The Western Echo June 2026

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National Sorry Day & NAIDOC Week 2026

In this article, we highlight two significant dates that are historically and culturally significant to First Nations people, and that continue to grow in significance to all Australians.

Sorry Day on 26th of May each year, recognises and pays respect to those who have been affected by the forced removal of First Nations children. Balaangala observes Sorry Day to acknowledge this part of our shared history. It is only from a place of recognition that we can move forward together. By attending Sorry Day commemorations, local people can take part in supporting the journey of healing.

Many people are familiar with the term “stolen generations” but not many know the scope of these actions. A policy of forced removal was in place from the 1800’s to the 1970’s. Children could be removed from their families simply for being Aboriginal. Children were placed in institutions, adopted or fostered by non-Indigenous people and often subjected to abuse. It was not unusual for families to be separated and sent to different areas, sometimes across state borders, with no idea of where their loved ones ended up.

On the 26th of May, 1997, the outcome of a national inquiry, the Bringing Them Home Report, was tabled in Federal Parliament. This report revealed the extent of forced removal policies, the abuse suffered as a result, and the ongoing impacts on those removed and on their descendants. Of the 54 report recommendations, only two

have been implemented. The observance of a national “Sorry Day,” has occurred since 1998 and on 13th February 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology.

Despite living with trauma, many Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants work tirelessly within their families and communities to support healing. In part, Sorry Day is a time to recognise that strength and resilience. For further information see: https://healingfoundation. org.au/stolen-generations/national-sorry-day/ .

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2026 (5-12 July) is Fifty Years of Deadly. For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This theme marks a milestone and a tribute to the people who built this movement. The Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists, and the communities.

Annual celebrations are held across Australia each year, to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

From a First Nations’ perspective NAIDOC week is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, and the leadership. It’s also about the here and now, being grounded in culture and identity. It’s about the future, leading change across health, education, media, business, and the arts. The young ones growing up proud. The return of language. The return to Country, and continuing to seek justice.

For information about NAIDOC Week 2026, visit the website: www.naidoc.org.au

To learn more about Balaangala visit: www.balaangala.org.au

Author: Balaangala Community Group

Images: Melanie Grevis-James. Cover image: National Sorry Day at Balaangala Community Group garden 2024, The Gap.

From theEditor

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our June edition - we can’t believe we’re already halfway through 2026!

Firstly, we wish to say a very sincere thank you to our community, who so generously showed their support during our recent annual fundraising campaign – we received $5332.90 total in donations and are thrilled with this success. This will make a big difference to us keeping the publication financially viable. Thank you everyone, we are truly grateful!

This month’s cover article is about celebrating First Nations culture

COL’S CHAT

Locals through my Lens

Steve Saragossi

Steve Saragossi may never have received top billing on a movie poster, but that’s not true of the myriad famous names he has met.

“My mum worked in publicity at the Rank Studios in London, so from a very early age her appreciation for film rubbed off on me. I was taken to the movies frequently to see new and re-released titles like Zulu, West Side Story and 2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Steve’s western Brisbane house is a shrine to all things movie-related, from a library of books with movie tie-ins, posters and memorabilia, to hundreds of soundtracks on vinyl.

“With only three TV channels growing up, you also had to watch what was put in front of you, so I learned to appreciate all manner of films that I perhaps wouldn’t have shown an interest in otherwise.”

Cinema and TV offered a rich tapestry of choice. So surely the film industry beckoned?

“At 16 years old there wasn’t really a clear career path for me in film, so I went into civil engineering and then into marketing. Film remained both a visual and musical backdrop until 2006, when I began a Masters in Film, funnelling everything I had acquired into academic rigour. For my thesis, I flew to Switzerland to interview Norman Jewison, the director of In the Heat of the Night and Moonstruck.”

“After that, I began writing extensively for magazines such as Cinema

and history during NAIDOC Week 2026, as well as acknowledging Sorry Day which occurs on the 26th of May each year and recognises and pays respect to those who have been affected by the forced removal of First Nations children.

This month in our regular columns Colin Bushell chats with local creative Steve Saragossi in his ‘Col’s Chat’ column; Sarah Krause writes about ‘cosy crime’ books in her ‘For the Love of Books’ column; and Leonard Cavallaro debates about Queensland’s proposed new e-bike and e-scooter laws in his ‘It’s Debatable’ youth column.

And don’t miss our monthly fun Photo Quiz, guessing where Colin Bushell (photographer) has been this month with his camera.

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

Retro, The Spectator and Empire.” This included a celebratory piece for Cinema Retro’s website on James Caan, the star of The Godfather, Rollerball and Misery.

“Long story short, James Caan saw the piece and got in touch with the editor. Caan said, ‘If this had been written six years ago, I’d still be a leading man today.’”

When the editor asked if Caan would be interested in a long-form piece for the print magazine, he replied, “Only if I’m interviewed by, and it’s written by, Steve!”

“Within three weeks I was on a plane to Los Angeles and knocking on James Caan’s door. We chatted for three hours, which turned out to be his longest-ever interview, and Cinema Retro printed it in full over five issues.”

Working for Film Inc. in London and Australia, Steve met the likes of Kevin Bacon, Michael Sheen and even Stewart Copeland from The Police.

“I also started writing a biography of actor James Coburn, and that led to interviews with the likes of Sidney Lumet, Walter Hill, Susannah York, Barbara Hershey, and David McCallum.”

So, what about the future?

“I’m sad that you can now silo yourself into only seeing the content that is pushed to you and miss out on a huge amount of material. For many years you couldn’t get anything made unless it was a Marvelstyle big-budget event, but I think the pendulum is starting to swing back toward more thoughtful stories. It’s called show business for a reason. Ultimately, studios are risk-averse and focused on the bottom line, but I’m hopeful that alternatives will begin to emerge.”

Now working with fellow Brisbane resident and creative writer Fiona Westwell, Steve is writing scripts for TV series and movies as one half of the creative pairing, Ink and Thunder.

With pen in hand, maybe Steve will yet be at the helm. To follow

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography

Composting with St Peter Chanel Primary

I recently spent the morning with the Grade 4/5 students at St Peter Chanel Primary School for International Composting Week. We explored worm farms, landfill and how composting reduces waste and supports the environment. The students were eager to learn, asked great questions and brought lots of laughter and energy to the session. It was a great morning and awesome to see such enthusiasm about caring for the environment from the next generation.

Cr Steve Toomey Councillor

for The Gap Ward

Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress’s Women in Business Lunch

I had the pleasure of attending Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner’s Women in Business Lunch alongside some wonderful women from across The Gap Ward. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of local women in busine ss and discuss how Council can continue supporting sma ll businesses in our community.

Thank you to Angela from Ferny Grove State High School (Business Education), Kath from Ruby Red Jewellery, Steph from Home Store Ashgrove, Fatama from Corn Street Cafe, Amy from Urban Chic, Carmen from Harcourts Property Centre and Jasmine from Unplugged Yoga for joining me for a wonderful lunch.

Upper Kedron Reservoir and Trunk Main Project

A water infrastructure upgrade is currently being carried out by Pensar, a contractor for Urban Utilities, at the Upper Kedron Reservoir site, as part of works to improve and maintain the local water supply network. I have been advised that these works will support long-term water supply reliability for the growing community. The project has steps in place to manage safety, environmental impacts, and disruption as much as possible. If you would like more information, I encourage you to visit Pensar’s website: https://pensar.com.au/community-engagement-upperkedron-reservoir/

Thank You!

A big thank you to our amazing and supportive community!

We sincerely appreciate all the generous donations and support we received during our recent annual fundraising campaign in May.

We are thrilled to have received a total of $5332.90 in donations. Just a little short of our target of $6000. These donations will go a long way to help keep The Western Echo alive and thriving.

A big thank you also to LINA (Local & Independent News Association) for their continued support –representing and supporting local and independent news publishers across Australia.

Donations are always gratefully accepted online via our website: www. westernecho.com.au/donate

Or contact Melanie if you prefer to donate via direct bank transfer: editor@ westernecho.com.au

Thanks from Mel + Kym

Congratulations to Sarah Krauseour lucky winner of the gourmet hamper!

A well-deserved win, as Sarah generously volunteers her time and writing skills to The Western Echo with her ‘For the Love of Books’ column. Check her page out on Instagram: @sarahsbookchat

Mitchelton & Districts GardenClub

Caring for Indoor Plants Through Winter

Winter presents unique challenges for houseplants. With shorter days, dry air, and fluctuating temperatures, your leafy companions need adjusted care to stay healthy.

