On Our Selection News - 22nd February 2023

Notorious New England Highway corner scene of two truck collision

The New England Highway at Cambooya was the scene for a non-fatal two truck collision at 5.38am on Friday as a south-bound vehicle collided with a north-bound vehicle on the sweeping bend where the highway joins with the Greenmount Etonvale road.

Paramedics attended the scene and a man with back pain was transported in a stable condition to Toowoomba Hospital.

A second man was assessed, with no injuries reported and no transport required.

The highway was blocked for several hours for south-bound traffic which was diverted along the Greenmount Etonvale road and rejoined the highway further south.

North-bound traffic was able to continue moving as it was diverted by police along a short by-pass road.

Police and Emergency

Fire and Rescue vehicles attended the scene where both trucks were forced off the road and truck debris littered the highway.

Despite the sweeping bend on the highway being an 80 kilometres an hour zone this section of the road has a bad reputation with hundreds of large semi trailer vehicles using

the highway each day.

Both trucks sustained some damage in the collision but remained upright with their loads still on board and heavy vehicle tow trucks were brought in to remove them.

Debris was strewn across the highway after a collision between two trucks on Friday morning last week.

Emu Creek State School

RINGING UP 150 YEARS

In its 148th year, Emu Creek has rung out the old school bell, sounding the end of an era.

Many schools have long used bells to mark the beginning and end of the day and many students have lived their school life ruled by the bell.

For the current students of Emu Creek, the school bell has been updated to an electronic digital bell that is able to play a variety of bell tones as well as play songs.

Rather than ringing the bell, students are now looking forward to being able to pick the ‘song’ that will be used as a bell tone for the week.

For many staff and students, the handbell symbolises the history and tradition of our school.

The old school bell has stood the test of time.

In 2025, Emu Creek will celebrate its 150th birthday and the bell will be brought out of retirement to signal the start of the school’s traditional roll call for all past and present students in attendance.

Do you know the history or age of the handheld bell? Come along to our 150th Committee meeting.

Preparations for the sesquicentennial anniversary (150th)

Jeff Brown and Family in Concert

Admission

Adults $20

Secondary Students $10

Primary Students free.

Mrs Liz Donnelly, a long-standing staff member and former pupil of Emu Creek State School rang the bell for the final time in 2023 alongside one of our youngest pupils and 3rd generation student, Matthew Simmonds.

will start this year with the first meeting of the 150th Committee on Tuesday, 28th March, 7pm at the Wheatsheaf Store (newly opened behind the Wheatsheaf Pub).

We look forward to meeting anyone interested in helping to plan the 150th celebrations or wanting to share some history or school memorabilia.

Please RSVP to this meeting by ringing the school on 4697 1171 or 0466 459 132.

Call for divisions

Councillor Kerry Shine submitted a motion to this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Toowoomba Regional Council suggesting that the Council pursue a plan to create electoral divisions across the Region.

Cr Shine pointed out that since the 2008 election, the number of Councillors that had represented previous shires has continued to decrease.

Cr Shine said almost 15 years on from amalgamation, it is logical to conclude that in the next five to ten years, there is the potential that Toowoomba Regional Council could consist entirely of Councillors who are from and reside in the Toowoomba area.

“Unless there is change, to address this, those living in rural areas of the Toowoomba Region may feel further disconnected and disenfranchised,” he said.

Wyreema women injured in shooting

Two women from Wyreema were allegedly shot during an incident in the Toowoomba CBD last week.

Police said that at approximately 2.40 on Tuesday afternoon, a group of people who were known to each other was at an hotel on Annand Street when a firearm was discharged once.

A 16-years-old Wyreema girl sustained a serious injury to her arm.

The girl was treated at the scene before being transported to Toowoomba Hospital and later was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane where she was in a stable condition when admitted.

A 37-years-old Wyreema woman sustained chest and arm injuries and was transported in a stable condition to Toowoomba Hospital.

None of the injuries were life threatening.

