Tag Archives: queensland
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
Anzac Battles feature at 2011 Emu Gully Air & Land Spectacular
The explosive fuses are set and war trenches have been filled with mud! These dramatic backdrops are in place at Emu Gully, Helidon Spa (in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley), for the large scale re-enactment of Anzac battles to take place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May. In its third year, the Emu Gully Air & Land Spectacular will deliver Australia’s largest re-creation of Anzac war scenes, unrivalled in its display of battle action both on the land and in the skies overhead. The re-enactments will take Anzac stories out of the history books and bring them to life in an outdoor theatre on a spectacular scale. While ground troops fight from trenches and rumbling tanks, war birds will be flying overhead dropping special effects explosions on enemy targets. Amidst the action spectators will see Australia’s largest collection of operating military vehicles rumbling to life and again off to war! Amongst the iconic Anzac scenes will be, the Boer War’s Siege of Elands River, displaying what is said to have been the start of the “Digger Legend”. This battle will be brought to life with mounted troops and spectacular pyrotechnics. The famous Gallipoli battle will be recreated with Simpson and his donkey bravely transporting wounded men through enemy fire. Trenches filled with a ‘porridge’ of mud will provide a very realistic backdrop for the men who will re-enact the dreadful trench warfare of the Western Front. Re-enactments of WW2 will feature a German replica Focke Wulf 190 aircraft swooping to attack an allied fuel dump with explosive results, before it engages in an aerial duel with a ‘Spitfire’. Many of Australia’s most iconic Anzac battles will be seen, including the Pacific and Vietnam Wars. “The ground troops in the battle scenes are military re-enactor enthusiasts and they get a real kick out of performing in the trenches as military aircraft drop bombs and dog-fight overhead,” said Barry Rodgers, Event Director. “We have a record number of groups taking part this year, with new arrivals including the Italian troops from Regio Esercito History Group, the Queensland Permanent Artillery and vehicles from the Military Jeep Club of Qld.” The sweet tunes of the Andrew Sisters Tribute Band will set a World War II backdrop to be enjoyed by troops and spectators alike. The whole event site will be abuzz with military bands, military models in action and authentic encampments that show how the military lived when stationed abroad. The event offers an experience for those who like “big boy’s toys” or Anzac history, but just as much parents should seize the opportunity to deepen their children’s appreciation for our Anzac heritage. This ‘out of the classroom’ education will be a thrill for the entire family, with interactive experiences to include the Vietnam tunnel, joy rides in military vehicles, self-drive laser equipped patrol boats, pedal jeeps and opportunities to get up close with the ‘Animals that Went to War’. “This year will absolutely be our biggest and best yet, and we are expecting more than 5,000 spectators to attend over the weekend to enjoy the show,” said Mr Rodgers. “The funding we received this year from the Queensland Government under the Events Queensland Regional Development Program has enabled us to broaden our marketing campaign.” The full program can be experienced on both Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May 2011, at Emu Gully Adventure Education Centre at Helidon Spa just off the Warrego Highway, 17kms east of Toowoomba. Tickets available at the gate ($20 adult, $10 child, $50 family, $15 students and concession). For more information visit www.airandlandshow.com.au or phone 07 4697 7865. Continue reading
Mysteries Of Jazz Unveiled
Ever wondered how Ella scats; how Sarah phrases so beautifully; or how Billie can break your heart with her storytelling? These are just some of the mysteries that will be revealed at the MCGREGOR IN THE VINES JAZZ WORKSHOP on 7 and 8 May in Stanthorpe. Stylish vocalist, MELISSA FORBES, together with renowned Brisbane jazz guitarist, BRUCE WOODWARD will combine forces to help ‘lift the veil’ on the mysterious and often intimidating world of jazz singing and performance. “Bruce is a very experienced jazz guitarist and teacher, and has also supported such artists as Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum, George Benson and Sting so anyone interested in jazz guitar would also get a lot out of the weekend,” said Mrs Forbes. The weekend workshop has been designed to appeal to a range of levels; from amateurs to more experienced musicians. “Amateurs can expect to have fun, listen to some experts strut their stuff and learn in a supportive atmosphere, while others with more experience can expect to deepen their understanding of the art form as well as experimenting with the ideas presented.” Melissa Forbes In 2000, Melissa stepped away from her life as a corporate lawyer to begin jazz and contemporary voice studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. “I have always loved singing, but didn’t start singing lessons until I was 28.” Now, much sought-after, Melissa has a successful singing career – having sung alongside Michael Buble, Naturally 7 and more recently David Hobson; her own record label; a reputation as a leading contemporary voice coach; and a position as Lecturer in Voice at USQ. “When I first embarked on formal voice training, it was in the context of a jazz course, and I knew nothing