Tag Archives: community
Toowoomba Hospice Celebrates 8th Birthday!
The Toowoomba Hospice is eight this month and the Management Committee, staff and volunteers have been in party mode for the whole month of July! Toowoomba Hospice Chairman Graham Barron OAM said the Hospice is celebrating a milestone in providing Palliative Care Services to the Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs Communities. “We are excited to be able to celebrate our 8th birthday, and we want to thank the Community as a whole from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us in providing Palliative and Respite care for those with a terminal illness.” L to R: Cutting the Birthday cake (made by Hospice Volunteer Barb Bissett) is Hospice Chairman Graham Barron OAM and Hospice Founder Sr Frances Flint csb OAM Director of Nursing Mrs. Alicia Trimingham-Turl said “It is fantastic to think that we have been operational for the past 8 years and cared for 675 clients and their families in this time. Without Sr Frances’ vision we might not have had the opportunity to provide such a service.” Mr. Barron said “We celebrated this special occasion with a lovely service and afternoon tea Saturday, 9th July. It was a lovely afternoon, one of our Pastoral Care Volunteers Nicole Rangiira conducted the service and her husband Brett played the guitar to some songs and we finished off with an afternoon tea.” “During my day-to-day activities I continually receive many accolades for the Toowoomba Hospice which I’m very proud to accept on behalf of everyone involved with this valuable facility” said Mr Barron. “I want to acknowledge the Management, staff and volunteers who diligently carry out their duties to ensure that the Toowoomba Hospice delivers a very professional and much appreciated service.” Anyone who wishes to support Toowoomba Hospice’s 8th Birthday by making a donation can send them to the Hospice, PO Box 6463, Toowoomba West, Qld 4350. Continue reading
Gardening Superstars to Converge on Toowoomba
The first event on the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers calendar, Gardenfest, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with Phil Dudman, Colin Campbell and Annette McFarlane heading up the who’s who of garden gurus attending. The television and media personalities head up a list of local and national talent ready to encourage people from south-east Queensland to get out in their gardens, re-build after flood damage and talk about the changing face of gardening now the dams are full again. It is the first time in around a decade that the Toowoomba region has not had some area “drought declared” so while water wise techniques have become part of the community’s psyche, there are now more opportunities than ever to have a fabulous garden in the Garden City. The first event on the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers calendar, Gardenfest, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with Phil Dudman, Colin Campbell and Annette McFarlane heading up the who’s who of garden gurus attending. The television and media personalities head up a list of local and national talent ready to encourage people from south-east Queensland to get out in their gardens, re-build after flood damage and talk about the changing face of gardening now the dams are full again. It is the first time in around a decade that the Toowoomba region has not had some area “drought declared” so while water wise techniques have become part of the community’s psyche, there are now more opportunities than ever to experience fabulous gardens in the Garden City. “There has been a lot of damage to the open spaces and private gardens in and around Toowoomba after the January floods and this will be a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate this community event, get some great advice from true professionals and plant for spring,” event organiser Emily Murphy said. Fabulous foodie Julie Ray from Northern NSW and TV personality Phil Dudman “Phil Dudman is a new addition to this year and his expertise in sustainable gardening will be a great addition and he’ll join chef Julie Ray in the kitchen for a punnet to plate experience that will have to be tasted to be believed! “Colin Campbell has been involved in the growth of Gardenfest pretty much since it started in Toowoomba 30 years ago and he’s really excited about travelling from the Sunshine Coast.” Meanwhile, joining author and radio personality, Brisbane’s, Annette McFarlane in the Speaker’s Tent will be horticulture teacher, tour guide and TV presenter Brian Sams and organic gardener Justin Russell. The cooking demonstration area features local chefs cooking their favourite meals, members of the clergy competing against each other in celebrity cook-offs as well as civic and public figures and the second annual Brian Sams versus Colin Campbell sizzle-off. For more information Emily Murphy Event Manager Heritage Building Society Gardenfest 0438 866 020 www.gardenfesttoowoomba.com.au Continue reading
Coal Mine Action Group Community Information Evening April 8th
This evening is organised by the Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group to up-date residents about the status of mining exploration across outer suburbs of Toowoomba and to share information regarding our group’s progress since our original community meeting. Speakers will share information regarding the group’s plans for future action. Speakers approached to address the group include: politicians, mining reps, Qld Govt Mining Registrar, and local residents . John Gordon (Musician) will perform his mining ballad that recently received Australia-wide media attention following it’s ban from ABC radio despite other states giving it air-time. The media will also be in attendance. DATE: Friday 8th April TIME: 7pm WHERE: Gowrie Community Hall- Old Homebush Road Gowrie Junction Please bring your pens and paper to jot down info as needed. For further information please join our FACEBOOK page- Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group. See you there, Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group Submitted by Lucinda and Dean Paynter lbo79326@bigpond.net.au Continue reading
