The Western Echo March 2020

The

March 2020 ISSN 1327-676X

Western Echo Western

Published by: Hot Metal Publications Phone: 3300 1846 - Email: hotmetal@aussiebroadband.com.au Over 15,700 Copies delivered each month to homes, businesses and clubs in the Western Suburbs

"The Nest" Helping Norths Eagles Soar

“The Nest”, an artificial turf hockey practice pitch at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove, costing $350,000, was partly funded by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council. Cr Andrew Wines (Enoggera Ward), Mark Furner (State Member for Ferny Grove), Kate Jones (State Member for Ashgrove) and daughter Grace, Northern Suburbs Hockey Club President Jacob Toigo, and Cr Steve Toomey (The Gap Ward) officially open the practice pitch.

Photo by Andrew Blanchard. Full story Page 3

Over 65?

If you need a hand, we're here to help.

Our qualified, experienced staff and our caring, local volunteers are ready to assist you.

Phone us, we’d love to chat.

3510 2700 communify.org.au 180 Jubilee Tce Bardon

Supporting our community on all sides website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Home Care Packages Housework Door-to-door transport Centre-based respite Exercise programs for older people Meals on Wheels Personal care and inhome nursing services Home maintenance and modifications

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 1

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY LAWYERS

ACCOUNTANT R G Goodman Phone: 3289 1700 pg 14

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING Wyatt Automotive Phone: 3300 2077

pg 6

MASSAGE Bernard Evens Remedial & Sports Phone: 3366 9997 pg 6

MEDICAL CENTRE

BEAUTY The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32 Intune Beauty Therapy Phone: 3300 9710 pg 6

BOOK PUBLISHER h a r p o publishing Phone: 3300 3939

Hollingworth & Spencer Phone: 3123 5700 pg 12

pg 21

BUTCHER MeatU@Home Phone: 3161 5021 pg 17

CHOIR Voices of Birralee www.birralee.org/joinnow pg 13

Keperra Family Practice Phone: 3351 0323 pg 18

Taylor Range Country Club Phone:3366 1560 pg 8

COMMUNITY DINNER Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club Phone: 0488 069 089 pg 19

COMMUNITY GARDEN

GUTTER VACUUM Big Boys Gutter Vacuum Phone: 0407 737 400 pg 11

HYPNOSIS Brisbane Hypnosis Phone: 3354 4555

pg 4

TYRE & MECHANICAL Wyatt Automotive Phone: 3300 2077 pg 6

POSITION VACANT

VETERINARIAN

Marist Brothers Registered Nurse (Part time) pg 12

The Gap Veterinary Clinic Phone: 3300 1533 pg 15

MORTGAGE ADVISOR

Cartridge World Ashgrove Phone: 3366 5111 pg 14

Mortgage Choice Ashgrove Phone: 3463 0500 pg 9

PUBLIC NOTICES

WEIGHT LOSS

MOWING

Dept. Defence Enoggera Phone: 3332 7455 pg 12

Good Deal Mowing Phone: 0439 734 142 pg 10

REAL ESTATE

MUSIC TUITION The Gap Piano Studio Phone: 3166 8353 pg 23

Vicki Englund Phone: 3300 1701 pg 23 The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

PLUMBER Pandanus Contractors Phone: 3300 3934 pg 10 Plumbers We Are Phone: 3351 0016 pg 10

pg 1

GUITAR TUITION

pg 7

Walking Football Phone: 0432 967 829 pg 27

WARDROBES

DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE

Rob’s Guitar School Phone: 3289 8020 pg 23

Cr. Steven Toomey Phone: 3407 1900

pg 5

Specialized HS Phone:0419 437 470 pg 10

Yooralla Street Community Garden w w w. y s c g . c o m . a u p g 3 0

Communify Phone: 3510 2741

Kate Jones Phone: 3554 9100 Julian Simmonds MP Phone: 3378 1599

SPORTING GROUP

PRINTER CARTRIDGES

PHARMACY

CLUBS/GROUPS

POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT

Harcourts Inner West Phone: 3511 0666 pg 11 Trish Holliday - Ray White Phone: 0411 825 808 pg 16

Advertisers/contributors please note:

Deadline for APRIL 2020 5pm Tuesday 24 March 2020

Winning with Food Phone: 0403 085 640 pg 16

The Western Echo is produced monthly by

Hot Metal Publications

PO Box 270 The Gap

Ph: 3300 1846

http://www.westernecho.com.au editor@westernecho.com.au

Proudly Printed by

APN Print Ph: (07) 5454 7800 Distributed by

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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

We urgently need more volunteer drivers. It can be for as little as a few hours each month. We deliver each morning, Monday to Friday, from around 9.30am until noon.

Can you help us? If you are interested, please phone Carolyn on 3366 4299 between the hours of 8.00am and noon.

pg 18

Ashgrove Meals on Wheels 524 Waterworks Road

Ph 3366 4299

COPYRIGHT: All advertisements appearing in The Western Echo are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the written consent of the owner of the copyright. No guarantee is given to the positioning of the advertisements and the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions or the accuracy of articles published. The Western Echo is delivered, by private letterbox distribution, to 15,700 homes and businesses in: Ashgrove, Ashgrove West, St. Johns Wood, Dorrington, The Gap, and selected areas of Bardon, Red Hill, Enoggera, Keperra and Mitchelton

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 2

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

"The Nest" Helping Norths Eagles Soar A place where hockey players of all ages can develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment, “The Nest” at Northern Suburbs Hockey Club has been officially opened.

“The Nest” is an artificial turf practice pitch situtated in Dorrington Park at Ashgrove, home of the Norths Eagles.

The $350,000 facility was partly funded by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council.

Queensland State MPs Kate Jones (Member for Ashgrove) and Mark Furner (Member for Ferny Grove) and Brisbane City Councillors Andrew Wines (Enoggera Ward) and Steven Toomey (The Gap Ward) attended Norths’ recent signon day to officially open the new facility.

“The Nest” launch event also featured the unveiling of the club’s new tractor, which is used for ground

maintenance at Dorrington Park.

The tractor has been dubbed ‘Jonesy’ in honour of Kate Jones, who helped secure funding for the machinery which helps Norths’ groundsman keep the club’s natural grass fields in great shape for all hockey players.

You too can get hooked on hockey at Norths Eagles!

Hockey is a sport that all members of the family can play – from five years to 75 years.

Norths is seeking new players to join its “nest” in season 2020.

The family club nicknamed the ‘Eagles’ caters to girls, boys, men and women of all ages and skill levels.

Norths is a social and inclusive club where people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to elite, can

Queensland State MPs Mark Furner and Kate Jones with ‘Jonesy’ the tractor. Photo by Andrew Blanchard.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

play hockey in a friendly atmosphere and with competitive spirit.

Players also have the opportunity to represent Brisbane, Queensland and Australia in all age levels – in junior and senior divisions.

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

Whether you’re interested in a social sporting experience

or the challenge of high-level competitive hockey, Norths has a team for you!

Sign up to play hockey today by phoning 0403 587 587 or visit www. n o r t h s h o c k e y. o rg . a u o r search for Norths Hockey on Facebook.

Norths is currently hosting Hookin2Hockey sessions at Dorrington Park, where girls and boys 10 years and under can learn the basic skills of hockey, each Wednesday at 4pm until March 18.

Inside the March Issue...

Amnesty International..................................................13 Arana VIEW Club....................................................................20 Art in Bark Association.....................................................14 Ashgrove Forum..........................................................................26 Ashgrove Historical Society................................................9 Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club..............................................18 Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds....................................23 Brisbane Tramway Museum..................................................30 Communify.....................................................................25 Enoggera Historical Society............................................31 Ithaca Probus Club.................................................................24 Mitchelton Garden Club......................................................28 Newmarket VIEW Club...........................................................25 North's Hockey Club........................................................3 Paten Park Native Nursery (PPNN).............................................28 Principal’s Points...................................................................22-23 Qld Council of Garden Clubs.........................................31 Queensland Family History Society.................................................31 Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap..................................10 SOWN (Save Our Waterways Now)...........................................29 State Update - Kate Jones - Member for Ashgrove.....................5 The Gap Garden Club................................................................29 The Gap Historical Society...............................................14 The Gap Laughter Club..................................................25 The Gap Neighbourhood Watch.......................................16 The Gap Probus Club.............................................................24 The Gap RSL Sub Branch......................................................8 The Gap Support Network........................................................7 Ward Happenings Cr Steven Toomey.................................4 Voices of Birralee..........................................................13 The Western Echo March 2020 Page 3

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 4

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

State Update

Kate Jones MP

Member for Cooper

Official opening of The Gap State High School Art Gallery One of the best things about The Gap State High School is the focus on providing students with a holistic education. Along with the school’s proven academic excellence, The Gap State High School has a proud record of achievement in the arts.

That’s why one of my key election commitments was to deliver a new art gallery and expansion of the art block (G Block) at the school. This means that students’ artwork can be professionally displayed for their assessment. In total, our government has invested $350,000 to provide this infrastructure for our students.

The quality of the artwork showcased at the official opening, not only included local students but also members of the wider community. It was inspiring to see that the youngest artist was only 12 years old and the oldest artist was 86!

Youth Representation Wanted Nominations are open for the Queensland Youth Parliament!

If you know a passionate young person aged between 15 and 25 who wants to create change and learn more about how parliament works, I would encourage them to apply to be a Youth Member of Parliament.

Through the program, Youth Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to learn more about current issues and develop specific solutions through parliament’s process.

You can apply at www.ymcabrisbane.org/ queensland-youth-parliament-home The Queensland Government is also looking for new members of the Youth Engagement Panel. This is an opportunity to give direct feedback on policies that affect young people. The panel is currently made up of 11 people aged between 15 and 25 from across Queensland.

Nominations for the Youth Engagement Panel close on 11 March 2020 and more information can be found at www.qld.gov.au/youth-engagement-panel

If there is a local matter you would like to discuss with me, please contact me.

Thank you to the POPARTS committee and our hardworking art teachers and broader community for your support. It is amazing to see new facilities like this opening in the 60th year of The Gap State High School.

2020 Students Leaders

It is always heartening to attend leadership ceremonies at the beginning of each school year and see first hand the enthusiasm and pride of young leaders and their parents.

At this busy time of year, particularly due to parliamentary sittings, it is impossible to attend all of our local ceremonies but it was a delight to be able to make it along to as many as possible.

