The Western Echo September 2025

Advertiser'sDirectory

Celebrating Father’s Day

A Day with Dad: 8 fun & local activities for dads & the kids

In celebration of Father’s Day this September, we’ve gathered a few fun and local activities to inspire quality bonding days for dads (and the kids)! With a mix of ideas to suit all ages and abilities, ranging from pre-planned to spur of the moment occasions, we hope you find something enjoyable and suited to you.

1. The Enoggera Reservoir & Rainforest Café

Canoeing or paddle-boarding in the Enoggera Reservoir followed by lunch right next door at the Walkabout Creek Rainforest Café is a great combination of action, relaxation, and good food!

60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir QLD 4520 | www. walkaboutcreek.com.au/cafe/

2. Cooking Classes

Working together while doing a guided parent and child cooking class is a fun activity that’s also perfectly suitable for rainy days, plus you get delicious food at the end! Come and Cook, located in The Gap, has multiple class options available with a variety of skill and age levels.

Come and Cook: 0488 249 595 | www.comeandcook.com.au

3. Ball Games & BBQ

For some sport, games of tennis, squash, padel, or pickleball are a fun way to get energy out! There are many courts around our Western suburbs suited to these, including the Taylor Range Club which has tennis and squash courts for hire (with swimming pools & BBQs right beside!). Other locations include The Gap Health & Raquet Club, Pure Tennis at Ferny Hills, or the Roy Emerson Tennis Centre at Frew Park, Milton.

Taylor Range: 28 Greenlanes Rd, Ashgrove | www.taylorrangeclub.com.au

The Gap Health & Raquet Club: 200 Settlement Rd, The Gap | www.ghrc.com.au Pure Tennis: 144 Samford Rd, Ferny Hills | https://www.puretennis.com.au

4. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

Take a walk around the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens and enjoy the nature-focused areas such as the Japanese Garden, Sensory Garden, and Bamboo Forest. You can bring your own picnic to have by the lake, or stop by the café for a treat like freshly scooped ice-cream!

www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/botanic-gardens/ brisbane-botanic-gardens-mt-coot-tha

152 Mount Coot-tha Rd, Mount Coot-tha

5. A Day in the City

Spend the day exploring Brisbane City on foot, by bike, or hire an e-scooter, and see new areas like the new Kangaroo Point Bridge or The Star waterfront area. Another great way to spend a couple hours outdoors is by taking the full CityCat ferry ride – a very cheap way to sightsee the city and cruise the river!

6. Bushwalks & Forest Tracks

We have many walking tracks with varying degrees of difficulty around our Western suburbs - perfect for taking a family walk or hike on lovely days. There’s the Fairy Tree Walk at Mt Nebo (The Pitta Circuit – 1.1km/40 mins return), the Simpson or Slaughter Falls trails at Mount Coot-tha, the Banks Street Reserve loop, the Gold Creek Reservoir loop (5.6km/1.5 hrs), and local boardwalks like The Gap Boardwalk in Yoorala Street. A walk wrapped in history to interest the kids furthermore is the Golden Boulder Track in D’Aguilar National Park, with old gold mining sites and remnants along the way.

www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/parks-and-recreation www.parks.desi.qld.gov.au

7. Samford Experiences

Head out to Samford for the day and visit The Store of Requirement, which is full of everything Harry Potter themed with many fun workshops such as potion making. The Samford Museum also has lots of interesting exhibits showcasing the history of surrounding districts. With different themed areas like farming, homeware, or machinery, it’s perfect for families to explore together.

The Store of Requirement: www.thestoreofrequirement.com.au

Samford Museum: www.samfordmuseum.com.au

8. Movies & Dinner!

For an entertaining but relaxing night (or day) out, head to the cinemas for an action or family movie with dinner brought directly to your seats! There are multiple local cinemas with this dine-in option (Gold Class tickets) including Reading Cinemas at Newmarket, the Blue Room Cinebar at Rosalie, or the Five Star Cinemas at Red Hill. Reading Cinemas Newmarket: www.readingcinemas.com.au/movies/now-showing 400 Newmarket Rd, Newmarket

Blue Room Cinebar: www.cinebar.com.au | 151 Baroona Rd, Paddington

Red Hill Cinema: www.fivestarcinemas.com.au/red-hill | 14 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill

Author: Isabel Becker

Cover image: Taylor Range Club

From theEditor

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our September edition!

Check out all the community events and news in this edition –and we encourage you to attend and support them. This month we are celebrating Father’s Day – with our cover story featuring activities to do with dads.

The ‘Out and About’ article this month features Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n restaurant in Paddington – if you haven’t been there yet, I recommend you do! Delicious Nepalese food at a very affordable price.

This month Colin Bushell chats with Leonard Cavallaro in his ‘Col’s Chat’ column; and Sarah Krause writes about Father’s Day book suggestions in her ‘For the Love of Books’ column. And don’t miss our Competition for a free Family Ticket to Aladdin, and our monthly fun Photo Quiz, guessing where Colin Bushell (photographer) has been this month with his camera.

If you are a local business wanting to reach your local audience and support your local community – we look forward to hearing from you, we have very affordable advertising rates.

NETWORKING BREAKFASTInvitation

THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER

For local Western suburbs business owners:

Please join us for our next Westside Business Heart networking breakfast.

Event Details:

Date: Thurs 4 September | Time: 7.00 - 8:30am

Venue: Corn Street Café, Waterworks Rd, West Ashgrove

RSVP: 3 September FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2092335074623664

Cost: $25 or $30 option per person

- includes breakfast & drink. Pay on entry at counter.

Note: if you are coming please RSVP so I can manage appropriate numbers with the cafe. Thanks!

Email: melanie@planetmarketing.com.au or 0409 440 501

COL’S CHAT Locals through my Lens

Leonard Cavallaro

In his book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King wrote, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

For Leonard Cavallaro, a student at Kelvin Grove State College, those boxes are well and truly ticked. As a child he read around 300 books a year and now gets up early every day to write for at least an hour. Proudly referring to himself as a Harry Potter child, Leonard’s reading and writing accelerated from there to a point where he started writing his own novel. He describes Jesse Fletcher and the Silver Flute as ‘middle-grade fiction’, but he’s not happy with the way younger readers are often underestimated. “There’s a belief that things should be kept simple, but it doesn’t have to be done in a childish way, but rather an interesting, age-appropriate way. My novel has witty characters, intrigue and even some politics that reflect real world power struggles in a way that is often underestimated.”

If writing were all Leonard were about, we would have chatted for another hour just about literary influences, but there’s much more to him than that, and it starts with one inspirational teacher. “I had an amazing teacher, Ms Malloy, who really drove the idea of debating. I absolutely loved it. Last year I trialled for the Queensland State team and, out of about 300 people who applied, I made the top 12. Inspired by this, I began adjudicating debates and coaching younger students, before a parent asked me if I could coach their son privately.”

It seems a big jump from getting to grips with the debating concept to teaching, so how did Leonard approach it? “I looked at what I would have benefited from by way of advice when I started out. It shouldn’t be a parent or school driven thing. It’s not only to challenge the things you see, such as AI and fake news, but also the things that you have absorbed personally. Debating has the edge, because it forces you to adapt, confront your own biases and not be stuck in your own beliefs. It’s the pathway to being cool, entertaining and funny.”

Leonard has also just launched, Castles of Logic, a debate tutoring company that's levelling the playing field for students who don't have access to those elite debating powerhouses. “I have won some writing awards, served in the Queensland Youth Parliament, and championed local causes. With Castles of Logic, I am seeking to prove that with the right skills and confidence, any young person can find their voice and use it powerfully.”

Leonard’s is a compelling local story about youth entrepreneurship, educational equity, and the power of debate to transform lives.

To find out more about Leonard and Castles of Logic visit www.castlesoflogic.com.au

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography

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

Councillor for The Gap Ward

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AllegoryCommunity Theatre

AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

The countdown is on as Aladdin’s magical, mystical carpet is landing on the 26 September for a strictly limited season at the St. Matthews Hall at Mitchelton.

In the wonderous far-off land of Hasbah, Omar the Magician, in order to oust the current ruler and take over the kingdom, seeks the magic lamp from the Cave of Wonders but it transpires that only Aladdin can pass through its doors to retrieve it.