Police established a crime scene at the location and an 18-years-old North Toowoomba woman was taken into custody.

Karleeah Marie Jensen, was subsequently charged with one count each of grievous bodily harm, wounding, dangerous conduct with a weapon, unlawful possession of weapons (firearm) and authority required to possess explosives.

She was not required to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday when her charges were heard.

She did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

The case is listed for mention in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on April 12.

It is believed the women were known to each other.

New police youth team

The Youth Co-Responder Teams (YCRT) initiative, where police and youth justice workers patrol the streets and engage with young people, will be expanded to Toowoomba.

The announcement of the new team came in the wake of a community safety public forum held last Wednesday which followed a few high-profile youth crime incidents.

The program works to reduce youth crime and improve community safety by engaging with at-risk youth and young people on court orders at all hours of the day, undertaking various activities including de-escalating and problem solving where groups congregate and transporting youth to safety.

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the walkway area between Annand and Ruthven Streets, known as Kwong Sang Walk, between 2.30pm and 2.45pm last Tuesday, 14th February, and who may have seen any persons acting suspiciously, to come forward.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

World Day of Prayer World Day of Prayer

3RD MARCH 2023 | 1.30PM

being hosted by Cambooya Uniting Church Service prepared by the people of Taiwan

It looks like we’ve got a tough year ahead of us as inflation and cost of living pressures continue to build, putting strain on household budgets. A ninth consecutive interest rate rise means that mortgage holders will have to find a way to cover their increased repayments. With predictions that the cash rate will increase from its now 3.35% to above 4%, it would seem we still have a long way to go before we are through the worst of it.

ALL WELCOME

19 Eton Street, Cambooya

This matters a lot to us here in the electorate of Groom, as we have the largest level of mortgage stress in Queensland and the fourth largest in Australia. I believe that is because we are a ‘have a go’ region. In Groom, ‘growth’ is good and we look for opportunities to invest and to get ahead. Look at how much our area has grown in recent years with significant investments like the Second Range Crossing, Inland Rail and the Wellcamp Airport all making our part of the world better.

TSBE recently announced that there is over $18b of public and private investment going on in Groom right now. I’m proud to say that includes projects like the Railway Parklands and the University of Queensland Trailblazer funding that I fought for and won in the last term.

You will always pay more under Labor but I will continue to stand up in Canberra and fight for our fair share.

Authorised by G. Hamilton, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 516 Ruthven, Toowoomba QLD 4350.

Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club

A good crowd attended our Friday night function.

The pizza and salad provided by Mary & Clive was great.

Next week it will be Col and Heather’s with a special Col’s surprise meal which will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

The members’ draw worth $40 was not won this week, with member number 5, belonging to Gladstone being drawn out but he was not there so missed out on the prize.

The members’ draw goes up to $60 next week.

Remember you must be there and financial to pick up the prize.

Keep an eye out for our

HCSC is the beneficiary of new LED lights thanks to Toowoomba Regional Council. The new lights were installed quickly after a recent fluorescent-type light became a fire hazard. These type of lights will also reduce the power usage significantly, helping the club lower its power bills and reducing its carbon footprint.

upcoming St Patties night on Friday the 17th of March.

The air conditioned sports club is open for private functions

• Life Coaching Kinesiology Available for walk in’s and online

also, so please contact Mark our booking officer.

The mobile contact is 0431 014 618 for further details, inspections and future bookings but is not the contact number for tennis court 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, and lighting costs are $2 an hour at night.

Phone - 0429 050 875

Email - juliemcoaching5@gmail.com

Facebook - Julie Naumann Coaching Instagram - julienaumanncoaching

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

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 PO Box 8315 Toowoomba South 4350.

Financial members get discounts on tennis court hire and hire costs of the hall and go into the members’ weekly draw.

If you are hiring the hall please be conscious of the near neighbours and keep the noise levels down.

