donations.
We have decided this year that since we always do a Fathers’ Day Raffle, we will do a Mothers’ Day one as well, so we hope to see you buying tickets for that. It will be like the Fathers’ Day one but with fewer power tools (we don’t mind the odd bit of stereotyping!).
To get in touch with us visit www.rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au
You can direct any enquiries about Rotary to Tim Boyd at tim@boyd.org, or text at 0411 141 304.
Monsour has sought to redress this absence by tracing the Lebanese presence in Queensland from the nineteenth century, through the twentieth century and to the present. As non-Europeans, Lebanese migrants’ settlement experience was fundamentally shaped by the White Australia Policy and their common occupational choice of hawking and shopkeeping. The decentralised character of Queensland’s development led to their dispersal throughout the state. They worked hard, became active participants in their local and wider communities, did not draw attention to their Lebanese origins, and encouraged their children to become Australian.
A shared morning tea will follow the presentation which will provide the opportunity to chat with the guest speaker and other people interested in local history.
If you would like to become an AHS member or purchase membership as a gift for someone, fees are $10 single per annum (1 July - 30 June), or $15 couple/family. Membership includes the quarterly newsletter and discount on our publications. Please contact the secretary, Julie, (ahs. secretary@bigpond.com) and she will let you know the EFT details or you can join at a meeting. Funds raised from memberships, raffles and sale of our publications supports the research, preservation and recording of Ashgrove’s history.
Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club
Lions Youth of the Year was started in the 1960’s by a group of Brisbane Lions including the late Ald. Syd McDonald, a member of the former Lions Club of Ashgrove. He successfully promoted the competition to become a national event, with entrants from all over Australia.
Given this local connection, the Youth of the Year Competition has special significance for Ashgrove The Gap Lions.
The aim of the competition is to foster leadership skills in Australian students approaching the end of their high school years. By emphasising qualities such as academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement, public speaking and contribution to the community, the competition aims to bring forth the next generation of outstanding young Australians.
This year, there were entrants from The Gap SHS, Mt St Michael’s College, Ashgrove and St James College, Spring Hill. Eloise Burger from Mt St Michael’s won the award for best public speaker and Engy Abdulla Gamar from St James, the overall winner. Engy advanced to the Regional Final.
Local identities, Sue Hobbs (Solicitor, Hollingworth and Spencer), Melanie Grevis-James (Planet Marketing and editor, The Western Echo) and Colin Bushell (Professional Photographer and President The Gap Creative) were the judges. Their high level and wide-ranging knowledge and skills bring integrity to what is a challenging process.
In February, $7600 was distributed to local, national and international causes, including Choices Program at Wesley Hospital; Lions Medical Research Foundation based in Brisbane; North and Far North Queensland Tropical Low 2025 Flood Appeal; Lions International “Winter is Coming in Ukraine” Appeal.
Look out for the yellow shirts of Lions at our next Bunnings BBQ, 27 April. www.ashgrovethegaplions.org.au
Photos
1. Eloise Burger, Mt St Michael’s; Engy Abdulla Gamar, St James; Amelia Lynch, The Gap SHS
2. Cr Steve Toomey, Jonty Bush MP and judges, Colin Bushell, Melanie Grevis-James, Sue Hobbs with entrants.
Enoggera & Districts Historical Society
The Parish of Enoggera, County of Stanley was the largest of the early Divisional Boards. The Enoggera State School was one of the earliest opened on the north side of the river and children travelled some distances to attend.
The community raised building funds and two land holders, Timothy Corbett and Patrick Moody each gave an adjacent acre of land for the school. The district grew apace and in 1924 the original school room which had operated as a School of Arts for seven years was dismantled and in 1925 was re-erected as part of the Memorial Hall erected on the corner of Trundle and Bell Streets.
The origin of these names is interesting. William Bell lived in his home Elswick from 1875 to 1898 and the road passing his home was named Bell St until C1939 when it was renamed Wardell St.
Samuel Trundle arrived in Queensland under an assumed name and worked the cane fields of North Qld before returning to Brisbane and sub dividing Bell’s Enoggera land.
In 2025 the memorial Hall will celebrate its centenary with two functions. A Stump Capping Celebration recalling the setting of the foundations of the hall, to be held in the hall 2 to 4 pm on July 20. On this occasion the Enoggera State School Choir will entertain those attending.
A second function, a rededication of the Memorial Hall will be held on 23 November, in the hall 2 to 4 pm
The GapShe Shed AshgroveRangers
With the track and field season now well and truly underway we'd like to highlight some recent outstanding performances.
Heptathlete Tiana Solley had a great win in the women's A grade 100m in the 100m in a PB of 12.19. Tiana was also 2nd in Shot Put with 11.71m, 4th in Javelin with 35.43m and 6th in Long Jump with 5.38m at the same meet.
Connor Duggan did well with 1.93m for 4th in Open Mental Men’s High Jump and Andrew Pfeffer nailed a 51.93 400m PB. Kristina Kersten took Heat 2 of the Women’s 800m in 2:24.77 and Daniel Casey Heat 3 of the Men’s in 2:04.77. Tate Van Camp was 3rd in the A Grade Open Men’s 800 and 1st U16 steaming home in an apparent sub-1.54 clocking.
Other great performances came from Liam Griff, Connor Campbell, Dylan and Patrick Reid, Sam Shaw, Hayden Lockhart, Isaac Ting, Haiden Boyd, Andrew Pfeffer, Nate Griffin, Owen Griff, Daisy Clarke, Riley Hansel, Jack Mahuru, Hugo Lockhart, Genesis S’Au, Nate Griffin, Zel Van Loggerenberg, Elliott Stannard, and Nick Bray.
