The Eatons Echo - January 2023

An Unforgettable Aussie Arvo

Celebrate a true ‘Aussie Arvo’ this Australia Day at the Lawnton Aquatic Centre.

Each year, the leisure centre holds a free pool party for the community called ‘Aussie Arvo’ on the 26th January from 2pm to 7pm.

Enjoy free entertainment, competitions, games, amusement rides plus a poolside disco for the whole family and so much more!

The pool kiosk will be serving up some yummy snacks plus local community groups will be operating a sausage sizzle, popcorn and fairy floss for the bargain price of $1 each!

So pop down this Australia Day to the Lawnton Aquatic Centre and set up for the afternoon. Remember to bring your spare change to enjoy all the entertainment and activities!

Australia Day Celebrations At The Museum

Samford Museum is gearing up for their annual Australia Day celebrations on Thursday 26th January.

The popular event will take place from 9am until 2pm and feature displays and activities for all the family to enjoy.

For the kids there will be treasure hunts plus fun games. The Blacksmith will also be working and antique farm machinery from local farms will be running. Why not try ‘Pen and Ink’ writing in the school and more.

At 11am, the story of The Samford District Historical Museum Society Inc. Samford Museum 1986-2018 will be launched and copies will go on sale.

Traditional Australian light refreshments will be available such as Billy Tea, Damper, Lamingtons and a sausage sizzle. Beverages will also be available to wash the delicious eats down!

Bring your family research questions or your photos and memories to add to Samford Museum’s collection of local and family history. Charlie Nolan will be available to assist with family or Service Personnel research.

The team at the museum are looking forward to catching up with friends not seen for several years due to covid and meeting first time visitors. Please send enquiries to info@ samfordmuseum.com.au, or call Geoff on 0417 610 983.

Plenty of fun was had by locals at last years Aussie Arvo

The Eatons Echo is a FREE monthly publication delivering 14,500 copies per month of what matters to the Eatons Hill and surrounding areas. Our paper is 100% locally owned and operated, which means we don’t just talk about being local, WE ARE LOCAL; we live it everyday.

Distribution is carried out via direct letterbox delivery to homes and businesses in the suburbs of; Albany Creek, Eatons Hill, Warner and Cashmere. Copies can also be picked up from a variety of magazine stands within the above suburbs.

Copyright: The Eatons Echo is produced by Echo Media Group Pty Ltd (The Publisher). All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission from The Publisher. All care is taken by The Publisher, however responsibility is not accepted for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Publisher.

COVID-19: At the time of going to press (20th December 2022), information contained within this issue is correct. As the situation with the COVID health crisis is ever changing, we urge you to contact organisers of any events listed within our publication if you are doubtful about times and dates. For more information, visit www.echo-news.com.au or email admin@echo-news.com.au

Recipe of the month

DRAGON

SUMMER PUDDING

FRUIT

Serves: 12 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins Ingredients

• 1 loaf sliced wholemeal bread

• 2 cups frozen pink dragon fruit chunks

• 1 cup strawberries

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 can white dragon fruit chunks in syrup

• Reduced fat yoghurt, to serve Method

LINE a bowl or pudding tin with plastic wrap. REMOVE crusts from bread and cut into triangles. ADD fruit to saucepan and gently simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

DIP bread triangles in fruit mixture until lightly coated. ARRANGE bread inside the bowl, lining the bottom and sides.

FILL with fruit mixture and top with remaining bread triangles.

PLACE saucer on top of the bowl and weigh down with a tin or can.

REFRIGERATE overnight.

TIP the pudding out of the bowl when set. Serve with low fat vanilla or Greek yogurt.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Product of the Year Recipe Collection – Dragon Fruit

This recipe is brought to you by The Queensland Country Women’s Association’s (QCWA) Country Kitchens program. The program is empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles.

To find out more about the program visit https:// qcwacountrykitchens.com. au/.

50 Shades of Grey

It’s a familiar problem – historic clubs and societies everywhere are struggling to attract younger members and volunteers in a rapidly changing world. The Tramway Museum is no exception and it’s difficult to imagine an improvement any time soon.

To be fair, young people have different interests and priorities. The last Brisbane tram was withdrawn in 1969, so anyone under the age of 54 would never have ridden one on a Brisbane street and hardly anyone under 60 would remember the experience anyway. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of tram museum volunteers are over retirement age.

Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a senior workforce. Older volunteers come with a life time of experience, so they invariably have a lot to contribute. The problem is the average age increases year-by-year and with little or no top-up of younger members at the entry end the pool is at risk of drying up altogether.

Gender is also an issue. Sadly, there are no female restorers or operators at the museum despite societal demands for greater female engagement in traditionally male-dominated activities. Anyone who has wrestled with heavy and greasy undercarriage parts will not be surprised by this fact, but there is surely an argument for other important and rewarding activities like painting.

Tram 47 (the same one as in the black and white photo with Tramway volunteers

Tram operation is another area that women can make a worthwhile contribution. Queensland has never seen a female tram driver, so there is definitely scope for a news-making first there.

This month’s historic black-and-white photo shows tram 47 on opening day in 1983. It highlights a younger and more gender-balanced workforce at the time. Fast forward 40-years and a recent photo of the same tram shows an all-male, mostly grey workforce.

