On Our Selection News - 8th December 2022

On Our Selection News On Our Selection News

Covering Cambooya, Hodgson Vale, Westbrook, Wyreema Districts "DAD AND DAVE COUNTRY"

Vol. 26 THURSDAY, December 8, 2022

Rumble in the Downs

She said this type of scene is a common occurrence, The Buck Joey getting boxing lessons from Dad.

“He, the Joey, will be pushed out of the mob at the end of summer,” she said,

“The fights will start to get fair dinkum about middle of January, till he gets the idea.

“They are our local mob and I have been watching them for years.”

The ring was a paddock for these two marsupials.

‘Trevor Hill’ 2093 Gore Highway Umbiram

‘Trevor Hill’ is a spectacular 102* acre property that has been masterfully planned offering endless opportunities for a business base, agricultural and lifestyle pursuits. Highly productive acreage of alluvial creek flat soils with a 33 meg water licence, 3 registered bores, 3 great dams and well fenced into 9 paddocks with laneway to steel cattle yards with loading ramp and vet crush. The property is just a short drive to Toowoomba or Pittsworth and commands your immediate inspection with a superbly built and absolutely stunning modern executive residence that embodies a perfect blend of sophisticated and practical family living. The well appointed kitchen with caesarstone tops flows effortlessly to multiple living areas and covered outdoor entertaining areas overlooking the sparkling in-ground pool. Don’t miss out, ‘Trevor Hill’ will be sold by public auction in Brisbane - call now to inspect! • Council app and registered Transport Depot suitable for large heavy haulage or small transport op • Large enclosed hard stand area with great turning circle and ample room for more sheds if required • 20*m x 12*m enclosed shed with 5*m high clearance, 5*m open awning, 1.5*m mechanics pit & 15* kW solar system • Workers accom, amenities block and office • Modern executive 5 bed homestead with multiple living and entertaining areas + inground salt water pool • 10*m x 15*m with 6*m x15*m with 4.2*m high clearance open awning shed at house with 3 bay car or light machinery open awning • Highly productive acreage of alluvial creek flat soils with improved pastures & opportunity to farm or drill a new bore for irrigation • 33 meg water licence, 8 rainwater tanks, 3 registered bores and 3 great dams, the main bore is potable and set at 5000*

Greenmount resident Kat Wells recently snapped this action-packed photo of these two fierce kangaroos going blow-for-blow in a local paddock.

Protecting environment

Toowoomba Regional Council is listening to community views on the importance of protecting the Region’s environment as it undertakes a review of the current environment planning policy.

Council will consider how it might implement a new environment policy within the Planning Scheme, as well as options for short term implementation to protect significant vegetation.

Planning and Development Committee Portfolio Leader Cr Bill Cahill said Council had heard concerns expressed by members of the community regarding the loss of significant vegetation.

“The protection and enhancement of our environment is an important issue for our residents.” Cr Cahill said.

“We’re being proactive in reviewing existing environment policy and how Council wants to apply any new policy in the preparation of new Planning Scheme, as well as considering options for implementation.”

The Planning Scheme took effect on 2 July 2012.

It identifies areas of environmental significance and applies a policy of avoiding or minimising the impacts of development on environmental values.

The Council at the time the Planning Scheme was prepared in 2010/2011 took the position that vegetation protection controls administered by the State Government were sufficient.

“A lot has changed over the past decade and as such, the Planning Scheme does not include a requirement that Council approval is obtained to remove significant vegetation,” Cr Cahill said.

Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Megan O’Hara-Sullivan said Council was preparing a new Planning Scheme and reviewing all existing policies relating to development, including its environmental policy.

“This provides an opportunity for Council to establish a new approach, including protecting significant vegetation throughout the Region,” she said.

“In January 2023 Councillors will spend two half days reviewing the current environmental policy and the ways the policy is implemented,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

“The outcomes of that review will inform the way future development is delivered in areas with environmental values throughout the Region.”

Nobby residents get into the Christmas spirit

A wonderful night was enjoyed by all who rolled up for Carols in the Park at Nobby last Friday night.