Light becomes precious: move plants closer to north-facing windows to maximise exposure to weak Winter sun. Rotate pots weekly so all sides receive light, and wipe dust from leaves to improve absorption.

Water less frequently: most plants enter a semi-dormant state and need far less moisture. Let soil dry out more than usual between waterings - overwatering is the top winter plant killer. Always check the top inch of soil for moisture before adding water.

Combat dry air: indoor heating strips humidity, stressing tropical plants especially. Group plants together to create a microclimate, place pots on pebble trays filled with water, or run a humidifier nearby. Misting helps temporarily but isn't a long-term solution.

Hold off on fertilizer: growth slows dramatically, so plants can't use extra nutrients. Resume feeding in early spring when new growth appears.

Watch for drafts: keep plants away from exterior doors and heating vents. Sudden temperature swings cause leaf drop and stress. With these adjustments, your plants will emerge into spring ready to flourish.

Our club meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (Trundle St). Doors open at 9:30am, for browsing items on sale and partaking of morning tea, before the meeting proper starts at 10:00am. Entry is $5.00. We would love to see you there!

Image: Move indoor plants to maximise their exposure to Winter sun. (Source: https://www.richgro.com.au).

Our next Shed Happens Meeting coincides with a State of Origin game on the third Wednesday, 17 June, therefore we have decided to cancel our regular June monthly meeting. Don't worry we shall be back better than ever on the third Wednesday, 15 July. Diary note the cancellation and resumption dates.

Shed Happens is a non-political, non-sectarian group of blokes who [usually!] meet at the Paten Park Scout Hut on the third Wednesday of each month to advance our intellectual and cultural interests.

Of course you want to know more?

Ph 0417 786 542

June update

parliament update E-Mobilility

Over recent months, I have heard from hundreds of Queenslanders concerned about the Queensland Government’s proposed e-mobility reforms, and thank you to everyone who made a submission to the committee or contacted me directly. I have heard the strong feedback that this Bill will not make pedestrians safer, but risks making cyclists, e-mobility users and motorists less safe overall.

Many Queenslanders are concerned the Bill unfairly penalises people doing the right thing, while failing to properly address illegal high powered, dangerous electric motorbikes being ridden on footpaths and shared paths, which remain the real safety concern. The Government is expected to debate the Bill in June, and I look forward to representing your views during the debate in Parliament.

the gap community battery

Recently, I and some of our local environmental groups spoke directly with Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP, about Labor’s commitment to deliver a community battery for The Gap. The rollout of batteries around the country has seen record levels of renewable energy powering the grid, reaching 47% of energy supplied to the national grid. More than 350,000 home batteries and almost 400 community batteries are now helping displace gas power in the evenings and replacing it with cheap solar energy instead of gas.

Since the Labor federal government’s commitment in 2022 Brisbane City Council has continued to reject Energy Queensland’s proposed locations for our battery. This is despite almost half a million dollars of funding already committed to this project.

Our office will continue to work constructively with both the Federal and Local Government’s to see this project delivered.

men’s health week

Men's Health Week runs from 15 to 21 June, and I think it's a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on men's health.

The men in our community, fathers, partners, neighbours, mates, are often the last ones to put their hand up when something isn't right. A check-up gets pushed back. A conversation never quite happens. It adds up.

This week is a good prompt to change that. Check in on the men in your life, and if that person is you, there's good information available online. Just Google Men’s Health Week.

Rotary Club Of Paddington

As we approach the close of the Rotary year, our club is preparing for the annual changeover of Presidency and Board, a meaningful moment to both reflect and look ahead. This year, guided by Rotary International’s theme “Unite for Good,” we have been reminded of the strength and impact that comes from working together in service of our community.

Throughout the year, the Rotary Club of Paddington has embraced this spirit of unity, collaborating on projects that support local initiatives while contributing to broader humanitarian efforts. From community engagement activities to partnerships with like-minded organisations, our members have demonstrated a shared commitment to making a positive difference.

The changeover is not only a time to acknowledge the dedication and leadership of our outgoing President Debra Lewis and Board, but also an opportunity to welcome new leaders who will bring fresh ideas and energy to the year ahead. It is through this continuity and renewal that Rotary continues to thrive.

As we celebrate what has been achieved, we also look forward with optimism and energy. United by purpose and guided by service, we remain committed to creating lasting impact, locally and beyond.

We invite the community to join our changeover dinner on 27 June, email valeriesimons@gmail.com for more information or book with the QR code included above.

Art inBark

Want something new to do?

Come and join us, at Art in Bark Association at City Hall Brisbane. We hold classes Mondays only at the 50 Plus Centre – enter via Adelaide St, in the basement. Come and learn how to do a bark picture, a unique gift for your special event, birthday, anniversary, or Christmas. Mondays at 9.30am -12pm. Lessons cost $10, kits cost $15. Kit includes board, bark, glue and tools to do your first picture.

If you can’t come on Mondays, come on Saturdays at the Apostolic Church Hall, 43 Robinson Rd, Nundah. Please phone first to book your class.

For more info: Dipti 0468 548 600 or Ros 0419 674 498.

Yoorala Street Community Garden

We welcome you to join us in The Gap!

Yoorala Street Community Garden (YSCG) is open to all who would like to get involved - memberships are coming up for renewal at the end of June, but you can join at any time, for an adjusted rate. Or you can share a plot – they are a generous size! No previous gardening experience is required. Community gardening is suitable for all ages, and all abilities.

The garden is made up of “communal areas”, which are developed and maintained by all members, as well as 31 individual plots that can be rented by financial members. There are some access friendly areas and paths in the garden, and raised garden-beds are available to members with accessibility needs.

As part of membership in the YSCG, you’ll be made welcome at social gatherings throughout the year. This year the YSCG is also offering a range of educational workshops - this project is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council. Upcoming learning opportunities include handson fruit tree pruning (the YSCG has a huge orchard!) and how to manage invasive weeds – always useful.

Read more on the website (see details below) and learn more about ‘The YSCG is a space for people to come together and participate in the principles of organic gardening, in the spirit of community and sustainability.’

If you want to visit this exceptional community garden, stroll in and make yourself known. The best time to find members at the YSCG is every Sunday morning between 8am-10am when working bees are held (during the summer months they are held on Sunday afternoons, 4-6pm).

For more: www.yooralastreetcommunitygarden.com.au

Email: yscgsecretary@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ yooralastreetcommunitygarden Street address: 98 Yoorala Street, The Gap 4061

Local Resident Straun is crowned BBQ Legend!

Bunnings is celebrating a local Legend from The Gap, with Straun Beamish from the Wilston Grange AFC being crowned one of Australia’s local BBQ legends as part of its nationwide Legend of the Tongs search - recognising the volunteers who keep Aussie rules footy clubs running, one snag at a time.

This week’s recognition celebrates Straun’s unwavering dedication to his club and the vital role he plays in creating a positive impact each week in their community, including showing up despite being unable to play on the field whilst undergoing treatment for lymphoma.

For more than 25 years, Straun “Beamer” Beamish has been a muchloved part of the Wilston Grange Gorillas. Joining after moving from Melbourne to Brisbane in 1999, Straun has created countless memories both on and off the field, with some of his proudest moments coming from premiership-winning grand finals as a player. Today, his connection to the club continues through his children, who now proudly play for the same club he has called home for more than two decades.

Beyond his achievements on the field, Straun has become a club legend for his unwavering commitment to the community, famously manning the post-game sausage sizzle. After receiving his lymphoma diagnosis, Straun stepped away from playing while undergoing treatment, however, remains a constant presence on the sidelines supporting the club he loves. Across the community he is known for his positivity, dedication and passion for the sport.

As part of the prize, Wilston Grange AFC will receive a BBQ prize pack valued over $585, including a Jumbuck 6 Burner BBQ and a Bunnings pop-up marquee. Straun is also now in the running to score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final and crowned the overall ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, winning $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their club.

The competition forms part of Bunnings’ 12th year in partnership with the AFL and runs across 18 weeks of the 2026 AFL season, recognising grassroots volunteers across both AFL and AFLW communities.

Bunnings Keperra Complex Manager, Elise Sellman, said the Legend of the Tongs initiative is about celebrating the people who make local footy possible.

“From firing up the BBQ to creating that game-day atmosphere, volunteers like Straun are the heart and soul of community sport,” Elise said.