One of our most popular events of the year the Nundah Criterium Relay is on Anzac Day Friday 25th April at the Albert Bishop Cycle Track at Hedley Avenue. There’s a 1.2k road loop with relay teams alternating runners continuously and the atmosphere is always fantastic.
Our next cross country race "The Flying Four" is being held on Sunday April 13th at the GPS rugby grounds on Yoku Road Ashgrove. The race will commence at start time of 8.00 am with 4k for Opens, 2k for Under 14s, and 1k for Under 10s.
Training is Monday and Thursday evenings from 5.45pm at The Gap State High School oval and Tuesday Evenings from 5pm at the top of the University of Queensland hill opposite the Athletics track at UQ. There is also a Pilates session every Saturday morning at the UQ track.
Photo is the Ashgrove Rangers Team at the 2024 Anzac Day Relay.
Newmarket Probus Club
Newmarket Probus Is Looking For New Members And Future Friends
Newmarket Probus is off to a good start in 2025. At our February meeting we had an excellent talk by Sergeant Susan Walsh from the Queensland Police on scams and how to keep yourself safe. Our annual trivia was enjoyed by all as was the lunch afterwards. We were happy to welcome five visitors who all had a great time both at the trivia and socialising with members.
Our Tech Guru, Michael, has just updated our website so that visitors
APRIL IS HUGE AND WE’RE EXCITED!
SOCIAL MAHJONG
• Monday evenings 6pm to 9pm and Friday afternoons 1pm to 4pm
• RSL (Nullagundi Centre) 34 School Rd, The Gap. Contact: Cathy on the mahjong chat or email hello@thegapsheshed.au . Cost: $2.
SHED TALK
• Managing Belly Fat (How to go beyond exercise with targeted dietary adjustments and lifestyle shifts.)
• Monday 28th April at 10.30am, RSL (Nullagundi Centre) 34 School Rd, The Gap. This very informative talk will be delivered by Therese, a Consultant Pharmacist, Health Coach and Podcaster. Register your interest at hello@thegapsheshed.au
500 CARDS
• Tuesday 1st, 15th and 29th April 12.30 for lunch and 1.30 to play cards
• The Gap Tavern, Glenquarie St, The Gap. Every second Tuesday afternoon at The Tavern. It is a lot of fun. Just turn up.
KNITTING AND CROCHET
• Every Wednesday morning 9.30am until 11.30am
• The Scout Den 76 Riaweena St, The Gap. Bring your own knitting or crochet project and join us for a coffee and a chat.
WALKING GROUP
• Every Monday and Friday morning 8am
• Meet at The Scout Den 76 Riaweena St, The Gap to leave by 8am. We walk along the creek to the shopping centre, have a coffee and walk back. Lovely social morning.
SKINCARE MASTERCLASS
• Wednesday 9th and 16th April
• RSL (Nullagundi Centre) 34 School, Rd The Gap. Learn the fundamentals of skincare over 2 evenings from 6.30pm.
DINERS CLUB
• Thursday 3rd April @ 6.30pm
• Café 63 Ashgrove, Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove. All welcome. You can join as a community member for free or you can become a financial member for $25 a year.
Email us for any more information or go to our Facebook page. Website: https://thegapsheshed.wixsite.com/home Email: hello@thegapsheshed.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ thegapsheshed
can find out all about our club including future speakers and activities as well as past Newsletters and photos. If you’re retired or semi-retired and are interested in whether our club is the right fit for you, please check out our website. Just put Newmarket Probus into your web browser to find it.
We would love for you to come along to a meeting or activity and find out what we are all about. To do this contact Judith on 0438 335 314 or send an email to: newmarketprobusclub@ gmail.com
Find out more on the website: www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ newmarket
Special Feature: Ryan Roundup
Let's Hear from our major Parties' Candidates
In the leadup to the Federal Election this year, we reached out to our major parties' local candidates in the Ryan Electorate. We wanted to get to know them better and thought you might too. We asked each the same five questions.
ELIZABETH WATSON-BROWN MP
Candidate for the Australian Greens Party and Member for Ryan
Why are you standing as a Candidate for Ryan?
Before being elected, I spent decades raising a family, building a career and running a small business. Frankly, I never intended to be a politician. But I’m concerned about the future world my grandkids will grow up in, and I believe our community deserves a strong, local voice in Parliament. I want to continue being that voice.
What human quality do you think is most important as a politician and why?
Integrity. I believe many of the problems we face right now are a result of politicians putting their donors’ interests first. I joined the Greens because they don’t take corporate donations, which means we’re beholden only to the community.
Please list the 4 most important issues that you wish to help address for Ryan Residents:
1: Environment and climate: support renewable energy, including rooftop solar, instead of approving new coal and gas or pursuing Dutton’s nuclear fantasies.
2:Healthcare:bringdentalandmentalhealthintoMedicare,fundedby taxing big corporations and billionaires fairly.
3:Housing:regulatebankstoofferlowermortgagerates,andcreatea government-owned developer to build good quality affordable homes.
4: Education: increase public school funding, provide $800 ‘back to school’ payments to parents, and bring back free uni and TAFE. Who inspires you most? And why?
Bob Brown. Bob, like my father, was a medical doctor and I really admire that caring nature. Even now, he’s still caring and acting for other people and our natural world. Your favourite hobby or pastime?