If you know any sub-60 candidates for volunteering, the museum would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, please be kind to your trammie who will almost certainly sport an over-fifty shade of grey and a very tight-fitting uniform. If he catches you looking (it will be a he), just congratulate him on how well the vintage buttons are anchored……….

Thanks to the Brisbane Council Archives for the 1983 photo. The Brisbane Tramway Museum is proudly sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.

© David Fryer. maximalist@bigpond.com

The Eatons Echo,

Tram 47 on opening day in 1983

Free Green Waste Disposal!

New Year, New Comedy Coming To Brisbane

Get ready for the next installment of hilarious comedy from local community theatre group Growl Theatre. The group are busy in rehearsals for their next production, ‘A Comedy of Tenors’ by Ken Ludwig, directed by Leisa Bye and Marion Jones. Here is a quick synopsis of what is in store: One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends, and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong?

Announced last month by Mayor Peter Flannery, the current cap on total waste disposals (3 tonnes or 26 visits) has been changed to exclude green waste. It means there is now no limit on the free dumping of green waste at Council facilities until it is considered again at a future Moreton Bay Regional Council meeting that will take place before 30 June 2023.

‘So, if you’ve been avoiding mowing the lawn or trimming some overgrown trees, there are no excuses now,’ Mayor Flannery said.

‘We have received a number of complaints and concerns from a small number of residents who were impacted by the introduction of this cap, and this temporary relaxation is in direct response to their feedback. But I want to be clear that the temporary relaxation of this rule only applies to green waste, not any other type of waste disposal.’

Limits will remain in place for all other types of waste.

It's 1930s Paris and the stage is set for the concert of the century—as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep the amorous Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife Maria from causing runaway chaos.

Filled with characters from Ken Ludwig’s famous Lend Me A Tenor, this new addition to the Ludwig canon is an uproarious ride full of mistaken identities, blissful romance and madcap delight.

The show hits the stage on the 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th and 18th March 2023. Shows commence at 7.30pm on the Friday and Saturday evenings, with Matinee shows starting at 2pm. The play will take place at the Windsor School of Arts, 381 Lutwyche Road, Windsor. Tickets are $20 for an Adult and $17 for a concession. Tickets can be reserved online at www.growltheatre.org.au or email boxoffice@growltheatre. org.au

More information about Growl Theatre, visit https:// growltheatre.org.au. New members are always welcome!

Moreton Bay Regional Council has delivered the Christmas Wish gardeners were crossing their green thumbs

for - free dumping for green waste!

‘LOST PROPERTY’

An update from the Enoggera & Districts Historical Society

From time to time organizations such as the Railway Department hold auctions to dispose of unclaimed Lost Property. I wonder how this lot was dealt with back in 1916. Claimed or kept for auction! Here is a letter to the Station Master at Gaythorne dated 18th December 1916:

The Station Master Rifle Range, Memo:- Dog unclaimed, Rifle Range, Owner unknown. Mr Watson, Station Master, Brunswick Street, states that a lady passenger purchased three second return tickets plus one ticket for her dog to Rifle Range, prior to the departure of E27 down on the 9th instant. She handed the dog over to the Porter on the barrier and requested him to place the dog on the train. However, he was unable to do this owing to the rush of passengers

for the train. The dog was tied up meantime, and was sent forward by the E29 down. No further information can be obtained. I shall be glad to hear from you as to whether you consider the dog a valuable one, also to have a description of it.

Signed J.N. Davidson Traffic Superintendant. The archive of the Enoggera and District Historical Society holds many interesting snippets of our past. The Society is located at the Memorial Hall, Enoggera. The rooms are open each Thursday 9.30am to 1pm. Come in and browse or just have a chat and a cuppa.

A Poem...

to which some of us can relate

I remember the corned beef of my Childhood, And the bread that we cut with a knife, When the Children helped with the housework, And the men went to work not the wife.

The cheese never needed a fridge, And the bread was so crusty and hot, The Children were seldom unhappy, And the Wife was content with her lot.

I remember the milk from the bottle, With the yummy cream on the top, Our dinner came hot from the oven, And not from a freezer; or shop.

The kids were a lot more contented, They didn't need money for kicks, Just a game with their friends in the road, And sometimes the Saturday flicks.

I remember the shop on the corner, Where biscuits for pennies were sold Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic? Or is it....I'm just getting Old?

Bathing was done in a wash tub, With plenty of rich foamy suds But the ironing seemed never ending As Mum pressed everyone's 'duds'.

I remember the slap on my backside, And the taste of soap if I swore Anorexia and diets weren't heard of And we hadn't much choice what we wore. Do you think that bruised our ego? Or our initiative was destroyed? We ate what was put on the table And I think life was better enjoyed. Author, Unknown... If you can remember those days... Continue to enjoy your Retirement.

Mention Code NTHBRIS22 when booking!

FREE Bridge Available For Beginners

The Hills District is very fortunate to have their very own Bridge Club which is modern, air-conditioned and very easily accessible. Arana Contract Bridge Club is situated at the Ferny Grove Sports Grounds in Tramway Street, Ferny Grove (entrance is between the entrance to The Grove Sports and Bowls Club and the Tramway Museum). It is a very active club and they are offering free lessons in Bridge for beginners. It doesn’t matter how much Bridge knowledge you possess or don’t possess, the classes are an introduction to this wonderful game. The instructor will guide participants along an easy pathway to knowledge and the lessons will be held in a social atmosphere where you can make new friends as you learn together.

