The Western Echo February 2025

Arts&Eats

It’s back! One of 2024’s most successful local family events will return on March 13, and it’s going to be bigger and better.

Arts&Eats, a collaboration between Ruby Red Jewellery, The Gap Creative and St Marks’ Anglican Church celebrates everything that is wonderful about our community.

There will be amazing local music performances and a selection of European cuisine on offer from three food trucks. A selection of drinks will be available to purchase, there’ll be great raffle prizes, and The Gap Creative’s uber talented members will be showcasing their latest work across the two venues. This will include the world premiere of The Quest, an audio-visual journey into what makes us who we are,

created by Ann Edwards and Colin Bushell.

This year, all proceeds will go to Trek2Health, a Gap-based not-forprofit organisation, that is leading the charge in improving the mental health and well-being of frontline workers and veteran communities. Trek2Health’s partner, Aussie Eco Surfboards will also be on site, and Trek 2 Health’s CEO Bruce Barker, will be on site to demonstrate how eco-surfboards are made.

The event kicks off at 5pm at the corners of Kullaroo and Romea Streets. It’s both indoors and outside with plenty of cover, so whatever the weather, it’ll be full steam ahead.

The support of the community means everything to events like these, but they also could not happen without a local commitment from others, including Councillor Steve Toomey; Jonty Bush MP; Revd. Ann Edwards from St Marks’; Kerry from The Little Art Room; our curator, Natarscha Schneider; Kathleen and Steven @ Loyle; and Lynsay from Lynsay Allen Design.

If you would like to support the Arts&Eats event, please contact Katherine Kemp on 0410 501 481 or kath@rubyredjewellery.com.au

THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025 FROM

RUBY RED JEWELLERY, ST MARK’S AND THE GAP CREATIVE PRES ENT

From theEditor COL’S CHAT

Locals through my Lens

Harry Bessell

Before I begin any sort of conversation with Harry Bessell, I am compelled to ask; ‘Is it football or soccer?’ Harry answers, “Football, of course!”

Good. We can continue.

Harry Bessell is 15 and he has very real ambitions to play in the English Premier League.

“It’s a dream, but with my incredibly supportive family, we are doing everything we can to make it a reality.”

Even at 15, the local footballer has demonstrated passion and talent beyond his years. An ex-Gap High School student and Gap Football Club Player, Harry has been selected after interview and trial, to join the Sunshine Coast FC Football Academy.

“It’s a significant step towards my ultimate goal. I’m just about to move to Peregian Springs for two terms, before moving to the UK with their new International Football Academy and start playing in the Junior Premier League in August this year.”

I speak from experience when I say that raw sporting talent is never enough for any athlete. It needs to be combined with dedication, commitment and enthusiasm. All of which will overcome those ups and downs that are sure to come. I can tell straight away that Harry is in for the long haul.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me. Previously I have represented Australia on a UK tour in 2023 and been invited to a UK Camp with West Ham International.”

The International Football Academy is run by Sports Director, Melvyn Wilkes, ex professional (with Manchester City) and UEFA / Football Association coach, assisted with a great line up of coaches (all explayers) coming to the UK with the boys. He will continue his schooling via distance learning with one tutor going with 40 other young men.

“My focus and aspirations are to play in the UK football pyramid as a pro football player”. I ask him who he would like to play for. “I’d have to say, Manchester United”.

The conversation starts to go off the rails with this news. “Of course,” he says. “I’d be happy with anyone who would be willing to take a chance on me.” It’s a nice recovery, and indicative of this intelligent, driven but humble young man who sits with me.

The costs of Harry’s footballing pilgrimage are significant, and his family are engaged in a raft of fundraising initiatives with local people and business. “So far,” Harry adds. “The support has been absolutely amazing. I am so very grateful for even the smallest gesture that helps me fulfil my ambitions.”

If you’d like to see Harry playing in The EPL in the next few years (hopefully for Chelsea!), then you can support his journey at Grassroots to Greatness (https://gofund.me/af6f20cc ).

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year and welcome to our February edition – our first edition for 2025!

We hope you enjoy the mix of articles in this month’s edition.

Our cover story this month showcases the upcoming local community event Arts&Eats. Catch up on all the news from our local community groups and enjoy our regular columns ‘Col’s Chat’ from Colin Bushell, and ‘For the Love of Books’ from Sarah Krause. A special feature article this month is about recycling – a great reminder again with the current Kerbside Pickups on around our suburbs.

Join us in the fun of guessing where Colin Bushell (photographer) has been with his camera this month. Email us with your answer or comment on our social media posts.

If you are a local business wanting to reach your local audience –please consider advertising. Your advertising cost contributes directly to supporting our community by keeping this publication alive for everyone to enjoy. All advertising details and costs are on our website.

A reminder please, if you miss getting your hands on a hard copy, remember you can easily read it online and download a copy from our website.

Please visit our website: www.westernecho.com.au

Happy reading! Mel & Kym

editor@westernecho.com.au

Ashgrove Historical Society’s next meeting will be held at Ashgrove Library on Saturday 1 March at 10am. The topic is ANZAC Memorial Coins & Stamps presented by Geoff Crane. Visitors are very welcome to attend.

The centenary of the Gallipoli landing prompted the Royal Australian Mint to commence the issue of memorial coins commemorating various military anniversaries. Some have been for general circulation but most have been for collectors only. Geoff’s presentation will show many of these coins and stamps, together with the story behind some of them. Further information about this presentation and the program for the year can be found on our website. www.ashgrovehistoricalsociety.org

C r S t e v e T o o m e y

C o u n c i l l o r f o r T h e G a p W a r d

S a v e T h e D a t e - C o mmu n i t y P lan t i n g E v e n t

e n s

B y g e t t i n g i n v o l v e d , y o u ' l l b e h e l p i n g t o c l e a n o u r a i r ,

p r o v i d e s h a d e , a n d c r e a t e v i t a l h a b i t a t s f o r l o c a l w i l d l i f e

I t ’ s a f u n a n d p o s i t i v e w a y t o m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e , h e l p

i m p r o v e t h e l o c a l e n v i r o n m e n t a n d c o n n e c t w i t h y o u r

c o m m u n i t y B r i n g y o u r f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y t h e m o r e , t h e

m e r r i e r ! R e g i s t e r y o u r i n t e r e s t v i a m y o f f i c e a n d l e t ’ s p l a n t

t h e s e e d s f o r a b r i g h t e r , c l e a n e r t o m o r r o w !

Ge t Y o u r F r e e B i n S t i c ke r s

A r e y o u e v e r u n s u r e i f s o m e t h i n g b e l o n g s i n t h e R e c y c l i n g B i n o r t h e

R u b b i s h B i n ? W e ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e r e d !

C o l l e c t a F R E E s t i c k e r t o h e l p y o u a n d y o u r f a m i l y s o r t w a s t e t h e r i g h t

w a y T h e s e h a n d y b i n s t i c k e r s s h o w w h a t g o e s w h e r e , m a k i n g i t

s i m p l e r t o r e d u c e w a s t e a n d b o o s t y o u r r e c y c l i n g e f f o r t s A s m a l l

e f f o r t a t h o m e c a n m a k e a b i g e n v i r o n m e n t a l i m p a c t b y r e d u c i n g

r e c y c l i n g c o n t a m i n a t i o n C o n t a c t m y o f f i c e t o d a y t o g e t y o u r F R E E

s t i c k e r a n d s t a r t s o r t i n g s m a r t e r !

O u t do o r C i n e ma I n T h e S u b u r b s

S a v e t h e d a t e ! U p p e r K e d r o n R e c r e a t i o n R e s e r v e w i l l b e h o s t i n g t h e n e x t o u t d o o r c i n e m a

e v e n t o n S a t u r d a y 5 t h o f A p r i l 2 0 2 5 . H a v e a m o v i e y o u w o u l d l o v e t o s e e ? L e t m e k n o w ! !

K e e p i n m i n d , i t m u s t b e G o r P G r a t e d

@ T h e G a p W a r d T h e G a p . W a r d @ b c c . q l d . g o v . a u 3 4 0 7 1 9 0 0

Rotary Club Ashgrove The Gap

The annual show of the Rotary Santa Sleigh seems long ago now, so fast do the holiday days of summer pass. But it is less than two months since the jovial fat man in the (very hot) North Pole red coat toured The Gap to the delight of all. The weather was kind and our volunteer drivers were superb. It’s not easy guiding six reindeer through the streets with parked cars everywhere, dead ends to turn round in, and excited kids ricochetting in all directions – in the dark!

