Tag Archives: local
Local Female Firefighter Sizzles in Calendar Fundraiser
In her day-to-day job you might see Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) South Western Region(SWR) Firefighter Paula Douglas, joining her fellow Firefighter crew mates sweating it out during fire and rescue operations. This year she has taken her dedication to her job as a female Firefighter to another dimension. Paula made the decision to join other Queensland Female Firefighters and glam-up for a Female Firefighter Calendar shoot in the name of charity. Paula Douglas Twelve female Firefighters from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) have teamed up for the 2012 Female Firefighters Calendar to raise much needed funds for the Queensland Cancer Council. ALL funds raised will be put towards Breast Cancer Research. Paula said “Helping to raise money for Breast Cancer Research is something close to my heart” Paula has experienced first hand the devastating affects that this insidious disease can have on loved ones and friends. All of the Calendar Girls are FULL TIME FIREFIGHTERS and work in stations across the state, from Gladstone and Toowoomba, to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. “We hope that everyone will buy a Female Firefighters Calendar to generate awareness and raise much needed funds for Pink Ribbon Day, in support of all Queenslanders touched by breast cancer.” Paula said. The original QFRS endorsed 2012 Female Firefighter Calendar will be available from August 11th and costs $10.00 each. Please support Paula and her fellow Calendar Girls in their quest to raise as much money as possible for Breast Cancer Research. Order your copy NOW! To purchase your copy of the 2012 Female Firefighter Calendar, for yourself, as gifts or for more information visit www.femalefirefighters.com.au . Continue reading
Council Connections: Week 4, July 2011
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 This week Darren talks on the Draft Regional Planning Scheme, the Carnival program guide, National Tree Day celebrations, scheduled burn offs in the Pechey area, a family history workshop, Toowoomba Art Gallery submissions, the mobile library back on the road and a reminder to dam users. Continue reading
Queensland Day Celebrations in Pittsworth on Sunday June 12
This year marks the 152nd anniversary of Queensland becoming a separate colony from New South Wales. Here in Pittsworth we will be celebrating the occasion on Sunday 12 June at the Pioneer Village. Once again the Queensland Day Committee has organised a full program. Admission will be free. A highlight this year will be the display of over 90 historic motor vehicles. Participants in the Queensland Historic Motoring Council’s 2011 rally will be joining our celebration and giving local car enthusiasts the opportunity to view some quality vehicles from yesteryear. The cars will be on display from 9.30am and visitors will be able to purchase tea, coffee and scones from the Beauaraba QCWA ladies. Official proceedings will begin on the covered stage at 11am with the welcome by Cr. Ros Scotney from Toowoomba Regional Council. Allan Petersen, who will be the MC for the occasion, will then invite Cr Ros to read the Declaration of Queensland Day. This will be followed by the flag raising ceremony led by the local Guide group and Mark Schuster will perform “God Save the Queen”. Proceedings will then move to the Post Office where Cr Ros will officiate at the naming of one of the display rooms. Local land holders will then have the chance to record their cattle or horse brands for posterity on the Branding Board for $30 each. There will be displays by White Mischief and Amazing Soaps and the Craft Shop will be open. Gail Parish, Ruth Taylor and Barbara Harris will also have a lace and spinning display in the Post Office. Local gardening identity Penny McKinlay will be presenting a talk in her unique style. Old time children’s games will be organized by Allan Petersen and Bill Krautz to ensure the day rounds off with a family flavour. There’s no need for anyone to go hungry. Ron and Lyn Pearce and their helpers will use their camp oven expertise to provide traditional Aussie favourites such as stew, billy tea and damper with syrup. Cook’s Softdrinks will be on sale during the various activities. Mark Schuster will continue performing on his button accordion throughout the morning and the Queensland Day Committee is awaiting confirmation on other musical entertainment. Make sure you bring the family and join in what should be an enjoyable celebration at the Pioneer Village. It is envisaged that activities will be finished by 2pm. Submitted by Peter Ross Continue reading
Toowoomba Region Residents Urged to “See The Signs”
