COUNCIL
CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER April - May 2016 ISSUE 71
INSIDE New Councillors introduced
3
5 Maroons stars to visit Gladstone
7 Library Out and About in the region
8 One Wish exhibition touches hearts
Mayor's Message Council's new team ready to work hard for the region
Cover P&O Cruises' maiden voyage to Gladstone received an enthusiastic welcome from the Gladstone Region community in March. So far, about 4,000 passengers have enjoyed the celebrations of the Feast on East event at East Shores or joined a variety of tours uncovering our region's beauty and attractions. The next cruise ship will pull into port on May 12, coinciding with another Feast on East event.
It is a great honour for me to deliver my first Mayor's Message as the newly elected Mayor of the Gladstone Region. I promised the change community wanted with the experience the Gladstone Region needs, and I will deliver on that promise. Fortunately, the community has selected a strong team for me to work with and I intend to fully utilise that strength by providing the type of robust and considered leadership needed to steer the Gladstone Region to a prosperous and exciting future. I will apply a progressive and collaborative leadership approach in order to deliver on my five-point mandate – to ease costs for ratepayers; support growth and sustainability of primary producers; promote business
development; increase financial and in kind support of community and sports clubs; and secure State and Federal government funding. I also take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Gail Sellers and my former colleagues from the previous Council Maxine Brushe, Col Chapman, Ren Lanzon, Graham McDonald, Karen Porter and Leo NeillBallantine for their commitment to the region and for helping to lay a solid platform on which the current Council can build a bright future. My congratulations also go to the current team who won through in a closely contested election and I look forward to working together as a team for the benefit of the Gladstone Region.
Photo made possible by the support of Air Charter CQ.
Council Connection
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Council Contacts
PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680 Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Office Hours: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Gladstone Office
101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Qld 4680
Calliope Office
5 Don Cameron Drive Calliope Qld 4680
Miriam Vale Office
41 Blomfield Street Miriam Vale Qld 4677 www.gladstone.qld.gov.au www.facebook.com/ GladstoneRegionalCouncil
Council's newly elected representatives at the Declaration of office ceremony.
Gladstone Regional Council's elected representatives following the 2016 Local Government elections:
Cr Matt Burnett Mayor Phone: 0437 086 401 Email: Mayor@gladstone.qld.gov.au I am a born and bred Gladstone Region resident and my family's connection with the region extends to five generations. My grandmother was born in the Boyne Valley and my grandfather is 103 and still going strong. I am a former small business operator and qualified journalist, having started my own newspaper, The Port Curtis Post, at the age of 19 and have since served in Local Government for 16 years, including five as Deputy Mayor prior to my election as Mayor. During my time in Local Government I have served as Chairman of Technical Services with Gladstone City Council and as portfolio representative in both Infrastructure and Technical Services with Gladstone Regional Council after amalgamation in 2008. I have always had the best interests of the community at heart and, as Mayor, I will draw upon the experience I have gathered over 16 years to ensure those interests remain a key consideration even as the region continues to grow and develop. I will bring an inclusive style of leadership to Council, making sure the thoughts and views of my fellow Councillors, Council officers, business and industry leaders, community groups and organisations, and members of the community are all heard and taken into consideration. I have learnt much from the three Mayors with who I worked since being elected to Council in 2000 and will look to put what I have learned to good use during my tenor as Mayor in order to provide the strong leadership needed to enable the Gladstone Region to shine at its best.
Cr Chris Trevor Deputy Mayor Phone: 0437 757 839 Email: ChrisTrevor@gladstone.qld.gov.au
Cr Cindi Bush Councillor Phone: 0437 642 081 Email: CindiBush@gladstone.qld.gov.au
I have lived in the Gladstone Region for over 50 years. I grew up in Auckland Street and South Gladstone. I went to Central State School and later Rockhampton Grammar School. When my mother Iris Trevor got very sick with breast cancer I finished my secondary education years 11 and 12 at Gladstone State High School. I completed my law degree externally through Queensland Institute of Technology whilst articled to Solicitors, Tony Goodwin and John Kenny. I have worked in Goondoon Street since 1979 – over 37 years as a solicitor, Gladstone City Councillor and Federal Member of Parliament. My grandparents owned Gladstone Steam Cleaning and Laundry in Goondoon Street where my mother Iris worked. My father Allan “Foo” Trevor worked as a train driver for QR in Gladstone for over 40 years. Dad has a surviving brother Noel. My wife Colleen and I now live in Agnes Water. We have five children and five grandchildren. Public service is just an extension of what I have been doing my whole life – helping people. You put your hand up to make a difference. To do good. To give back what you take out. Some people will always criticise you for trying to do good. Do good anyway. It’s a pretty simple philosophy but one I have always believed in. We have some tough times ahead and many challenges. Now is the time to step up for the good of the Gladstone Region and its people. For the next four years I will give it my best.
I have lived in the Gladstone Region since the late 60s, apart from a few years away for travel and study. My first home was at the Boles Street Caravan Park as there wasn't accommodation during the boom! I am married to Adam and have three grown children Charlotte, Bridie and George. I have always been involved in the community as a volunteer, board member or founding member for many not-for-profit groups. I am the Vice Chair of the Women's Health Centre, founding member of the Creative Recycling Centre, Director of Community Services with Gladstone Midday Rotary and a member of the Gladstone Medical Bus working party. The region has always had my heart and been very good to me, so it is time to give back. My professional training is in healthcare, however I have worked in the building industry, creative industries and as a company director and was a highly successful political lobbyist. In the past, I established the first palliative care ward at the hospital, produced a ballet and concert that featured local, national and international stars, self funded a needle stick action campaign that resulted in $26 million dollars from the Federal Government for research, development and implementation of retractable needles. I have a strong sense of community and always fight for what is fair and just. I have a secret hobby! I love reading Acts, legislation, constitutions and laws and my favourite book is Hansard!
