Tag Archives: australia
90 Years of “Royal’ for the RAAF
The Royal Australian Air Force will mark 90 years since the title of ‘Royal’ was bestowed on 13 August 2011. Although the RAAF celebrates its birthday on 31 March 1921, on this date the service was officially known as the Australian Air Force. But the decision had already been made, in February, to ask the King to grant the ‘Royal’ title. The approval of ‘Royal’ appeared in the Commonwealth Gazette on 18 August 1921, but what was printed there was the order signed by the Governor-General five days earlier. This stipulated 13 August as the date from which the service was to be known as the Royal Australian Air Force. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia collection www.naa.gov.au (click to enlarge). 90 Years of Air Force Defence Media Operations Continue reading
Japanese Food And Drinks To Aid Disaster Victims on June 10th
The 10th, 11th and 12th of June of this coming Queen’s Birthday long weekend sees Toowoomba’s The Spotted Cow Hotel holding their first Milking The Cow Beer Festival, featuring 60 small-batch craft beers from around Australia and accompanied by a specially-matched dining menu. As part of the opening night celebrations on Friday, June 10th, legendary Japanese punk band The Jet Boys will take the stage, touring Australia for the very first time in their long and celebrated career. The Spotted Cow are therefore taking the chance to provide much-needed aid and comfort to the victims of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami disasters by specially extending their range of Japanese drinks and serving authentic Japanese dishes for the night, and donating proceeds to the ongoing disaster relief efforts. Supported by the Toowoomba Japanese Group, the evening will feature a number of popular Japanese beers as well as the famous traditional rice wine known as “sake” in Australia, “shochu”, a distilled spirit from the southern island of Kyushu currently wowing drinkers in the hottest bars worldwide, highly-regarded Japanese whiskey, plus a range of cocktails and more! This will be a unique opportunity to sample Japan’s rich drinking culture, available at no other venue in town. Similarly exotic fare will complement the range of beverages, including “edamame” – green soybeans eaten from the pod as a traditional and wildly popular drinking snack – plus more well-known favourites such as yakitori and sushi. A portion of proceeds from tickets and Japanese drink sales will be donated to the Australian Red Cross’ Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal. With nearly 200 000 people still housed in emergency shelter in the shattered communities of northern Japan, this represents a real opportunity to lend assistance and support to those in need – as well as a mighty fine night out! The evening commences with Japanese food service for ticket-holders from 8pm on Friday, June 10th. A specially-discounted opening night ticket package is available for $25 and includes the choice of two beers, the Japanese dishes and other savouries, and a $5 donation to the Red Cross. More information on the Milking The Cow Beer Festival and ticket packages at www.spottedcow.com.au Submitted by Jeff Brady (Twba. Japanese Group) 0458 395 924 Continue reading
Region’s Cyclists Competing in USQ Ride the Range Sunday May 15
The Toowoomba Range is the domain of cyclists today, Sunday 15 May for the inaugural USQ Ride the Range event. Approximately 250 riders are tackling the course which started in Toowoomba at Picnic Point, progresses along to Flagstone Creek road, through the Lockyer Valley and Gatton districts before the cyclists return to Picnic Point via the Toowoomba Range. Professor Bill Lovegrove, Vice-Chancellor and President of USQ is proud to support the event and wishes the 25 strong USQ team well in the event. “The event supports the Prostate Cancer Association of Australia and has been organised through the Rotary Club of Toowoomba,” Professor Lovegrove said. “Many of the event organisers are members of USQ Corporate Club and we all hope the Challenge will grow into a major tourism event over the years to come.” The riders have two ride options, a 60km option where they ride to Helidon, or a 100km ride to Gatton and back. Additional details are available at www.ridetherange.org.au submitted by Sam Tickell, USQ Media Continue reading
Australian Government Accepts Offer of Japanese War Records
The Australian Government has welcomed Japanese Foreign Minister Maehara’s apology to Australian Prisoners of War (POWs) for the horrors they endured under Japanese control in World War II. Foreign Minister Maehara’s apology was made in a spirit of reconciliation during the visit to Japan of five former Australian POWs and their carers under the auspices of the Japan-POW Friendship Group. Foreign Minister Maehara also announced Japan would return to Australia historical records of former Australian POWs held by Japan during World War II. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, thanked the Japanese Government. “I welcome their offer which is made in the spirit of cooperation. These index cards were originally offered to Australia by the Japanese Government in 1953, but the Australian Government of the time chose not to take up the offer, believing that they would not contain any new information,” Mr Rudd said. Minister Snowdon said the Japanese records may shed light on the fate of the members of Lark Force, many of whom were lost when the Japanese transport Montevideo Maru was sunk by a US submarine in 1942. “The Government recognises that there are families who remain uncertain about the fate of those captured by the Japanese during World War II,” said Mr Snowdon. “In recent years, the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society have maintained interest in the fate of Australian prisoners of war and have pressed the Australian Government to seek access to the card system.” The records are expected to be housed in the Australian War Memorial. Continue reading