Will Aladdin, with help from the Genie of the lamp and his side-kick cat Persia, thwart the evil magicians plans and save Princess Jasmine and the kingdom?

The dedicated cast have been working hard over the past few months singing, dancing and acting to bring this show to life. These talented performers have been drawn from the surrounding area and involve several students from two local acting academies, Katz and Brisbane Arts.

So come and support this bright, energetic production with lots of new and familiar characters, colourful costumes, silly jokes, and toe tapping songs which is guaranteed to be bundles of fun.

Tickets are on sale now through Trybooking at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1424162

The venue has plenty of parking and disabled access, and there will be a well-stocked canteen, daily raffles for some cool items and

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society

GIVEAWAY: WIN a FREE Family Ticket to Aladdin! For 2 adults and 2 children (under 15 years) VALUE $50!

Join in the family fun these school holidays.

Just enter your name and details via The Western Echo website for your chance to win in the random draw: www.westernecho. com.au/competition

Entries close: 22 September 2025 (11:59pm)

certain performances may have free face painting so parents – don’t forget your camera!

Dates: 26 Sept – 5 Oct | Venue: St. Matthews Anglican Church Hall, 35 Church Rd, Mitchelton

Cap That!

The stump capping celebration at the Enoggera Memorial Hall on 20 July was an outstanding success. The afternoon began with the unveiling in Trundle St (outside the hall) of a pictorial/historical/information sign by the Enoggera Ward Councillor, Andrew Wines. Moving inside, those in attendance were entertained by the Enoggera School Choir (under the leadership of Mrs. Rebecca Rees) who performed to perfection. The children had assembled in that section of the hall which was the original school room of 1871. Following

Questions? Please contact Allegory Community Theatre at allegorytheatre@gmail.com (Photo

was the stump capping reenactment and a series of short and informative historical papers.

A birthday cake was cut by Society Life member Mrs Merle Heiner and Historical Society president Miss Kym Hyson. Community organisations manned stands, representing activities held within the hall over the century. Limited edition linen tea towels and copies of a booklet detailing the history of the hall were on sale. The raffle, a bumper grocery hamper, was won by a Society member. A second celebratory event, the rededication of the Memorial Hall will be held on Sunday 23 November at 2pm. Residents of the greater Enoggera area are invited to attend what promises to be entertaining, informative and memorable. Entry is by gold coin with refreshments and a bumper raffle. Remember, this will not happen again for 100 years!

Follow us on Facebook for more. https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100067953408117

complimentary show programmes.

We encourage children to dress up, and

Jonty’s September update

SEQ Flood Forum

My office is hosting SEQ Water for an information session on the Enoggera Reservoir and its impacts on localised flooding

We have locked in Thursday 11th September from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Bardon Bowls Club.

If you want to attend this event then please email my office Seats are limited

Queensland Teachers’ Deserve Better

Our Teachers deserve respect, safe working conditions and fair pay After negotiations with the State Government failed, I marc hed a longside loca l teac her s because when our teac her s stand up, they’re not just fighting for themselves, they’re fighting for ever y c hild’s future.

Senior’s High Tea

Are you sixty-five years of age or older? Are you interested in a high tea and presentation from a local author?

Then consider your self invited to our high tea in October in The Gap and Bardon

Sea ts are limited, contact my of fice if you are interested.

Local EcoAmbassadors

The EcoMarines Ambassadors at Payne Road State School now have a vital resource to assist them in growing their gardens. The school has been awarded a Foodcube as part of their winning participation in the competition "What Does It Mean to Be an EcoMarine?"

Donated by the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Foodcube system is a self-watering raised garden bed designed for growing food and environmental projects.

In June, schools were encouraged to share a photo or a short video that captures the essence of their sustainability journey as part of the Go Green for EcoMarines initiative. The young students at Payne Road secured first place with the slogan "Be Green, Be Seen, Be an EcoMarine".

"Our teacher came up with the catchphrase. When you're being green, you're helping the environment. So, if you're being green and being seen, then you're also acting as an EcoMarine," explains the Ambassadors Fern, Emily, and Elle.

Taylor RangeClub

Spring is in the Air

As the days grow warmer and longer, there’s no better time to embrace the great outdoors at Taylor Range Club. Nestled in the lush foothills of Ashgrove/The Gap, our club is the perfect place to soak up spring sunshine with family and friends.

Cool off in our sparkling swimming pools, ideal for relaxing dips or energising laps. Enjoy a game of squash or tennis on our courts –a great way to stay active while having fun. Our beautiful bushland surrounds offer the perfect setting for outdoor picnics and barbecues, with plenty of shaded spots to unwind and share a meal.

Spring is all about community, and Taylor Range Club is where locals connect. Whether you're here for a casual swim, a competitive

It's no surprise that the school won first place in the environmental competition. The staff and students have been focusing on the Containers for Change initiative. Their goal for the term was to raise $200, a target they have exceeded! The EcoMarines Ambassadors have been actively involved by writing letters and designing labels to ensure that every family in the school is informed about bringing in their cans and bottles for recycling. The impact of the 10-cent recycling program has been significant, with notable results.

School teacher Jennifer McMahon adds that, in parallel, the Ambassadors are also designing a lid for a special bin to collect compost, creating posters, and organising photo competitions. "Our team is running a composting campaign at school to encourage all classes to participate by providing each class with a small compost caddy. We even created a video for an assembly to demonstrate where the compost goes, what it turns into, and how it benefits the garden," Ms. McMahon says.

EcoMarines CEO, Angela Massy, stresses that the organisation is always looking to provide free environmental education programs and support to more schools. "Our EcoMarines Ambassadors are local students responsible for developing ecological projects in their schools and communities, ranging from installing recyclable waste systems to the rehabilitation of vast green areas."

For more about the EcoMarines Foundation:

match, or simply a day out with loved ones, you’ll find a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit special.

With membership options for individuals and families, there’s never been a better time to join. Celebrate the season of renewal with fresh air, fun, and friendship at Taylor Range Club – your local destination for sport, relaxation, and the ultimate outdoor lifestyle. Come down and see what makes our community club so special this spring!

Dear neighbour,

This is not the first time I have written in this column about the dodgy practices of Australia’s gas corporations, but new figures make it seem particularly pertinent yet again

Recent analysis by the Australia Institute has shown that a decade after LNG exports began from Queensland, only one out of the 10 largest gas corporations has paid a cent in company tax Gas corporations have sold $125 billion in Queensland gas over the last decade Many of these corporations are partially, or wholly foreign owned Australia-wide, it has also been revealed that nurses have paid more tax to the federal government than gas corporations

How do they get away with this? Largely by claiming they did not turn a profit in this period They can do this by paying exorbitant licensing fees or artificially high interest repayments to parent companies in overseas tax havens

These companies have a legal obligation to not use artificial losses like these for the purposes of minimising tax burden The problem is the system is rigged Many of these corporations are major donors to Labor and the LNP Many members of the major parties go on to be employed in senior roles in these corporations after they retire from politics

The solutions are actually relatively straightforward They simply involve closing the myriad loopholes that allow big corporations to disguise their tax avoidance strategies, and properly funding and empowering the ATO to be able to do their job

In a nutshell, Labor and the LNP have given away our gas to multinational corporations who export it for huge profit, while our services are underfunded and Australians are paying huge gas bills at home This is why we need political change

In hope, Libby

I’’m proud to have suppor ted the Brisbane Tramway Museum Society in Ferny Grove to win a Volunteer Grant. See the full list of grant winners on my website!

Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club

“Spring has sprung”, flowers are blooming and it is time for the always popular Lions Plant Sale, 20 September (see advert above for details).

There will be lots of plants, pots and gardening accessories for sale at bargain prices and this year also some home baking to tempt the taste buds. With various coffee outlets close by on Ashgrove Avenue, a perfect venue for a Saturday morning drop-in and the suburban landmark topiary emu and kangaroo will be looking their clipped best. All funds raised will be used to support those in need and local charitable and not for profit organisations.

October is Mental Health Awareness month and Lions International will be highlighting the importance of this critical issue, 4 - 12 October.

