Isaac News May 2015 - issue 22

isaacnews www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Issue 22 May 2015

CLERMONT SHOW THE ISAAC REGION’S SHOW 25-27 May

From the

Mayor’s Desk BUILDING AND CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITIES The wheels of progress continue to deliver projects, which will provide long term benefits to our communities and add value to our region.

On the Cover See the Isaac Region’s Show on page 5

isaacnews This magazine is produced by BB Print. None of the material in this publication may be reproduced without permission of Isaac Regional Council. To comment on this publication or for enquiries please contact us on 1300 472 227.

To learn more about Council projects featured in this edition, visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au All content accurate as of May 2015.

With this year marking the Anzac Centenary, an importance was placed on improving Anzac Memorials across the region prior to Anzac Day services. These memorials are a tribute to the legacy of our servicemen and women, both past and present.

In Clermont, additional to Anzac Memorial upgrades, the Hoods Lagoon Rejuvenation Project Stage One has really taken shape over the past four weeks. Part of this large scale project includes a proposed redevelopment of Centenary Park, and we are currently encouraging community feedback on this.

Council has been working collaboratively with industry and government to deliver essential infrastructure to our communities, particularly in Dysart. A new purpose built Medical Centre will provide Dr Sunday Adebiyi, who has been servicing Dysart for over a decade, with support to continue to provide excellent medical care to the community.

We have also been able to celebrate our region’s way of life through events, initiatives and in

government forums. Last month I travelled to Canberra as part Whitsunday ROC to showcase our region and its produce to national and state representatives.

Important events such as the Clermont Show and the recent Ag Trade Life exhibition have given us the opportunity to put our best foot forward for our agricultural sector. In our community, round three of RADF grants will see an nationally renowned milliner Waltraud Renier bring her Hatmobile workshops to Isaac, as well as an important cross-section of history and local characters documented in the Faces of Nebo photography project.

There is something on for everyone in Isaac over the coming months and I look forward to seeing you all out and about enjoying our community.

Mayor Cr Anne Baker P M E

07 4941 4500 0408 277 379 anne.baker@isaac.qld.gov.au

Contact Council PO Box 97 Moranbah QLD 4744 Phone 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm Email records@isaac.qld.gov.au Website www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Welcome to the Isaac region Whether you are here for work or just to be closer to family and friends, we would like to warmly welcome all new residents to the Isaac region! Find out more about what there is to explore and our facilities and services at www.isaac.qld.gov.au

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Contents

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Clermont Show National Ride2School Day

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ANZAC Memorial Upgrade

10

RADF Community Project

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Isaac State Emergency service

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Read4Life Program

Where to find us?

Clermont Office Corner Karmoo and Daintree Streets CLERMONT QLD 4721 Dysart Office Shannon Crescent DYSART QLD 4745

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Grants and Applications Want to apply for a community grant?

Our new community grants policy and application forms are now available at www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Queensland State Government Funding ► Club Development Program ► Breakwater Island Casino Community Benefit Fund ► Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Glenden Office Ewan Drive GLENDEN QLD 4743 Middlemount Office Shopping Centre MIDDLEMOUNT QLD 4746 Moranbah Office Grosvenor Complex Batchelor Parade MORANBAH QLD 4744 Nebo Office 10 Reynolds St NEBO QLD 4742 St. Lawrence 36 Macartney Street ST LAWRENCE QLD 4707 For further information please contact your local Council on 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27)

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From the

Events Calendar Clermont Show – The Isaac Region’s Show held 25 – 27 May. Great family entertainment.

May 2015 6

CWA Cent Sale Clermont

16

Clermont Showgirl Judging and High Tea On June 13-14 Middlemount Tennis Open is being held.

Get your event online for free Community groups and organisations can now list their event online for free on Council’s online Events Calendar. Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/ events Click ‘add your own event for FREE link under ‘Add your own event’, enter your event details, complete the simple form and save.

Council reserves the right to approve event listings.