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

health or

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

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

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

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

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

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

- Ted Cavanagh, Secretary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 your household tasks to keep on top of hygiene and instil home-pride

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

§ 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

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

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

CALL US ON 0460 880 556 or 0432 020 302 EMAIL YOUR ENQUIRY TO info@michoicesupports.com.au

T 0460 880 556 or 0432 020 302 E info@michoicesupports.com.au

Proudly

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

withdisability.

Crowd turns out for Hike to Heal launch

It was an early start on Saturday for many who attended the launch of the annual week-long Scavenger Hike at Mount Peel Bushland, this year raising funds for Momentum Mental Health Services. last day of summer and take steps to improve personal and community well-being.

Organiser and founder of Hike to Heal, Linda Barton, said it was a lovely morning with clear blue skies and a light breeze, the benefit of an early start apparent as the heat began to set in.

“A large crowd gathered under the of the trees to celebrate life and the uplifting impact of being active in the outdoors,” Mrs Barton said.

“Geoff McDonald, Deputy Mayor, provided insight into the TRC’s award winning Change Project and its goal of increasing residents use of public parks and gardens.”

Other guest speakers included Chris Black, Chair of Momentum, Jennie Linton of Sa Reay Counselling and Isabel Barton, daughter of Linda.

With the Scavenger Hike ending this Sunday, 26 February, there is still time to participate and make the most of the

Push for postal voting

Toowoomba Regional Council will make a request for the 2024 quadrennial local government election to be conducted on a postal or hybrid (partial postal/attendance) basis.

A report presented to Councillors recommended to apply for postal voting for the entirety of the Toowoomba Region.

The report states the most cost effective form of ballot for the Region is via postal ballot.

The 2008 by-election and 2012 general election were conducted by a full postal vote while the 2008, 2016 and 2020 elections were attendance ballots.

“Submissions were made for both the 2016 and 2020 quadrennial local government elections to be conducted by postal ballot for all Toowoomba Regional Council areas,” the report said.

“In response to both submissions, the Minister has decided to conduct the elections via attendance voting providing the following reasoning for the decision:

• A majority of the electors in Council’s areas will not have to travel more than 20 minutes/20 kilometres to cast their ballot.

• Electors who may experience difficulties casting a vote on election day or need to travel distances of more than 20 kilometres, have the option of casting a pre-poll vote, applying for an individual postal vote or register to use electronically assisted voting.

• Any potential savings associated with postal ballot voting will be minor compared to the improved transparency and accountability and other social benefits afforded by attendance ballot polls.”

The 2020 election cost recovered by Electoral Commission Queensland was $944,226, not including the cost of venues for the Returning Office and Early Voting Centres in the districts as Council venues were used.

Purchase tickets at hiketoheal.org.au

Isabel Barton and Cr Geoff McDonald at the Insta Stand.

Australian sheep flock largest since 2005

The Australian sheepmeat industry is set for another bumper year in 2023 as the national sheep flock grows to its highest level since 2007 at 78.75 million head, according to the latest Sheep Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Driving this increase are optimal breeding conditions nationwide, a genetically superior flock, improved lambing percentages and medium-term industry confidence at the farm gate level.

Growth is forecast across all states, with larger improvements in flock numbers expected in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

The key sheep producing states of New South Wales and Victoria are also forecast to lift numbers, although not as much as other states.

In 2024, the national flock’s growth is projected to moderate and plateau, reaching 79.5 million head, a rise of 1 per cent, or 750,000 head year-on-year.

In 2025, the national flock is estimated to fall to 2023 levels, although it will remain above the 10-year average.

According to Senior Market Information Analyst at MLA, Ripley Atkinson, the growth of the national flock in 2023 will lead to increased slaughter numbers and production.

“Lamb slaughter is forecast to reach 22.6 million in 2023 as a result of large numbers of breeding ewes and strong marking rates. This is a rise of 595,000 head or 2.7 per cent year-onyear,” Mr Atkinson said

“2022’s slaughter performance showed that small stock processors had a greater ability to increase their throughput in line with higher supply, a trend MLA expects will continue in 2023.