Cr Glenn Churchill
Cr Kahn Goodluck
Councillor Phone: 0407 289 139 Email: GlennChurchill@gladstone.qld.gov.au
I have been an active and loyal resident of the greater Gladstone Region and Central Queensland for over 24 years. Together with my wife and family, I have had the great privilege of serving the business, social and community interests of the region through many different avenues. I am the current Chairman of the Gladstone PCYC Management Committee and recently spent over 12 years advocating for the region as CEO/Director of GAPDL. Prior to this I served 11 years in local government leadership and protected our community for over 26 years as a Queensland Police Officer. The region has so many wonderful people, places and priorities for its future. I have been, and will continue to be, a strong advocate for this great region, ensuring and enhancing the wellbeing, spirit and balanced lifestyle of our residents. Contracts and tenders, local and rural roads, flood proofing, aged care facilities, families, youths and support for small and medium businesses are areas I look forward to focussing on as Councillor. We need to work together to help foster a culture of pride in all the region's communities; valuing the work of our various industries and rural producers, developing civic pride for our region and recognising the vital work that Council does for the community. I pledge that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of this public office, with integrity, trust, respect and compassion.
Councillor Phone: 0433 944 302 Email: KahnGoodluck@gladstone.qld.gov.au
I have been living in Boyne Tannum for almost six years and have lived in Queensland my whole life. I grew up in Kilkivan and later moved to the Gold Coast where I was born. Having lived in both a city and a country town, I believe the Gladstone Region is the perfect combination of both. It offers the services of a city with the benefits of a country lifestyle like a safe community and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. My partner was born and bred in the region and I've therefore become part of her local family and friendship network. My brother and sister also live in the region. I've been heavily involved in the community as Coordinator of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union's Community Hub. The hub fundraises for charities, sports clubs and other not-for-profit groups through the donations of union members. As a representative of union members I'm accustomed to working with the community on a grassroots level. I'm also familiar with sitting around a table with high-level management. Through this work, I've honed the valuable art of negotiation and compromise to efficiently reach positive outcomes. I think my working class background brings a different and valid perspective to Council. I'm motivated to engage with working people and make sure everyone in our community gets a fair go. I'm also outgoing, passionate and determined. I definitely have a positive, 'never say never' outlook to all that I do that will serve me well on Council. Page 3
Cr Rick Hansen Councillor Phone: 0448 885 047 Email: RickHansen@gladstone.qld.gov.au
Cr Peter Masters Councillor Phone: 0438 145 780 Email: PeterMasters@gladstone.qld.gov.au
I moved to Gladstone with my wife Lyndal and first daughter Pia 38 years ago, relocating from Maryborough for work. Our second daughter Annika was born in Gladstone. We have two granddaughters Georgia and Isabella. Pia is married to Jeff and Annika to Trent. They all still call Gladstone home. I am extremely proud of the region with its blend of industry, opportunity and environmental commitment. I believe that we have it all in the Gladstone Region, from the beautiful beaches of Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy and Tannum Sands to the scenic views of the valleys, mountains and the islands, coupled by the existence and potential of our great harbour. The region has enormous community pride and spirit. I have been involved in the community extensively, worked in major industry for 19 years and owned and managed a small business for 19 years. I have represented the community in Council since being first elected in 2006. I fully understand the business of Council from Planning to Community and to Finance. I have held the Engineering Services and Corporate and Governance portfolios and am a member of Council's Business Improvement Committee as well as many other committees. I have extensive knowledge of Small Business being President of the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I am President of the Port Curtis Day Respite (Aged Care) and a life member of Gladstone Basketball and been involved in Rugby League.
As a long-time resident, I am extremely proud of the region we live in. My family moved to Beecher in 1974, to Benaraby in 1975 and to Calliope in 1977. My schooling years were spent in state schools in Benaraby and Calliope and at Chanel College and I'm more than proud to still call Calliope home. As a father of six children and grandfather to three; for me, family comes first and foremost. I also place great value on the importance of community. I firmly believe in our region; it is a great place to live and most importantly, the people that make up the region are wonderful. I am extremely honoured to be an elected representative, realise the great responsibilities that brings and feel I have plenty to offer. I have always been actively involved in the community through association in various sporting groups and organisations. I will earnestly apply the knowledge and experience my involvement with these groups and past employment has provided me to Council. I worked for Calliope Shire Council in various departments, predominantly in finance and procurement working with contracts and tenders. I have Workplace Health and Safety qualifications extending to training and assessment, rehabilitation and return to work credentials. During my term as Councillor I will respect the wants and needs of the Gladstone Region people and strive to ensure a sense of pride returns to the community.
Cr Desley O'Grady
Cr PJ Sobhanian
Councillor Phone: 0437 837 148 Email: DesleyOGrady@gladstone.qld.gov.au
I have lived in the Gladstone Region for over 27 years where I have been happily married for 26 years to Craig and have two adult children, Regan and Joel. I have worked, run successful businesses and been heavily involved in the communities of the Town of 1770, Calliope and Gladstone. My grandparents Bill and Mable Spencer had businesses in the Boyne Valley. My family history in the Gladstone Region goes back five generations. I have a passion to assist community organisations' ventures. I am a financial member of many community organisations. I am proud to say I was part of the Calliope Rodeo Association team that raised $80,000 for the Boyne Valley community through the 2013 Bulls and Bands Flood Appeal. I have been a regular attendee of Gladstone Regional Council and Chamber of Commerce meetings and CWA events. I was also a committee member for the Gladstone Region 20 year Vision panel. I love that we have such a versatile region, from the hinterland of the Boyne Valley to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, as a solid foundation to build on for the future. Our family has significant roots in the region and I'm proud to participate in the growth of this glorious destination. I look forward to contributing to the strategic direction of Council and working as a team member with energy and enthusiasm, as well as being a strong and passionate voice for the community.
