Isaac News July 2015 - Issue 27

isaacnews www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Issue 29 July 2016

NEW AUSTRALIANS Middlemount citizenship ceremony welcomes new citizens See page 10

Free skateboarding clinics held across the region

State Emergency Services recruitment campaign

See page 11

See page 12

Isaac... helping to energise the world

isaacnews www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Issue 29 July 2016

NEW AUSTRALIANS Middlemount citizenship ceremony welcomes new citizens See page 10

Free skateboarding clinics held across the region

State Emergency Services recruitment campaign

See page 11

See page 12

On the Cover Middlemount citizenship ceremony welcomes new Australians. See page 10.

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.

From the

Mayor’s Desk As a council we will continue to work hard to represent the community to ensure Isaac remains a great place to live, not only for us today, but more importantly, into the future.

It’s been an incredibly busy start to the new Local Government term. Council welcomed a new CEO, Gary Stevenson on July 1, and we’ve been working hard upping the ante on our advocacy efforts and to nail down a financially responsible budget for next financial year.

Council’s four motions also received unanimous endorsement by delegates at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly (NGA) last month. Motions included ending ‘postcode discrimination’, achieving water security, and securing fair funding for the roads which connect our communities and deliver products to Australia.

To learn more about Council projects featured in this edition, visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au

At the time of this edition going to print the Federal Election is upon us. Council has been actively engaging with all candidates to see how, if elected, they will work with us to help improve liveability in Isaac. We will be advocating to the newly elected Federal Member to strongly campaign for federal initiatives that directly benefit Isaac residents.

All content accurate as of July 2016

Mental health and domestic violence are key issues for our families. People are becoming more open about the struggles they face and

media are helping raise these issues, locally, regionally and nationally. Conversations can bring positive change to communities. This year the Mayor’s Charity Ball will be raising funds for youth suicide prevention. Please mark your calendar for October 22 and help raise awareness and funds for this critical issue.

We’ve had a jam-packed schedule of events around the region lately with well attended small business week activities, the Clermont Show, skate park workshops, NAIDOC week, race days, campdrafts and the Queensland Youth Orchestra and there’s plenty more to come.

Please take a look at the events calendar in Isaac News or on Council’s website to make sure you don’t miss what’s on in your town.

I hope everyone had a refreshing and safe school holiday break, and is ready to tackle the second half of the year which I’m sure will fly by!

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 Isaac 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 Isaac! Find out more about what there is to explore and our facilities and services at www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Page 2

isaacnews

Contents

5

8 7

Maryor’s Charity Ball

6

Colours of Isaac

7

Crowds flock to agricultural extravaganza

8

Community grants criteria revised

9

Schools keep Moranbah beautiful

12

National simultaneous storytime

Where to find us?

Clermont Office Corner Karmoo and Daintree Streets CLERMONT QLD 4721

9

Dysart Office Shannon Crescent DYSART QLD 4745

12 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

6

5

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 NAIDOC Week will be held July 3-10.

July 2016

3-10

16

16

23

30

30

NAIDOC Week

Clermont Race Day

Moranbah Cocktails on Ice

Census Night will be held on August 9.

Find out what events are on by visiting www.isaac.qld.gov.au/events

Middlemount Race Day

Middlemount Horse and Pony Club Gymkhana

National Tree Day

August 2016

6-7 Moranbah 4U2 Family Concert will be held on September 10.

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 to our calendar’, complete the simple form and save.

Council reserves the right to approve event listings.

31

Moranbah NAIDOC Community Day

7

Run for MI Life - Moranbah

13

13

13-21

16

18

19-20

19-20

19-20

19-21

19-21

21-26

Dysart Seniors Week Morning Tea

Glenden Rodeo

Valkyrie Mini Olympics

Clermont Week Luncheon

Blue Mountain Campdraft

Toss the Boss

Middlemount Multi-Cultural Festival

Nebo Cutting Show

September 2016

2-4

Clarke Creek 3 Day Campdraft

Cr Dale Appleton Division 1 Clermont Rural

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

Page 4

Dysart Annual 2 Day Clay Target Shooting Carnival

26-28

Queensland Mining Exhibition

9

Census Night

Get your event online for free

6-7

Middlemount Tennis Open

16

Dysart Junior Golf Open

10

Moranbah 4U2 Family Concert

23-24

Twin Hills Races / Rodeo / Campdraft

Isaac Seniors Week

Clermont Gold & Coal Festival

Clermont ICPA Sports Camp

24-25 St Lawrence Relay for Life

In our neighbourhood

“The new two-part water tariff is now in effect and rate payers will soon receive an example water notice in their letterbox. The example notice will give you an indication of your water use and costs and does not have to be paid. The first payable notice is issued in January 2017. Council have introduced the tariff to comply with state legislation. For details on the tariff or tips on how to save money by saving water, visit Council’s website.” isaacnews

SHOW STOPPING LINE UP FOR

Mayor Baker said tickets will be on sale soon for guests to dine, dance and make a difference by helping raise funds and community awareness to support youth suicide prevention.