“Looking further ahead to 2024, we forecast it to be a record year for lamb slaughter, reaching 23.2 million head.

“This would be a rise of 3 per cent, or 560,000 year-on-year and higher by 1.1 million head or 5 per cent on the 10-year average.” Carcase weights are also forecast to increase in 2023, including lamb carcass weights remaining high at 25.1kg.

This is primarily due to structural genetic investment and productive improvement in the national flock over the past two years.

Better manage your ecosystem

Are you interested in seeing how to turn native species and ecosystems on your property into an advantage? A workshop being offered in Pittsworth could help.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, 4 March from 8am to 1.30pm at the Pittsworth Function Centre, 42 Hume Street, Pittsworth.

Southern Queensland Landscapes, Pittsworth Landcare and Jennifer Silcock from the University of Queensland are providing a free bus tour that will take you on two field walks at Cambooya Grassland and McEwan State Forest at Stoneleigh.

The workshop includes:

•Learning what’s on your property and the native species that you might be overlooking

•Identifying different ecosystems on the Downs and how to best look after them

•Managing appropriately to maximise the benefits and future-proof your property

For more information, contact Alastair Silcock at pittsworthlandcare@gmail.com

This project is supported by Southern Queensland Landscapes through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Morning tea is provided.

To RSVP, by 1 March, visit eventbrite.com.au/e/tour-grasslandecosystems-tickets-513591765797

Tighter leash on dog-accessible parks denied

A move proposed at a Toowoomba Regional Council meeting last week which would have seen dogs prohibited from eleven public parks was voted down by Councillors.

In March 2022, Council considered a proposal to make changes to the Register - Prohibition and Restriction of Animals in Public Places (the Register) through the inclusion of 11 additional bushland parks.

The 11 bushland parks are Mount Peel Park (Drayton), Jubilee Park (Mount Lofty), Redwood Park (Redwood), Table Top Bushland Reserve (Rangeville), McKnight Park (Rangeville), Barry Griffiths Park (Rangeville), Flagstone Creek Park (Middle Ridge), Glen Lomond Park (Middle Ridge), Ruthven Street South Reserve (Kearneys Spring), Cranley Park (Cranley) and Highfields Falls Park (Highfields).

On its website, TRC already advises that pets not be taken to Mount Peel Bushland Park as they “can have a great impact on native animals and native vegetation.”

A 21-day public consultation period between 16 July 2022 and 6 August 2022 saw four properly made submissions.

All four submissions opposed the proposed prohibition of dogs.

The reason for the recommendation is: To provide more areas across the Toowoomba Region where dogs are prohibited/restricted, to the benefit of the greater community and local flora and fauna, whilst maintaining the ability for residents to walk their dogs “on-leash” through smaller urban bushland parks.

Currently Council prohibits dogs from Lake Cooby, Lake Perseverance, Lake Cressbrook and Toowoomba Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat.

Since the survey regarding Dogs in Public Places was completed in June 2021 Council has received eight reports of specific incidents where native wildlife (two snakes, two goannas, one wallaby and three koalas) has been killed in Redwood Park where the nature of the injuries and location of attacks indicates domestic dogs (either “off- leash” or wandering) were responsible.

This is thought likely to be an under estimation of such incidents and reflective of similar impacts in all bushland areas.

Additionally Council has received two complaints from other users of bushland areas who were attacked by dogs let off-leash by their owners whilst walking in bushland parks.

An alternate motion, moved by Cr Nancy Sommerfield and seconded by Cr Tim McMahon, proposed that Council should not add the eleven parks to the banned list.

The motion proposed for signage to be erected at the entrances to the eleven parks that say dogs are to be on a leash at all times and to increase monitoring, with those in breach to be issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice.

TRC held a survey in 2021 aimed at better understanding

community views on dogs in outdoor places which received 682 responses.

The vast majority of responses were from people who have or have had dogs.

The survey found the most popular park among dog owners is Picnic Point and thus it is not included among the parks where dogs may be restricted.