Clermont Pony Club Campdraft School and Campdraft

25-27 Clermont Show

11-14

Clermont Gold Cup Campdraft

July 2015 1

9-10

Middmount PRO Am Golf Tournament

30-31

31

13-14

20-21

Junior Motorcross Middlemount—Central Highlands Interclub Series

Middlemount Tennis Open

Freemason Markets Moranbah

Middlemount Junior Motorcross Club – Central Qld Motorcross series

August 2015 1

Clermont Races

Middlemount Race Day

14-15

Clermont Gold & Coal Festival

Clermont Historical Centre and Museum

WW1 premier sniper William “Billy” Sing

OPEN NOW Anzac Heroes and Heroines Exhibition

Cr Jane Pickels Division 7 Middlemount

M 0427 635 124 E jane.pickels@isaac.qld.gov.au

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Middlemount PRO Am Golf Tournament Sponsors day

June 2015 6-7

Clermont Races July 1 and Middlemount Race Day August 1. Book these dates into your calendar.

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The Clermont Historical Centre is located on the Peak Downs Highway, approximately 2km from the town of Clermont.

Opening Hours Wednesday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm.

Cost of Entry ADULT $6.00 PENSIONER $4.00 CHILD (3-12 years) $3.00 FAMILY (two adults and two or more children) $15.00

In our neighbourhood

“I am very pleased that Council is again sponsoring Middlemount’s premier tennis tournament. The 2015 IRC and Middlemount Coal Tennis Open is on from June 13 to 14 and will see tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skills competing for $4,000 in prize money and trophies. Council has donated $2,000 towards the event as part of the latest round of community grants. This is a wonderful event that promotes our thriving sporting community in Middlemount and I hope to see many of you there.”

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CLERMONT SHOW The Isaac Region’s Show THE HIGHLIGHTS: 9 May Isaac Region Miss Showgirl Competition (Nominations close for 2015) - Senior Miss Showgirl (18+ to 28 years), Junior Miss Showgirl (15+ to 17 years) Nomination forms: www.clermontshow.com 15 May Cattlemen’s Challenge Field Day Cattle weighing, inspect cattle, discussion session, lunch and then select Carcass Competition Steer Where: Paringa Feedlot RSVP: For catering purposes RSVP to Lauren Williams by Friday 8 May, 0467 804 287 or lauren.williams@daff.qld.gov.au 16 May Fab, Flirty, Fifties High Tea Announcing the Isaac Region’s Miss Show Girl and Junior Miss Showgirl winners Where: Blair Athol Hall, Clermont Time: 1pm for a 1.30pm start Tickets: Tickets available up until 12pm May 9 online only at www.trybooking.com/HERL 26 May Beef Dinner Where: Heritage Building, Clermont Showgrounds,Clermont Tickets: $45 per person. Tickets on sale until Wednesday May 20 via Amanda Burnett 0409 585 383 or amanda@burnettgroup.com.au 25 to 27 May The Clermont Show – the Isaac Region’s Show Fun for all the family including Rooftop Express Arena Spectacular, horse events, pavilion displays, show rides, fireworks, family entertainment, pig races, working cattle dogs, trade & machinery displays, giant pumpkin competition, main bar, food stalls, stud, beef and commercial cattle, poultry, dogs, wood chopping and much, much more!

Find ‘Clermont Show’ on Facebook or visit www.clermontshow.com. To find out more email admin@clermontshow.com.

Council providing a free bus service which will be running from Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah, to and from the show. Stay tuned for the bus schedule, at www.isaac.qld.gov.au

‘ROOFTOP EXPRESS’ SHOW HIGHLIGHT May 25 to 27 On a rather wet day in early June 1868, Queensland’s first show was held in Clermont, in the yards of the Hibernian Hotel which was situated near the racecourse at the time.