about jazz as a genre. The world of jazz can be intimidating to the uninitiated as it appears as if the musicians are speaking an entirely different language – which in effect they are. But once you grasp that concept, and start to learn the vocabulary of that language, it all becomes far more accessible.” It is this love and appreciation of the world of jazz that Melissa hopes to pass on to others during the two-day workshop. Participants will learn the essentials of jazz performance including how to learn songs properly and aspects of jazz rhythm, phrasing, storytelling and improvisation, how to communicate with other musicians on the bandstand and the basics of good contemporary vocal technique. “Each day we will cover a mix of theory and practice in jazz, including fun group exercises, ensemble singing and, for those wishing to, opportunities to sing solo and workshop with other performers,” Melissa says. Part of the USQ McGregor in the Vines series, this weekend getaway combines a love of the Arts with an appreciation of fine food and wine and set in the heart of the Granite Belt at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe. “This will be ideal setting to create a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on learning through fun, rather than hard work!” For further information call 07 4631 2755 or visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor Submitted by: Michelle Fox USQ Artsworx Continue reading
Free Breast Cancer Screening Returning to Dalby
The free breast cancer screening service provided by BreastScreen Queensland Toowoomba Service is returning to Dalby on its two-yearly visit. The Service will be located at the Dalby Hospital, and will offer free breast cancer screening from 7 March to 12 May 2011. “Research has shown that breast cancer screening is the most effective way of detecting early breast cancer, even before it can be felt,” says Dr Christine Harget-White, Director of BreastScreen Queensland Toowoomba Service. “Identifying breast cancer at an early stage gives women the best possible chance of successful treatment.” “We recognise that health services are usually difficult to access in rural areas, and as such we encourage women to attend the Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Service when it is in Dalby,” said Miss Jessica Hobbs, Health Promotion Officer at the Service. “It is especially important for women in the 50 to 69 year age group to have a breastscreen every two years,” she emphasised, “but all women 40 and over with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer are also eligible to participate in the free Program.” BreastScreen Queensland Toowoomba Service has provided a high-quality breast cancer screening service for women in southern Queensland for over 19 years. FREE breastscreen appointments can be made by phoning 13 20 50. Continue reading
Our Region News Blog goes Over 500,000 Hits in 12 Months to Date
Since the catastrophic events of Monday 10 January 2011 Our Region and Toowoomba Regional Radio has received tens of queries from across the world from BBC World News, Sky News, media from Toowoomba’s sister city in New Zealand Wanganui and Florida USA. Due to the worldwide interest web traffic has increased significantly and pushed site hits to over 1/2 million. This is amazing! Thank you for our regular readers for dropping by and seeing what’s new and to our many first time visitors this year. Peak of hits after the January 10 flash flooding event in Toowoomba and the January 2010 – January 2011 Successful requests: 541,214 Average successful requests per day: 1,388 Data transferred: 13.29 gigabytes *For a media light site this is substantial. Continue reading
Santa arrived in a Red Car…Not a Sleigh and Reindeer
Santa arrived with a little bit help from the local police to attend the Christmas function held at the Toowoomba Hospice, due to his reindeers having a rest to be ready for their big Christmas Eve run. Qld Police helped Santa deliver some Christmas joy to the Toowoomba Hospice at their recent staff and volunteers Christmas function. He is greeted by Hospice Chairman Graham Barron whilst others who attended watch on. Toowoomba Hospice Chairman Mr Graham Barron OAM said It was wonderful to work with the Queensland Police Service for such an event, “The transport provided was much appreciated by the children and all those who attended.” This wonderful community spirit is shown to the Hospice everyday, whether it is from families, individuals, businesses or community groups/clubs and is sincerely appreciated said Mr Barron. Continue reading
Heritage CEO Wins Queensland Anti-Violence Award
Heritage Building Society’s CEO John Minz was last night announced as the Queensland winner of Australia’s CEO Challenge Race for his passionate campaigning against domestic and family violence. In a special touch, Mr Minz received the award in Brisbane last night from Canadian educator and campaigner Dr Michael Kaufman, one of the three men who co-founded the White Ribbon Campaign in Canada more than 20 years ago. Heritage CEO John Minz (right) receives his CEO Challenge Race award from White Ribbon Day co-founder Dr Michael Kaufman The CEO Challenge Race concept asks the leaders of prominent organisations to accept nomination into a “race” that takes place between May and November each year to raise awareness and funds in support of action against domestic violence. This year, Mr Minz was up against two fellow racers in Queensland Rail CEO Paul Scurrah and Accenture Senior Manager Bill Skipper. As well as raising more than $15,000, Mr Minz’s campaign used a wide range of activities