Everyone enjoyed the singing of Carols by students from Nobby State School and there was more enjoyment for the crowd as Amanda Faulkner provided additional entertainment throughout the evening.

Food stalls in the park helped keep the hunger pangs at bay.

Of course, the highlight of the night for the children was the arrival of Santa Claus on the local fire truck.

They also took enthusiastic delight in decorating baubles for the Christmas Tree.

The popular evening was organised by the Nobby Heritage and Development Association in conjunction with the Nobby State School P&C and was supported by Toowoomba Regional Council.

The organisers extend a thank you to the community for supporting the event and a big thank you to the helpers who made the night a success.

chance to meet with Santa is always popular.

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Beautiful gesture by Ramsay students

The Christmas cheer is well and truly being shared by the preps and year 1s at Ramsay State School, who have been busy wrapping presents to be given to the children who have to spend this Christmas at Toowoomba Base Hospital.

The idea came through a collaboration between parent Jo Sandy, the school and Toowoomba Hospital.

Jo’s son Oliver, a student at Ramsay State School, has faced many health challenges throughout his young life and thus mother and son both know first hand how difficult it can be for families when children are in hospital during the Christmas period.

Money was first raised at the markets held at the Hodgsonvale Community Sports club recently.

At a stall featuring a range of items selling for $1 or $2, an amazing figure, $700, was raised.

Items not sold at the markets went to Ramsay State School, where the community came together to buy some more, raising a further $340.

With the help of P-1 classroom teacher Tennille Kauter, students tied the gift giving into their curriculum, using their maths skills to add up the figures and their art skills to decorate wrapping paper.

The gifts include toys, lolly bags and lucky dips.

Jo Sandy said she was grateful and “really blessed” to be part of such a kind community.

Oliver’s classmate Nina perhaps summed up the experience best: “all the presents will make people happy.”

The gifts will be distributed to between 12 and 20 children leading up to Christmas Day.

Oliver (bottom right) is joined by his classmates as they loaded 70 gifts in a car to be transported to the Toowoomba Hospital.

Planning changes aim to boost housing supply

The Queensland Government has approved a request from Toowoomba Regional Council to adopt temporary planning changes that pave the way for thousands of extra homes in the outer suburbs of Toowoomba.

The Council proposed a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) that would enable it to fast-track residential developments in existing under-utilised urban land whilst it also continues preparing its new local planning scheme and long-term housing solutions.

Toowoomba’s TLPI will streamline the delivery of about 2,800 new lots and houses on land in the Emerging Community Zone, taking in land earmarked for development in Cotswold Hills, Glenvale, Torrington and Drayton.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the proposed measures meant Toowoomba could progress local housing options quicker in areas with access to existing or planned infrastructure.

“Growth pressures from interstate migration are being felt across the state, including in Toowoomba,” Mr Miles said.

“The proposed TLPI is a clear path forward to boosting housing supply and easing the housing shortage in Toowoomba.

“This is a positive example of a council being proactive in tackling housing issues and finding local solutions to get new homes off the ground sooner.”

Mr Miles said the TLPI also paves the way for medium and higher density housing development on under-utilised land in the Toowoomba Region by allowing the use of pumped pipe stormwater management systems on about 9,000 lots.

Mayor Paul Antonio said the move would create a simpler, shorter and lower-risk process for the development of land with access to existing or planned infrastructure.

“This will reduce the level of regulation applying to the creation of additional housing in greenfield development areas on the fringe of Toowoomba City, as well as stormwater solutions for sites in existing urban areas making them more feasible for development, to assist in addressing housing stress currently being experienced within the Toowoomba Region,” he said.

“Council is also looking to unlock the latent capacity in our existing infrastructure networks, particularly around in-fill development.

“This also delivers a more cost-effective solution as we encourage more dwellings to be built.”

The Planning Act 2016 allows local councils to request the Minister’s approval to make a TLPI.

It can be in place for up to two years while amendments are made to a council’s planning scheme.

True cost of catastrophic floods is unknown

The catastrophic flooding events in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia between September and November this year have been described as the most expensive in the nation’s history, but the true cost may be impossible to calculate.