“We know conversations can change communities. Your support through attendance or donations to the charity auction will play a major part in raising funds on the evening and awareness for this cause.”

“Intentional self-harm is the leading cause of death for those aged 10-24,” she said.

“Funds raised will support prevention initiatives for this issue that devastates families and communities.

“This is a chance to show your support for the very worthy cause of youth suicide prevention in the Isaac region.”

“The stylish black tie affair is being held under the night sky and will feature a sumptuous three course dinner, live music, prizes, charity auction and much more.”

The Isaac Regional Charity Fund is a deductible gift recipient, which means it can receive tax-deductible gifts.

Mayor’s Charity Ball A show stopping line up of entertainment is set for the Isaac Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday October 22, raising funds and awareness for youth suicide prevention.

Isaac Regional Charity Fund Director and Mayor Anne Baker said it will be an unforgettable night of fun and fundraising in Moranbah Town Square.

“The night under the stars will start with local identity and country rock artist Brooke Schubert and will be emceed by Australian stand-up comedian and feature entertainer Des Dowling.”

“Our headline live entertainers Mezzanine, featuring lead vocals Rob Cookson and Klancie Keough, will perform chart toppers across the eras late into the night.”

Organisations interested in sponsoring this event can register their interest by contacting the Office of the Mayor, Rhyann Luck on 07 4846 3504 or email mayorsball@isaac.qld.gov.au

Charity Fund Launched

IRCF Directors Ian Joblin, Erica Fredrickson, Mayor Anne Baker and Therese Pitt. (Cr Geoff Bethel absent) A charity fund has been set up to touch hearts and minds in Isaac. Director and Mayor Anne Baker said the Isaac Regional Charity Fund (IRCF) is focused on giving back to Isaac communities.

Cr Nick Wheeler Division 2 Dysart

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

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

“Our aim is to provide a helping hand to combat key community issues. Our full board met for the first time last week. We’re a diverse team and excited to get started.

“The Mayor’s Charity Ball will be the fund’s signature event.

In the past two years funds and awareness have been successfully raised for beyondblue and White Ribbon.

“We know mental health and domestic violence are key issues for Isaac families. We also know conversations can bring positive change to communities.

“This year the Mayor’s Charity Ball will be raising funds for youth suicide prevention.

The date for the big night under the stars is set for Saturday, October 22.”

The Isaac Regional Charity Fund is a deductible gift recipient, which means it can receive tax-deductible gifts.

In our neighbourhood

“Great news for Dysart swimmers, the new pool amenities upgrade is on track. Swimmers will enjoy new showers and toilets when the amenities open at the start of the season, in September. Work will also commence soon on Phase 2 of the Dysart Water Treatment Plant upgrade, thanks to $5.5 million funding from the Queensland Government. The upgrade should wrap up by February 2018 and will continue to improve the quality of our water treatment infrastructure.”

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UN-BEE-LIEVABLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Colours of Isaac Busy bees, tranquil waters and the simple things in life inspired the Colours of Isaac photography competition winners.

Voting by ‘likes’ on the Isaac Regional Council Facebook page saw Clermont bee keeper Joanne Knobel take out first place.

Mrs Knobel said it was her love of bees that inspired her entry to the competition.

“I’ve been taking photos for about seven years as a hobby and I love to capture our busy bees at Knobel Honey.”

Mayor Anne Baker said all entries captured the beauty and variety of Isaac.

“I would like to thank everyone who entered Colours of Isaac this year and congratulate our winners.

The Colours of Isaac photography competition is run as part of the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend.

Colours of Isaac photography competition winners: • First place: Joanne Knobel Busy Bee – Clermont, 326 likes • Second place: Veronica Wild Tranquil Waters – Carmila, 259 likes • Third place: Leanne Hardie Simple Things in Life – Lake Elphinstone, 227 likes

Entries are available to view at Isaac Regional Council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/isaacregionalcouncil

PROACTIVE

Police Patrols Cr Gina Lacey Division 3 Moranbah

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

Page 6

Sparked by the Moranbah Liquor Accord, Moranbah Police have kicked off a series of high visibility foot patrols at licensed premises to help put an end to alcohol-related incidents.