to support the effort to eliminate the scourge of domestic violence from our society. The activities included launching a White Ribbon Camellia, which is now on sale at Bunnings outlets’ organising a series of newspaper articles profiling positive role models; theming the Heritage float at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers around the campaign against domestic violence; organising briefing sessions for key management staff around how to deal with the impacts of domestic violence in the workplace; distribution of posters and brochures through all branches; stories in internal and external newsletters; and sponsorship of team entries in sporting events with jerseys promoting the campaign. In accepting the award, Mr Minz praised the wholehearted commitment of Heritage staff and the people of the Toowoomba community in supporting his efforts. Submitted by Andrew Fox Manager Public Relations Heritage Building Society Continue reading
Make Tracks Back to the Future
You don’t need a Delorean to see the past and the future at the same time, just visit the Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre this weekend. This will be the third of the four weekend open days planned for the international exhibition Industrial Desire: Detroit Concept Cars . This American exhibition features concept car models, drawings and film footage shedding light on exciting new ways technologies and materials could influence our methods of road travel in the coming years. It is a unique opportunity to sneak a peek at the highly secretive and competitive world of car design and witness concept cars that are not normally seen outside of the industry. Various car clubs from South East Queensland will be in attendance showcasing the role they play in preserving our transport history. This weekend’s participants include the Toowoomba Hot Rodders, the Darling Downs Veteran and Vintage Motor Club and the Queensland Corvette Club. For something completely different, the Darling Downs Model Railing Club will be attending with a model from their collection of a compact N scale layout based loosely on the New England area of the United States. After seeing the exciting concepts on display, take the opportunity to talk with like-minded enthusiasts over a BBQ hosted by Rotary Club of Toowoomba City. The Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre, located near the airport terminal on Mutze Street, is a hidden gem in Toowoomba, with an engaging representation of the skill and dedication that goes in to connecting Queensland from early pioneering days to current road-building technologies. Industrial Desire is presented by Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre through artisan in partnership with the College for Creative Studies, Detroit, and toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland. Open this Saturday, 6 November from 10 – 2pm. FREE ENTRY One more weekend open day has been planned for Saturday 27 November. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. The exhibition is on display until Saturday 27 November. For more information contact Karen Barrett on 4633 2506 during business hours, or email karen.l.barrett@tmr.qld.gov.au Note: Group bookings are welcome. Continue reading
Call for Darling Downs Ambassadors to join Fundraising Quest
The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland is seeking energetic, innovative and dedicated people across the state willing to meet the challenge of raising money in their local community as part of the Foundation’s fundraising Quest. The Foundation’s Regional Community Fundraiser for Toowoomba/Darling Downs and South West Queensland, Phoebe Mitchell, said she is now recruiting potential Quest ambassadors for the fundraising program running until 24 June 2011. Ms Mitchell said anyone — male or female — contemplating becoming a Quest ambassador should be aged between 12 and 85 as at 25 June this year. “All you need are bright ideas and lots of energy for raising funds. Previous ambassadors have organised events including fashion parades, lunches, golf days, school disco dances, and activities including raffles, charity auctions, chocolate sales — the list goes on and the only limiting factor is your imagination,” she said. “Being a Quest ambassador is a very direct and satisfying way to support the Leukaemia Foundation and the patients and families it assists every day.” Ms Mitchell said the Quest was one of the Foundation’s major fundraising events. “The Quest has been held every year since 1983 and in that time has raised an estimated $27 million for the Leukaemia Foundation,” she said. “The money raised is directed towards helping patients and their families and funding medical research projects.” Quest ambassadors can compete for three awards: • the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland President’s Award for highest fundraiser • ESA International Award – second highest fundraiser • Spirit of the Foundation Award. The President’s Award winner will have the opportunity to have a Leukaemia Foundation 12-month research grant or fellowship named in their honour, or in the name of someone they nominate. Ms Mitchell said the Top 5 fundraising ambassadors in the state will be invited to attend a Quest recognition event in July 2011. The Quest finishing in June this year raised more than $109,000 for the Foundation across the state. For more information, please contact: Phoebe Mitchell Regional Community Fundraiser Toowoomba/Darling Downs and South West Queensland Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland — Ph: 4632 0127 /0438 064 996 Continue reading