After having the privilege of hearing their plans for the year and their commitment to their schools and peers, I am confident that all our young leaders will have a successful 2020.

Shop 2/230 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove Q 4060 t 3554 9100 e cooper@parliament.qld.gov.au f www.facebook.com/katejonesqld

Kate Jones - a local you can trust website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 5

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A new choir group in Enoggera

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ANTA Member

MASSAGE THERAPY POSTURAL DYNAMICS Shop 1/ 489 Waterworks Road Ashgrove West T: 3366 9997 www.ntpages.com.au/bernardevens

The Silver Fox Singers is new choir group being formed for people over 65 who like to sing and want to meet a great group of people.

This is a Dementia-friendly group that connects people through music and helps to bring back those good memories.

The group will meet on Thursday mornings from 10am–12 noon, starting from 12 March 2020, Emmanuel Uniting Church, 92 Laurel Street, Enoggera. The cost is $10 per session (My Aged Care registration required) and morning tea is included.

For more information or to join the group call Emily at Communify on 0423 617 199. Transport can be arranged if required. Come along and meet some great people over a cuppa. No ability necessary, just singing for pleasure!

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New Tyres Wheel Alignments Batteries All new vehicle servicing including European

Family Owned & Operated Since 1967

Located at BP The Gap, 850 Waterworks Road, The Gap 4061

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 6

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Gap Support Network Launched Support Networks Australia provides a unique way to build communityfunded, volunteer-driven support networks to strengthen communities throughout Australia.

Support Networks Australia(SNA)is pleased to announce the launch of its first pilot community, The Gap Support Network.

Barbara Kienast, President and founder of the SNA said, “We are delighted to welcome The Gap Support Network into the SNA family. We have three pilot communities planned for South East Queensland and The Gap Support Network is the first of what we hope will become many such community Support Networks.”

Based on the principles and the wonderful success

of the Samford Support Network, SNA complements and expands on the existing local community services by providing transport services for the isolated, ill and elderly to appointments and for shopping, providing food for the needy, arranging social events, providing emergency home help and a Hardship Fund.

After witnessing the incredible difference a tailored, self-funded, local support service can make to the cohesion of a whole community, the team behind SNA has developed a framework and toolkit to train community leaders throughout Australia.

The training provides the resources, mentoring and start-up support needed to develop and implement vibrant local community support networks.

Barbara Kienast, Rachael King with a community member Sam - Photo by Joep Buijs Photography

Ms Kienast said, “After being recognised as a Local Hero finalist for the Australian of the Year Award in Queensland for my work in the Samford Community, I believed we could help more people by sharing our model with other communities.”

About Support Networks Australia - SNA is a fully community-funded, volunteer-driven organisation that works to fill the gaps in community services and to make necessary connections

between those in need and service support groups. In essence, it is Community Supporting Community. The vision of Support Networks Australia is, “to create and inspire better supported communities throughout Australia and beyond.”

For information about supporting your c o m m u n i t y : w w w.

SupportNetworksAustralia. com.au and https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / supportnetworksaustralia/ .

Julian SIMMONDS MP Federal Member for Ryan

I’d love to hear from you!

If there is anything I can help with to make our area an even better place to live - get in touch.

You can also stay up to date locally by following me on facebook facebook.com/JulianSimmondsMP

Phone: 3378 1599 Email: Julian.Simmonds.MP@aph.gov.au Authorised by J. Simmonds, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 636 Moggill Road, Chapel Hill QLD 4069.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 7

The Gap RSL Sub-Branch The year-round Club for the whole family Ta y l o r R a n g e i s a family recreational Club which offers leisure and recreation in the western suburbs for 12 months of the year.

As well as a gas-heated swimming pool for use Swimming pools for year-round enjoyment in the cooler months the Club also has numerous gas barbecue areas that you can relax at during these beautiful clear days.

Instead of spending a fortune on a gym membership that you rarely use why not join a Club that encourages a healthy lifestyle for the whole family whilst creating lifelong memories?

Two Day/Night tennis courts Facilities include 3 swimming pools, 2 day/night tennis courts, 4 glass-backed squash courts, function hall, kiosk, half-basketball court and barbecue areas.

Taylor Range also offers squash for all ages. “We have a junior academy run in conjunction with Squash Australia and this gives boys and girls the opportunity to join one of our junior teams”, said Club manager Michael Wilson.

Junior Squash Academy “We have squash players aged from 5 to 75 years of age at the Club, so whatever your standard there are opportunities here to play socially and or competitively,” added Michael.

This is the ideal time Ideal for birthday parties and barbecues to join a Club that offers you and your family healthy outdoor leisure opportunities, in a safe relaxed environment. Don’t miss out - contact the Club today!

Membership is strictly limited by Club Constitution.

Contact Club Manager Michael Wilson for details today.

Telephone: 3366 1560

www.taylorrangecountryclub.com.au A.C.N 009 818 277

28 Greenlanes Road, Ashgrove Email: trcclub@bigpond.net.au Fax: 3366 7430

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 8

2020 has brought new opportunities for the Returned and Services League (QLD) The Gap Sub Branch as we have now moved into the building at the top of School Road near the Preschool known as Nullagindi by locals. Our President Rod Adamson, Secretary, Ian Minns and Vice President, David Esler with a group of enthusiastic members of the club have been working over the break to make our new home. Many thanks to the The Gap Historical Society who did everything they could to make the transitions smooth. The RSL has taken over the lease and will hold a function for all members with veterans and families in this location. Welfare hours are Tues 10am to 1pm, while Thurs 1-3pm is our social time with darts, cards and chin wagging for new members wanting to join. We are a small solid group who value service to Australia in peace and war. We love a story or two so please come along and tell yours.

Introducing our Board: Rod Adamson was a public accountant at Arana Hills for 27 years and was a National Serviceman from 1967 to 1969 in Service Corps. He is a keen historican and can he can be seen at The Gap Shopping Centre doing community service each month as a Justice of the Peace(JP).

Ian Minns was a National Serviceman from 1971 to 1972 in Lae, Papua New Guinea. He was a teacher in the Army Education Corps over that time where he met his wife Karen.

Later he was a teacher in Vic and Qld for 25 years and finished off working with the RAAF as a public servant.

David Esler brings more recent service with 1 tour of East Timor and 3 tours of Afghanistan serving in Infantry and as an Electronic Warfare Operator. He is the Chair of the charity Trek 2 Health in support of First Responders and Emergency Services. He is also a businessman specialising in property and marketing and while being the proud dad of 3 children.

Conceptualised by one of our very active members, Tony Everett, we are proud to have the memorial gate project completed at Walton Bridge Reserve. This project was designed by local architect, Cameron Eaton.

Our War Widows meet each month on the third Tues of the month at The RSL from 1-230pm . Last month Joy Harvey turned 96 years and we celebrated with her at The RSL with a members. We are very proud of Joy as she is oldest war widow and many of her knitted treasures are sold at our ANZAC stall.

Recognition of women at war In the past contemporary women veterans have been under recognized and under acknowledged. We are proud to announce the implementation and availability of a badge that represents women of all demographics of the veteran community past and present. This badge is available from The Gap RSL and includes women from WWI, WWII and a contemporary woman veteran from recent conflicts. There is also a badge that includes a man and a woman that is available to represent partnership and comraderie between men and women who have served or are serving. The Gap RSL advocates for a progressive approach and including women and men equally and are paving the way by emphasizing the availability of badges representing the true demographics of veterans. website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Ashgrove Historical Society Inc. A s hgrove H is t orical Society’s next stall and photo display will be outside Woolworths Ashgrove on Friday 27 March 10am5:30pm. The new edition of the Ashgrove Heritage Tour ($10) and the popular, Lost Ashgrove ($25), will be available for sale alongside our other publications including books, a perpetual calendar and greeting cards depicting local houses. The theme for the photo display will be ‘Floods’.

The society meets at Ashgrove Library 10am – 12 noon on the first Saturday of the month. Visitors are always welcome. The morning tea that follows the presentation provides an opportunity to share memories and chat

with the guest speaker. The program of speakers and topics for 2020 can be found on the society’s website and Facebook page. If you would like to become a member, come along to a meeting or contact the secretary, Julie, (ahs.secretary@bigpond. com) and she will send you a membership form and EFT details. The fees are $10 single per annum, or $15 couple/family and include the quarterly newsletter, Tram Stops. Income from memberships, book sales and raffles assist the society in its aims of researching, preserving, recording and p u b l i s h i n g A s h g r o v e ’s history.

4 April presentation – Author Frank Uhr will

discuss the research and stories behind the writing of the book, which he coauthored with Ray Kerkhove, The Battle of One Tree Hill – The Aboriginal Resistance That Stunned Queensland.

In 1840, Brisbane was the furthest outpost of European settlement. It was surrounded by a rich indigenous culture.

Pastoralists were pushing their way into much of southern Queensland at this time and establishing massive sheep stations. The violence that erupted during this push provoked various tribal groups to work together to halt the advance. The Battle

of One Tree Hill tells of the actions engineered by father and son, Moppy and Multuggerah, which, in 1843, culminated in an ingenious ambush and one of the most solid defeats of European settlement in Queensland.

The battle took place at Mount Table Top, 128 kilometres west of Brisbane.

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18/02/2020 11:07 AM

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 9

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Phone Bruce: 0419 437 470 The Western Echo March 2020 Page 10

Rotary Ashgrove The Gap – OS Smith Community Award to mark ‘Service above Self’ There are many local volunteers living in The Gap, Ashgrove and surrounding suburbs who continue to go out of their way to give their time and money, raising funds or giving a helping hand or a leg up to make a difference in the life of someone in need.

Rotary Ashgrove/The Gap volunteers each year spend thousands of hours to raise funds and give a helping hand.

Members, with the help of our community supporters, annually raise around a hundred thousand dollars.

Funds raised by Rotary help our volunteers support many local and international community initiatives. Locally, our youth benefit through Rotary programs for music; for youth leadership development, such as Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (REAP) and Rotary Junior Community Award (RJCA); to develop their interests in science by sponsoring students to attend prestigious programs such as National Youth Science Forums, the Conocophillips Scientific Experience. At times Rotary supports funds/contributes to special projects, such as Kids to the Coast initiative under our Rotary Australia World Community Services (RAWCS) program. Under this project, primary school children from drought affected Western Queensland (Charleville, Mitchell, Roma) were given a break from family trauma and financial hardship, to enjoy a weeklong camp at the Bribie island. Through its international program, Rotary also give a helping hand to those in need in our neighboring countries, while also nurturing compassion and empathy amongst our youth. We are people of action with a strong belief in “Service above self”.