“A multiple Golden Boot winner for Wilston Grange, Straun has spent more than a decade manning the sausage sizzle after games, feeding thousands of players, families and supporters while raising vital funds for the club with unwavering dedication.

Bunnings Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events, Michelle Walter, said the initiative celebrates the people who make local footy possible.

“Legend of the Tongs is all about recognising the heart of Australian rules football – the more than 200,000 volunteers who show up week

in, week out to support their clubs,” said Walter.

The recognition comes as Bunnings research from 2025 highlights the essential role of BBQ, canteen and other food services in shaping club culture, with almost one in three (29 per cent) Australians saying their favourite volunteer role is firing up the barbie.

One overall winner will be crowned the ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, winning $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their local club.

Nominations are now open, with winners announced weekly. Entries close on 16 August 2026.

Know a BBQ legend? Nominate your local footy club’s Legend of the Tongs online at: www.bunnings.com.au/legends

AshgroveHistorical Society

Visitors are very welcome to attend the Ashgrove Historical Society meetings held on the first Saturday of the month from 10amnoon at Ashgrove Library. Come along on 4 July 2026 to hear about the historical and contemporary aspects of Some Streets and Streetscapes in our Local Area, presented by AHS member, Rod MacIver. A shared morning tea will follow the presentation.

The Trees of Glenlyon Drive: There are alternating Bunya pines and Weeping figs on both sides of Glenlyon Drive. The Bunya pines are well known to Ashgrove residents, because of their prominence, while the Weeping figs are not so visible nor as well known. In 2019 the trees were identified as a Local Heritage Place.

Gifford Street - A Small Street with an interesting history: Gifford Street links Banks Steet, Ashgrove and Goskar Avenue, Alderley. Cyril Hesse, an original resident of Gifford Street, told Rod of the street’s history. In World War II, the street housed an American Searchlight Unit and Cyril’s house was requisitioned by the Australian Army Directorate of Hirings for the war effort.

Streets of Remembrance: Brisbane City Council’s Streets of Remembrance project commemorates those who have served in Australia’s armed forces. The Australian Defence Force Rising Sun and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) badges are placed on relevant street signs. These include signs with names that honour significant places and events from the ANZAC campaign in World War 1. To date there are eight such street signs in Ashgrove.

AHS membership makes a great gift for anyone interested in Ashgrove’s history. Fees are $10 single per annum (1 July - 30 June), or $15 couple/family. 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.

For more: www.ashgrovehistoricalsociety. org/index.php

Keperra

New Doctor starting

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• Chronic Disease Management

• Preventive Health Focus

• Babies and Children

• Women’s Health

Great Western Super Centre, 577 Settlement Rd, Keperra

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• Vaccinations

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• Health Assessments

Monday – Thursday: 7.30am – 6.00pm

Friday: 7.30am – 5.00pm Saturday: 8.00am – 11.30am

Dr Emily Bailey starting at Keperra Family Practice! Dr Emily Bailey is an experienced, UK-trained GP, who relocated to Brisbane with her family last year. She graduated with a distinction from University College London Medical School and worked across several London hospitals before becoming a GP partner in a large teaching practice in the UK. She has a background in medical research, having presented at conferences across Europe and contributed to several medical journals. She is also passionate about medical education, with extensive experience training medical students, hospital doctors and GPs.

Dr Bailey holds diplomas with the Department of Reproductive and Sexual Health, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Menopause Management. Dr Emily is known for her warm and compassionate nature, nonjudgemental attitude, and her determination to fight for her patients. She prioritises continuity of care and believes that getting the opportunity to help support patients and their families through challenging times, working with them to optimise their health and get the most out of life is a privilege.

Rotary Club Ashgrove The Gap

Rotary has always had a dual focus: local and global.

In the global “big projects” area what could be bigger than the eradication of a disease entirely from the planet, never to trouble people ever again? That is the goal, tantalisingly close, of the Polio+ project, initiated by the great Australian Rotarian President Sir Clem Renouf.

At the other end of the scale, but so important to peace of mind and stress reduction to people –especially older people – is the matter of sorting out accumulated stuff. Maybe possessions really are a burden, as Buddhism has it; in any case decluttering has become important to people.

How do we know? By the number of people who attended as guests of the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap in May, to hear our speaker for the evening Susie Dash, an expert on the subject. Susie runs a local business helping people with their decluttering, which can actually be an element in mental health: who has not at some time felt overwhelmed by the very thought of the work and choices involved in lightening the load, regaining space, and making life simpler?

Rotary has from its inception had a vocational element. We don’t endorse individual companies but are happy to support local business activity. Thank you Susie for your talk!

To learn more about the club you can visit our website: www.rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au

If the idea of volunteering for specific events appeals to you, or just finding out more about Rotary, you can contact Tim Boyd at agrclub@gmail.com, or text at 0411 141 304.

Ashgrove Bardon RSL Sub Branch

ANZAC Is A Legacy That Unites Us All

The heading is the same as that leading our contribution last month, prior to the Anzac Day services in both Bardon and Ashgrove, but it’s worth repeating given some controversy this year - particularly that publicised by the media in Sydney and Melbourne.

The 25th April is probably the one day that brings everyone in this Country together in an expression to national pride, and it needs to

Trek2Health

When

the Uniform Feels Heavy: Understanding Moral Injury

For many frontline workers, the greatest injuries are not always physical. Increasingly, researchers and wellbeing professionals are recognising something called moral injurythe emotional and psychological impact that occurs when a person’s deeply held values collide with what they experience, witness, or are required to do in the workplace.

It can come from repeated exposure to trauma, organisational culture, lack of support, or situations where someone feels powerless to act in the way they believe is right. Over time, this can create feelings of guilt, anger, shame, isolation, frustration, or a loss of identity and purpose.

Unlike burnout, moral injury is not simply about being tired. It is about carrying experiences that challenge a person’s belief system and sense of self.

At Trek2Health, we are seeing more frontline personnel speak openly about this emerging issue. Many participants tell us they are not looking for “therapy” in the traditional sense - they are looking for connection, trust, purpose, movement, and environments where they feel safe to simply be human again.

Our programs use guided ecological-based challenges, small group connection, physical activity, and evidence-informed wellbeing practices to help participants reconnect with themselves and others. Sometimes healing begins with something as simple as walking beside another person who understands.

Moral injury is a modern conversation that society needs to take seriously. Supporting frontline workers is not only about operational readiness - it is about protecting the human being behind the uniform. 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.

stay that way.

Warm regards,

Bruce Barker CEO & Founder, Trek2Health

This year’s attendances were larger than last year in spite of threatening rain at Ashgrove and a downpour at Bardon. Fortunately, the dawn services were dry.

While it’s never advisable to single out one group of participants, the Marist College Ashgrove “Chamber Choir” singing “In Flanders fields” in two-part harmony certainly deserve an honourable mention. Well done boys.

Feedback is always welcome and it helps us to continuously improve, so if attendees at any of our services would like to comment on the Ashgrove and Bardon services it would be most appreciated.

Feedback and comments can be directed to: The Management Committee Ashgrove-Bardon Sun Branch at the following email:

ian.garfield@ashgrove.rslqld.net.au

Starting Strong

Stories: The First Step to Reading

Join us to learn about the importance of shared reading with a focus on vocabulary, background knowledge, text structure and inferencing.

Friday 19 June 2026

Meeting point @ the MPB

What you and your child will gain from this session:

Parents will observe modelled, shared reading in action and learn how early shared reading and storytelling strengthen children’s language skills, imagination, and confidence, while gaining simple strategies to support oral language development at home.

Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club

ANZAC Day commemorations are over for another year. But as the wreaths fade on the cenotaphs and memorials in every capital city and country town across the nation, we hold on to the phrase: “We will remember them”. We will remember the service and sacrifice of all those in the Armed Services, both past and present.

Lions were represented at both The Gap and Ashgrove ANZAC commemorations and David Danslow was the guest speaker at the April Partners and Friends Dinner Meeting. David is the Chair of the Ashgrove Citizens ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee. David has experience as a Queensland Police Officer and a Scouting Commissioner. He brings together members of the local community to organise an event which has seen significant growth in attendance over recent years. “Once people work together as a team, great things can be achieved”, said David.

66 local residents dropped off ewaste to The Gap State School, 18 April. This community service, in partnership with eWaste Connection, supports employment for people with disability. “Many thanks… It’s a really nice community day. Hope to do it again next year”, commented Monique Lowndes, CEO eWaste Connection.