This was supposed to be followed by the Rotary Carols by Candlelight, and a huge amount of preparatory work was done, with massive support from the community and Brisbane City Council – all to be lost in the muddy paddock at Dorrington amidst true summer downpours. It would have destroyed the playing surface for years to have put our heavy vehicles on site, with their big generators, steel staging etc.

So we swallow hard, thank those who put in so much effort and those who supported us with sponsorships, and we hope for better weather next year.

An event not affected by weather is the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. The Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap was the first community organisation in Australia to host a ceremony, way back in 1994, and we developed the whole notion of community-based ceremonies outside the institutional mass ceremonies put on by councils.

Nearly 50 “conferees” this year. We used to be able to give much more detail like where people had come from and the range of ages etc., but privacy laws have tightened right up. We can reveal that this year we had no conferees from Antarctica – but that’s about all we can say!

We will see you in the streets of Ashgrove and The Gap when we start our Easter Raffle – after all, the Hot Cross Buns have been in the shops since the week we ran the Sleigh!

To get in touch with us visit https://rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au/ You can direct any enquiries about Rotary to Tim Boyd at tim@boyd.org, or text at 0411 141 304.

St Johns Wood Scout Group

Nestled in Ashgrove, the St Johns Wood Scout Group has been a cornerstone of adventure, learning, and community spirit for over 75 years. As part of the Queensland Scouting network, the group embraces the Scouting values of resilience, service, and fun, offering enriching programs for young people aged 5 to 25.

The group operates from its dedicated den within Ashgrove Scenic Reserve, a space that has weathered Brisbane's challenges, including the devastating floods of 2022.

Scouting at St Johns Wood provides children and young adults with life skills, leadership opportunities, and outdoor adventures. The group includes:

- Joeys (ages 5–8): Introducing the youngest members to teamwork and discovery through fun activities.

- Cubs (ages 8–11): Developing teamwork, following instructions and enjoying bushcraft, camping, and citizenship.

- Scouts (ages 11–15): Encouraging responsibility, resilience, and problem-solving.

- Venturers and Rovers (ages 15–25): Preparing young adults for leadership and community engagement through larger challenges and service projects.

St Johns Wood Scouts thrive on outdoor experiences, including bushwalking, safe fire-making, and outdoor cooking. Recent group nights have included games and skill-building challenges that foster collaboration and creativity. Members also participate in broader events, like Jamborees and regional Scout initiatives, where they connect with peers and explore the global Scouting movement.

One of the most exciting experiences for St Johns Wood Scouts is the Australian Jamboree. This large-scale event, held every four years, brings together over 10,000 Scouts from across Australia and overseas for two weeks of adventure, learning, and cultural exchange and was recently held in Maryborough.

The group prides itself on inclusivity and community support. Families play an active role, volunteering and supporting fundraising initiatives like the ‘Containers for Change’ recycling program. This collaborative spirit strengthens our group’s operations and builds a shared sense of purpose.

Whether you're a parent seeking a transformative experience for your child or a young person ready for adventure, St Johns Wood Scout Group offers something extraordinary. For more details about programs, meeting times, or joining, visit the website: www.stjohnswoodscouts.org.au

State Government Update

FEbruary update

Welcome to the start of a new year and I hope that everyone has enjoyed even a couple of days off over the festive season I thought it might be useful to start this year with a reminder of what our office can offer you as a resident, what we can offer local businesses, community groups and our community generally If you have any questions please reach out

What can a State MP’s office do for me?

There are three levels of government; local, state and federal As the elected State Member I can help directly with areas that fall under the responsibility of the state government, so things like (and this is not an exhaustive list):

Police and corrective services

Schools and education

Small business commissioner

The QBCC

Hospitals and tertiary healthcare

State road safety

State housing targets and builds

Courts and the justice system

Olympic and Paralympic Games

Fire and disaster management

State road safety

Energy and renewables

Your elected Councillor can help with local government issues including rubbish collection, local libraries, development approvals, pet registration and animal control, local road safety and parks and mowing

Your federal elected member can help with enquiries about the NDIS, immigration visas and passports, airflight noise and safety, postal services and telecommunications

Naturally there area areas that cross over, for example disaster management, climate, housing and water and food security

Our office welcomes enquiries on any issue We will work with you to identify the best area or person to approach so that you’re not wasting your time and running around between services

How this office supports our community

The greatest thing we can do is support locals to realise their dreams of improving our community If you are involved in a community or sporting group, a church group, P&C or even an informal group looking to get something going, we may be able to help with:

A variety of printing needs including corflutes

Fundraising assistance and donations

Connect you to similar people in our community

Help find meeting spaces or guest speakers

Offer a free meeting space

Letters of support including for grants

Connect you to relevant government departments

Promote you on social media or our newsletter

Additionally, as a former CEO of a charity, a small business owner and public servant I’m regularly called on to help brainstorm ideas, navigate bureaucratic systems, identify growth opportunities and highlight areas of potential legislative or policy reform.

I find that most people know what they want but might be struggling to find the right service or person to speak to - so if you think I can help with that please reach out

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list but I hope it gives you an idea of the kinds of things you can feel comfortable approaching me and our office for We’re here to help - in fact we love hearing about your ideas, experiences and the things that are troubling you so simply call or email to get the conversation started Have a lovely month

BBTGS pays it forward to local communities

After another successful year repurposing unwanted materials, Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds (BBTGS) recently gave a helping hand to other community groups in The Gap and surrounding suburbs by providing grants of up to $1000 each.

BBTGS volunteers repurpose donated fabric to make a variety of bags and other products, which are sold through various market outlets. Funds raised are then paid as grants to local not-for-profit community groups with similar environmental and social goals.

Four groups successfully applied for a grant in 2024:

• Sprouts Playgroup, for new quality educational development resources for young children, as well as to support their carers

• Newmarket State School, for additional literary resources to assist with implementation of the school’s new literacy curriculum

• Next Step Connect, to help host lunches for homeless people who were recently provided with housing, thereby increasing their social connectivity, and

• Recycling Hills District, to support collecting hard-to-recycle blister packs and send them to a specialist recycler.

If you would like to make new friends, learn new skills and have a lot of fun while helping the environment, come and join us! No experience is required, we can teach you! A young member who joined us recently, after completing her first bag, said:

It’s been such a rewarding experience, and I can’t wait to keep learning, crafting, and soaking in their wonderful stories. I’m so grateful to be part of such an inspiring and heartfelt community. What makes them truly special... is how warmly they welcome others, sharing not just their skills but also their stories, often over tea and homemade baked goods.”

Dear neighbours,

Happy new year! I do hope you and your loved ones were able to rest and relax over the Christmas break

We’re at the start of another school year, and I know the quality and affordability of our public schools is at the top of parents’ minds right now

Here in the electorate of Ryan, we have one of the highest rates of public school attendance in the country I know this is because our public schools are incredibly high quality, staffed by hard-working teachers and supported by generous parents

These impressive results come despite decades of underfunding In Ryan, public schools are estimated to be underfunded by the state and federal governments by around $3000 per student, or almost $60 million total annually Overcrowding is an issue at many schools, and they often struggle to get funding for infrastructure like new buildings

Parents are increasingly forced to help cover the shortfall: in 2023, parents in Ryan paid a total of almost $22 million to send their kids to public schools - or $739 per student, which is up 38% since 2022 Across the country, around 98% of public schools are underfunded, while many elite private schools are overfunded

Of course, we also have some incredible private schools here in Ryan, and there’s nothing wrong with choosing to send your children to them But it should be a genuine choice to send your children to private schools A quality education should not be dependent on a parents’ income

The Greens are the only party with a plan to fully fund public schools - and it doesn’t cost as much as you’d think Our policy to fully fund every public school in Australia is estimated to cost $6 8 billion over the next four years, which is less than half of the $20 billion budget surplus the federal government boasted about last year It shouldn’t be hard to make the education of our next generation a priority

Sadly, under the Federal government’s current policy, every single public school that is underfunded today will still be underfunded in a decade Worse, Peter Dutton’s LNP have an ideological opposition to public education, having completely abandoned federal funding for public school infrastructure during their previous time in government This approach of continuing underfunding will only push more parents to feel they have no other choice than to send their children to private schools, and incur the thousands of dollars in fees

I know it can seem a little bleak that neither major party is committed to something as simple as fully funding our public schools But with the 2025 Federal election fast approaching, we have the opportunity to send a clear message that the education of our next generations must be a top priority.

In hope,

BardonBowls Club

It’s all happening at the Bardon Bowls Club in 2025!