Although much has changed in the past 147 years, the concept of exhibiting the region’s best and providing a centre for social and business networking, is again the aim of the 2015 Clermont Show – the Isaac Region’s Show. Held from Monday May 25 to Wednesday May 27, the Clermont Show will showcase agricultural products, home and school based activities and horticultural crops.

Additionally, the Clermont Show gives the people of the Isaac region and beyond, an opportunity to compete and display their many and varied talents.

Continuing to grow in popularity, the Giant Pumpkin Competition entries will be on display on the hill along the Heritage Building verandah.

To ensure a diverse display of local produce, as well as providing an interesting spectacle of local talent, you as a member of the Isaac community need to become involved.

If you haven’t nominated for the Giant Pumpkin Competition maybe you can take some photos, do some cooking or bring in a special pot plant or some home grown produce or flowers from your garden. If you enjoy more creative hobbies, you will find lots of opportunities for challenge in the schedule. Encourage your family and friends to also become involved.

Highlight of the 2015 Clermont Show – The Isaac Region’s Show family entertainment program will be the ‘Rooftop Express’. This display is a first class arena spectacular, family friendly show that encourages crowd participation with exciting, outback animal entertainment. The show crowd will be amazed as highly trained horses and farm animals perform amazing stunts and tricks both on the ground and on the roof of the Rooftop Express truck. The talented cast of performers – both human and animal – bring this original show to life with incredible outback tricks, thrills and spills with family bush humour, antics and energy.

Gate entry prices for the 2015 show have not changed. Where else but the Clermont Show – The Isaac Region’s Show would visitors be able to enjoy a full day of educational fun and entertainment for the whole family for $5 per adult! High school students and pensioners pay $3 and children under 12 are free.

People who attend on Tuesday may keep their ticket for free entry on Wednesday, the show Public Holiday. An iconic community event not to be missed! Please mark these dates on your calendar now!

Pavilion Schedules are available at the Clermont Library and Clermont News, or download from the show website www.clermontshow.com or Facebook – Clermont Show or can be emailed on request admin@clermontshow.com.

Cr Barbara Stranks Division 6 Clermont

M 0418 512 990 E barbara.stranks@isaac.qld.gov.au

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

In our neighbourhood

“After 147 years the Clermont Show is still going strong, and I am happy to say that Council is once again supporting this iconic event. The Clermont Show is on from May 25 to 27 and will have something for the whole family. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the show holiday on Wednesday, May 27 and visit Clermont to experience the region’s best agricultural products, local creativity and of course some great family fun.”

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NEW MEDICIAL CENTRE UNDERWAY For Dysart Community Dr Sunday Adebiyi who has serviced the Dysart community for more than 10 years can now see the bones of the new Medical Centre he’ll soon treat patients from.

Well into construction, Dysart’s purpose built Medical Centre will deliver three consulting rooms and two treatment rooms to accommodate two doctors and a nurses’ station.

Dr Adebiyi said his practice is currently operating from a renovated Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services house provided by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

“I’d like to thank Council, BMA and the State Government and the Mackay Hospital and Health Service for supporting the delivery of medical care to the Dysart community,” Dr Adebiyi said.

“I am looking forward to operating from an independent surgery again and especially in a brand new facility.”

“The quality facility will support the delivery of both medical and allied health services to Dysart residents.”

“I also hope it will attract more medical practitioners to service the area,” he said.

Local Councillor Nick Wheeler said IRC had made two successful applications for grants from the State Government to renew infrastructure in Dysart.

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to secure this funding and deliver a high quality health facility for Dysart,” said Cr Wheeler.

“Dr Abediyi, the Dysart community and wider district will benefit greatly from a purpose built medical centre which will offer a range of health services.”

“In total, Dysart has received $750,000 from the state to build this new medical facility and $5.5 million to complete a stage two upgrade to the water treatment plant.”

“BMA is a major partner in these projects, contributing significant funding towards the water treatment plant upgrades, as well as supporting Dr Adebiyi in his current building,” he said.

