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At yesterday’s official declaration of the poll for Maranoa, re-elected MP Bruce Scott congratulates the hard-working staff of the Dalby AEC office. Back from L-R: Acting Divisional Returning Officer Gordon Marshall, Janette Dudgeon, Tracey Newton, Kristy Dun, Colin Juillerat, Liz Schulze & Bruce Scott Front from L-R: Melita Connellan, Cynthia Rathmell Bruce Scott was officially announced as the re-elected Federal Member for Maranoa yesterday,at the AEC’s declaration of the poll in Dalby. Acting Divisional Returning Officer Gordon Marshall announced that the poll for the electorate of Maranoa had been declared, with Bruce Scott re-elected with a result of more than 57,000 primary votes. Mr Scott said that whilst he was pleased his re-election was now official, he was disappointed to learn that the Coalition would not form government. “Mr Katter’s electorate shares many similarities with the Maranoa electorate, and I am pleased Mr Katter acknowledged that a Coalition Government would have been better for rural Queensland,” he said. Mr Scott was the only candidate for Maranoa who attended the official AEC declaration of the poll, where he thanked the hard-working AEC staff in Dalby who processed more than 90,000 votes. Chase Pollard – Media Officer chase.pollard@aph.gov.au www.maranoa.info “I would like to acknowledge the staff of the local AEC office in Dalby, who have worked tirelessly over the past two months to organise the many polling booths across the vast electorate of Maranoa,” Mr Scott said.