Lions acted as judges at The Gap State School STEM Expo (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Lions were also on the job with the BBQ trailer in the evening, to feed students and parents at the presentation event.

Lions volunteered at concerts organised by Voices of Birralee, for the Queensland Youth Music Awards, in May and June.

June is the end of the Lions Year. The Board for 2026-2027 will be introduced in the July edition.

Photos:

1. President Lindsay and David Danslow

2. eWaste Connection and Lions - a community partnership

Brisbane North Cake Decorators

Brisbane North Cake Decorator’s next meeting is on Saturday, 20 June. We meet at the Arana Hills Community Hall on Dawson Parade Commencing at 1.00pm. This meeting will be our last chance to complete our creation for the branch competition at our Annual Cake Show, held at Queen Alexander House in Coorparoo, in

Alcoholics AnonymousPaddington

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Paddington

Alcoholics Anonymous hosts a weekly in-person meeting in Paddington, providing a structured and supportive environment for those interested in learning more about the program or engaging in recovery.

Finding a Way to Live – from Marianne

For a long time, I lived inside a loop I couldn’t name. There was the noise in my head - the anxious, manic, fearful overthinking people pleaser and there was whatever I reached for to numb it, escape it, or avoid it altogether. The relief never lasted. The shame certainly did.

I came to AA convinced it was a religious programme and that it wouldn’t be for me. I was wrong on both counts. What I found was something far simpler and far harder: a spiritual way of living, not a set of beliefs to sign up to. A way of being completely honest about who I was, what I valued, and how I wanted to move through the world.

The first gift was the shame coming off. Sitting in a room with people who shared their own shame openly and vulnerably without performance, without polish and something in me began to soften. I wasn’t uniquely broken. I wasn’t alone. And I couldn’t do this on my own, which turned out to be the most useful thing I ever admitted. Slowly, I started to learn what my values actually were and how to live by them rather than around them. I started to find a sense of purpose where there had only been avoidance. The community held me accountable, and just as importantly, believed in me before I could believe in myself.

It hasn’t been easy. However, I have now been sober for nearly two years after two decades of addiction. There are still hard days. But I’m no longer running. I’m living contentedly, imperfectly, gratefully, and that is everything.

If you relate to this story, or struggling with alcoholism, you are welcome at any AA meeting.

If anyone would like to speak with someone locally, they may reach out to Nick on 0416 084 718.

For more meeting options and information: www.aa.org.au

Call: 1300 222 222

early July. All the wonderful items we made in our April meeting will hopefully come together to tell our version of “Storytime”, the topic for the Branch Displays. It is always interesting to see how each branch has interpreted the theme.

Apart from the Branch Displays there will be many beautifully decorated cakes in the various competition classes. Demonstrations of various cake decorating techniques will be held during the weekend. There will be baked items for sale and tea, coffee and tasty treats will be available to purchase.

We welcome new members and we can be contacted via our Facebook page, Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA or via email brisbanenorthcakedecorators@gmail.com

FOR THE LOVE of Books

Winter Time for Cosy Crime

Winter is here! Time to grab a hot drink, snuggle up under the doona, and try some cosy crime. “Cosy” crime is charming, a bit quaint, and lower in violence than general crime fiction. It focuses on solving puzzles, the storylines and relationships. Here are some of my favourites…

You would have to be living under a rock if you’ve not heard of the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman. These books redefined cosy crime and involve a foursome of senior citizens who solve cases from their retirement village in Coopers Chase. These books are delightful and get better with each one as you fall more and more in love with the characters. There are five books, and a Netflix movie adaptation. A sixth book is coming but no release date has been set.

Another gorgeous series is the Bookshop Detectives, written by husband-andwife duo Gareth and Louise Ward. Set in a bookshop in a small NZ town, the first is the story of a missing girl and how the bookshop owners (both ex-police) get drawn in to try to solve the case. There are now three books, and the authors do not look to be stopping just yet.

Finally, another series that adds a fair chunk of humour to the cosy mix is the Ernest Cunningham series written by author and comedian Benjamin Stevens. The first in the series is Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. Stevens loves a puzzle and word play and prides himself on sticking to the classic “rules” of crime fiction. These are a lot of fun and there are now four books, with more set to come.

Happy Reading! @sarahsbookchat

Author:

Sarah Krause

you have a business, shop, or reception area where we could place our magazines?

are seeking businesses and shop locations in Paddington, Bardon & Red Hill. Or do you have a suggestion for a good location? Please contact Melanie on 0409 440 501; or email editor@westernecho.com.au

Creative Samford

Samford & Hinterland Arts Trail Get your free ticket and win!

You could win 2 nights at Elm House Studio (valued at approx. $1000)!

There is also over $400 of vouchers and gift cards – $250 Samford Jewellers voucher; $50 Ocean View gift card; $50 Samford Patisserie gift card; $50 Baffies Oan Books gift card.

How? Register online: www.creativesamford.com/event/creativesamford-presents-samford-and-hinterland-arts-trail-2026-2/ . For your free ticket, visit at least one Trail venue, get your ticket scanned and you’ll go in the draw. Drawn 30 June 2026 (one entry per person). Please tag your friends and family.

Diverse in mediums and styles, Trails 2026 offers everything from woodcarving, painting, printmaking, metal sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and fibre arts as you meander through the beautiful landscapes and rolling hills of the region.

Colleen Lavendar of Colchamelon Designs is a must to visit. Colleen is a national and internationally renowned sculptor of metal in the public realm and canny collectors.

‘Unbridled Freedom’ by Colleen Lavendar. Photo Credit: Greg Sullavan, Sunburst Studio.

A celebration of the region’s vibrant and diverse art scene, visitors have a unique opportunity to meet and talk with artists in their own creative spaces. Take the time to stop and visit studios and arts spaces where you will be welcomed to look behind the scenes of a practicing artist’s life. Getting a privileged glimpse into artists’ inspiration, techniques and stories, you may even find that special piece to take home with you by connecting directly with artists. Or better still, register for one of the many workshops on offer, get messy and take home your very own personally created masterpiece! We invite you to grab your friends and family from outside the region to spend the day, recharging and refuelling at one of our wonderful local cafes and restaurants, before hitting the Trails again. To find out more, or book into one of the many workshops on offer throughout Trails, the Studio Guidebook will be available, closer to June, from City of Moreton Bay information centres, local cafes and restaurants, or view an online version on our website.

Event dates: Saturday and Sunday; four weekends of June 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 27–28 10 am – 3pm

www.creativesamford.com www.facebook.com/CreativeSamford www.instagram.com/creativesamford

Total prize pool valued at approximately $1000 AUD, comprising:

Two-night stay at Elm House Studio (valued at approx. $600)

$250 voucher from Silvester & Co

$50 Ocean View Estate gift card

$50 Samford Patisserie gift card

$50 Baffies Oan Books gift card

photo taken?

photos are taken within our Western Suburbs of Ashgrove, The Gap, Bardon, Paddington, Rosalie, Red Hill, Newmarket & sometimes slightly further afield!

Please submit your answer on our website: www.westernecho.com.au/photo-quiz Or email to: editor@westernecho.com.au or scan the below QR code.

The Physiologix Corner

ACL Cross-Bracing Protocol – ACL recovery without surgery

ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament. It is one of the most important ligaments (holds bone to bone) in the knee joint. Damage can occur due to many reasons, for example, in contact sports, changing direction, or skiing to name a few.

It was always thought that if you tore your ACL you had to have surgery. In the last few decades, we have come to realise that there are many people who can cope well without their ACL being repaired in surgery. Now, ground-breaking research, performed here in Australia, has shown that the ACL can heal well if a strict process is followed.

This process of ACL recovery is done using the “Cross-Bracing” method. Surgery is not for everyone, just as leaving the ACL as is not for everyone, and going through this process of natural healing is also not for everyone. There are many considerations in choosing what recovery path to take after ACL rupture. Your options need to be carefully explained to you so that you can choose the most suitable option for you. This can and should be done with support of family and friends – it is a big decision and at Physiologix, we are here to help support you through the process.

The Cross-Bracing Protocol (CBP) is a structured, non-operative option for selected ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries. It supports natural healing through early bracing, protected movement, and progressive rehabilitation.

Physiologix has long helped people recover after ACL injury. Physiologix is now an accredited provider for the Cross-bracing ACL recovery process. they will work with you, and a team of other health professionals, to help you recover from your ACL injury, whichever path you take. Call on 3511 1112 or email from the website: www.physiologix.com. au, where you can also find more information on the cross-bracing protocol.