Ashgrove The Gap Lions will be at The Gap Village, 10 October, promoting the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation and the many resources to support wellbeing and mental health available on the Foundation’s website: www. alwf.org.au. The accompanying

mental health checklist is a small example with some simple reminders of what we can do individually to maintain our own sense of wellbeing.

Some startling statistics: 25% increase in rates of anxiety and depression since 2020; 1 in 7 youths age 10 - 19 experience mental health conditions, many unrecognised and untreated; 14% of adults aged 60+ live with a mental health disorder. Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors.

The guest speaker, Tuesday, 23 September is Alan Brooks, who is the Queensland representative on the National Board of the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation.

If you are interested in attending, email lionatg19@gmail.com by Monday, 15 September.

Brisbane Tramway Museum

IT’S ON AGAIN - THE GREAT TRAM PULLING CONTEST!!!

Yes - it’s all happening again at the Tramway Museum on SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER –the annual TRAM PULLING CONTEST - hosted by Cr Steven Toomey of The Gap Ward, BCC.

Teams from local gyms compete to see which team can pull the Horse-

drawn Tram over a 50-metre course in the shortest time. The current record of about 14.5 seconds is held by Cross Fit 4055.

This year an individual STRONGMAN contest is added.

CAN YOU PULL THIS TRAM ON YOUR OWN?? Please register at The Gap Ward Office or ring 3407 1900 if you would like to try.

The September event commemorates the disastrous fire at Paddington Tram Depot in September 1962 which resulted in the loss of some 65 trams – about one-fifth of the fleet. Enough parts were salvaged to build 8 new trams which are known as the Phoenix class – rising from the ashes.

The event will run from 3.00 PM until 7.00 PM – please see our advert above.

Brisbane Tramway Museum - Sunday, 28 September; from 3pm-7pm, 20 Tramway St, Ferny Grove

For more: www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org

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

Rotary Club Ashgrove The Gap

Rotary Carols by Candlelight – Community Help Needed

Every year, weather permitting, the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap puts on a Carols by Candlelight event at Dorrington Park. It is massively popular, with thousands of local people enjoying choirs, orchestras, a pipe band, food stalls and at the end fireworks. We can organise it and do a lot, but we can’t do everything.

We are asking for YOUR help for a few hours in December. If you can contribute a few hours on any of these days it would be a tremendous help. It doesn’t have to be all day.

FRIDAY 12 DEC - PREPARATION AND SET-UP

Any hours you can do between 9:00am and 4:00pm:

• Loading/unloading equipment from trucks

• Setting up portable marquees, signage, safety barriers, parking areas at Dorrington

SATURDAY 13 DEC - FINAL SET-UP, RUNNING THE EVENT, CLEAR UP AFTER

Any hours you can do between 9:00am and 5:00pm

• Loading/unloading equipment from trucks

• Setting up portable marquees, signage, safety barriers, parking areas at Dorrington

After 5:00pm, up to 10:00pm if you can

• Selling glowsticks etc

• Helping on the sausage sizzle – serving out, taking money, even cooking

• Taking down marquees, foldable tables, temporary lights, signage, safety barriers

• Distributing/collecting wheelie bins

• Packing up/loading equipment from stage into trucks ready to deliver next day

SUNDAY 14 DEC - 7:00AM TO 1:00PM

• Cleaning grounds and areas/emu patrol

• Cleaning of Hockey Club clubhouse/bathrooms and surrounds

• Assisting with delivery/unloading of equipment from trucks (e.g. chairs back to church)

MONDAY 15 DEC: 8:00AM - 1:00PM

• Assisting with delivery/unloading of equipment from trucks back to suppliers

We’re not asking for “all day, every day”. Just a few hours would make a huge difference. To “sign on” to help, just text Tim

Boyd on 0411 141 304 saying what you can do. Thank You!

The GapShe Shed

Our September Special Event - Bus Trip to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers on 12th September.

SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES

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

• Monday and Friday walking group. Meet in Riaweena Street near the Scout Den at 9am.

• Women Wanderers. First Saturday of every month. Book via Trybooking.

• Monday Craft and Chat Group. 8 September and 22 September from 7-9pm at The Baptist Church, Waterworks Road (next to 7/11).

• Wednesday Knit, Crochet, Sew or other craft group. Venue: Scout Den, 76 Riaweena Street, The Gap. 9.30-1200 midday.

• Book Club with Lucy. Tuesday 16 September at The Blind Tiger 6:30pm. Book for discussion is “From Where I Fell” by Susan Johnson.

• Classics Book Club with Andrea. Meet at Topology, 17 Kullaroo Street, The Gap on Wednesday September 24. Book for September is “A Passage to India” by E. M. Forster

• She Shed Diners. 6.30pm Thursday 4 September at The Gap Tavern.

• Social Mahjong. Monday nights from 6-9pm and Friday afternoons from 1-4pm. Venue: RSL.

• Mahjong lessons: 1pm on Tuesdays and 6pm on Wednesdays. Venue: RSL Nullagundi, 34 School Road, The Gap. Mahjong Tournament lessons 1pm Saturday

• 500 cards. Tuesday 2nd and 16th September from 12:30 pm. Meet at the Gap Tavern.

• Line Dancing. Every Wednesday during school term from 12.30pm at 76 Riaweena Street, The Gap.

• Mosaics. 20 September at 9am. See Facebook chat for details and updates.

• Shed Talk: Wills, Power of Attorney & Warranties. Wednesday 3 September from 6-8.45pm RSL Nullagundi Centre, 34 School Road, The Gap.

• Coming. October 13 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Morning tea at 10am at the RSL.

• Special events: Bus trip to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Friday September 12. Leaving 76 Riaweena Street at 7.30am. Book via link https://www.trybooking.com/DBCVU Website: https://thegapsheshed.wixsite.com/home Email: hello@thegapsheshed.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ thegapsheshed

BirdieCoffee

– Your Local Cafe with a View

Birdie Coffee is a little gem tucked inside the beautiful Ashgrove Golf Club here in The Gap. From your table under our shady trees or in the warmth of the sun, enjoy peaceful views while sipping your favourite brew. It’s the perfect place to start your day, catch up with friends, or simply take a quiet moment for yourself. We love welcoming everyone - and that includes your pets! Bring your furry friend along and relax together in our friendly, open space. There’s always a warm smile waiting for you at Birdie.

If you’re in a hurry, we’ve made it super easy to grab your coffee on

the go. Just call 3113 9800 to pre-order and it will be ready for you in 10 minutes at the drive-thru counter. Perfect for busy mornings or a quick break in your day.

We’re also excited to start something new for our community and celebrate the arrival of Spring with Free Yoga Classes for three months. We’ll be hosting the free 1-hour yoga class right here, surrounded by fresh air and beautiful views. It’s a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy a coffee and a snack afterwards. The first free class will occur on 14 September at 9.30am – by Juliarna from Wild Peace Unlimited.

You’ll find Birdie Coffee at the Ashgrove Golf Club top carpark, 811 Waterworks Road, The Gap. Follow us on Instagram @birdiecoffee_thegap to

Ashgrove-Bardon RSL Sub Branch

The Sub-Branch provides support for 19 local community groups. We are asking local community organisations with historic or current connections with the services and ex-service families who would like to be considered for support from the Sub-Brance to apply by email to the Secretary at ian.garfield@ashgrove.rslqld.net.au

BECOME an auxiliary MEMBER

Even if you haven’t served, you can still make a difference and volunteer to help the veteran community through RSL Queensland's Auxiliary groups.

Our Auxiliaries are groups of volunteers who work closely with their local RSL Sub Branches, raising funds and providing extra resources.

Experts Question Defence Priorities & Preparedness

Media Release RSL Australia 2 Aug 2024 (extract)

Leading Defence experts have questioned Australia’s preparedness to fulfil our international treaty obligations and the ability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to meet current and potential future missions.

Former Army Chief, retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy and John Powers, a retired senior United States Special Forces are members of the Returned & Services League of Australia’s (RSL) Defence and National Security Committee.

“While Australia is nearly always the junior partner, we have been valued for our willingness to fight the good fight. As a result, we have a seat at the top table,” they write.

Yes, we can fight smart and be prepared for new battles in grey zones, cyber and space. But in the end war is about combat power.