We are the Bardon Bowls Club. A friendly and welcoming community club with a relaxed atmosphere and chilled, casual vibe. For over 77 years, the Bardon Bowls Club has been a popular meeting place for all ages. All are welcome.

With two bowling greens, one for social barefoot bowling and the other for the kids to play on, loads of seating outdoors around the greens and lots of space inside our newly refurbished clubhouse, the Bardon Bowls Club is the perfect place to bring the kids and family (and dog, we are dog friendly outside) and meet your friends and neighbours.

We have different food trucks Thursday through to Sunday and our favourite ice cream truck Saturday and Sunday. Noah's Trivia every Thursday with great prizes to be won, Pool Comp every Friday night with Stone & Wood prize pack to be won, Open Mic Night, the third Friday of every month, new Music Trivia, the fourth Friday of every month, LIVE music every Sunday and epic meat tray raffles every Saturday and Sunday.

The GapShe Shed

The Gap She Shed always welcomes new members. We are a community group for women to gather in friendship, to support one another, learn and share. Email us at hello@thegapsheshed.au

The Gap She Shed activities for February include:

Monday and Fridays: Monday and Friday Walkers from 8am; opposite 25 Riaweena St

1 Feb: Women’s Wanderers – see Facebook chat group for details Wednesdays: Sewing, knit, crochet, coffee and chat every Wednesday from 9.30am; The Scout Den, 76 Riaweena St, The Gap

4 Feb: Mahjong day beginners 1-4pm; starting 4 Feb for 10 weeks; RSL Nullagundi, 34 School Rd, The Gap

5 Feb: Shed Talk, topic: Solo Travellers; RSL Nullagundi, 34 School Road, The Gap

6 Feb: She Shed Dinner, from 6.30pm; Litse Lounge, Keperra

8 Feb: Theatre Group, 7pm; QPAC Lyric Theatre - Sister Act

10 Feb: Craft and chat 7pm – see Facebook chat group for details

12 Feb: Mahjong evening beginners 6-9pm; starting 12 Feb for 10 weeks; RSL Nullagundi, 34 School Rd, The Gap

16 Feb: Cooking Class 10am-12.30pm; Come and Cook, The Gap - Knead and Feed

happening in February 2025:

Sunday 2 February: 2.30pm is Levi X LIVE! Young talented Brisbane Sax player and singer as seen on The Voice. Free entry.

Friday 7 February: Shade Hadie Blues, Jazz band 7pm. Free entry.

Friday 14 February: Roly Sussex Q&A – buy tickets on the website.

Friday 21 February: Open Mic Night. Board opens at 5.30m with first performance at 6.30pm. Free entry for all.

Wednesday 26 February: Rumours The Fleetwood Mac Tribute show. Tickets on the website.

Friday 28 February: Music Trivia - Win prizes. Free to play.

Coming up: 19 March is Li Cunxin Q & A; 2 April is the Neil Diamond Tribute Show. Tickets are on the website.

The barefoot bowling green is undergoing some much-needed rejuvenation and barefoot bowling bookings are closed till 20 February 2025. Stay tuned for our Barefoot bowls comp day with food trucks, prizes and mixed social barefoot bowling games to celebrate.

Memberships are just $10 for 2 years on the website and you save $$$ on each drink purchase as well as accruing points. You can book your tables and lanes via our new website.

All events, food trucks and live music are on our website as well and posted to socials each week.

We have a large, beautiful function room for hire corporate and private events, 7 days.

If you haven’t visited us, you simply must. Join us. All welcome. 69 Bowman Pde, Bardon. See our website: www.bardonbowls.com/

20 Feb: Book Club with Lucy 6.30pm; Blind Tiger – February book is “The Fisherwoman’s Dream”

26 Feb: Classics Book Club with Andrea, 6.30pm; RSL Nullagundi, 34 School Rd, The Gap

Kayaking: Walkabout Creek; see She Shed Facebook Kayaking chat group for details

Mosaics: February details TBA – check Facebook chat group or events tab

Website: https://thegapsheshed.wixsite.com/home

Email: hello@thegapsheshed.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ thegapsheshed

Mortgage ChoiceAshgrove

Debunking the 20% Deposit Myth

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but saving for a deposit often feels like a daunting hurdle.

You don’t need 20% to get started. Many lenders accept as little as 5% of the purchase price, provided you meet criteria such as steady income and good credit. For a $600,000 property, a 5% deposit is $30,000—a much more achievable target. Plus, eligible buyers may access government grants and schemes, like the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS), which helps secure a loan with just 5% and no mortgage insurance.

Budgeting Beyond the Deposit

In addition to the deposit, plan for other costs, which in Queensland average $5,500. These include:

• Stamp Duty: Waived for eligible buyers on properties up to $700,000.

• Conveyancing Fees: Around $1,500 to $2,000.

• Building and Pest Inspections: Typically $500 to $700.

• Transfer Fee: Approximately $2,000 to $2,500.

• Mortgage Registration Fees: Around $200 to $300. With the stamp duty waived, your upfront costs for a $600,000 property, including a 5% deposit, are about $35,500.

Family and Other Support Options

No deposit is required if you are using the bank of mum and dad, by going guarantor. The equity in their home is used instead. You could also be eligible for lender programs and government incentives can help bridge the deposit gap.

Your Road to Homeownership

Once you’ve hit your savings goal, it’s time to take the next step. To help guide you through the process, we’re hosting a First Home Buyer Webinar on February 20th. It’s the perfect opportunity to get expert advice, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the current property market.

Whether you’re just starting to save or almost ready to buy, this webinar is designed to give you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Wanting a personal chat? Reach out to our team and let's get your questions answered.

Maggie FORREST

LNP FOR RYAN

A MESSAGE FROM MAGGIE FORREST

I hope you had a great Christmas, a Happy New Year and a wonderful start to 2025!

With community sport kicking off for the year, now is a great chance to talk about our local facilities.

As I look around, I see opportunities to make our community facilities even better.

For example, I’ve been talking to: The Gap Football Club, where a synthetic pitch would mean that teams could play all year round including the “Female Fives”; GPS Rugby Club, where stage 2 of their re-development would relieve parking pressures for locals on game days and create an extra field; and Valley District Cricket Club, where indoor nets would mean players could train rain, hail or shine.

If you would like to get in touch about any of these opportunities to improve our local facilities, I would love to hear your views!

Finally, Sunday 26 January 2025 is Australia Day and I am hosting a free sausage sizzle with Trevor Evans, the LNP Candidate for Brisbane at Jubilee Park in Bardon from 3pm-5pm. If you are able to make it, we would love to see you there!

-Maggie

M: 0482 059 763

E: ryan@lnp.org.au

W: maggieforrest.com.au

F: @Maggie4Ryan

I: @maggieforrestlnp

Meeting with GPS Rugby Club President, Stephen Jewell and 2nd Grade Men’s coach, Brett Frostick to discuss the Club’s infrastructure needs.

With The Gap Football Club President, Chris Murdoch and Treasurer, Clair Gahan talking about the Club’s needs.

Authorised By B. Riley, LNP, 281 Sandgate Road, Albion QLD 4010

AshgroveGolf Club

Discover Wok Chop 'n Grill @ Ashgrove – The Gap's Newest Dining Destination!

Ashgrove Golf Club is thrilled to welcome the community to its brand-new restaurant, Wok Chop 'n Grill @ Ashgrove, now open in The Gap! This exciting addition to the local dining scene offers a delicious menu blending Asian-inspired flavours, hearty grilled dishes, and classic favourites that cater to all tastes.

Nestled in the lush surrounds of Ashgrove Golf Club, Wok Chop 'n Grill is more than just a restaurant – it’s a welcoming community space for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply taking a break from your busy day, the inviting atmosphere and stunning views make it the perfect spot. Best of all, you don’t need to be a club member to visit – everyone is welcome!

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, Wok Chop 'n Grill is committed to serving up exceptional food and great service. And the fun doesn’t stop there – the Club hosts live music on the deck every Sunday from 3 pm, offering the perfect way to wind down your weekend.

Conveniently located at Ashgrove Golf Club, Wok Chop 'n Grill is your new go-to destination for delicious meals, great entertainment, and a warm, community-focused atmosphere. So why not gather your friends and family, and make your next meal one to remember? For bookings or more information, call (07) 3366 3438 or visit the Ashgrove Golf Club website. We can’t wait to see you at Wok Chop 'n Grill @ Ashgrove –where great food and good times meet!

Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club

The end of 2024 for Ashgrove The Gap Lions members was a flurry of cakes and puddings, quilt raffles and Christmas celebrations. There was much to celebrate with outstanding results from the efforts of Club members and partners in raising funds to support our local community and beyond. All while enjoying each other’s company, interacting with community members and organisations and having lots of fun along the way.

Cake sales were at a record high and many of the outlets for Lions cakes and puddings in the local area sold out well before Christmas. Many thanks to members of the community who purchased a cake or pudding and to local businesses who supported this Lions project by selling cakes on the Club’s behalf.

The Christmas quilt raffle proved to be very popular. Once again, thank you to members of the local community who supported this fundraiser. There were many hopeful purchasers but there can only be one winner, who is a resident of Gordon Park. She said: “You have truly made my Christmas extra special. I will treasure and cherish this most beautiful Christmas quilt.”

In the first 2 months of 2025, the Club members will turn their attention to Lions Youth of the Year competition and a community eWaste collection.

Youth of the Year is a signature project of the Club. The competition promotes youth leadership in our local high schools. The winner of the Club competition progresses to the Regional Final. The competition concludes at a National level in September/October at the annual Lions Clubs Australian Convention.

For the first time last year, the Club, in partnership with eWaste Connection, organised an ewaste drop-off for local residents with unwanted electrical items. This proved to be popular, so the service will be offered again: Saturday, 29 March, 8:00am-1:00pm at The Gap State School staff carpark, entry off Waterworks Rd. eWaste Connection is a not-for-profit organisation that recycles ewaste and provides employment opportunities for people with disability.

If you are interested in volunteering and being part of our Club, check out our website www.ashgrovethegaplions.org.au or ring our membership chair, Neil Phillips on 0437 699 198. There are a number of ways to be involved depending on how much time you can commit.

For more details: www.ashgrovethegaplions.org.au

SATURDAY, 29

MARCH

Drop off your unwanted or unused electrical items (working or broken)

This includes anything which plugs into a powerpoint, uses a charger or is powered by a battery. You will be supporting a social enterprise for the community which provides opportunities to recycle, volunteer, train and empower people of all abilities. Enquiries: call 0488 069 089. More information at www.ewasteconnection.com

When: Saturday, 29 March, 8:00am - 1:00pm Where: The Gap State School, staff car park. Enter from Waterworks Rd. This project is a partnership between EWaste Connection and the Lions Club of Ashgrove/The Gap

Giving back to the Community

Harcourts Property Centre

real estate agent Carmen Briggs has worked in The Gap for almost two decades and is a well-known face to most locals of the area, whether that be giving real estate advice, assisting with sales or purchases of property, or while serving her community as a registered Justice of the Peace. One of the best parts of the job for Carmen is not just getting out into the community and meeting residents but actually being able to give back to that same Community in a more altruistic fashion. Over the last 20 years Carmen has provided financial support to many local initiatives, community groups and schools and most recently made a donation from Carmen and the Harcourts Foundation to a fantastic local organisation, Communify, and more specifically their House of Soul Choir.

Communify is an independent, profit-for-good organisation that supports thousands of vulnerable people across Brisbane’s northern

and southern suburbs. They have five community centres and a comprehensive list of in-home or outreach support programs, delivered by qualified, experienced, multi-disciplinary teams with a staff that includes social workers, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and exercise physiologists. They help people to achieve their recovery goals, to remain independent, to build and repair relationships and to develop strong connections with their local communities.

In December last year Carmen was delighted to be able to attend the Choirs Christmas Concert and donate a sum of $5,000 to the team at Communify to help aid in the fantastic work that they do for the community she loves to be a part of. "To be able to help these local heroes provide these essential programmes for vulnerable members of the community is something I am very happy and proud to do".

For further information on Communify,

The GapProbus Club

DID YOU KNOW that there is an opposite to hibernation? Instead of sleeping through the winter, some animals sleep through the summer heat. Some species of turtles, frogs, salamanders, toads and even lemurs do it. It’s called Aestivation, and it pretty much describes what the Probus Club of The Gap has been doing since our Christmas party in December. Not the individuals, you understand – just the club as an entity.

However, as the year gets under way, so does the club, starting with an informal Australia Day get-together at The Gibson on the Stafford Road. Some of our events are closely pre-planned, paid for in advance and numbers recorded, but some, like this, consist of members dropping in and dropping out as they please making their own way there, buying their own lunch if any, and simply catching up with friends after the summer’s … aestivation!

A full program of speakers and outings is planned for 2025, and we are also fostering activities groups for people with particular interests. Needlecraft, Mah Jongh, walking, cards, cycling, and photography are currently on the list, but all that is needed to start a new group is to stand up in a meeting and ask if anyone is interested in <insert your hobby or study here>. Voilà! Within the bounds of blasphemy, sedition and indecency you have a group.

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.

The choir has started again for 2025. Come along and enjoy our company and a coffee. If you enjoy singing, you might like to join!!

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society

School

of Arts – Where are they now?

Many such community sites were located around Brisbane. The very first in Queensland, in 1849, was located on the corner of Queen and Creek Streets and provided classes, lectures and a reading library. Over the years there were several alterations and additions to the building. With the opening of the Technical College the School of Arts lost much of its importance however the library was not closed until 1981.

Possibly the best known School of Arts building is the existing building in Ann St. Constructed in 1865/6 as the Servants Home it was the first

Brisbane North Cake Decorators

The Brisbane North Cake Decorators are well and truly ready for another year of creativity. Our first meeting of the year took place on Saturday18 January. Our meetings are held at the Arana Hills community hall on Dawson Parade and commence at 1.00pm. Our aim is to encourage the love of cake decorating in all its aspects and we love to share our knowledge with everyone. Our first meeting was a business meeting to get organised for the year. We are then tackling a fun topic of identifying those mystery objects in out tool kits that we have purchased or been given and haven’t a clue what their purpose is. Hopefully all mysteries will be solved!

Our next meeting will be on Saturday 15 February. This is a workshop meeting, and we will be starting work on our display for the upcoming Annual Cake Show in July. Details to be forwarded to members. The details of what we will need to bring to the workshop will be forwarded closer to the date.

At our final meeting for 2024 we all constructed a Christmas Wreath using buttercream (a newer medium for some of us) during a fun-filled afternoon. It was a fitting end to a great year. We love to see new members at our meetings, and we can be contacted via our Facebook page, Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA or via email: brisbanenorthcakedecorators@gmail.com

designated training centre in the settlement. In 1873 the building was purchased for £1,000 by the North Brisbane School of Arts and after some delays and refurbishment was opened in May 1878.

There are several other such facilities remaining in Brisbane. In particular the very substantial brick building at Morningside which is in the centre of the business area and is obviously well used.

However, on the north side of Brisbane two School of Arts buildings remain, not so far apart in distance in Windsor and Enoggera.

The Windsor School of Arts is located on Lutwyche Road. The building was moved from opposite Fuller St to opposite Maygar St in 2009 to make way for the Northern Busway. In the past the hall was the venue for many community events but currently is in constant use by a local band and theatre group.

The Enoggera School of Arts and Memorial Hall was constructed in 1925 and was the first Sub-branch of the RSSIAL in the area. The hall remains the venue for several local community groups and will celebrate 100 years at two events in July and November 2025.

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DELIVERIES ARE ON MONDAYS and we also run a pop up shop between 10am and 3pm on Mondays at 15 High St, Ashgrove (down the easement to Oakleigh Scouts car park)

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Mitchelton & Districts GardenClub

Get Together at a Garden Club

Joining a garden club offers far more than a chance to exercise your green thumb - it’s also a wonderful way to cultivate meaningful social connections, or perhaps nurture relationships with family and friends. Whether joining as an individual, a pair or even as a small group, garden clubs bring people together, creating a sense of community around a shared passion for plants and caring for the world around us.

Garden club membership offers the opportunity to get together with people on a regular basis. Over time, our club has welcomed husband and wives, mothers and daughters and small groups of friends as members. It continues to provide a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can bond over a common interest, sharing knowledge, experiences and tips.

Membership also provides opportunities for social outings and community engagement. Each month, our committee shares information about upcoming horticultural shows and events happening in our area and beyond. Our club also participates in various community events throughout the year, including the Twilight Years Expo and the Enoggera Historical Society’s Open Day. These shared experiences are open to all our members and are immensely enjoyable.

For many, garden clubs offer a sense of belonging, especially for those seeking new connections, transitioning into retirement or wanting to enrich their existing bonds with loved ones. Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (parking in Trundle St), where visitors and new members are most welcome. Doors open at 9:30 am and entry is $5.00 - which includes morning tea. There is always an interesting guest speaker to learn from, and raffles to win. Why not try your luck? We hope to see plenty of new faces in 2025!