Councillor Phone: 0412 544 201 Email: PJSobhanian@gladstone.qld.gov.au
I love our environment! From the beautiful beaches of Boyne/ Tannum and Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy to the country spirit of Boyne Valley and beyond, we have a terrific region with some of the most wonderful people in the world. This is one of the reasons why I moved to Gladstone to help reduce the public dental waiting list at the Gladstone Public Hospital. After serving at the hospital, I moved to private practice in 2011. It was here that two of my patients asked me to run for Council to bring to the table my knowledge as a health practitioner and my input as an experienced, young professional. I am motivated by servant-leadership, which is providing leadership that is driven by community service. As a Councillor, I strongly believe in creating and maintaining respectful community partnerships. I have served on the Gladstone Regional Council from 2015 including the representation of the Rural Services Portfolio and service on the Business Improvement Committee. I have extensive knowledge and experience gained from serving on various government, non-government and community committees and boards including for the Australian Dental Association and University of Queensland, and on the Capricorn Pest Management Group and Gladstone Safe Night Precinct Committee. I have also served as Director of Community Services for the Rotary Club of South Gladstone. Page 4
Council consulting on Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Work on developing Gladstone's first Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is progressing after wide ranging community consultation. Council held workshops in both Gladstone and Agnes Water during mid-March seeking feedback on a discussion paper focusing on the key biodiversity values issues.
Maroons stars to visit Gladstone Gladstone Region rugby league fans were presented with some welcome news in March when it was announced that the XXXX Queensland Maroons would visit on June 14. The 2016 XXXX Queensland Maroons Gladstone Fan Day will bring some of the greatest players to have ever thrown on a footy jersey to Gladstone city for a street parade, sports luncheon and auction, and a coaching clinic and autograph session. The event, which falls between the first and second games of this year's State of Origin series against New South Wales, is an initiative of Queensland Rugby League and the Gladstone and District Rugby League (GDRL) and is expected to draw 10,000 onlookers for the Goondoon
Street parade. Council is working closely with the GDRL to ensure the day progresses as seamlessly as possible and is encouraging rugby league fans to help out by car pooling with friends, family or neighbours in order to more conveniently find a parking spot and ease the burden on existing facilities. Parking will be at a premium on the day and, although additional sites will be created, Council encourages residents to plan their journey into the city carefully as CBD parking will be reduced due to the road closures required on the day. Visit Council's website at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/xxxx-queensland-maroons-fanday for more information.
The paper was then released to the broader community for further consideration and individual submissions. With 64,000 people living and working in a Council area of 10,500 square kilometres, and further development expected, the region's natural resources and, specifically, biodiversity face pressures that need to be addressed. A snapshot shows more than half of the region's land area retains its original vegetation cover while 45 percent is 'cleared land'; the region is home to 47 National Parks and State Forests while there are 123 different vegetation communities and 703 terrestrial vertebrate species (frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals). Council aims to finalise the 10 year Strategic Plan before June 30 this year.
Aboriginal flag flies high at Council The Aboriginal flag is now flying proudly outside the Gladstone Civic Centre, permanently joining the Australian, Queensland and Gladstone Regional Council flags.
Byellee Elder Tricia Eggmolesse, Gurang Elder Kerry Blackman, Gooreng Gooreng Elder Richard Johnson and Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett raise the Aboriginal flag outside the Gladstone Civic Centre.
The flag's maiden raising was jointly conducted by Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and traditional elders of our region Tricia Eggmolesse, Richard Johnson and Kerry Blackman in a ceremony held last month. In flying the Aboriginal flag, Council recognises its activities are conducted on the traditional land of the Gooreng Gooreng, Byellee and Gurang peoples.
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The 2016 Combined Schools Musical cast of The Addams Family entertained 2800 Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre patrons. Picture by: Photopia Studio
GECC enhances learning experiences provided by Combined Schools Musical Every second year the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) proudly presents the Combined Schools Musical.
The Addams Family entertained a 2800-strong audience and featured a cast and crew of more than 100 local students in Years 5 to 12 from 17 local schools.
This year, spending time together for hours upon hours, in rehearsals and on stage, turned a group of students into a close-knit family – The Addams Family.
The production was directed by wellknown local Jeannine Butler and featured the choreography expertise of Gladstone born, Australian and internationally acclaimed theatre actor Dale Pengelly.
The antics of the unusual family were brought to life through seven performances on stage at the GECC.
The musical enabled students to briefly swap the classroom for the experience of performing and working with talented
theatre directors, technical crew and an orchestra. Students broadened their skills in dance, song, drama and stage operations while experiencing involvement with a theatre group in a professional setting. The curtain has now closed on the successful 2016 production but GECC looks forward to producing the next Combined Schools Musical with cast and crew in 2018.
Storybook tale to echo across region during National Simultaneous Storytime Hundreds of youngsters across the Gladstone Region will hear the same story on the same day on Wednesday, May 25. Gladstone regional libraries are preparing to host various activities as part of the annual, National Simultaneous Storytime. The campaign, now in its 16th year, is organised by The Australian Library and Information Association and aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books. This year's selected book, I Got This Hat written by Jol and Kate Temple and illustrated by Jon Foye, tells a story about different hats to take a fun look at the world. National Simultaneous Storytime will be held in the morning on May 25 at all of Council's regional libraries with some facilities incorporating activities into their
usual Story Time session. As well as listening to the story, children at the Gladstone, Calliope, Mount Larcom, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water libraries will be able to make a hat and take part in a hat parade to celebrate Australian Library and Information Week. Boyne Island Library annually hosts a special celebration each year involving students from the local schools. Activities including the story reading, songs, craft and morning tea will be held in the Port Curtis Room at the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, from 10.30am to 11.30am. Contact your nearest library for more details, or closer to the date visit www. gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au/ or the Gladstone Regional Libraries Facebook page.