The GapCreative Inc

Local Matters Art Exhibition, 19-21 June

Members of The Gap Creative are preparing for their signature event, the Local Matters Art Exhibition, from 19–21 June at The Gap State High School Tula Gallery. Open to the whole community, the exhibition invites visitors to enjoy and purchase artworks by local The Gap artists.

The weekend program includes an Opening Night event on Friday from 6–8pm, an Artist Panel Talk on Saturday from 1–3pm exploring creativity and wellbeing in the community, and public viewing and voting for the 2026 Art Spark Youth Award on Friday night and Saturday. The 2026 Art Spark Prize winners will be announced on Sunday at 1.30pm. Sponsors include Jonty Bush MP, Calibre Real Estate, The Gap Village, Spot Art Pty Ltd, Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP and Birdie Coffee The Gap. The art prize sponsors are Cr Steven Toomey, Eckersley's Art & Craft and The Gap Creative. For more information see: www.thegapcreative.com.au/events

The Gap Creative’s Open Studios will be held this year on 29 and 30 August. Now in its 5th year, this annual event allows our members to open up their home studios for a weekend and invite the general public to visit. Discover artists practicing across a wide range of techniques including visual artists, photographers, sculptors, ceramics, jewellery, and mixed media. Many of the artworks are also available for sale.

If you are a creative based in The Gap and would like to be a part of our group, get in touch via our website: www.thegapcreative.com.au

Physiologix - 200 Settlement Rd, The Gap (upstairs at The Gap Health & Racquet Club) www.physiologix.com.au Tel: (07) 3511 1112

'IT'S DEBATABLE' A Youth Perspective

Getting a Grip on Queensland’s New E-bike Legislation

Amidst the rising popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, laws to tackle their misuse have been a topic of hot contention in Queensland Parliament.

It’s a conversation worth having, especially with new data showing more than five Queenslanders a day are ending up in the emergency department due to e-scooter injuries (ABC News, 2026). In response, the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026 represents the most comprehensive overhaul and revamp of e-bike laws in Australia.

The big-ticket items include a ban on e-bikes for under 16s, a licensing requirement to use an e-bike, mandatory speed limits and expanded enforcement powers for police to seize and destroy illegal or modified e-bikes (all these changes hold true for both e-bikes and e-scooters).

There’s broad support for some action, but the specific legislation has received fierce pushback. One of the most controversial (and likely to get altered) is the 10km/hour speed limit on footpaths. That’s

Boomerang Bags

The Gap & Surrounds

World Environment Day falls on 5 June, and 2026’s theme is Climate Change. We know that carbon emissions are a major contributor to climate change, but did you know that the textile industry accounts for up to 10% of global emissions? Australians dispose of 6000kg of fashion waste every ten minutes!

These figures are alarming, but we can all help to reduce them. Buy fewer new clothes of the best quality you can afford. Normalise re-wearing items – we don’t need a new outfit for every outing! Launder them carefully and learn basic mending techniques or take them to the Repair Café to extend

6-minute kilometres for the runners out there, a pretty common jogging pace. Yes, we’ve all seen people going ‘hooning’ on e-bikes but limiting them to the pace of a casual runner seems to be swinging too far the other way.

And 17-year-old Shubh Patel reckons adults make up most of the injuries anyway. “Focus on breathalysing and actual enforcement, I definitely support that,” he says. “But I’m just not on board with the under 16 rule. I was sixteen not that long ago and it’s nuts to think the government would stop me riding a bike just because it has a battery.”

Frequent cyclist Lara is also concerned about the license restriction. She has friends who rely on their e-bikes to get around precisely because they don’t have driving licenses. “There’s a whole lot of people who are capable and safe cyclists regardless of whether they’ve chosen to get a driving license.”

And the last thing we want is to push people onto the road. There is nowhere more dangerous for a cyclist than the roads and nowhere more frustrating for commuters. It’s a lose-lose situation to push daily e-bike riders (old people, parents with young kids on the back, school children) onto the roads. They slow everyone else down and they’re at a higher risk of injuries themselves.

Both Lara and Shubh agree though that more needs to be done and that it’s a conversation worth having. Young people want safe footpaths and faster roads as much as anyone else. But they don’t want it to come at the cost of healthy active travel for those who rely on it.

For more information on e-bike hospitalisations: https:// www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-11/queensland-e-scooterinjuries-escalate-hospital-data-shows/106329602

For more information on the legislation’s committee report: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/ Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=8575

Author: Leonard Cavallaro Images credits: Unsplash

their life.

Pre-loved clothes are a budget-friendly option to update your wardrobe. Use the Savi app to find the many op-shops in our area, where you can also donate clothes you no longer need that are still in good condition. Can’t get to the store? Shop online instead! Just search up “pre-loved clothes” and you’ll find many options. Clothes swaps, school and church fetes, and garage sales are also troves of textile treasures!

BBTGS repurposes donated, pre-loved textiles to create a range of bags and homewares. We are currently not accepting donations while we work through our stockpile (new volunteers are welcome!). We encourage you to seek out other options like those mentioned above, or recycling services, like Upparel.

Volunteer with us on Fridays during school terms, 9.30am – 12.00, at The Gap Baptist Church. No sewing experience required! Email: bbtgs4061@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ BoomerangBags TheGapandSurrounds

Escaped Pasture Legume Vines –Smothering our Precious Bushland

Many of Brisbane’s native bushland areas and creek banks are now heavily invaded by fast-growing vine weeds, including several legumes (related to peas and beans). Species such as Siratro, Glycine, Desmodium, Vigna, Phasey Bean and Horse Gram are spreading aggressively through waterways, forest edges, roadsides, and even suburban fences.

The problem has historical roots. Beginning in the 1860s, much of the Enoggera Creek catchment was cleared for grazing. Introduced pasture legumes were later planted to improve fodder quality and enrich soils with nitrogen. Although urban development has largely replaced grazing in the catchment, these plants - and their long-lived seeds - remain widespread.

Our sub-tropical climate allows these vines to grow rapidly and overwhelm native vegetation. They climb through grasses and shrubs, spread into tree canopies, and form dense mats that block sunlight and suppress natural forest regeneration. Their nitrogen-fixing ability can also encourage additional invasive weeds.

Effective management requires ongoing attention, ideally before flowering and seed pods develop. Small infestations can be removed by hand, but care must be taken to extract the entire taproot to prevent regrowth. Larger outbreaks often require carefully targeted herbicide treatment by bush regenerators experienced in weed control.

For weed identification and control advice, visit Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool (https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/) or SOWN Weeds to Whack https://sown.com.au/weeds-to-whack). Local residents can also support restoration efforts by joining a bushcare or creek catchment group through SOWN (Save Our Waterways Now).

For more, visit the SOWN website: www.sown.com.au

Coinciding with Refugee Week (14-20 June 2026) join the Romero Centre to walk together in compassion, solidarity and hope, because everyone deserves safety, dignity and a sense of belonging. No one should have to walk alone.

The GapRepairCafe

Local Action for Global Impact on World Environment Day

The UN’s World Environment Day falls on 5 June. The 2026 theme is, simply, Climate Action. “The planet doesn’t argue. It doesn’t negotiate. It sends signals - rising seas, raging wildfires, heatwaves, melting glaciers. We said 1.5°C was the limit. We are crossing it.”

We all have a responsibility to reverse this trajectory.

Carbon emissions are a major contributor to climate change. Carbon is emitted at every stage of a product’s lifecycle, from mining the raw materials, through to manufacturing, packaging, transporting, usage, and finally, disposal.

Consider the humble toaster. It’s composed of several types of metals, plastics and ceramics, which all must be mined, transported and manufactured, then assembled into the appliance before being packaged and transported again, and finally arriving in our homes. Disposal also emits carbon, through further transportation and, often, decomposition in landfills.

Repairing items when they break or stop working means that all the emissions required to dispose of them and produce a replacement can be avoided! Over four years, we have repaired nearly 1200 items, saving an estimated 36 tonnes of carbon emissions. Together, we are making a difference, but we can do a lot more!

Repair Café The Gap operates on the third Saturday of each month, 10am – 1pm, Rivercity Church, 59 Settlement Rd, The Gap.