Mayor Anne Baker said Council, as a member of the Liquor Accord, supports the positive initiative.

“It’s important we work together to maintain safety at all licenced venues. Regular police patrols enhance security during peak hours, and the Liquor Accord appreciates this proactive approach,” she said.

Moranbah Liquor Accord President Paul Fenlon said police presence at venues ensures everyone can enjoy their evening.

“Police officers are conducting walkthroughs of licensed premises throughout the night so they can monitor patron behaviour,” he said.

“Police will be able to identify potential problems early before they escalate and it will act as a deterrent to those who may try to commit such offences.”

The strategy is part of the Moranbah Liquor Accord’s crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence.

In our neighbourhood

“We recently met with the Coordinator General’s office regarding last year’s FIFO inquiry and began our consultation around gaining fairer employment opportunities for local and regional workers. I am pleased that we have been given the opportunity to contribute true on-the-ground stories about the impacts forced FIFO and compulsory camp residency has on the sustainability of our communities. it is vital that genuine community engagement occurs and that Councils can actively participate in, and influence, the decision-making process on behalf of our communities. I look forward to updating you on our progress.” isaacnews

CROWDS FLOCK TO

Agricultural Extravaganza Cattle sales to wood chopping, pig racing to pavilion displays, all the old favourites returned for this year’s Clermont Show the Isaac Region’s Show.

Now in its 148th year, the much-loved event proved it’s still a signature event with another great turnout.

Council was proud to be a diamond sponsor of the show; a three-day showcase of the best of rural living.

New CEO

Small Business Week

Mayor Anne Baker welcomed Gary Stevenson as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Isaac Regional Council.

The outstanding local government leader started with Isaac on July 1.

“Gary brings an enormous depth of knowledge and strong experience to the position. Council is pleased to have someone of Gary’s calibre and reputation; with local government experience spanning three states over 35 years,” she said. “He has a very strong track record, is very well qualified and has experienced the full spectrum of leadership roles in local government.”

Mr Stevenson, who has held roles from rural community councils through to large city councils, has 21 years experience as a CEO. He has served as CEO for the City of Perth, Redland City Council, Rockhampton City Council, and Corangamite Shire Council.

Mr Stevenson said he looks forward to providing robust and caring leadership to ensure the future of Isaac communities is sound and sustainable.

“This role fulfills my passion for grass roots local government service and I’m attracted to the challenges and opportunities of the Isaac region.”

Listed amongst Mr Stevenson’s achievements is being awarded the Public Service Medal in the 2008 Queens Birthday Honours List for leadership in local government at local, regional and state levels.

Mayor Anne Baker thanked and congratulated outgoing CEO Rod Ferguson for his major contribution to Isaac.

“Rod has steered the organisation through many challenging changes during his term as CEO, and with Council, I wish him the best for the future.”

Cr Peter Freeleagus Division 4 Moranbah

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

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

This year’s State of Origin Chop was taken out by NSW and other crowd pleasers included the grand parade, big pumpkin competition, big top entertainment and the fireworks display.

Clermont Show Committee President Scott Moller thanked those who came through the gates and the strong team of volunteers and sponsors.

“Each year Clermont comes alive with the buzz of the Show, and we couldn’t do it without the support of all involved,” he said.

BIG OPPORTUNITIES

Big things often have small beginnings was the message during Isaac’s Small Business Week, May 14-21.

The week held a huge variety of events aimed at celebrating all things related to small businesses and entrepreneurship.

Events in Moranbah, Clermont and Dysart included workshops and presentations by local guest speakers.

Mayor Anne Baker said Isaac’s Small Business Week was a great success.

“We had 44 participating businesses across the region, which is an increase on last year,” she said.

“Participants learnt event planning basics, social media tips, marketing skills and much more.”

In our neighbourhood

“I am pleased that Council has received funding from the Queensland Government to upgrade the Moranbah Resource Recovery Centre. The upgrade will consist of two components - design and construction of an engineered lined landfill cell which will extend the landfill’s lifespan by 7 years, and construction of a new six bay Refuse Transfer Station. This project will greatly improve Resource Recovery Centre infrastructure, allowing us to meet the increased needs of the community, mining sector and supporting industries.”