As the rains continue to fall upon already saturated ground and the Bureau of Meteorology warns that the summer will bring more above average rainfall governments, insurance companies and aid agencies try to calculate the monetary cost of the devastating floods to the economy.

While insurance companies calculate flood damage only by the cost of insurance claims, the true cost is naturally much higher.

Rural Aid, well known for its work during the last Australian bushfire season, calculates the true damage of the floods from a different perspective.

The floods which made their way across three states and through much of Australia’s prime agricultural land have already been calculated as having caused $5.5 billion in damage.

Rural Aid calculates the damage bill to be much higher as many farmers may not have been insured for many of the losses incurred and there remains limited information as to the ongoing loss of income many rural businesses will suffer.

There is now a growing concern the flood events will be protracted and episodic given the Bureau of Meteorology’s prediction of above average rainfall between January and February in many of the areas already flood impacted.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said there were immediate concerns for the wellbeing of affected families leading into the Christmas period and a growing feeling the ongoing impact of the flood event had not yet been grasped by policy makers,

corporate Australia and the broader community.

“This flood event has destroyed homes and livelihoods, wiping millions of dollars from farm incomes and causing immeasurable mental anguish and stress,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid predicts at least a two year recovery period for communities with the funds required to support farmers and their families estimated to be in excess of $50 million.

In response to the unfolding disaster the organisation is relaunching its Buy a Bale fund raising program which was highly successful during the drought.

Mr Warlters said that to be successful with this fund raising program they would need the support of corporate Australia, the wider community and all levels of government.

The true cost of these floods will remain immeasurable but the work of organisations such as Rural Aid aims to help ease the financial pain of many people whose lives have been impacted by what many are calling the greatest natural disaster in Australia’s living history.

To support Rural Aid or make a donation go to buyabale.

SHIRTS

Sophie Burge and Cameron Tweed wade in water near Deniliquin in the Riverina to save their sheep.

Work on track for Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant upgrade

Civil and structural works, including concrete base slabs and wall sections for new treatment facilities, are being constructed for the upgrade of the Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant.

Regional Council

Waste Committee Chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said work was progressing.

“This is a critical project for our community to ensure we’re able to deliver safe and reliable water to all residents connected to the Toowoomba Water Bulk Supply,” she said.

“I’ve been on site and there’s been a huge amount of work done. Apart from noticing a crane, many residents might be unaware of the scale of the project that is being done at the top of Mt Kynoch.

“Works have progressed on the raw water main duplication works in Shuttlewood Court and valve works to the Cooby main have taken place.

“Reinforcement and formwork installation for the remaining wall sections is underway and rock excavation works in the area of the new media filters has also been completed.”

The project is expected to be completed by early 2024, weather permitting.

“It’s pleasing to see this progress on the water treatment plant which is almost 50 years old,” Cr Vonhoff said.

“The facility was first built in 1975 and since then we’ve had the amalgamation of eight Councils, as well as significant population growth, which has had an impact on our ability to service everyone connected to the network with the system at capacity during peak periods.

“With further growth expected, Council intends to build a new water treatment plant, however while that piece of work is taking place, the upgrade on our existing facility will see the filtration capacity increase from 49ML/day to 65ML/day.

“Other works which will take place over the coming year include replacing mechanical and electrical equipment, improved chemical management and new chemical dosing systems, and remediation to increase the longevity of the existing concrete tanks.”

The Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply connects to Westbrook, Wyreema, Hodgson Vale, Top Camp, Mount Rascal and Preston.

Webelieveevery human has the inherentrightto live a‘normal’and empoweredlife;to haveabilityand opportunitytomake one’s own choices.We aimtoempowerpeople with mental health or withdisability.We believe every human

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

We believe every human has the inherent right to live a ‘normal’ and empowered life; to have ability and opportunity to make one’s own choices. We aim to empower people with mental health or with disability

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

MiChoice

MiChoice Disability Supports, offers a variety of services supporting you to take steps in accomplishing your goals; your ambitions; your targets. For some people, goals may be reached in a time that may be lengthy. This may take 6 months; this may take several years of challenges and barriers. That is when we are at our most creative and supportive and our ‘together journey’ begins

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

§ Support you in your home, in the community, or at your workplace to build confidence to live an autonomous life.

