The Western Echo March 2021

The

March 2021 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

Ron Recieves the Lord Mayor's Award!

Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner honours local heroes from SE Queensland annually on Australia Day. In 2021 Gap identity Ron Ward was awarded the Lord Mayor's (joint) Senior Australian of the Year Award. Pictured above after the ceremony, Councillor Steven Toomey, Gregory Ward, Alexandra Ward, Ron Ward, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Ruth Beryl Ward and daughter Susan Ruth Ward. Full story Pages 3 and 9

Cooper Jackson Property Management SWITCH YOUR MANAGEMENT FOR 6 MTHS FREE

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 1

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANT

MASSAGE

R G Goodman Phone: 3289 1700 pg 14

Bernard Evens Remedial & Sports Phone: 3366 9997 pg 16

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING Wyatt Automotive Phone: 3300 2077

pg 9

MEDICAL CENTRE Keperra Family Practice Phone: 3351 0323 pg 18

MORTGAGE ADVISOR

BATHROOMS Steve Froggatt Phone: 0402 730 177 pg 10

Mortgage Choice Ashgrove P h o n e : 3 4 6 3 0 5 0 0 p g 11

BEAUTY

MUSIC TUITION

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

The Gap Piano Studio Phone: 3166 8353 pg 23

BRICKLAYING PAVING

PATISSERIE - CAFE

Inness Green Phone: 3300 1555 pg 24

CHILD CARE One Tree Defence Child Care Phone: 1800 270 640 pg 21

CHOIR/CHORAL Queensland Choir Phone: 0491 682 552 pg 13

Voices of Birralee w w w. b i r r a l e e . o r g p g 2 1

CLUBS/GROUPS Taylor Range Country Club Phone:3366 1560 pg 17

COMMUNITY GARDEN Yooralla Street Community Garden w w w. y s c g . c o m . a u p a g e 2 8

COMMUNITY SERVICES Communify Phone: 3368 3723

PHARMACY The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

Jonty Bush Phone: 3554 9100 Julian Simmonds MP Phone: 3378 1599

pg 5 pg 7

EMERGENCY MEDICAL

HEARING/HEARING AIDS Hear and Say P h o n e : 3 8 5 0 2 111 p g

19

GARDENING Good Deal Mowing Phone: 0439 734 142 pg 24

GUTTER VACUUM Big Boys Gutter Vacuum Phone: 0407 737 400 pg 10

The Gap Veterinary Clinic Phone: 3300 1533 pg 15 WALKING FOOTBALL

Cr. Steven Toomey Phone: 3407 1900 pg 4

POSITION VACANT

WEIGHT LOSS

Aged Care/Housekeeper Phone: 0408 883 403 pg 16

Winning with Food Phone: 0403 085 640 pg 18

REAL ESTATE

The Western Echo

Cooper Jackson Property Mgt Phone: 3851 0011 pg 1

Harcourts Inner West Phone: 3511 0666 pg 11 RETIREMENT VILLAGE

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Ph: 3300 1846

Seasons Seniors Living Phone: 0472 878 783 pg 13

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TYRE & MECHANICAL Wyatt Automotive Phone: 3300 2077 pg 9

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VETERINARIAN

Walking Football Brisbane Phone: 0432 967 829 pg 25

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NOTICE TO READERS

We wish to advise that distribution of the Western Echo can not be legally made to letterboxes displaying ‘Australia Post Only’ ‘Authorised Mail Only’ or ‘No Junk Mail’.

For those residents who wish to collect a free copy, we have newstands located at: • Night Owl Enoggera - Corner Samford Rd & Wardell St • Stewart Road News Ashgrove • Ashgrove Library • Jonty Bush’s State Electorate Office • Cr. Steven Toomey’s Gap Ward Office

pg 16

Northside Emergency www.emergencyBNE.com.au pg 12

LAWYERS

Angel & Bear Phone: 0406 504 517 pg 21

POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT

Copies are also available at Red Hill APO, West Ashgrove APO, The Gap Village, The Friendly Grocer The Gap, Wyatt's bp The Gap, Ashgrove Golf Club & Great Western Super Centre Management.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS MAY BE NEEDED SHORTLY We are anticipating a 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.

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Deadline for April 2021 5pm Tuesday 23rd Mar. 2021

Hollingworth & Spencer Phone: 3123 5700 pg 14 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 theWestern accuracy ofEcho articlesMarch published.

The Page Western2Echo is delivered, by private letterbox distribution, to 15,700 homes and businesses in: Ashgrove, The 2021 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au Ashgrove West, St. Johns Wood, Dorrington, The Gap, and selected areas of Bardon, Red Hill, Enoggera, Keperra and Mitchelton

Lord Mayor's Australia Day Awards

The 2021 Lord Mayor’s A u s t r a l i a D a y Aw a r d s recognised Brisbane’s unsung heroes and paid tribute to the people in our community who have gone above and beyond to help improve the lives of others and make the Brisbane of tomorrow even better than the Brisbane of today.

There were four winners of the 2021 Awards from The Gap/Ashgrove area, Ron Ward who was awarded (joint) Senior Citizen of the Year, Leo Lee who received the Green Heart Award, and brothers Tudor and Wesley Vasile who received the Spirit of Brisbane Award.

Joint Senior Citizen of the year - Ronald Ward Ron has been an outstanding member of the community, dedicating his life to supporting a number of community organisations close to his heart. As an ex-professional boxer, Ron has worked closely with the Queensland Boxing Association volunteering as a coach, manager, referee and judge for the last 69 years.

Ron’s passion for boxing has also seen him build and donate rings to several PCYCs. His dedication to the sporting community extends to his involvement in the Ashgrove Rangers Amateur Running Club where he has been a member, donor and avid supporter for 25 years.

Ron is a member of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Queensland he has been an active member of The Gap Sub-branch RSL, holding the title of the Official Honour Guard. Ron attends all city and local ANZAC and Remembrance Day services, as well as Armistice and Vietnam Veterans Days, medal presentations, commemorative celebrations and veteran’s funerals. Ron also shows his support for exservicemen by supporting the

sales of ribbons and badges at ANZAC Day celebrations. In addition to his dedication to the veteran community, Ron has also been a member and speaker for The Gap Pioneer and History Group for the past 13 years.

“Ron understands the value of building a strong and connected community” – Nominator Green Heart Award - Leo Lee Leo has been an active member and past president of Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN), a community organisation working to restore the habitats of creeks and waterways in B r i s b a n e ’s n o r t h w e s t .

Leo has been working on an independent project to identify and rehabilitate native fish populations in Cedar Creek, which is one of the most important local creek systems feeding into the Kedron Brook, Brisbane River and Moreton Bay. To support this continuing work, Leo also oversees the Enoggera Catchment Creek Health Monitoring Program, supported by Brisbane City Council and SEQ Water, to learn more about the health and function of our waterways and inform ongoing management practices.

Leo has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to research in this field and is an asset to the organisation. His work is invaluable to sustaining our unique creek systems and improving the diversity of the flora and fauna that coexist in our urban environment.

“Leo is the unseen champion of our waterways” - Nominator Tudor and Wesley Vasile Brisbane brothers Tudor and Wesley established ‘Walk for Awareness’ in 2010 to

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

Leo Lee with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner receiving his Green Heart Award

raise awareness of suicide after losing two friends within three months. In the 10 years since this event began, Tudor and Wesley have been achieving their mission

of ‘preserving lives by empowering individuals’, by encouraging people to bring mental health discussions from behind closed doors into everyday life.

(Continued on page 9)

Inside the March Issue...

Amnesty International.......................................................30 Arana VIEW Club...........................................................27 Art in Bark Association....................................................14 Ashgrove Historical Society...........................................16 & 17 Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club...........................................14 Brisbane Tramway Museum..................................................25 Chess T’Minit.......................................................................24 Enoggera Historical Society............................................26 Hear & Say...................................................................19 Ithaca Probus Club...........................................................24 Mitchelton Garden Club................................................28 Newmarket Probus Club...........................................................30 Newmarket VIEW Club..................................................26 Norths "Eagles" Hockey Club.............................................27 Paten Park Native Nursery (PPNN).............................................28 Principal’s Points..............................................................22 - 23 Queensland Choir..............................................................12 Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap..................................13 Ryan Update - Julian Simmonds..............................................10 SOWN (Save Our Waterways Now)...........................................29 State Update -Jonty Bush - Member for Cooper.....................5 The Gap Creative...............................................................24 The Gap Neighbourhood Watch.............................................6 The Gap Probus Club.............................................................11 The Gap RSL Sub Branch......................................................18 The Gap Scout Group........................................................31 Ward Happenings.........................................................................4 Voices of Birralee.......................................................21 The Western Echo March 2021 Page 3

WARD HAPPENINGS WITH

Cr Steven Toomey

Councillor for The Gap Ward

Council keeps Enoggera Creek Clean and Green

Council continues to invest in waterway rehabilitation programs to provide lifestyle and leisure opportunities across the city. Brisbane is shaped by more than 630 kilometres of waterways which make up our most prized natural assets. Council’s ongoing rehabilitation program ensures it remains clean, green and sustainable for many years to come.

This year’s budget allocated funding for Enoggera Creek at Corbie Street Park, Ashgrove. With the support of Brisbane bushcare groups and council officers, weeds were removed from the site before creek stabilisation works commenced. This work has been completed with native plantings along the embankment. I look forward to supporting the bushcare volunteers with their ongoing work at this site.

If you would like to volunteer at a bushcare site, please visit www. brisbane.qld.gov.au/bushcare to find your nearest group.

Green Happenings in The Gap Ward Planting Verge Gardens Over this past year we’ve been spending more time at home and enjoying the outdoors in our own back yard. Verge gardens are one way to beautify local streets and contribute to greening our suburbs. You can plant ground covers and shrubs as well as edible plants. To encourage verge planting in The Gap Ward I am offering a prize of $100 from The Gap Handyman for the best verge garden.

Email your verge garden photo to my office by 30 June 2021 to be in the running for this prize.

Council has developed guidelines to assist you in the preparation of a verge garden, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/verge gardens

Solar LED Lighting – Off-leash Dog Parks

Solar LED lighting has recently been installed at the entrances to 2 dog off-leash parks at Dash Street Park, Keperra and Paten Park Dog Off-Leash Park in The Gap. This lighting will assist with access and exit into the dog park.