The Beginners’ Lessons commence on Saturday 4th February 2023 from 10am to noon, at the Arana Bridge Club. The course runs for nine weeks, after which help with play sessions are available. Lessons are free but purchase of the textbook ($30) is highly recommended. Bookings are essential – phone Jim 3289 0033

Arana Contract Bridge Club offers the opportunity to play Bridge locally. It is a low cost activity, perfect for those who like a challenge, mental stimulation and good company. If you are a lapsed player, consider joining your local Bridge Club.

Footloose and Festive At VIEW

An update from the Arana VIEW Club

Well, what fun we had at our Christmas break-up in early December.

The room was full of glorious angels who proceeded to have a wonderful day being entertained by The Ferny Groovers, a local ukulele band. They had us singing along to old favourites and many were dancing as well. This was followed by a lovely Christmas Lunch and then entertainment by Ian Maurice and Natalie Mead. The wonderful entertainment took us to the end of the meeting and to the draw of many raffle prizes supplied by members. We also had a ‘Bring and Buy’ with lots of Christmas goodies to purchase and this raised over $400 to support our Learning for Life Students with the Smith Family.

The new year meetings will commence on February 1st, with our Annual General Meeting and we are always happy to have new members join the committee. Meetings are held at the Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade Keperra, with doors open at 10.30am and the meeting commencing at 11am. A two course lunch with tea and coffee is provided for $30. Don’t forget annual memberships are due in February. Just a reminder that it is important to contact Carol on 3355 5349 by noon on Monday, January 30th if you are attending the February meeting.

Garden Club Celebrates a Blossoming Year

Despite inclimate weather on 1st December, the spirit of those attending the end of year meeting of the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club was not dampened.

The recently elected president, Trish Parkinson, welcomed everyone and asked members to be ready in February 2023 with any ideas they'd like to offer for inclusion at the club's meetings. Competitions and entertainment occurred before the Club's patron, Margaret Morrow, announced the result of show bench awards for the year. For most points gained, Berenice Corvi's name was engraved on the perpetual trophy and also an inscribed trowel was presented to her. Barbara Linnett and Jan Corcoran came second and third. Both were unable to attend the meeting. The morning concluded with a delicious lunch, and the club is now in recess for the festive season. The next meeting at the Enoggera Memorial Hall will be on 2nd February when the guest speaker, Leslie Nicholls, will talk about Foliage Plants and Carnations.

Have you noticed delicate looking orange wasps hovering above your lawn? That's a sign of the presence of lawn grubs. The wasps are searching for caterpillar larvae in which they will lay their eggs. There's a spray which will control the caterpillars but unfortunately it will kill the wasp too. Inspect your rose bushes this month. The rose blooms will probably be smaller. Don't leave spent blooms on the rose bush. Cut them off not far above where an outward growing 'eye' (the sign of a new shoot) is showing. A light prune to remove any dead or diseased wood would also be beneficial. Remove dead blooms from flowering summer annuals. If you don't, the plant will put its energy into making seed and not more flowers. It's not uncommon to see parsley plants rot at their base during humid weather so it's a good idea to plant new parsley plants every six months.

This club has vacancies for new members. Meetings are held at the Enoggera Memorial Hall on the first Thursday of the calendar month except January. Morning tea is served at 9.45 a.m. and the meeting commences at 10am. Visitors and new members are most welcome. Entrance to the hall is at 36 Trundle Street, Enoggera.

For more information, please phone Trish, the president, on 0438 268 212. Happy New Year to all.

Repair Cafe The Grove operates a monthly, local Repair Cafe to promote repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Local residents can bring their broken items to fix them on the spot with the help of volunteer repairers. There is no charge for repairs but a donation to cover operating costs is encouraged. However, you must be able to carry the item in and carry it out again whether we are able to fix it or not. Cafe Dates: The fourth Saturday each month (except December) Location: Grovely Mitchelton Scout Den, 170 Blaker Road, Keperra.

Mitchelton Garden Club Members celebrate a tremendous year

An update from the Mitchelton Garden Club

The Little Echo Echo Li le

A creative platform giving our youngest citizens a BIG voice

A LETTER FROM ‘THE LITTLE ECHO’ EDITOR

Since launching in May last year, November 2022 has been the most jampacked month yet for The Little Echo. It kicked off with a week of meticulous planning and decision-making behind the scenes of Padua College’s annual writing competition, which The Little Echo opted to sponsor this year. Three outstanding winners were selected and awarded $100 prize money on Padua College’s assembly by myself. I have been working closely with the school’s writing club since Term 3. I also recently represented The Little Echo at the ‘Live Simply, Use Less’ social event at Club Oxley, where we made connections with like-minded members of the community, as well as finding opportunities for both the Little Echo and myself as a journalist. At the event, our ‘Little People, Big Voices’ display about sustainability