Os Smith Community Award To honor one such local hero, Os Smith, the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap has this year established the 'Os Smith Community Award' of $2500 to extend the impact of our efforts in the community.

Os Smith was not only a Gap resident but also one of our founding members and our longest serving member. He was with the Club for almost half a century (our 50th anniversary is coming up in 2022). Whether he volunteered for our flagship projects such as Santa Sleigh, Carols at the Park, GRIPP or mentoring our youth or supporting their developments in music, science or leadership, Os Simth was always there giving a helping hand. He strongly believed in and demonstrated Rotary’s philosophy of “Service Above Self”.

For consideration for this Award, any registered not-forprofit community organization from Ashgrove and The Gap and surrounding suburbs, whose primary goal is community service, is asked to submit a project proposal using the project template that can be found on our website. Any community group can apply for a grant for an activity that addresses one or more social and community needs.

Applications close on 1st of April and the recipient will be announced at the Awards Night on 21st May. For more information and submission requirements, visit our webpage, www. rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au. or contact us through our facebook page, rotaryashgrovethegap. website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Happy 100th Birthday Joyce O'Brien!

Joyce O'Brien celebrating her 100th birthday with daughter Tracey and daughter-in-law Pauline

The 12th February marked a day which most people don’t get to experience in their lifetime. It was the day we celebrated the 100th birthday of one Joyce O’Brien.

A very special day for Joyce, her family and all her friends at St. Paul’s Villa Bardon. Before the festivities got started, her daughter Tracy and daughter-in-law Pauline

helped with getting Joyce dressed. Adorning a gorgeous headband that read 100 in sparkly decoration. With her make-up magnificently applied they joined residents for Wednesday mass.

Due to Mrs. O’Brien resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II, a ‘royal decree’ was made on behalf of Bardon’s majesty to invite everyone for a birthday celebration after mass.

Joyce's two sons, Thornton and Rhonan, were also there, along with grandchildren even including the family dog Poppy, who was just as polite and gorgeous as the birthday girl. The gorgeous Birthday

cake was ceremoniously cut with sparklers saying 100 crackling on top.

One hundred white roses were marvelled by everyone.

Plenty of food and champagne

were flowing for everyone that attended. After the party was over, the birthday girl retired with a smile on her face that we are sure will last another hundred years.

CARMEN BRIGGS Number 1 Agent in Queensland

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Awarded the Number 1 Agent for Harcourts Queensland 2011, 2014, 2016 and now again in 2018 CONTACT CARMEN Real Estate Agent | Justice of the Peace M 0418 742 511 P 3505 4444 carmen.briggs@harcourts.com.au www.carmenbriggs.harcourts.com.au Harcourts Solutions Group The Gap • Inner City • MItchelton • Everton Park

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 11

ty Registered Nurse – Ashgrove, Qld.

Part-time – Alternate Weekends We are currently seeking an experienced Registered Nurse to join our unique family environment based in Ashgrove, Queensland. Position is for alternate weekends Saturday/Sunday.

To be successful in this role you must have: • a current registration with AHPRA • proven experience working in community care and/or aged care environment.

• a valid Queensland Drivers Licence.

• a National Police Check clearance (most recent).

Join a dedicated team who strives to deliver person-centred care and focus on best practice in all areas of aged care.

To apply, please email your current CV, cover letter, qualifications and referees to: lauren.caplick@marists.org.au Full details are available on request.

Applications close Monday, 9 March 2020 Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

TRAINING AREA/RANGE WARNING NOTICE

Residents and visitors to areas surrounding the Enoggera Training Area are warned that it is a Defence live firing range and to expect periods of heightened noise volume.

The Training Area is generally described as the area to the northwest of Gallipoli Barracks bounded by Gimba St, Mitchelton, Yarrabee Rd, Kepperra, Ashgrove Golf Course and Scenic Reserve, The Gap and Enoggera Creek, Ashgrove. The area is fenced with range warning signs displayed on the boundary.

Defence training includes firing practices with live ammunition, explosives, pyrotechnic devices and lasers that generally occur daily between 0700h – 1600h. Night time practices may occur and are generally completed before 2200h.

Unauthorised entry to the area is prohibited and exposes any trespasser to serious injury or death.

Unexploded ordnance from Defence activities is extremely dangerous and should not be handled.

Persons found trespassing within the TA/range boundary will be prosecuted.

For enquiries regarding the Enoggera Training Area please contact the Range Control Officer on (07) 3332 7455.

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The Western Echo March 2020 Page 12

FOLK FIGHTING FIRE Four of Brisbane’s best-known folk bands are uniting on March 20 to raise funds for the NSW community of Cobargo, home of the Cobargo Folk Festival.

Award-winning bands Gone Molly, Cloudstreet, Sadie & Jay and Rebecca Wright & Donald McKay are calling for your help to pack the Red Hill Community Sports Club to the rafters to raise much needed funds towards Cobargo’s recovery efforts.

The community of Cobargo was overwhelmed by a massive firestorm on New Year’s Eve, with four people dying as a result of the disaster. At least 108 homes were destroyed, more than 400 properties badly damaged, thousands of animals killed, farms and forests burnt and the historic heart of the village razed to the ground.

Cobargo has a special significance for many of the musicians playing at the concert, with many of them featuring at the Cobargo Folk Festival over the last 20 years. “The people of Cobargo have been such generous hosts to us over the years, this is the very least we can do to support them through these extremely difficult times,” explained Cloudstreet singer John Thompson.

All musicians and concert organisers are donating their time for this special event, with every dollar raised being donated directly to the Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund and The Cobargo Wellness Group. These two community led organisations are focused on providing both practical and emotional support to the people in the area, and have been instrumental in recovery efforts to date.

The concert will also host a special raffle on the night with prizes including a very generous donation of two brand new guitars. Event organiser Sally Harris encourages those planning to attend buy tickets early to avoid disappointment.

“Sales numbers have been really strong so far, and we’re expecting standing room only on the night!”

Tickets can be purchased through https://www.trybooking. com/BIIHL. For further information, or if you wish to donate money or a raffle prize, please contact Sally Harris at mollymail@gonemolly.com.

CONCERT FOR COBARGO Date: Friday 20 March Time: 7.30pm – 10.00pm Tickets: $20 or a larger donation if you wish Location: Red Hill Community Sports Club, 22 Fulcher Road, Red Hill QLD

Ashgrove/The Gap 500 Card Club

The 500 Card Club meets every Wednesday night, come join us for a fun filled night with folk who enjoy the game playing cards and a chat, a very friendly group who make new comers welcome. Meet Wednesday nights 6.45pm until 10.00pm. Ashgrove Bowls Club, Yoku Road, Ashgrove. Cost $4.00 with supper included.

Further information phone Joe 3366 2458, Wednesday evenings.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Calling all kids with a love for music and singing!

Brisbane-based choral organisation, Voices of Birralee, are delighted to announce the return of their successful Holiday Music Program. Launching in September of last year, the program attracted over 20 school-aged children, aged eight to 11 years, in its first offering of its kind.

From Monday 6 to Thursday 9 April, Voices of Birralee headquarters in Bardon will be bursting with excitement and song, as children in grades three to six are given the opportunity to explore a diverse range of musical genres.

The four-day program will be led by music and movement professionals who will delve into genres such as Blues and Motown, Musical Theatre, Folk Music, as well as music from across the world.

Included in the program, all participants will be lucky enough to travel to Southbank to see the delectable new musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

The program is designed to encourage children to discover the magic of music in a fun and positive

environment, whilst building their self-confidence and developing an early appreciation for the arts.

Registration covers the four-day program, plus a Holiday Music Program T-shirt, bag, activity book, certificate of participation and excursion to QPAC. The program is open to children of all music abilities, who are keen to develop their interests and skills this Easter holidays.

Visit www.birralee.org/ holidaymusicprogram or call (07) 3367 1001 for more information and to register your child now.

Amnesty International Local Groups Meet in Ashgrove and The Gap

The Amnesty groups in Ashgrove and The Gap held their first meeting for the year at the Ashgrove Library on 13th February. We saw a really excellent documentary directed and narrated by the acclaimed Australian director, Warwick Thornton, called “We don’t need a map”.

It was an entertaining and thought-provoking portrayal of how Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians see the Southern Cross and its spiritual, navigational and political significance.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

During 2020 there will be more film nights as well as the regular letter-writing meetings, where we write to advocate for particular political prisoners worldwide.

Amnesty International provides heaps of support for this, outlining the cases of these prisoners and providing addresses for the people who can act to release them or at least ensure a fair trial. Model letters are also provided if you want to use them.

The Gap group meets

on the 2nd Monday of each month at 9am. The Ashgrove group meets fortnightly at 7.00pm on Thursdays. These are friendly occasions where attendees can get ideas and support from each other to get letters written, and enjoy refreshments as well.

To get further information about these activities, look at the Amnesty Facebook page, or phone Di on 33001861 at The Gap or Sally on 0476006990 in Ashgrove, or email amnestyashgrove@ gmail.com.

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 13

The Gap Historical Society Inc. Est. 2000 ACCOUNTANTS - TAX AGENTS on 32 Main St, Samford (next to Farmers Hall)

T 07 3289 1700 F 07 3289 2110 E reception@rgoodman.com.au

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CARTRIDGE WORLD ASHGROVE 139 Waterworks Road, phone 3366 5111 email: ashgrove@cartridgeworld.com.au cartridgeworld.com.au

Hollingworth & Spencer B D L usiness evelopment awyers The Gap Professional Centre, 6/23 Glenaffric Street, The Gap

Our Commercial team has expertise in:

• Advice on business structuring • Partnership and shareholders agreements • Commercial & Retail Shop Leases • Setting up companies and trusts • Sale and purchase of businesses and commercial premises • SMSF Borrowing • Franchising Contact Adam Robinson

Phone: (07) 3123 5700 www.hslawyers.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 14

At the time of writing, the Society is still a few days away from its first meeting for the year.

We are looking forward to the easier access of the Resource Centre at The Gap State School which will be our meeting place for the foreseeable future. No more grassy slopes or steps for our less– mobile members to contend with !!