“It is OK for politicians to take risks and deny or delay the funding and development of a robust force for our next battles. They won’t be in the front lines facing the prospect of death or injury. It will be our soldiers, sailors and aviators who will be lumped with the risk. This is not an esoteric political discussion; it is a life-or-death reality.”

General Leahy and John Powers say testimony from the recent Defence Estimates revealed that Australia’s military has a lack of long-range fire systems and armoured vehicles, a paucity of livefire training, insufficient maintenance funding, personnel and ammunition shortages, supplychain fissures and a massive infrastructure backlog.

Fire-wheel tree

When seen in flower during summer and autumn, it is easy to understand how the firewheel tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) got its common name. Clusters of umbels, each of about 20 vibrant, orangered, tubular flowers on short stalks radiating around a circular disc at branch terminals certainly look like wheels and produce a dramatic fiery effect. The scientific name, Stenocarpus is derived from Ancient Greek which refers to the narrow (steno) fruit (carpus) and sinuatus from Latin meaning sinuous, related to the tree’s wavy leaf margins.

Found from northern NSW to Atherton Tableland in North Qld., the natural environment of the fire-wheel tree is rainforest (subtropical, littoral, riverine and warm temperate). Due to the dense canopy in these habitats, young trees are forced to grow tall in order to reach the sunlight necessary for their survival. Thus, they may be as tall as 30–40m. with a trunk diameter of 75 centimetres. In cultivation there is not the same level of the competition for sunlight and so they more commonly grow to 15m. It has a relatively narrow canopy (about 5m. wide) and so can be grown in most suburban gardens. The greybrown, cylindrical trunk has a flanged base. With its dark, glossy green leaves to 20cm long with wavy margins that vary in shape, from simple to deeply lobed, and its vibrant flowers the fire-wheel tree creates a spectacular statement in any garden. It can be grown as a containerplant for indoor use. On larger properties it can be used to prevent erosion or to produce timber for cabinet-making.

Although it grows well in most soil types in full sun to part shade, this plant thrives in moderate to well-drained fertile soils with a pH range of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6–7.5). Watering every two weeks is required in dry spells when young, but it is drought tolerant once established. It does, however, require protection from heavy frosts. The fire-wheel tree has no specific diseases or pests. Application of a slow-release, low-phosphate fertiliser in spring and summer combined with mulching around the base to retain moisture and supress weeds, will enhance flowering.

Growing a fire-wheel tree will help increase biodiversity in your area. The flowers attract a variety of wildlife that feed on nectar –birds, bees, butterflies and a variety of other insects - which in turn attract insect-eating birds and lizards. The canopy also provides nesting sites for birds.

Over the past few years, SOWN (Save Our Waterways Now) has developed a corporate volunteering program that supports the vital work of our bushcare teams while giving participants an engaging, hands-on experience.

The program educates corporate volunteers about the Enoggera Creek catchment, its wildlife, and the importance of preserving local habitats. Volunteers learn practical skills such as weed removal and planting native species suited to home gardens or local bushcare sites.

Supported by Brisbane City Council’s Habitat Brisbane and Creek Catchment programs, this initiative offers a unique opportunity for companies to combine team-building with meaningful environmental action. While corporate groups are encouraged to make a donation towards SOWN’s many projects, we value their time and energy most of all, knowing that not every organisation can contribute financially.

In 2025 so far, 12 corporate groups have joined us, contributing more than 700 volunteer hours, planting over 800 native plants, and directly assisting 10 different bushcare groups.

Whether you’re a business looking to involve your staff in environmental action or an individual volunteer wanting to help run events, this program is a chance to learn, connect, and make a real difference for our local environment.

For more, see our website: www.sown.com.au

AranaViewClub

The Arana View Club, a valued supporter of the Smith Family, sponsoring Learning for Life Program students had as its guest speaker this month Donna Gibb. Donna is an award-winning artist who has won many prizes including the people’s choice for the ANL National Maritime Art Prize and RQAG Member’s Exhibition and a Finalist in many Art competitions including Brisbane Portrait and the Gallipoli Art Prize. She is currently a live event painter for events such as weddings where she invites the wedding guest to help paint some of the portrait which upon completion is given to the wedding couple. She is such a Monet enthusiast that Monet’s garden was closed whilst Donna painted his famous garden at Giverny, France.

BalaangalaCommunity Group

What happened at Murdering Creek?

Who was Multuggerah?

Boe Spearim’s podcast series, Frontier War Stories, explores these and many other remarkable stories from a part of Australia’s history that has been called “the great Australian silence.”

His podcast, Frontier War Stories, covers the history of frontier conflicts from nearly every corner of Australia from many points of view through interviews with First Nations experts, community members and academics. A full catalogue of Frontier War Stories is available at https://awesomeblack.org/artists/boe-spearim/

Boe will be the guest speaker this month at Balaangala Community Group’s quarterly meeting on 6 September at 3.00pm at the Balaangala Bush Garden at 98 Yoorala Street, The Gap.

Boe is a Kooma, Murawarii and Gamilaraay podcaster and activist born in western Sydney and raised on the Southside of Brisbane. All readers interested in this topic are warmly welcomed to the quarterly meeting whether you are a Balaangala member or not. For seating and catering purposes please RSVP to balaangalathegap@gmail.com. Boe will have items for sale and will be answering questions. Afterwards, we welcome you to a relaxing cuppa with Boe and Balaangala members.

For further information see the Balaangala Facebook page: www.facebook.com/balaangala

Some of our members brought along their wedding photos of over 50 years ago and we all tried to guess which lovely bride was our member. On 20 August we had a get-together to have lunch and socialise at the Brook Hotel at Brookside.

For those who are interested in fashion, Arana View Club are hosting a Spring Fashion Parade on Thursday 16 October at The Grove Sports Club, 20 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove (opposite the Ferny Grove Police Station) commencing at 10.00 am. Fashions are by Portofino. Tickets are $20.00 and include a Lucky Door Prize ticket and a wonderful home-made morning tea. You will need to book and pay by Wednesday 8 October 2025. Raffles and prizes are also available. Please phone Loris on 0407712560 to attend this event.

On Wednesday 17 September we are going for a walk at Sandgate Beach, Flinders Parade followed by then enjoying the best calamari in Sandgate from Sandgate Fishmongers, 90 Flinders Parade, Sandgate.

If you wish to know more about our club and join in the social events while supporting the community, please contact our President Hilary on 0421 047 451.

The Gap Pioneer & History Group Inc

Out &About

Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n - Paddington

V.P. DAY -

B.C.O.F’s

–Hiroshima 80TH Anniversary.

On the 2nd of March 1942, Mervyn Harold Kay, an eighteen-yearold great grandson of Gap pioneers

Joseph and Rosanna Bennett (Bennett Road) enlisted in the Australian Citizen Military Forces before later enlisting in the A.I.F. on the 2nd May 1943.

Mervyn’s military service of 2023 days culminating on the 25th August 1947, included 1107 days of overseas service ‘in the thick of it’ at Milne Bay before volunteering for service with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (B.C.O.F’s.) in the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan on the 6th and 9th of August 1945 respectively.

EXTRACT of Merv’s memories: When we first went into Hiroshima, the sight was something you couldn’t imagine. The steel girders in the big buildings were like twisted strips of licorice. You couldn’t believe such large steel frames could ever have been bent in such a way with just one blast. A stack of bottles was all fused together. The bridge across the river was standing but the sides were gone, just a flat bridge. Here and there buildings were still left standing but were damaged beyond repair. In the mountains surrounding Hiroshima, they had caves dug into the mountain sides and little rail tracks into the cave. They were ‘chock-a-block’ with gear. It took us two years to clean it all out. About two days a week we would go there. Nobody knew what the radiation was like. We crated up gear to send home and transmitting equipment was loaded on to my truck and taken to a barge, smashed and dumped at sea.

After spending years in Japan, Merv left Kure Harbour, Japan on the “Kanimbla” on the 31st July 1947 and sailed for home. (Photo by Merv Kay)

If you’ve never been to Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n restaurant in Paddington you’re really missing out!

Set in a gorgeous leafy setting, the colourful restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem in our area. We’ve been going there ever since it opened in 2005 – great service, wonderful food, and very affordable prices. And it’s open 7 days a week.