Image: Hedy and Ron Marshall enjoy a club function together. For more see our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mitchygardenclub

The GapLaughter Club

Happy New Year and Happy New You! Did you know that you have a laughter club right here in The Gap?

Have you ever thought to yourself, I need to laugh more. I need to stress less. I want to feel brighter and more energised. At TGLC we laugh to improve our overall wellbeing.

What is it you ask? Laughter Yoga is a combination of easy-to-follow deep yoga breathing and playful laughter exercises, followed by a

Get The Most Out Of Walking

Walking could be the key to social connection — and to better health

Social health — that is, the wellbeing we experience as a result of our relationships with others — matters at every age, but in our adult lives, work and family commitments can make spontaneous opportunities for social connection harder to come by.

One simple way to invest in our social health is to take up a new hobby, like joining a local walking group. Walking with others can expand our social networks, and regular walking can also improve our physical health (such as reducing our risk of heart disease ) and protect against mental health challenges (like depression ). It’s a social, physical and emotional boost in one.

With hundreds of walking groups across Australia, Heart Foundation Walking unites local walkers looking for fun, fitness and friends in their community. Rosanne, a volunteer Walk Organisers, has seen the impacts of communal walking up close.

“You foster a sense of community among walkers, creating a supportive network of like-minded people,” she says.

So, what are you waiting for? Start or join a Heart Foundation Walking group and enjoy a boost to your health and happiness. www.walking.heartfoundation.org.au

short relaxation. At our sessions we create the laughter. Whether it's real or pretend laughter your body can't tell the difference. It has been proven with regular sustained laughter your body releases the feel-good hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin) and natural endorphins not to mention increased oxygen into the body. This is a real stress buster, great for your heart health, mental health, and wellbeing.

At laughter club we connect with one another, forget our worries and enjoy being lost in those moments of laughter. Sessions are held Saturday morning at 9am at Walton Bridge Reserve, (driveway is across the road from Jevons Street). Look for our yellow flag. If forecast is wet weather, The Gap Scout Den, Paten Park, Paten Road.

Connect with us on Facebook: The Gap Laughter Club

For more information, please contact Leanne Langley on 0438 696 325.

The Physiologix Corner

How to make sure your body is resolution ready

With many of us considering the things we would like to achieve in 2025, doubt can often start to creep in with goals related to fitness. Can our body manage it? Do we have the capacity to achieve it?

We have had a lot of fun at Physiologix this January helping people get resolution ready. Be it lack of fitness, current or previous injuries, general health issues, or lacking ability to find a program you might be able to stick with due to time/financial constraints. Here are some key tips.

1. Routine

You can only improve if you continue to repeat something, so set yourself up to succeed, not to fail. Just starting to repeat something regularly means it becomes part of your routine. You have then managed to stick to something! And as they say, "from little things, big things grow".

2. Load management

This means managing what you are doing and avoiding the whole boom and bust! Maybe 15minutes of walking hurts you - do 10minutes twice a day instead - this means you do 20minutes without hurting. Have light days - meaning if you have done more on a day, make the next day lighter or take a rest day to give the body a chance to recover. Fatigue can be a big issue so it is important you have the energy to put into your exercise.

3. Prepare your body

If you want to run and you haven't for a while, can you single legsquat, jump and hop? If you want to start balance exercises is your leg and trunk strong enough to control your body balancing on one leg for a period of time? If you want to start strength work what are the safe ranges to avoid risk of injury? We help people understand their current ability and where the issues might be that would prevent them from doing what they want to do.

We do this with lots of advice and education so you can understand

what you have to do and how, and what you have to be careful of and strategies. We will also help build an exercise program: with an individual program, with physios in a class, a program in the gym, or maybe a program you can do from home. All that matters is it has to work for you. At Physiologix, we aim to help you become as healthy as you can be.

You can call Physiologix on 3511 1112 or book via their website: www.physiologix.com.au

BalaangalaCommunity Group

Bunya Pine

Known in Aboriginal languages as banya, bonye, bonyi, bunyi or bunya-bunya, the Bunya Pine is very important to the Aboriginal people of South-East Queensland. It is a majestic, rainforest tree, reaching over 50m in height.

The kernels within the large cones provide a tasty, nutritious food source. Every few years when there was a bumper crop, thousands of people from as far as northern NSW would be invited to attend a gathering at the Bunya Mountains. During these gatherings senior law-makers mediated disputes and considered important legal issues. In addition, important ceremonies and the trading of goods occurred. We understand that Waterworks Road follows one of the routes used by local Aboriginal people to travel to the Bunya Mountains gatherings.

In addition, the bunya cones (up to 10 kilograms each) were used in traditional sports. These have been revived and are included in the annual Bunya Dreaming festival held at Baroon Pocket Dam. Sports related to the gathering, storing and processing of the bunya cones, included carrying and rolling events.

Cooked Bunya nuts taste similar to chestnuts if somewhat blander. Sometimes the nuts were ground and made into a paste, which was cooked in hot coals to make bread (manu).

It is reported that Aboriginal families in areas where the Bunya Pines grew, cared for a grove of these trees which would be passed down between generations. This is said to be the only hereditary property within traditional culture in South East Queensland. It is suggested that the Bunya Pine was regarded as sacred, and not to be damaged. Many groves were cut down during colonisation.

Traditional custodians from South-East Queensland have continued cultural and spiritual connections to the Bunya Pine. Three Bunya Pines within the Balaangala garden are growing well, but are yet to produce nuts.

For more: www.balaangala.org.au

The GapSustainability Initiative

Thank you to all volunteers who helped out at the Keperra barbecue to collect vital funds for our three major projects.

The Gap Sustainability Initiative will hold its first community seminar for 2025 on 18 February, 7pm at the Gap State High School. Andrew Turley and Fanny de Busserolles are the leaders of our Platypus Project and will report to the community on the results of our first eDNA analysis of Enoggera Creek’s biodiversity. The Platypus project aims to bring the community together and facilitate a series of actions to rehabilitate and protect our creeks ecosystems and bring the platypus back to The Gap. Every Friday the team meets for a Platypus sowing bee, with the created toys sold to fund the group’s activities.

Our Sustainability Together project promotes the many wonderful local sustainability initiatives and empower individuals to lead more sustainable lifestyles. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, 7.30-9am, we conduct a street tree care program, cleaning and mulching around the street trees of The Gap that provide ius with shade and habitat for the local wildlife. Anyone can join this activity, just check for the street we will be working on in our events calendar on our website.

Our Community Energy project is awaiting the outcome of a major grant application, which if successful would enable the sharing of resources that could help The Gap residents to understand their electricity use better.

Please visit our event calendar for details and to join these activities, www.thegapustainability.org; or follow us on Facebook.

The Hills and District Chamber of Commerce Travel for Seniors

On Monday 17th February at 10am the Senior's Committee of the Hills and District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their first talk for 2025.

This talk is Travel for Seniors. The talk will be given by Luke Ballard, owner/operator of Epic Travel in his newly renovated and refurbished office and auditorium at 11 Mawarra Crescent, Ferny Hills, opposite the Ferny Hills mail exchange.

Luke will talk on all aspects of travel within Australia and overseas and will be happy to answer any questions. Of particular interest will be Luke's introduction to his new initiative, his escorted tours. These tours take the hassle out of travel and of particular interest to singles and couples and certainly to Seniors.

The event includes morning tea and so all can be catered for, prior notice of attendance is welcomed.

Please phone: John 0448 186 115 or Carolyn 0448 328 914, or email: jpgoodship@hotmail.com

Café The Gap - Toss it? No way!

January and February mean Brisbane City Council kerbside collection is on in the Western Echo area. It’s great to have an opportunity to clear out unwanted bigger things, but did you know that everything collected is immediately crushed by the truck and goes straight to landfill? Nothing is recycled!

If you have an item that you plan to dispose of in the kerbside collection because it’s broken or doesn’t work, why not give it a new lease on life at Repair Café The Gap? We have skilled repairers who can help fix many household items in following categories: electrical/electronic, furniture, bikes/prams/walkers, computers, mowers/whipper snippers, clocks, sharpening, textiles and clothing and miscellaneous! As long as you can carry it in, we can help you fix things for free!