Library officer Natalie Hinde has this year's book at the ready for National Simultaneous Storytime on May 25. Page 6
2016
Come along to Gladstone Regional Council's Ecofest 2016 and learn how to put the theme of 'Small Change Creates Real Change' into practice. This year's annual environmental awareness event will be held on Sunday, June 5 at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens. Two confirmed guest speakers for the day include Australian Conservation Foundation President Professor Ian Lowe and Murray Hallam, an expert in practical aquaponics. Aquaponics combines aquaculture and hydroponics to produce fish and plants on low water usage. Form more information visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest
Community donations offer helping hand to groups and organisations Members of not-for-profit community groups can apply now to Council's 201617 Community Donations Program for funding assistance. The funding assists groups generally ineligible to receive funding from other sources for purposes listed on their applications. In past years, the Council funding has offered a helping hand to many local groups and organisations. Funding applies to categories ranging from support for heritage museums and regional and recreational events to regulatory fee reimbursement, use of Council plant and equipment, community hall subsidy, tidy towns entry fees, education/guidance and performing arts. Submissions received after April 30 may be subject to availability of remaining funds in each category. Guidelines and application forms can be accessed at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ donations-and-grants Information and enquiries about the program can be directed to Council's Community Donations officer Janine Sorrensen on 4976 6351 or email janines@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au
Library Assistant Maigan Agapay with Council's Out and About library van which is meeting the library needs of regional communities.
Library Out and About van kept busy since February launch Council's Library Out and About van has been busy visiting six regional townships since its launch in February. The Out and About project aims to reduce isolation by providing residents with fortnightly access to material and digital resources via a collection of library services. Patrons can reserve books and other items online for delivery by library staff using Council's existing Home Library vehicles. The service visits Baffle Creek, Wartburg and Rosedale one week and Nagoorin, Ubobo and Builyan the next week. Since the program launched, Gladstone Regional Libraries has registered 92 new adult and children members from across these locations. Three schools are included in the program enabling the Out and About program to meet the library needs of
the regional schools and communities. Townships are visited on a fortnightly basis and those utilising the service can borrow books, magazines, audio books, DVDs and CDs with plans to make digital resources available later in the year. Library Out and About visits are scheduled for Mondays in designated weeks at: • Baffle Creek Shopping Village, Coast Road - 10.30am • Wartburg State School, Coast Road - 12.15pm • Rosedale Memorial Garden, James Street - 2pm • Nagoorin State School, Ubobo Street - 10am • Cedarvale Road (next to hall), Boyne Valley - 11.15am • Builyan State School, Gladstone Road - 1pm
Upcoming visits are scheduled for: Baffle Creek, Wartburg and Rosedale
Nagoorin, Ubobo and Builyan
May
16th and 30th
9th and 23rd
June
13th and 27th
6th and 20th
July
11th and 25th
4th and 18th
August
8th and 22nd
1st, 15th and 29th
September
5th and 19th
12th and 26th
October
10th and 24th
17th and 31st
November
7th and 21st
14th and 28th
December
5th and 19th
12th Page 7
The opening of the One Wish exhibition drew a large crowd to the Art Gallery & Museum.
One Wish exhibition harnesses the power of paper cranes to touch hearts A rare species, Red-Crowned crane, is perched in the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum watching over the One Wish exhibition until May 21. The paper creation, featuring a 2.6m wing span, was carefully moulded by local photographer and artist Katrina Elliott. It sits beneath hundreds of colourful, origami cranes that have 'flown' out of an art piece, aptly named Release Me.
the cultural beliefs linked to cranes. She was inspired by the traditional belief of Senbazuru - that if one folds 1000 origami cranes, one's wish will come true. Katrina said the belief was a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times and she realised it was essential to have origami cranes feature in the photoshoot. Katrina asked others for help to make 1000 origami cranes and her photographic vision became reality.
The formation of cranes creates an overhead path to The Journey Tree, a symbol of a resting place in someone's In Japan, the crane is a journey through mystical creature and cancer. Other pieces contributing to the One Wish exhibition help to depict the story behind the project.
is believed to live for a thousand years. It is traditionally a symbol of good fortune and longevity in Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture.
The impact of Cranes for Sharon was widespread with Sharon overwhelmed on the day and informing that she had received many more origami cranes since.
Katrina explains the inspiration behind One Wish via a video documentary which plays in the Gallery & Museum.
"It impacted not only her and her family but her friends, work colleagues and total strangers," Katrina said.
"Have you ever felt like there's something that you're meant to do?" she asks viewers.
"I wanted to have the opportunity to share that emotion with others that are being affected by cancer in our region."
Katrina re-tells the poignant story behind her artwork and how her search to immortalise a beautiful snapshot in time evolved into the One Wish project.
"I wanted this photoshoot to be special, bright, colourful and full of hope," she said.
Others close to Katrina were undertaking chemotherapy and she experienced the seemingly endless hours spent in hospital by patients and carers.
Katrina's daughter had been learning about Japan at school and Katrina had discovered
"Late one night I came up with the idea that I wanted to share the idea I had with
She was inspired after photographing Cranes for Sharon, a photoshoot for a resident diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sharon with all the cancer patients in the region," Katrina said. She approached staff at the Gallery & Museum and Gladstone Base Hospital about starting an art project at both sites, based on the origami crane concept. Katrina successfully gained a Gladstone Region Regional Art Development Fund (RADF) grant and was assisted by private donations and donated more than 200 in kind hours to create her art installation. "Volunteers and local small businesses Hub Total Fitness, Gladstone Valley Funerals, Fanelli Dental and Harbour City Accounting jumped at the opportunity to help me make this project happen," she said. "There wouldn't have been a project if it wasn't for their generosity." Her aim for the project was to engage all who visited the Gladstone Base Cancer Care unit to collectively make 1000 cranes to be part of a sculpture in the hospital. "I feel this project will help bring cancer patients, family and friends on a part of a journey together, teach them new skills and create a beautiful, spiritual sculpture that they can watch grow every time they visit the oncology unit," Katrina said.
Referred to in Japan as the bird of happiness, the crane is central to Katrina Elliott's One Wish project.
The project was installed in the Gladstone Hospital and as weeks passed the line of cranes grew down the corridor to the tree.
"Due to its uniqueness and diversity of people, I feel it could reach out to others on a national scale," she said.
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Weaving a new depiction of industry
VISITORS TAKE PART
Gallery & Museum visitors have the opportunity to participate in their own Senbazuru experience through a hands-on origami making station at the exhibition.