and nature earned a feature, which coincided with the display’s appearance at the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Community Meeting in Arana Hills that same day. What’s more, the TLE Team also travelled all the way to Caboolture Library for a meeting with Karen Withers, who was involved in The Little Echo’s successful holiday workshops held at Arana Hills Library. Coming off the back of the meeting, it is safe to say similar opportunities and events await on the horizon. In addition, the ‘Little Echo Raodshow’ is now underway and you will see our MASSIVE 2m by 2m display (pictured below) travelling around local community organisations, events and businesses over the next coming months. Last month it was featured at the Qld Wildlife Artists Society Inc’s art exhibition at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Currently, you can have a look at our display at the Arana Hills Library. Amongst all the rushing around, the Little Echo team has also been hard at work behind the scenes, pulling together a media kit, content for social media, our e-newsletter, and the website, as well as advancing digital literacy skills in order to take The Little Echo’s platforms to the next level. If your business, community organisation or educational establishment would like to work with The Little Echo or become a sponsor, please get in touch with me at georgia@echo-news.com.au Please enjoy the next few pages of submissions from our young creatives! Have a fun and safe festive break!

Georgia Wright at The Little Echo HQ

Thank you to Ester and the team at the Qld Wildlife Artist Society for helping

Echo Li le The

The Little Echo {Writing}

Padua Competition Winners

Last month The Little Echo was delighted to sponsor a writing competition at Padua College, We were incredibly impressed with high calibre of entries presented to us for judging. After much deliberation, we finally selected the winners, each of whom won a $100 visa voucher. Below is the winning entry by Nicolas F (Year 12) for the Year 10, 11 and 12 category the winner with his story entitled The DoubleEdged Sun. Next month we will be publishing more winning entries so keep your eyes peeled!

The Double-Edged Sun

By Nicolas F, Year 12 at Padua College

A lone house sat amongst vast expanses of golden fields, an elegant soft glow warmed the pale dulcet tones of the house. Amidst the colourful brightness, a boy sat on the veranda — the dumbstruck awe that gleamed from his face could only be from one thing: the sun.

In the distance, the clouds were like great wings of gold and yellow that rolled towards the solitary house in huge wreaths; only brief, powerful beams of the sun could shine through. The faraway mass of crimson radiance was like a shower of glowing stones from a volcano — glorious to behold and enhanced every moment in splendour. As the boy’s happiness and delight grew, it nearly convinced him of the harmless paradisiacal world the sun gifted him. Nearly paradisiacal. Fragments of a memory danced at the forefront of his mind — constantly teasing and mocking him. He missed his father so much — only vaguely remembering some of his final words to him before he left: “Protect our land as | protect our country”. Tears gleamed in the boy’s eyes, as a sad, solemn smile tugged on his face in remembrance. ‘If only he was here to see the splendour of the sun, then this would truly be a paradise’, he thought longingly. The boy had pondered and dreamed the same thought every day, for over a year. Trying to piece together the fragments. It wasn’t fair that he was alone in a place with such a serenely stunning sun, with rich and varied dyes and mellowness of light. A place where the cattle contentedly grazed as the sun warmed the fields for fruitful harvests. Lost in a world of thought, the boy wandered aimlessly throughout the paddock dotted with cattle. His tanned skin felt the warmth of the sunlight comfort him caringly. The relaxing whisper of water trickled through the rocky ridged fortress of the makeshift dam by the house, soothing his gloomy thoughts. As he gazed in wonder at the sleeping cattle — which were as big as boulders — he noticed something that clawed his attention away from the magnificent beasts. A flower. A lone banksia flower amidst a pool of death and decay. Horror welled inside him as he observed the single flower’s vibrancy engulfed and defoliated by the bleak destruction and death of other flowers that surrounded it. Confusion turmoiled deep within him. It was as if he had finally awoken from the blissful hypnotic dream that he lived. The intoxicating smell of death drowned his senses. Dry, dead grass crunched underfoot as he listened to the melancholy song of a swallow, which echoed sardonically in his head. He lifted his gaze to the sky; the harsh sun stared at him with implacable deadliness, cruelly illuminating a breath-taking splendour on the distant dark clouds. This devastating betrayal knocked the breath from his lungs. Has his entire life been muddled with falsehoods and deceits?

The boy looked back at the cow in front of him — sleeping. No, not sleeping. Dying! The cow stared at him, her eyes misted with accusation and fear, as if saying “This is your

14 - January 2023, The Eatons Echo

doing”. The boy felt the guilt crawl up his spine, as the cow sighed away from existence, it’s now lifeless eyes still bored straight through his soul. Already, he could see ants marching across the limp form before him, as if they sensed his kill. Flies swarmed to the dreadful stench of already rotted flesh as he endured the cruel caws of a distant crow. The boy knew it was his fault. His careless love of the scorching summer sun blinded him, its betrayal shattering him to his core. He stared across the paddock, as if noticing for the first time the death and destruction that awaited his home. The bemoaning cattle were sprawled like unmoving rocks across the thirsty paddock, begging for fresh grass. Above all the barren, burnt fields, the sun flourished as it mercilessly towered over its desolation. His heart suddenly an unbearable weight in his chest, the boy’s knees buckled as he collapsed to the ground. It was at that moment —in complete agony and hurt — when his fragmented memories connected. The complete shock illuminated his face as he remembered...

‘Protect our land as I protect our country Gerry,’ his father’s voice mottled with pride and surety. ‘| know how you love these sunburnt fields but you must care for them. Keep them green my boy. The sun isn’t your friend out here.’