The Solar LED light is mounted on a pole adjacent to the entrance of the dog park. The light system has a built in timer to ensure the light turns on and off at the required times, 5.30pm-9.30pm.

This is standard for all Brisbane City Council park lighting projects to minimise excess light distribution which can cause potential disturbance to surrounding residents.

Community Corners Saturday 27 March 2021

Bring along your current or recent rates notice to receive your voucher for two free trees from Paten Park Native Nursery, 57 Paten Road, The Gap. • 9–10am Ashgrove Avenue, Ashgrove – Outside Woolworths Shopping Centre • 10:30–11:30am Waterworks Rd The Gap – Footpath Craig Ray Solicitors, The Gap Village Shopping Centre • 12:30–1:30pm McGinn Road & Archdale Road – Ferny Grove Shopping Centre • 2–3pm Dallas Parade, Keperra

477 Waterworks Rd Ashgrove West, 4060 Phone: 07 3407 1900 Email: thegap.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au Web: StevenToomey.com.au The Western Echo March 2021 Page 4

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

State Update

Jonty Bush MP

Member for Cooper

Congratulations to our Newest Leaders Celebrating Valley’s All Abilities Cricket After a successful trial last year, Valley District Cricket Club, Ashgrove will again host their fantastic All Abilities program for children of all ages with an intellectual disability. The program has been designed to cater for varying degrees of ability and allows children to come together to learn some of the basic skills of cricket in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. It was wonderful to have Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, the Honorable Craig Crawford MP along to support the ‘kick off’ for the February All Abilities Program.

If you would like to know more about the program and how to enrol your child, follow the link: https://www.qldcricket. com.au/news/valley-leading-the-way-in-inclusivecricket/2020-02-28 Hilder Road State School 2021 Student Leaders: Ashlyn, Lizzie, Megan and Riley I have had the great pleasure this month of visiting many of the schools in Cooper, to celebrate the investiture of our student leaders for 2021. What a wonderful way to start the year. I came away from these ceremonies feeling completely uplifted by the positivity and authenticity of these young leaders. These are students who have worked hard throughout their school years and are now recognised by their peers. I strongly believe that ‘leadership’ is a verb, not a noun and that leaders are judged on their actions. Leaders are also human beings and are imperfect, the important thing is that leaders are brave enough to keep learning. One of my favourite quotes on leadership, which I passed on at the investiture ceremonies from American philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, is “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment.” My wish for all student leaders and their peers throughout the schools of Cooper is, to be true to yourselves, make choices you are proud of, support one another and enjoy every day. I look forward to hearing of your achievements.

Kicking Off the February All Abilities Cricket Program with Minister Craig Crawford

Cooper’s Inaugural Youth Advisory Panel I am establishing a Cooper Youth Advisory Panel, for those aged between 16 and 25, living in or attending school in the electorate.

Expressions of interest closed on 28 February. I was so thrilled by the level of interest, receiving over 60 applications. We will be shortlisting candidates and will announce the members of the Youth Advisory Panel in next month’s edition of the Western Echo.

I am keen to hear your ideas about how we might make our world an even better place to be, and welcome any suggestions for topics or issues the Youth Advisory Panel should focus on.

Have your say on Voluntary Assisted Dying Voluntary Assisted Dying and other end-of-life choices are extremely complex and deeply personal issues. That is why it is so important that we get this right and make sure that your comments and concerns are addressed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that all Members will have a conscience vote on the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying, later this year. While I have a personal view on this important issue, it is vital to me that I represent your views in parliament. Which is why I am asking you to share these with me.

There are several ways for you to do this. I have an online survey available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cooperVAD or you can email my office at cooper@parliament.qld.gov.au or call us on 3554 9100.

So far, we have had over 500 responses, with approximately 93% of our community in favour of VAD legalisation. Some people are supportive overall but want to share some reservations with me - and there’s space in the survey to do that.

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

Jonty Bush - working hard for us website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 5

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap 4061 Get Smart, Get Neighbourly!

A Neighbour doesn’t have to be situated right next door (though they are here too), they are the people in your community who are near you.

Neighbours, whether next door, up or down the street or even sharing your backyard can be an extra pair of eyes and ears if you are away, and support if something happens when you are at home.

If you trust them and you go away for work or holidays, they may be able to help water gardens, collect your mail and take out your bins. They are perfectly positioned to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and in addition may become a treasured part of your social circle or indeed, a good friend.

A member from our community writes: “I love living in The Gap, our street in particular is filled with young families.

When we first moved here there were many residents who have been here for 30+ years, we were the first young family to arrive, but 5 years on nearly every house has a young family.

During lockdown the children took turns riding bikes in the cul-de-sac, drawing chalk drawings for

each other and collecting bottles from the neighbours to return for spending money.

Over the holidays the past few years, we have been organising street parties down in our local park to get to know each other and let the kids run and play together. We share veggies from our gardens, eggs from our chooks and laughs over wine. We really love our neighbours.”

Tell us how you met!

Do you have a funny, interesting, or positive story of how you met your neighbours?

Email your story so we can share it: neighbourhoodwatch thegap@yahoo.com.au Our community was on Neighbourly overdrive throughout Covid lockdowns last year and many new friendships formed, people living alone were supported and checked on, Neighbours were introduced, and our community became closer.

As we once again become increasingly time poor, as a community let’s hold onto these positive things we were reminded of throughout the lockdowns, and continue to make the effort and keep doing as many of these

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 6

wonderful Neighbourly things as we can.

Did you know the public can access information on the police blog to keep up to date with local information to the Inner West: https://mypolice. qld.gov.au/BrisbaneWest/ Facebook; www.fb.com/ neighbourhoodwatch www.nhwq4061.com And please keep an eye out and follow us at www. fb.com/safetybagtags or visit safetybagtags.org.au

Your Suburb, Your Home, Your Family, Your Community 4061 www.fb.com/neighbourhoodwatchthegap neighbourhoodwatchthegap@yahoo.com.au

Support local businesses

Over the last 27 years - has it really been that long? - The Western Echo has brought you information about local clubs, organisations, businesses and services. In all those years there has never been a more important time to support our local businesses.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hitting everyone across the world in ways we never would have imagined possible.

Our local businesses have taken a massive blow and we should all do what we canto support and patronise them.

If you can source a product or service locally, please endeavour to support a local business - they support and nourish our community in ways we can sometimes fail to appreciate, until they are no longer there to do so. So please, think local, shop local and support local.

Please keep safe however and maintain social distancing guidelines during potential breakouts to ensure the spread of Covid-19 is kept at bay.

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

Keeping Families Healthy and Safe.

AS PART OF THE MORRISON GOVERNMENT I’M DELIVERING FOR FAMILIES BY:

Adding more everyday medicines to the PBS and life saving medicines including for Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Leukaemia.

Reducing out of pocket costs for X-Rays, ultrasounds, MRI’s and other scans to improve diagnosis and treatments.

Funding two new medical research centres for Diabetes and Heart Disease.

Investing in critical front-line mental health services like Lifeline, Headspace, Kids Helpline and Beyond Blue.

Securing 150 million doses of the COVID19 vaccine to protect Australians and help our neighbouring countries. The vaccine will be voluntary and free for all Australians.

Julian SIMMONDS MP

Federal Member for Ryan

Phone: 3378 1599 Email: Julian.Simmonds.MP@aph.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/JulianSimmondsMP Authorised by J. Simmonds, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 188 Moggill Road, Taringa QLD 4068.

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 7

Meet The Gap State High's 2021 Student Leaders The Gap State High school Leadership model is run on a financial year calendar from July of one year to June of the next. This allows for mentoring of the incoming leaders by the current student leaders in both the Junior and Senior school and allows for the year 12 Seniors to step back from leadership responsibilities to support them in their academic journey.

The School Captains for 2020-2021, Daniel Quill, Tyler Dimock, Tahlia Ruhle and Nicholas Walsh truly embody the values of The Gap State High School: Thinking Big, Stepping Up, Paying it Forward and Being Kind.

From their work last year, in a year like no other, to their continued commitment in 2021 and their vision of celebrating perspective, kindling engagement and connecting authentically we are extremely proud of these capable young people and excited to see what the future holds for them.

Amanda Ross - Student leadership Coordinator

School Captains 2020-2021 Nicholas Walsh

I have enjoyed every moment of this great opportunity as a School Captain and am very lucky to be taking part in this role with three other amazing captains.

My goal coming into school leadership was to help create an environment where all students felt comfortable and able to speak up, and I am incredibly excited to continue working with my peers to better The Gap community. Our executive team have overcome so much in the past 6 months alone, and I am incredibly proud to have been a part of it. At the beginning of our leadership journey, the four of us were all equally motivated to get started, we quickly learned that our different personalities

would actually become one of our greatest qualities as a team, and become an integral component in our teamwork.

My love for humour and a good laugh I believe, have resinated with others within our team and helped create a more comfortable and approachable environment. We are all incredibly excited to continue working toward a greater Gap community and leaving an authentic and engaged legacy for future leaders to come.

Tahlia Ruhle It is an honour to be one of The Gap State High School’s four School Captains. As a team, we are dedicated to being a captaincy of change, and authentically engaging the school. As an individual, I am passionate about making people feel seen and appreciated, and I would love for this to be my legacy! Recently we held a Welcome Week event that helped to promote all of the wonderful activities, opportunities, and clubs at The Gap State High School. Whilst this was a great event, it was also special to be able to work together with all members of the school, from admin to the groundsmen to new Year 7 students, I enjoyed getting to celebrate all these different people essential to our school.

One of my favourite sayings is “What you give, you will get”, and I think this applies to leadership as much as any other aspect of life. I love giving to my school community, and I always feel so blessed when I get to see the school thrive as a small part of what I have done.

Daniel Quill I currently have the privilege of serving as School Captain at The Gap State High School. As a leader, my biggest goal is ensuring student voices are heard. I believe this to be an integral component of our mission statement to ‘connect authentically.’ Personally, I also want to create long-lasting change, and I believe now is the perfect time to revitalise old systems, and create new

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 8

Tahlia Ruhle, Daniel Quill, Tyler Dimock and Nicholas Walsh

ways of working which benefit students. Whilst I’m only half-way through my term as Captain, I am exceptionally proud of the Leadership Team’s achievements, such as the revitalisation of school spirit through the creation of eight new sporting houses, and the celebration of the many and diverse opportunities offered at the school through our Welcome Week expo.

