Highfields FM 87.6

The Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Regional Awards (Darling Downs) were presented recently in Toowoomba at Marks Courtyard, City Hall with Toowoomba  Regional Council towns featuring prominently. Two of the awards were secured by Oakey: 1. The OneSteel Recycling PARTNERSHIPS AWARD Over 130 agencies and individuals are partners involved in the Oakey Jigsaw initiative. The social problems of the town were highlighted and Health Services, indigenous workers, Toowoomba Regional Council, State Government, churches, community groups, sporting clubs, Emergency Services, employment services and the University of Southern Queensland all had valuble input into a plan to address Oakey’s problems. They all worked together to understand each other’s roles, the services they were able to  offer, and shared knowledge to ensure Oakey’s future is positive and productive. 2. YOUNG LEGENDS AWARD One of the outcomes of the Oakey Jigsaw projectwas the formation of the Oakey Traditional Dance Troupe which consists of between 30 and 40 children and teenagers led by a 16 year old who knows that it is “OK to be aboriginal in Oakey.’  The Troupe has performed at Oakey, Toowoomba (with John Williamson) and Dalby Shows and a number of other community events. Very positive outcomes from this initiative include the boost to the childrens’ self esteem and a very noticeable attitude change amongst Oakey’s aboriginal youth. Audio Report – Gordon Patterson speaks with David Totenhofer, Lorraine See and Jennifer Wharton.

View original here:
Oakey Gains Partnerships & Young Legends Awards

Toowoomba Regional Council Connections The weekly program keeping you up to date with Toowoomba Regional Council’s facilities, activities and services. Council Connections with Darren Burton We look at the Community Information Directory, the Languages and Cultures festival, roadworks, the Carnival of Flowers program and some gallery information.

Continued here:
Council Connections: Week 3, July 2010

Toowoomba Regional Council Connections The weekly program keeping you up to date with Toowoomba Regional Council’s facilities, activities and services. Council Connections with Darren Burton We look at the Community Information Directory, the Languages and Cultures festival, roadworks, the Carnival of Flowers program and some gallery information.

See the rest here:
Council Connections: Week 3, July 2010

A talented new eight-member ensemble will bring their fanciful musical style to the Jondaryan Woolshed for the Big Country Sunday Brunch on 18 July. With two guitarists, three vocalists, a pianist, a drummer, and a jack-of-all-instruments, Hopney Moffett create unique interpretations of jazz, funk, rock, pop and folk hits, as well as their own original music. With so much talent to draw on, the result is often surprising, occasionally eclectic but always enjoyable, and the band’s aim is to bring joy to their audience. Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor says the Jondaryan Woolshed plays an important role in supporting and publicising regional  musical talent. “The Woolshed provides a monthly stage for local artists and entertainers and has helped many of them to establish and maintain successful careers” Since the band was formed only two years ago, Hopney Moffett has developed a reputation for being a fun all-0ccasion band and has played at the recent Hampton High Country Food & Arts Festival, the Helidon Jazz Festival in 2009 and at the Breaking Free Concerts in 2008 and 2009. Hopney Moffett released their first CD “I’m Just So Excited About Myself” in June 2009. The Big Country Sunday Brunch provides outstanding value for money with a homestyle cooked breakfast, entertainment and access to the Jondaryan Woolshed’s attractions – including guided tours and sheep shearing demonstrations – for only $25 for adults and $12 for children. Bookings are essential. Call (07) 4692 2229 or visit www.jondaryanwoolshed.com John Osborne Chief Executive Officer,  Jondaryan Woolshed