Bookings are preferred, and open two weeks prior to each workshop, on the first Saturday of the month, at 7am. Please book via this website or QR code: www.trybooking.com/eventlist/ repaircafethegap/

Date: Sunday 14 June 2026 | Time: 1:00pm

Location: Orleigh Park, Hill End Tce, West End

Distance: 5km loop walk along the Brisbane River and surrounding areas

Cost: $15 per adult, $5 per school-aged child

Register yourself or a team today: www.mycause.com.au/events/welcomewalk2026

For more: www.romerocentre.org.au

World Refugee Day is on 20 June. This year’s Refugee Week theme is 'A Million Stories', marking the milestone of Australia welcoming its one-millionth refugee since the end of World War II.

For more about Refugee Week: www.refugeeweek.org.au/theme

Newmarket ViewClub

Looking to connect with other local women and support children in need?

Newmarket View Club provides a friendly and safe meeting place for women (all ages welcome) to connect with other women in the community and make lasting friendships. Our club stands as a beacon of community engagement and is one of approximately 300 clubs nationwide comprising roughly 14,000 women members,

Our June meeting will celebrate 18yrs as a club and our continual ongoing support for the Smith Family. This amazing milestone will be celebrated by our ladies wearing as much yellow as they can fit on their person to our meeting. Our table decorations etc will celebrate all things yellow and we will play fun (yellow themed?) games. We will let everyone know about how the birthday party went in the July issue.

Our April presentation at the monthly meeting was presented by Solo Connections. Our ladies found this presentation interesting and informative and has taken away many of the stresses of travelling solo. May has been a busy month for us. Our first outing for the month was an unexpected and quickly organised outing to Victoria Park Golf Club Cafe. Many of our ladies and family visited the café and surrounds for lunch and took a trip down memory lane to say a final goodbye and relive happy memories of years gone by. Demolition is due to commence in the next few weeks to make way for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Our second outing for May saw several of our ladies meet at the City Hall for a tour of the Museum of Brisbane to see and discuss the exhibition of Stories you wear by Magpie Goose, with a delightful lunch after. If you have the chance to visit the Museum of Brisbane before this exhibit finishes, I thoroughly recommend it.

Upcoming events for June, July and August are:

Tuesday 9 June: Coffee at the Crema Coffee Garage at Enoggera. Looking forward to this outing as I love coffee.

Tuesday 23 June: It’s our 18th Birthday and we will be bringing in the sunshine all dressed in yellow.

14 July: Our July social outing will be held at the Mt Coot-tha Gardens. We will have morning tea first, then for those of us who feel energetic walk around the gardens at leisure. Public transport is available for this visit – The Great Circle Line, either 598 or 599.

28 July: Monthly meeting. Our guest speaker will be Lindy Sugars from the Ashgrove Historical Society.

11 August: social outing is to the Whitehorse Ranch Café at Albany Creek for brunch at 10.30am.

25 August: Monthly meeting.

Our club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at the Ashgrove Golf Club, 863 Waterworks Rd, The Gap.

If you are interested in attending a monthly meeting or one of our regular social events or to find out more about our cub, please ring our President, Margaret on 0408 988 672 or email: newmarketview@gmail.com

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap would like to remind our community to be ever vigilant for scammers.

If you feel pressured or uneasy, trust your gut feelings or get help from a friend or family member. Scammers are clever – they follow trends.

Scammers create fake websites that look like genuine online stores, offering products at very low prices and victims will either receive a fake item or nothing at all.

They also post fake ads on classified websites, often claiming they are travelling and someone else will deliver the goods, but the item never arrives and the victim can no longer contact the seller.

Scammers have also been known to use a technique called Romance Baiting.

This technique involves scammers meeting people on dating apps and then moving the conversation to an encrypted chat site. After a few weeks of developing a relationship, the scammer will begin asking about the victim’s finances and encourage them to participate in an investment opportunity.

These scams prey on people seeking connection and can leave victims with significant financial losses and emotional distress. While traditional dating and romance scams tend to target older Australians, almost half of all losses to romance baiting scams come from people under the age of 35.

Don’t take financial advice from someone you met on an app and never give financial or personal details to someone you’ve only met online.

A type of phishing and fake website scam, scammers use the name and branding of well-known delivery companies, to send fake ‘missed delivery’ notices to potential victims.

These can even appear in the same message stream as legitimate company messages as scammers can ‘spoof’ phone numbers.

Always think and check before you click a link.

Be careful about online links and never download attachments. To check that a parcel delivery message is legitimate, check the tracking number on the delivery company website or call them directly.

For more info about scams – visit the Australian Government website: www.scamwatch.gov.au

Email neighbourhoodwatchthegap@yahoo.com.au

Website: www.nhwq4061.com

Ensure you like/follow our Facebook page for specific information in your area: www.facebook.com/neighbourhoodwatchthegap Your Suburb, Your Home, Your Family, Your Community 4061.

The GapProbus Club

What Does PROBUS Do?

Probus exists to provide retired people with an active retirement, complete with Fun, Friendship and Fellowship. It is open to all, it’s non-religious, non-political and non-activist and not a fund-raiser. We look for affordable entertainment, connections and interest to keep brains active without necessarily resorting to - ugh - exercise or counselling.

But there is a serious side to life as well, and last month’s speaker addressed it admirably.

Tanya Salter from Hummingbird House spoke tenderly and movingly about one of the most devastating things that can happen in a family: the death of a baby or a young child. To address this appalling topic in a sensitive way was a triumph of communications skill, only possible because it is supported by authentic caring.

Tanya described how Hummingbird House provided a “home away from home” when “time was short”. They provide care not only for the dying child but for the whole family, especially for those out of town. It is Queensland’s only hospice for children, seeking to ease the last days as much as possible.

Probus people tend to be serious people, awake to the realities of the world, even the sad ones.

We aim to be serious but not solemn: the coffee mornings and the lunches and the card games and the afternoon tea chats continue.

If you are interested in finding out more without commitment we would be delighted to talk with you, and we invite you to our meetings (first Thursday of every month, 2pm, at the Baptist Church, corner of Waterworks and Settlement Roads). Call (or better text) Tim on 0411 141 304, or just rock up.

Thank you again to local wildlife photographer Karen Palmer for her gorgeous photo of a pretty Green Tree Frog –taken in her garden.

We welcome anyone who has a great wildlife photo taken in the Western suburbs to send us your photo/s. We would love to feature wildlife images in The Western Echo on a regular basis.

Photo credit: © Karen Palmer

You can also follow the local ‘Wild in The Gap’ Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/1801218243514396

Please send your photo/s to Melanie: editor@westernecho.com.au

Art Competition for Local Students

EcoArt26 – Brisbane West Eco Fest

EcoArt26 competition now open for student submissions

Students from local primary and secondary schools are invited to enter EcoArt26, the Brisbane West Eco Fest student art competition.

The 2026 Brisbane West Eco Fest will take place on Sunday 16 August, 10am–3pm, at The Gap State High School, featuring sustainability stalls, free native plants, wildlife displays, workshops, and talks.

This year’s theme is “Our Local Environment”, and student art entries are called for in two categories, each with curriculum-related topics:

Primary students: “How all life is connected”

Secondary students: “How humans impact nature’s connections”

Entries may be artistic/graphic posters (A2/A3) or other similar-sized media (photography, collage, models/sculptures etc.); closing on 31 July 2026. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category, and winning artworks will be published in The Western Echo.

Competition details and entry conditions are available here: https:// mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=cc031773eb&attid=0.1&permmsg id=msg-f:1864420111009078190&th=19dfc0367cca5bae&view=att& zw&disp=inline

Photos: winners artworks from the Brisbane West Eco Fest 2025 student art competition. For more: www.thegapsustainability.org/ brisbane-west-eco-fest

The Gap Pioneer & History Group Inc

A TRIP TO THE MARKETS Part 1

By the Late Roy MacArthur

Even though we had a fruiterer call on us, two of the family would regularly make Saturday morning trips to the Roma St markets to buy fruit. There were eight children to feed, and Mum was a great believer that fresh fruit was a necessary part of a sound diet.

We walked to the Ashgrove tram terminus carrying a deep oblong shaped port and a couple of sugar bags in which to carry our purchases home. We usually bought a bunch of bananas and one or two cases of fruits in season. Over time we bought apples, oranges, peaches, plums

The Gap Baptist Church

I wanted a fight

I was so cranky, and I let everyone at the birthday party know about it. The injustice of it all was nagging at me, and I could not get over it. I had just been fined $450 for speeding on the way to the party. I was fuming, and I was taking it out on everyone around me. Even when I went to bed that night, I was still angry, and I was looking for a fight. I started picking a fight with my wife, but she calmly said that I should pray about it.