As Captain the legacy I wish to leave is one of integrity, openness, and human connection. It is my sincerest hope that, through my example as a school leader, a culture can be created at The Gap, which encourages peers to support each other, and always be willing to give their time and effort so that others may flourish. On a more personal note, whilst my hidden talents so far remain hidden even from myself, I’ve been told my solo rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody is both perplexing and strangely enthralling. To finish, a quote I’ve found most motivating is a line from the Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius. From the fifth book of his Meditations, he writes: “The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Tyler Dimock My name is Tyler, and I am honoured to be one of The Gap

State High School’s Captains.

Personally, my goal whilst carrying out this position is to create a more inclusive and positive school environment whilst improving the quality of companionship between all students. As a team, we are dedicated to fulfilling our ambition to create a larger community in the school. At the beginning of our journey as Captains we contrived an acronym, CAKE that represents our aspirations. This was to Connect Authentically and Kindle Engagement.

Personally, I am beyond proud of our team’s efforts and results in the first half of our journey.

Recently we had the school’s annual Valentine’s Day. Getting the whole school together to celebrate this holiday and participate in the exciting activities we had to offer. While seeming insignificant, I believe it met our goals of kindling engagement and connecting authentically, so that was a win for us. When I think about a leadership legacy, I want to leave the school community ‘better than where we found it’ and lead by example that ideas are limitless and you just need to believe in your team and try. I like to be reminded of the powerful quote, ‘do what you can, with what you have, where you are.’ Be grateful for every opportunity that arises and make the most out of everything, regardless how big or small.

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

Lord Mayor's Australia Day Awards

(Continued from page 3)

Walk for Awareness encourages mental wellness through participation, movement and the sharing of experiences. The event helps spread awareness and break the taboo around suicide, allowing people to grieve their lost loved ones, but also to celebrate life and support the family and friends around them. It also fund raises for the Mental Awareness Foundation to fund programs that are making a difference on the front line of mental health issues.

Through the efforts of Tudor and Wesley, this event has grown from 120 people in 2010 to 3200 in 2019. Due to COVID-19, this year saw a massive increase in people facing mental health challenges so this event became more important than ever. Tudor and Wesley pivoted the event to run virtually as well, and 400 people around Australia participated in addition to the 1474 who attended the COVID-safe event in Captain Burke Park.

“I’ve volunteered for 6 years now and today I had a conversation with a stranger about how this event saved his life. He was suicidal and came along looking for a reason to live and the reason he found was community. He was not alone. I was so touched and in that moment it validated the importance of the Mental Awareness Foundation and the work they do.” – Nominator The recipients of the 2021 Lord Mayor's Awards were: Citizen of the Year - Dorami Keyt; Joint Senior Citizens of the Year - Alexander Garlin and Ronald Ward;Young Citizen of the Year - Laki Keramidas; Community Event of the Year - Le Festival; Australia Day Cultural/Arts Award

Cr Steven Toomey, Tudor Vasile, Ms Raewyn Bailey, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Wesley Vasile and Mrs Isabella Vasile, Tudor and Wesley’s mother

- William (Keith) Bouchard; Australia Day Sports Award Noela Duncan; Corporate Citizen of the Year - Arthur Liu; Green Heart Award - Leo Lee; Australia Day Achievement Awards; Andrew Darbyshire; Carolyn Robinson; Daniel Whelan; Gerry Barry AM; Gordon Letford; Graeme Smith; Jason Mayweather; Karen Robinson; Mai Nguyen-Tu; Mandy Shaw; Melinda Carey; Michael Ma; Norman Shrubsole; Paul Lucas; Robert Innes 2020 Spirit of Brisbane Award Alastair Tomkins; The Hut Environmental and Community Association; Tudor and Wesley Vasile

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The Western Echo March 2021 Page 9

Homebuilder Supporting Construction Jobs and Backing Home Renovations and New Builds in Ryan

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP and the Federal Member for Ryan, Mr Julian Simmonds MP visited Upper Kedron in the Ryan electorate recently to observe the success of the HomeBuilder initiative in the local community.

Minister Sukkar and

Mr Simmonds visited two new builds in Upper Kedron which have both received $25,000 HomeBuilder grants.

Lloyd Payne, the General Manager of Fresh Homes was delighted to highlight the success of the Morrison Government’s initiative to Minister Sukkar and Mr Simmonds.

Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP (left) General Manager of Fresh Homes, Mr Lloyd Payne (middle) Federal Member for Ryan, Mr Julian Simmonds MP (right)

Steve Froggatt Bathroom Renovation Specialists

• All work completed by Qualified Tradesmen • 40 Years Experience

Ph: 3863 3089 or

0402 730 177 QBCC Lic No. 1177107

www.stevefroggatt.com.au stevefroggatt@hotmail.com The Western Echo March 2021 Page 10

“Before the HomeBuilder grant, our business was d e c i d e d l y d o w n . I t ’s [HomeBuilder] really given us a boost,” Mr Payne said.

“We’ve noticed a change in the buyer’s profile for our company. There’s nothing better than helping a first homeowner get into their first new home.”

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP said the HomeBuilder initiative continues to support jobs and deliver for tradies as it has throughout the course of the pandemic.

“The HomeBuilder program has supported up to a million people who are employed in the residential construction industry. Businesses just like Fresh Homes, who employ everyone from bricklayers to roofers to carpenters and everyone in between have benefited from this targeted stimulus,” Minister Sukkar said.

“HomeBuilder has seen sites like these in the Ryan electorate popping up all over the country, supporting local communities and creating jobs.”

The Federal Member for Ryan, Mr Julian Simmonds MP is passionate about supporting young families to buy their first home.

“COVID-19 has caused a great deal of uncertainty for all Australians. The Morrison Government’s HomeBuilder program has boosted the construction industry and created jobs to support our economy.”

“It has also provided the confidence local homeowners need to build or renovate their home,” Mr Simmonds said.

“I am so proud to be part of the Morrison Government that continues to support jobs and deliver for young families across Australia as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Morrison Government’s HomeBuilder program has played an instrumental role in guaranteeing the financial viability of the construction industry while assisting Australian households with home renovations and new builds.

The HomeBuilder initiative is just one of several measurers the Morrison Government has taken to create jobs and secure the lives and livelihoods of Australians as our economy recovers from COVID-19.

Applications for the HomeBuilder initiative are still open and you can find out more information about the grant at treasury.gov.au

Are your GUTTERS ready for the storm season?

Don’t risk your safety by climbing on your roof!

Call Maurie on 0407

737 400

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

Probus Club of The Gap We have experienced a flush of new members as the lockdowns eases, and who could blame them, considering what the club has to offer?

The bus trip to Tamborine (a free promotion by Fun-OverFifty, much appreciated) saw members divide their attention between the craft items, the chocolate, and the distillery. All choices could be defended!

The general meeting in February heard an important and interesting message from police Sgt Sue Walsh on local patterns of crime and the best ways of protecting yourself.

It seems the predominant crime in The Gap at present is the sneak theft of small valuables, and most especially car keys, from obvious spots in unlocked houses. Don’t just put the car keys down on a table right inside the front door – hide them away just a little bit to make the thief search: they will soon give up in their anxiety to be away quickly.

This talk proved to be a bit of a family affair, because Sgt Walsh is the daughter of long-standing members Bob and Julie Rowe. A timely reminder that Police are people too – and a reminder of what a small world Brisbane is, especially The Gap. The club program for the year includes more outings, dine-outs, guest speakers and small social events. If you are interested in joining Probus, or just giving it a try, we would welcome your enquiry. Just call our Membership Officer Rhoda on 0409 484 219. Places are available – no waiting list – and we’d love to put you on the mailing list and include you in the clubbishness!

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Talk to us today 07 3463 0500 MortgageChoice.com.au/stuart.pullar Unit 3, 229 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove

Stuart Pullar: 0414 408 535 stuart.pullar@mortgagechoice.com.au Gary Rowe: 0406 969 932 gary.rowe@mortgagechoice.com.au

Mortgage Choice Limited ACN 009 161 979. Australian Credit Licence 382869.

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 11

Qld Choir Breaks the Sound Barrier

After a year of silence, Q u e e n s l a n d ’s l o n g e s t e s t a b l i s h e d c h o i r, t h e Queensland Choir, is set for a resounding return to Brisbane stages in 2021 with a string of performances and a call for new members as it gears up for its 150th anniversary celebrations next year.

The Queensland Choir’s musical director Kevin Power said the choir had a rich history as one of Australia’s oldest musical organisations, dating back to 1872, and had performed regularly except when two world epidemics – COVID and Spanish flu - just over a century apart had temporarily silenced its singers. “ A s Q u e e n s l a n d ’s longest-standing original choir, we are old enough to have survived the 1919 Spanish flu epidemic as well as the current COVID crisis,” Mr Power said.

“Spanish flu ravaged large Queensland,” Mr Power said. parts of Europe and the rest of “This led to new regulations the world from mid-1918, but from May 9 which forced members of the Queensland the closure of most public Choir started the new year buildings, and restricted optimistically, hoping that the numbers involved in they would welcome back in indoor activities, including 1919 ‘many members who church services. Rehearsals had been serving the Empire for the choir’s first concert in France or Palestine, and of the year were abandoned who might somewhat assist and the concert ‘postponed in restoring the balance of indefinitely’. The epidemic voices’ - not surprisingly spread rapidly throughout they had been rather short of Queensland but also quite male voices during WW1,” quickly subsided and the Mr Power said. strict regulations were lifted “But the first cases in in early July 1919, which Australia were reported in allowed the Choir to resume January 1919 in Sydney and regular practices. Their first Melbourne, and as in 2020, concert of the year was a Queensland closed its borders performance of Coleridge immediately – and many Taylor’s Hiawatha’s Wedding Queenslanders got caught Feast on September 23, 1919, in the Exhibition Concert in NSW. Hall which we now know as “All ships arriving the Old Museum Building.” were quarantined and this Mr Power said the kept the epidemic at bay until early May when the choir now would welcome keen toW be part of its – 175mm H x 120mm first cases Half werepage reported in singers 2021 season, with concerts

including Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living (May 14), the ever popular Best of Broadway (Sep 4 & 5) at Twelfth Night Theatre, Bowen Hills, and Brisbane Sings Messiah (Dec 5) at City Hall.