§ Support you with making the right choice for you and your safety.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

§ Support you with an improved living arrangement to feel at ease in your living environment

§ Support you with your household tasks to keep on top of hygiene and instil home pride

HOW CAN WE

§ Social and community participation helping you stay connected with your community. CALL

Our News Online

Each township in our district has important stories to tell, triumphs to commemorate and challenges to discuss; our team is dedicated to telling these stories.

In addition to our printed editions we will also produce online stories covering the news and events of our great district.

So visit our website and tell your friends, OurNews is all about our great community.

www.our-news.com.au

The Oakey Champion, On Our Selection News, The Clifton Courier, Allora Advertiser and The Pittsworth Sentinel newspapers will each contribute to make the website www.our-news.com.au the home of community news.

Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club

A small crowd attended the Friday function but it was enjoyed by all. The members’ draw worth $120 saw number 36 come out again this week belonging to Dale and Bronwyn who were not there so didn’t get to pick up the prize. The members’ draw goes up to $140 next week. Remember you must be there and financial to pick up the prize. The Chicken and Vege Stack meal provided by John and Donna was excellent. The meal this week will be a barbecue and salad supplied by Gavin and Maureen for $10 adults and $5 for children under 12. Our bar is available with the usual assortment of drinks. There is a good variety of locally made Crows Nests soft drinks now as well, including their famous Double Sars and Ginger Ale. The tennis courts are also open and free to use on the night as well.

The Sports Club December general meeting will be held on Monday the 12th December at 7pm.

The air conditioned Sports Club is open for private functions so please contact Mark our booking officer. The mobile contact is 0431 014 618 for further details, inspections and future bookings. You can also check out our website to see what facilities are available or you can send an email to hcsc8315@gmail.com

Discounts apply for financial members who hire the facility.

The tennis courts are available for hire. The keys are available down at the Hodgson Vale shop. Hire costs are $4 an hour for financial members and $8 an hour for non-financial members, lighting costs are $2 an hour at night. Government Covid rules must be adhered to at all times while the tennis courts are being used. The toilets at the Sports Club are also available for tennis hirers.

Memberships for 2022/23 financial year can now be paid and will cover the rest of this financial year if you are a new member. The costs stays at $25 for the family and deposits can be made at the Westpac Bank or on line to our bank account, BSB 034 142, Account Number 158 247 or post to P.O. Box 8315 Toowoomba South 4350. Financial members get discounts on tennis court hire and hire costs of the hall and go into the weekly members draw. If you are hiring the hall please be conscious of the near neighbours and keep the noise levels down.

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Approval for short term accommodation

A Material Change of Use application for short term accommodation in the residential area at Hodgson Vale has been recommended for approval by Toowoomba Regional Council planners.

The application was lodged on behalf of the owners of 11 Bradley Crescent.

The land is zoned Rural Residential and includes a main dwelling with an adjacent secondary dwelling.

The applicants sought to have the secondary dwelling made available for short term accommodation.

The building consists of kitchen and ablution facilities and two bedrooms.

Planners listed a number of conditions applicable to the approval.

These include that the unit only be let to one associated group or entity at any one time, that rooms not be let individually, the premises only accommodate a maximum of four persons and that the Short Term Accommodation must be limited to the secondary dwelling only.

The land has a western boundary adjacent to the New England Highway and the applicant has indicated to Council that existing street trees along that boundary will be retained.

Ted Cavanagh

Be bright around Christmas lights

There’ll be plenty of Queenslanders stringing up the Christmas lights right about now and Ergon Energy Network is reminding people they need to treat these decorations as they would any electrical appliance.

According to Ergon Area Manager Matt Hilder, just taking a few precautions when installing Christmas lights and similar powered decorations can mean the difference between a happy festive season and a potential life-threating electrical nightmare.

“Powered Christmas decorations should be treated as you would with any electrical appliance in the home,” Mr Hilder said.

“When used properly they’re safe, but when used incorrectly, they can become potentially deadly hazards.