The stunning views overlooking Preston and Upper Flagstone, visible from Glen Lomond Park in Middle Ridge, will remain accessible to our four-legged friends, as will access to ten other parks in the Region.

SCHOOL LEADERS

Last Tuesday Montana and Xander were presented with their School Captain badges.

Maya received her Leadership Badge and the Year six students were presented with their Senior shirts.

PLAYGROUP RESUMES

Playgroup has recommenced at Ramsay School meeting each Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock.

If you would like any further information please email ramsayss@eq.edu.au

Funding to protect DFV witnesses

Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) has received funding to ensure that victims of domestic and family violence are not further victimised by perpetrators in court.

Additional funding of $18.6 million over four years has been provided to support additional legal representation so that witnesses are crossexamined by a trained lawyer rather than the defendant.

This follows amendments introduced into Parliament last year to the Evidence Act that will make victims of domestic violence offences protected witnesses.

Protected witnesses cannot be cross-examined by an unrepresented defendant.

Matt, Maya, Montana and Xander proudly wearing their Senior Shirts.

Ramsay’s 2023 school captains Montana and Xander.

Cambooya State School

EXPLORING THE LOCAL AREA

Fun, excitement and adventure was the order of the day for Year 3 at Cambooya State School recently, with a morning spent exploring their local area.

Students walked from the school down to the local park and creek area to explore and investigate using a variety of

their senses.

The focus for the visit was several key learning areas including Science, HASS and The Arts.

Students collected a variety of Living and Non-living items for discussion back at school, learnt about some of the important spaces in the area and investigated how to protect the important things in our local area.

A bonus discovery was the site of the old local cheese factory.

Thanks Miss Kymm for this fantastic piece of information. The children had a fantastic time and learnt a lot from their adventure.

Shane Wormington’s lucky break

Securing employment immediately after completing High School is difficult for any student but for 18 years old Shane Wormington this task could have proven to be even more difficult as he completed a modified school program at Clifton State High School due to learning difficulties.

Shane’s lucky break came as a result of his carer Samantha De Jersey’s encouragement for Shane to apply for a stable hand position with Clear Mountain Fairview Thoroughbred Horse Stud at Greenmount.

Samantha works as an Independent Support Worker but is employed by the NDIS and her conscientious work with Shane was instrumental in him applying for the stable hand position.

Shane’s luck continued when his application came to the notice of Lisa and Mick Frappell who, after being bombarded by phone calls and emails from Shane, decided to call him in for an interview.

Despite Shane’s limited experience with horses and his learning difficulties, Mick decided to give the young man a go and he began work in October 2022.

Mick liked the boy’s enthusiasm, respectful nature and willingness to learn and he soon became an important team member.

Shane’s duties include leading horses from their stalls to the exercise machines and washing down horses after their work.

He also has the responsibility of preparing food for the horses and the job he likes most is the mucking out of the stables.

Mick said he often hears Shane talking to the horses especially Shane’s favourite, “You Better You Bet”, a three year old race horse bred on the farm by the Frappells and now racing under Mick’s training.

As a student at Clifton High School, Shane matured from a shy, quiet Year Seven student to a confident young man who gained a reputation as a hard worker always keen to do his best.

Acting Head of Special Education Services, Sally-Anne McGrigor had praise for Shane completing three Certificate Courses at Clifton High School; Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate II in Rural Operations, and Certificate II in Horse

“Shane is definitely a man you want on your team and you can be confident that he will have your back,”she said.

Transport to and from work for Shane is difficult with his father, Gary driving him most days for the 20 minute commute.

Shane’s Support Worker Samantha is helping him prepare for his driver’s licence test sometime later this year in the hope he can then drive himself to work.

Shane knows he has been lucky with Samantha having his best interests at heart and the Frappell family who gave a young teenager a chance of employment when many may have hesitated.

In the meantime Shane, according to Samantha, loves his work with the thoroughbred horses and loves being a respected team member.

