FREE MICROCHIP POP UP CLINICS

HELP KEEP OUR REGION TIDY

Report illegal dumping to 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27)

FREE MICROCHIP YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE POP UP CLINICS HELP KEEP QLD CLEANTO SPARK Report illegal dumping at: qld.gov.au/litter PAWS-ITIVE PUP POWER

A joint venture to help dogs be reunited with their owners swiftly is being served up through free pop up microchipping clinics in Isaac’s open spaces. The Chip N Check program, powered by Isaac Regional Council’s Paws-itive Blueprint for Responsible Dog Ownership, is a great opportunity for pet owners to save money on something that is compulsory by law. All dogs from 12 weeks of age are required to be microchipped and Council is offering this great service to residents for free in proud partnership with Clermont Veterinary Surgery and Moranbah Veterinary Clinic. Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said Council’s number one priority is to reunite owners with their four-legged family member and a microchip is the best chance a lost pet has at going home. “For the first time in Isaac’s history, we are genuinely proud and excited to work with our local Isaac vets to deliver this free and crucial service,” Mayor Baker said. “How many times do we see lost and wandering dogs? It’s too many and it’s our job as a community to encourage responsible dog ownership and microchipping is amongst it. “A microchip is permanent identification and for the first time free of charge, it’s peace of mind for Isaac’s dog owners.” Cr Simon West, who chairs the Domestic Dog Advisory Committee, said a microchip – the size of a grain of rice – is implanted near the dog’s shoulders. “A microchip is not a tracking device - it stores a dog’s unique identification number, which is linked to a database registry which includes important information such as the breed and the owner’s contact details. The information is only activated using a scanner used by a Council compliance officer or a vet,” he said. “We strongly encourage you to bring your dog to get microchipped at our on-the-spot clinics. “Those who register through Council’s new engagement platform Speak Up will receive a free leash and waste dispenser for you and your pooch’s next walk together. “If your dog is currently unregistered, you will also receive free registration until 30 June 2021 during your pop-up visit.” If your dog is feeling unwell, please call your local vet directly. This is only a microchip check clinic for dogs. Clermont, Dysart and Middlemount have had their free clinics in October and November. Moranbah is up next on 13 December 2020 and Nebo on 31 January 2021. Head online to https://speakup.isaac. qld.gov.au, click on the Chip N Check icon for more information and to book a spot.

CR SIMON WEST

DIVISION 4 MORANBAH

P E

0429 728 216 simon.west@isaac.qld.gov.au Many of us have had the opportunity to spend a lot more time in the company of our pets during the COVID lockdown this year. The humananimal bond is quite strong, and studies have shown that sharing a home with a pet is linked to maintaining better mental health and to reduce loneliness. There’s no doubt in Isaac we love our dogs and through our Paws-itive Blueprint for Responsible Dog Ownership, it helps owners know their duty of care, obligations and to ensure community safety. Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/community/our-pawsitive-blueprint and discover it now. Merry Christmas everyone!

MEMORIAL LIVESTREAM GARNERS SUPPORT ACROSS THE GLOBE

Hundreds of viewers watched the Driveways at Dusk livestream last Friday night from their homes, mine sites and local neighbourhoods from four corners of the globe. The multi-camera livestream from the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial in Town Square reached viewers tuning in from the USA, United Kingdom, New Zealand and every state in Australia. There was a 15,000 reach from the official memorial Facebook page. The event was delivered by the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial committee and it made up by local CFMEU, AMWU and ETU lodges and branches plus Isaac Regional Council-appointed members. Mayor Anne Baker, who was invited to speak by the committee, said since the official opening of this memorial 12 months ago, a Friday early in November as the yellow blossoms fall has become our day to remember the miners who went to work in mines round Moranbah and never came home. “It is appropriate this memorial stands here in the heart of Moranbah, just as the miners it commemorates are in our hearts,” Mayor Baker said. “These men were fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews, best mates and valued members of our community. “In this quiet, peaceful place, we can reflect on their lives. Families can relax here, children play. Here, we can tell our stories of the men and women who built Moranbah – its mines and its community – and forever remember the sacrifice of these special men.” Mayor Baker said while it is important to have a job, it is even more important to come home from that job, safe and healthy in body and mind, from every shift. “Enormous strides have been made in miner’s health and safety in the last generation – but there is more to be done,” she said. “No-one here today needs to be reminded that protection of our miners is paramount.” Tight-knit invitation only event at the memorial was attended by Isaac Regional Councillors, Senator for Queensland Murray Watt and State Member for Burdekin Dale Last with delegates from the CFMEU, AMWU, ETU, mine rescue teams and health and emergency service representatives. Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, who is the Council-appointed member on the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial committee said a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. “Whether you joined us online, from your driveways or workplace or via 4RFM radio, it showed solidarity in support of these families and the Moranbah miners we’ve lost,” Cr Vea Vea said. “Thank you for everyone who shared your pictures and memories with us. Thank you to everyone who #putyourlampsout - we will always remember. The committee would like to thank Mayor Baker, Senator Murray Watt, Stephen Smyth, Lyn Matthews, Pastor Luke Collings, the Cookson family and emcee Martin Bowerman. “A very special thank you to Theresa Malone, our volunteers and our local schools for your time and care. “Our Moranbah schools and kindergartens embraced driveways at dusk by having important conversations and helping every kid in creating their very own miners’ lamp for the Friday event. “Thank you to Smiths Maintenance, 4RFM Community Radio, Create-A-Sign for their generous contributions and support and to Tropical Exposure for the high definition livestream.” If you missed the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Ceremony on Friday night you can watch the recording here https://www.facebook. com/watch/?v=372798580663402

CR KELLY VEA VEA

DEPUTY MAYOR DIVISION 5 MORANBAH

M 0437 018 184 Thank you so much for your overwhelming response to Driveways at Dusk in November. It was truly sobering to have a community come together, get creative in making their very own miners’ lamps and honour the lives of those who went to work in the Moranbah mines and never came home. It was a different experience to last year’s Moranbah Miners’ Memorial event thanks to COVID but the genuine heart and soul was honoured in a respectful community way. For many of our families,

E kelly.veavea@isaac.qld.gov.au Christmas is a tough time, my thoughts are with you.