Doctors’ concerns for the mental health of Queenslanders following a devastating summer of natural disasters have prompted AMA Queensland to launch a new state-wide campaign urging friends and family to look out for each other. The ‘See the Signs’ campaign has been officially launched by AMA Queensland President Dr Gino Pecoraro. The aim of this initiative is to help Queenslanders including Toowoomba residents tell if someone isn’t coping by providing a practical checklist of common symptoms. We also want to make sure people know their GP is there to help,” Dr Pecoraro said. “An additional survey of AMA Queensland members found almost 60% of doctors had seen or expected to see a spike in mental health cases. More than half (52%) thought the affects of the recent natural disasters would continue having an impact on the mental health of Queenslanders for at least the next 12 months. “In the immediate aftermath of a flood or cyclone it’s common for people to show emotional numbing and even to appear as if in a daze but if this continues for more than five days it may be a sign they need extra support. The sevens Signs identified by AMA Queensland to help indicate whether a person is having difficulty are: 1. Complaints of continued poor sleep with ongoing nightmares. 2. Observations a person is easily overwhelmed, tearful or fragile. 3. The use of drugs or alcohol to suppress intense emotions or to try and achieve sleep. 4. A pattern of withdrawing from family and friends and not engaging in day to day discussions that generally allow people to slowly debrief. 5. Problems performing at work such as struggling to concentrate on the job at hand. 6. Startling easily and declining invitations for social engagements and other usually pleasurable activities. 7. Increased or unreasonable irritability with family, workmates or friends. Far North Queensland General Practitioner and AMA Queensland Councillor Dr Sharmila Biswas said if a person was still demonstrating these behaviours this long after the floods and Cyclone Yasi it was time to seek help. “Generally these signs can be easily observed and may be useful starting point when talking to someone you care about,” Dr Biswas said. “Referencing changes in a person’s behaviour is often less threatening than directly challenging changes in their personality. For example, statements like ‘I don’t think you’re coping’ are less helpful than ‘I’ve noticed you’ve had some trouble managing lately’.” Single parents and children between eight and 15 years of age are considered most at risk of a mental illness following a natural disaster. Elderly people are also at risk, especially in situations where family members or carers have been affected. Girls, women, small business owners and ethnic minorities are at greater risk of developing post a traumatic stress disorder as are rescue workers, volunteers and those with a direct exposure to trauma. Queenslanders in need of advice or support should consult their local GP. To locate your closest AMA GP, download the free AMA Find a Doctor App. Alternatively the service can be found online at www.amafindadoctor.com.au 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
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
Grantham Cruise to Assist Flood Relief Saturday 5th March
Details for a special car show to be held in Grantham have been released. Co-ordinated by the QLD Chevrolet Car Club and the Grantham State School P & C, there will be several cruises for participating cars, all converging at Grantham. As well as bringing their classic American cars and hot rods, participants are also being encouraged to bring donations for the Grantham community, whether it be sporting goods, toys, clothing, food, money etc. All proceeds of the day will be distributed by the P & C directly to those most in need in Grantham. A large BBQ is also being organised at the show, the gold coin donation proceeds to be added to the pool of funds. The show will be held at or around the local school grounds. Cruises are being arranged from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba. Chris Malone President chrismalone@keypoint.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
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
Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, in his capacity as Acting Minister for Defence, has visited the newly established Headquarters Joint Task Force 637 (JTF637) which is conducting Operation Queensland Flood Assist. Mr Snowdon received briefings from the ADF Commander, Colonel Luke Foster, and his team on the scope of support which the ADF is providing to the Queensland Government-led flood rescue and relief efforts. Three Blackhawk helicopters from 5th Aviation Regiment, Townsville, have been providing flood relief assistance to Emerald since New Years Eve, through the evacuation of 56 people, air dropping of medical supplies, evacuation of patients from the Emerald hopsital and the dropping of 42 tonnes of food and general supplies to isolated areas. As the situation in Emerald has impoved, the aircraft are now relocating to Rockhampton in anticipation of further flood relief operations. A25-40 Blackhawk helicopters from 5 Aviation Regiment Detachment, Townsville, depart Emerald Airport for Rockhampton (Photograph by Corporal (CPL) Janine Fabre). Additionally, a RAAF C-130 Hercules has been providing relief to the people of central Queensland by delivering temporary accommodation and groceries to flood victims over the past few days. Deep Caption: Operation Queensland Flood Assistance is the ADF’s contribution to the whole-of-government flood rescue and relief efforts, which was initiated in response to the devastating Christmas floods experienced by central Queensland. “The scale of devastation experienced by the people of central Queensland as a result of these floods saddens me,” Mr Snowdon said, “but in times of crises Australians are renowned for pulling together to help each other out and I note that this crisis is no exception”. Defence will continue to operate closely with Queensland Emergency Services to provide subject matter expertise, planning and coordination of the ADF support to the civil led flood response. Continue reading