Reluctantly, I opened my Bible and read the following scripture, Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

What a fool I had been! I was letting the $450 fine take my eyes off the most important things in life - the ones that I love!!

As Christians, we have everything we need in Jesus, so we don’t have to let the worries and the troubles of the world get us down. Paul goes on to say in verse 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

If you want to change your perspective on life, then please call me, and we can get to know Jesus together. Tiny Thomsen 0498 199 217, The Gap Baptist Church.

Tiny Thomsen

and tomatoes. On occasions we bought small pineapples, which mum cut in half and we spooned the fruit out for our dessert. We were given explicit instructions before we left home as to what to purchase and the limit of our expenditure.

The tram service from Ashgrove was reliable for the many years of its operation. It provided a regular 10-minute service from before 6.00am to after 11.00pm every day of the week. The trams departed on the eights i.e. 8 minutes past the hour, then 18 and 28 past, then 22 minutes to the hour, then 12 and 2 minutes to the hour. One could depend on them.

From Baileys Rd we used to leave home on the 5`s, this allowed us 13 minutes to catch the tram comfortably, if we walked briskly. The tram trip was a 22-minute journey to the corner of George and Adelaide Streets in the city. On the journey to town Waterworks Rd crossed Ithaca Ck at the bottom of Red Hill, and on an extensive flat area bordering the creek was a well laid out Chinese market garden [now Woolcock Park]. To be continued.

Introducing Our Fleet:

Tram 99

Tram 99 was the last of only 6 trams in this class - ‘Baby Dreadnought’. It was built in 1943 from parts of a scrapped tram – being wartime, materials were scarce. These trams were built for the line from Queen Street (in Edward Street) up to Gregory Terrace that precluded the use of larger trams due to the extreme curves and steepness of the line.

They also ran on the shortest line in Australia – again in Edward Street – from Queen Street to the Gardens.

Mounted on a two-axle bogie, it is 8.04 metres long and 2.36 metres wide. This class carried about 36 passengers. It came to the museum a couple of months before the trams stopped running in Brisbane in 1969.

99 runs most Sundays at the museum.

The Brisbane Tramway Museum is Proudly Supported by the Brisbane City Council.

The GapShe Shed

June Activities

The Gap She Shed Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser held on 29 April was an enormous success raising $2143.25.00 for the Cancer Council. Thank you to our Wednesday Knit and Crochet group and all who contributed to the successful fundraiser.

Monday and Friday walking group: Meet in Riaweena Street near the *Scout Den at 8.30am.

Women Wanderers: Saturday 6 June. Book via Trybooking.

Monday Craft and Chat Group: Monday nights from 7-9 pm at The Gap Baptist Church.

Wednesday Knit, Crochet, Sew or other craft groups: Venue: *Scout Den, 9.30-12.00 pm every Wednesday.

Cards 500: Tuesdays 9 & 23 June 12.30-2.30 pm at The Gap Tavern.

Book Club: Thursday 18 June from 6.30- 8.30pm. Venue: The Gap Tavern. Book for discussion: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Classics Book Club: Meet at Topology, 17 Kullaroo Street, The Gap on Wednesday from 6-8.30pm. Book for discussion “Cranford “by Elizabeth Gaskell (Eng) 1853

She Shed Diners: Thursday 4 June from 6.30 pm. Venue- see Events page on Facebook.

Mahjong Lessons: Tuesdays 1-4pm and Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm at the RSL.

Mahjong- Social: Monday nights from 6-9pm, Wednesday mornings 9 am-midday, Friday afternoons from 1-4pm. Venue: *RSL.

Mahjong Tournament Practice/Social: 12:30-4pm Saturdays at the *RSL.

Mahjong Lessons: Tuesdays from 1-4pm

Writers Club: Monday 8 June from 1.30-3pm at The Blind Tiger, The Gap.

Nutrimetics Skincare Masterclass: from 6.30-9.00pm at the* RSL. Opera at the Palace: The Magic Flute – Sunday June 7 from 1-3.15 pm.

Shed Talk: Vibrant Women’s Travel Wednesday 17th June from 6-8.30pm at *Topology.

*Venue addresses: The Scout Den, 76 Riaweena Street, The Gap. RSL Nullagundi Centre, 34 School Road, The Gap. Topology, 17 Kullaroo Street, The Gap.

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

Email: hello@thegapsheshed.au

See all updates for groups and events on our live calendar on our website. All queries can be made through Facebook or email us at hello@thegapsheshed.au

St Mark's Anglican Church

A View from the PewA duck named Setty

My delightful eldest daughter and I had just enjoyed a tasty lunch in the Valley. We shared father/daughter stories and some future hopes and dreams. Turning into Settlement Road we met a waddling 9-duck family. Most drivers were respectful, but one was not, clipping a small duckling. The lone duck scurried to the other side of the road, dragging her body awkwardly in front of our stationary car.

We rushed out with a pillowcase carefully wrapping the stressed bird and drove speedily to the nearest vet. Sadly, and respectfully, we named our feathered friend ‘Setty’, with a nod to Settlement Road.

Native currant

Naturally found in coastal rainforests in North Queensland and New Guinea, the native currant (Antidesma erostra) is a great plant for tropical to warm temperate gardens. In cultivation it tends to be a rounded shrub 3m high and nearly as wide with many branches. The trunk has grey-brown bark that develops longitudinal fissures. The new, reddish coloured leaves that turn yellow then green are arranged alternately along the stems and have wide, elliptical blades around 10cm long and 4cm wide. The plants produce either male or female flowers. For this reason, it is suggested that both a male and female plant are grown together. Observations, however, have shown that female plants will produce fruit in the absence of a male, one of the few species to do

West Brisbane Orchid Society

The West Brisbane Orchid Society: 1965 To 2026 And Growing!

The West Brisbane Orchid Society’s May meeting featured a presentation from the Fire Ant authority on how this pest can be isolated from our growing areas. There was also a presentation on preparing and maintaining the growing area through winter. Over the next few months the Society’s activities will include

The local Vet examined the bird and suggested we come back in a few hours. On returning, we received the good news, “Setty has no significant injury - just suffering from shock and trauma. She should live another day and can be safely released.”

That afternoon, with the darling becoming frisky in the carboard box, we drove Setty back to her home ground, parking near the Fish Creek Bridge. Gently, my daughter lifted our little friend high in the air. Setty exploded, flying about 50 metres landing on the creek, resting calmly on the water. We retired quietly.

The next day at sunrise, we returned, delighted to see Setty and the whole family ducking and diving in the cold water like children at the beach. They looked so beautiful. Tears rolled, and we retreated home in silence.

I recalled the words of Jesus, Look at the birds, free and unfettered ... And you count far more to God than birds’. Then I thought of the joy of God using us in freeing and working with his creation.

A recent story based on fact.

Benson, St Mark’s Anglican Church, The Gap

so. Female plants, grown from cuttings, are available at the Nursery. In spring, long racemes emerge from the leaf axils towards the ends of the branches. These pendulous structures bear cream flowers, the female being 1mm wide and male 2mm wide. The flowers have no petals and the sepals, fused for most of their length, have shallow rounded lobes. These are followed from January to April, by grape-like bunches of edible fruit. Each fleshy, ovoid fruit is about 1cm long. The fruit changes colour as it matures – from cream to red, dark purple and finally blackish. Although tart and cranberry-like when young, the dark, mature fruit are sweet and pleasant to eat raw. The berries ripen unevenly along the stems, ensuring a long harvest period. Since the fruit keeps well frozen, it can be picked as it reaches full maturity and kept in the freezer until there is enough fruit for cooking purposes. Native currants make wonderful jams, jellies, sauces and syrups. With its evergreen, glossy leaves, compact growth habit and spectacular bunches of fruit, native currant makes an excellent hedge or feature plant in the garden or in a pot. It will grow in a variety of soil types but prefers moist, compost-enriched, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic, in full sun to part shade. Although best growth is achieved in warm, sunny climes, it will tolerate light frosts and winds.

The flowers attract bees and other insects whilst the fruit is eaten by birds. Interestingly, studies have revealed that the fruit has natural pesticide properties, guarding it from fruit-eating beetles.

presentations on fertilisers and how plants, orchid plants mainly, absorb and use fertilisers to grow and produce flowers. Other activities will include visits to other growers, an orchid nursery, a bushwalk, probably to Killarney Falls. The Society will join with The Australian Paphiopedilum Society to present its Spring Show in September.