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ISAAC INTRODUCES

Two-Part Tarrif Isaac Regional Council has introduced a two-part water tariff to comply with the state legislation.

Mayor Anne Baker said the new user pays system enables ratepayers to monitor their water use and costs and is an opportunity for high users to change their water consumption habits.

“While Isaac communities have paid an access charge as part of their rates for some time, this will be first time Council has charged the whole region for water consumption.”

“The Water Access Charge covers the cost of owning, operating, maintaining and managing the water supply facilities and network in eight communities across Isaac.”

“To give people time to adjust, the average household will have a water allocation of 300 kilolitres (kl) in 2016-17,” she said.

This is split into two equal parts over two water notices (150 kL per six months). Further consumption for 2016-17 will be charged: • from 150kL to 300kL at $0.80 per kilolitre per six months • greater than 300kL at $1.30 per kilolitre per six months “The Local Government Act 2009 requires Council to charge for every kilolitre used so Council will be phasing the water allocation out over the next four years to comply.”

“The allocation will give people more time to develop their watersaving habits,” she said.

“Council will issue an example water notice to ratepayers in early July this year and will provide more tools to show how they can save money by saving water.”

Council also launched MiWater on July 1, a website where ratepayers can sign up to receive water consumption information at www.isaac.qld.gov.au/miwater.

“You will be able to set email and SMS alerts and be notified of water leaks and high consumption within days of occurrence.”

Isaac Regional Council Two Part Water Tarrif 2016-17 kl/6 months

Charge ($/kl)

150

$0.00

Tier 1 Threshold

150 - 300

$0.80

Tier 2 Threshold

>300

$1.30

Consumption Charges Residential Allocation

For more details on the two-part water tariff, please visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Cr Kelly Vea Vea Division 5 Moranbah

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

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2016-17 FEES & CHARGES

Available Online Isaac Regional Council’s 2016-17 Schedule of Fees and Charges is now available on Council’s website. The 2016-17 Schedule of Fees and Charges took effect on July 1, 2016.

Council may impose a charge for a service, facility or activity that is supplied or undertaken by Council or someone on behalf of Council or, under a local law or a resolution, and fix a costrecovery fee.

The current economic climate has been taken into account in setting the 2016-17 Fees and Charges.

The new schedule has been adopted in accordance with and pursuant to the Local Government Act 2009.

For more information visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/ratesfees-and-charges or call Council on 1300 ISAACS (472 227).

CRITERIA REVISED FOR

Community Grants Looking for a funding boost? You may be eligible for funding through Council’s revamped Community Grants program.

Significant changes have been made to the program’s categories and criteria, which came into effect on July 1, 2016.

Improving the framework around funding opportunities is designed to help guide the long-term development of Isaac communities, and Council recently conducted region-wide roadshows to explain the changes and assist community groups, individuals and teams with their applications.

For more details visit Council’s website www.isaac.qld.gov.au/isaac-community-grants

In our neighbourhood

“It was great to see Moranbah school students taking pride in our town again this year by helping in the Access Road Clean-Up on June 23. Council staff were not only impressed by the 20.5km stretch of road that the students covered but also their friendly, polite and enthusiastic attitudes during the day. Thanks also to our generous sponsors Civeo, Greyhound, Moranbah Police, 4RFM and Onsite Rental Group for helping make the clean-up possible.” isaacnews

SCHOOLS COMBINE TO KEEP

Moranbah Beautiful For the second year running around 300 Moranbah school students helped clean up their community, collecting 142 bags of rubbish and litter; much less than the 270 bags collected last year which is an encouraging improvement.

Students from Moranbah State School, Moranbah East State School and Moranbah State High School cleaned up a 20.5 kilometre stretch along the Moranbah Access Road on Thursday June 23.

Students from Moranbah State High School: Back - Tara Cloete, Mikeely Sammut, Skyla Bancroft Front - Dylan Dunstan, Faith Dibben, Finn Boegheim, Kai McCulloch,

Dylan Simpson and Jordan Price

Council staff enjoyed mixing with the students and were impressed by how friendly, polite and hardworking they were.

Thank you also to the generous sponsors Civeo, Greyhound, Moranbah Police, 4RFM and Onsite Rental Group for helping make the clean-up possible.

Affordable Housing ON OFFER IN MORANBAH Low and middle income earners are encouraged to apply for affordable housing at Isaac Views, Moranbah.

Mayor Anne Baker said there are a number of vacancies at the award winning estate.