“Before installing Christmas lights check that wires, fittings and lights are in good working order and if they appear to be

faulty or you have concerns, either have them checked and repaired by a qualified technician or simply throw them out.”

Mr Hilder said to make sure you only use lights marked for outdoor use outside the home and don’t overload power points when running multiple devices

“And when installing lights outside remember to Look Up and Live by never placing them near the powerline that feeds your home from the power pole on the street.”

He also recommended that people only buy powered decorations that are of high quality from known retailers and pack them away safely after the Festive Season.

“Our crews have seen people buy Christmas lights that are faulty right out of the box –some with exposed 240-volt wires,” he said.

Home Care Services Available in Clifton

Clifton Community Health Serv i ces i s an app ro ve d Home Care Package provider as part of the Australia n G o ve r nment A ged C a re subsidised scheme.

If you are approved for a Home Care Package, you can choose us to provide the support and services you need to live well at home such as:

Personal care Cleaning, laundry and other chores Meals and food preparation Nursing care Yard maintenance Respite

Transport for social outings, shopping and appointments

Am I eligible for home care services?

If you are 65 years or over, visit the website below or phone us and we can help you www.myagedcare.gov.au/am-i-eligible

Contact us

For more information about a Home Care Package or how we can help you, contact:

Sharon Cruickshank, Home Care Coordinator

Phone (07) 4697 3735 or 0484 597 396 Email homecare@cliftonhospital.org Web www cliftonhospital org

A community owned, Caring since 1949

“So, when purchasing any powered decoration, always buy from reputable retailers and keep away from cheap ones that don’t comply with Australian standards.

“And to ensure your Christmas lights are in good condition for next year it’s best to pack them neatly away from moisture or where vermin such as mice can’t damage them when not in use.”

Major traffic monitoring campaign

With the Christmas New Year holiday period approaching, police across the entire district will be participating in statewide traffic enforcement operations.

Queensland Police would like to remind motorists to drive according to road conditions.

The focus of the operations to be undertaken will be the detection of drink drivers, motorists who are speeding, those failing to wear seatbelts and anyone using a mobile phone while driving.

Fifty-seven lives had been lost already on Southern Region roads as of November 30.

There have already been more in the last week.

Police remind every motorist that your decision to commit offences and the consequences affect more than just the people in the vehicle.

Ramsay STATE SCHOOL

YEAR SIX GRADUATION AND END OF THE YEAR CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

Last Thursday night, the Ramsay State School Year Six Graduation and End of the Year Christmas Function was held.

The weather was kind and cleared away for us.

The community wished our Year Six students all the best for their future.

A slide show and speeches were presented by the students.

The Graduation Cake was cut by the Year 6 students, Hunter, Lachlan, Lucy and Piper.

Congratulations to our Special Award winners.

You should all be very proud.

Following the award and book presentations, the students joined in with Christmas Carols.

It was a very pleasant night for all.

Hunter, Lachlan, Lucy and Piper cut the Graduation cake.

Ramsay students sing some Christmas Carols.

Local winners at Pacific Seeds awards night

The annual Pacific Seeds Agents and Industry Christmas Party, where the

acknowledged for their success.

The Christmas Party was in the Glenvale Room at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

A crowd of about 200 people saw 14 awards presented.

The organiser of the evening was Bill Smith, Territory Manager for Advanta/Pacific Seeds.

Mr Smith said the awards are presented annually to recognise the service and support of various sectors of the industry across three areas - seed selling agents, growers who assist with trials and those involved in the seed industry.

The awards have been going for more than 20 years. Award winners other than those in photos:

Gold Medal Award - Neil Doyle, Olsen’s Warwick Customer Focus Award - Nutrien Ag Solutions Pittsworth Achiever Award - Varys Brookstead Field Service Award - Elders Gatton

Excellence in Service Award - CRT Raff Group Clifton, Pittsworth, Millmerran Agent Service Award - NFW Group Toowoomba Grower Focus Award - Pursehouse Rural Allora, Clifton, Pittsworth

Outstanding Contribution Award - Elders Toowoomba Farmer Service Award - Norco Rural Toowoomba Agent Excellence Award - pb Agrifoods Toowoomba Agent of the Year - Olsens Warwick Farmer of the Year - Ted and Kerri Shooter Allora

Trial Cooperator of the Year Award was awarded to Kaylene And Warren Folker of Wyreema, joined by Bill Smith from Pacific Seeds (left),

Felton Produce received an Achiever Award. From left: Grace Maher (Pacific Seeds) Angus Young and Emma Swan Representing Felton Produce and Andrew Short (Pacific Seeds).