‘Twill. I promise.’ Gerry swore assuredly. ‘I know you won‘t let me down my boy’. His father gave him one final smile, as he straightened his uniform, manned his rifle and walked away from him forever. Gerry’s memory faded and the full force of reality struck him again. Tears fountained from Gerry’s eyes, as he wept. Wept for his complete carelessness and cruelty. Wept for the lifeless forms soon to surround him. Wept for his failure to his father. His final promise. He had ignored and forgotten his father’s final words; it has cost him dearly. He lay there sprawled, where seconds felt like hours. Time was irrelevant as he hunched over and drowned in his misery. The endless silence finally began to weigh him down, until there was nothing. Nothing but silence and emptiness...

‘Crack’. Gerry stirred from the depths of his despair. ‘Crack’. A frown formed on Gerry’s face as the familiar sound came to him. The fortified frontier of clouds raced across the horizon, its ghastly shadow dispelled the crimson light. ‘Crack’. Streaks of amber light danced throughout the gathered darkness; their wrath fought the golden radiance of the sun for dominance in the sky. ‘Crack’. Gerry guffawed and looked disbelievingly at the flamboyant spectacle he witnessed. ‘Maybe this is a sign’ Gerry thought hopefully. ‘A sign for change. A sign of redemption and a better future’. Gerry stared upon the clash of wills that loomed in the sky, their rage echoed across the fields. Concealed, the sun’s authoritative hold over the lands vanished, as the cool, wet air dismissed the murderous heat-haze. The clouds cried in triumph for the arid and wilted fields, their tears splattered life everywhere they touched. Gerry soaked in the feeling of water scurry along his arms, as he endeavoured to redeem his father’s promise until he returned home.

Ameila D, 8 years old

Melanie

Ashleigh

Why Pilates should be top of your New Year’s resolution list

are looking to improve your flexibility, posture and strengthen your core muscles, then Pilates is for

Pilates is perfect for all ages and abilities, and you can begin at any age - Joseph Pilates (the founder) continued his practice into his 80’s. So, whether you are an older adult or an elite athlete, this low impact, whole body fitness routine with a focus on core strength, proper alignment and mind body connection is beneficial for all.

routine and with regular practice Pilates can -

• Increase strength and flexibility

• Improve your posture – good alignment supported by a strong core

• Increase your energy – it gets your breath and circulation moving

• Help relieve tension

• Improve muscle tone and strengthen your core

• Prevent injury as well as be used to aid injury rehabilitation

• Promote mindfulness and body awareness

• Be tailored to suit individual needs

And finally, with regular Pilates sessions you’ll see results!

‘In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body’. Joseph Pilates

Choosing the Right Instructors and Studio

Jordanna and Shayne Smith founded BASI Pilates Academy - Australia (previously known as Pilates Studio 64) over 17 years ago and are Australia’s leading Pilates educators and International BASI Pilates teacher trainers. Their studio is fully equipped with state-of-the-art BASI Systems Pilates equipment.

At BASI Pilates Academy all Pilates sessions are tailored to the individual with a focus on movement re-education, pain relief and movement quality. If you are looking for a movement practice that is specific to your needs including longevity, balance, mobility, visual vestibular and brain training exercises BASI Pilates Academy can help by starting with an initial assessment.

Getting Started

Choose from two New Client Starter Packs with one of our BASI Pilates faculty.

• Option 1 - 1 x Initial Assessment x 2 x Semi-Privates = $195

• Option 2 - 3 x Private Pilates Pack = $315

Mention the Eatons Echo and receive 20% off your Starter Pack today ~ Valid until 28th Feb 2023.

Get in touch with the friendly team to book your first Private session on 07 3325 5821 or email australia@ basipilatesacademy.com. Further information can be found over on their website www.basipilatesacademyau.com

Co-founder of BASI Pilates AcademyAustralia, Jordanna Smith with a client

SignOn for local sports

We are fortunate to have so many community-minded sports clubs in our region. In this feature we showcase some of our local clubs and provide information regarding their upcoming Sign On days, events or classes.

Community Sport –Why Play It?

By Georgia Wright

As a sport-lover and a writer for Echo News, I thought to myself, why not fuse my enjoyment for both hobbies together for this month’s article?

For as long as I can remember, sport has always been a big part of my life. From carving up the dance floor as a child, to finding my strength at Tae Kwon Do, to calling myself an Arana Hills Netball Club player, I have never gone a period of time without sport—and I don’t plan to, either!

According to research, children who dabble in sports are eight times more likely to grow up to be healthy, productive adults with stronger leadership and communication skills. Even the academic performance and mental health of young ones are evidenced to improve, along with their social abilities. The countless benefits of participating in regular physical activity are known far and wide by all. However, the bottom line is—kids need exercise. And lucky for all the rising pocket rockets in our community, our region has a marvellous array of sporting clubs on offer.

With 2022 finally coming to a close, another year of opportunities and open doors lies ahead of us. For the youth in our district, the New Year Resolution of ‘getting fitter, happier and healthier’ can easily be made into a reality. Dozens of sign-on days and try-outs are right around the corner, so make sure to take note of some of these essential dates in our feature.