I love spending family time with my grandkids.
MAGGIE FORREST
Candidate for the Liberal National Party (LNP)
Why are you standing as a Candidate for Ryan?
I grew up in Ryan, and together with myhusbandIamnowraisingmyfamily in this wonderful part of Brisbane. I want Ryan to be a place where people can afford to buy a house, raise a family, start a thriving small business and enjoy a happy and healthy retirement. What human quality do you think is most important as a
politicianandwhy?
Kindness. People will always have different political views, but what is most important is how you treat others regardless of these. The role of an MP is to work to deliver positive outcomes for everyone in their community no matter their background and be a voice for those who need it most.
Please list the 4 most important issues that you wish to help address for Ryan Residents:
1: Cost of living: this is the number one issue raised with me across the electorate.
2: Housing: it needs to be more affordable and available, and the LNP has a plan to deal with both supply and demand.
3:Crime:asapracticingbarrister,Iwanttousemyextensiveknowledge and experience in criminal law to help keep our community safe.
4: Local infrastructure: we deserve infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing community.
Who inspires you most? And why?
My mum Ruth Forrest. My mum is my biggest inspiration. She is a breastcancersurvivorandhastaughtmetocherisheveryday.Without her, I wouldn’t be who or where I am today.
Your favourite hobby or pastime?
When I’m not busy campaigning, I love staying fit by going to F45!
REBECCA HACK
Candidate for the Labor Party (ALP)
Why are you standing as a Candidate for Ryan?
My parents taught me to step up when peopleneedme.Ibecameafostercarer as a way of acting, not just talking. I care deeply about our community and I’mrunningbecauseIknowthechoicefacingus.Weneedcompassion, not cruelty. We need action and outcomes, and I have a lifetime of experience getting things done.
What human quality do you think is most important as a politician and why?
You don’t walk away from problems when you care about the people theyaffect.Ifoughtformyschoolbecauseeverychildmatteredtome. We changed lives through compassion and determination. These are the qualities we need in politics.
Please list the 4 most important issues that you wish to help address for Ryan Residents:
1: Tackling climate change: Labor has delivered 40% renewables already and we’re on track for 80% by 2030. Nuclear costs too much, takes too long and our environment matters too much to risk it.
2: Easing cost of living / housing pressure: delivering wage growth, building more homes, supporting renters and helping home buyers.
3: Strengthening Medicare: cheaper medicines, expanding bulk billing, delivering on women’s health and training more doctors.
4: Investing in education: reducing student debt, free TAFE and paid pracs.
Who inspires you most? And why?
Edith Cowan. Edith was Australia’s first female MP. She fought for better education and welfare and advocated for women, children, and the vulnerable. Her strength, courage, and compassion inspire and motivate me.
Your favourite hobby or pastime?
Riding my scooter around Brisbane / playing with my dog Pickles.
SCAN TO LEARN
The Physiologix Corner
Knee Meniscal Tear Diagnosis: Meaning and Management
Meniscal knee injuries are a common diagnosis. From young to old can be affected. Injury can occur with an acute sudden sports injury, but also with degenerative knee issues and osteoarthritis.
At Physiologix we work extensively with knee injuries including meniscal tears.
The menisci are crescent shaped fibrocartilaginous structures located one on the inside of the knee (medial) and one on the outside (lateral), sitting between the thigh (femur) and shin (tibia) bones. The menisci help with mechanical stability, shock absorption, nutrition (keeping the knee joint healthy), and lubrication.
How can you get a meniscus tear?
There are many possible reasons. Anatomy may predispose to injury, or frequently injury can occur due to trauma (eg. twisting or side stepping movement). Lastly age-related wear can impact directly on the key functions, without any specific single reason.
Typically with meniscal tear you can experience pain, stiffness, a locking sensation, a feeling of giving way or your knee being unstable, knee swelling and loss of movement in the joint. How to best manage your meniscal tear
Your GP, sports physician and or orthopaedic surgeon will work together as a team to ensure the best options for your rehabilitation. Surgery is a last resort, but may be needed. Physiotherapy aims to reduce your swelling, regain your range of movement, regain normal strength and help facilitate your recovery.
We will help you lose weight, which can be a huge benefit in pain management, and we will help you exercise despite limitations that you may struggle with. If needed, we will work with your doctors if injections may be indicated, and we will help prepare you for surgery, and to recover after surgery should this need to occur. Our aim is to prevent as much loss of fitness through this rehabilitation process as is possible.
Questions? Please feel free to contact us with any queries you may have. Physiologix is based upstairs at Gap Health and Racquet Club. You can call us on 3511 1112 or book an appointment online at www.physiologix.com.au
Brisbane North Cake Decorators
Unfortunately, our March meeting had to be cancelled. Ex Cyclone Alfred damaged the Arana Hills Community Hall where we meet so we will have to wait till our April meeting to catch up again.
Our April meeting is a week earlier than normal to avoid the Easter weekend and will be held on the 12th April, commencing at 1.00pm. This meeting will be a workshop under the direction of Heather Drake, an award-winning cake decorator from Bayside Branch. During the workshop we will create some amazing flowers while enjoying catching up with everyone and having afternoon tea prepared by the members on roster.