Suresh Khadka and Niranjan Singh Thapa, both originally from Nepal, have owned it since 2008 – always greeting us with a very welcoming and friendly smile. It was our daughter’s favourite restaurant as a child – with many menu options to keep children happy.

The restaurant serves Nepali and Newari cuisine. Newari is a subset of Nepalese cuisinethe Newar people are an ethnic group from the Kathmandu area of Nepal. The Newari cuisine has over 200 dishes developed over centuries by the Newars – not that the restaurant serves all of them, but they do have a great selection to select from.

In Nepal, the most popular and common dishes are mostly vegetable based; with meat dishes more of a specialty. Meats eaten in Nepal are mostly goat and buffalo, chicken, and some lamb.

A variety of both meat and vegetable dishes are served at the restaurant, with many dishes gluten free, and suitable for vegetarians. All main dishes are gluten and wheat free. Popular menu choices (and also our family favourites) are: the Momos (Nepalese dumplings – chicken or vegetable), the Mixed Starter, Tibetan Bread, Chicken Pakora and Paneer Pakora, and the restaurant’s most popular dish – Sherpa Chicken (served with rice). Dishes can be served mild, medium or hot – to your taste.

For dessert the specialty is Lalmohan – a sweet dumpling served in cardamon syrup. And the Mango Lassi drinks are delicious!

The restaurant offers four dining spaces: outside in the pretty fairy lit courtyard, inside at the tiny table, chaired dining rooms, or the colourful cushion room.

Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n is open 7 days a week from 4pm to 9.30pm. They also do takeaway and offer catering services for groups and events. The restaurant is BYO only for alcohol.

Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n - 72 Latrobe Tce, Paddington Tel:

www.facebook.com/newachhen

Author: Melanie Grevis-James

Second Second Second

Mitchelton & Districts GardenClub Brisbane CitySounds

The Charms of Palms

At the August meeting, members enjoyed an engaging and informative presentation by Martin Lack from the Palm and Cycad Society of Australia. Martin’s talk showcased the fascinating diversity, beauty and resilience of palms - plants that have thrived on Earth for millions of years.

Martin introduced members to the elegance and versatility of palms, highlighting their value as features for both large landscapes and smaller suburban gardens. He described various categories of this intriguing plant species, including the tall, medium and small types. Of special interest to our members were the silver-coloured Metallic Palm (chamaedorea metallica) and the variegated Legong Palm (pinanga disticha).

The audience was captivated by the stunning photographs of rare and exotic specimens, many of which Martin had cultivated. He also offered practical advice on soil preparation and water needs.

Members left inspired to incorporate these striking plants into their own gardens, appreciating their beauty, history and adaptability. The presentation was a wonderful blend of horticultural knowledge and passion, leaving everyone eager to learn more about palms and cycads. If you would like to learn more about various gardening topics, or would simply like to enjoy a morning in the company of friendly people talking about the wonders of nature, why not join us on the first Thursday of the month at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (Trundle St). Doors open at 9:30 am, when morning tea is served and the trade table is opened for business, before the meeting proper begins at 10 am. You would be most welcome!

Image 1: Martin Lack, with his wife Jackie, from the Palm and Cycad Society of Australia.

Image 2: The Metallic Palm (chamaedorea metallica). Photo courtesy of Martin Lack.

Image 3: The Legong Palm (pinanga disticha). Photo courtesy of Martin Lack.

Brisbane City Sounds’ Free Open Night: Thursday 11th September

Ladies, if you love harmony singing and can hold a tune, why not come along to our Open Night on 11 September, from 6.30pm to sign on, until 9pm for supper?! Come sing with our group of welcoming, fun loving women and it may be the start of something great!

We would like to continue to grow our sound. At present we are particularly looking for singers who sing the melody part in the harmony arrangements, and very low voices, although all voices are very welcome! Our Open Nights are especially structured to include first time visitors like you.

We rehearse every Thursday night, 7pm to 9.30pm at the Lavalla Centre, 58 Fernberg Rd, Paddington, though our members come from all over Brisbane, from Redcliffe to Ipswich!

We are a four-part a cappella chorus, begun in 2002, and with a current membership of 23. We love to sing a wide range of popular songs for a variety of occasions, and our recent performances have included a performance for a cancer charity in Brisbane City Hall, a Mother’s Day High Tea, songs in respite centres and Memory Lane Cafes and last year, a national competition in Fremantle, W.A.

Membership entails an audition and a monthly fee. We are affiliated with Sweet Adelines Australia and International, giving us many learning resources, coaching opportunities and association with 32 similar choruses in Australia and many others overseas.

Our members are very friendly and supportive and our new Director, Glen Windle, delights us with her vast carpet bag of fun singing exercises and activities that supplement our regular practice and help us all sing better together.

You are also very welcome to join us at our monthly supper after the Open Night!

So that we know numbers, please register at: www.trybooking.com/DENLO

For the Love Of Books The GapRepairCafe

Father’s Day is upon us! Time to celebrate all of the special men in our lives. If you’re looking for a bookish gift, here are some recent recommendations from the bookstagram community, and from a couple of great dads I know.

My husband and father to 5, Dean (pictured), hasn’t requested any specific books, but his recent faves have included The Nightingale and The Women both by Kristin Hannah. I think he’d love “The Great Alone” by the same author, “Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy, or anything by Robbie Arnott.

Ashgrove father of 3, Damien Olsen (pictured with his children Oliver, Frank & Eliza) prefers non-fiction. In particular he’d love a copy of “The Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett, or John Farnham’s latest “The Voice Inside”.

From the online community ideas included Book Lovers vouchers, or audiobook credits so dads can choose their own, or some of the stand outs recommendations included:

• “Pissants” by Brandon Jack

• “Australian Gospel” by Lech Blaine

• “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir

• “King Tide” by Luke Johnson

• “The Forsaken” by Matt Rogers

• “What a Ripper!” by Tim Ross

If you have a book-loving man in your life, or you are one yourself – local photographer Colin Bushell hosts a 6-weekly book club called “Rock and Read”. This month’s meeting is on 18 September, 6.30pm at The Blind Tiger, and they will be discussing “Never Flinch” by Stephen King. Can’t go wrong with a bit of King!

Happy Father’s Day

Author: Sarah Krause

The End (of Ten) is Nigh – Microsoft withdraws support for Windows 10.

If you currently use Microsoft Windows 10, you may have heard that on 14 October 2025 (ironically, this is International E-Waste Day!), Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10. They will no longer provide updates for the system and this will turn an estimated 200 to 400 million laptops and computers worldwide into security risks and heavily polluting e-waste.

But what if you could make your current computer fast and secure again so you can continue to use it? There is an alternative to Windows, one that is free, receives regular updates and works on nearly all devices, from most smartphones and routers, to supercomputers that predict the weather and robots on Mars.

If you'd like to explore this option and others, please book a spot at our next workshop with our IT expert Arjen, under "IT - computers, tablets and phones". Bring your computer with you, and Arjen will be very happy to check it over to see what options are available to you. Toss it? No way! The cheapest and most environmentally-friendly computer is the one you already own!

Repair Café The Gap pops up on the third Saturday of each month, 10am – 2pm, at The Gap Rivercity Church, 59 Settlement Rd, The Gap. Our next workshop is on Saturday, 20 September. As well as IT issues, our volunteers can help you with electrical items, electronics, furniture, bikes, sewing repairs, knife sharpening, mower repairs and much more! Check out our social media for more information.

www.facebook.com/repaircafethegap www.instagram.com/repaircafethegap www.trybooking.com/eventlist/ repaircafethegap

PROUDLY

Jack Dangerfield 0422 564 007

teamdangerfieldproperty

team_dangerfield_property

Stephen Dangerfield 0412 145 802

Trek2Health

Movement as Medicine: Trek2Health’s Unique Approach to Mental Wellness

A growing body of evidence confirms what many in the wellness community have long believed: exercise is powerful medicine for mental health. A recent review of 26 clinical trials shows that both aerobic and resistance training can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety - often as effectively as medication or therapy. Importantly, benefits were seen even at lower volumes than current physical activity guidelines recommend.

For Trek2Health, this isn’t

news

- it’s validation for our last 6 years or work.