Personally, I’ll be forever glad that I started up sport from a young age, and even gladder that I found my love for netball. Some of my highest highs have been felt on the netball court, and over the years it really brought me out of my shell.

Albany Hills State School

All Saints Parish

Primary school

Albany Creek State School

Aspley East State School

St Dympnas Catholic Primary School

Queen of Apostles Catholic School Good Shepherd Christian School

SignOn for sports Token Jersey To Celebrate 45 Years of Local Netball

In 1977 a group of women who loved the game of netball came together and formed the club we know today as Arana Netball Club.

For 45 years, Arana Netball has been a part of the Hills community and has enjoyed a rich history in the Brisbane netball community.

To commemorate their 45th year in Netball, the club released a special club jersey. The jersey was made available to all members to purchase, allowing each person to add their own personal touch with their name. The jersey features the club’s logo and year of establishment and all Arana Netball Club members wear the jerseys with pride and they serve as a treasured token of 45 years in Netball.

Arana Netball are very proud of their history providing a supportive, family orientated sporting experience for local netball community. They are one of the smaller clubs in the Downey Park Netball Association, however that doesn’t stop them from being competitive. If you would like to join Arana Netball in their 2023 Season, pop along to their Sign On Day on the 29th January. Details are on their advertisement adjacent to this page.

Netball and its Benefits

Although netball is a noncontact sport, it is a fastpaced and intensive game. Netball is a sport that has multiple physical and mental health benefits.

• Improves hand-eye co-ordination

• Builds up muscle strength and stamina

• Develops the body’s cardiovascular system

• Improves the body’s flexibility and nimbleness

• Burns calories, and lowers body fat if played regularly

• Improves upper body strength by working key arm muscles

• Develops depth perception

• Increases reaction time

• Pushes you to improve skills

Club members with their commemorative jerseys

Success For The Smith Family Physio Refurbished For The New Year

In an exciting development, North West Physiotherapy

Eatons Hill has expanded its clinic with a new refurbishment.

The clinic, which has doubled in size, has also added to the services they are able to provide to their valued patients. Remaining at the same convenient location underneath Woolworths at Eatons Hill Village, the clinic is now sporting a much greater floor space, resulting in more treatment rooms and a fully equipped gym to enable the team to provide exercise programs, and to further assist with patient recovery. In addition, North West Physiotherapy’s popular physiotherapist lead pilates classes will be re-introduced soon, with private health fund rebates available.

An update from the Brendale Evening View Club

The Brendale VIEW (Voice, Interest and Education of Women) Club members can congratulate themselves for their fundraising efforts throughout the year of 2022 for The Smith Family Learning for Life Program. Thank you ladies!

WE’RE EXPANDING!

OUR SERVICES

As a valued part of The Smith Family, VIEW members contribute significant fundraising and volunteering support to help Australian children in need to reach their full potential through education. The Brendale VIEW Club sponsors eight children through the Smith Family’s Learning for Life’ program.

Our services will now include:

• General Musculoskeletal

• General musculoskeletal

• Sports Injuries

• Sports injuries

• Pre & Post Op

• Pre & post operative

• Women’s Health

• Dry needling

Members have a commitment to have fun and nurture friendships. The club is a place to meet new friends, enjoy a two course meal, listen to an informative guest speaker, and attend additional social activities.

• High performance screening

• Dry needling

• Women’s health specialist

• NDIS

• NDIS

• Workcover/DVA/CTP

• Workcover/DVA/CTP

• High Performance Screening

• Pilates classes

• Pilates

• Gym/exercise programs

• Podiatry

• Podiatry

Dinner meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 50 Graham Rd, Carseldine, at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Please join us as we look forward and welcome you to come along on the 17th January 2023 for our dinner meeting. Alternatively, you may like to come along on the 21st February 2023 for our 24th birthday celebrations of ‘In The Pink’.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for all the exciting updates of our new clinic

The renovations are almost complete, with just a few finishing touches to be added. The team are also excited to welcome two new physiotherapists to the team, so there will always be an appointment available when you need it.

As always, North West Physiotherapy’s aim is to provide exceptional treatment and service to the Eatons Hill/Albany Creek areas, and beyond. If you are in pain, if you need a podiatrist, or a remedial or relaxation massage after the busy Christmas season, just give them a call on 3333 1646, or scan the QR code to book online.

Of course, there is the ‘Coffee and Chat’ Morning too! We meet on the first Saturday of each month at 10am at White’s Coffee Co., Bracken Ridge Tavern, 153 Barrett St, Bracken Ridge.

It is important to book with us beforehand. Contact our President Shayne on 0409 991 428 for more information or to book.

North West Physiotherapy Eatons Hill will remain conveniently located on the Lower Ground level of Eatons Hill Village, 640 South Pine Road, Brendale (Woolworths Shopping Centre)

Ph - 3333 1646

Preferred provider for BUPA, Medibank and NIB

Just part of the new gym area North West Physiotherapy at Eatons Hill has to offer

Scan to book your appointment online

4 Reasons Now Is A Good Time For First-Home Buyers

By Scott Palazzi from Loan Market

This is the eighth month in a row we have said ‘The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate’. In its final meeting for 2022, the bank increased the rate from 2.85% to 3.1% in its ongoing bid to cool rising inflation.