“We know access to affordable accommodation is key to liveability in our communities,” she said.

“There are 20 town houses available, including one, two and three bedroom units.

“They were built to accommodate families, sole parents, young couples and single adults.

“Isaac Views won the 2011 Queensland Local Government Management Australia Excellence in Sustainability Award, recognising its innovative approach to the community’s need for affordable housing.”

Applicants must meet the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) eligibility criteria.

Find out if you are eligible at www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call Council on 1300 ISAACS (472 227).

NAIDOC - 31 JULY 2016 Moranbah Town Square

8.30am Community March and Official Opening March participants to meet from 8.15am at Batchelor Parade entry to Moranbah Town Square.

9am to 11am

Indigenous Dancers | Didgeridoo Players | School Performances | Traditional Games Storytelling | Basket Weaving | Coconut Scraping and much more!

Cr Lynette Jones Division 6 Clermont

M 0418 953 084 E lynette.jones@isaac.qld.gov.au

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

In our neighbourhood

“A couple of doses of rain around the ridges of late so let’s hope it has fallen where it was needed. It’s been a busy time lately with the show, Clermont Pony Club Campdraft and then the Gold Cup. I managed to get to all of the events and learn about things I had never even realised existed. For example, watching the young bull and steer judges perform at the show simply amazed me. To listen to these young people rattle off how they come to give the score that they gave was just so impressive.

Well done to everyone who participated at these fantastic events.”

Page 9

NEW CITIZENS WELCOMED

in First Middlemount Ceremony

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Middlemount hosted its first citizenship ceremony, welcoming 19 new Australians from four countries.

The new citizens made their pledge in front of Mayor Anne Baker, Member for Mirani Jim Pearce, local Councillor Jane Pickels, family and friends.

Mayor Baker said residents hailed from New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“I would like to welcome you to Isaac as Australian citizens and thank you for the contributions you will make to our community and our country.

“Thank you to the Middlemount community for raising the question, with local councillor Jane Pickels, to have the citizenship ceremonies moved around the region.

Charne Kellerman and her family were among the Middlemount residents to become Australian citizens.

“We chose to move to Australia because we wanted a better future for our kids in a safe country,” she said.

“We look forward to raising our family in this country and are very grateful and proud to now be called Australian.”

New Australian Citizens include: Saturnino Cristobal Aranda Enrique Salonga Esguerra Nathan Douglas John Higginbotham Rinzel Lagaspi Reyes Michael Scott Riley Charne Kellerman Lodewyk Stephanus Kellerman Kian Hennie Kellerman Frederik Jacobus Van Zyl Madelein Van Zyl Evandri Van Zyl Vernique Van Zyl Devan Van Zyl John Norman Melanie Norman Michael Norman Stephen Norman Dakarai Tapomwa Nokuthula Bhebhe

Philippines Philippines New Zealand Philippines New Zealand South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa Zimbabwe Zimbabwe

Middlemount Race Day JULY 30

Middlemount’s favourite day out is nearly upon us. Mark your diary for Saturday July 30 and join us for flutters, fun and fashion on the field at the annual Middlemount Race Day. Not only does this highly anticipated event bring fun and entertainment to Middlemount, it’s a great opportunity for the community to experience some of Australia’s finest racing. The Graeme Acton Memorial Benchmark 55 and the ‘Paul McGuire’ Memorial Dachshund Sprint are sure to thrill the crowd again this year.

Cr Jane Pickels Division 7 Middlemount

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

Page 10

Middlemount Race Club President Ward Gaiter withCr Pickels, Mayor Baker and Middlemount Race Club Sponsorship Coordinator Fiona Noon at last year’s event.

In our neighbourhood

“The new guidelines for Isaac Community Grants take effect July 1.

If you are a local not-for-profit community group, organisation or resident who is representing the region, you may be eligible for funding. Please contact myself or Middlemount Place Officer Gail Hite on 1300 ISAACS 472 227, if you would like more information.

The new guidelines are also available on Council’s website. We look forward to receiving your applications.” isaacnews

Isaac Wins National Backing RELIABLE ROADS | WATER SECURITY ENDING POSTCODE DISCRIMINATION

YOUTH GET ON BOARD WITH

Skateboard Clinics Young skating fanatics put on their best Tony Hawk impressions at skateboarding clinics held across the region June 25-30.

The free clinics were made possible thanks to a partnership between Isaac Regional Council and the Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative, and took place at Council’s skate parks in Glenden, Nebo, Moranbah, Clermont, Dysart and Middlemount.