We can be contacted via our Facebook page, Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA or via email brisbanenorthcakedecorators@gmail.com
The GapProbus Club
In March we were happy to welcome no fewer than five new members, duly inducted to become, at that moment, the newest Probians in the World! The men and women come from very different backgrounds, some being life-long residents in western Brisbane, some very new. All were welcomed warmly, and after a swift AGM and a fascinating speaker, settled into afternoon tea with the regulars. The “fascinating speaker” was Lis Clough, Social Media Coordinator of The Gap She Shed. This local organisation has grown remarkably over the last few years, and the story of what it does and how it grew holds lessons for our Probus club. We try to be outward-looking, and are not worried about inviting in a moving spirit of what some could see as a “rival” organisation in some ways.
We are able to get through our AGMs very painlessly, with many committee positions filled and a constructive attitude to any necessary changes. HINT: Since the AGM is over, visitors and new members will not feel any pressure to instantly become committee members! The waters are safe!
If you are interested finding out more without commitment, we would be delighted to talk with you, and invite you to our meetings (first Thursday of every month, 2pm, at the Baptist Church, corner of Waterworks and Settlement Roads). Just call (or, better, text) Tim on 0411 141 304.
Mitchelton Pre-School
‘The Rain was going lots of ways’
How did you fair after Cyclone Alfred? Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre experienced some slight water damage but it’s not just the physical drying out of wet and sodden materials that we are working on. It’s also the playing, talking about, and drawing out the feelings, emotions and thoughts of children and families after experiencing the recent weather event.
It’s been wonderful to see the children come back to Kindy after the event keen to connect and eager to start playing. Sometimes unpacking questions, feelings and thoughts about cyclone Alfred in their play. ‘Play connects children to their world, their cultural identities, to others and to other ways of knowing doing and being by exploring local natural or social phenomena’Early Childhood Australia’s Statement on play 2023.
We focus on highlighting the helpers in a crisis, we talk to the children about all the people who are helping to fix the Kindy. Here are the children’s thoughts about their first week back after cyclone Alfred:
• ‘The rain was going lots of ways’
• ‘We had to put everything into the garage. We got so much rain. We
Restoring Our Creeks: Community Efforts Making a Difference
Local creek restoration efforts are getting a boost, with new SOWN signs at revegetation sites in the Enoggera Creek, Fish Creek, and Ithaca Creek catchments. These signs will remind us that the native trees and shrubs now thriving along these waterways have resulted from dedicated volunteers working to restore these vital habitats.
stood on the deck to check and guard our house.’
• ‘I put my outside toys in the shed’
• ‘We had to go into our car and go to a hotel because our house got flooded.’
• ‘We went to the petrol station to fill up the tank’
• ‘The lady in the shop said, “What a wonderful helper you are!”’
• ‘It was windy’
• ‘My dog came inside to get away from the rain. I also used my punching bag a lot. Mum had to call the firemans because the rain made a fire.’
• ‘There were puddles of water everywhere’
• ‘Dad and I went into the roof because the roof was leaking. We had to take tissues because Dad kept sneezing. We put buckets down to catch the drips.’
• ‘The water went over the bridge, and we couldn’t go across’
• ‘We had to put sandbags around our house to stop the water. We played Dogman inside. There was a lot of rain.’
• ‘We filled up water bottles’
• ‘Mum said we can’t open the fridge because it ran out of power’
• ‘We had sandbags at our door’
• ‘The rain was coming in the windows’
• ‘It’s all gone now’
• ‘We had to go to our friends house for a shower’
• ‘Branches came down’
• ‘I played Uno while it rained’
While these little people may experience further natural disasters in their lifetime, we know they are learning the skills of resilience and foundational skills to keep themselves safe in future weather events. The children are building an understanding about themselves as cocontributors, developing communication skills and that being part of a family and larger community can help with coping during times like these.
For more about Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre: www.mpc.net.au
The signs serve two purposes—first, they encourage everyone to respect these regenerated areas and avoid damaging fragile plantings. Second, they aim to inspire more people to get involved in local bushcare efforts. If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the transformation of these once-weed-infested sites, the answer is … local residents just like you!
Although SOWN is focused on the local creek catchments, it is also part of a broader city-wide umbrella body - Brisbane Catchments Network (BCN) is a coalition of 12 volunteer-run organisations that protect major waterways flowing into the Brisbane River. Together, these groups have applied for federal funding under the Nature Positive Brisbane Catchment Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring vital ecosystems across the city.
SOWN’s part of this exciting project will focus on Wattle Creek in The Gap, a site where native rainforest is struggling to survive against aggressive weed infestations. The goal is to re-establish a wildlife corridor linking Enoggera Creek to Mt Coot-tha, creating a refuge for native flora and fauna. Community participation is key to ensuring this corridor enhances nature conservation for future generations.
If you’re interested in joining a bushcare group or helping out at the SOWN Nursery in Paten Park, visit sown.com.au. Volunteers meet on Wednesday and Saturday mornings - come along and help make a meaningful change to our local environment.
Trek2Health
Surf Shed and Project Booyah: Crafting a Future Beyond Crime
I thought I would share a recent activity - although this may not be directly about mental and physical wellness, some great young adults are learning to change their mindset about their futures, and that’s just as important.
A groundbreaking partnership between the Queensland Police Service’s Project Booyah and Surf Shed is giving at-risk youth a fresh start through hands-on surfboard crafting. The initiative, led by Surf Shed’s CEO and founder, is helping young adults from Project Booyah find purpose, discipline, and skills by building Aussie Eco Surfboards - boards designed with sustainability and craftsmanship in mind.