“The Queensland Choir is currently auditioning for new members, with vacancies in all sections, and we’re a friendly group who rehearse each week at New Farm. We also offer free membership to people under the age of 26,” Mr Power said.

To find out about joining, see www.qldchoir.com or phone 3257 0489.

Quote of the Day I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.

- Thomas Jefferson

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Just 20 minutes from The Gap

www.emergencyBNE.com.au The Western Echo March 2021 Page 12

627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap

by Mitch Koroloff - President The Club will commence selling tickets in the Rotary Easter Raffle at the Gap Village Shopping Centre on Thursday 4th March. We will be selling on Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week until Saturday afternoon 27th March.

The prize will be the very popular trolley full with Easter goodies etc. for all the family. The Easter Raffle will be drawn on Thursday 1st. April.

This is the Centenary Year of Rotary in Australia and to mark the occasion The Rotary Club of Ashgrove/TheGap with the co-operation if Mount St. Michaels College, will be installing a Rotary Peace Pole in the grounds of the College to mark the Centenary. The Interact Club at the College is a very pro-active club and joins with the Club on several occasions throughout the year.

On behalf of our club members I wish you all a safe and Happy Easter - make sure to stop by and visit our members at The Gap Village Shopping Centre and get your tickets in the raffle for your chance to win the 2021 Easter Raffle!

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

Have you ever wanted to sing in a group?

Do you love to sing?

Have you ever wanted to sing in a Choir?

Would you like to perform in Brisbane’s major concert venues?

With professional soloists and orchestras?

JOIN the Queensland Choir for its 2021 Choral Season?

Auditions are being held NOW! Ring 0491 682 552 for details and to arrange a time.

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 13

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club Supporting our youth Recently there has been a debate going on in the media regarding youth crime. This is a serious issue and the debate is warranted but at the same time it is this minority of young people involved in crime who tarnish the reputation of our youth in general. Therefore it is fantastic when you have to have the opportunity to see that the majority of our young people are good, law-abiding citizens, striving to reach their full potential.

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions club is currently actively supporting and encouraging the youth of today in two very different ways. The first is by our on-going support of the All Abilities Cricket

program run by Valley’s Cricket, here in Ashgrove.

This free program is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 19 who have an intellectual disability, most of whom have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It offers these young people the opportunity to be part of a team as well as the chance to develop their skills in cricket. This is an amazing program and the benefit of it is best summed up in the words of one of the older participants of the program who stated that it was the first time he had had the opportunity to wear a team shirt and be part of a team.

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

Hollingworth &L Spencer W E ills and states awyers The Gap Professional Centre, 6/23 Glenaffric Street, The Gap

Our Wills & Estates team has expertise in:

• Advice on Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney & Advance Health Directives • Advice on Testamentary Trust • Estate Administration & Family Provision Claims Contact Adam Robinson or Sue Hobbs

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 14

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club are supporting the All Abilities Cricket program run by Valley's District Cricket Club , open to all children between 5 and 19 years of age who have an intellectual disability

The second is the Lions national program, Youth of the Year, which has been part of our annual events since the mid 1960’s, This aim of this program is to encourage and assist our future leaders to develop their skills associated with such things as interview technique, personal interaction, networking, and public speaking. The Youth of the Year program is tailored to students of our local secondary schools who are nearing the end of their schooling before they go on to further education or employment. This year we have six students participating and the winner of our club final will have the opportunity

to proceed through the other levels of competition and the chance to become our state representative in the national finals to be held in May. We wish all of the participants the very best of luck!

Both of these worthwhile programs emphasizes the diversity of the activities that Ashgrove/The Gap Lions club are involved in regarding our youth and each one, in its own way, makes our members remember what being a Lion is all about….supporting organisations and people in our local community. If you would like more information about what we do please contact: Liz Baldacchino: 0412471869.

Art in Bark Assoc.

Is open at City Hall for workshop on every Monday from 1st March –29th March 9am - 11am in the basement.

Skylarkers at Inala on Thursday 11th March & 25th March 9am –11.30 am.

Nundah Apostolic Church Hall, Saturday 6th March, 9.30am Monthly Meeting first, and workshop afterwards .

Bark Workshop at Nundah Hall On Saturday 20th March 9.30 am –11.30am Come and Join us at our Workshops and learn to do a bark picture!

Toowoomba Show 16th 17th 18th April.

Wonderful Display of Bark work from the bark or paper bark off Melaleuca Tree It looks like the EKKA will be on in August this year.

For more info Joy M. 0407 178 064 – Barbara 3271 2130 – Hazel M. 0408 157 117 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Diagnosis, Diagnosis, Diagnosis When it comes to lumps on and under the skin of our pets, just “keeping an eye on it” may be a sensible approach if the mass is benign.

But therein lies the problem. While some lumps can be identified as benign based on their appearance, location and “feel”, others are nondescript and potentially malignant or invasive.

The older our pets become, the more lumps and bumps they develop. To make matters more complicated, some malignant masses may behave in a benign fashion for months or years, but then quickly spread to other organs (metastasis) or become so large at their site of origin that they begin to cause a functional problem. Early surgical intervention in these cases will usually be curative.

My university lecturer in dermatology used to say that there were only three rules when it came to lumps and bumps – “Diagnosis, Diagnosis, Diagnosis”.

So how can we be sure about the nature of a lump? Fortunately, the identity of most of masses located on, in or under the skin can be revealed by performing a non-invasive procedure known as a fine needle aspirate biopsy. Most often this can be performed without the use of sedation or anaesthesia, and causes very little discomfort. Cells from the mass are harvested via a fine needle and spread on a microscope slide, air dried and stained for microscopic examination.

If there is any uncertainty, the smears can be sent to a Veterinary Pathologist for a specialist opinion. Occasionally this biopsy procedure is unhelpful and a very small piece of the tumour needs to be removed and sent to a pathologist. This is known as an incisional biopsy, and often requires sedation or general anaesthesia.

Lumpy pet? A stitch in time saves nine.

Regards, Scott, Connie and the TGVS Team

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

Phone: 3300 1533 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 15

Housekeeper/Carer Needed in The Gap Our family needs a diligent, trustworthy person to look after our aged but mobile father in his private home at The Gap.

Proposed development of the former Ashgrove Methodist Church Complex

We are looking for someone who is: • a genuinely caring and respectful person, • experienced in caring for an aged person, • able to have a good chat, and • able to provide referees/references.

Duties will include the usual housekeeping tasks, as well as personal care tasks, including ensuring his medications are taken, medical appointments kept and his personal hygiene is maintained.

Our initial requirement is 4 to 6 hours most days, with a live-in option possible.

If you are interested and meet the criteria above, please contact Kate on 0408 883 403 by 19 March 2021 for more information.

ANTA Member

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

I

A development application is before Brisbane City Council regarding the demolition of the former Ashgrove Methodist Churches at 30 Ashgrove Avenue. The proposal is to build a childcare centre and café on the site (intersection of Ashgrove Avenue, Devoy Street and Holmesbrook Street). Written support or objection to the proposed development can be made via the BCC website: Planning and Building/Guidelines and Tools/developmenti/Location search (30 Ashgrove Avenue)/ Application Number: A005625546 click on ‘details’/click on ‘make a submission’ (in box on the right). Please contact Cr Toomey’s office if you need assistance.

Queensland Heritage Register application An application for entry in the Queensland Heritage Register for the former Ashgrove Methodist Church Complex has been submitted (HRN 650267). A copy of the application can be viewed until 18 March at the Queensland Government website: environment/land/heritage. Click on Heritage Places.

Scroll down to Queensland Heritage Register/more/QHR applications. Written submissions about the application, on the basis that this place either does or does not satisfy the cultural heritage criteria must be received by the Executive Officer, Heritage Branch by close of business on 19 March 2021. Email: heritage@des.qld.qld.gov.au

my job.

We are recruiting!

Consider joining our In-Home Support team.

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communify.org.au/join-us The Western Echo March 2021 Page 16

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

Ashgrove Historical Society Inc. The Grove Estate Methodist Church – Ashgrove’s first church

The first estate to be established in Ashgrove was the Grove Estate. The development of the Grove Estate in the late 1880s led to a Sunday School being established by members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1889. Initially the Sunday School met at a home in Holmesbrook Street and services for the residents were held in a tent. By late 1891, the Grove Estate Methodist Church congregation had purchased a small timber church and relocated it from Red Hill to Harry Street using a team of horses.

The Grove Estate Methodist Church was the only church building in Ashgrove for over thirty years. It was not only used for services and Sunday School but was in demand for community activities. In 1918 the church was moved from Harry Street to a more prominent position on Three Mile Scrub Road (Ashgrove Avenue). A small hall was added to the rear of the building for social purposes.

After the end of WW2, the congregation considered replacing the 65 year-old timber church with a new building.

However, West Ashgrove Methodist Church was a priority as the congregation had outgrown their small hall. A substantial brick church was opened at West Ashgrove in 1953.

The Ashgrove Methodist Church congregation wanted to move away from traditional church architecture. Architect, James Gibson, from Cross & Bain designed the new church.

The building was based on an A-frame form which was unusual for a church in Brisbane and Queensland at that time.

It was also different in other ways. a) The roofline was sloped not straight, pointing heavenward without a traditional spire or tower; b) The ends of the building were not perpendicular to the ground, but angled outwards 5 degrees and, c) The building was sited sidewards with the main entrance not facing the street. In so doing, the views of the building were maximised with its dynamic roof form being visible from Waterworks Road and along Ashgrove Avenue.

The new Ashgrove Methodist Church was opened on 8 April 1962, becoming the Ashgrove Uniting Church in 1977 after the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia. The old timber church was relocated to the rear of the property. It was put on concrete stumps and had two levels, with rooms underneath. Some remodelling of the upper level allowed the creation of backstage and kitchen areas. The hall was used for various activities including Sunday School. It was also used by community groups and the Ashgrove Dance Studio has been a tenant since 1980.

The Ashgrove Uniting Church was used by the congregation for regular worship until 2010 when the congregation closed.

The church was converted into office space and is currently occupied by staff from Wesley Mission Queensland Family Day Care.