Emergency services combine for flood warning

Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) have joined together to share one important message regarding storm season: if it’s flooded, forget it.

QPS Darling Downs District Acting Superintendent Danny Shaw said Southern Queensland had a tragic history with dynamic and deadly weather and a common-sense approach would save lives.

“Unfortunately, we’ve been taught by tragedy that floods can occur almost anywhere at anytime, rising over days, or in minutes causing a ‘flash flood’ emergency event,” Acting Superintendent Shaw said.

“Already this year, in the Darling Downs District six people have needlessly lost their lives in flood waters - an innumerable and unfathomable loss for their loved ones left behind.

“Ahead of this storm season, police and emergency services are reminding the public that your safety is your responsibility.

“There is no excuse for residents who ignore warnings and deliberately enter floodwater.”

Acting Superintendent Shaw warned of the deceptively deadly nature of floodwater, urging residents not to put themselves in harm’s way.

“Once you’ve become stuck in rising floodwaters, whether accidental or otherwise, you’ve only got between 30 and 90 seconds to get yourself out,” he said.

“Windows don’t always operate if the vehicle is submerged, and the pressure of the rising water actually stops the car doors from opening.

“If you’re able to get out, you’re dealing with powerful currents and hidden debris as you attempt to swim to safety.

“Tragedy really can strike in an instant and even shallow water can be powerful enough to sweep your car away in a matter of seconds.”

“When faced with floodwater, the bravest and smartest thing you can do is back it up.”

QFES South West Assistant Commissioner Jason Lawler said despite the expert training and vast experience of the service, swift water rescues remained a dangerous environment for technicians.

“Your safety is your responsibility,” Assistant Commissioner Lawler said.

“There is no excuse for residents who ignore warnings and deliberately enter floodwater.

“Even highly trained swiftwater rescue technicians will only enter fast-moving water to save life in an emergency situation due to the significant risks.”

QAS Darling Downs Darling Downs and South West Region, Toowoomba Station Officer in Charge, Peter Baron said flood safety is a whole of community responsibility.

“Emergency services will always be there for the community in their time of need, but we are relying on the community to be safe and not take any chances,” Mr Baron said.

“It’s important to remember if you get trapped in flood waters, it’s not just your life in danger but the emergency service personnel who are then tasked to save you.

“We have seen too many unnecessary deaths attributed to flood waters, so let’s work together this year so we can all make it home safe.”

COUNCIL PREPARING FOR WET WEATHER

Toowoomba Region Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Paul Antonio said Council’s Disaster Management team was well prepared for the upcoming storm and wet weather season.

He said the Councillors have received a briefing from the Disaster Management team on the climate outlook for summer and the work that is going on to prepare in case of further wet weather and storm activity.

“As a region, we’ve taken so many learnings from the flooding disaster of January 2011 and now have an extensive network of flood gauges and cameras in addition to the significant program of flood mitigation works that were undertaken to increase capacity within detention basins,” Mayor Antonio said.

“We ask residents to consider preparing their own properties in case of severe storms, flooding or isolation.

“That involves cleaning out gutters, securing loose objects, considering filling your own sandbags at various sand pile locations throughout the region and having enough food and medical supplies on hand for a few days if you happen to live in an area that becomes isolated due to flooding.

“Resilience, self-reliance and being prepared ahead of time truly are the best ways to be ready for an emergency.

“Council is doing its bit to prepare too with the Local Disaster Management Group recently completing a mock exercise bringing together agencies and key Council staff in our Disaster Coordination Centre for a flood scenario in preparation for this summer.”

For residents wanting to be prepared ahead of time in case of wet weather they can purchase their own sandbags and bring their own shovel with sand piles available now at Newman Road, Wyreema.