“Trek2Health is grounded in the clear and growing evidence that movement is powerful medicine for mental health,” says Professor Gert-Jan Pepping of the Australian Catholic University. “Whether it’s walking up a hill, carrying a pack, or simply moving with purpose, exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. But what makes Trek2Health different is that we offer more than just exercise. We give people the opportunity to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with themselves.”

This difference lies in Trek2Health’s ecological framework. Rather than focusing solely on minutes or repetitions, the program creates real opportunities for action, connection, and meaning - essential elements for re-engaging with life after stress or trauma. Participants don’t just work out; they immerse themselves in purposeful activity in natural environments, supported by a community that understands their journey.

The organisation is now working to develop simpler, more practical ways of measuring not just how much participants move, but how engaged they are, how they feel, and how their ability to connect evolves over time.

As mental health organisations, government agencies, and frontline services look for solutions that are both evidence-based and appealing to the people they serve, Trek2Health stands ready and proven. By combining proven mental health benefits of exercise with nature, connection, and purpose, it delivers exactly what the science says works - packaged in a way people truly want to do.

At Trek2Health, we’ll walk with you – every step of the way.

Thank you for reading this. Stay tuned for more tips and insights. Until then, take a moment to step outside, ride a wave, ride a horse, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the beauty of nature.

Warm

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

AshgroveRangers

Ashgrove Rangers

Final results are in and well done to this year’s South Burnett Express Rail Trail Relay Champions Declan Kelly Track Club (Men), Pinnacle (Women) and Paceshavers (Mixed). Full results were:

Men

1. Declan Kelly Track Club3:26.37; 2. Thompson Estate3:40.42; 3. Toowong - 3:47.42; 4. Pinnacle Running - 3:51.26; 5. Paceshavers2 - 3:51.39; 6. Ashgrove Rangers A - 4:47.19; 7. Ashgrove Rangers B - 5:13.03.

Women

1. Pinnacle Girls - 4:44.22; 2. Toowong Harriers - 4:45.43; 3. Ashgrove Rangers - 4:58.26; 4. RunCo Gals - 5:30.07.

Mixed

1. Pace Shavers - 3:44.55; 2. Track Attack Uni of Sunshine Coast4:02.27; 3. Pinnacle Mixed - 4:30.51; 4. Myall Mudskippers - 4:46.33; 5. Sweeney Runners - 5:14.02; 6. Thompson Estate Mixed Bag of Goods - 5:36.33; 7. Walloper1 - 5:38.00.

Kids 1k Cross Country

Girls

1. Lily Boburka - 3:28; 2. Abbey Gluth; 3. Eliyay Farmilo.

Boys

1. Lane Stacey - 3:57; 2. Joe Gluth; 3. Carter Stacey. Training is Monday and Thursday evening at The Gap High School oval from 5.45pm and Tue afternoon from 5pm at the UQ hill opposite the athletic track.

For further information please call Dick Dunstan on 3300 5719. For more: www.ashgroverangers.org

R U OK?Day

Nationally recognised throughout Australia, R U OK? Day, which falls on Thursday, 11 September this year, is a day dedicated to encouraging people to start meaningful conversations and connect with others. We know everyone around us, whether they’re family, a coworker, a friend, or a stranger, goes through the inevitable ups and downs of life. That’s why it’s so important that we all feel confident enough to check in with the people we care about and ask ‘R U OK?’. Three words can make a world of difference, even more than what we see at face value.

2 4 1 3

Research by the R U OK? organisation found that those who are regularly asked, 'are you okay?' had increased feelings of wellbeing, and that 1/3rd of Australians have been asking others more often over the past year. This means many of us are already showing up for others in significant ways, but that some people are less confident than others when engaging in deeper conversations about how we’re really going. To feel slightly hesitant is natural, but the good news is 9/10th of Australians report feeling supported, thankful, and cared for when someone genuinely asks them if they're okay - and that’s a good reason to give it a go.

Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club

Something different at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club

It was show time without the crowds at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club in August. Well known bush poet Noel Stallard regaled us with his clever renditions, then various games and quizzes, interspersed in true show spirit with strawberries and ice cream for morning tea. And to cap it off – some fascinating entries for the prize for the most original hat worn on the day. Also in August some of us enjoyed a tour of St John’s Cathedral, which came with morning tea and a concert, and the monthly lunch was at Arana Leagues Club.

Wildlife expert Adrian Caneris will be our guest speaker in September telling us about all those creepy crawlies we might see in our gardens and scaring us with the many that we mostly don’t see in our ceilings. Later in the month the regular lunch will be at the Newmarket Hotel.

The GapProbus Club

We visited two Brisbane iconic places on the same day – the historic home Newstead House and the nearby almost-as-historic Breakfast Creek Hotel.

After many years of restoration, albeit with work still being done, Newstead House is a beautiful time capsule of 19th century New South Wales. Why NSW? Well, the original “cottage” was built before separation and long before State of Origin was a thing.

Our excellent guides explained everything in just enough detail, from the long-case clock (not a Grandfather clock, please note) to the five layers of wallpaper to the cramped servants’ quarters and the chequered history of ownership going from pioneering through grand to run-down and almost abandoned for a factory site. Having satisfied our thirst for knowledge we repaired to the Brekky Creek Hotel, which is only fifty years younger than Newstead and has just as much social and political history. Plus food and drink, always important to Probus!

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

And a small number of us will be visiting the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Our book exchange table groaned under the weight of the offerings in August. We are an erudite lot! Monthly cards afternoons continue at the Ashgrove Library. Our regular monthly coffee and chat mornings at a café in The Gap provide further social interaction.

New members are most welcome. Just search for Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club for ongoing information on our upcoming activities on our website. We meet at 9.30am on the 2nd Thursday each month except December and January at the Red Hill Bowls, Sports and Community Club in Fulcher Road, Red Hill. Come and give us a try at a monthly meeting or come along as a guest on any of our outings.

Please phone either of our Club Membership Officers Sue Vivian on 0413 544 202 or Caroline Graham on 0411 459 687 so that we can make you welcome.

AshgroveHistorical Society

Visitors are encouraged and very welcome to attend the Ashgrove Historical Society meetings held at the Ashgrove Library on the first Saturday of the month from 10am-noon.

The topic on 4 October 2025 is The Missing Part of Ashgrove presented by member, Merle Heiner.

There is a part of Ashgrove with a unique history that hasn’t been recorded in as much detail as other parts of the suburb. The area is bordered by Ashgrove Avenue and Enoggera Creek and encompasses Vaux Street, Somme Street, Raleigh Parade, Corbie Street, Ashgrove Crescent, Fernydell Street, Corona Avenue, Frobisher Street, Anderson Avenue, Lansbury Parade, Park Road and Tennis Avenue. Merle Heiner grew up in the area in the 1940s and is keen for its history to be recognised. Her presentation will include recollections of a childhood spent living in and exploring this pocket of Ashgrove and Enoggera Creek and will include photos from Merle’s personal archive.

A shared morning tea will follow the presentation which will provide the opportunity to chat with the guest speaker and other people interested in local history.

Newmarket Bocce Club News

The inaugural EPOCA Construction Cup was played on Sunday 3 August. Many thanks go to the Directors Gilberto Maggiolo and Tony Bosso for sponsoring this competition.

We invited Redlands Bocce with 16 players on both sides. We played Quadretta (fours), 4 games, 3 before lunch and 1 after. Gina Rotili prepared and cooked a great lunch assisted by Rebecca. A thank you to Sarina, Maria and Donna for your assistance during lunch. So when you mix sponsors, lunch, speeches, raffle and some cheer, what would you expect but a great day.

As always, it came down to the last game. Had the leading Newmarket team won that game it would have resulted in a tournament win, however we lost 7-6 and therefore, and well-deserved, Redlands took out top honours. Tony Bosso presented the prizes and trophy to the winners.

Remember there are no losers in Bocce, we are all winners! Mario De Marco, Secretary, Newmarket Bocce Club

AHS membership and our publications make great gifts for anyone interested in Ashgrove’s history. Fees are $10 single per annum (1 July - 30 June), or $15 couple/family. Please contact the secretary, Julie, (ahs.secretary@bigpond.com) and she will let you know the EFT details or you can join at a meeting. Funds raised from memberships, raffles and the sale of our publications supports the research, preservation and recording of Ashgrove’s history. For more: www. ashgrovehistoricalsociety.org

Newmarket Probus Club

Checking out the new Brisbane Metro

This year, Newmarket Probus has introduced some extra activities which involve investigating Brisbane and its surrounds by public transport, making use of the 50c fares. Previously we had dinner at the Merthyr Bowls Club followed by a City Cat trip to see the lights along the river.