Cr Nick Wheeler is a member of the Dysart Medical Centre Reference Group which is helping to deliver the Medical Centre project set to open in May. “The medical centre is starting to come to life and I’d like to thank the Reference Group and the community for their support,” said Cr Wheeler.

The Dysart Medical Centre is funded by the Queensland Government and supported by IRC, BMA, Queensland Health and Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

ISAAC STUDENTS RIDE HOME A Win in Biggest National Ride2School Day ‘Always wear your helmet when riding, scooting or skating’ - that was the message Isaac region school kids were spruiking during the biggest National Ride2School Day to date.

Five lucky students across Isaac were kitted out with new bike and helmet packs donated by Isaac Regional Council and Pacific National, as part of the National Ride2School Day Bike Safety Poster Competition.

Mayor Anne Baker congratulated winners and said all entries were outstanding.

“We had 90 entries in the competition this year and it was really hard to pick the winners.”

“It’s so great to see our kids spreading the bike safety message across Isaac and having fun at the same time,” she said.

“Thank you to our sponsorship partner Pacific National for helping make this competition possible again this year,” Mayor Baker said Winners were presented with their prizes at school assemblies in

Cr Nick Wheeler Division 2 Dysart

P 07 4958 1286 M 0428 581 286 E nick.wheeler@isaac.qld.gov.au

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Nebo, Glenden, Clarke Creek, Coppabella and Valkyrie by local Council and Pacific National representatives over the last two weeks.

Councillor Geoff Bethel said he was proud of the students who were involved.

“This year more than 350,000 students across Australia participated in National Ride2School day and it was great to see the enthusiasm and creativity our students showed in their poster entries,” said Cr Bethel.

Winners across the region include: • Tom Wallace from Clarke Creek State School • Georgia Hutton from Valkyrie State School • Tayah Womal from Coppabella State School • Brayden Wyatt from Nebo State School • Cienna Dougan from Glenden State School

In our neighbourhood

“You may have noticed that Dysart has received another positive upgrade recently with improvements underway at Lions Park. The park will reopen on Friday May 8 after the installation of four new shade structures, new picnic settings and new fencing. The park holds a special place in our community and I am looking forward to seeing local families enjoying the new amenities in the coming weeks.” isaacnews

NATIONAL RIDE2SCHOOL DAY

Valkyrie State School winner Georgia Hutton proudly displaying her poster and new bike

Coppabella State School winner Tayah Womal with Pacific National’s Andrew Geddes

Nebo State School winner Brayden Wyatt with Pacific National’s Rick Mulvey and Cr Geoff Bethel

Clarke Creek State School winner Tom Wallace with Principal Lisa Roach and Cr Geoff Bethel

Cr Peter Freeleagus Division 4 Moranbah

P 07 4941 8063 E peter.freeleagus@isaac.qld.gov.au

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Glenden State School winner Cienna Dougan with Pacific National’s Andrew Geddes

In our neighbourhood

“Next month will mark the 16th anniversary of Moranbah’s iconic Red Bucket officially becoming a landmark feature in our town. The Red Bucket was placed at the town’s entrance in Grosvenor Park after volunteers spent hundreds of hours restoring and locating the 42 tonne dragline. The full story is now displayed on new signage at the Red Bucket itself, and I encourage you all to stop by and read about the history of this icon.”

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SPECIAL ANZAC HONOUR

With Memorial Upgrades and Programs Two major Anzac Memorial upgrades were recently completed in Moranbah and Clermont, and are part of a suite of special projects by Council for the Anzac Centenary.

Mayor Anne Baker said the Anzac Centenary would honour all those who served and died for us, for our nation and for peace.

“This year marks a significant anniversary for all Australians, and many people will be touched in different ways,” she said.

Moranbah Councillor Peter Freeleagus said “The sacrifice of the Anzacs holds a special place in our community, and the works reflect the importance we place on this; particularly with this year marking the centenary of World War One.” Clermont Councillor Barbara Stranks said the community was heartened to see improvements to the Clermont Anzac Memorial.