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Declaration of Maranoa Poll

Community forum The USQ Community Capacity Building Project in conjunction with the Community Development and Facilities Branch, Toowoomba Regional Council invites you to a Public Lecture – Understanding Youth Suicide (with Garry King, Guidance Officer, Teacher and Youth Counsellor specialising in the area of suicide prevention and Garry Hansford, Community Support Worker, GP Connections). To be held on Tuesday 14 September 2010 at 6.45 pm at the QCWA Hall, 263 Margaret Street. Light refreshments (tea/coffee) will be provided after the event. Details available at: www.usq.edu.au/commcapacityproject/communityevents Please RSVP by Friday 10 September to Glen Postle 0407 462 331 or postle@usq.edu.au or Darryl Bates 4688 6758 or darryl.bates@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au Book Spring Bluff train trips Tickets for return train rides to Spring Bluff during Carnival week are on sale at Toowoomba Railway Station, Railway St. Apart from one service departing the station at 9am on Sat, Sept 25 two services will run daily from Sun, Sept 19 to Fri, Sept 24. The first diesel train trip leaves Toowoomba at 9am and arrives at Spring Bluff at 9.35am before departing at 11am. Afternoon trains leave Toowoomba at 1pm (arriving at Spring Bluff at 1.35pm) and depart at 3pm. Tickets must be bought in person at Toowoomba Railway Station from 9am to 3.45pm weekdays. No phone bookings. Prices: $16.50 adults, $8.50 child 4-15, Under 4 free if not occupying seats. Enquiries to QR on 4631 3381. Gallery seeks 2011 exhibition ideas Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is seeking fresh exhibition proposals from regional artists for the first half of 2011. Artists who live in the council area are welcome to submit proposals for exhibitions to be displayed in the Cam Robertson Gallery from January to July 2011. Applications must be lodged with the Gallery by Friday, October 1. For more information, please contact Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery on 4688 6652 or email art@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au Exhibition papers the walls Contemporary art and interior design will come together in a short exhibition at the Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery from September 7 to 26. The touring exhibition of wallpapers titled The Wallpaper Project is a collaboration between artist Simon Mee, wallpaper printer William Wilding and a number of contemporary artists. A floor talk by Simon Mee will be held at the gallery on Thursday, September 9 at 9.30am. Gallery hours are 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday. For details, please call 4698 1687 or email crowsnestart@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au Local History Library Displays Toowoomba’s Local History Library is hosting two significant displays during Sept and Oct – a photographic display of the Carnival of Flowers during the 1950s, including the queens, gardens and parades, and an exhibition of photographs and programmes marking Toowoomba Repertory Theatre’s celebration of 80 years of entertaining. Visit 476 Ruthven St (9.30am-1pm Tuesday to Saturday) or phone 4638 7766. Free plant vouchers Ratepayers in the TRC area receive two free plants per year via a voucher included with their rate notices. Half of TRC residents would have received vouchers in April and the remainder would have received theirs in the past week. Please see the back of the voucher for collection points and opening times to collect your plants. For more information phone 4688 6654. Immunisation clinic times Council’s Wednesday immunisation clinic hours will vary this month. The service will operate from 9am to noon on Sept 8 and 22 at 12 Little Street, Toowoomba. Regular Wednesday hours (9am to 1.30pm) will operate on Sept 15 and 29. The clinic also provides vaccination advice for children and adults. Call 4688 6835 weekdays between 8.45am and 5pm. Lodge event support proposals Applications are being sought for the Events Support Grant Program which closes on October 3, 2010. This council initiative aims to support groups planning major regional and community events. Further information about the program and application forms can be obtained from the Economic Development, Tourism & Events Branch on 4688 6966. Plant a tree in Cambooya Help plant trees in Cambooya’s Paterson Park in George St from 9.30am on Saturday, September 11. Council, Cambooya Landcare Assoc, Toowoomba Probation and Parole and Toyota are joining forces to provide tools and plants. All helpers can join a free sausage sizzle and a drink. Enquiries to John Hughes (Landcare 0417 303 612) or Kristie Jenkinson on 4688 6514. Sign on for Bushcapades Spring holiday activities will be staged in Toowoomba’s bushland parks from Tuesday, September 21 to Friday, October 1. Craft sessions cover paper making, pressing flowers, candle making, pottery and tips for organic gardening. Small fees apply and children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings are essential by calling 4688 6572 during office hours. Get in early Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival tickets, including the Heritage Building Society Live Concert Series (featuring Troy Cassar-Daley, the Hoodoo Gurus and Beatnix) are on pre-sale now at the Empire Theatre Box Office. Phone 1300 655 299 or visit www.empiretheatres.com.au Brush up on safe food handling Residents involved in catering at public functions during Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers can brush up on safe food handling tips at a free course on Thursday, September 9. The session runs from 9am-1pm, 2nd floor, 543 Ruthven St. Enquiries and bookings to 4688 6824. Rate notices Council’s rate notices have now been issued with payment due on September 21. Please check the back of your rate notice for the full range of payment options. Tombstone Tours Discover the region’s intriguing past on the 2010 Tombstone Tours of Toowoomba and Drayton Cemetery. Tours will run on Sunday, Sept 19 at 10am, on Wednesday, Sept 22 at 7pm and on Saturday, Sept 25 at 10am. Tickets cost $5 and must be pre-booked at the Local History Library, 476 Ruthven St (9.30am-1pm Tuesday to Saturday) or by phoning 4638 7766. Temporary closure Stephen St Qld Rail’s upgrade of Stephen St railway bridge from August 23 for approx 5 wks (weather permitting) will involve the temporary closure of Stephen St (between Duhig St and Fifth Ave). Detours will be in place. New 10-year Community Plan In late July, TRC endorsed the new community plan that sets out the vision, goals and outcomes the region’s community wants to see over the next 10 years. The Community Plan fulfils a legislative requirement of the Local Government Act 2009. Please log on to www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au and select Council Vision and Strategies to view the new Community Plan. Lodge request for Council service online Council is offering residents and ratepayers a further option when lodging a request for council services. Anyone wanting to submit a request for a specific council service can now do so online at any time of the day. Areas currently available for online lodgement are animal collection/nuisance, changes of address, overgrown allotments, parking meter faults or infringements, road and footpath maintenance requests, abandoned and nuisance vehicles, water meter issues and wheelie bin services. Explore Laurel Bank Park Grab your torch and be a part of the popular Twilight Tours of Laurel Bank Park in Herries St Toowoomba during the Carnival of Flowers. Running on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 20-22, the one-hour tours from 6.30pm and 7.30pm each evening will provide an insight into the park’s history and its many floral highlights. Gold coin donation. Bookings essential on 4688 6542.

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Toowoomba Regional Council News in Brief

Discussing placement of the former Railway Yards plaque in Curnow Street Crows Nest, No. 41 on the map are :- L to R:- Heritage Crows Nest Community Branch Manager Julie Murphy(with map), Lions Club of Crows Nest Inc. President Meg Hatfield and Club Secretary Rob Crosato. Heritage Crows Nest Community Branch has presented a cheque for $17,820 to the Lions Club of Crows Nest Inc. for their history plaques project, Stage 2 of three stages to promote awareness of historical sites in Crows Nest village. Stage 1, a map entitled “Crows Nest – More History Than You Think” was published last year by the club,  financed by a Q150 grant from the Queensland Government and completed with the invaluable help of the Crows Nest Historical Society. The map shows the locations of 60 sites of historical interest. A cast bronze plaque will be placed on footpaths at each of the 60 locations with information and in the instance of now vacant sites or major structural changes, an illustration of the history of that site. The plaques should last 100 years and will be constructed by Wagners Toowoomba. Stage three will be the publication of a book of oral history, again focussing on the 60 sites. A questionnaire will be sent to the public outlining the club’s plans for obtaining oral history. “We plan to interview older residents and former residents of Crows Nest and anyone else who is interested in passing on valuable information about the history of Crows Nest village,” said Club President Meg Hatfield. The idea for the project was instigated by Russell Hamilton & Meg Hatfield who saw a similar completed project done on buildings in Rockhampton. If you can help with any information, please phone President Meg Hatfield on 4698 2665 or Secretary Rob Crosato on 4698 1538. submitted by Jenny Gersekowski