Project Booyah, a two-year youth intervention program, is focused on reducing crime among disengaged youth aged 14 to 17. With an intensive 16-week phase of adventure-based learning, leadership development, and vocational training, followed by longterm mentoring, the program has already shown measurable success. In 2023, 84% of participants graduated, with 73% returning to
Although the common name may not be appealing, snotty gobbles or glue berry (Cordia dichotoma), is an attractive, fast-growing tree with a short trunk and spreading, shady crown of green leaves. This member of the borage family usually only grows to 4 m in height, but in some areas of its natural range (e.g. New Guinea) it can reach a height of 20 m. This tree is naturally found in the Indo-Malayan region, northern Australia, and western Melanesia in dry rainforest zones. The main trunk is straight and cylindrical with greyish brown bark
education and 35% securing employment. Now, through Surf Shed, these young people are applying their training to a real-world project that fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of achievement.
The Surf Shed founder has taken a hands-on mentorship role, guiding participants through each stage of crafting the eco-friendly boards. For many of these young adults, it’s their first time working with their hands in such a meticulous and rewarding way. They have embraced the process - sanding, shaping, and assembling the boards with a level of focus and care that reflects their determination to turn their lives around.
“This isn’t just about surfboards,” said one participant. “It’s about proving to myself that I can commit to something, learn a skill, and see it through.”
With every board completed, these young men and women aren’t just creating high-quality surfboards; they’re building confidence, resilience, and a pathway to a brighter future. The partnership is a testament to the power of mentorship and meaningful opportunities in steering young lives away from crime and toward a future of possibilities.
Thank you for reading this. Stay tuned for more tips and insights. Until then, take a moment to step outside, ride a wave, ride a horse, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the beauty of nature.
Warm regards, Bruce Barker CEO and Founder, Trek2Health & Surf Shed
Photo credits: Booyah
that has longitudinal fissures. The broad leaves are ovate in shape, have a slightly leathery texture and arise alternately along the stems. They have 3-5 conspicuous veins, which on the underside are hairy. Fragrant white flowers in summer are followed by clusters of pale pink, glossy berries. The common names allude to the mucilaginous texture of the fruit. When ripe the fruit is sweet and eaten raw or cooked whilst the green fruit are pickled or used as fodder. The fruit is also used for making glue. The leaves are good fodder. The wood is tough and straight grained and although it is prone to insect attack, it is used in India for house and boat construction as well as wood carving and as a fuel.
Perhaps the greatest use of snotty gobbles has been in traditional medicine with a long history going back to the ancient Egyptians. The bark, leaves and fruit are used in the treatment of stomach aches, coughs and chest complaints. Chemicals isolated from the seeds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity. The leaves have been used as a contraceptive. Whilst the fruit is a laxative a decoction of the bark is used to treat diarrhoea.
This is an ideal plant for small gardens. Its lovely ornamental fruit are bird attracting whilst the flowers attract insects. It is the host for the common aeroplane butterfly (Phaedyma shepherdi). It will grow in a range of soil types in full sun and with a moderate amount of water.
Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club
Great Start to New Probus Year at Red Hill-Ithaca
A very successful AGM with an Irish theme saw our club launch into the new Probus year with an enthusiastic management committee which was later officially inducted at the Change-over lunch at The Gap Tavern. We look forward to another fun filled year of great fellowship and social interaction. That kicked off with a successful BBQ at Walton Bridge Park.
Days out are always popular. In April we will visit the Queensland Aviation Museum at Caloundra Airport, with morning tea in Pioneer Park in Landsborough then lunch in Caloundra.
There are many opportunities to make new friends at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club, following the Probus themes of Friendship, Fellowship and Fun. Member’s interest talks, interesting guest speakers and tasty morning teas are features of our main monthly meetings. April guest speaker Dr Jack Ford will entertain us with “The Yanks did What?” - the arrival in Brisbane of the US military in WW ll. The ever-popular book exchange table is always well stocked and monthly cards afternoons continue at the Ashgrove Library. Our regular monthly coffee and chat mornings at a café in The Gap provides further social interaction.
New members are most welcome. Just search for Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club for ongoing information on our upcoming activities on our website. We meet at 9.30am on the 2nd Thursday each month except December and January at the Red Hill Bowls, Sports and Community Club in Fulcher Road, Red Hill. Come and give us a try at a monthly meeting or come along as a guest on any of our outings.
Please phone either of our Club
Membership Officers Sue Vivian on 0413 544 202 or Caroline Graham on 0411 459 687 so that we can make you welcome.
BalaangalaCommunity Group
Balaangala Community Group is looking forward to its 5th “Restoration Day” which had to be postponed a few weeks due to the Cyclone. The Restoration Fund was set up by Balaangala for people who want to “pay the rent” as acknowledgment that they live on stolen land. Rather than waiting for governments to act the group decided to take its own action to redress past wrongs.
This year, $38,000 will be distributed between five First Nations groups or small businesses. The groups were chosen because of the good work they are doing building economic and cultural capital in their communities. Money given is not a grant or donation, it’s an act of restorative justice. For contributors, it is a way of returning or restoring what was taken. One of the contributors, Jacki McKean says “it is important to acknowledge the benefits that my family have been afforded by living on stolen land. By
Mitchelton & Districts GardenClub
Improve Your Garden Soil
this Autumn Autumn in Brisbane and all subtropical regions is the perfect time to improve garden soil. After the intense summer heat and heavy rainfall, soil can become depleted, compacted or waterlogged. By enriching and conditioning the soil now, gardeners can ensure healthier plants and better yields in the coming seasons.