GRANT ASSISTANCE
The Gladstone Region Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Gladstone Regional Council to support local arts and culture. RADF grants provide support for initiatives and activities which have the capacity to deliver benefits for the wider community. Two RADF rounds are offered each year. More information is available from the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.
Also at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum ANZAC Day: Lest We Forget April 22 - May 21 A tribute to the ANZAC defence forces. Photographs and memorabilia from local families together with those from the Gladstone RSL and Art Gallery & Museum collections. Love Bites: Domestic & Family Violence Prevention and Online Safety Month May 4 - May 28 As part of the Love BiTES Program - aimed at breaking cycles of domestic violence - local students will complete creative workshops and the results will be displayed at the Gallery & Museum. Saiki Children's Day 2016 May 27 - June 4 A Gladstone Saiki Sister City Advisory Committee initiative offering Gladstone Region's children a glimpse into the lives of their peers in Japan, through a variety of hands-on craft activities. AVAILABLE FREE DAILY.
When imagining how heavy industry can be depicted through art, perhaps weaving and sewing are surprising choices. Soft fabrics, each unique and meticulously created in an ageold tradition, aren't immediately synonymous with modern, fast-paced and mass-producing industries. But local textile artist Lidia Godijn sought a new way to apply her craft when developing her exhibition Industrial Fibre, Fibre and Industry, now showing at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum. "Almost everywhere I went in Gladstone I saw the colours and shapes of the industries we're dependent on," Lidia says. "Artistically I wanted to explore that using the texture, colour and form of fibre-working." The result is her second solo exhibition, revealing the Gladstone Region's hard yakka in a new light through hand-dyed threads, textiles and recycled materials. To create the exhibition's hero piece, 'Interwoven', Lidia wove strips of high-vis workwear into cascading forms resembling filter tubes – a common industrial part. It's an imposing, beautiful display: Reflector strips shimmer among vibrant colours and the work's textures beg to be touched. "Filter tubes are used everywhere in industry and I wanted to link them to the sea of workwear colours often seen in the region," Lidia says. "Workers can view the artwork and say 'That's my shirt, that's your shirt'. "All the uniforms I repurposed were worn and had varying degrees of fading. This was intentional to increase the variety of colour and illusion of texture in the piece."
Lidia depicts another mechanical part associated with industry in 'Conveyor Belts: Coal, Alumina and Quarry Rock', an arresting contemporary artwork. To create it, she wrapped salvaged rollers with long bands of fabric, each intricately woven in colours matching the commodities often hauled across the region's countless conveyor belts. "The fabrics form the belts and their white, black and blue colours represent alumina, coal and blue rock," Lidia explains. Lidia spent countless hours in front of her loom to create the work's fabric lengths. The seersucker weave technique used is hard to get right; but Lidia is a skillful weaver, with over 30 years' experience and a Master's degree to prove it. While she has honed her craft over this period, Lidia is perpetually motivated to improve and develop as an artist. "I was ready for a new challenge when I put my proposal for this exhibition in to the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum," Lidia says. She certainly rose to it, successfully transforming her subject matter into a striking show of colour and sweeping forms that is an exemplar of fine skill. Industrial Fibre, Fibre and Industry is exhibiting at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum until May 28. The exhibition comprises fibre work installations supported by manipulated digital images. The project received support from Boyne Smelters Limited and Earth Commodities Gladstone Pty Ltd.
VISITORS TAKE PART
Gallery & Museum visitors have the opportunity to experience using a loom and add to a community weaving project through the exhibition's interactive zone.
Gallery & Museum volunteer and textile artist Lidia Godijn with her artwork 'Interwoven' Page 9
Small Ozobots make big impact on regional primary school students A dozen robots that would fit snugly into an everyday shopping bag have made their way to some schools within the region's smaller communities. The tiny, highly intelligent Ozobots, are shaped like balls with a circumference about the size of a 20 cent coin. Their small size however does not limit the big impact they have been having on the region's primary school students. The miniature robots are designed to teach young children basic coding in a fun and easy way. They draw and navigate paths using codes on paper or on iPads. Gladstone City Library recently took ownership of the new devices in time to offer four, half-hour Simple Robotics Workshops as a school holiday activity. Each library workshop offered 12 youngsters, aged seven and over, the opportunity to use an Ozobot for 30 minutes, drawing and developing their own coding. Children were also able to utilise specially designed Apps which enabled the Ozobot to dance or follow a maze.
School holiday workshops were also held at the Agnes Water Library. This year, digital technologies were added to the Queensland school curriculum for students from Prep to Year 10. Public libraries have since evolved to help communities keep up-to-date with developing technology. Coding is related to literacy, as learning to code essentially uses the same process as writing a story, using symbols instead of words. The Ozobots will complement Gladstone Regional Libraries' extensive resources and assist with development of skills through digital literacy. Gladstone Regional Libraries have received grants from the State Library of Queensland to enable the Ozobots to be introduced to students in smaller communities who may have less access to robotics. Since their arrival in Gladstone, the Ozobots have visited Mount Larcom State School and are expected to become a drawcard for school excursions to Gladstone Regional Libraries.
Daniel Ryan, 16 concentrates on getting his basic coding right for an Ozobot.
Gladstone to play a key role in Opera Queensland touring production Gladstone Region residents will be among 250 Queenslanders offered an opportunity to sing opera and dance in an Opera Queensland touring production. The project involves Opera Queensland working with eight Queensland communities to find and train local performers for a 2016 touring production of Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville.
Performers in each regional community will take to the stage in their local theatre alongside Queensland's best singers with support of an ensemble of musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. The Barber of Seville is an opera which premiered in Rome 200 years ago. It tells the story about dashing Count Almaviva who lost his heart to a sassy, young maiden, Rosina.
Rosina's guardian is determined to marry her himself until the charismatic Figaro attempts to unite the young lovers through a series of hilarious 'fool proof' schemes. Tickets to the Gladstone performance can be booked in person at the GECC Box Office, by phoning 4972 2822 during business hours, or via GECC Online Ticketing.