Accredited Coach Clinten Davison said youth learnt basic board skills to more complex tricks.

“Skateboarders of all ages and skills took part in the free sessions. It’s great to see the region has such a strong skateboarding scene,” he said.

Revolutions Skateboarding Workshops are a national development program for skateboarding run by the Australian Skateboarding Federation.

Council’s call to end postcode discrimination was one of its four motions to receive unanimous endorsement by delegates at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra recently.

Mayor Anne Baker said that, with the support of the NGA, Council would call on the Federal Government to recognise the unanimous support for Isaac’s motions and to take action.

“It is critical for Isaac’s economic future that these issues are addressed – affordable and secure water, reliable road infrastructure, and a resources sector that contributes to the communities in which they’re located.

“The NGA’s unanimous support for Isaac’s four motions is the strongest possible endorsement of the Council’s focus on the future and what the Federal Government needs to do to enable the region to prosper,” Mayor Baker said.

Isaac Regional Council’s motions call on the Federal Government to: • Maintain the real value of Financial Assistance Grants and Roads To Recovery programs.

• To implement the infrastructure reform incentives and longterm regional infrastructure plans elements of the Australian Infrastructure Plan 2016 to ensure safe and secure supplies of potable water across Australia.

• Amend Australia’s anti-discrimination laws to prohibit the use of postcodes to deny employment opportunities to Australian workers.

• Adopt the Australian Infrastructure Plan recommendation to create a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.

The NGA is where Councils from across Australia debate, discuss and develop policies on issues of national significance that affect their communities and was held June 19-22.

Middlemount Multicultural Festival AUGUST 19-20

Come and celebrate Isaac’s diversity at the Middlemount Multicultural Festival. With so much on offer you can be sure there’ll be something to entertain the whole family.

Friday August 19 Origami workshop and painting workshops in the Middlemount Community Hall.

Lantern making workshop and henna painting workshops at the Middlemount Library.

Saturday August 20 Multicultural displays from around the world including demonstrations, art stalls, food stalls and performances from national dances.

Cr Geoff Bethel

Deputy Mayor 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

In our neighbourhood

“Congratulations to Isaac Libraries who were awarded Robotics Grants from Lego and State Library Queensland. I encourage parents to contact the library on 1300 ISAACS (472 227) to find out more about the Robotics teams. I would like to take this opportunity to thank former CEO Rod Ferguson for his dedication and assistance during his time with Council. Welcome to our new CEO Gary Stevenson who begins with Council this month.”

Page 11

COUNCIL CALLS ON

Community to ‘Be Extraordinary’ In an Isaac-first initiative, Isaac Regional Council is driving a region-wide State Emergency Services (SES) recruitment campaign, calling on residents to ‘Be Extraordinary’.

Launched by a television commercial on July 10 featuring Isaac SES members, Council is hoping to boost the number of ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’ across Isaac.

Mayor Anne Baker, Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, said Council is excited to deliver the ‘Be Extraordinary’ campaign.

“This is the first time Council has led an SES recruitment drive,” she said.

“Our goal is to grow the membership base of this vital volunteer organisation from 105 to 150 members and build community resilience. Isaac SES desperately needs people who are willing to help their communities in times of emergency and disaster.”

“No matter who you are or what you do, there’s an SES task to suit everyone.

“We are thrilled to also have the support of key industry employers in this campaign, and I would like to thank Anglo American, BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC), BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Rio Tinto and Civeo who are supporting SES volunteers at work and in the community.”

‘Be Extraordinary’ is funded by RACQ Get Ready Queensland and will feature across television, print, radio, digital and social media platforms during 2016.

For more information visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/disaster-management or www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses

HATS OFF TO

National Simultaneous Storytime Isaac kids joined more than half a million children across Australia to read ‘I Got this Hat’ for the 2016 National Simultaneous Storytime.

The book, by Jol and Kate Temple and illustrated by Jon Foye, was the feather in the cap for events held nationally on Wednesday May 25.

Parents and children enjoyed activities from creating crazy hats to reading throughout the week.

Events were held at Carmila, Clermont, Dysart, Glenden, Nebo, Middlemount, Moranbah, and St Lawrence libraries.

National Simultaneous Storytime is organised by the Australian Library and Information Association, and is in its 16th year.

The event promotes the value of reading and literacy, the importance of Australia’s book industry and the role libraries play in our communities.

Page 12

isaacnews