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Heritage Crow’s Nest Community Branch Funds Historical Plaques

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

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Council Connections: Week 2, August 2010

It’s a tough trek to the top of Mt Everest, but that hasn’t stopped 20 teams of staff members from Heritage Building Society in Toowoomba from launching a race to the summit. Workmates from Clifford Gardens, Grand Central and K-Mart branches, along with multiple head office teams, have set out with the top of the world in their sights. Even more impressive is that they are doing it without oxygen tanks, parkas or gloves, and without even leaving the neighbourhood! That’s because the teams are tackling the Everest Virtual Challenge, a unique fund-raising event sponsored by Heritage Building Society that supports sick kids at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. The concept is simple. Teams of up to 15 people are aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day in the two weeks between May 17 and 30. If they do that, the team will collectively total 2.1 million steps, which is the equivalent of walking to the top of Mt Everest. Teams use pedometers to track their steps and gather sponsors along the way. All money raised goes to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The target is $150,000 by the end of the two weeks. Heritage CEO John Minz said the event was potentially life-changing, in more ways than one. ”Each year, the Royal Children’s Hospital cares   for more than 30,000 children from all over Queensland and beyond. About 60 per cent come from regional and rural areas. “Through the support of the community, the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation works wonders for sick kids by investing in groundbreaking research leading to faster diagnoses, better treatments and ultimately cures for childhood illnesses. “The money raised by the Everest Virtual Challenge contributes directly to these life-changing projects. “And the Challenge is fantastic because it also encourages people to improve their own health by getting out and exercising. Walking 10,000 steps a day could be life-changing- and perhaps life-saving – for participants as well. Altogether Heritage Building Society has entered almost 400 staff members in 33 teams – that’s from a total staff of 700. If you would like to help sponsor the Everest Virtual Challenge event, inquire at your local Heritage branch or log onto the website at www.workingwonders.com.au . Andrew Fox Public Relations Manager 0419 714 204

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Intrepid Heritage trekkers race to the top of Mt Everest

Another school has taken on the ‘Annual Darling Downs Free Dress Challenge’ for 2010 in aid of the Toowoomba Hospice! Drayton and Wyreema State Schools have been joined by Clifford Park Special School in the Challenge of raising money for our local Hospice. Mr. Mark Munro Promotions and Fundraising Manager from the Toowoomba Hospice said he was please to receive the call from the school to confirm their support. Back Row L – R – Cheryl Williams, Phillip Barry, Blake Preston, and Maureen Smith Front Row L – R – Katherine Lacey, Jo Aston had their photo taken with Mark Munro at the Toowoomba Hospice where they enjoyed morning tea, a tour and learnt more about the facility and services it provides to the community free of charge. “As part of their Enterprise unit at Clifford Park Special School, these students (pictured) have chosen to accept the Free Dress Challenge. The students will be organising a Free Dress Disco at the school on June 15 th with proceeds being raised from entry and food sales.” Mr. Munro also said “In addition to their fundraising efforts the students will be volunteering for the next few weeks at the Hospice in the grounds and educating their fellow students on the important service the Hospice provides to the terminally ill and families here on the Downs and Lockyer Valley” Mr. Munro wanted to sincerely thank all the teachers and students from Drayton and Wyreema State Schools who have had their free dress day and encourage other schools to take on the challenge, “Your school could win a Digital Camera from Wilsonton Betta Electrical!” Businesses, clubs, organisations or schools can contact Mark Munro, on 07 46598500 OR email admin.toowoombahospice@bigpond.com to register

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School Joins Hospice ‘Challenge’