Local Events Calendar

If you are holding an event in the area covered by On Our Selection News, forward details to editorial@cliftoncourier.com.au DATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT

10 December

Dulcie Mason Vintage Ball Gown Pilton Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Pilton Rebekah Turkington Collection Exhibition, 10am to 4pm 0427 274 043 14 December

Wyreema Community Hall Monthly Meeting 7pm Wyreema Hall, Umbiram Road Sara Howell 0429 864 144

Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade meeting, 7.30pm Cambooya Fire Station, George Street Rohan Greer 0408 456 820 25 December Cambooya Uniting Church service, 9am Uniting Church, 19 Eton Street

15 December

Research shows lack of preparation

Coming into a La Niña summer, the latest research conducted by RACQ shows nearly two thirds of Queenslanders are concerned about being impacted by severe storms and flooding, but many aren’t taking appropriate steps to prepare.

As Queensland faces another unpredictable season of wild weather, RACQ’s Attitudes Towards Storm Season Report found 64 per cent of Queenslanders live in, or close to, areas prone to severe storms and cyclones, yet less than half have an emergency kit (40 per cent) or emergency plan (46 per cent) ready for when disaster strikes.

The report also found four in five Queenslanders said they would know what to do if a severe storm or flood was going to impact their property, however almost a third would not know how to respond in the face of a bushfire.

RACQ Group Executive Insurance Trent Sayers said while respondents admitted to taking proactive steps to get ready for storm season, most only carried out last minute activities and didn’t focus on early preparation.

“Relocating their vehicle to a safe area (70 per cent) and securing loose outdoor items (63 per cent) are seen as the top priorities when preparing for storm season,” Mr Sayers said.

“While these tasks are important to reduce damage, people should be thinking further ahead.

“Cleaning gutters and downpipes, carrying out home repairs and maintenance, and having an emergency kit and plan in place, well in advance, is crucial to making your property and family more resilient to severe weather events.”

Mr Sayers said a common misconception is that insurance will cover repairs following a weather event, even if the damage is linked to a maintenance-related issue.

“People need to stay on top of their home maintenance, for example checking their roof tiles aren’t cracked and there isn’t loose sheeting or rotting timber.”

To stay up to date with flood warnings issued to your area, visit our Disaster Dashboard http://disaster.tr.qld.gov.au/

Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland dazzles

Toowoomba’s favourite and Australia’s largest community Christmas event, Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland, opened last weekend and can be visited on any night up to Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm. by the Lions Club of Toowoomba West, and it takes thousands of volunteer hours to set up the event, open nightly and pack up.

Since its inception, Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland has welcomed over one million visitors and has returned over $1.32 million back to the local community through its beneficiaries.

This year is its 20th year of bringing the joy of Christmas to the young and young-at-heart across the Toowoomba region.

Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland is proudly presented

Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland Committee Chair, Lion, Marshall Cox said there’s a number of surprises and new experiences coming to the event this year in celebration of 20 years.

“We’ve partnered with a number of local businesses to really pull out all the stops for this year’s event to make it a memorable one,” he said.

“We have a number of new light displays, plus we’ll bring a few favourites out of retirement, and we also have some fantastic entertainers – such as Toowoomba’s Elvis, joining us for nightly entertainment.”

Mr Cox is calling on the generous people of Toowoomba to come and help with this year’s event.

“In previous years we have relied on the generous people of Toowoomba to help us with this fantastic family event and this year is no different,” he said.

“I’m asking anyone who would like to help bring the joy of Christmas to our community to go to our website and register as a volunteer. “

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated, and you get to work with like- minded locals.”

In 2021, Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland had a triumphant return after the 2020 event was postponed due to COVID, raising $69,000 for local beneficiaries Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Toowoomba Hospice and Lifeline Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland.

In that year, 1,281 volunteer shifts gave 4,484 hours of their time over the nightly run of the event, which was enjoyed by 66,244 visitors.

To register to volunteer, visit christmaswonderland.com.au

From left

: Cr Melissa Taylor, Alison Kennedy - CEO Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Marshall Cox – Lions, Cr Nancy Sommerfield and Merv Symons - Treasurer, Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland Project Team.