Giant Warehouse Clearance Sale Saturday, April 9th
The Lockyer Valley township of Laidley is bouncing back. The Second Chance Opp Shop is recovering from the devastation caused by floodwaters destroying 99% of stock and fittings. This community based retail outlet is well supported by local volunteers who work tirelessly to provide a well stocked shop with clothing, bedding and household items. A range of shoes, books, furniture and children’s toys also make up the variety of items available to bargain shoppers. The proceeds from the shop are ploughed back into the local community for local services and agencies. The support from the community by buying local is much appreciated by the management. Additionally the support by the many generous donors is valued. Following the flooding, the quantity of donations was so enormous that temporary warehousing of the many items was found at the Laidley Showgrounds. The Shop is only able to operate from the reduced size section while repairs are being organised to the rest of the establishment. It is now necessary to hold a Giant Warehouse Clearance Sale to empty the warehouse because the volume of items is too much for the Shop to process. The Clearance Sale is being held at the Laidley Show grounds on Saturday April 9th from 8am to 2pm. The bargains include “buy one, get one free” bags of clothes. Further information is available from Fay on 5466 7174 or 0414 600 694. Continue reading
Calls For Community Cabinet Deputation Requests
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine is encouraging people concerned about mining explorations being carried out in the local area to apply for deputations at the upcoming Community Cabinet in Toowoomba on Sunday, March 13th. Mr Shine said he had already raised the issue with the new Minister for Mining, Stirling Hinchliffe, and was keen for people who had questions about the process to raise them with the Minister. “Community Cabinet is a chance for locals to speak to Ministers directly about issues they may have, and I think that’s clearly what should happen here,” Mr Shine says. “This is a very important issue in our local area and I want to make sure the community takes advantage of this opportunity to put their views forward. “While I understand mining brings jobs to the local area, we need to protect the places where people live. “Explorations may never progress to actual mines and there are plenty of opportunities for people to have their say if a company wants to start a mine.” People requesting deputations about mining or other issues should contact the Toowoomba North Electorate Office on 4638 5755. Continue reading
Queensland Governor Inspects Flood Damage and Recovery Effort
Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley AC paid a two-day visit last week to the Western Downs to inspect first-hand the widespread flood damage and recovery efforts in local communities. She was accompanied by her husband Stuart McCosker, Inspector Ian Thompson AD, Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown and councillors. During a visit to the Distribution Centre in Dalby on Friday February 4 the Queensland Governor met with volunteers and witnessed the sorting of food, clothing and furniture donated by the community. (Left to right) John Gill, Charlie Henry, Stephen Long, Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown, George Lee, Her Excellency Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley AC, Stuart McCosker, Maren Lee, Ingrid Hubner and Cr Carolyn Tillman Together, the group toured Dalby, Chinchilla, Tara and Warra on Friday and Condamine and Miles on Saturday allowing the Governor to receive an overview of the recent flood events, an update on the recovery operations and to speak with residents, community organisations and businesses affected by the flooding. During the regional visit the Governor also took the opportunity to meet with SES personnel and volunteers to thank them for their efforts during the floods and in the clean up and recovery operations. Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown said. “The Governor was amazed at the level of destruction caused by the floods, the level of support from within the community and by the way in which the recovery operations are being conducted in each of the townships.” Cr Brown said the Governor was particularly heartened by the support of the community when she visited the distribution centre in Dalby by the amount of clothing, food and furniture that had been donated to help flood-affected residents. “The Governor was very appreciative of people allowing her into their homes to see some of the damage that had occurred. She was warmly welcomed by all our communities and I thank the Governor for taking the time to visit our region.” Continue reading
Dalby Pool Reopens After Floods Friday 4th February