There has been a lot of talk around what the rising cash rate and ensuing mortgage interest rates means for people who already have a loan, but what about those who are wanting to enter the property market? Rising interest rates means a lower borrowing capacity (the amount a lender is willing to lend you) and the turbulent property market may seem a deterrent for some. However, there are a number of reasons why this could actually be a good opportunity for first-home buyers to enter the property market.

1. Falling property prices

If you’re considering buying property, you’ve probably seen the widely reported news that property prices have dropped. While this is not great news for homeowners, it can be a great opportunity for people wanting to get into the market. It means homes may be more affordable than they were a year ago. It also means we are moving toward, if not in, a buyers’ market - compared to last year’s seller’s market.

2. Increasing rents

If you’ve looked for property to rent recently, you would know competition is high, the prices are up and other applicants are offering anything from higher rent to months upfront in a bid to secure a property. According to a recent report by Domain, Australians are experiencing the longest period of rental price

growth on record. Nationally, the annual change to September was 12.8%, with Brisbane experiencing the highest increase at 22%.

When you purchase your own home, you become your own landlord. Variable rates for home loans are likely to increase and decrease over time, however rents on properties tend to continue to trend upward. Buying your home to live in helps you to get out of the rising-rate environment.

3. Projected flattening of interest rates

Economists at the big four banks have made predictions that the interest rate will peak anywhere from 3.1% to 3.85%. They all predict this peak will happen at some stage in 2023. There are two potential pros for this for people looking to purchase property. Firstly, if we hit the peak in 2023, they are unlikely to experience the same turbulence homeowners experienced through 2022 with the rapidly rising rates. Secondly, the stress test applied to loan applications means you should remain within your ‘comfort’ range on repayments if economic factors are brought into control as projected.

4. Higher savings rates

The flip side of the rising cash rate is that the interest rate on savings accounts usually also increases. This is good news for people saving a deposit to purchase property. While we were experiencing the lowest cash rate on record, savers took a big hit where their savings were receiving very little if any interest.

If you’re planning on buying property, give me a call on 0413 747 283, I can help you get your finances in order and help you understand your borrowing power so you can bid with confidence.

What's On at the Albany Creek Library!

To book your event, visit www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/libraries/ events, choose your event, make your booking and print your ticket. For more information, contact the library on 5433 2638.

Discover Moreton Bay - Our Story : Monday 6th February, 10am - 11am

Discover Moreton Bay Regional Council‘s new online archive of photographs, manuscripts, oral histories and more. Contribute your recollections or share your own photographs. Free. Bookings required. Facilitated by our friendly library staff.

Mindful Weaving: Friday 17th February, 11am - 12.30pm

Join Betsy Mills from Life Healing Journeys as she teaches you mindful weaving using materials from your garden. Basket weaving is a creative pastime generating calm and mindfulness while bringing you closer to Mother Nature. Traditionally women have come together to weave and yarn in cultures all over the world. Betsy aims to give you knowledge and confidence to have a go yourself. She will share her weaving journey, how she experiments with all kinds of plants and different weaving techniques with practical examples to handle and try. Free. Bookings required.

Bridge Club: 2nd Monday of the month, 10am - 11am Do you enjoy card games, but find solitaire is getting dull and lonely? Join our monthly adult Bridge Club to learn contract bridge, meet new people and enjoy a chat in a comfortable, stress-free environment. Free. No bookings required.

Craft Group: 2nd & 4th Monday of the month, 10amNoon

Feeling crafty? Do you enjoy making and creating, are you a needlepointer, beading artist or a scrapbooker? Join other crafters and share your tips and tricks, solve your craft problems and chat while indulging in your craft activity. BYO project, supplies, and sense of fun. Sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Excluding public holidays. Free. No bookings required*. Suitable for adults only.

Playtime: Weekly on a Wednesday and Friday, 9am Introduce your child to the wonderful world of free play. Have fun playing with your child, making up stories together and sharing in their delight as they make new discoveries. Playtime is a fully resourced opportunity for parents and children 0 - 5 years to play, pick up early literacy tips, network with other parents and make new friends. No bookings required.

Lego Engineers Club: 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Develop design thinking and engineering skills as you build and create with LEGO ® bricks. Meet other brick fans and complete challenges, group builds and more! Ideal for ages 4-12. Registration required.

STEAM Station: 2nd Friday of the month, 3.30pm - 4pm Get curious! Explore science, technology, engineering, art and maths through hands-on discovery after school. Ideal for primary school kids. No bookings required.

Next Chapter Book Club: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month, 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Libraries Next Chapter Book Clubs will provide a great opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to read and learn, make new friends, and enjoy a fun community. Our book clubs, led by friendly library staff, will meet in libraries across Moreton Bay. To join our community of readers, phone or email any of our libraries.

Storytime : Tuesday’s at 10.30am and Thursday’s at 9.30am

Storytime is a great way to develop a love of reading and introduce your child to books. Experience the magic of stories, action rhymes and songs with your child at the library. For parents and children, 2-5 years. No bookings required.

Baby Rhyme Time : Monday’s at 2pm, Tuesday’s at 9.30am , Thursday’s at 10.30am and Saturday’s at 10.30am

Baby Rhyme Time helps develop the skills needed to communicate and to learn to read. In a friendly and relaxed environment you and your baby can learn rhymes, action songs and finger plays to share together. For parents and children, babies to 2 years. No bookings required.