However, the Management Committee has been active since the last meeting. Sadly, we have to write off a couple of unfinancial members, but overall, membership remains at just under 50 in total. The committee decided to donate $250.00 to the Queensland Bushfire Appeal as a small gesture of help.

However, the big news is that the society will host an event as part of Australian Heritage Festival this year. The festival, sponsored by The National Trust, runs from mid-April to midMay. Broadly, the society will turn on a photo display, with other material, highlighting the FIRST TEN DECADES of The Gap. Café TARA at The Gap shopping centre has kindly agreed to allow us to use their café as the venue, and visitors will enjoy a ‘heritage’ afternoon tea and ride in a vintage BCC bus by courtesy of the Qld Coach and Omnibus Society. More details will be available next issue.

Also, a lot of effort has been put in by Kate Hunter in upgrading our website, by removing inferior photos and replacing them with better enhancements and renewing captions. There are still a couple of mi-nor items to be attended to as information becomes available.

Remember—visitors and new members are always welcome particularly if they have some link to The Gap. We meet on the 4th Saturday of each month commencing at 2.00 pm, usually with a guest speaker.

Art in Bark Assoc.

Inc. Brisbane Branch Will be back at City Hall for Workshops every Monday from 3rd February 2020 Open: - 9.30am – 11.30am at Brisbane City Hall, Adelaide Street, Brisbane 50+ in the basement.

Lessons $10 Kit and bark provided, All are welcome to come and have a go.

Art in Bark will have an Exhibition of Bark pictures etc. at Brisbane Plant & Garden Expo Friday 13th & Saturday 14th March 2020 at the Rocklea Showgrounds corner of Goburra St. & Ipswich Road, Rocklea, Brisbane Entry Fee:- $10 Adult $8 Concession (card) Free entry for children under 15Display of Paper Bark framed & unframed pictures, Jewellery, cards, bookmarkers etc.

Additionally, a display of bark pictures at Toowoomba Royal Show Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th March.

For more information phone Joy m. 0407 178 964 – Barbara 3271 2130 – Hazel m. 0408 157 117 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Canine Boredom Busting Most dog owners know the importance of providing their pets with physical exercise for optimal health. However, it can sometimes be easy to underestimate the importance of mental stimulation for a healthy and happy life. Consider the wild ancestors of today’s companion dogs - many hours of their day would’ve been spent in hunting or scavenging for food. Compare that to the 30 seconds some pets spend in wolfing down their dinner every night, and that’s a lot of hours of mental stimulation going unfulfilled!

Canine enrichment can alleviate boredom, reduce anxiety and problem behaviours, and enhance your bond with your pet. There are many different types of enrichment you can offer. Try to think of new or creative ways of feeding your pet. Some ideas include puzzle toys, ‘snuffle matts’, scatter feeding in the (faeces free) backyard, or frozen treats on summer days. Dry dog food in a plastic bottle with holes cut in the sides can provide hours of entertainment. Try placing food into the cups of a muffin tin (covered or uncovered) or hiding the food in boxes, cardboard tubes, or rolled up towels.

Non-food related enrichment ideas include playing ‘hide-and-seek’ or trick training. Trained and social dogs can be taken to a dog-friendly café or market. Active dogs may benefit from canine sports such as agility, flyball, herding, or advanced obedience classes. Even just switching up your walking route can provide a smorgasbord of new, exciting scents to sniff out.

For dogs new to enrichment activities, we recommend starting slow and simple before gradually increasing difficulty. Your pet may be confused at the idea of having to work for food at first, but most dogs learn quickly with lots of praise and tasty treats. Always supervise your dog around new games to ensure that they don’t ingest any part of the container the food is served in.

Your pets’ enrichment is limited only by your imagination! Mentally stimulated dogs are happy and fulfilled, more confident, and build stronger bonds with their owners and more confidence. Why not give it a try today?

Kind regards, Scott, Chris and Connie

Services we offer :•Veterinary treatments, surgery and hospitalisation • Small animal Dentistry • Veterinary diagnostic pathology and radiology • Sales of Pet products, food and accessories • PennHIP scheme accreditation • Cat Boarding • Loads of friendly advice!

www.thegapvet.com.au

www.facebook.com/thegapvet

VETERINARY SURGERY 1104 Waterworks Road The Gap 4061 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 15

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap 4061 Welcome 4061 community to a very exciting year for our local Neighbourhood Watch Group.

We are very excited to announce our first community project for 2020, the Kids Safety Bag Tag Initiative!

Our Objective: To ensure all 4061 students have easy, fast access to phone numbers for appropriate children’s welfare, wellbeing, and safety numbers to ensure their security, safety, and confidence to act on safety issues they experience to, during and from school.

We have invited all Schools in 4061 both primary and secondary to participate and will be tailoring these tags and public hotline numbers

appropriate to children’s ages at each school.

These will be FREE to all children enrolled in The Gap Schools we are just awaiting a final grant process.

If your child isn’t enrolled at a school in 4061 and you’d like them to have bag tag too, please email us at neighbourhoodwatchthegap@yahoo. com.au with your details and we’ll do our best to include them too.

For more detailed information please head to: https://nhwq4061.com/4061school-safety-bag-tag-initiative/ Crime Statistics In The Gap 4061 we enjoy a very low offence rate to population (keeping in mind also that these are 2016 population

figures as at the last census).

Fundraising Please visit our online shop www. nhwq4061f.com and make a purchase from our shop.

100% of funds raised go back into our Neighbourhood Watch Community programs and we would appreciate any support you can give us.

Volunteers: If you’d like to get involved and become part of our team, please email us at neighbourhoodwatchthegap@yahoo. com.au Positions we are looking to fill are: Delivery of Welcome Fliers to mailboxes – ad hoc approx. monthly as few or as many houses as you can drop into the mailbox.

Event Team for Treasure Hunt @ The Gap – need execution support, volunteers to help execute in the 2 weeks in Sept 2020 Newsletter Folders – Quarterly – as advertised on Facebook page.

Your Suburb, Your Home, Your Family, Your Community w w w . f b . c o m / neighbourhoodwatchthegap neighbourhoodwatchthegap@yahoo. com.au www.nhwq4061.com

Looking for advice in the current market?

Trish Holliday 0411 825 808 The Western Echo March 2020 Page 16

"I am a long term resident of The Gap and have been working in the Property Industry for 18 years.

I have a deep understanding of The Gap market and would love to support you through your property sale.

At Ray White The Gap we work as a team to provide you with the best possible outcome and experience.

If you're looking for an agent totally committed to your best interests, ring me anytime.''

trish.holliday@raywhite.com

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Intimate and Beautiful Wedding Ceremonies

Phone: 0404 231 052 www.kissandgo.net Hi, my name is Christina Towler and I am a registered Marriage Celebrant and owner of Kiss and Go Ceremonies in Ferny Hills.

I offer beautiful and intimate allinclusive wedding packages designed for couples who would like to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. An Elopement is a quick and private form of wedding ceremony, with few (if any) guests. It can be held in a Kiss & Go Wedding Ceremony on my beautifully decorated deck in Ferny Hills or in a Wedding Ceremony at any location of your choice. I specialise in small to medium wedding packages with up to 40 people. With six packages to choose from, I cater for every budget with prices starting from as low as $299.

Mention this ad and receive your Official Government Marriage Certificate FREE of charge. This is the certificate you require as proof of marriage and to change your name.

Please contact me with any questions. I am always happy to hear from you. christina@kissandgo. net - www.kissandgo.net - 0404 231 052

THE GAP

CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS

MONDAY 24th & TUESDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2020 FOR RENOVATIONS

WE WILL BE OPEN AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY 26th FEBRUARY WITH OUR NEW AND IMPROVED STORE

Thank you for your understanding during our renovations - we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our valued customers.

There are some exciting changes happening over the next few weeks so be sure to come on down to The Gap Village once our renovations are completed - you will be sure to find some great new additions to the range!!

Until next month, eat well stay healthy and Meat U @ The Gap Village soon! from Julie & Gary Read & the friendly Team at MeatU@Home

The Gap Village Shopping Centre, 1000 Waterworks Road, The Gap

Ph: 3161 5021 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 17

Ashgrove /The Gap Lions How often do you hear the cry “time poor”? These days many of us find ourselves caught up in the ‘fast lane’ that modern day living seems to demand of us. The days of long talks over the back fence seems to be a thing of the past. This lack of time is often evident in the closure of many of our local organisations such as bowls clubs and the decreasing number of members in various community clubs.

However Ashgrove/The Gap Lions club seems to be going against this trend.

Thanks to our very active membership committee ably led by its chair, Peter Cooper, our membership numbers hold steady. However, we are always very ready to welcome new members and just recently Lindsay Green

was inducted into our club.

Great to have you on board!

However the club is also aware that it is important to honour existing members and to ensure that they are recognised for the work they do on behalf of the club. One of the ways in which this is done is to present various awards to members who show a solid commitment to Lionism. the highest award that can be given to an individual member is the Melvin Jones award that is named after one of the founding members of Lions Clubs back in 1917. A recent recipient of this award for outstanding service to the Ashgrove/The Gap Lions club was Lion David Hall, who has been a member for over 10 years during which time he has held a variety

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Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club Lion David Hall with newly inducted Lion Lindsay Green

of positions within the club.

Congratulations David!

No matter what skills anyone may have there is always a place for you in the Lions family. Our meetings, which are held bi-weekly, allow us to join in fellowship and to work together to plan for future events. Special days, such as the recent Valentine’s Day, see us out in the community raising much needed funds and in this instance it was by selling roses at the Domestic airport with all monies going to the Lions Medical Research Foundation. Also, we currently have our annual Youth of the Year program to organise. This program gives the youth of Australia an opportunity to hone their public speaking skills whilst showing us that this country’s

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future is in very good hands.

If you would like more information on joining a Lions club, please go to our website or contact Peter Cooper on: 0488 069 089.

Community Dinner Ashgrove/The Gap Lions are once again hosting a Community Dinner, 6 June, JA Robertson Hall, The Gap SHS. The evening will be a celebration of what makes Ashgrove/The Gap a great place to live and raise a family. Local businesses and community organisations will be represented and a 3 course meal and entertainment provided. Profits from the event donated to Lions Medical Research Foundation and other local community organisations.