The 2010 Northern University Games is coming to Toowoomba, and with it comes lots of volunteer roles for locals interested in sports and events management. Covering a range of roles in areas such as operations, media, marketing, administration, accreditation, sport planning and special events, the 2010 Northern University Games offers some fantastic opportunities for Toowoomba locals to become involved in a large multisport event. Returning to Toowoomba for the first time since 2004 the event attracts in excess of 1,000 competitors in 12 sports and is organised by Australian University Sport, the governing body of university sport in Australia. 2010 Northern University Games project manager Paul Sutcliffe has some fantastic roles on offer at the moment. “We are currently recruiting for a number of roles that would suit a variety of people, from students looking for a foot in the door in the sports events management industry to retirees who are looking for a new challenge, or a way to become involved in the local community” Mr Sutcliffe said. “Many of our volunteers have used our events as a springboard to launch their career in event management, and with roles ranging from 35 hours to over 100 hours it is a chance to gain some new skills while experiencing the buzz of working on such a large event” said Mr Sutcliffe. Further information on available roles can be found on the Australian University Sport website  www.unigames.com.au or by calling the 2010 Northern University Games office on (07) 3876 2610. For further information please contact: Sarah Wordsworth Australian University Sport, Ph: 07 3876 2610 Mobile: 0420 839 152 Email: sarah.wordsworth@unisport.com.au

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Over fifty roles on offer for Toowoomba locals

The countdown to the 2010 Hampton Food and Arts Festival has begun with just days until the annual celebration of local food, arts and culture kicks off on Sunday 16 th May. The quiet village of just 500 residents will swell to more than 4,000 as visitors from all over South East Queensland converge on Hampton’s Chapman Park to enjoy a day out in the high country. Foodies are well catered for at this year’s Festival. Acclaimed chefs Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod will showcase the district’s renowned produce in a series of lively cooking demonstrations, while a diverse array of local restaurants, food producers and wineries will offer everything from shiraz to sourdough. The concept of Slow Food will mark a new direction for the Festival. The cooking demonstrations are always popular “Our featured chef Matt Golinski has had a long involvement with the Slow Food movement,” said food co-ordinator Rosemary Jones. “We’re excited about the possibility of launching a Slow Food convivium on the Darling Downs and encourage Festival goers to get involved.” Lovers of fine art will find a range of interesting works exhibited in the Art Marquee, all created by artists living within 50km of Hampton. Sculpture, painting, and photography will all be on display, and a series of demonstrations will be held around the theme “soft textiles”. “The Hampton Festival is an important launching pad for young and emerging artists,” said art co-ordinator Sue Oliver. “We’re proud of our local talent, and want to do everything possible to foster their development.” To this end, the Hampton Art Exhibition is again offering a substantial cash prize, and works will be available for purchase throughout the day. But what would a festival be without music. Jazz singer Grace Knight is this year’s headline act. Grace Knight Tickets for the Saturday concert, “An Evening with Grace Knight”, have sold out but she will also be performing at Sunday’s main event.  Knight will be supported by a mix of great musicians including Hopney Moffet, the Jimmy Watts Band and locals the Prettiest Girl in the County and Pretty Ugly, and they can all be seen for the general admission price. The 2010 Hampton Festival promises to be a brilliant day out in a wonderful country setting. Gates open at 9.30am and entry is $10 (under 12’s free). A free bus service will run from Toowoomba and Highfields to Chapman Park courtesy of Bus Queensland Toowoomba.  For times and lots of other information check out the Festival website, www.hamptonfestival.com Kerri Seccombe Marketing & Publicity Hampton Food & Arts Festival .

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Countdown is on to 2010 Hampton Food and Arts Festival

L to R: Mark Munro and Alicia Trimingham-Turl from the Toowoomba Hospice look over some of the items that have been donated for the Car park Sale this Saturday whilst Mr Norm Jenner, car park sale co-ordinator keeps a close eye on them! Toowoomba Hospice will be holding its annual Car Park Sale on Saturday 6th February,  from 6.00am till 11am. Organiser Mr Norm Jenner said the Hospice relies heavily on the community spirit to raise the much needed funds to serve our local community.  “I am inviting the community to come on Saturday and make a donation by purchasing items that we have been given to sell.  At 8am there will be an auction of interesting and unusual items. The location will be in the main Car Park at the Hospice, corner of 5th Avenue and O’Quinn St,  Harristown. Mr. Jenner also encourages the community to donate items for the Car Park Sale. “If you have items that you would like to donate to the Hospice Garage Sale please drop them in to the Hospice Admin office during office hours this week by Friday Morning.  However if you have large items can you please drop them off on the Saturday morning of the Car Park sale (Saturday 6th February) between 5.30am and 7am as our storage is very limited. ” Mr. Jenner wanted to reassure all those who support the Car Park Sale that all the money stays here “The Hospice is a Local Charity and I am very proud to say that the money raised locally stays locally. Our operational purchases also support local businesses, companies and individuals on the Downs” Mr. Jenner added that what ever isn’t sold by 11am Saturday will be donated to Life Line to sell in their shops. “I am more than happy to let another charity have what is left so they too can benefit” Mark Munro Promotions and Fundraising Manager Toowoomba Hospice 57b O’Quinn St Toowoomba Qld 4350 07 46598500

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Annual Hospice Car Park Sale