Clermont RSL Sub branch President David Ward stated, “On behalf of Clermont RSL sub branch, I’d like to say thank you, this means a lot to all of us.”

Mayor Anne Baker, Councillor Peter Freeleagus, President Moranbah RSL Sub Branch Brady Cummins and Councillor Gina Lacey at the new Anazac memorial cenotaph in Moranbah’s Town Square

REEF OUT THE RUBBISH ‘Reef out the Rubbish’, Council’s new environmental program, has removed over 600kg of litter and illegal waste from the region’s waterways, helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The first three clean-up days were held at Carmila Beach, Grosvenor Creek in Moranbah and Hoods Lagoon in Clermont during March, with more anticipated during the year.

Attended by community volunteers, businesses, scouts and girl guides, the clean-up days included environmental talks, sponsored barbeque lunch, giveaway bags, native plants and a colouring in competition with prizes.

Mayor Anne Baker said “As a Barrier Reef Guardian Council, this new program will help clean up waterways affecting one of most biologically diverse marine parks in the world.”

Moranbah Councillor Kelly Vea Vea attended the Grosvenor Creek clean-up day and thanked volunteers for supporting the new program, stating “The day was a great success with harmful waste including litter, herbicide spray units and car parts removed from our local creek.”

Cr Kelly Vea Vea Division 5 Moranbah

M 0437 018 184 E kelly.veavea@isaac.qld.gov.au

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In our neighbourhood

“Although Moranbah is considered the ‘new kid on the block’ we now have a history spanning more than 40 years, and the face of our town has definitely changed. ‘Moranbah the Good Old Days’ is a wonderful initiative happening this weekend, May 1 – 3, to promote community spirit and the opportunity for residents past and present to reconnect and reminisce. Head to the official Facebook page ‘Moranbah the Good Old Days’ to find out how you can get involved.”

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MINING MINISTER ASSURES ISAAC REGIONAL COUNCIL

No Future for 100% FIFO Practices The Mayor of the largest mining region in Queensland welcomed Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham to Moranbah with 100% forced Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) top of the agenda.

Minister Lynham said Isaac Regional Council has worked hard, spending years actively campaigning for state policy against future 100% FIFO in resource communities.

“I want to assure Council and Isaac communities, the State Government will stand by our policy to reject any future applications for 100% FIFO.” Mayor Baker said Dr Lynham agreed workers should have the freedom to choose where they live.

“This is a huge win for workers and families in our region, for the newly formed State Government and Queensland; to put a stop to any future 100% forced FIFO practices near established resource communities.”

“We know when people are given genuine choice; enough will decide to live and work locally to ensure our communities remain sustainable,” said Mayor Baker.

Mayor Anne Baker said the meeting was an opportunity for Council to advocate for the eight key priorities facing Isaac communities, including water security, return of planning powers to local governments and priority road infrastructure.

“This first meeting showed Council the state government is willing to listen and work with local governments on solutions.”

“The discussions were promising and we look forward to addressing these issues collaboratively with the Minister and state government.”

1. 100% forced FIFO - The implementation of Labor’s Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Policy, and the commitment to review existing 100% FIFO workforce arrangements near established mining communities.

2. Water supply - Infrastructure funding to proactively manage ageing networks and plants. Sustainable, secure water supply.

3. Priority Road Infrastructure - Targeted investment in the Alpha Clermont Road, and the Peak Downs and Bruce Highways.

4. Cumulative impacts – The ability to regulate, enforce and penalize companies regarding impact conditions affecting local government.

5. Recommendations from federal FIFO report - Council looks to the State Government to advocate to the Federal Government to implement the 21 recommendations of the Federal FIFO/ DIDO report, and develop action plans in consultation with local governments.

6. Return of planning powers - Isaac Regional Council seeks the return of planning powers and the removal of UDAs in resource communities.

7. Real role in Environmental Impact Statement process – For policy and legislative change that ensures Councils play a real role in the planning and conditioning of projects to ensure real mitigation measures are undertaken.