The success of Shane Worthington is a great credit to Clifton High School Special Education Unit, NDIS Support Worker, Samantha De Jersey and his current employers the Frappell family at Clear Mountain Fairview Thoroughbred Stud.

Persistence paid off for 18-years-old Shane Wormington who was able to secure a job he loves with Clear Mountain Fairview Stud at Greenmount. Care.

Classifieds - Trades and Services

CLEARING SALE

Final Clearing Sale: Saturday 25 February 8.30am-3.30pm

413 Allens Road East Greenmount Tractor, slasher, mower, scrap metal, fencing materials, maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, appliances, homewares

FOR SALE

Ride on mower (20 Horsepower). 12 months old. less than 2 hours work. $6,000. Phone 0400 948 492.

SERVICES

SERVICES

Electrician - BHB Electrical. Brad Densley. Lic# 75685. All electrical installation, repairs and maintenance. Phone 0427 971 470.

POSITIONS VACANT

ELECTORATE OFFICER

Applications are invited for the position of Electorate Officer in the office of Pat Weir MP, Member for Condamine based in Oakey. This position is a shared, permanent part time role.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a range of duties including the provision of confidential administrative services, liaison with constituents, the preparation of correspondence, assisting with the management of the day-to-day operation of the electorate office and assisting with the member’s diary.

Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work unsupervised in a small team environment, be capable of completing tasks to a high standard to meet a deadline and have a strong knowledge of local issues relevant to the electorate. Applicants competent in speech writing, research and the preparation of media releases would be viewed favourably. Experience in the agricultural, natural resources, mining and energy sectors would be advantageous.

Well-developed computing skills, a high level of competency with the Microsoft Suite, social media and the internet are considered essential.

Conditions of employment are similar to the Queensland public sector.

Applicants should forward their resume marked ‘Personal and Confidential’ to the Office of Pat Weir MP, Member for Condamine, PO Box 65, Oakey Qld 4401, or email to condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au by close of business on Monday the 27th of February 2023. Enquiries may be directed to 07 4570 4100.

www.facebook.com/

Cambooya Fencing - Rural and domestic fencing, stables, shelters and yards. Phone Chris Pederson on 0488 440 525.

Hospice looking for sponsors

Leading up to its 20th Birthday in July 2023, Toowoomba Hospice is searching for sponsors for the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Free legal help for Queenslanders feeling mortgage squeeze

Legal Aid Queensland is encouraging people to talk to their lenders and service providers if they are struggling to make ends meet, as increasing interest rates and cost of living pressures start to hit household budgets.

Consumer law expert Loretta Kreet said it was important for people to understand the options available to them if things are tight financially and to get help quickly.

“The first step is to talk to your lender about your mortgage and all of your other loans, credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later products, and talk about the options available in your particular case,” she said.

Kym Briese (left) and Margaret Lyons (right) from Briese Lawyers discuss with Amy Goldsmid from Toowoomba Hospice what sponsorship packages are available for the Hospice 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner in 2023.

Administration and Fundraising Manager Mark Munro said preparations have started for the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Saturday 1st July 2023 at the Oaks Hotel.

“Our Administration and Events Assistant Amy is on a mission to secure some sponsorships, of which there are four different types of packages available, and I am delighted to say we have secured Briese Lawyers who didn’t hesitate to jump on board,” Mr Munro said.

Principal of Briese Lawyers Ms. Kym Briese said she is so proud to support the Toowoomba Hospice.

“We are proud supporters of Toowoomba Hospice and were honoured when asked to be a sponsor of the Toowoomba Hospice Gala Dinner.

“We have experienced first-hand the special kind of quality, compassionate care that many of our clients and their families have experienced through the work of Toowoomba Hospice.

“We are fortunate to have this facility in our community and through the support of businesses like ours, we hope that Toowoomba Hospice can continue to support those in need well into the future.”