ANXIETY | WEIGHT SMOKING | CONFIDENCE & ANY OTHER DIFFICULTIES

• Same day appointment guaranteed • Open 7 days • Online bookings on our website • Bulk billing for children & concession card holders

HYPNOSIS

Cnr Settlement & Samford Roads,

For more information or to Book Online brisbanehypnosis.com.au 3354 4555 | Tues-Sat

Keperra Phone: 3351 0323 www.keperrafamilypractice.com.au The Western Echo March 2020 Page 18

Caring, qualified, experienced

Glenn Chandler, Dip. C.H. Everton Park since 1997

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions

r e n Din

COMMUNITY

BUY YOUR TICKETS

NOW! WHEN:

Saturday, 6 June, 6:00pm

WHERE:

The Gap State High School, JA Robertson Hall

INCLUDES:

Entertainment 3-course Meal Raffles & Auction Community Groups Showcase Cash Bar Available

Residents, businesses and all members of our community are invited to our dinner event.

HOSTED BY ASHGROVE/THE GAP LIONS

BUY TICKETS:

Purchase tickets online via Brisbane Tickets: https://brisbanetickets.com.au/event/11249 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ashgrove TheGapLionsClub Or, for direct deposit payments please request a Ticket Form.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES.

TICKETS:

$

45pp

Early Bird

40pp

$

pay by 30 April.

For more information Email: ashgrove.thegaplions@gmail.com Or Call: Peter Cooper 0488 069 089 • www.ashgrovethegap.qld.lions.org.au website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 19

h.a.r.p.o. publishing books about Brisbane Two well-known local identities, Anne Jones and Robert Whyte, have started a new venture to publish books about Brisbane.

In calling it h.a.r.p.o., they have revived a name from the early 70s which was an acronym for how about resisting powerful organisations. “h.a.r.p.o. was part of a strong underground cultural movement at odds with the conservative government of the time,” Anne said.

Featured already on h.a.r.p.o.’s list is a cultural history called Eccentric Voices: A scrapbook of Brisbane cultural history 1965–1995 edited by Anne Jones and Robert Whyte and a thriller called Where Angel Fears To Tread by Robert Perrier.

After 30 years producing magazines, books, web sites and exhibitions for clients, Anne and Rob wanted to pursue a creative project which would benefit local writers and artists.

“Starting a publishing company gives us the opportunity to publish some great books by friends and collaborators focussing on Brisbane as the uniting feature,” Anne said.

Robert “Bomber” Perrier author of Where Angel Fears To Tread, a thriller set in Brisbane.

PHOTO: Mark Crocker

The team behind new publishing company h.a.r.p.o. which is based at The Gap. Left to right: Robert “Bomber” Perrier with Where Angel Fears To Tread, Anne Jones with Eccentric Voices: A scrapbook of Brisbane cultural history 1965–1995 and Robert Whyte with Where Angel Fears To Tread. PHOTO: Robert Whyte

h.a.r.p.o.’s first two books are largely written by people involved in Brisbane’s underground culture.

Robert “Bomber” Perrier was a popular performer in the 1970s who went on to found Australia’s internationally renowned children’s circus, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus.

Where Angel Fears To Tread is a fast-paced thriller set in Brisbane, in the genre known as Brisbane Noir.

The main character Frank Angel reads books, studies the paintings of old masters, listens to fine music and kills people for a syndicate of high rollers. After 20 successful and extremely well-paid hits, he breaks up with his girlfriend, punches out a Queensland cop and is told by his handler Calione his career is over. Angel has to decide who lives and who dies, with both the cops and Calione after him.

Eccentric Voices is a collection of 16 essays with a timeline of the period 196595, illustrated with photos,

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 20

news clippings and ephemera about Brisbane culture. Most of the Eccentric Voices essayists were contributors to the satirical magazine The Cane Toad Times which Anne and Rob edited in the 1980s. Essayists include Ti m L o w, A n n e J o n e s , Robert Whyte, Deborah Brown, Stephen Stockwell, Andrew Kidd Fraser, Aunty Glenice Barney Croft and John Willstead. The book is dedicated to cartoonist, animator and graphic designer Damien Ledwich who died in

2017. Damien’s work is a feature of the book.

Anne said the essays look at the era from many angles.

“Some are personal stories. Others try to tease out just what the hell happened.

It was a crazy time.

“Brisbane in the 1970s and 1980s was a police state where Premier Joh BjelkePetersen was commander in chief,” she said.

For information on how to purchase the books go to www.h-a-r-p-o.com.au.

Arana VIEW Club Arana VIEW Club will meet on Wednesday 1st April at the Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade, Keperra,10.30 for 11.00am start. Cost is $30.00 for the 2-course lunch with tea and coffee provided.

April is our birthday month and we are celebrating our 23rd birthday. This year being 2020 we are going with a “Roaring Twenties” theme so we hope to see everyone in their best 20’s outfits. We will have entertainment provided by the ‘Laugh at Life’ group. We will have our usual raffles and lucky door prizes, the proceeds of which go to supporting our Smith Family Learning for Life students.

We welcome new members. Please phone Carol on 3355 5349 to book by noon Monday 30th March website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

presents

New books about Brisbane Robert “Bomber” Perrier’s debut novel Where Angel Fears To Tread is the story of Frank Angel, a hit man for a syndicate of Brisbane high-fliers.

Recommended retail price: $24.95

Edited by Anne Jones and Robert Whyte, Eccentric Voices is a collection of essays telling the stories of Brisbane people who stood up to rampant corruption to create a new public culture.

Recommended retail price: $60.00

Buy now from www.h-a-r-p-o.com.au If you buy online, you can collect your books from 917 Waterworks Road The Gap to save postage.

Call 3300 3939 to arrange collection.

Both books are available at Avid Reader, Books@Stones and the State Library of Queensland bookshop.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au Western Echo ad March 2020.indd 1

publishing 917 Waterworks Road The Gap QLD 4061 www.h-a-r-p-o.com.au 07 3300 3939

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 21 20/2/20 1:53 pm

.....Principal's Points.......Principal's Points......

St Peter Chanel School As a community we have launched our 2020 theme … United in CHANEL. The theme was developed from ideas provided by our new Year 6 student leaders when they contemplated their upcoming leadership roles at the end of 2019. It reminds us that the CHANEL virtues of Charity, Hope, Acceptance, Nurture, Excellence and Love are not just virtues that we are called to live by, but they unite us as a community.

Our Parent Information Evening saw a large roll up of parents and carers interested in hearing of our plans for 2020, at both class and whole school levels.

As the principal, I was appreciative of being able to share with the community our perspective about who we are and what we do at St Peter Chanel School, particularly our points of difference with other schools in this area of Brisbane.

Students in Years 3 - 6 have enjoyed their annual swimming carnival – a significant event in our school calendar. The children are to be commended on their wonderful efforts and high participation. Many personal achievements were celebrated, as was the positive team spirit of each House.

Congratulations to O’Donnell House, who took home the trophy on this occasion.

Prior to our own carnival, several of our students nominated for the North West District Swimming Trials.

Congratulations to Lexi S, Marcella V and Emmy H who swam very well, and to Jasmine W, Jessica B, Ruby W, Tallulah G, Tex H, Thomas N and Ava S who have progressed to the North West District Swim Team.

On Thursday March

12, we will host our first Open Day for potential new families to St Peter Chanel School. Other Open Day / Evening dates, at this stage include: Wednesday May 13, 5.00pm; Tuesday June 2, 9.00am; Friday August 28 and 9.00am; Friday October 30, 9.00am This is a wonderful opportunity for those families in The Gap community and its surrounds who are looking for a great school, to come and see teaching and learning in action, as well as our contemporary facilities and spacious grounds. March 12 tours will be provided by our senior students and members of staff. Tours will depart the office at 9.00 and 9.45am.

Please RSVP by phoning 3300 1202 or emailing pthegap@bne.catholic.edu. au .

Enrolment applications for Prep 2021 are now being accepted. Children born between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 are eligible to enrol. Interested families are invited to make contact with our school office should they have any enquiries or are seeking more information about what our school has to offer. Interviews for 2021 will year be held March – May, then later in the year depending on available places.

Margo Carwardine – Principal

The Gap State High School On January 28, we welcomed 302 Year 7 students to The Gap State High School.

Students were introduced to their Connect Teachers, heard from Year 7 HOY Mitchell Mullen, Principal Anne McLauchlan and Year 7 Deputy Principal Mr Brad Tavelardis before heading off to their classrooms and

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 22

settling into High School.

The following day the whole school came together to welcome our newest GSHS members at an assembly in the Sports Hall. Led in by the traditional ringing of the old school bells, Year 7 students were cheered by the Year 8 to 12s before hearing from Principal Anne McLauchlan and the Senior and Junior Leadership teams.

This year represents our 60th Anniversary of educating the young people of The Gap. Our big celebration event for this milestone will be led by our outstanding school leaders.

Details will be coming, but for now please claim this date: Friday, 12 June, 2020 60th Anniversary Bush Dance to be held at The Gap State High School.

Join us for our annual Open Evening on Thursday 19 March from 4.00pm – 7.00pm where we will showcase our high performing school, students and staff.

We welcome all prospective students to come along and see our schools vision which drives our school to support the whole student in any way required academically, physically, culturally, socially and emotionally.

O u r Ye a r 7 P a r e n t welcome gathering was a wonderful success with a fantastic turnout. Special thanks must go to the A4A team and the fantastic volunteers who worked so hard - the feedback has been very positive and this could be the start of many more parent gatherings.

On Monday 10 February we welcomed some of the high performing 2019 graduates to the Annual Scholars’ Assembly, where the students shared their hints and tips to their success in their last years of secondary schooling with the Year 10-

12s at the Senior School Assembly.

The Gap State High S c h o o l Vi s u a l A r t s Department and PopArts Committee presents a school and community partnership exhibition from February 21 – 23 to showcase artwork for the official opening of the Tula Art Gallery for TGSHS 60th Anniversary.

In the last week of the 2019 schooling year, the volleyball program ventured down to the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian Volleyball School Cup with the largest ever contingent of teams and players compete for the week in varying divisions. Each athlete had different learning experiences throughout the week and the constant match competition allowed the opportunity to flourish.

Choir Programs have started rehearsals with students in Years 9-12 enjoying our Senior Choir and students in Year 7 and 8 joining our Junior Choir Voiceworx.

Robotics Club is back again with our new Lego league map and competition gear. The club is going to use the EV3 robots to work through possible solutions for the map activities with our goal for this year to have a team compete in the competition.