8. Royalties for the Regions - That the Resource Producing Communities Fund be split with each eligible Council receiving an allocated amount. And, the remaining 50% be open to a bid process. For the Building Stronger Regions program eligibility criteria to genuinely consider resource impacts to the area.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR FLYING FOXES

It’s coming into flying fox season If you notice flying foxes camping in residential areas during the day, please contact Council immediately on 1300 ISAACS (472 227).

Flying foxes are a protected species, please do not disturb them roosting during the day as it makes the situation worse.

Community cooperation is vitial in achieving successful outcomes for flying fox management.

Find a range of helpful information on Council’s website www.isaac.qld.gov.au/flying-foxes

Cr Gina Lacey Division 3 Moranbah

M 0429 051 838 E gina.lacey@isaac.qld.gov.au

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

In our neighbourhood

“Have you noticed a giant Heart of Australia truck set up Town Square lately and wondered what it is? Heart of Australia, in partnership with Arrow Energy, provides specialist medical services including cardiology and respiratory medicine to rural areas. I am very happy that Moranbah has been added to its list of stops and will see the truck visit our region every fortnight, giving locals access to specialist services without travelling great distances. This is a huge, and very welcome, leap forward for the health of our communities.”

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NATIONALLY RENOWNED MILLINER TO

Bring Melbourne Flare to Local Headwear

Nationally renowned milliner Waltraud Reiner will be bringing a touch of Melbourne fashion to the Isaac region’s headwear, thanks to the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants

Nationally renowned milliner, Waltraud Reiner, will bring a touch of Melbourne fashion to the Isaac region’s headwear, thanks to the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants.

Ms Reiner’s ‘Hatmobile’ workshops being held in Moranbah, Middlemount and Dysart in July will see novices crafting high-end fashion hats and fascinators.

Mayor Anne Baker said the six RADF applications granted in round three would bring special workshops to the region including poetry, music and millinery.

“I am particularly excited to welcome renowned milliner Waltraud Reiner, who will share her creative flare in hat and fascinator making, in time for our winter racing season,” Mayor Baker said.

After establishing the Melbourne School of Millinery, Ms Reiner’s passion to share arts skills in rural communities saw her take to the road with her ‘Hatmobile’ – a mobile millinery workshop.

Mayor Baker said she was also looking forward to seeing the collection of portraits put together

by Nebo photographer Davitt Ennis for his project ‘Faces of Nebo’.

“Davitt and his wife Jennifer will be taking photos of local identities which will capture life in Nebo, to be published as photo book.”

“This is a great project which will preserve our rich history and culture in Isaac for years to come,” she said.

RADF community projects awarded by Council as part of round three include:

Moranbah’s musical railway in Town Square ready for the workshops in April thanks to the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants

The RADF is an Arts Queensland and Isaac Regional Council partnership tosupport local arts and culture. For details contact Isaac RADF Liaison Officer Lorraine Copping on 1300 472 227

Cr Dale Appleton Deputy Mayor Division 1 Clermont Rural

P 07 4983 2712 M 0419 684 101 E dale.appleton@isaac.qld.gov.au

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Faces of Nebo - A collection of photographic portraits and photo book of local identities.

This commenced in April.

Musical Railway Workshops - Music playing workshop on the outdoor instruments in Moranbah Town Square by instrument designer and maker Steve Langton.

Workshop was held April 26.

Bush Poetry Workshops - Poetry writing and performance workshop by Wally (the Bear) Finch as part of Queensland Week, celebrations at Dysart. Workshops to be held June 6.

Hatmobile Workshops - Series of Hatmobile workshops by the nationally famous milliner Waltraud Reiner in Middlemount, Dysart and Moranbah, during July.