JP’s in the Community: JP’s available weekly on the following days and times.

• Wednesday: 3.30pm - 5pm

• Thursday: 5.30pm - 7pm

• Saturday: 9.30am - 11.30am

Art Hallway and Display Cabinet: Would you like to display your creations? Contact the Albany Creek Library for more information on 5433 2638

Discover the joy of the myMBRL app

The Moreton Bay Region Libraries app helps save you time and money by giving access to all the free library resources straight from your smartphone or tablet, anywhere, anytime. Use the app to: Explore thousands of top-rated eBooks, browse the catalogue and borrow items with self-service, Click and Collect books, magazines and DVDs, book events, plus so much more.

Available from the App Store or Google Play

Over the Hills (and still going!)

An update from the Hills Chamber of Commerce Senior Committee News

FREE ART CLASS

The Over the Hills Art Group recommences on the 3rd February. The group meet each Friday at the PCYC Hills District at Everton Hills from 10am to 12pm. Teacher Julie is ready on hand to assist in our efforts with lessons in a mix of media and styles. Bring along your art supplies or use ours and enjoy learning new skills in a friendly group. You don’t have to be a senior to join our activities and we always enjoy ourselves! For more information, contact Julie on 0408 879

243

TECHNOLOGY SESSIONS AT THE LEAGUES CLUB

We are conducting a Technology Program in the Arana Leagues Club Boardroom, on the second Wednesday of each month, recommencing on the 11th January. Cost $15, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Our tutor is Graham McDermott ‘The Tech Tutor’ and the topic for January is Internet Banking, Shopping online safely, services like PayPal. To book, go to the Technology Session on the Events page of the Hills Chamber Website and follow the prompts (see below)

• Go to Events

• Click on Technology Session

• Click on the Number of tickets (the + button)

• Click and then follow the prompts.

Places are limited so be quick to book in.

Why not stay for coffee or lunch at the Club after the session. Contact Judith on 0431 159 921 for more information.

Lunch With Our Local Ladies

update from The Mitchelton Branch of the Older Women’s Network Qld

The Mitchelton Branch of the Older Women's Network Qld Inc (OWNQ) meets formally and informally throughout the month and you are welcome to join us for any or all of our get togethers. We always welcome new members!

We get together each week and December is a time to celebrate. The dates are:

• Tues 10th Jan. Cafe Lagarto, Samford Valley 10am

• Sat. 14th Jan. Lunch Gaythorne RSL 12pm

• Tues. 17th Jan. Techno Coffee Arana Leagues Club 10am

• Sat. 21st Jan. Coffee Birds & Bees Cafe, Everton Hills 10am

• Wed. 25th Jan. Monthly Meeting Panther’s Den Arana Leagues Club 10am Guest speaker Carolyn SchaedterRichards ADA (Australian Disability advocacy followed by Coffee/Lunch

• Tues 31st Jan. Techno Coffee Hornet’s Club, Carseldine 10am

The aim of our group is to provide information to women relating to a healthy outlook on ageing and to meet in a friendly, social atmosphere. OWNQ Mitchelton is part of a state-wide organisation with groups in 3 states of Australia, as well as a National Branch. We are a part of a great organisation. For more information about Mitchelton OWNQ ring Judith on 0431 159 921.

The Eatons Echo,

An

The festive season is always an exciting time for me as a Member of Parliament. It is a time when I am privileged to be able to attend many different Christmas and end-of-year celebrations in the local community. Over the past month I have visited end-of-year celebrations for service clubs, garden clubs, senior’s groups, and everything in between. I was especially proud to be a part of graduation and awards ceremonies for schools in the Everton electorate, and I would like to offer a huge congratulations to all graduating students whether they are heading into high school or off into the next phase of their lives. The Carols in the Park events are always a family favourite, and last month’s was no different. I was handing out lollies on the night, which went down very well with the younger attendees! It gives me great pleasure to sponsor these successful events and join the local community in enjoying a relaxing evening making use of our fantastic green spaces.

Everton News from your State Member for Everton TIM MANDER

Mitchie Day Club Christmas Party Enoggera State School Graduation Ceremony

Before all the lollies disappeared at Carols in the Park

The much anticipated Brisbane Bunya Lions Club Carols in the Park was held at Mitchelton Park on Saturday 10 December, the first since 2019 after being kiboshed by COVD and the weather in recent years. Attended by thousands of visitors and their families, the event saw the wonderful community spirit of Mitchelton locals in full force.

The food trucks served a variety of fare to suit all tastes with plenty of sweet treats. The free jumping castles, face painting and crazy hair kept the kids occupied and Chester the Lion and Santa Claus were big hits, as were the fireworks to cap off the evening.

The Lions Club of Brisbane Bunya Carols Committee are already planning a bigger event in 2023, with more Christmas Carol singalongs for all ages, more Christmas stallholders and more community group involvement.

Sponsors of the event were Brisbane City Council, Wests Mitchelton Rugby League Football Club, Movedby Real Estate, Cr Andrew Wines, Cr Tracy Davis, Tim Mander MP, Echo News, Fleetcrew and Reno Revivals.

The

Carol goers were dressed in their festive attire and enjoyed the sausage sizzle