See the original post:
Hopney Moffet at Jondaryan Woolshed

Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) is seeking expressions of interest from home owners in the Toowoomba Regional Council area to participate in this year’s Sustainable House Day in September. “We are seeking local owners of sustainable houses willing to open their houses to the public between the hours of 10am and 4pm on Sustainable House Day, Sunday 12 September 2010” HOPE President Frank Ondrus says. “Houses need to display a variety of sustainable features, including energy and water efficient products and practises, sustainable building and design features, and can either be a new, renovated or retrofitted dwelling”. Mr. Ondrus said that this year’s Sustainable House Day, a national event presented by Solar Shop Australia and to be managed locally by HOPE, is expected to be the biggest yet as hundreds and thousands of Australians continue to embrace renewable energy, recycling and other practices to lesson our impact on the environment. “With homes scheduled to open around the country on Sunday 12 September, the event – in its ninth year – continues to grow in popularity as people seek more sustainable ways of living” Mr. Ondrus said. “Homes will be open to the public for free, and it is a fantastic opportunity for owners of sustainable homes to provide unbiased advice on working concepts, plans and ideas to people who want to make their homes more sustainable, but who are often confused about where to start”. Interested home owners wanting further information and to express their interest in participating in Sustainable House Day asked to contact Mr. Frank Ondrus on (07) 4639 2135 by the 30 th July 2010.

View original post here: 
Showcase your house on Sustainable House Day

USQ Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Lynne Hunt will be the special guest speaker at a breakfast in Toowoomba as part of Domestic Violence month activities. Professor Hunt has an extensive background in the research of Domestic Violence and related health issues. She has also produced a number of publications and journals in the area of women’s health & is an internationally acclaimed speaker. The Toowoomba Says No to Violence (TSN2V) committee and both Zonta Toowoomba & Zonta Toowoomba Garden City clubs are hosting the breakfast at Angelo’s House on Wednesday 12th May at 6.45am as part of Domestic Violence awareness month in Toowoomba. Sadly, Domestic and Family Violence are prevalent in our community and it hurts everyone. The social and economic cost of violence is staggering and the community should not turn a ‘blind eye’ to its presence. The TSN2V committee is committed to curbing violence in the Toowoomba community and is conducting a number of events to heighten awareness and spread the message that violence in any form is not acceptable in Toowoomba. The DV Breakfast with Professor Lynne Hunt will bring home that message and the community, plus business & civic leaders, are invited to attend. Cost is $30 for a hot breakfast plus fruit & yoghurt platters and tickets can be booked by contacting Angelo’s House on Ph. 46599200. Credit Card facilities are available. There are limited tickets available and RSVP is by 5.00pm Tuesday 11th May. Peter Rookas CEO Toowoomba Hospital Foundation peter_rookas@health.qld.gov.au Ph. (07) 46166166 Fax. (07) 46166177 Mobile. 0418-713138

View post:
USQ Professor to Speak at DV Breakfast

The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation will be the beneficiary from the sale of art being exhibited at the Toowoomba Art Society’s ‘Culliford House’ over the next six weeks. ‘Works… Present & New’ is an exhibition of paintings and drawings by renowned local artist Mike Grice BVA. A collection of his works including both paintings and drawings will be officially launched at ‘Culliford House’ this Friday evening by CEO of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Peter Rookas. Mr. Rookas said it was an honour to be invited to launch the works. ‘I have known Mike for a number of years and I am very aware of his talents. His pencil art is extremely unique and very detailed. And his paintings are of the highest order.’ Mr. Rookas also said the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation had engaged Mr. Grice’s services on numerous occasions, with the most recent work undertaken, the drawings of a collection of various hospital buildings over the past 150 years to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Toowoomba Hospital. Mike Grice commenced painting in 1980 and completed his BA in Visual Arts at USQ in 2003, majoring in Portraiture. He has entered works in the Sulman Prize, the Blake Prize and will enter his work in the Archibald Prize for the 7th time this year. The exhibition commences on Friday 5th February from 6.00pm with the official opening free to all wish to come along. A donation of 10% of sales from exhibition will be donated to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. For further information, Peter Rookas, THF Ph. 4616 6166 or Mob. 0418 – 713138

Read more:
Art Exhibition to Benefit Local Hospital