Stamps Celebrate RAAF’s 90th Year
The Royal Australian Air Force in partnership with Australia Post has launched a new commemorative stamp collection on Friday 18th February at RAAF Base Amberley, QLD. RAAF General Dynamics F111G The collection celebrates Air Force Aviation, with recognition of the recent retirement of the F-111s. Other stamps in the collection feature the Super Hornet, Wedgetail and Globemaster. It is a fitting tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force, which will celebrate its 90th Birthday on 31 March 2011. Activities during 2011 will focus on remembering the past, and looking to the future with the theme tradition, innovation, and evolution. Continue reading
Rock’N’Roll Auction Continues to Raise Funds
www.rocknrollauction.com.au The Queensland Music Network (Q Music) recently launched an online Rock ‘n’ Roll Auction to raise money for The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal – an online event featuring items and experiences generously donated from artists around the globe. ‘Money-can’t-buy’ experience auctions opening today include the chance to meet Katy Perry at her Brisbane concert and a VIP trip to the massive Coachella Festival in the USA flying courtesy of V Australia. The Rock n Roll Auction has already raised over $5,000 in funds for The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal and there are still more items left to bid on including: – a ten year VIP ticket for the Laneway Festival – a private show by The Gin Club – a chance to watch Less Than Jake side of stage at the Soundwave Festival – a limited edition Reg Mombassa print – signed items from Iggy & The Stooges, Talking Heads, Cold Chisel, Primal Scream, Bon Iver, Silverchair, Gotye, The Ten Tenors, Deborah Conway, Little Birdy, Human Nature + more! To view and bid on auction items go to www.rocknrollauction.com.au. The auction bidding is happening on eBay and all money raised will go to The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, which has been extended to help those affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Auction has received valuable support from Jolt Studio, Street Press Australia and the many donors. Q Music has received approval from The Department of The Premier and Cabinet to conduct this fundraising auction. Our reference number is TF/11/4269. Submitted by Angela Sunley Queensland Music Network Phone: (07) 3257 0013 Mobile: 0415 327 279 Email: angela@qmusic.com.au Continue reading
Caddy Needed for Peter O’Malley
A unique opportunity to caddy for golfing legend Peter O’Malley will go under the hammer this week to help flood recovery efforts in Toowoomba, in conjunction with the 2011 Cellarbrations QLD PGA Championship to be played from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th February. Despite severe flood damage, City Golf Club is well on the road to recovery and are committed to staging the PGA Tour of Australasia event and this week’s auction will be one of many efforts to help raise additional funds to rebuild the local community. As one of the headline players in the Cellarbrations QLD PGA Championship to be played at City Golf Club, Peter O’Malley is tipped to be among the contenders come the final round following great performances at the 2011 Cellarbrations Victorian PGA Championship and the 2011 Surf Coast Knockout. But who will be carrying his bag around City Golf Club course in Toowoomba? The auction to caddy for O’Malley in both the official tournament pro-am and the tournament proper is now open with the auction set to close at 5pm on Friday 19th February. In addition to the main prize, the highest bidder will also receive a framed memorabilia item to commemorate the occasion including an autographed caddy bib and photo from the Cellarbrations QLD PGA Championship. The highest bidder will also receive Cellarbrations QLD PGA Championship merchandise and have the opportunity to rub shoulders with other high profile Australian pros including Craig Parry, 2011 Victorian Open winner Paul Sheehan and inaugural Surf Coast Knockout victor Scott Laycock. “We are all really looking forward to the week’s festivities and if this is a way that I can personally have both a moral and financial impact on those impacted by the floods, then I feel that is the least I can do,” said O’Malley. Money raised from the auction will directly benefit the local Toowoomba region with funds going to the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Flood Relief Appeal. To bid on this chance of a lifetime opportunity go to www.ebay.com.au and search for ‘Caddy for Peter O’Malley’ or go direct to the page by clicking here . The 2011 Cellarbrations QLD PGA Championship will be played at City Golf Club, Toowoomba from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th February. Submitted by Nicole Powell, Communications and PR Manager, PGA of Australia npowell@pga.org.au Continue reading