Information courtesy of Dr Thom Blake – Heritage Consultant

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

YOUR LOCAL BUSHLAND RETREAT 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 2021 Page 17

BECAUSE YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH IS VITAL

...it matters where you go FAMILY PRACTICE & SKIN CANCER CLINIC

Our team of doctors and health professionals provide you with ongoing and comprehensive medical care.

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

Cnr Settlement & Samford Roads,

Keperra Phone: 3351 0323 www.keperrafamilypractice.com.au

LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE EVERY DAY EAT TO NOURISH YOUR BODY EXERCISE FOR FUN AND FITNESS Personal Training Studio For All Bodies All Ages All Abilities and All Sizes

Call Belinda 0403 085 640 803 Waterworks Rd The Gap The Western Echo March 2021 Page 18

“Per Adua ad Astra” — Through Hard Work to the Stars On 31 March we celebrate the Anniversary of the formation of the RAAF, the second oldest air force in the world In the Memorial Garden in The Gap there are inscribed the names of three local servicemen who gave their lives for their country. One is that of Warrant Officer (AG) Arthur Edward CHAPMAN, RAAF who was killed in action on 28 May 1943.

He was 25 years of age.

He was the son of Wilfred Knight Chapman and Alma Chapman, both of Ashgrove and would have been familiar with The Gap – at one stage his father worked in a local dairy near the present state school His mother Alma Chapman, died in the same year, 1943, aged 56. Perhaps she died from a broken heart at the loss of her son. She may have taken comfort that just before Arthur was shot down, his Squadron ( No 100 Sqn RAAF ) took part in the famous humanitarian Operation Manna, dropping desperately needed supplies to the starving Dutch in The Hague . Alma lies buried in the Toowong Cemetery Arthur is far from The Gap now. He lies buried in the Wonseradeel Protestant Churchyard in the Netherlands (row 36, grave 17 if you are ever visiting).

The churchyard surrounds the church itself, which is in the centre of the village. Far from home but not forgotten, his grave still tenderly cared for.

If you are an insomniac and awake at 3.43 am on Sunday 16 May,. spare a thought for Arthur Chapman because at precisely that time his name will be projected onto the exterior of the Australian War Memorial Hall of Memory .

We Will Remember HIM Tragically , Arthur Chapman is but one of the many Australian members of the RAAF who made the supreme sacrifice in World War Two. A staggering 3486 Australian Airmen died in Bomber Command Operations in Europe and further 3342 members of the RAAF died in the southwest Pacific in WW11 We Will Remember Them ALL

ANZAC Day- Back to Normal Queensland’s Chief medical Officer has authorised a return to normal ANZAC Day celebrations , always subject of course to change due to unforeseen circumstances .

Based on previous years the proposed program will be : Dawn Service : Memorial Gardens Glenaffric St, The Gap Assemble 5.30 for 5.40 am start ANZAC Day March : Assemble The Gap State High School (lower gate ) Assemble 8.50 for 9.15 march off.

ANZAC Day Celebration Memorial Gardens The Gap following the March More details will be provided in the April edition of the Western Echo Lest We Forget website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Brighter Future with Better Hearing Information technology specialist, Bruce Eagle is one of the two-thirds of Australians who will suffer from tinnitus at some point in their life.

Frustrated with the constant ringing in his ears and a mild but increasingly noticeable hearing loss, Bruce, aged 63, turned to Hear and Say in Ashgrove for a hearing test.

Now fitted with hearing aids specifically matched to his type of hearing loss and day-to-day needs, Bruce said he had already noticed a difference in the few months since wearing them.

“Beforehand people appeared to be mumbling in conversations, whereas I can now better understand words in both quiet and noisy environments, and my tinnitus isn’t worsening,” said Bruce.

“Going through Hear and Say meant that I could

be assured that they were independent and not aligned with any particular manufacturers, meaning my hearing aids really are best meeting my needs. They are also so small that they’re hardly noticeable when I’m wearing them.”

Once traditionally known for its work with babies, Hear and Say has since expanded its hearing services to include adults. Any surplus from the program is directed back into Hear and Say’s charitable work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“Hearing loss can occur at any age, at any time – and it’s often family and friends who notice first,” said Hear and Say audiologist, Georgia Cambridge.

Georgia said it was common for clients to feel hesitant about taking that first step in having their hearing checked, and added many

were also unaware of the modern features available w i t h t o d a y ’s h e a r i n g technology options.

“Not being tied to any one manufacturer means that when someone visits Hear and Say, they can be assured that we will match the most appropriate type of hearing technology with their hearing loss, lifestyle and goals,” said Georgia.

“There are also a lot of new features in hearing aids that people may not be aware of including Bluetooth streaming, rechargeability and tinnitus relief technology.”

Bruce, with a selfconfessed enthusiasm for all things technology and computing, was one such client who had been previously unaware of just

how far hearing aids had come. He noted that he loved the Bluetooth capabilities of his new hearing devices, enabling him to stream phone calls and even the radio straight from his smartphone.

Having now been through the experience of getting hearing aids himself, Bruce encouraged others to take that first step with a hearing test no matter how hesitant they may feel.

“It’s actually been a pleasure to work with Hear and Say and overall a lovely experience that I’d happily recommend to others,” said Bruce.

“My advice to others is to stop procrastinating, go get your hearing checked and then consider your options – and do it through Hear and Say!”

What’s that?

Struggling to hear your loved ones?

Hearing services for all ages.

• Hearing tests, hearing aids, tinnitus support and more • Unbiased advice, independent from all hearing aid manufacturers • Not-for-profit supporting charity work with children

07 3850 2111 | hearandsay.com.au 29 Nathan Ave, Ashgrove Qld 4060

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 19

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR QUALITY CHILDCARE? WE HAVE PLACES AVAILABLE!

For bookings: www.dcu.onetree.org.au For enquiries or assistance call 1800 270640

One Tree Defence Childcare Unit

Enoggera

Look no further and contact us at the One Tree Defence Childcare Unit.

We provide an inclusive and safe environment where your child can explore and develop.

To book a tour call (07) 3354 4633

Operating Hours: Mon – Fri: 6.30am – 5.30pm.

We are closed on public holidays and two weeks over Christmas.

Address: 10 Taurama Street, Enoggera, QLD, 4051

Phone: (07) 3354 4633

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 20

Mobile: 0455 880 344

A little bit of harmony goes a long way!

Always wanted to sing in a choir? Well 2021 might be the year! The benefits of singing are long lasting and Brisbane based choir, Voices of Birralee, has just announced its Harmony Week Open Rehearsals and Signature Choir Previews to give young people a musical taster of what it’s like to sing in a choir.

On the 17, 18 and 20 March, Voices of Birralee will host Open Rehearsals to celebrate Harmony Week as well as give primary schoolers a chance to experience how the Birralee training process begins.

Signature Choir Previews will also be available in March to allow more experienced singers a no obligation view of how a signature ensemble works and the performance opportunities available.

Previews are available for Brisbane Birralee Voices (secondary schoolers), the Birralee Blokes (changed male voices) and Resonance of Birralee (young adults aged 18-35).

“Harmony Week is about spreading the message of ‘everyone belongs’ and at Birralee we achieve this by learning music from different parts of the world – singing is a universal language and there are so many reasons to sing. Singing increases selfesteem, provides a sense of

belonging, enhances memory and boosts overall mental and physical wellbeing”, said Voices of Birralee’s newly appointed Artistic Director, Paul Holley OAM. “Singing is the perfect musical outlet as the voice is something you carry with you always and being part of a choir allows singers to do what they love within the safety of a group environment”, stated Mr Holley.

Mr Holley added that “ u n f o r t u n a t e l y, c h o r a l singing was deeply impacted during COVID, however as an organisation, Voices of Birralee was able to adapt to online rehearsals until it was safe to resume in person and also able to stage our end of year concert in November in both digital and live formats.

This shows the determination and resilience of our singers and staff to keep doing what they love and provide that sense of belonging for our Birralee community”.

Pre-registration for the Harmony Week Open Rehearsals or Signature Choir Previews is a must so please visit www.birralee.org to register. Calls and emails are also welcome 3367 1001 or contact@birralee.org After their trial session, people who sign up to Voices of Birralee by Wednesday 31 March, will go into a draw for a free term of tuition fees.

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

There’s a new “kid” in town...

Shoppers at The Gap Village Shopping Centre have been thrilled to discover a wonderful new addition to their shopping choices.

Angel & Bear officially opened in January 2021 offering a delectable range of freshly made authentic French patisseries, chocolates, a scrumptious breakfast and lunch menu and fabulous Coffex coffee – who were the first coffee roasters in Melbourne in 1959 and are still one of the most highly acclaimed coffee providore.

Angel & Bear is the newest restaurant owned by Daniel and Phy, who are delighted to have been so warmly welcomed to The Gap community.

Daniel Martin, born in Belgium (just a few years ago), did his patisserie apprenticeship in Belgium before emigrating to America, Canada and Mexico to pursue his culinary path. Over his long and impressive career, Daniel has worked in New South Wales, Perth, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and more recently at La Cremaillere in Fernberg Road Paddington - 12 restaurants Australia-wide.

Following Brisbane’s Expo ‘88 where he was inspired by a farming presentation & display, Daniel spent two and a half months in Holland to learn all he could about mushroom farming, then returned to Australia and set up a hugely successful specialist mushroom farm at Stanthorpe.

But his heart lay in his artisnal baking and has seen his

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

return to patisserie - luckily for us at The Gap! Since opening Angel & Bear The Gap, Daniel and Phy have attracted a loyal customer base which is increasing as word spreads about all that is on the ever evolving menu.

Breakfast and brunch favourites include their Bacon & Eggs, Chocolate Croissants and tarts of ever conceivable concoction. Phy’s Cambodian heritage adds an exotic Asian flare to the menu with amazing curries available for lunch, supper or dinner, dine-in or takeaway. According to Daniel, Phy makes a “mean curry”!

Open from 7am to 5pm 7 days a week, and open until 7pm on Thursday evenings, coming menu additions include Moussaka, Seafood Lasagne, Frittata, Minute Steak and Quiche. Supper (early dinner) is available from 4pm daily and Daniel & Phy are looking forward to launching their “All Day Mussels” (according to Daniel, “Brussels makes the BEST mussels!) on Thursdays and on Fridays, an authentic Spanish Paella.