Anne McLauchlan – Principal

The Gap State School Happy New Year and welcome back to another school year. If the beginning of the school year is any indication, 2020 is going to be an outstanding year. Calm, positive, enthusiastic and productive classrooms are (Continued on page 23)

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Principal's Points......

The Gap State School

(Continued from page 22)

operating each day across the whole school. Children and parents are busy familiarising themselves with new school routines and everyone is ready for the cognitive challenges heading their way.

Thank you to all the parents who support our children by setting them up for success.

It is my pleasure to acknowledge our school leaders for 2020.

Congratulations to all our school leaders who are a fine group of young people that are committed to making a difference in the school community and serving their fellow students. Our Student Leader Investiture Ceremony will be held on Thursday 27 February 9:15am.

Our School Captains for 2020 are Ellie Woods and Nathan Niessl and our Vice Captains are Jasmine Edwards and Matthew Casey.

Sports Captains and Vice Captains: Endeavour – Abigail, Zachary, Eila and Lewis, Fortitude – Ruby, Wi l l i a m , C l a u d i a a n d Xavier, Resolution – Abby, Tayt, Marco and Oliver, Investigator – Abby, Ryan, Shyla and Nathaniel.

Music captains: Strings: Aria, Haiden and Luka Band: Julian and Sarah Senior Choir: Euan and Mia Boys’ Choir: William Girls’ Choir: Lily We had sixteen students represent The Gap State School at the North West District Swimming trials.

I was impressed with the behaviour of our students and their support of each other as they raced. The students who represented our school were: Abby, Aden, Alex, Andor, Charlotte G, Charlotte H, Eila, Erin, Isabel, Lachlan,

Laura, Lyra, Oliver E, Paige, Ryan and Rhyan.

We also had five students who qualified to make the North West District team to compete at the Metropolitan North Regional trials. They are Aden, Alex, Charlotte H, Erin and Oliver.

Our parent information sessions were held during the first weeks of school.

The information sessions provided an invaluable opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the year ahead and the expectations of the year level and class.

Many parents also attended the Principal’s and P&C’s address. It was an opportunity for me to reiterate our school’s 2020 improvement agenda of writing, as well as outline new additional priorities.

Best Wishes, Joanne Nicholls – Principal

Individual piano tuition Mariella Farrugia MTAQ (prof) LLCM, ALCM, 30 years teaching experience

ph: 3166 8353 Mob: 0409 204128

more info on: www.thegappianostudio.com

Rob’s Guitar School Professional - Experienced All Ages - Blue Card Rock - Folk - Jazz - Blues

3289 8020 www.robsguitarschool.com Teaching Studio in The Gap

Proprietor Rob Reeves - rob@robsguitarschool.com

BBTGS’s ripple effects, far and wide

In The Gap, Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds (BBTGS), is creating huge ripple effects, generating environmental, social and educational benefits, and even helping save our fire affected wildlife.

While environmental concern was the major reason for people embracing the concept of making Boomerang Bags from recycled fabrics, they remain as volunteers for camaraderie and fellowship. Primary schools and high schools have embraced the concept to learn about environmental sus tainability and how each of us can take small steps to make a difference.

Primary school Environment Captains from our Mt Coottha Environment Cluster of schools, learnt about making reusable bags using old T-shirts. The Gap State High School trialled Boomerang

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Bag sewing classes as an alternative to sport. The Ambrose Treacy College teachers and students started their own ATC Boomerang Bags chapter.

The ripple effect of BBTGS has even reached our pre-schools. The Gap Kindergarten and Child Care Centre are encouraging children to use our reusable BBTGS bags as their library bags, as an alternative to buying new products.

Recently BBTGS have been giving a helping hand to rehabilitate wildlife affected by recent fires. Many volunteers from near and far came together to make double layered “joey” pouches for injured or orphaned animals, including bats, koalas, wombats and kangaroos.

“We hadn't envisaged such ripple effects across all levels of community when we

started three years ago”, said Secretary Padma Lal. We are looking forward to building on this momentum, not just making shopping bags but also produce (fruit and veggie) bags, spare clothes bags for pre-schoolers, children’s library bags and even cutlery bags, but also be a catalyst for broader education and change. Over time we are looking at generating a tsunami of ripple effects through the community.

Contact us through Facebook a t w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / boomerang bags thegap andsurrounds/, or via email: BBTGS4061@gmail.com.

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 23

Queensland Choir Seeks Singers

Choral singing is good for the health, making friends and creating a sense of community and now one of Queensland’s premier choirs, the Queensland Choir, is offering keen singers the chance to be part of its concert program, from Broadway hits to classical masterpieces, at well-known Brisbane venues this year.

The Queensland Choir’s musical director Kevin Power said the choir would welcome singers keen to be part of its 2020 season, with highlights including a combined Choral Spectacular on May 17 in Brisbane City Hall, three Best of Broadway concerts at Twelfth Night Theatre, Bowen Hills, on September 5 and 6, and Handel’s Belshazzar in the Old Museum on December 12.

“The season kicks off with a Beethoven/Mozart concert on May 1 at St Stephen’s Cathedral to open this year’s 4MBS Festival of Classics and celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth,” Mr Power said.

“Then on May 17, the Queensland Choir will join with the Brisbane Chorale and Brisbane Symphony Orchestra for the Choral Spectacular, which proved enormously successful two years ago, and this year will feature excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, the requiems of Mozart, Verdi and Brahms, Orff’s Carmina Burana, and popular opera choruses.

“The Queensland Choir will also present US contemporary composer Dan Forrest’s modern classic

Interesting Activities at Ithaca Probus Club Members of Ithaca Probus Club are all looking forward to a variety of interesting activities in the year ahead. The visit to the Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast proved to be very popular with excellent participation. Our monthly general meetings at the Ashgrove Bowls Club focus on the Probus theme of Friendship, Fellowship and Fun, emphasising social interaction. Our February meeting was enlivened by a poetry rendition from one of our members, then we were all alerted to the dangers of on-line scams by our very entertaining and informative guest speaker. All Probus Clubs hold their Annual General Meetings in March. As social clubs there is minimal formality, but the small amount of organising is set up for another year with the induction of a new management committee. Then the routine resumes with meetings comprising a short talk from one of our members so we all get to know each other better, then plenty of chatter during the morning tea break before a guest speaker informs and entertains us. Other activities which further promote social interaction are the monthly dine-outs - usually dinners but occasionally a lunch for a change. There are cards afternoons and a poetry group. Monthly club newsletters keep members informed of all these social opportunities.

If you are interested in joining us as a prospective member, or maybe as a guest speaker, please phone either of our Club Membership Officers Sue Vivian on 0413 544 202 or Janelle Rhodes on 0412 628 646. For more information about our club, including a map on how to find us, please see our web site: www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ithaca The Western Echo March 2020 Page 24

Requiem for the Living on July 18 at St John’s Cathedral.

In September, the Choir’s home base, Twelfth Night Theatre, will be the venue for three Best of Broadway concerts featuring musical theatre hits from George Gershwin and Cole Porter to Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera; with Handel’s Belshazzar as the year ’s finale. “ A s Q u e e n s l a n d ’s longest established choir, the Queensland Choir is preparing for its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2022 and we’d encourage singers keen to be part of that to join the choir now,” Mr Power said.

“As well as enjoying great song and great company, choir members tell us that they find

the group welcoming and relish performing timeless music from great masters with amazing conductors and soloists they never dreamed they’d sing with.

“Choir members come from all walks of life but they share the joy of singing with a community of like-minded souls who thrill to being surrounded by the incredible sound of a big choir.

“The Choir has weekly rehearsals at New Farm and anyone interested in singing with us is welcome to come along to see whether they’d like to join. They need only to do a brief audition to join,” he said.

To audition, ph: 0491 654 134; or see www.qldchoir. com.

The Probus Club of The Gap PROBUS is designed for retired people – hence our

motto “An Active Retirement”. A reality of the later years of retirement for many is Aged Care, which comes in many forms, from assistance at home through various levels of assisted accommodation. Choosing an appropriate level of care, and a suitable place is important, and so is the question of funding it.

Our speaker in January, Kerry Darton, tackled this question head on, and opened our eyes to the complexities of taxation effects, dealing with Centrelink (a new experience for many self-funded retirees), Powers of Attorney and the fundamental differences between the private, State, and Federal systems.

Kerry is a professional financial planner who specialises in advising retirees in these areas. Her basic message was that you have to take charge of your destiny, and you need to make informed decisions well in advance of the day. She armed us with a battery of questions to pose to service providers, to help make sure the result suits us (rather than them alone). Her talk was much appreciated.

As a bit of lighter relief, and maybe to provide a discussion forum for all that information, members enjoyed an informal lunch at the Arana Leagues Club a couple of weeks later.

We have welcomed some new members in the New Year, but there is room for more! If you would be interested in joining, or just giving it a try, we would welcome your enquiry.

Just call our secretary Jan on 0448 965 459. We meet at 2pm on the first Thursday of every month, at The Gap Baptist Church, by the traffic lights at the junction of Waterworks and Settlement Roads – handy to lots of buses, and with some spaces for car parks. Places are available – no waiting list – and we’d love to meet you. website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Laughing for happiness and wellbeing Brace yourself for some joyful greetings on Waterworks Road at The Gap on Friday 20 March.

That’s the UN-declared International Day of Happiness and for the past three years, members of The Gap Laughter Club have taken to bus stops on that day to cheer morning commuters.

“International Day of Happiness recognises that a world-wide desire to grow happiness and wellbeing, not just economies, and that we can do this by connecting with one another, being social,” says The Gap Laughter Club coordinator, HeatherJoy Campbell.

Gapians can also ‘get

happy’ every Saturday (weather permitting) at Walton Bridge Reserve, practising laughter yoga at 9am.

Laughter yoga is a unique exercise regimen that combines the deep breath of yoga, gentle stretches and playful laughter exercises, without jokes.

“Laughter Yoga harnesses the act of laughing as an exercise. It’s a mood booster, stress buster, a light cardio work-out and a great social connector.

“We all laugh in the same language,” she points out.

The Gap Laughter Club meets in the Walton Bridge Reserve on Waterworks

For more information, Road, opposite Jevons Street. check out The Gap Laughter The laughter session starts at 9am and runs for about 40 Club on Facebook or phone HeatherJoy on 0412 742 593. minutes.