The Project Rossini team will travel more than 26,000 kilometres over six months working with Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, Toowoomba, Gladstone Region, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns communities. Auditions to find 30 chorus members within the community were held in Gladstone on April 18 and 19 and successful applicants will now gain free professional training in singing, dancing, stagecraft and Italian language skills. The production will be staged in Brisbane in July followed by regional tours which includes a performance at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) on Wednesday, August 10.
Jason Barry Smith talks to Project Puccini chorus members from previous years. Photo: Stephanie Do Rozario. Page 10
Upgrade works to Chapman Drive at Clinton are expected to be completed in July, 2016. Photo: Maddison Davey
Chapman Drive upgrade increases ease of use for busy thoroughfare The major upgrade of Chapman Drive at Clinton is progressing on schedule with work expected to be completed in September, 2016. The $3.86 million project is an amalgam of four projects which are needed to address the effects of Chapman Drive's ageing infrastructure and to ensure it can cope with future increases in traffic volumes. Phase 1 of the works program (installation of subsoil drains and 375mm water main and Chapman Drive northern lane road works) was expected to be completed by mid-April after this publication had gone to print. The installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Chapman Drive and Ballantine Street enables a better
management of vehicle movements from the nearby shopping complex, provides safer pedestrian access for those crossing Chapman Drive, and creates an improved environment for drivers negotiating the intersection from all directions.
Hickey Avenue turning right into Chapman Drive which forces vehicles to spill into the adjacent through lane south of Laner Street and queue on the painted chevron past McGinlay Street and spilling into the adjacent through lane.
A number of other issues will be rectified by the upgrade, including excessive queuing, particularly for the right hand turn into J Hickey Avenue during peak times, inadequate queue length for vehicles turning left from J Hickey Avenue into Chapman Drive and excessive traffic queuing in Laner Street from the school drop off/pick up area during the afternoon peak period.
The reconfiguration of median strips and other alterations at the Chapman Drive and J Hickey Avenue intersection also improve its capacity, reducing traffic congestion during morning and afternoon peak periods.
The upgrade of existing traffic lights will also alleviate excessive queuing on J
The 375mm diameter water main upgrade, which will improve the delivery of potable water to the Clinton area, was brought forward in order to avoid the need to disturb the new road works shortly after their construction.
Act quickly to have your say on active transport
Flood restoration works continue in region's west
Time is running out to have your say on Council's Pedestrian and Cycle Strategy for the Gladstone Region.
Restoration work continues on damaged roads and related infrastructure throughout western parts of the Gladstone Region.
Residents have until midnight Saturday, April 30, to complete an online survey designed to help Council identify new projects to encourage walking, cycling and other active transport modes in the region.
The work, being conducted by Golding Contractors, is repairing road and roadside drainage damage inflicted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Marcia in February, 2015.
Active transport includes all forms of transport involving physical activity for people of all ages and abilities such as walking, cycling, skateboarding, pushing prams or other means to move about, such as powered and unpowered mobility devices. Pathways, footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes and other infrastructure help to facilitate active transport and the survey, which opened on April 11, provides Gladstone Region residents with the opportunity to help guide Council's investment in transport infrastructure over the next 5-10 years. Community feedback gathered via the survey will be analysed and incorporated into the Draft Pedestrian and Cycle Strategy. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed via Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/have-your-say
The project was made possible via $7.7 million in funds from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority through its National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program. It is being conducted in three batches, the first incorporating the Boyne Valley-Diglum area, the second the Calliope area and the third the Mount Larcom, Bracewell and Raglan areas. The restoration work is returning affected roads to a condition similar to that which existed prior to February last year with the entire program expected to be completed in June, 2016. Council has also obtained more than $3.6m in Queensland Government Betterment funds with the following regional roads to be made more resilient to flood damage: Mount LarcomBracewell Road ($441,000); Tableland Road ($849,000); Norton Road ($2.03m); Davis Road ($150,000); Gentle Annie Road ($77,000) and Bindawalla Road ($84,000). Page 11
BRIEFLY Gladstone Region second top
mobile phone recyclers Council is the state's second top recycler by kilogram of mobile phones and their batteries and accessories, behind Brisbane City Council, thanks to the participation of residents. MobileMuster collection boxes are located at Agnes Water and Mount Larcom rural transaction centres, Benaraby and Gladstone transfer stations, Boyne Island, Calliope and Gladstone libraries and Council's Miriam Vale administration centre.
Community CALENDAR APRIL Date
Name of the event
Location
Contact
4 Mar - 21 May
One Wish - an exhibition by Katrina Elliot
Art Gallery & Museum
4976 6766
19 Mar - 28 Industrial Fibre, Fibre and Industry May
Art Gallery & Museum
4976 6766
2 - 29 April
Art Gallery & Museum
4976 6766
22 April - 21 ANZAC Day: Lest We Forget May
Art Gallery & Museum
4976 6766
27
Story Time 10.00am
Agnes Water Library
4902 1501
27
Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
27,28
Story Time 11.00am
Gladstone City Library
4976 6400
28
Baby Bounce 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
Clean Up Australia Day
28
Story Time 10.30am
Mount Larcom Library
4975 1205
Clean Up Australia Day volunteers across the Gladstone Region had two opportunities to collect rubbish in early March. Rain caused some teams to cancel their plans for the original event on Sunday, March 6 so it was rescheduled to the following Sunday. A total of 145 people registered to join the clean up across 36 sites in the region, including schools, businesses and youth groups. Council staff supported both events by collecting bags from roadside clean ups and providing water for volunteers. Four companies - Tox Free, JJ Richards, Veolia and Burgmann Environmental Management - provided welcome assistance with free skip bins at locations around Gladstone.
29
Story Time 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
29
Story Time 10.30am
Calliope Library
4975 8105
Date
Name of the event
Location
Contact
3,17
Story Time 9.30am
Miriam Vale Library
4974 6241
Every Wed
Story Time 10.00am
Agnes Water Library
4902 1501
Every Wed & Thurs
Story Time 11.00am
Gladstone City Library
4976 6400
Every Thur
Story Time 10.30am
Mount Larcom Library
4975 1205
4,11 & 18
Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
Every Fri
Story Time 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
Every Fri
Story Time 10.30am
Calliope Library
4975 8105
12 & 26
Baby Bounce 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
25
National Simultaneous Storytime Reading 10.30am
Boyne Island Library
4971 9700
Free cat and dog trap hire trials Council has removed the cat and dog trap hire fee for the remainder of the financial year to encourage a wider use of the service within the community. The success of the removal of the $20 hire fee will be reviewed over three months.