For those with a fondness for the sweeter options, the tarts, slices and choux pastries, along with home-made ice cream and superb chocolates will definitely hit your ‘sweet spot’!

Orders are also welcome for your catering needs – large tarts, serving 10-12 are becoming increasingly popular with locals, but make sure to get your order in – phone Karen on 0406 504 517 or order in store!

Daniel, Phy and the lovely staff at Angel & Bear The Gap look forward to seeing you soon.

Situated in The Gap Village Shopping Centre, at shop 24 (near Bargain City and the concourse leading towards Aldi and Loot Homewares).

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 21

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

Payne Road State School At Payne Road State School, we are growing creative, critical and curious learners who are capable of thriving in an evolving world.

We demonstrate our core values - Creativity, Celebration, Collaboration, Curiosity, Excellence There are many ways that our school culture embodies and promotes experiences, inside and beyond the classroom! Our students enjoy a modern STEAM room for inspiring Technology lessons, a lunch time club and preparation for competitions in the Science/Maths/Technology sphere. Our students have successfully competed in Brainways in 2020, winning the National Finals in the Years 1-3 category.

Other student enrichment opportunities are available through participation in Maths Tournament and Optiminds.

Another outstanding success in the STEAM area for our school this year was winning the 2021 CurioCity competition. We are one of three primary schools in Queensland where students have been successful bringing their winning ideas to life with the help of a technical maker.

We are proud to showcase our students’ amazing creativity at the 2021 World Science Festival.

T h i s y e a r, w e a r e working in partnership with GATEWAYS to host extension programs in English, Science and Maths throughout the year. This is providing a wonderful opportunity for students at our small school to extend their creativity with students from a range of schools who participate in the programs we host.

Our community values are very strong! We provide a playgroup for families with children in the 0-5 age group, each Tuesday morning during the school terms. We are involved in the Mt Coot-Tha Cluster Early Years Network and foster collaboration for a seamless transition to school with families coming into our school, our After School facilities and engaging with the school’s vibrant P&C. There are many ways that families are welcomed to contribute to the values and the work of our school.

Sustainability is a key factor to our identity. We host the regional Environmental Leaders’ Workshop in Term 3 of each year, supporting 10 schools to develop their awareness and create a plan for change back at their own school. Our students are inspired by Nature Day, where lessons in Maths, Science and Creative Writing are centred around the real world about them. Our leafy environment, outdoor learning areas, i n c l u d i n g Yu g a r i M u k , named in a ceremony in the (local) Turrbal language

by Maroochy Songwoman, provide many places for this authentic learning to take place.

Fifty years of education was marked in 2020, and we go forwards in a spirit of continuing the journey to bring opportunities for every child to experience inspired success, borne of their natural curiosity.

Nicky Brazzale – Principal

St Peter Chanel School As a community we have launched our 2021 theme Stronger Together. The theme was developed from ideas provided by our new Year 6 student leaders, when they contemplated their upcoming leadership roles at the end

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 22

Payne Road SS 2021 Student Leaders Nina, Sarah, Molly and Isaac pictured in the creative space Yugari Muk

of 2020. It reminds us that though we are many parts, we are all one body. The image of our 2021 theme calls for us to be united, and appreciate and benefit from our collective strength.

This year, with technology, we are continuing with our 1:1 device approach.

All children in Prep have access to iPads, whilst student in Years 1 - 2 have an iPad for their personal use. In Years 3 – 6, all students have a school-issued laptop, with those in Years 5 and 6 having the opportunity to take their device home on a regular basis. Additional iPads are also available for use by the Years 3 – 6 students. All children have been involved in device bootcamps, to assist them in understanding their responsibilities relating to care and use. Our teachers are very strategic in the use of technology, ensuring that it is used as a tool to assist learning rather than dominating the learning focus.

We have over 40 students from Year 4 who have nominated to join the Beginner Band program this year. To kickstart the program we have held a Band Camp, and several Senior Concert Band students (Harper, Emmy, Jessica, Cara, Mia, Jamison,

Sahara and Anneka) gave of their time and talent to assist Instrumental Music Teacher and Band Conductor, Mr Neil Wickham introduce the students to their instrument.

This included caring for and assembly instructions, learning the different parts, cleaning procedures, making core sounds and playing their first notes. There was even a mini concert as the morning concluded. These students are certainly are shaping up to be an enthusiastic group, with the promise of many entertaining performances to come.

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 sporting house. Congratulations to O’Donnell House, who took home the trophy on this occasion. Salutations are also extended to our Swimming Age Champions; 8 Years Girls - Nina J, Boys - Balthazar C; 9 Years Girls - Sienna P, Boys - Abe P; 10 Year Girls - Molly N, Boys - Spencer G; 11 Years Girls (Continued on page 23)

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

Principal's Points......

St Peter Chanel School (Contd.)

(Continued from page 22)

Jasmine W, Boys - Callum S 12 Years Girls - Jessica B, Boys - Will R. Prior to our own carnival, a number of our students nominated for the North West District Swimming Trials. Congratulations to Faelan O’C and Jasmine W who swam very well and to Marcella V E, Jessica B and Spencer G who have progressed to the North West District Swim Team.

On Thursday March 11, we will host our first Open Morning for potential new families to St Peter Chanel School. Other Open Day / Evening dates, at this stage include: Wednesday May 5, 9.00am and 5.00pm, Thursday June 3, 9.00am, Thursday August 26, 9.00am, Thursday October 28, 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 and view our contemporary facilities and spacious grounds. March 11 tours will be provided by our senior students and members of staff. Tours will depart the office at 9.00am. Please RSVP by phoning 3300 1202 or emailing pthegap@bne. catholic.edu.au .

Enrolment applications for Prep 2022 are now being accepted. Children born between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 are eligible to enrol. Interested families are invited to contact our school office should they have any enquiries or are seeking more information about what our school has to offer. Interviews for 2022 will be held March – May, then

later in the year depending on available places.

Margo Carwardine – Principal

The Gap State High School In 2021 we changed our house system- expanding our houses from 3 to 8, introducing Paterson, Irwin, Hollows, Blackburn, Cowan, Mabo, Goolagong, Freeman and retired Rigel, Orion and Antares. The aim of the new house system is to provide a system holistic of all learners therefore including sporting, academic and artistic endeavours. The names, colours and totems for each house were chosen by the students. Points are awarded for Academic Excellence, Approach to Learning, Cultural activities and School Values.

Enrolments for Year 7 2022 are now being accepted, on Thursday 11 March we will have our first interview night where students who are enrolled will have an opportunity for a school tour.

The enrolment pack can be found on our website on the following link: https:// thegapshs.eq.edu.au/ enrolments/enrolling-at-ourschool.

On Monday 8 February we held our Scholars Assembly where some of Year 12 students from 2020 received commendations for their fantastic achievements last year. Hannah Kenway was presented with the Dux award for her ATAR rank of 99.95%. Hannah is one of 30 students in Queensland to achieve this incredible outcome. The students spoke to our senior students and offered some very wise tips on the best ways to tackle the ATAR and how to reach their goals.

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

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

Online lessons available via ‘FaceTime' or ‘Zoom'

ph: 3166 8353 Mob: 0409 204128

more info on: www.thegappianostudio.com We had our swimming carnival in February, it was such a great day, lots of sunshine and smiling faces.

The students supported and cheered on their fellow mates.

Freeman House took out the honours becoming the house to win the first sporting event under our new house system.

Our excavation work is continuing for our new e x t e n s i o n . We h o p e t o see some sort of footprint appearing by the end of February.

Anne McLauchlan – Principal

The Gap State School After a very calm and positive start to the school year we are well and truly into the rhythm of school routines each week.

At this time I am particularly proud of our students’ behaviour. Students have reconnected with friends from last year while remaining open to new friendships with students who have just enrolled at our school this year. It is an absolute pleasure to observe the play taking place each day whether it be on the oval, the handball courts or any number of break out play spaces available. Senior students are already supporting many of our Prep students in the playground and looking out for those who need help to find a friend. There is much to learn in the playground environment and students

of The Gap State School are practicing kindness, generosity and compassion in their interactions. Our students are well-mannered and thoughtful and show great respect to their peers and teachers alike.

On the 11th of February, 15 of our students participated in the North West District swimming trials. Physical Education teacher, Mrs Lisa Beasley spoke highly of the group and acknowledge their exemplary behaviour and team spirit.

Well done to all students who participated in the trials – Isla, Elliott, Fletcher, Isabel, Charlotte, Alex, Lily, Aden, Isaac, Laura, Adalita, Lachlan, Evalina, Sienna and Sophie.

Congratulations also to the eight students who were selected for the North West Districts swimming team to compete at the Met North trials – Fletcher, Isabel, Charlotte, Alex, Aden, Isaac, Laura and Evalina.

Warm regards, Joanne Nicholls - Principal

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The Western Echo March 2021 Page 23

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www.innessgreen.com.au The Western Echo March 2021 Page 24

Settling in to the ‘new norm' at Ithaca Probus Club Whilst nothing will be quite the same again, Ithaca Probus Club kicked off the new year as near to normal as possible with the traditional Aussie Day BBQ. Our February general meeting featured an interesting talk on Consumer Rights by a person from the Dept of Fair trading. Activities at Ithaca Probus Club are continuing in line with all the now normal safety practices. Our AGM in March will be followed the next week by a lunch at the Grove Café in Ashgrove to welcome the new Management Committee.

Our book exchange table will be re-introduced in March. The cards group and the poetry group are each back to normal, holding meetings in members’ homes. In April we will have a talk from a club member on Elder Abuse, and our club’s day trips will resume. Throughout the shutdown the club had been welcoming new members, offsetting a few losses. Our monthly newsletters have been keeping members connected and are again carrying the usual round of club news. New members are always most welcome at our new meeting venue of the Red Hill Community Sports Club in Fulcher Road, Red Hill.

If you would like to give us a try, 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 please see our web site: www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/ithaca

The Gap Creative Inc. The Gap is home to an amazing assortment of artisans, from painters and potters, to photographers and woodworkers.

The Gap Creative Inc. was formed in 2020 as a way to unite our creative community. Local artists are supported by the incorporated group, benefitting from the shared experiences of a wide range of talent and experience. Our goal is to facilitate experiences for the greater community to enjoy, appreciate and celebrate the creative arts while enabling opportunities for our professional creatives to connect with our community.