The Dalby Swimming Pool has reopened, almost three weeks after floodwater washed through the facility. It was forced to shutdown when the wading pool and then the 50 metre pool were inundated with floodwater twice just prior to New Year’s Eve. Dalby’s biggest flood in almost 30 years left patrons unable to utilise the facility, but from Friday, 4th February swimmers will relish the opportunity to make the most of the remaining summer with the pool reopening at 5.30am. Western Downs Regional Council’s clean up crew have worked around the clock to bring the pool back to life after draining floodwater and removing fine sediment, whilst maintenance was carried out on electrical and mechanical equipment and the pools were refilled. (l to r) John Merton WDR Council, Tony Murray, Cameron Smith and Sarah Delahunty from Arrow Energy & Jason King from General Petroleum Spokesperson for Community Services, Councillor Charlene Hall said “The pool is looking great once again and I personally want to thank Pool Manager Carolen Collins and all her wonderful volunteers for helping with the clean up,” she said. Cr Hall thanked Arrow Energy, General Petroleum and Ancon Drilling for providing essential equipment and volunteers to assist Council with the clean up operation, and Adam Luck Electrical. She said it was a great joint effort from Council staff and local business and industry to get the pool back up and running. “It has been truly inspiring to see how local businesses and industry have rallied around to help the pool bounce back, I really have to take my hat off to them all. We’re pleased that the local pool is now ready and open for business as normal,” she said. Submitted by Brett Hoefler, Corporate Communication and Marketing Officer, Western Downs Regional Council Continue reading
Dalby Pool Reopens After Floods Friday 4th February
The Dalby Swimming Pool has reopened, almost three weeks after floodwater washed through the facility. It was forced to shutdown when the wading pool and then the 50 metre pool were inundated with floodwater twice just prior to New Year’s Eve. Dalby’s biggest flood in almost 30 years left patrons unable to utilise the facility, but from Friday, 4th February swimmers will relish the opportunity to make the most of the remaining summer with the pool reopening at 5.30am. Western Downs Regional Council’s clean up crew have worked around the clock to bring the pool back to life after draining floodwater and removing fine sediment, whilst maintenance was carried out on electrical and mechanical equipment and the pools were refilled. (l to r) John Merton WDR Council, Tony Murray, Cameron Smith and Sarah Delahunty from Arrow Energy & Jason King from General Petroleum Spokesperson for Community Services, Councillor Charlene Hall said “The pool is looking great once again and I personally want to thank Pool Manager Carolen Collins and all her wonderful volunteers for helping with the clean up,” she said. Cr Hall thanked Arrow Energy, General Petroleum and Ancon Drilling for providing essential equipment and volunteers to assist Council with the clean up operation, and Adam Luck Electrical. She said it was a great joint effort from Council staff and local business and industry to get the pool back up and running. “It has been truly inspiring to see how local businesses and industry have rallied around to help the pool bounce back, I really have to take my hat off to them all. We’re pleased that the local pool is now ready and open for business as normal,” she said. Submitted by Brett Hoefler, Corporate Communication and Marketing Officer, Western Downs Regional Council Continue reading
Help Needed in Esk, Lockyer Waters, Fernvale, Lowood
I am gathering volunteers together to help in Esk, Fernvale and Lowood areas. We have heard from so many people in need, while also have talked to many people who want to help, but have been frustrated by being turned away. We’re trying to bypass the red tape by linking needs and volunteers. We have a network of volunteer coordinators who can work via Phone, SMS, Facebook and Twitter. We have a request from Vim Balachandran of the Esk Council. The Esk council has leased a shop and is using it as a distribution centre, but due to staffing issues may need to close it over the weekend. We’re trying to arrange volunteers to sort out donations and keep it open, and continue to give them to people in need. We have already found around a few people from Brisbane who are moving up and staying in Esk over the weekend to help out, but many more are needed. Vim Balachandran of Esk Council can be contacted on 0417 798 994. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the council office in Esk at 9AM on Saturday and Sunday and every day afterwards. We have an immediate request for more helpers in Fernvale. – Call 0406 896 713. We also have precise details for individual families who need help all around the Brisbane Valley, and we are in personal contact with them. If volunteers would like to assist individual families in need, you can contact me on 0411 887 926. We are publishing needs and requests at http://twitter.com/briscleanup (The scope has expanded obviously.) We are also working together with the Facebook Adopt-A-Family group. We are coordinating in the Facebook Brisbane Floods Volunteer Community http://on.fb.me/f9JHNa Paul Moore Horizon Infrastructure Architect Flight Centre Technology Mob : 0411 887 926 Continue reading
Dalby Town Water Supply Critically Low
Due to a spike in water consumption Dalby’s water supply is now critically low and at risk of being depleted before the flooded Water Treatment Plant is recommissioned. Residents are restricted to emergency household use only – Drinking, Toilets and Showering. No evaporative air conditioners, no outside watering and no flood clean up. Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Ray Brown Residents in need of assistance for flood clean up can call the Western Downs Local Disaster Coordination Centre as alternative sources are available to assist in clean up efforts. Residents are asked to use alternative water sources were possible such as rain water, bore water or bottled water. An Emergency SMS Alert was sent to residents Friday afternoon. Kerri Anderson, Strategy and Communications Manager Western Downs Regional Council Continue reading