Trying to repair broken items BEFORE replacing them will not only save you money during the current cost-of-living crisis, it will also reduce the demand for new resources and keep items in circulation for as long as possible - for a circular economy and to save our environment. We operate on the third Saturday of each month, 10am-1pm, in the basement of the Rivercity Family Church, 59 Settlement Rd, The Gap. Bookings are preferred via the QR code below. Bookings open two weeks prior, on the first Saturday of the month. If you can’t wait for our next workshop, with 11 Repair Cafes in greater Brisbane, there is one on nearly every weekend, and most are very happy to help regardless of where you live. Contact us (thegaprepaircafe@gmail. com) and we’ll help you find the next one! Follow us on our socials to stay up to date:

www.facebook.com/repaircafethegap/ www.instagram.com/repaircafethegap/

RecyclingTips

With kerbside collection just around the corner for some in our area, it is timely to remember that all the kerbside waste will go to landfill without any recycling and often ruined by rain (unless salvaged from your pile by someone first).

There are other options for some of your waste which are much kinder to our planet. So, if you have items to throw away – please consider the following options.

Useful, working items: please giveaway to friends, family, neighbours or on “Buy Nothing” or “Community Gifting” groups on social media; or give to charity (lots of bins are full but “Yesterdays Thrift Shop” in Blackwood St, Mitchelton always accepts drop offs out the back carpark). Some of your working items might be handy for charities that help those in new, the homeless, or those escaping DV. Example – Givit Org: www.givit.org.au

Broken items: might still have a second life on “Buy Nothing/ Community Gifting” groups - one person’s trash could be exactly what someone else is looking for! Also check your local Men’s Shed groups – they often take useable items and fix them. Also check out the local Repair Café who have volunteers who fix items for free (or gladly via donation): www.facebook.com/RepairCafeTheGap

If you have no luck rehoming your itemsthe following recycling options apply:

Toys: take broken toys to the green toy recycling bin at Big W

Electrical: e-waste and small electrical items such as mobile phones, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards/mice, other peripheral electronics, small household appliances can be recycled at the Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre (fancy word for ‘tip’) - where dropping off recycling is free unless it’s a massive amount.

Mobile Phone: recycle at your local Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, Woolworths, and Officeworks store. See Mobile Muster for options: www.mobilemuster.com.au

White goods: accepted for recycling at Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre

Clothes beyond use: recycle at H&M stores and receive a thank you voucher!

Shoes beyond use: recycling bins at Rebel, Athletes Foot, Platypus, Hype and Drummond Golf. They accept Athletic Lifestyle Shoes: any sports branded shoes, thongs and slides, football boots, sneakers, trainers, runners, and golf shoes.

Broken pool inflatables, air mattresses, rubber boats or broken umbrellas: accepted for recycling by PLOYS, where they give the material new life as bags etc. See: www.ploys.com.au

Plastic plant pots: large recycling collection point outside Bunnings Garden Centre doors; or Paten Park Native Nursery – but please wash all pots first to avoid accidentally spreading any disease to other plants. Council’s Resource Recovery Centres: will accept and recycle a huge amount of other items such as polystyrene, cardboard boxes, metals (steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, tin), batteries, gas bottles, fluoro tubes… Fabric and linens: Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds would

love to create with your excess materials. See: www.facebook.com/ boomerangbagsthegapandsurrounds

And old linens and towels are always needed by vets, wildlife rescues and AWLQ.

Hard to recycle items: can now find a new life via the Facebook group: Recycling Hills District/Brisbane North. They recycle many odd items (the list is endless) including but not limited to: air freshener aerosol cans, any pieces of plastic with a 2, 4 or 5 symbol, asthma puffers, beer can clips (number 2 plastic), CD’s, Brita water filters, disposable gloves, glad wrap, razors, stationery, stockings/tights, Styrofoam, textiles, toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes (empty not dripping), and much more.

Soft Plastics: you can do this via a company called RecycleSmart –but it’s a little complicated and you have to ‘subscribe’ (pay) for the service. The service operates in the Brisbane City Council area. See: www.recyclesmart.com. It is a great option though and also for other hard to recycle items.

Also join the Facebook group: Recycling Hills District/Brisbane North. They are organising local community opportunities to share in collecting soft plastics via this company. www.facebook.com/ groups/413516637631755

Batteries: Big W, Aldi, and Woolies all have bins

Corks: Dan Murphy’s

Print cartridges: all Officeworks stores and participating Cartridge World stores.

Officeworks recycle many items: computers & laptops, monitors, keyboards & mice, printers & scanners, cables, chargers & power supplies, motherboards, ink and toner cartridges, pens, correction tape, liquid paper, fountain pens and ink cartridges, USBs, hard drives, CDs or DVDs and their cases, batteries.

Underwear for Humanity: recycle your underwear items. See: www.underwearforhumanity.com.au/pages/recycling

Other Resources to Help You:

Recycling Near You: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/

Brisbane City Council: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/rubbish-tips-and-bins/ waste-and-recycling-facilities

Brisbane City Council guide for recycling at Home: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/rubbish-tips-and-bins/ reducing-waste-at-home

Planet Ark: www.planetark.org

Authors: Tahne Allen and Melanie Grevis-James

SOWN

Uncommon possum

Local naturalist Bob Whiteman has been enjoying the company of the very uncommon Short-eared Brushtail Possum Trichosurus caninus which has been visiting his back deck since June 2024.

Also called the Bobuck, the Short-eared Brushtail Possum is rarely seen in the Brisbane suburbs.

“The female was very inquisitive and would come right up next to me on the deck table,” Bob said.

“She became pregnant so there obviously was a male around. Then a baby has accompanied the mother fairly often,” Bob said.

All up Bob has seen three animals with the latest sighting of the female in early January 2025. To attract the possums Bob left out pieces of apple and collected lilly pilly fruit.

A long-term member of Save Our Waterways Now, Bob lives in The Gap Rainforest which borders Enoggera Creek between Enoggera Reservoir and Walton Bridge Reserve.

Queensland Museum’s Wildlife of Great Brisbane reports there are isolated populations in southern and western Brisbane suburbs.

The Bobuck is similar in size to the Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula but with short round ears, black paws and a tail that is not brushy near the tip. Usually they have a steely grey coat but sometimes they can be totally black.

"Brisbane has one of the highest faunal and floral diversities of any capital city in Australia, but you would have to go somewhere like the Border Ranges to encounter these rarer animals in their home environments.

"We are indeed fortunate to experience these beautiful animals here in The Gap.

“If you’re lucky enough to meet some of the less common visitors read up about them, file a sighting on iNaturalist and let SOWN know, ” Bob said.

Find out more about SOWN by visiting www.sown.com.au

Short-eared Brushtail Possum also called Bobuck. Photo: Bob Whiteman

AshgroveRangers

The summer Athletics season is well and truly off and running and Ashgrove Rangers athletes have been performing well so far this season.

In the National primary school’s championships at Homebush in Sydney Dylan Reid was 6th in the 12years 800 and brother Patrick was also 6th in the 10 years 800m final. Sam Shaw won silver in the 14years 200m. Hugo Lockhart was 4th in the 12 years boys high jump and Kaley Croot was 4th in both the 12 years girls 200m and long jump.

In the secondary schools national championships at QE2 we saw some outstanding performances from Rangers athletes. Tate Van Camp won gold in the under 15 boys 800m in 1.55.01(championship record). Isaiah Burgess won silver in the boys under 18 shot put in

The GapCreative Inc

Last year rounded out with an exceptional group exhibit held at Richard Randall Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanical gardens. The friendship and collaboration of collage art between Kim Price, Giovanna Scott, and Cathryn Lloyd has been forged and enriched through The Gap Creative, with Kathy Sullivan invited to host the artist Q&A.

Following on from a wonderful 2024, welcoming 12 new members, we head into an exciting 2025 with over 50 local artists and creatives making an impact in our community.

We have already locked in four fabulous events!

Arts&Eats (hosted by Ruby Red Jewellery and St Mark’s Anglican Church) Thursday March 13 from 5pm.

See more about Arts&Eats on page 3.

Tula Gallery Exhibition at The Gap State High School on June 20-22. The Gap Soirée at The Gap State Primary School on Saturday August 23.

Open Studio’s Weekend on Saturday September 27 and Sunday September 28.

All these community events would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. If you are an avid art lover and would like to help us continue bringing creativity to our suburb, we would love to have you on board.

February will see the return of our monthly member’s meet ups. These informal get togethers are where we bring current art projects, brainstorm novel ideas, and share our latest creative news. All are welcome!

Inspiration can strike at any time, and whilst we are a diverse bunch, our natural surroundings, simple everyday moments, and the ability to celebrate the world around us, will forever be our driving force.

For all updates on our events this year or to become a member, we welcome you to follow our journey.