Future events include a Gap Artisan Trail, workshops, gallery visits, demonstrations and much more.

Whether this is a full time business for you, or a part time passion, we’d love to have you on board. Please Join us for our official launch on Sunday, March 28th 1:00-4:00pm at the beautifully renovated Walkabout Creek Café. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival with nibbles while engaging with other local creatives. This event is open to the public and for anyone who would like to know more about who we are, what we are planning to do for our community and how you can get involved or become a member.

Tickets are $25 and can be booked via our website www. thegapcreative.com.au or $30 at the door. website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Brisbane Tramway Museum Tigers on the tracks News and views from the Brisbane Tramway Museum.

by David Fryer

Remember those wacky tiger tails hanging from fuel fillercaps? Probably not if you are sub-60, but younger readers may have seen revival tails hanging out at retro rallies in more recent times.

The ESSO tiger first appeared as a mascot in Norway around the turn of the 20th century, but the big stripy cat really took off in 1959 with the highly successful “Put a tiger in your tank” promotional campaign. The slogan was created

by Emery Smith, a young Chicago copywriter, and it quickly gained popularity around the world.

The tiger campaign was heavily promoted in TV commercials with catchy jingles, and Time magazine declared 1964 to be “The Year of the Tiger along Madison Avenue”.

By the mid-1960’s, ESSO service stations were awash with tacky ‘tigermobilia’: life-size cardboard tigers, giant inflatable tigers, menacing yellow tiger paw prints around bowsers, striped pump-hoses, and a myriad of kitsch plastic giveaways for every occasion. And if that wasn’t enough, there were even coin-operated tiger rides for kiddies and a 166-page hardback book on tiger trivia for die-hards.

Of course, trams had a taste for electricity, lots of it, so they had little appetite for petroliana (so called by collectors) ... or did they? The City of Brisbane had an advertising tramcar for motor vehicles and Ford climbed aboard in 1966 with a Cortina painted in all-over tiger stripes. There was even a bizarre inflated tiger at the wheel and a pair of potted shrubs for added effect. The Telegraph newspaper and ESSO joined forces to offer a Win a Cortina Competition with entry forms at ESSO Service Stations. The unlikely “Tiger Tram” - car number 140 (a ‘Dreadnought’) - roamed the streets of Brisbane for many years promoting everything from cars to furniture.

The tiger craze fizzled out with the early 1970’s oil crisis and the fate of the stripy Cortina is unknown. Conspicuous petrol consumption was out, but after a 27-year hiatus, the ESSO tiger was unleashed once again on a new generation of tiger enthusiasts. Sadly, trams were no longer a familiar sight in the streets of Brisbane. Most were scrapped after the devastating fire at the Paddington Depot, but tramcar 140 miraculously survived to earn a well-deserved retirement at

the Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove.

It would be nice to end this tiger tale on a happy note, but disaster struck in 2012 and the tram was tragically destroyed by a scrub fire. The coachbuilt timber body and hardwood chassis were toast and only a few rusty remnants of steel survive today.

You probably won’t see too many tigers at the Tramway Museum these days, but you can earn some valuable stripes by taking the kids for ride a ride on one of the amazing vintage trams. Now that would make a pretty wild tale for schoolies... © David Fryer - maximalist@bigpond.com Footnote: Exxon Mobil Corporation contributes U.S. $1 million a year to help conserve Asia’s remaining wild tiger population.

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

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

Term 2 2021

Begins Tuesday 19 April Please keep an eye on local schools during the holidays

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 25

Have you visited Yoorala St Community Garden?

Newmarket VIEW Club

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: 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

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. Annual General Meeting – 28 March 2021

The Society warmly invites members and friends to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 28 March from 2pm. Venue is the Enoggera Memorial Hall, with access via Trundle Street. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

For further enquiries, including how to join or get more involved with the Society, please call 0475 353 550. We are keen to bring some new people on board in 2021!

And remember, you can keep up-to-date with information about the Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. online by visiting our Facebook page or website at www. enoggerahistory.org Our local history display is also open to the public for viewing every Thursday morning from 9.30am to 1pm. Please feel free to drop in for a chat and a cuppa ?

Take care, everyone.

Andrew McMicking - President

Quote of the Day

You can never plan the future by the past.-Edmund Bourke The Western Echo March 2021 Page 26

Pam McGahey – nominated for New Year Honour, 2021 for her work with Early Childhood Education

‘Voice, Interests and Education of Women’ The Newmarket VIEW Club is part of a network of over 300 clubs and 15,000 women throughout Australia. Despite the challenges of last year, VIEW members were extremely creative when it came to staying connected – while socially distancing. They organised online fashion parades, facemask sewing bees, and Zoom social events, to name a few – all to raise money for children experiencing disadvantages.

Our members used raffles and donations to raise funds to continue to support the six students following The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program, by sponsoring their school activities. These children were among the hardest hit during school shutdowns, as many didn’t have the right tools they needed to learn from home.

The Newmarket VIEW Club, Brisbane, is a small. friendly club with members coming 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.

The Club meets monthly at the Gaythorne RSL Club.

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

Catholic Bushwalkers Join the Catholic Bushwalkers in all varieties of walks – city, local bush, mountains, rainforest, and creeks. Some areas are seasonal depending on the weather and time of year.

The Club also programmes “beginner’s walks” to let visitors find out if they like walking distances – a bit more than the morning fitness walk around the block. For the beginners, we try to stay near the city. For more information ring Greg on Ph: 3351 4092.

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

Fifty seasons of Norths women’s hockey Northern Suburbs Women’s Hockey Club at Ashgrove is celebrating its 50th season in 2021.

T h e w o m e n ’s a r m of Norths Eagles was established in 1972 when Rebels Women’s Hockey Club (formed 1957) merged with Norths Men’s Hockey Club (formed 1956).

The arrival of Norths women provided an opportunity for more females in our district, particularly girls, to play hockey locally again after the small Ashgrove women’s club folded in the late-1960s.

Norths fielded three senior teams and three junior teams in Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association (BWHA) competitions in its first season in 1972.

In its debut season in the Brisbane A-Grade competition, Norths finished a respectable fifth out of eight teams.

The Eagles’ first victory in the top grade was a 2-1 win over University of Queensland in June 1972, with Deniece Quine and Bev Gantz scoring the goals.

The first Norths women’s teams to win premierships were the C3 senior and J1 junior teams of 1973.

The club has fostered friendships and opportunities for fun and fitness through sport at social and more competitive levels.

Jordania Moffatti and Trish Hughes, who both grew up locally, have each played more than 300 first-team games for Norths and are the only women with 200 Division 1 appearances for the club.

They were members of the team which secured Norths’ highest-level women’s premiership by winning Division 2 in 2003.

Local resident Emily Burrows represented Queensland Scorchers (Australian Hockey League) and the Australian junior squad, and Aleisha Neumann played for Brisbane Blaze (Hockey One national league).

Australian Hockeyroos stars Debbie BowmanSullivan and Renita Garard, a two-time Olympic Games gold medal winner, have played at Norths.

The Norths senior women’s A3 premiership winning team from 1976.

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

Jordania Moffatti, who grew up at The Gap, holds the record for most Division 1 games for Norths with 219 appearances.

Photo by Andrew Blanchard

Norths players have also been selected to Australian Masters, Australian Country, Australian Defence Force, Queensland and Brisbane teams.

Major personal achievements by Norths players include BWHA Best and Fairest Player (Emily Burrows) and BWHA Rookie of the Year (Emily Burrows and Charlotte Mitchell).

A m o n g s t t h e c l u b ’s numerous BWHA Players’ Player award winners are

Tina Malyon, Di Burton, Emily Burrows and Melanie Grim.

Northern Suburbs Women’s Hockey Club is hosting a 50th season celebration at its clubhouse at Dorrington Park at Ashgrove on March 6.

The festivities will include the announcement of a ‘Norths Team of the Half Century’, recognising the top players from the club’s first five decades.

Arana VIEW Club News April 2021 Our April meeting is our 24th Birthday party and we are celebrating with a “Roaring Twenties” theme. It is on Wednesday 7th April at the Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade Keperra, 10.30 for 11.00 am start. The cost of the 2-course lunch with tea and coffee is $30.00. The colour scheme is black and gold so come dressed in those colours if you can. We have some great entertainment planned for the day.

We will still be having our regular lucky door and raffle prizes to assist with providing for our Learning for Life students with the Smith Family.

Please phone Carol On 3355 5349 by Noon on Monday 5th April if you are able to attend. New members are always welcome.

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 27

Native Blackthorn 3300 6304

www.ppnn.org.au

Plants are amazing organisms. They produce the oxygen needed by all of the animals on this planet.

They are able to convert the simple molecule, carbon dioxide, into the complex glucose molecule using the energy of sunlight and then to produce all of the molecules needed by living things from this. Thus, they are the base level of the majority of food chains. Unlike animals, they cannot move to a more favourable environment if conditions become adverse or hide from predators. Many plants, however, have evolved features which reduce the amount of predation by herbivores and so increase their chances of survival.

These include toxins in leaves and fruit, stinging hairs, thorns and spines.

The native blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa), also known as sweet bursaria, uses spines to deter animals eating it. This important

shrub of eucalypt woodlands is found along the east coast of Australia from Tasmania to Cape York and extending from Victoria to South Australia.

It has short, spiney shoots at its lower levels where browsing animals reach. The same spines, however, make this shrub a safe haven for small birds, such as wrens and finches, many of which build their nests within its branches. The size of this plant varies according to its habitat but in cultivation it remains a short to medium shrub. It is an extremely hardy, low maintenance and fast-growing species that thrives in well-drained soil in either full or partial sun.

An annual pruning ensures a full, bushy shape.

O v e r s u m m e r, t h i s shrub produces clusters of perfumed, white flowers, that attract nectar feeding birds and insects of all shapes and sizes.

The flowers are followed by heart-shaped seed capsules

which attract small seedeating birds. From a wildlife attracting perspective, this is an adequate reason to propagate this plant. But there are further reasons.

One of the pollinating insects attracted to the flowers is the brightly coloured parasitic ichneumon wasp. It lays it eggs in the caterpillars that feed on surrounding gum trees. The hatched larvae devour the caterpillars, pupate within the caterpillar skin and emerge to seek a new sweet bursaria bush.