One of the best ways to rejuvenate soil is by adding organic matter. Compost, aged manure and worm castings help improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and provide essential nutrients. A layer of compost worked into garden beds will enhance water retention and aeration, creating the ideal environment for plant roots to thrive.
Mulching is another key autumn task. A thick layer of organic mulch—such as sugarcane mulch, lucerne or bark—helps regulate soil temperature, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds. As the mulch breaks down, it further enriches the soil, adding valuable organic content.
For sandy soils that drain too quickly, incorporating organic matter like compost and biochar will improve moisture retention. In contrast, heavy clay soils, which can become compacted and waterlogged, benefit from the addition of gypsum and coarse organic matter, which improve drainage and aeration.
Finally, autumn is the perfect season to check soil pH. Many subtropical soils tend to be acidic, and applying garden lime can help balance pH levels, making nutrients more accessible to plants.
By focusing on soil health in autumn, gardeners can ensure lush, productive gardens throughout the cooler months and into the next growing season.
Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month, at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (entrance via Trundle St).
Doors open at 9:15 am and morning tea is available before a 10:00 am start. Entry is $5.00. For any further information, please email mitcheltongc@gmail.com.
We would love to see some new faces!
Image: Club member, Chris Anderson, enriches his soil with compost.
getting together with others I feel we are collectively assisting a movement to a fair and just society. I’m very keen to give my daughter a very different education about our shared history than what I received at school”.
Over the last 5 years the fund has given $122,000 to 23 different First Nations groups, enterprises and projects. We now have over 30 families or people contributing to the fund. If you would like to be a contributor to the Restoration Fund or find out more, email ptrbalaangala2019@gmail.com .The photo is from Restoration Day 2024.
To find out more about other events and projects explore ourwebsite: www.balaangala.org. au/, become a member, and email: balaangalathegap@gmail.com, and stay connected on Facebook: balaangala community group
The Western Echo is thrilled to present a short series of articles featuring local First Nations stories, history, and culture. This has been made possible through a grant received from the Local & Independent News Association (LINA). The following story is the fourth in the series –written by local resident Maurice Serico.
The EmptyValley
I have written in previous articles stories about First Nations people in The Gap and included many reminiscences in those articles. Behind those stories is a truth that was not glaring but somber in its silence: there was no presence of First Nations people in The Gap in the early twentieth century despite there being thriving communities in Spring Hill, Petrie Terrace, and Keperra. The increasing, though still modest First Nations population in The Gap only started arriving after the second World War.
In this more serious article, I try to present what I think the reasons for our limited presence were. I should state from the outset that some of my ideas are supposition based on my experience in Indigenous affairs over the decades, so they are not tested. I welcome discussion about them.
Aggressive Settlement
Settlement in The Gap began slowly but with Darby McGrath being the first person to be granted a lease in the area, still called Enoggera at that time. It was slow, but there was a catch. Land and water use practices by the British farmers were drastically different to those of the First Nations people. Land and water use for the British was exclusive and where it wasn’t, as in areas called “commons” the shared usage was exploitative and disastrous, resulting in the problem known as “the tragedy of the commons”. Land and water use among the First Nations people passing through The Gap was different. All the fruits of the land and water were to be shared and done so responsibly. These clashing ideologies of course led to physical clashes, and this resulted in a coordinated series of attacks by First Nations people throughout south east Queensland under the leadership of Dundalli. One such raid took place in The Gap and I have written about that in a previous article (see references to “Shepherds Pool”). The defeat of First Nations people around these times was highlighted by the public execution of Dundalli in 1855.
Gold Mining
The discovery of gold in Gympie in 1867 helped Queensland out of the depression of the 1860s. Also in the 1860s, gold was found in smaller quantities in areas of the D’Aguilar Range, namely, Bellbird Grove and Gold Creek. The Gympie discovery brought a huge increase in population and placed pressure on the area. The competing activities of miners and First Nations people led to a reduction of traditional activities.
Mining in the D’Aguilar Range was on a far smaller scale; in the decade after the first mine in the 1860s, only 18 kilograms of gold was recovered, mostly from panning rather than from the mines there. It is possible that at all these goldfields extreme measures to protect mining leases may have been taken including use of firearms. Such use was well documented in the Palmer River goldrush on Kuku Yalangi
country in Far North Queensland in 1872. More limited use of firearms may thus have taken place in the D’Aguilar Range gold areas.
The effect of the use of firearms against First Nations people lead to a sudden and extreme reduction in the presence of First Nations people in those areas. Further, in the D’Aguilar Range, the gold fields coincided with pathways leading to the tracks to the Bunya Mountains and the bunya festivals. It would have been unwise for First Nations people to try to push through dangerous areas to get to the festivals. This would have contributed to less presence of First Nations people in The Gap and at the bunya festivals.
Creation of Enoggera Dam
Of course, one of the most significant events in the history of The Gap was the construction and opening of the Enoggera Dam in 1867. This dam was the main supply of reticulated water to the burgeoning city of Brisbane. It lay at the confluence of three creeks in the Taylor Range, a spur of D’Aguilar Range, an ideal location for maximizing the catchment of water but also it coincided with an important gathering point for First Nations people on their trek northwards to the bunya festivals.