For more see our website: www.thegapcreative.com.au

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/thegapcreativeinc

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/creative.inc

16.22 and Genesis S’AU won Bronze in the girls under 16 discus 37.98. Cooper Lofts performed very well in the under 16 Javelin. Other great performances came from Connor Campbell and Cooper lofts. Apologies to anyone I’ve missed.

We also had a number of athletes from our sister club The Ernies Run Club compete recently in the recently compete in Gold Coast 50km event.

Training is on at the Gap high school Oval Monday and Thursday evenings from 5.45 pm The UQ hill near the athletics track on Tuesday evening at 5pm

For more please head to our website: www.ashgroverangers.org

Trek2Health For the Love Of Books

Summer Holidays! How wonderful are they? And how perfect for reading!! I’ve managed to sneak in about 15 books during my break and I’ve come across some wonderful stories – particularly from Australian Authors.

The latest from Charlotte McConaghy, Wild Dark Shore (releasing March 2024) is a mix of family drama and climate fiction, as are her 2 previous books (Migrations, Once There Were Wolves). Set on a remote island, the Salt family are the caretakers who maintain a research station and a storage facility with seeds of every species of tree that exists. With rising seas and climate change the seeds are more important than ever. One evening a woman washes up on their shore. Atmospheric, mysterious, and full of family drama, it was very hard to put down.

And far less dramatic, but lots of fun, I’m Not Really Here is the latest YA Fiction from Gary Lonesborough. This one tells the story of gay First Nations teenager Jonah, who has just moved to a new town and school for a fresh beginning following the death of his mother. It’s tough being the new kid and when he develops a bit of a crush on a boy at school, he joins the footy team and tries to get to know him better. There’s all the elements of a great YA novel – new friends, love, accepting oneself, but also challenges – racism, body image, homophobia and grief. I loved it!

Happy reading! Sarah @sarahsbookchat

Author: Sarah Krause

Shed HappensFor Men

HAPPY

NEW YEAR to all our Members and those of you who would like to join our growing ranks?

Your Committee has a remarkable line up of interviewees. Two interviews are conducted each monthly meeting for 2025! Mostly The Gap, Ashgrove fellows. Our suburbs are bursting with tremendous talent that deserves a wider airing ... whose life adventures should be shared!

Shed Happens for Men meets on the third Wednesday of each month, February-November with a Community Dinner in December where we bring our partners or a friend for a Christmas extravaganza!

Our first meeting for 2025 [diary note] will be conducted on Wednesday 19th February, 6-8.30 PM at the Paton Park Scout Den, Paton Rd, The Gap. We commence the evening with a yarn and delicious barbecue cooked by the Scouts, 6-6.30 PM.

Behavioural Science: Embrace the Present, Let Goals Find You

At Trek2Health, we understand the pressure of New Year’s resolutions. While setting goals can be powerful, research in behavioural science shows that overly rigid or forced goals can lead to discouragement when they fail, impacting mental health negatively. Instead, we encourage a fresh perspective: embrace the present moment, and let goals emerge naturally as part of your life’s rhythm.

Living each day to its fullest fosters mindfulness, clarity, and resilience. By focusing on “today” and stepping into “tomorrow” with positivity, you create space for genuine opportunities to appear. Goals formed in these moments are more aligned with your values and more likely to succeed.

At Trek2Health, we champion this approach through performance based ecological programs designed to ground participants in the “now.” Whether it’s trekking through lush trails, connecting with others, or finding joy in small daily wins, our work emphasizes the importance of being present.

Let’s make 2025 epic, not by forcing resolutions but by living with intention, gratitude, and mindfulness. For our frontline people, veterans, and everyday Australians, we remain committed to creating moments of growth and support.

If you are part of the frontline community, we thank you for your incredible service. Together, we can make each day meaningful and every opportunity count.

Warm regards, Bruce Barker CEO and Founder, Trek2Health & Surf Shed

The two interviews then commence. Our guest speakers for the February meeting are Brendan Nash, former West Indies Test Cricketer and Richard Noske, Ornithologist - bird scientist.

Cost for the dinner, coffee, Tim Tams, great company, hall hire, EVERYTHING is only $10!!

We are a non-political, non-sectarian group of fellows who enjoy the company of like-minded blokes. Our aim is to advance the intellectual and cultural interests of adult aged males.

The night is complete escapism!

Further information, please call 0417 786 542

Reminder for Advertisers / Contributors please:

Deadline for March 2025 Edition: All due by 15 February 2025

Please send to: editor@westernecho.com.au

Any questions? Call Melanie on: 0409 440 501

Newmarket Probus Club

INVITATION TO NEWMARKET PROBUS TRIVIA DAY

Probus clubs were established to allow retired or semi-retired people to get together to listen to interesting speakers and enjoy a variety of activities. Their aim is to promote fun, fellowship and friendship.

The Newmarket Probus Club would like to invite you to find out about our very friendly club. We will be holding our annual Trivia Day at 10am on Wednesday 26th February at the Red Hill Community Sports Club, Fulcher Rd, Red Hill. In the past we have enjoyed this day where the trivia is challenging but not too difficult. The trivia is followed by lunch so we can exercise our minds, eat delicious food and have great conversation all on the same day.

The club would like to invite those who are interested in finding out more about us to come along and enjoy a morning of trivia. The cost is $15 which can be paid at the door and includes lunch. If you are interested in coming to this or any other activity or meeting please contact Phil on 0411 631 435 or Barbara on 0466 652 259, or contact us via the email on our website.

For more: www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/newmarket

NorthsHockeyClub

Hook into hockey – the family sport

Hockey is the Olympic sport that anyone can try. Players at Norths Hockey Club at Ashgrove range from five to 73 years of age.

Norths is a social, inclusive and familyoriented club where everyone – including beginners, elite-level athletes, and those returning to hockey – can enjoy the sport in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Based at Dorrington Park, Norths has teams for boys, girls, men and women of all skill levels, experience and ages.

Having seen their daughters Isla and Tilda enjoy hockey for many years, Amanda and Peter Armstrong both recently took up the sport at the age of 46.

“Being inspired by our daughters and spending many hours watching hockey, we thought we may as well join in on the fun,” Amanda said.

Chordiality

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is joining a choir, look no further!

Come along and have a peek and an ear at one of our rehearsals. You may attend up to three rehearsals before deciding whether Chordiality is what you’re looking for.

Chordiality is a non-auditioned community choir situated in Indooroopilly. As our name reflects, we aim to develop and encourage a friendly and cooperative environment, for members to enjoy choral singing and pursue excellence. You don’t need previous choral experience or music reading ability, although these are helpful. As Chordiality is self-funded there is an annual membership fee involved.

We rehearse from 7pm to 9.30pm each Thursday, including a 15-minute break, at St Andrew’s Anglican Church Hall, Indooroopilly.

Contact us by emailing chordialitychoir@gmail.com or phone 0407 963 797 or check out our website www.chordiality.org for further info.

Please contact us to let us know that you are intending to come to a rehearsal so that someone can look out for you.

“Norths Hockey Club is very supportive and encouraging to all new players and all types of players, whether you are ultra-competitive or purely a social player.

“Isla and Tilda both love the challenge and excitement of hockey and so do we. But what keeps us all at Norths are the people and the great friends we have made.”

Norths is the only Brisbane hockey club with its own grass playing fields, artificial turf practice pitch, and clubhouse with bar and canteen facilities for social functions.

If you would like to play hockey, a sport through which to keep fit and make friends for life, sign up to join the Norths Eagles. There is a team waiting for you, your family and friends.

Register to play hockey at www.northshockey.org.au.

For more information visit www. facebook.com/NorthsHockeyBrisbane or phone 0419 145 307.

Image: Peter, Isla, Tilda and Amanda Armstrong all play hockey for the Norths Eagles at Ashgrove.

Native Sophoras

The genus Sophora belongs to the pea-family. Members of this group are important nitrogen fixers of the soil. There are about 45 species of these small trees and shrubs and all have typical pea-like flowers. Two of these species are native to Queensland.

Necklacepod (Sophora tomentosa) is aptly named for its long seed pods that are strongly constricted between the seeds so they look like a string of beads. This hardy, evergreen shrub grows to 5 metres in height and has rounded silvery leaves (hence its alternative common name, silver bush). The bright yellow flowers produced on racemes over spring/summer are followed by the distinctive seed pods that may persist on the bush for a year or more. The flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies and honeyeaters. It is usually found growing in coastal regions, mangrove margins and wetlands from the Northern Territory, along the east coast of Queensland to Northern New South Wales, although it is pantropical and can be found in tropical Africa, Asia, the Pacific islands and parts of America. In NSW it is declared Vulnerable. This species has been affected by clearing of dune vegetation –deliberately for coastal resorts and accidentally by inappropriate recreational use of beaches and foredunes. Its habitat has been invaded by Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifer) which was introduced into Australia to stabilise dunes but has since become an invasive weed, and lantana.