An even more interesting relationship exists between

Mitchelton & Districts Garden Club Duncan a Taking into account Strawberry runners should

Craig representative from Rocky Point Mulching is the guest speaker at the Mitchelton & Districts Garden Club Meeting on 1st Apil His topic is general gardening. Rocky Point Mulching produces all kinds of potting mixes and soil conditioners as well as a range of mulches. When other representatives from the company have been guest speakers they have had products for those present to buy and this was a great help to garden club members.

social distancing regulations and conditions for general meetings during the Covid-19 virus, the Mitchelton & Districts Garden Club will meet at the Enoggera Memorial Hall in Trundle Street. The meeting will commence after morning tea which is served at 9.45am.

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

Are you aware that March is the month to strike lavender and rosemary cuttings.

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 28

be planted too and attention given to citrus trees, lawns and shrubs.

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

this plant in Victoria, an ant and a butterfly. The larvae of the rare, colourful Eltham Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida) live under native blackthorn bushes in the nest of the tiny Notoncus ectatommoides ant. Each lava has four allocated ants that guide it into the shrub at night to feed on the small obovate leaves and return it to the nest in the morning. The larva secretes a honey-like exudate from its abdomen on which the ants feed. Months later, in summer, the larva transforms into a beautiful copper-coloured butterfly that feeds on the plant’s nectar, pollinates the flowers in the process and begins a new symbiotic cycle when the female lays her eggs at the base of the shrub.

Whilst making a distinctive feature (the flowers and seed pods are lovely in cut flower arrangements), border and barrier plant (to deter unwanted visitors), native blackthorn is recommended as a lantana replacement plant and in erosion control. It is an important honey producer.

The leaves contain the chemical aesculin which is used in homeopathic medicine as a blood thinner and in the treatment of varicose veins and haemorrhoids.

This chemical is also used in microbiology to aid in the identification of bacteria.

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

Brilliant bugs at bushcare Bushcare is especially rewarding when you find amazing animals such as the Parent Bug Cantao parentum feeding on local native plants.

At the Walton Bridge Reserve working bee in February 2021, volunteers found an adult Parent Bug in an area that had been planted with native trees and shrubs in 2003.

The Parent Bug is one of a group called Shield-backed Bugs also known as Jewel Bugs.

Jewel Bugs are plant suckers, closely related to Stink Bugs and may also produce nasty smells when disturbed.

They are called Jewel Bugs because they are usually brightly coloured often with a metallic appearance.

The adult Parent Bug is quite large at 20 mm in length with a bright orangered shield-like back featuring 10 large black splotches.

The adult female Parent Bugs remain with their offspring for several weeks after the eggs hatch to protect them from predators.

Parenting is considered relatively rare behaviour in the insect world.

Walton Bridge Reserve volunteer Anne Jones said the food plant for Parent Bugs was one of our iconic local plant species called Smell of the Bush Mallotus claoxyloides.

“Smell of the Bush is the plant that produces the tangy smell of bushland especially after rain.

“Parent Bugs also feed on the closely related Red Kamala Mallotus philippensis.

Parent Bug Cantao parentum at Walton Bridge Reserve.

PHOTO: Marina Novak

“Both these Mallotus species are found in Walton Bridge Reserve along the bike path,” she said.

You can see more great photos of Parent Bugs and their young, plus other Jewel Bugs at https://sown.com.au/ scutelleridae-shield-backedbugs/.

The web page also contains photos and descriptions of:

Cotton Harlequin Bug Tectocoris diophthalmus Metallic shield bug Scutiphora pedicellata Green Jewel Bug Lampromicra senator The truly adventurous can try looking for bugs around Walton Bridge Reserve where all these species have been observed in recent weeks.

The Gap Garden Club Est. 1963 The Gap Garden Club held its first meeting for 2021 on Tuesday 22 February.

Members were keen to get back after being unable to participate in club activities during our Covid 2020 year.

We are all very happy to have our usual activities able to commence again, with care taken with social distancing and sanitizing etc of course.

Our first guest speaker for the year was Andrew Michel.

His topic was Lawn and Lawn Care. His interesting, enthusiastic and encouraging presentation informed us of many ways we can look after our lawns. He is a “ passionate lawn man “. There will be no guest speaker at

our March meeting as it’s the club’s Annual General Meeting but speakers will recommence the following month.

On March 9 our field trip goes to a number of nurseries and gardens in the Wongawallan, Ormeau, Yatala area. Members have been very keen to book a place on this trip. We have also been able to enjoy our Bench, Trade Table, Raffle and Garden Clinic and Library.

The Gap Garden Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the calendar month.

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

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

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 29

CHESS T'MINIT With Covid-19 restrictions now being relaxed, physical tournament and social play at The Gap Chess Club has recommenced with Covid-safe play rules in place. Game night starts 7.30 pm on Friday nights at Room B6, The Gap State High School. The club has a Facebook Page, “The Gap Chess Club”, with updates on club play, local chess news and puzzles. Play at the club in 2021 has commenced with 10 players competing in the Lightening tournament, played as a double round robin over 2 weeks in February. Andrew Robinson won the tournament with 10.5 points, with Tony Morris 2nd on 7 points and Elizabeth Williams 3rd on 5.5 points.

This month’s problem comes from a blindfold game (where players cannot see the board as the moves are played) between Magnus Carlsen (world champion) who is black against Sergey Karjakin. Black to move and win with a very surprising first move.

Solution to last month’s puzzle. 1. Qxf6 gxf6 2. Rxf6 and 3. Rf8 will force the queen to be lost.

Amnesty International’s ongoing work continues to shine a light on cases of arbitrary detention, torture and other human rights abuses. This month, Amnesty has been calling on its supporters to write letters to the Nigerian government asking for a retrial for a singer on death row. 22-year old Yahaya Sharif-Aminu has been sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy, accused of posting a song on Whatsapp that allegedly had lyrics against the Prophet Muhammad SWAT. The importance of bringing attention to cases such as these is highlighted by other cases where Amnesty International has contributed to successful outcomes. These include the case of Iranian labour rights activists Sepideh Gholian and Esmail Bakhshi who have recently been released on bail. Another successful outcome is the case of Phyoe Phyoe Aung, a student activist from Myanmar, imprisoned for organising a student protest, who has subsequently been released from prison.

These cases show that campaigns for action can and do work by providing publicity and pressuring governments. This is why it is so important for Amnesty International to continue to fight for protection for human rights.

The Helen Black Amnesty International group meet between 9-11am on the second Monday morning of the month in The Gap and would love to hear from anyone interested in joining the group. Please contact Di on 33001861. The Ashgrove Amnesty International group meets on the first and third evenings of the month and can be contacted by calling Sally on 3366 2046 or 0476 006 990.

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 30

Probus Club of Newmarket meets at RED HILL The story goes that the original meeting area for the Club was in Newmarket, but there were stairs which made access difficult.

Another venue needed to be found, and the Club has met since at the RED HILL Community Sports Club, next to the Bronco’s in Fulcher Rd. We come together for a regular meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, except for December and January. The meeting addresses Club business, and then breaks for the Lucky Door Prize. Morning tea is next with time to catch up with friends.

The second part of the morning is allocated to the Speaker for the day. The diversity of topics is amazing and always interesting.

The Club has a range of regular activities, including Book Group, Sunday Lunch, Mah Jong, Indoor Bowls and the Walking Group. Other activities are arranged through the year as opportunities present. These are usually arranged on a Wednesday if possible.

COVID safety is observed. Several members of the committee have completed the COVID (Safe Work practices for Dining In) Certificate.

The Red Hill Community Sports Club offers a generous area to meet in air-conditioned comfort, with easy access.

Parking is available behind the Club. There is a café just outside the meeting area, and the Bronco’s Club is a short walk (or drive) away.

Probus provides the environment for friendships to develop, fellowship to flourish and fun to be enjoyed.

Meets second Wednesday each month 10am – 12noon Red Hill Community Sports Club 22 Fulcher Road, Red Hill Please call 3353 1234 for any membership enquiries.

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

Open Day The Gap Scout Group After our Leadership and Committee Team planning / BBQ evening and Working Bee to freshen up the Den, we were ready to throw the doors open to our local community for our Open Day on 30th January.

What an amazing turn out we had, with over 60 new families and potential members, visiting and enjoying some wonderful activities on the day.

With Parachute games, Scout craft skills on display, a dual lane inflatable Slip n Slide and sausage sizzle lunch a great day was had by all. At midday we held a Group Parade, ran very well by our Youth Members with our Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers, Leaders, special guests and Community.

It was great to see all Group section flags, the World and Australia flags flying together at The Gap den.

Our DC John Laing and State MP for Cooper, Jonty Bush, joined in our festivities and we took the opportunity of presenting Jonty with a 'Supporter of Scouts Scarf' which is a Scouts Qld venture acknowledging the support we get from our local MP. We utilised a QR code registration system to ensure we met our COVID-19 management requirements which worked perfectly and obviously had plenty of sanitiser “on hand”.

Taylor and Sean did an amazing job “Scarfing up” Jonty on a parade led entirely by our Youth Members. We look forward to many activities together in the future.

This year is a special one for The Gap Scouts as the group celebrates 70 years of Scouting in The Gap. We look forward to sharing some special occasions with our community.

Our group has a very active membership with girls and boys in all sections from Joey Scouts 5-7 years, Cubs 8-10 years, Scouts 11-14 years, Venturers 15-17 years and Rovers 1815 years. The fun doesn’t stop there

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

either, with adults of all ages able to seek adventure through activities in Leadership roles within the Group. The Gap Scouts has an amazing Leadership team with a wealth of knowledge and skills. We are always welcoming of new members with a goal of watching and helping young people thrive and develop into amazing adults.

Scouting is one of the few activities that you can enjoy side by side with your child while fully participating in all the fun that they enjoy. For more information email contact@thegap. scoutsqld.com.auIt was tremendous to see so much interest and support from our local Community.

2021 is shaping up to be a year of celebration for us as we plan a few more Group and Community events to mark our special year!

Yours in Scouting, Peter Vaissiere (Goanna) GL

The Western Echo March 2021 Page 31

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy for all your pharmaceutical needs

Michael and Kate Knynenburg

Let us pack for you!

Medication Packing Services • Safe • Simple • Reliable Pick up Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly Great for holidays!

Ask in store for details.

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 2021 Page 32

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