In our neighbourhood

“I am really looking forward to supporting Council’s exhibit again at Ag.Trade.Life this Friday and Saturday in Mackay. Agriculture represents the largest number of registered businesses in our region and I hope to see many of you there to enjoy the showcase of an industry that is so vital to our region. ”

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Isaac SES ready to be deployed to cyclone ravaged Yeppoon and Rockhampton

ISAAC STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE

Needs Your Help

Isaac SE during T S crews lending ropical C yclone Ma hand arcia

In times of disaster the State Emergency Service are always there to lend a helping hand, and now they are calling for your help.

Local SES controller, Alex McPhee said the Isaac SES is currently looking for volunteers.

“In the last two years numbers have more than halved, dropping from 155 to just 68 members, covering an area of 58,862 square kilometres,” said Mr McPhee.

“Ideally we would like to have 160 members for a region the size of Isaac, with that many members we would be able to respond to requests for assistance and share the workload.”

During the recent category 5 Tropical Cyclone Marcia, Isaac SES volunteers were called upon to assist Council crews in door knocking coastal communities.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker thanked the SES crews for their hard work.

“The Isaac SES crews did an amazing job during Tropical Cyclone

Marcia, not only in our own region but further south, with crews deployed to Yeppoon and Rockhampton,” said Mayor Baker.

“It’s in times like these that we get a swift reminder of how important their work is and I am encouraging Isaac residents to consider volunteering for the SES.” Local SES controller Alex McPhee said the Isaac SES have depots in Moranbah, Nebo, Clermont, Dysart, Middlemount, St Lawrence, Carmila and Green Hill and welcome volunteers aged 13 years and over and with a variety of skill sets.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a computer wiz, a tradesman or even a stay at home parent, there is a wide variety of roles to suit all kinds of skills,” he said.

“When you become a volunteer with SES you gain valuable life skills and training with a registered organisation that can be carried through to the workforce, with many of the courses being nationally accredited.”

For more information about joining SES in the Isaac region, contact Local SES Controller Alex McPhee on 0412 880 577.

In our neighbourhood

Cr Geoff Bethel

Division 8 Nebo and Surrounds P 07 4956 8320 M 0467 568 320 E geoff.bethel@isaac.qld.gov.au

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

“I attended the opening of the two new heavy vehicle fatigue rest shelters earlier this month, supported by Jim Pearce Member for Mirani. RAAG have done a fantastic job working with Transport and Main Roads, Council, Caltex, VIVA Energy and BP to provide these upgraded shelters, which will help make the highway a safer road. They are now looking at a building a third rest stop for light vehicles on the corner of Bowen Street and the Peak Downs Highway. Driver fatigue on our roads is something which affects our entire community. As well as supporting RAAG, Council has installed a number of rest areas and toilet stops in rural areas. There’s also a possibility of a heavy vehicle rest stop positioned outside Coppabella. I’ll keep you updated.”

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READ4LIFE’S JAY LAGA’AIA

Makes Reading Rock

Play School star Jay Laga’aia showed just how much reading rocks during two free shows in Moranbah recently, as part of the Read4Life Festival.

More than 1200 kids with their mums, dads and grandparents crowded into the Moranbah Town Square to sing and dance with the star, and enjoy the activities of the Festival.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the event was another big success and thanked program partners State Library of Queensland and BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC).

“The day was all about showing that parents, grandparents and carers are their children’s first and best teachers,” she said.

“Early literacy provides children with lifelong benefits and I encourage everyone caring for a child to read with them for just 10 minutes a day. Dads are equally important as mums in achieving

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this for their children.”

“Jay was a huge hit and as a dad of eight children he deeply understands the value of early learning and how to make it fun.”

“I’d like to thank the partners working with Council – BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal and State Library of Queensland and the steering committee – for yet another exceptional event for our community through the Read4Life program.”

“The library staff have done a fabulous job in bringing the high standard of our libraries outside for the community to experience today.”

“I’d also like to thank local Dad’s Read heroes, Scott Whybird and Councillor Peter Freeleagus for personally driving the importance of this program into their networks of influence,” said Mayor Baker.

isaacnews