Why don’t you come along to one of the Society’s meetings to learn more about orchids? The West Brisbane Orchid Society meets at The Gap Baptist Church on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Visitors and New Members are always welcome. For further information please phone Ian (0418 873 725) or Bob (0428 717 321). Website: www.westbrisbaneorchidsociety.com.au

Principal'sPoints... Principal'sPoints...

Hilder Road State School

From Little Moments to Big Opportunities at Hilder Road

As Term 2 continues at Hilder Road State School, it has been a strong and positive start across our community. Our students have returned settled and focused, with classrooms reflecting high levels of engagement and a clear commitment to learning.

A highlight in recent weeks has been the respectful way our students acknowledged ANZAC Day, both within the school and across the wider community. These moments are important in shaping our learners’ understanding of service and reflection with our learners representing the school with pride.

We are also seeing exciting progress across the school grounds, particularly with our library refurbishment. This space is set to become a modern and welcoming hub for learning, providing new opportunities for our students to engage with reading and inquiry.

In addition, we are continuing to grow opportunities beyond the classroom. New initiatives, including our Netball Academy with The Gap Netball Club and community fitness programs with Constantly Fit, are helping strengthen connections between school and home while supporting the wellbeing and participation of our learners.

Across all areas of school life, our learners continue to demonstrate what it means to be a Hilder HERO, living our values of Kindness, Integrity and Connection each day.

We are proud to be the school of choice in The Gap community.

We are still accepting enrolments. However, places are becoming increasingly limited due to strong demand, and we encourage families to make contact with the school to discuss availability.

Damien Greig, Principal

Payne Rad State School

At the beginning of this term our school community came together for our annual Cross Country event under beautiful warm weather and sunny skies - the perfect conditions for a fantastic day of racing. It was wonderful to see so many parents and family members attending to cheer on our students and share in the excitement of the day. Events such as these are a wonderful reminder of the strong community spirit that exists within our school.

A very special acknowledgement goes to our new PE teacher, Mrs Julie Braun, who, after only two days at our school, achieved the unimaginable by successfully coordinating the entire event. Her experience, organisation, and deep understanding of how to run a successful school sporting event ensured every student had the opportunity to enjoy the day, whether competing in the championship races or participating in the fun run. Our staff also worked together seamlessly in their various roles and responsibilities to ensure the event ran smoothly.

It was delightful to watch our youngest students race around the oval with great enthusiasm and plenty of competitive spirit as they charged toward the finish line. We were also incredibly proud of our Year 6 student leaders, who were exemplary throughout the day. They demonstrated

maturity and responsibility in leading house war cries, assisting with set up and pack down, and supporting the smooth running of the event.

A special mention must also go to our Sports Captains, who ran alongside our Prep to Year 2 students race after race, helping guide them around the course, setting the pace, and encouraging them every step of the way. Their genuine care for younger students, along with their encouragement and enthusiasm, was truly outstanding.

The next day we held a special whole school assembly to acknowledge and commemorate Anzac Day. It was a formal and respectful occasion, with students demonstrating reverence for the significance of the day.

Our School Captains led the assembly with professionalism, while student representatives from each class laid wreaths in honour of those who have served. Our Senior Band Ensemble and Senior Choir also contributed beautifully, helping to create a meaningful and reflective atmosphere. We were grateful to the parents and family members who were able to join us for this special event.

St Peter Chanel

St Peter Chanel Primary School has had a vibrant and exciting start to the term, with many opportunities to celebrate community, learning and innovation.

Recently, families gathered for a beautiful Mother’s Day Breakfast, where mums and special women in our students’ lives were treated to croissants, coffee and plenty of smiles. The event was a wonderful celebration of the important role

mothers and caregivers play in our school community, with an incredible turnout from families.

Our Year 4/5 students also took part in a composting workshop alongside Councillor Steven Toomey and our school environment champion Dan Mitchell. The workshop highlighted practical ways to care for our environment and reinforced our commitment to sustainability and stewardship.

Our youngest future learners were delighted as we launched our very first Ready, Set, Prep program with an engaging wildlife show. The initiative provides children preparing for school with opportunities to connect, explore and become familiar with the St Peter Chanel community in a fun and welcoming environment.

Another exciting milestone has been the launch of the Wonder Lab - a dynamic, inquiry-based program designed to extend and enrich student learning. Grounded in student voice, curiosity and strengths, the

Principal'sPoints... Principal'sPoints...

Wonder Lab encourages deep thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving as students investigate areas of passion and interest across year levels.

During Brisbane Catholic Education Open Week, we were also thrilled to announce that, due to strong community interest and enrolment growth, St Peter Chanel will open two Prep classes in 2027 - an exciting sign of the continued growth and strength of our school community.

Blessings, Bec, Principal

The Gap State School

At The Gap State School, we often talk about creating “Engaged, Connected Learners” - and nowhere is that more important than within our community.

In recent weeks, I have seen this spirit come to life right across our school. From our moving ANZAC Day ceremony, where students demonstrated extraordinary respect and pride, to our vibrant STEM Expo showcasing more than 70 student investigations and projects, our students continue to show what a connected community can achieve together.

One of the initiatives I am most proud of this year is our Starting Strong with The Gap Star program, designed to support families before children even begin school. Across the term, families have already engaged in singing, digital learning and playful early learning experiences together, helping children build confidence, connection and familiarity with school life in a fun and supportive environment.

Our upcoming Storytelling with The Gap Star session on Friday 19 June will focus on the important

role stories, language and shared reading play in a child’s development. As a principal - and a parent - I know the difference these early experiences make. Reading is not just about learning words on a page; it is about building confidence, curiosity, imagination and belonging. When children start school feeling connected and capable, they thrive.

I warmly encourage local families with pre-Prep children not to miss this opportunity. Whether your child already loves books or is just beginning their reading journey, these sessions are a wonderful way to connect, learn and prepare for a positive start to school life.

At The Gap State School, we believe strong readers begin with strong relationships - and we would love to welcome more local families into our community.

Engaged, connected learners

Katie

Stubbings, Principal

The Gap State High School

The Gap State High School Launches Alumni Project to Reconnect Generations

For 60 years, The Gap State High School has been at the heart of our local community, shaping generations of students and creating lifelong memories, friendships and opportunities. Now, the school is embarking on an exciting new mission to reconnect with the people who helped build our story.

The launch of The Gap State High School Alumni Project marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to bringing together past students, teachers and staff

to celebrate our shared history and strengthen connections for the future.

At The Gap State High School, our motto is “Ours The Future,” but we also recognise that our future has been shaped by those who came before us. Every student who walked through our gates, every teacher who inspired learning, and every member of staff who contributed to school life has helped create the thriving school community we are today.

As Principal, I have had the privilege of leading The Gap State High School for the past nine years and during that time I have witnessed significant growth and transformation across our school. While our facilities and enrolments have expanded, our core purpose has remained unchanged, creating a strong sense of belonging and connection for every learner.

That same sense of belonging is now at the heart of our Alumni Project.

The response to the Alumni Project has already been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 150 people signing up to our newly created Alumni Group in its early stages.

To celebrate this exciting new chapter, the school is planning a special “Welcome Back to the Future” event, inviting all former students and teachers to return to the school, reconnect with one another and see how The Gap SHS has evolved over the decades.

The school also plans to establish annual milestone reunion events for alumni who left 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ago. These events will provide opportunities for past

students and teachers to revisit the school, share memories, reconnect with classmates and former colleagues, and celebrate the enduring spirit of The Gap SHS community.

At The Gap SHS, we believe in “Learners Who Flourish,” and that belief extends far beyond graduation. Our alumni community represents decades of achievement, resilience, leadership and contribution. Whether former students attended five years ago or fifty years ago, they remain an important part of our school story.

If you attended the school or know someone who attended or worked at The Gap State High School, we encourage you to help us grow our Alumni community and spread the word.

To join The Gap State High School Alumni Group, please email Asha Jansen, Community Engagement Manager at: alumni@thegapshs. eq.edu.au

Please include:

• Your full name (and maiden name if relevant)

• The year level and year you started at TGSHS

• The year level and year you left TGSHS

• Special memories and stories

We look forward to welcoming our past students and teachers back home to The Gap SHS as we honour our history, celebrate our community and continue shaping the future together.

Anne McLauchlan, Executive Principal