Newmarket VIEW Club

West Brisbane Orchid Society

‘Voice, Interests and Education of Women’ Lunchtime meetings held on 4th Tuesday of the month, 10.30am for 11.00am start – Cost $30 - at Gaythorne RSL Club Our new 2020 Committee, pictured above: Roslyn Arden, Jean Robinson, Heather Nightingale, Christine Newman, Lynette Harrington, Ann Rammerath and Frances Carter The Newmarket VIEW Club, Brisbane, is a small. friendly club seeking community-minded women. VIEW members come from all walks of life, and we would be delighted if you could join us in our mission to provide better educational opportunities for young Australians. We support The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program and our Club currently sponsors five school students.

If you wish to know more about the Newmarket VIEW Club and also join us for lunch, email us on newmarketview@ gmail.com or ring our president, Heather, on 0437 343 163 or vice-president on 0438 177 176

The West Brisbane Orchid Society’s Autumn Show will be held on 28th and 29th March at the Auditorium, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt. Coot-tha.

The Show will be open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Saturday and 9am to 3pm Sunday with plant sales, sales of fertilisers, pots etc., advice on growing orchids, and light refreshments, as well as a wonderful display of flowering orchid plants.

Admission: $4.00(cash)(adults); children (under 16) free.

For more information call Ian Kidd on 0418 873 725.

Eftpos available for sales only.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 25

THE WESTERN ECHO

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For more information contact Philippa Wightman on Ph: 3300 1846 or 0408 496 737

or mail: PO Box 270, The Gap Q 4061 The Deadline for the APRIL 2020 Edition Tuesday 24 March 2020

Phone: 3300 1846

email: editor@westernecho.com.au

Teaching primary school kids about the brain through art

Primary school students around Australia are being encouraged to think about how amazing their brains are through a national art competition that will be judged by some of Australia’s leading brain researchers.

With great prizes on offer, including up to $1000 in teaching aids for the winning students’ schools, the competition is a great way for children to learn about brain science whilst using their imagination.

The annual competition is held by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (Brain Function CoE), which is a national collaboration of brain researchers from universities around Australia.

Students can enter individually or as a combined school or class effort. Their artworks must be inspired by the theme: Why do you love your brain? Artworks must fit on A4 size paper and students can use either pens, pencils, crayons, textas or paint.

After the competition closes on 8 May 2019, the entries will be shortlisted and then judged by Brain Function CoE researchers.

The competition is judged in different year level categories.

Amongst the prizes, first place winning schools will receive a special visit from young and enthusiastic brain researchers to present the prizes and deliver an age-appropriate interactive The Western Echo March 2020 Page 26

Ashgrove Forum

For more information on Forum Communicators please visit the website www.beconfident.org.au The second monthly Meeting of Ashgrove Forum for 2020 (the 950th General Meeting) was held on 19th February. Part of the meeting was spent finalising the details for the Diamond Anniversary Dinner on 4th March to celebrate Ashgrove Forum’s 60th Anniversary.

Forum was established to train women in correct meeting procedure and to become confident public speakers. (It now extends its membership to men as well). Each meeting is devoted to meeting these aims in a supportive and friendly environment, with a dash of camaraderie thrown in for good measure.

During the meeting Pam Nugent delivered an instructive procedural tutorial on how to construct Agendas for meetings with a logical order of business.

Willo Riley was main speaker during the Speaking Session.

She gave an interesting, humorous, but thought-provoking 10-minute speech on the topic “All out of Data”. Supporting speakers gave 5-minute speeches with the same title, but as is usually the way in Forum, with completely different subject matter.

In the regular “Seldom used Word” segment, Ronda Nix asked, “what is the adjective used to describe a very long word like ornithorhynchus i.e. a platypus”? It is “sesquipedalian”. Ornithorhynchus is a sesquipedalian word.

In fact, sesquipedalian is a sesquipedalian word as well!

All segments of the meeting were assessed by experienced Accredited Speech and Procedure Assessor, Leanne Walker from Ipswich. Leanne gave all participants valuable and instructive feedback on their various contributions to the meeting.

The next General Meeting of Ashgrove Forum will be held in the Ashgrove Library, 87 Amarina Ave, Ashgrove, at 6.30pm on April 15th when the speaking topic will be “Forward Thinking”.

Visitors are most welcome to attend and observe obligation free. For more information call Pat Pepper: 0458 696 267.

lesson about the brain to the winner’s class.

Thecompetition is part of our Brain Awareness Week (16 – 22 March) activities. Last year we had over 1200 entries and this year we hope even more students will enter the competition.

Full details about the competition can be found on the Brain Function CoE website: www.brainfunction.edu.au The competition is also on Facebook. website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

St Peter Chanel students learning Nihongo At St Peter Chanel School, students participate in Japanese lessons from Prep, all the way through to Year 6. Everyone calls it Nihongo (‘Japanese’ in Japanese)! Younger years have shorter lessons, focusing on building familiarity with the new language and culture, while Years 5 and 6 have an hour and a half worth of lessons per week, where they delve deeper into the structure of the language and enjoy more involved cultural activities.

Learning Nihongo gives children the opportunity to explore a different language, country and culture. In doing so, they are becoming more aware of others in our multicultural society, and our globalised world. Studying other languages and cultures also allows children to better understand their own language and culture, boosting literacy and reflection skills.

Hunter Sensei, the school’s Japanese teacher, is reflective of the many exciting Nihongo experiences at the school in the last twelve months, such as a Nihongo taiko drumming incursion, a visit from Japanese students on a study tour, a rice ball making session, an obento lunch for the Year 6 students, making daruma (good luck dolls) and other crafts in class. In addition, St Peter Chanel School is just one of 300 schools from across Australia to be part of the Prep – Year 2 trial Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program.

ELLA is a digital, play-based program which includes a series of interactive applications (apps) aimed at making language learning engaging and interesting for students in the early years. Hunter Sensei is also very proud of the 12 students who attended the Modern Languages Teachers Association QLD Speech Contest at Griffith University last September, returning with a 2nd place, 4th place, and several Highly Commended awards. “Students love getting involved in these activities, and it’s great to see children keen to try new things,” said Hunter Sensei.

This year promises to be even more exciting, as Hunter Sensei spent her recent holidays in Japan, immersed in the language and culture. She brought back with her many new ideas for teaching Nihongo. In particular, there will be more focus on children speaking and using the language.

Complementing Hunter Sensei’s professional development, school Principal Margo Carwardine has been successful in gaining a place with the Japan Foundation sponsored 2020 Japan Educational Leaders Tour. This opportunity is in cooperation with Monash University’s Japanese Language Education Centre. As one of 19 principals from across Australia (four are from Queensland), Ms Carwardine is looking forward to developing her knowledge and cultural understanding to support the school’s valued Nihongo program. With the Olympics being hosted in Tokyo this July, the school believes that they have even more reason to get excited about learning about Japan and Japanese.

Contact us Ph: 0432 967 829 walkingfootballbrisbane.com.au info@walkingfootballbrisbane.com.au

Quote of the Day

Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.

- Luis Bunuel

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 27

Native Gingers for the Garden 3300 6304

www.ppnn.org.au

Native gingers belong to the genus Alpinia and are perennial herbs. They are members of the Zingiberaceae family of plants which have many members that are of economic significance in the production of spices such as ginger, turmeric and cardamom. This family is characterised by their fleshy underground rhizomes, from which shoots and roots emerge and which are responsible for their spreading growth.

The rhizome stores water making the plant quite hardy and able to grow new shoots

after surface damage. The shoots form stems bearing fragrant flowers (and later fruit) and shiny leaves.

More than 230 species of Alpinia occur in tropical and subtropical climates of Asia and the Pacific. All prefer a well-drained soil in filtered light to full shade and as such make great house plants or surrounding a water feature. The alluring colours of their flowers, as well as their attraction to bees and butterflies, ensure their abiding demand as ornamental garden plants.

Alpinia caerula is an understory plant of the rainforests along the border of NSW and Queensland.

Each plant produces multiple stems to 2.5m high which bear broad, sword-shaped leaves that fade, front to back, from glossy to pale green, and fragrant white flowers that occur throughout the year which are followed

Alpinia arundelliana

Alipina caerula photos Robert Whyte

by blue berries. The papery blue berry coating surrounds a white, slightly acidic pulp around the seeds. All parts of the plant have a ginger flavour, the intensity of which varies from plant to plant. Indigenous peoples ate the pulp around the seeds and young rhizomes. They wrapped food for cooking in the leaves. Although the older rhizomes are too fibrous to eat, they can be dried and ground up to include in recipes.

Another native ginger, found on the Sunshine Coast, is the wavy-leafed Alpinia arundelliana. It is similar

to A.caerula but is more compact, growing to 1m high, with narrower leaves that have wavy margins, and pink flowers. The rhizomes, stems, leaves and fruit pulp are all edible and the leaves are a great meat tenderiser or for wrapping fish for steaming.

Indigenous to NE Queensland, the narrow-leaf ginger (Alpinia modesta) is another compact species that grows to 1m. The flowers, that form in summer, are white with striking pink lines.

Although cassowaries have been observed eating the fruit, its edibility status has not been confirmed.

Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club

The next meeting of the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club will be held on the 2nd April, unfortunately the guest speaker has not been finalised at this stage. For information, you could phone the president on 3356 1256 closer to the meeting date.

This club meets at the Enoggera Memorial Hall in Trundle Street, Enoggera, on the first Thursday of the calendar month immediately after morning tea which is served at 9.45am.

Visitors and new members are most welcome. The hall is close to public transport and accessible by wheel chair.

While officially March

indicates the beginning of Autumn we’ll probably experience some more humid weather at the beginning of the season. It’s time to nourish the soil in garden beds with plenty of organic material and a good fertiliser so it will be ready for winter vegetables and spring annuals. If you prefer to raise your own seedlings now is the time to sow the seeds in punnets of good seed raising mix made up of river sand, soil and vermiculite or other moisture retaining material, so they’ll be ready to plant in the garden from mid April. By germinating the seeds in punnets you can protect them from weather

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 28

changes by moving them to a more sheltered position, but remember they’ll still need plenty of light. Have you noticed the bee population has diminished? They are essential in a garden, so plant colourful flowers, especially blues and lavenders to attract them.

Spring annuals to consider are pansies, larkspurs, stocks, neurumbergia, calendulas, marigold, lineria and snapdragon.

Winter vegetables could include beetroot, carrots, cauliflower, turnips, shallots, lettuce and zucchini. If you have the space, plant some pumpkin and cucumber seeds. Strawberry plant

runners should be ready to transplant. Cut them from the parent plant and grow them in a rich well drained soil in an open position. The parent plant should be discarded as it won’t produce anything of good quality any more.