Following the original path of Enoggera Creek to the northwest would take someone walking from Brisbane via The Gap and Upper Kedron directly to Wights Mountain, where the Wights Mountain (Samford) Bora Ring is located. Conflict must have arisen as the two competing uses of the area battled for supremacy. It is worth noting that as a policy for water collection in state dams the entrance of unauthorized people was prohibited for many decades. This policy therefore reduced the passage of First Nations people through the area and contributed to the reduced presence of First Nations people in the Bunya Mountains for the bunya festivals which would disappear in 1869 through Queensland government policy.
It is worth noting that an article in The Queensland from 1914 records that the Wights Mountain Bora Ring had not been used for “some forty years” approximating the period just after the opening of the Enoggera Dam.
Revocation of the New South Wales Bunya Proclamation (1842) by Queensland in 1860
The colonial government of New South Wales, which covered the area of Queensland as well, declared Baroon Pocket to be protected from settlement and timber getting due to the presence of the Bunya Bunya. Thus, the Aboriginal people who travelled from hundreds of kilometers in all directions to attend the Bunya Bunya festivals every three years (on average) could attend. That allowed people to trek through The Gap and other points to attend the festivals. The following quote hints at the vast catchment for the Bunya festivals.
“From the vicinity of Goondiwindi and the New South Wales border ... some 1,500 natives (arrived for the bunya bunya) .... the Dalby police force is totally inadequate to cope with such overwhelming odds”Dalby Herald, 24/5/1866
Once Queensland was declared a separate colony in 1859 and with that revoked the Bunya Proclamation in 1860, allowing the Baroon Pocket to be divided into settlements and to allow harvesting of timber there. This dispossessed the local Aboriginal people. At least one settler family was granted a lease in Baroon Pocket, the Laverick family, who settled there in 1886. This ended the Bunya festivals and thus people no longer needed to travel through The Gap to get to the festivals.
It’s worth noting that corroborees did take place in Brisbane after that date. A public corroboree in Alderley took place in 1900, and
tickets were sold to the public to attend. That was the last recorded corroboree in Brisbane.
Flooding of Baroon Pocket by Baroon Pocket Dam in 1989
As if to add insult to injury, after the leasing of Baroon Pocket in the 1890s, the pocket itself was flooded in 1989, resulting in the destruction of the forest and pastoral lands and threatening the last natural habitat of the Mary River Cod in Obi Obi Creek.
The Bunya Festival was revived in 1990s and still takes place in Baroon Pocket beside the dam that floods the history of that place.
Author: Maurice Serico
Author background: Maurice Serico has a BA in philosophy and English literature from University of Queensland, completed in 1979. He is an Aboriginal man with Gubbi Gubbi, Jiman and UK Australian heritage. Maurice has worked in a variety of positions across Aboriginal health, TAFE, education, and human resources; and in Aboriginal Affairs including in the office of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Maurice is currently the Chair of Balaangala Community Group in The Gap. Maurice has a chronic kidney condition and participates in supporting the kidney health community.
Thanks to LINA for the financial support to feature this story:
www.lina.org.au
Ashgrove The Gap Men's Shed
Following a successful grant submission the workshop took delivery of its “Bluey Turbo CNC Router” in early 2024. The machine along with the computer and excellent software has added another dimension to the capability of the workshop. A number of projects have been completed for members and the output from the machine has been instrumental in producing trophies for the “Variety Bash” and a number of toys for our annual donation to the Communify Christmas Market. This year we again gave Communify more than forty toys. Apart from these activities the workshop has once again been busy with projects for members and the community. Many of the 46 completed projects involved repair and restoration of furniture and toys for community members and groups. We were particularly pleased to assist the Downs and West Community Support group with Christmas tree cut-outs for their group workshop which brings together women from isolated properties for support and social contact.
For more: www.ashgrovethegapshed.com
ALISTAIR IN WONDERLAND BY PATTI VERCONI
We’ve got your April School Holiday Entertainment sorted!
Newly formed local community group Allegory Theatre, in conjunction with Katz Academy presents an all singing, all dancing Easter Show for the whole family.
A young talented local cast want you to Follow the White Rabbit down the Rabbit Hole once more and step into the enchanting chaos of Wonderland, where a twist of fate brings a fresh adventure!
The Queen of Hearts is eager for a rematch on the croquet lawn, having commanded Dormouse to retrieve the one and only Alice. But in a mix-up worthy of Wonderland's peculiar nature, Dormouse mistakenly fetches an equally bewildered boy named Alistair.
Enter the ever-curious Alice, now a bit older and wiser. Having caught wind of the Queen's demand from the ever-cryptic Cheshire Cat, she hurries to Wonderland to find herself at the heart of this unexpected journey. Now, with Alistair in tow, they must navigate the whims and wonders of this fantastical realm to ensure Alistair's safe return home.
As they traverse the topsy-turvy landscapes of Wonderland, they encounter all the beloved characters we know and cherish, from the maddeningly mad Mad Hatter to the chaotic Tweedles. The stakes are high, the challenges greater, and the adventure grander than ever before. Can Alice outwit the Queen of Hearts and guide Alistair back to his world? Join them in this updated tale of whimsy, bravery, set in the timeless magic of Wonderland.
Alistair in Wonderland will be performed at St. Mathew’s Church Hall, Church Road, Mitchelton from the 9th to the 19th April for the Easter School Holidays.
Principal'sPoints... Principal'sPoints...
Hilder Road State School
Hilder Road State School: A Thriving Start to the Year!
Hilder Road State School is back in full swing, and we couldn’t be prouder of our resilient and supportive community! A huge thank you to our families, staff and students for their patience and positivity as we navigated the challenges brought by ExCyclone Alfred. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated maintenance teams, whose hard work ensured a safe and smooth return to learning.