Pittsworth Footballer Wins Postle Gift run on Australia Day
The A B Postle Gift commemorates the exploits of professional runner, Arthur Benjamin Postle (1881 – 1965) born at Springside near what is now Pittsworth, Queensland. He achieved world fame in his crimson costume as ‘The Crimson Flash’, competing in England, Wales, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Before going into semi-retirement in 1912, Postle set world records over 50 yards (5.1 seconds), 60 (6 seconds), 75 (7.2 seconds), 80 (7.75 seconds) and 200 (19 seconds), being virtually unbeatable over short distances. The Postle Gift is run annually over 75 yards during Pittsworth’s Australia Day celebrations. The 2011 event was won in a close finish by Pittsworth Danes’ rugby league footballer, James Ellison. This year’s event was sponsored by Landmark Droney with a $500 prize to be spent in Pittsworth, and James also received a trophy from George and Pam Postle. Continue reading
Over $40,000 Raised at Toowoomba Disaster Appeal Breakfast
The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce held one of their chief Disaster Appeal fundraising events at Picnic Point on Friday, 28th January. Toowoomba Grammar 'Old Boys', Graham Turner, Chamber of Commerce President Geoff McDonald and Alan Jones The venue was fully booked with 440 people in attendance to hear keynote speakers, Flight Centre founder and Managing Director Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner and Australia’s most popular Talkback Presenter and former Wallaby coach and Balmain Rugby League coach, Alan Jones. Continue reading
2011 Australia Day Awards – Toowoomba Regional Council Area
Australia Day is an opportunity to acknowledge those who have worked tirelessly to help make our nation one of the proudest and most prosperous countries in the world. This year in particular, when we’ve seen such devastation in our region and throughout our nation, it is important to recognise those who help the community in so many ways. Corporate Services portfolio leader and Australia Day Committee Chair, Cr John McVeigh said the winners were to be congratulated, not just for their respective awards, but for what they brought to their communities through their character, their enthusiasm and their countless hours of volunteered time. Regional Winners Young Citizen of the Year Award – Sarah-Jane MacDonald Sports Award – Glen Brown Cultural Award – William Haupt Community Group/Event Award – Hampton High Country Food and Arts Festival Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year – Lois Kelly Clifton & District Citizen of the Year Award – Geoffrey May Sports Award – Sarah Flynn Cultural Award – Back Plains State School Theatre Restuarant Community Group/Event Award – Pilton Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee Crow’s Nest District Citizen of the Year Award – Helen Stevens Young Citizen of the Year Award – Lucy Hanson Sports Award – Wayne Donovan Cultural Award – Trudy Hintz Community Group/Event Award – Hampton High Country Food and Arts Festival Goombungee District Citizen of the Year Award – Yvonne Turner Young Citizen of the Year Award – Belinda Iseppi Sports Award – Barry Campbell Cultural Award – Dorothy Mair Community Group/Event Award – Boodua Hall Greenmount District Citizen of the Year Award – Iris Bryce Young Citizen of the Year Award – Annallisa Fiechtner Sports Award – Brooke Richardson Sports Award (Junior) – Tom Wainwright Cultural Award – Tony Parsons Community Group/Event Award – Cambooya and District Family Fun Day Highfields & District A scene typical of Australia Day ceremonies around the nation – Robert Prentice receives his award frm Kerry Shine MP at Highfields Pioneer Village. Citizen of the Year Award – Robert Prentice Young Citizen of the Year Award – Matthew Goulter Sports Award – Haydn Weir Cultural Award – Peter Harvey Community Group/Event Award – Highfields Pioneer Village, Australia Day Event 2010 Millmerran District Citizen of the Year Award – Bridget Hogarth Young Citizen of the Year Award – Tim O’Dea Sports Award – Jo Jannusch Cultural Award – Gary Fogarty Community Group/Event Award – Millmerran Commerce and Progress Association – Christmas in the Bush Oakey District Citizen of the Year Award – Mary Smith Young Citizen of the Year Award – Renae Radke Sports Award – Brayden Josephs and Katlin Peterson Cultural Award – William Haupt Community Group/Event Award – Museum of Australian Army Flying Pittsworth District Citizen of the Year Award – Lionel Moore Young Citizen of the Year Award – Simon Playford Sports Award – Tiffany Dibley Cultural Award – Owen Murphy Community Group/Event Award – Pittsworth and District Campdraft Association Inc Yarraman District Citizen of the Year Award – Dale Castle Community Group/Event Award – Yarraman Over 50’s Club * The Aileen Noble Volunteers Award was presented to Allan Coltus In congratulaing award winners, Cr McVeigh said “Through the Australia Day awards, we’ve been able to shine the spotlight on the people and events from around the Toowoomba Regional Council area that have played a significant part over the last year in helping forge the lifestyle we all enjoy.” Continue reading