February rain has been a blessing so be sure to keep the garden well mulched to conserve the moisture.

To confuse garden pests, why not plant herbs, flowering annuals and vegetables in the one plot. Try it as an experiment and see if it makes a difference.

For more information, please phone Pat, the president, on 3356 1256.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Nice Weather for Ducks ...

Good rainfall in January and February has come as a great relief to the whole community especially our dedicated bushcarers at Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN).

The Walton Bridge area of The Gap received 478 mm of rain from 1 January till 19 February 2020.

This compares to just 15 mm in January 2019 and 60 mm in February 2019. March 2019 received 209 mm but that was the last decent rain for the whole year. The total rainfall for 2019 was 620 mm – around half the average annual rainfall for Brisbane.

The worst months were September 3 mm, August 9 mm and November 13 mm.

The lack of rain has resulted in many stressed trees dropping their leaves or dying altogether. Many locals were dismayed to see even Eucalyptus sp. turning brown in large numbers on Taylor Range and Mt Coot-tha.

Author of The creek in our backyard Robert Whyte said the only good thing about drought was that weeds struggle to grow too.

“Drought is tough for bushcarers because it’s very unwise to plant and even mature plantings can become very stressed,” Rob said.

In fact, in November 2019, local group leaders in the Habitat Brisbane program were advised to avoid planting altogether.

On the upside that means the SOWN Nursery in Paten Road is well stocked at the moment. If you are not already a

A Pacific black duck Anas superciliosa paddling in Fish Creek following the recent rain event. Photo: Anne Jones

SOWN member, please join and take advantage of the free native plants available to members.

Creek health survey SOWN needs volunteers to survey water quality, fish and macro-invertebrates. The next survey of the Enoggera Catchment Creek Health Monitoring Program is on at 8am Sunday 8 March.

If you would like to join in, please contact Leo Lee on 0409 536 533 or email him at enoggerachmp@bigpond.com.

The Gap Garden Club Est. 1963 The club resumed at the end of February after our summer break, and members are looking forward to another busy year.

Winners of our club trophies for 2019 were announced at our Christmas Lunch when close to 100 members enjoyed a special day at the Arana Leagues Club.

The list of winners are:The Valerie Drury Trophy for Floral Art - Robyn Grant The Joan Lister Trophy for highest points overall Lesley Chmiel The Elaine Smith Trophy for highest points in horticulture - Carole Cragg

The Trish Bates Trophy for highest points in produce - Lesley Chmiel The Dr Jarvis Nye Trophy for the member making the most outstanding contribution to the club during the yearKarolyn Byrnes The Betty Ryan Award to encourage new members Rene Homan The first guest speaker for this year was Claire Bickle giving us a very informative talk on Flower Power. There will be no guest speaker at our March meeting as it is the Club’s Annual General Meeting.

Our first field trip for the year will be on 10 March with a visit the the Canungra area,

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Three of the entries in the Christmas Floral Art Competition

visiting gardens and nurseries which have recovered from the recent bushfires, and are green again after the summer rain.

Members are reminded that their annual fee of $30 is now due.

For further information please visit our website www. thegapgardenclub .org.au

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 29

Brisbane Tramway Museum Society Including The Ferny Grove Men’s Shed

In most museums, restoration plays a major role in their activities.

It’s the same here at Brisbane Tramway Museum. But, not only do we restore our exhibits - trams and trolley buses – we also have to restore our equipment much of which is unique to tram maintenance. It is an on-going function. Currently, we are overhauling our metal guillotine, various lawn mowers, weed-eaters and other tools. The big job, however, is restoring our 80 years old tow truck – the Scammel. (This vehicle was the subject of our article in December 2019).

The Scammel was built in Britain in 1939 as a vehicle to tow big guns and tanks etc for World War 2 and our Scammel saw duty in North Africa in that conflict. It was bought by the Brisbane City Council in 1945 and was passed to the museum when trams ceased running in Brisbane in 1969.

Have you visited Yoorala St Community Garden?

What we love about our garden: Grow your own fresh produce Make new friends An active community group Enjoy family-time outdoors Learn gardening skills & tips No gardening experience required Access-friendly raised garden beds Social events & on-site workshops Private plots available for lease

It's a place we really dig!

Community open times:

Dedicated members Ian Brandt and John Lever

For the truck buffs, it is powered by a Gardner 6LW six cylinder 8.4 litre diesel engine which produces 102 bhp at 1750 rpm. It has 6 forward gears (gate box) and 1 reverse and is fitted with a powerful winch, com-pressed air outlets and various other workshop features.

It is estimated that restoration will take about 12 months (at 1½ days per week) to finish. Much of the original timber floor is being replaced; rust is being removed from body work, cabin etc; new sheet metal will be in-stalled to replace badly effected areas; the electrics are being replaced with new cable but original fittings will remain and finally the truck will be completely repainted in its colours from the 1960’s.

Hopefully, identical replacement decals will be forthcoming from BCC sources and numbering etc will be restored to original.

To aid in authenticity, the museum has joined the Scammel Club in England. This move has enabled our archivist Glen Dyer to access various manuals and other documentation which will enhance the accuracy of the finished vehicle.

This restoration is in the hands of just a couple of dedicated members— Ian Brandt and John Lever. They occasionally are assisted by other members when extra hands are needed, but they do all the dirty work.

They spend hours cutting and shaping timber for the floors and cupboards, angle-grinding rust and pre-paring metal surfaces for re-painting and so on. Other members such as Neil Cameron have helped with electrical work and Jim Silk is a whiz at manufacturing parts which are no longer available.

Several other members including John Osbaldiston can be called upon if needed.

The Brisbane Tramway Museum is proudly supported by the Brisbane City Council.

Please come and see our garden for yourself.

You are welcome to visit us during the following community times: Dec-Mar: Sundays, 4.00-6pm Apr-Nov: Sundays, 8.00-10am Just turn up, bring your hat, water bottle & gloves. One of our members will meet you, show you around, and provide information if you'd like to get involved. And join us for a cuppa afterwards. Hope to see you soon!

Visitors welcome!

98 Yoorala St, The Gap www.yscg.com.au yscgsecretary@gmail.com www.facebook.com/yooralastreetcommunitygarden

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 30

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

2020 QCGC A Garden A-Fair An Event Not to be Missed

The Queensland Council of Garden Clubs is the umbrella organisation of over 130 Garden Clubs in Queensland from Cairns in the North down to Tweed Heads in the south, and one of the biggest is The Gap Garden Club.

“A Garden A-Fair” will be held at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens in Toowong on Saturday the 4th April, from 10am to 3.30pm and on Sunday the 5th April, from 9am to 3pm. The theme for 2020 is “Joseph Banks - 250 years” There will be many Competition Sections to view including: Floral Art, Cut Flowers and Foliage, Beautiful Plants in Containers including Dahlias, Roses, Orchids, Bromeliads and Ferns, Home Grown Produce and a Club Competition.

We will have a Fabulous Raffle with many Prizes, Delicious Refreshments to sustain you through the day, and reasonably priced Plants and Craft Stalls.

There will be many Club Members to answer your Questions and give information about joining a Garden Club.

Plenty of FREE Parking.

Entry: $3 Children: FREE. For further information please call Elizabeth, Publicity Officer on 0412 755 500.

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. You are warmly invited to attend our 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 22 March from 2pm at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (access via Trundle Street).

Following the AGM there will be a General Meeting.

Each Thursday morning from 9.30am, the local community is warmly invited to drop in and see our local history display at the Kate Perry Library, Enoggera Memorial Hall - with access via Trundle Street. Members of the Society will be in attendance. Drop in, say g’day and enjoy complimentary tea, coffee & biscuit with us.

For enquiries about membership renewal payments, contact Treasurer

Kathleen Kelly on Ph 0413 813 546.

Bus Trips take place on the last Friday of each month (except December) and are organised by Rod Tucker and Lorna Cole. For details about upcoming trips Ph 3355 9131 or 3355 0946.

A special 25th Silver Anniversary newsletter edition has been published - courtesy of Rachael Groessler. And it’s a beauty!

If you haven’t received a copy as yet, Ph 0475 353 550 or email andrew.mcmicking@ gmail.com And don’t forget to keep up-to-date with all the latest info on our webpage www. enoggerahistory.org or on our Facebook page.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

QCGC President Noel Prior with Vice President 2019, the late Mr Richard Speechley

Dahlia display - one of the many stunning displays at QCGC's Garden A-Fair 2020

The time to start your family research is now Researching your family history can be a little daunting.

Who do you start with? Where do you start? How far back can you trace your ancestors? Does a DNA test make it easier? If you have questions Queensland Family History Society (www. qfhs.org.au) can help. Browse our website and see the events we have coming up. The resources we have available and our helpful links. Here are a few hints to get you started.

1. Search the house for info. photos, certificates, diaries, letters, postcards etc.

2. Start with yourself and fill out a family pedigree chart with your family names, birth, marriage & death dates and places.

3. Confirm the all names, birth, death and marriage dates and details from the Certificates available from Birth Death & Marriage Registry Offices for the relevant country.

Don’t know how to confirm names, events or dates? Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Come and visit us or give us a call. 3355-3369.

The Western Echo March 2020 Page 31

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy for all your pharmaceutical needs

Michael and Kate Knynenburg

We welcome our new pharmacist intern Hannah to our team this year. Hannah has just completed her pharmacy degree at UQ and decided to join us. We welcome any questions you have about your medications. Please feel free to pop in any time and say hello.

From left: Our team - Tam, Chung, Steph (4th year Pharmacy student) Hannah and Maddie

Open 7 Days 8:30am to 8pm Undercover Parking available under Aldi Glen Affric Street is available if parking spots in our centre are fully occupied Providing all your pharmaceutical needs including :-

• Blood Pressure Checks • NDSS Agent • Ear piercing • Webster Packing

Ph: 3300 1555

Naturopath available — Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday

HOME DELIVERY

The Gap Day and Night Pharmacy 974 Waterworks Road, The Gap QLD, 4061 thegap@thegappharmacy.com.au

Fax: 3300 9020

Available Monday to Friday You’ll see us coming in our new delivery vehicle!

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy

thegapdayandnightpharmacy

www.thegappharmacy.com.au The Western Echo March 2020 Page 32

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au