Last month we decided to try out the new Metro service. We met at Roma St and first boarded the M2 (Royal Brisbane Hospital to University of Queensland) followed by the M1 (Roma St to Eight Mile

Please contact: Mario 0403 257 325; Tony 0418 731 423; or Bill 0431 458 481.

Plains). Our leader, Barbara, told us facts about the Metro as we sped along the busways. Did you know that the buses can hold up to 150 people, take 6 minutes to recharge and arrive every 5 minutes at peak hour?

Once we had finished our bus trip, we walked to the Red Brick Hotel at Woolloongabba for lunch. This old hotel is known for its great seafood menu. Everyone enjoyed the food and chance to socialise with friends which is what Probus is all about.

If you would like to find out about our great club you can contact Judith on 0438 335 314. Alternatively, check out our website. Just put Newmarket Probus into your web browser.

Boomerang Bags The Gap & Surrounds

Boomerang Bags The Gap and Surrounds (BBTGS) is a group of local volunteers taking action to reduce our environmental footprint. We repurpose donated fabric to make a range of bags and other useful or decorative items, which we then sell at various stalls. BBTGS focuses on reducing plastic pollution, carbon emissions and waste going to landfill, while extending the life of textiles as part of the circular economy.

We receive amazing support from our community! Our two recent stalls were very successful, but you may be wondering – what do we do with the money we receive?

Each year we offer several “Community Grants” of up to $1000 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations to help them fund a specific need or project, meeting one or more of the following criteria:

• generates environmental benefits;

• supports developmental outcomes for school students; and/or

• improves mental wellbeing by supporting meaningful engagement and connectivity.

Last year’s recipients were:

• Sprouts Playgroup, for quality play equipment to enhance early learning

• Newmarket State School, for literary resources for young students

• Next Step Connect, for a Christmas lunch to increase community connection for recently-homed people

• Recycling Hills District, to recycle nine wheelie bins of medicine blister packs

The 2025 Grant Round is now open! To apply, please scan the QR code and fill in the form to tell us about your organisation and the project you’d like some funding towards. Applications will close on 30 September, with successful recipients announced by 31 October. Or email us to get further details.

BBTGS meets Friday mornings during school terms at The Gap Baptist Church. Our members enjoy getting together each week - it helps improve their mental wellbeing and builds a stronger community. New members are always welcome!

facebook.com/boomerangbagsthegapandsurrounds

The GapSustainability Initiative

Many thanks to the Western Echo for supporting our inaugural Brisbane West Eco Fest by featuring it prominently in the July edition. While writing this piece before the event we expect that the Eco Fest will be a full success. Already we have benefited so much by working together with many other community groups and making lots of new connections with likeminded speakers, attendees and sponsors. We are also so grateful for the support from the stall holders and the community. More details on the event to follow in our report next month. While we have focussed on organising this event over the last few weeks, we will return with a community seminar on 16 September, 7pm at The Gap State High School Library. Please check our Facebook page and website for details.

We attended the sold out book launch of “Plug In: The electrification Handbook”, the latest book by Dr Saul Griffith from Rewiring Australia. Over 200 people attended the event organised by Zero Emissions 4059 to hear Saul speak. Why is Saul’s message resonating so much with the community? There are probably multiple reasons, but an important one is the financial benefits electrification brings for households and communities. Check out or website where we now host the recording by MC Electrical from our July seminar.

For more:

www.thegapsustainability.org

Brisbane North Cake Decorators

The next meeting of the Brisbane North Cake Decorators will be held on Saturday 20 September, starting at 1pm at the Arana Community Hall on Dawson Parade. The meeting will begin with a brief business session, followed by a demonstration by Maria, who has recently transferred to another branch. It will be lovely to catch up with her. Afternoon tea will be provided by our hostesses, and the event will wrap up around 4pm. Our group enjoys welcoming new members, and we were pleased to have a prospective member visit in both June and August. We encourage anyone interested to attend a few meetings to see if our group feels like the right fit – there is no pressure to join immediately.

At our August meeting Victoria led the group in a workshop, learning to apply the principles of Kintsugi to cake decorating. Kintsugi, which translates to “golden joinery”, is a traditional Japanese technique that embraces flaws and repairs broken objects by highlighting the cracks with precious metals instead of hiding them. In cake decorating, this approach can be used to create striking designs that celebrate imperfections, using edible gold or silver to mimic the effect of repaired pottery. What a wonderful way to hide those little disasters that often happen in our cake decorating journey.

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

The GapCreative Inc

September has arrived and it is the start of a very busy time of making, creating and getting to share it with our suburb. Fresh ideas and imaginative projects on the go, with new techniques and lots of learnings to share. We have so many new members who have joined recently and we cannot wait for you to get to know them and their creative practice!

Following on from the recent success of The Gap Soirée, you will get the chance to see a small group of our creatives pop up at the Tribe Vibes Community Day on Sunday September 14. Several of our artisans will be there with stalls showcasing and selling their latest spring designs. It promises to be a very family friendly morning filled with fun!

The

Gap’s Open

Studios

returns.

– Bigger, Brighter, and Full of Surprises!

Mark your calendars for 11–12 October as The Gap transforms into a vibrant creative playground for the 4th annual Open Studio’s Art Trail. Meet 15 local artists across 8 unique venues, and explore everything from painting and ceramics to sculpture and jewellery. This is a rare opportunity to buy works direct from the makers.

New this year: a family-friendly Art Trail Scavenger Hunt with prizes to win. A weekend of art, inspiration, and community - not to be missed!

Stay up to date with our events and latest happenings by visiting our website or following us on socials.

Register your CCTV / Home Security System with the QPS!

Community Camera Alliance is an opportunity to register your closed circuit television (CCTV) system with the Queensland Police Service. We have a lot of CCTV systems here in The Gap, but participation in the Community Camera Alliance for our area is very low.

Please consider signing up your home if you have a CCTV system - it may help the police track down offenders across a wide variety of offences and potentially help your 4061 neighbours.

More about the Community Camera Alliance

This initiative aims to promote the relationship between the community and the QPS by encouraging registration of CCTV systems to prevent crime and make the community safer.

CCTV has become a crucial investigative tool in modern policing. CCTV footage holdings are regularly used to investigate and solve often serious crimes and are invaluable when used as evidence. It provides an unquestionable account of the identity and actions of offenders. CCTV images can potentially reduce investigation times, resulting in swifter outcomes.

Knowing the location of established CCTV systems within the community will maximise the efficiency of investigative resources and minimise the loss of potential evidence. Locating cameras can be time-consuming and resource-intensive but it is crucial, particularly in serious investigations.

How will my CCTV registration be used?

Members of the QPS will be able to access the details of your registration for purposes of investigating crime. CCTV footage may be used for court purposes. Security of the information you provide will be maintained by the QPS. If police believe that your system can assist to solve a crime or help in any other way, you will be contacted and asked to help.

To register head to: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/CCTVRegistration For More info: www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-andpreventing-crime/community-camera-alliance Your Suburb, Your Home, Your Family, Your Community www.fb.com/neighbourhoodwatchthegap www.nhwq4061.com

ShedforHappens Men Ashgrove-The Gap

WHO ARE WE?

Shed Happens is a non-political, non-religious bunch of local lads who enjoy the camaraderie that the Shed Happens organisation affords. We gather to listen to fascinating local speakers, enjoy a yarn and like to think we advance our intellectual, cultural and networking interests.

Spring has almost sprung - and so has your Committee organising the September evening meeting and an extra special Community Dinner... more in a moment!

• Shed Happens meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Paten Park Scout Den, just off Paten Rd commencing at 6pm with a delicious barbecue prepared by the Scouts/Venturers. Our evenings wrap up around 8.30pm and the cost for a great night out is just $10!

• Wednesday, 17 September meeting: our two guest speakers will

be Richard Adams talking about "Optimal Gut, Optimal Health" and Darryl Scott, a former Scouts Qld Chief Commissioner and electrical engineer.