Exciting news—our brand-new playground is now open! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our P&C, students now have a fantastic space to explore and play and during break times. This new addition is already proving to be a favourite among our young learners.
Meanwhile, our Year 6 learners are currently making unforgettable memories at Camp Maranthan-Boulder Creek. This 3-day adventure is packed with challenges, teamwork and outdoor fun, helping them build lifelong leadership skills and friendships. We can’t wait to hear about their experiences when they return!
Hilder Road State School continues to grow and thrive, and we look forward to the remainder of the term.
Payne Road State School
Since the last edition, Payne Road SS has been in full swing implementing the curriculum for Term 1. Students new and old have settled into the learning cycle and routines of school as classroom teachers create learning environments supportive all students and their needs. We are also supporting students
during the lunch breaks with various lunch activities to meet their social/emotional needs. We run the following activities: craft, drama, STEM, Auslan, Environment Club, Mindfulness and Student Council.
We run Student Council every fortnight, listening to student voice to improve our ways of working. Congratulations to our 2025 student Council Reps from Year 3-6: Myles, Ned, Connie, Ryan, Lenny, Olivia and Oliver.
We are also very proud to be an EcoMarines school, working with Tangalooma and their wildlife and sustainability educational program. This year’s EcoMarine Ambassadors are Emily, Maeve, Yaeli and Fern.
Our beautiful leafy green school survived TC Alfred with only minimal tree damage. As we are all things green, clean and sustainable – Shout Out to Julie our Sustainability Officer, supported by our P & C for her amazing work around our school with new gardens, worm farms, planning for the introduction of the pollinating fence and the amazing work she does with our students, staff and whole school community.
If you are interested in our small but BIG school, come along to our school tour being held in Term 2Thursday 19th June 9-10am.
Yours in Education at PRSS Danielle Freeman, Principal
St Peter Chanel
As we continue into 2025, this year our school motto—We Are Chanel—reminds us of the virtues that guide our community: charity, hope, acceptance, nurture, excellence, and love. These virtues are not just words, but a call to action, inspiring us to be beacons of light in the world. One of the most heartwarming moments of the year so far came with the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. While the storm itself fizzled out,
the outpouring of support from our school community did not. I was truly touched by how staff and students came together to ensure the school was secure and safe, and by the many families who assisted with the clean-up. Although the impact on our school was minimal, the willingness to help and support one another was a perfect reflection of our motto. I am always grateful for this spirit of unity and service.
This month, we celebrated Harmony Day, a day dedicated to embracing diversity and fostering inclusiveness within our school community. It was heartwarming to see so many students and staff wear orange, the colour that symbolises diversity, coming together to celebrate our differences and promote unity.
We also had a fantastic turnout for Ride to School Morning, where students and families walked, rode, or scooted to school. This initiative promotes physical activity, healthy living, and environmental awareness. It was wonderful to see so many embracing this eco-friendly choice, and our P&F provided a delicious breakfast for our students on arrival.
Finally, 2025 Prep Interviews have been in full swing, and it’s
been wonderful getting to know our new students. Don’t forget about Ready Set Prep, a free program designed for children starting Prep in the next two years. This engaging and FREE program helps early learners get ready for the classroom in a fun, interactive way. Registrations are now open via our school website, and I encourage interested families to sign up! There is no obligation to enrol. I look forward to seeing you there!
Go well
Bec O’Connor, Principal
The Gap State School
On Tuesday, 25 February, we inducted 93 school leaders for 2025 during our annual Investiture Assembly
At The Gap State School, we believe it is important for students to experience leadership opportunities during their schooling, to represent the school at activities and events, to lead the school at special occasions and to work in teams on school improvement priorities. We believe that our student leaders set the example for the student body. They exemplify our school values and expectations and are visible role models at our school.
Student leaders participated in a rigorous process, nominating, writing speeches, presenting their ideas to classmates and being selected by peers. We have been impressed with their commitment and growing confidence throughout the process. For many, a good measure of resilience and persistence was needed as many nominated for a number of positions.
Student leadership is an honour and privilege. Most importantly it is a role of service and we thank all our student leaders for stepping up to lead the student body and support school initiatives in 2025. Our Open Day will be held on Thursday, 22 May from 9am to 10:30am. Enrolment interviews
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for eligible 2026 Prep students will be held in the weeks following the Open Day. I invite you to visit the school’s website to read more about enrolling at the school, enrolment eligibility criteria and the Open Day.
For Learning at The Gap State School
Katie Stubbings, Principal
The Gap State High School
The Gap State High School Open Day: Shaping Future Leaders
The Gap State High School is proud to present ‘The Gap Experience’ on Thursday, 1 May 2025, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. This open day event invites families and prospective
students to explore the school’s dynamic environment and discover its renowned Programs of Excellence.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in informative sessions covering key initiatives such as Academic Honours, AMPed, the Elite Volleyball Program (EVP), and
the German Immersion program. School leaders and subject area experts will provide valuable insights into the innovative learning experiences that set The Gap State High School apart. In addition to guided tours of the state-of-the-art facilities, visitors can enjoy immersive activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and interactive displays designed
to showcase the vibrant culture and community spirit of the school.
Mark your calendars and join us at The Gap Experience to see firsthand why our school is the perfect choice for nurturing the future leaders of tomorrow. For further information, please contact The Gap State High School or visit our website.