Necklacepod is suitable for small gardens to parks and roadsides and for rehabilitation of coastal and mangrove fringe sites. Its attractive, silver foliage, ornamental flowers and fruit provide a distinctive feature plant whilst it can also be used as a hedge or screen. It prefers full sun, requires little water once established, does well in sandy soils and tolerates salt spray.

Brush sophora is another vulnerable species found north of Casino (NSW), where it is very rare, and into south-east Queensland where it is widespread but not common. The main threats for this species are from clearing of habitat for agriculture and development, weed infestations e.g. lantana, grazing and frequent fires. It is found growing in moist habitats along rainforest margins or in large canopy gaps in closed forests, often on shallow soils in hilly terrains such as the Lamington National Park. This sparsely branched shrub, growing to 2 metres, has a slightly weeping, soft grey foliage. The pale-yellow flowers, produced from spring to autumn, are followed by pods that are irregularly restricted between the seeds. It makes a lovely infill plant in rockeries and garden beds, growing well in both full and partial sun and a variety of soils.

Art inBark

Do you want to do something different this year?? If you have time on your hands, come and join us, and learn how to do a bark picturefrom the bark off the Melaleuca tree (paper bark).

Art in Bark Association, Brisbane holds classes at Brisbane City Hall on the Adelaide Street side, in the basement. We are open Mondays from 3 February 2025. 9 am - 12pm. Lesson $10, Kits $10, and we supply board, bark and glue etc.

We have a class on Saturdays at the Apostolic Church Hall, 43 Robinson Road Nundah - starting from Saturday 1 February 2025, workshop at 9.30am. Please phone first to book your class.

For more info please call: Barbara 3271 2130; Dipti 0468 548 600; or Hazel 0408 157 117. Please give us a call to make a booking.

The Gap Pioneer & History Group Inc

Our December ‘Echo’ article mentioned Gap Soldier Settler Sister Florence Elizabeth James-Wallace which prompted contact from a relative.

Florence, a Queensland nurse from Wynnum – served in No. 3 Australian General Hospital with the A.A.N.S. (Australian Army Nursing Service) from the 26th April 1915 to the 23rd May 1919.

On April 26, 1915, 29-year-old Florence enlisted for service in WW1, not knowing that Australian troops had landed at Gallipoli the day before.

Along with the rest of the staff of No 3. Australian General Hospital (3AGH), Florence left Australia in May 1915 believing they were heading for France via England. After arriving in London, they discovered they were instead destined for Mudros on the Greek Island of Lemnos, just fifty miles from the Gallipoli front. Arriving in early August, two weeks before the ship carrying the hospital supplies, they started nursing the day after their arrival in very basic conditions with no clean water or medical supplies.

The hospital staff spent Christmas on the island before departing Mudros on 17 January 1916, bound for Egypt where the hospital was re-established, before moving to Grevillers and Villers-Bretonneux in France.

More harrowing experiences became part of her daily life as she continued tending to the sick and wounded. Florence is just one of several James-Wallace family members who have a military history.

At the end of WW1. Florence became one of The Gap’s residents when she was granted one of our Soldier Settler allotments and she is known to have provided some nursing care to others in the Settlement.

The picture supplied by the Late Isabel ‘Belle’ Missenden is of the home in the later named Kaloma Road, granted to Florence and later acquired by Belle’s father Private John ‘Jack’ Missenden in 1923. Enquiries: jeffhilder@outlook.com

1. S. tomentosa – pods

2. flower raceme

3. S. fraseri - pods

4. flower raceme

Ashgrove Bardon RSL Sub Branch

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Sub-Branch conveys to all of our members and friends in the ex-services family our very best wishes for 2025 and we sincerely hope this year will bring happiness and prosperity to all. We would also like to thank the staff of the Western Echo our thanks for their efforts in providing support and assistance to all of our community over the past year.

MEMORIAL PARK ASHGROVE

The Sub Branch has carried out some preliminary planning and costing to place in the Park a sandstone “Lest We Forget” memorial to mark a more permanent presence in the area adjacent to the WWI Memorial Kindergarten. It is a long overdue tribute to THE FALLEN and we would hope to have it in place for the Anzac services on 25th April 2025.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our February meeting will set a date and venue for the Annual General Meeting of the Sub-Branck. All members are asked to consider nominating for a place on the

Management Committee. We have a number of active younger members for which we are most grateful. Their active participation in organising events and pursuing the objectives of our Strategic Plan which has been largely created by their efforts is greatly appreciated. But the younger members have work and family commitment so simply do not have the time available compared to older veterans. We therefore stress the importance of an active participation of those people who have the time, experience, and commitment to become Committee members. It is a most rewarding stimulating experience.

FAMILY FUN DAY

An inaugural “FAMILY FUN DAY” was organized at the Bardon Bowls Club by the younger veterans on Committee and was so successful that the Committee is now considering holding similar events more frequently. Activities for children were great appreciated by all of the families and the contribution of the 1 Regiment Prep Band was a popular part of the day. Many thanks Band members. More on developments of the Family Fun Day’s planned for 2025 will be publicized well in advance.

CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

We wish to thank all members and War Widdows who joined the Sub Branch for the annual Christmas Lunch at “China Sea restaurant Milton. Once again it was a marvellous meal with convivial company. We look forward to a similar event in December 2025

www.rslqld.org/about-us/ashgrovebardon-sub-branch

Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club

Friendship and Fun in 2025 at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club

A great Christmas lunch at the Paddo Tavern, complete with lots of raffle prizes and some enthusiastic singing, saw out the old year for Red Hill–Ithaca Probus Club.

Our traditional Aussie Day BBQ set 2025 off in fine style. Now all the regular activities get under way in February with the cards afternoon in the first week. Lawyer Loan Chow returns as guest speaker to give us more advice on how to plan our financial affairs. This will be Loan’s third talk for us, and if it is like the previous two it will be both authoritative and informative. Then in April 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 at the general meetings will no doubt see some Christmas presents being passed on in coming months. And the socialising will continue at the now regular monthly coffee and chat mornings at a café in The Gap. Just another opportunity to make new friends at Red Hill–Ithaca Probus Club, following the themes of Probus – Friendship, Fellowship and Fun.

New members are most welcome. Just search for Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club for ongoing information on our upcoming activities on our web site. 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.

Point of View

The bat he hangs upside down to him your smile looks a frown to him this view is nothing new it’s just the way he’s always seen you to me something unusual is what I see he’s upside down, the opposite to me though to me this view is also nothing new it’s just the way I’ve always seen this view polar opposite, our perspectives are but it’s not our view, that seems bizarre so I left him in his upside down world and he left me in mine then we both went on to eat some fruit and have a happy time.

@kimgeratypoetry | Local poet: Kim Geraty

Principal'sPoints...

The Gap State High School

Welcome to the 2025 School Year!

As we embark on the 2025 school year, we are delighted to welcome back over 1,760 students and their families. A particularly warm welcome goes out to the new families joining our vibrant community this year—we are thrilled to have you with us!

It’s often said that life is busy, and schools embody this sentiment perfectly. With Term 1 now in full swing, we have a dynamic lineup of opportunities and events designed for everyone—students, parents, caregivers, and the wider community.

In the weeks ahead, keep an eye out for invitations to social gatherings and information sessions. One highlight is our Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, taking place on Thursday 6 March 2025. These events not only foster connection but also provide a chance to engage with key aspects of student and family life at our school.

If you’re considering The Gap State High School as a future educational home, we warmly invite you to attend our upcoming Open Day (The Gap Experience) on Thursday 1 May 2025, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. We look forward to showing you what makes our school a special place for learning and growth.

We also take this moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their outstanding ATAR results. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our hard-working students, the inspiration and expertise of our teachers, and the unwavering support of parents and families. We are incredibly proud of each student’s accomplishments and celebrate their individual and collective success. Here’s to another exciting year of learning, growth, and community spirit at The Gap State High School!

International Women’s Day

The Gap State High School P&C invites students, parents, family and community members to the annual International Women's Day Breakfast.

Thursday 6 March 2025

7:15 am – 8:30 am

The Gap State High School

For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://events.humanitix.com/iwd2025