• Make a note of our October meeting on the 15th. Details in next month's Western Echo.

• Our special annual and much-anticipated Community Dinner (where Shed Happens fellows bring along their partners and friends) will be held this year on Friday 14 November in the Hilder Road State School auditorium, commencing at 6pm.

The two guest speakers will be our local State Member the Hon Jonty Bush and former Council and State representative, the Hon Denver Beanland... not to talk about politics but about their fascinating life journeys! Note the date, gather a group of friends and book a table.

Our loyal and growing group of followers always welcome new Members. You will probably know a number of local Members already!

Shed Happens would also like to acknowledge and congratulate Melanie and Kym, Volunteer Editors of the Western Echo on the wonderful community service that this monthly paper provides in advertising for free all Shed Happens upcoming events!

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

It’s been a busy and joy-filled time at St Peter Chanel, with our community coming together to celebrate learning, faith, and fun through a number of exciting events! Catholic Education Week was a special highlight, marked by a beautiful collaboration with Mater Dei Primary School. Their visit was a great opportunity to connect in faith and friendship. The day included a lively disco, a delicious sausage sizzle, and a shared Mass - reminding us of the strength and spirit of our Catholic community.

Our Prep and Year One students recently celebrated 100 Days of School - a wonderful milestone in their learning journey! The children dressed as 100-year-olds and took part in themed activities focused on counting, reflection, and fun. We were also lucky to welcome a special guest who shared stories of “things long ago,” giving students a glimpse into the past and sparking great curiosity.

Meanwhile, Science Week has been in full swing, encouraging

curiosity and creativity across all year levels. Students engaged in hands-on STEM workshops, tackling design challenges and problem-solving tasks. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and critical thinking were a joy to witness.

From science to storytelling, faith to fun, there’s always something happening at St Peter Chanel. These experiences not only enrich student learning but also strengthen the wonderful sense of community we share.

Go well

Bec O’Connor, Principal

The Gap State School Reading, Wellbeing, and the Road Ahead

How The Gap State School is building strong foundations for learning and a supportive environment where every child can thrive.

The first part of our vision is simple yet powerful: empowered and engaged learners. Central to that vision is our strong focus on both learning to read and reading to learn. From the very first days in Prep through to the senior years of primary school, we know that reading is the foundation on which all other learning is built. This is why our teaching is targeted, explicit, and carefully sequenced giving every child the tools they need to unlock the world of words and ideas.

Our teachers use proven approaches that are consistent across the school while also allowing for flexibility to meet individual needs. It’s not just about teaching children to read the words on a page, it’s about developing deep comprehension, critical thinking, and a love for reading that will serve them well for life. By working in close partnership with families, we are creating a culture where reading is celebrated, valued, and enjoyed.

Equally important to us is the

wellbeing of every student. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and supported, and that’s why our social and emotional learning programs are embedded into everyday school life.

Our classrooms and playgrounds are places where kindness, respect, and empathy are encouraged and modelled. Circle Time discussions, class agreements, and whole-school expectations help children learn how to work through challenges, understand others’ perspectives, and contribute positively to our community.

Behind the scenes, our staff work closely together, using data, sharing expertise, and continually refining our practice. This professional collaboration ensures that our teaching is both informed by evidence and responsive to the unique needs of our students. We know that when teachers learn, students learn, and our team’s commitment to ongoing growth is one of our greatest strengths.

As we head into the last part of the year, our focus remains sharp: continuing to build strong, confident readers; deepening our wellbeing practices; and sustaining the consistency and clarity that help our students thrive. We will keep working together, staff, students, and families, to make sure every child at The Gap State School has the best possible opportunity to shine.

For Learning

Katie Stubbings, Principal

Payne Road State School

We have been very busy in the area of Sustainability, considering it is the cornerstone of our school, it is no wonder!!

PRSS EcoMarines Win Statewide Photo Competition!

We are proud to announce that Payne Road State School has

been named the winner of the "What Does It Mean to Be an EcoMarine?" competition!

As part of the Go Green for EcoMarines initiative in June, schools were encouraged to share a photo or short video that captured the essence of their sustainability journey. Our passionate EcoMarines Ambassadors, with the support of Mrs McMahon, impressed the judges with their colourful and creative “Be Green, Be Seen, Be an EcoMarine” photo, showcasing the many ways we care for our environment at PRSS. Their work reflected our commitment to sustainability, teamwork, and community action — from composting and recycling, to caring for our school garden and promoting eco-friendly habits. As the winning school, PRSS received a complete Foodcube System - a water-efficient, lowmaintenance raised garden bedkindly donated by the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. This exciting addition to our garden will enhance our patch-toplate learning program and allow students to grow even more fresh produce.

The prize was officially presented to our EcoMarines Ambassadors during a special ceremony, with an EcoMarines program coordinator and photographer in attendance to capture the celebration.

Congratulations to our EcoMarines Ambassadors for their outstanding efforts and for representing Payne Road State School with such pride!

On Friday 1 August, Payne Road State School proudly hosted

St Peter Chanel

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

the 2025 Environmental Leaders Day, welcoming student sustainability leaders from across the district. It was a day filled with hands-on learning, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to collaborate on ideas to help our planet.

The event began with a Leadership Superpowers workshop with Dr Cathryn Lloyd, encouraging students to reflect on the qualities that make strong, adaptable leaders. The Community Leaders Panel followed, featuring Jonty Bush MP, Monique Lowndes from eWaste Connection, and John Rhode from Save Our Waterways Now, who shared their experiences and answered thoughtful student questions.

Across the day, students rotated through three engaging workshops:

• SeamTogether with The Seamstresses – transforming old fabrics into something new while learning to value and repair our clothing.

• The Art of E-Waste with Suzon Fuks – exploring creative ways to repurpose electronic waste and understanding its environmental impact.

• Building Biodiversity with SOWN & SATGI –investigating local creek

life and discovering how to protect native habitats.

Our PRSS Environmental Leaders represented our school with pride, collaborating enthusiastically with peers from other schools and contributing creative ideas during the wrap-up activity.

A huge thank you to Julie Robson for her outstanding organisation of this event, and to all presenters, staff, and volunteers who made the day such a success. Events like these spark new ideas and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to take action in their schools and communities.

Danielle Freeman, Principal

The Gap State High School

Write a Book in a Day Competition

The Gap State High School recently took part in the national Write a Book in a Day competition – a unique challenge where teams of 5–10 students write and illustrate a complete book in just 12 hours in the school library. Given specific story parameters on the morning of the event, students worked together to create imaginative, illustrated stories under tight timeframes. Completed books are donated to children’s hospitals across Australia, while funds raised support childhood cancer research through The Kids’ Cancer Project.

It was a day filled with creativity, teamwork, and purpose, helping young patients while developing valuable skills.

Launch Pulse Conference 2025

Do you have a student in Years 5–12?

The Launch Pulse Conference 2025 is happening on Friday, 5 September, at The Gap State High School.

Launch is a student-led STEAM program empowering

young people through realworld opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This year’s theme, Health & Recreation, explores how innovation and technology can enhance wellbeing, community connection, and active lifestyles.

Students will hear from a keynote speaker in the health and recreation industry, choose three workshops from 17 engaging options, and compete in the annual STEAM Challenge with prizes to be won. Workshops include drone programming, parachute design, jewellery making, AutoCAD design, and more.

For more information visit: https://thegapshs.eq.edu.au/

extra-curricular/clubs/launch

Father’s Day Breakfast at The Gap State High Sschool

We are hosting a Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, 4 September, from 7:15–8:30am at The Gap Football Club. Enjoy a relaxed continental-style meal while hearing from guest speaker John Kosmina - Socceroos legend, Football Australia Hall of Fame inductee, and Technical Director at The Gap Football Club.

Tickets must be pre-purchased at events.humanitix.com/fathersday-breakfast-with-socceroo as no sales will be available on the day.

Anne McLauchlan, Executive Principal

Wild in The Gap

Thank you to Karen Palmer (Facebook Group: Wildlife in The Gap) for this stunning photo of a Lewin’s Honeyeater taken right here in The Gap.

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

Photo credit: © Karen Palmer

your photo/s