Bridge repair work complete The Young Street and Coon Street bridges will continue to serve the Gladstone Region for many years to come following recent repair works. The North Coast Line and Barney Point Coal Facility Line bridges on Young Street and the Coon Street Bridge, all of which span railways lines, received deck joint repairs and resurfacing works in February and March to ensure the integrity of the existing structures. Without the repair work, identified defects in the bridges would have continued to deteriorate.
2016 Intercity images: Gladstone Saiki Photographic Exchange
MAY
Construction of new pedestrian bridge at Callemondah under way Work is under way on the replacement Moura Short Line Pedestrian Bridge on the Dawson Highway at Callemondah.
Installation of the new bridge is expected to start on April 20 and is scheduled for completion on May 15.
An alternate pedestrian access, for use while the existing bridge is dismantled, is in the process of being installed at the site, requiring the creation of a temporary 40km/h speed zone and reduced lane width for motorists. The bridge, located west of the roundabout servicing Callemondah Drive and Olsen Avenue, is being replaced after significant deterioration of its steel structures and timber deck units were identified, posing a structural and safety risk if left unchecked. Works are being conducted at night in order to minimise disruptions to Gladstone Airport operations. Page 12
Council supports another successful Harbour Festival Council was a proud supporter of last month's 54th annual Gladstone Harbour Festival visited by about 30,000 seekers of thrills, entertainment and community spirit. The festival received $80,000 through Council's Major Events Advisory Panel funding program and $20,000 of in-kind audio visual services from the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. The jam packed five-day program offered tried and tested favourites such as the excitement of sideshow alley, spectacular fireworks and the Blessing and Dressing of the Fleet. Spectators lined the banks of Auckland Creek to cheer on the swashbucklers steering their pirate-themed rafts to the finish line in the Great Raft Regatta. The Bedtime Stories Twilight Street Parade was another highlight and Council's libraries staff dressed as well-known story characters to join the community procession. The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race drew another strong flotilla including local perennials Wistari and Restless who gained second and third places respectively in the ORCI Overall category. Council congratulates organisers Gladstone Festivals and Events on another successful festival and thanks the sponsors, performers and thousands of residents who took part in activities for their support of the event. Council's next round of MEAP funding will close on July 31 for events between January 1 and June 30 next year. Information is available at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/major-events-funding
Conservation and Land Management trainee Jye Dalton speaks to high school students at a Careers Day
Council trainee shows the way forward University, traineeships, internships, apprenticeships...there are many ways for young school leavers to find their way forward on a career path. At Gladstone Regional Council, there are two intakes of apprentices and trainees a year – one in February and another in August. Numbers are dependent on departmental needs and budget, and are found in fields such as Diesel Fitting, Parks and Gardens, Conservation and Land Management, Civil Construction and Civil Construction Plant Operations. Conservation and Land Management trainee Jye Dalton knows what it is like to try different options before discovering what worked for him. He began his traineeship with Council nearly two years ago after first moving to Brisbane for university. When university didn't work out for him he decided to gain a Certificate III in Business before returning to Gladstone. Jye then spent some time enjoying green spaces and regional National Parks to think through what his next step would be. He realised he was interested in horticulture, birds and marsupials, and, as luck would have it, the timing was perfect.
Council advertised a traineeship in Conservation and Land Management, which he successfully applied for, and two years later is just months away from finishing. Jye's work has involved maintaining reserves and other green spaces, the revegetation of degraded areas, and seed propagation and other nursery work. He has enjoyed the experience of training and working with Council's Conservation team under Senior Conservation Officer Dr Rebecca Hendry's guidance. He credits her with encouraging him to study further and is looking forward to starting a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology to see where that will take him. During his time working with Council Jye has also tried public speaking. He was invited to address a Chanel College Careers Day late last year about his experiences as a trainee and what students could expect if they applied for a traineeship. He never imagined public speaking would be on his trainee agenda, but it was a positive experience; one of many he can now take with him through his career.
Microchipping service for impounded animals Did you know one in three pets will get lost? And, without identification, 90 per cent won't return home? Those figures seem alarmingly high but owners can do something to reverse this trend. Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs and cats born after April 10, 2009, and essential if you want to be easily reunited with your family pet. For dogs and cats older than this, it's highly recommended. As part of a campaign to encourage more responsible pet ownership and to meet
legislative requirements, Council is now microchipping any animal that meets the above criteria, prior to release from the pound. The service, which is included in the Rescue Animal Release Fee, will be available every Wednesday. The release fee varies from $35 up to $210, depending on whether the animal is desexed, registered and/or microchipped or under three months old. Officers inserting the microchips are fully trained and authorised implanters. Council also wants to reduce the
prevalence of unwanted animals with 746 impounded so far this financial year. Once an animal is microchipped we will update details on the Australasian Animal Registry. This is a national register which is another resource available to help reunite lost pets with their owners. If people change their address, however, it's their responsibility to change their details with the registry at www.aar.org.au For further enquiries, please contact our Regulatory Services Section on 4970 0700.
Page 13
Volunteers sought for Tax Help Program The Tax Help Program, facilitated by Council's Community Advisory Service, is looking for volunteers to assist community members to complete basic tax returns for the 2015-16 financial year. Members of Conservation Volunteers Australia's Green Army learn about working with plant specimens from one of the Herbarium volunteers at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.
The Tax Help Program offers assistance to those who earn under $50,000 per annum and have simple tax requirements. The program is offered free of charge to those who meet the eligibility criteria and is available from late July through to the end of October 2016. Volunteers will complete online training with the Australian Taxation Office and undergo a police record check. Those interested in volunteering to assist the program in 2016 can register an expression of interest at www. gladstoneregionvolunteering.com.au or email Council's Community Advisory Service office at cas@gladstonerc.qld.gov. au
Herbarium volunteers a valuable asset There's a little known group of people working quietly behind the scenes at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens who are seen as one of its most valuable assets.