To be part of the sponsors of this wonderful milestone in 2023 contact Amy or Mark on 07 4659 8500 or events@ toowoombahospice.org.au

“The earlier you talk to your lender, the more assistance they are usually able to provide. You should also talk to your local council if you’re struggling with rates, your body corporate if fees are an issue, and your water and electricity providers to ask about their hardship policies, which can help you get your bills back on track.”

Ms Kreet said many people didn’t realise there were consumer protection laws that gave borrowers the right to access hardship provisions if they are struggling to repay their loans.

“Many lenders and service providers are legally required to offer help to people experiencing hardship, which means you can negotiate with your lender to increase the length of the loan or suspend or reduce your payments until you’re back on track financially,” she said.

“But it’s important to note that not all lenders or service providers are covered by these laws, so sometimes we see people who are able to negotiate a repayment plan for their mortgage, but their house ends up being sold due to unpaid body corporate fees or council rates.

“It can be really hard to talk to someone if you’re struggling financially. Asking for help is hard. But if your finances are really tight, we encourage you to talk to us so you understand the legal protections that are available to you.”

Legal Aid Queensland also has a free legal information guide “Are you struggling to pay a loan?”, available to read online, which explains your rights when negotiating with lenders and service providers if you’re struggling financially.

You can also order a free hard copy of the guide at www. legalaid.qld.gov.au

If you are struggling to pay a loan and need legal advice call Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 or visit www.legalaid. qld.gov.au

Nominations open for volunteering awards

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their volunteer work? Now is the time to nominate them for the 2023 Queensland Volunteering Awards. honour the astonishing contribution and spirit of service of all Queensland volunteers and volunteer involving organisations. The Awards are presented across six categories:

During National Volunteer Week 15-21 May 2023, volunteers from all over Queensland will be recognised at the Queensland Volunteering Awards at Brisbane City Hall.

In a year that continues to see so much uncertainty with the continued disruption of COVID-19, devastating natural disasters and rising costs of living, the one thing Queenslanders have been able to count on is the selfless generosity, hard work and commitment of our extraordinary volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support their communities.

Queensland’s volunteers have always been the life force of their communities, extending helping hands and fostering vital human connections that give hope and meaning to the lives of others.

Despite the fall in volunteering in formal settings, informal volunteering continues to thrive, often hiding in the shadows of sporting clubs, schools and charities.

The Queensland Volunteering Awards acknowledge and

•Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award

•Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

•Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award

•Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award

•Queensland Volunteering Impact Award

• Queensland Corporate Volunteering Award

Volunteering Queensland CEO Mara Basanovic said nominations are welcomed and encouraged from all members and sectors of the community.

“Queenslanders are generous, compassionate, and supportive of one another and their local and wider communities,” Mr Basanovic said.

To nominate someone, visit volunteeringqld.org.au/initiatives/ queensland-volunteering-awards/

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

Greenmount Greenmount

State School

Greenmount State School has started 2023 at a cracking pace and it’s wonderful to see our school abuzz with the learning.

The Term One calendar is filling up fast with amazing opportunities.

Last week we were very fortunate to be involved in a workshop created by Indigenous Artist, Uncle Arthur.

Arthur came to our school to paint a mural on a large canvas which involved all students.

He explained the meaning of the Rainbow Serpent and showed the students the art of dot painting.

At the end of the day the whole school learnt the craft of creating a turtle portrait with bright colours using oil crayons.

On Thursday, 16th February the Greenmount students went to Goomburra National Park with Amaroo.

The students participated in different games while learning about Indigenous culture and history.

The students were then invited to go down to the creek where they proceeded to catch and investigate the many different water insects and other living things in the creek.

According to the students this was the best part of the day. The students then completed the day with some art activities and a nature scavenger hunt.

Overall, the day was a great success and the students learnt a lot about Indigenous culture and life and living from the science curriculum as well as learning about significant places from HASS.

Stay tuned for more news from The Mount.

GREENMOUNT OFF TO A FLYING START

At left, Uncle Arthur painting and at right, with the students of Greenmount State School and their amazing mural.

Students were able to explore nature during their excursion to Goomburra National Park.