The volunteers' core work is to manage the pressed specimens' collection in the Herbarium, where nearly 4000 specimens have been documented for scientific purposes.
They come from different backgrounds – national parks, botany, building, teaching and local industry, to name a few – but all have one thing in common.
They also go on field trips with Brent to look for new material to propagate and then complete plant maps of the areas visited.
They're volunteers who work in the Gardens' Herbarium and Council's Parks and Conservation Senior Coordinator Barry Meiring wants to sing their praises. He believes the knowledge they pass on and time they put into their work is incredibly valuable for the Gardens, both from an educational and human resource aspect. There are 12 volunteers who have been donating their time; some for a few months and others for years. Their roles have developed from informal approaches to Garden management to help out, while bringing various skills to do a range of jobs. They've received some training from experienced staff such as Curator, Brent Braddick, as well as information sessions on the Gardens themselves.
One of these field trips led to Brent's discovery of the new Mischocarpus species that was officially announced in late November 2015. Other work includes sorting and organising data on the website, surveying the Gardens' live collection and interpretive science. This involves providing more detail about plants and their background, in terms of where and how they grow. Gardens' management has also used their scientific skills to pass on knowledge to Parks and Gardens trainees and work with members of Conservation Volunteers Australia's Green Army team who came through earlier this year. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer at the Gardens, please email Tondoon@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au or phone 4971 4439.
Pest management planning services for property owners Are you an urban or semi-rural property owner needing help with pest management? Do you know the best herbicide to use to control particular weeds? Do you know what methods are available for the control of pest species? Council's Pest Management Section offers free advice to all residents within the region and can help develop a three year Property Pest Management Plan to guide future activities. Property Pest Management Plans are a useful tool which can save you time and money. They incorporate facets like:
• The best times of the year to spray; • The best herbicides to use; • The most effective control methods to use and how to do them etc. Other pest management services which Council offers to landholders in the region include: • TASKFORCE Herbicide Rebate Scheme (Property Pest Management Plan required); • Access to a range of hire equipment including Quick Spray units, Splatter
Guns, boomless spray units and Wick Wipers; • Feral animal control programs (chemical, foot hold traps and cage traps); • Wild Dog Scalp Bounty; and • Salvinia weevils (for the control of Salvinia). For further information, or to participate in a Pest Management program, please contact Council on 4970 0700.
Projects underway to strengthen Mount Larcom community Mount Larcom's Community Resilience Open Day held in late February successfully uncovered strengths and opportunities to encourage further community connectedness, internal and external relationships and disaster preparedness. Council surveyed 81 of the 200 people who attended to find out their views on these issues. Their answers, as well as more recent feedback from community groups and other individuals, are now shaping plans to build a more resilient and cohesive community.
disaster preparedness through regular information sessions.
a calendar of local social events for community activities.
Being connected in a small community is never more important than during an emergency situation, and knowing where isolated residents are clustered, via a special register, will assist in better outcomes for these people.
Identifying business innovation and entrepreneurial skills within Mount Larcom and developing these through enterprise workshops and a schools' program for Year 9 and 10 students, is also being examined.
There will be an emphasis on building stronger links with external organisations such as Relationships Australia and Queensland Health, as well as promoting
These and other ideas were to be explored and reported back on at a further meeting of the Mount Larcom Community Resilience Forum on April 21.
A reference group of community based organisations and local businesses has been established to oversee a portfolio of projects. Identifying and capitalising on community assets through a series of short documentaries (e.g. cultural wealth could offer opportunities for regional microtourism etc.) and quarterly farmer markets are some of the proposed projects to strengthen long-term community resilience. Additionally, Mount Larcom's own Local Emergency Coordination Committee (LECC) is being formed to engage on
CWA representatives from Ambrose, Mount Larcom and Raglan attended the Community Resilience Open Day to promote their role as a local organisation contributing to connectedness.
Updates from AROUND THE REGION TANNUM SANDS: Measures to prevent further shoreline erosion at Wild Cattle Creek have been adopted by Council. Measures include undertaking drainage channel realignments then seeking approval for sand push works to shore up erosion-affected parkland. A design for the sand push works is underway. REGION: The community attended a workshop aimed at stopping litter from becoming marine debris and a hazard to marine life earlier this month. Council, the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park Authority and Tangaroa Blue Foundation have teamed up to work with the community on creating a prevention campaign. GLADSTONE: Council has extended the scope area of the Jumpstart Our City Heart project – aimed at revitalising the Gladstone CBD – to Bramston Street in response to community feedback. The community has until April 30 to contribute their ideas for a renewed city centre.
REGION: Youths took part in free workshops coordinated by Council in Boyne Tannum, Calliope, Gladstone, Agnes Water, Miriam Vale and Yarwun as part of National Youth Week this month. Workshops covered nutritious cooking, photography, tax and superannuation,
social entrepreneurship and more. MOUNT LARCOM: Council has approved an application to significantly upgrade the service station on Mount Larcom's northern exit. The upgrade will enable patrons to turn left or right when exiting the service station. REGION:
Renowned Australian actress and author and screenwriter Judy Nunn visited the Calliope, Agnes Water, Miriam Vale, Boyne Island and Gladstone libraries as part of this year's One Book One Gladstone event, which was centred on the theme of her novel Spirits of the Ghan.
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6 1 0 2
Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens
Sunday, June 5 9am - 3pm
Radical Reptiles Sothern Hairy Nosed Wombats Face painting Rock wall Giant slide Food stalls Australian Animal Care and Education Inc. (AACE) Industry and local business displays This year's theme is
"Small Change Creates Real Change"
encouraging the community to help the environment by making small changes to their lifestyle
Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest for full program details. FREE transport bus and car parking beside Tondoon Botanic Gardens. $2 car parking at Meteors Sports Club.