The Everton Echo - February 2023 edition

A Ray of Sunshine in our Community

90-year-old

for 45 years

gentleman, Mr. Ray Burt. Ray has been

still does to this very

This former primary school teacher’s dedication to his community is inspiring. He joined the Lions close to half a century ago when he was living in regional Queensland, working as a schoolteacher in Miriam Vale. Upon moving to Brisbane in 1977, he joined the Enoggera Lions Club of which he is still an active member today!

From selling Lions’ Christmas cakes and puddings on the side of the road at Burwood Road, Brookside, to carrying out general volunteering work, Ray is always willing to lend a helping hand and enjoys talking and meeting new people whilst volunteering. In fact, the Burwood Road location is a special spot for sales for Lions Christmas cakes. Having been selling sweet treats here since 1978, Ray is certainly a familiar face around the joint!

Upon chatting to Ray, you really get a sense of what an endearing and humble man he is. He pours warmth and kindness into the world, and in turn these qualities rub off on him. Ray explains that the reason he loves the Lions’ Cake sales role is since he is ‘helping in some small way that helps others have a nicer Christmas’. All the 45 long years Ray has been volunteering, he as always felt personal satisfaction from the task. As he goes on to say, ‘There is always a need for volunteers within our community’. ‘People will always need help within the community. Even though some may receive government assistance, they don’t receive a personal touch with a community group. It is the personal touch that really makes life worthwhile. I really like to be personally involved with people.’

Ray making a sale of Lions cakes to customers Liz and Ema at the Burwood Road stall last month

Although Ray spends a considerable time volunteering and being an active member of his local community, his other loves include restoring furniture in his retirement. See, always willing to lend a helping hand! And there is no slowing down for this incredible chap in the foreseeable future; Ray says that as long as he continues to have good health, he will continue to volunteer within the community in the coming years.

The Everton Echo is a FREE monthly publication delivering 14,500 copies per month of what matters to Everton Park and Surrounds. 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; Gaythorne, Enoggera, Everton Park, Mitchelton, Stafford and McDowall. Copies can also be picked up from a variety of magazine stands within the above suburbs.

Copyright: The Everton 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 (24th January 2023), 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 Turkey & Mango

Salad

Serves: 6 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• ½ cup mixed seeds

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 5 cups baby spinach

• 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ red onion, sliced thinly

• 500 grams cooked turkey breast, sliced or shaved

• 1 large mango, sliced

• ½ cup dried cranberries

Method

DRY ROAST sunflower and pumpkin seeds in pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool.

COMBINE mustard, honey, vinegar, olive oil and pepper for dressing. Set aside.

COMBINE baby spinach, tomatoes, and red onion in large salad bowl.

SPRINKLE turkey meat, mango, cranberries, seeds on salad.

DRIZZLE a small amount of dressing on salad and serve with remainder in small jug.

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/.

Can Your Camera Help Solve A Crime?

have a security camera on your property? If so, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) would love to hear from you as you may be able to supply that essential missing link required to solve a crime.

Do

Last month, the QPS launched the Community Camera Alliance scheme. The initiative gives residents the opportunity to register their closed circuit television (CCTV) system with the QPS in order to prevent crime and make the community safer.

Historically, investigators have benefited from CCTV systems in business or commercial premises as a crucial investigative tool in modern policing. Recent advancements in technology, affordability and accessibility have resulted in more people choosing to utilise CCTV at their homes for safety and security. Knowing the location of established CCTV systems within the community will maximise the efficiency of investigative resources and minimise the loss of potential evidence. Locating cameras can be time-consuming and resource-intensive but it is crucial, particularly in serious investigations. Here are a few Q&A’s regarding the initiative.

Can I register?

Registration is open to any individual, owner or operator of a CCTV system within police districts supporting the program that include Moreton and Brisbane City Council areas.

How will my CCTV system be registered?

All you need to do is to complete the registration form and your voluntary registration will be stored in an existing secure database named QPRIME which is utilised and solely accessed by members of the QPS. How will my CCTV registration be used?

Members of the QPS will be able to access the details of your registration for purposes of investigating crime. CCTV footage may be used for court purposes. Security of the information you provide will be maintained by the QPS. If you change your mind, you can notify them at any time to have your registration removed from the database.

What information do I need to provide to register?

Residential CCTV: Your full name (as it appears on your driver’s licence), current residential address, contact details and some details regarding your CCTV system.

Business/Commercial CCTV: Full trading name of the business, physical address of the business, contact details for the owner and operator of the CCTV system and some details regarding the CCTV system.

Will I have to give evidence in court?

In most circumstances, the QPS will use an evidentiary certificate to produce the evidence in court proceedings and you will not be required to provide evidence in person.

To register your CCTV, visit https://forms.police.qld.gov. au/CCTVRegistration

Cards & Camaraderie at Samford Community Hub

Whether you are a novice or seasoned professional, everyone is welcome at the Samford Community Hub to play cards.

The group meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month from11am to 3pm at the Samford Community Hub, Samford Parklands, 2204 Mount Samson Rd, Samford Valley. Only a gold coin donation is required to join in.

If you would like to pop along and learn a game or two, they we will be conducting some lessons for newcomers or refreshers starting on 30th January. Currently, some of the games being played include; Hand and Foot, Nomination English whist, cribbage, Bush Rummy, 5 Crowns. All new members are welcomed with open arms!

For enquiries, email June on nowhiskey53@gmail.com

Stamp Collectors WANTED!

The Enoggera District Stamp Club Inc. is the only stamp club in the Brisbane City Council area north of the Brisbane river. They meet from 7pm to 9pm in the Mitchelton S.D.A. Church Hall, 97 Blackwood Street, Mitchelton on the first and third Monday of each month (except on public holidays). New members and visitors are welcome! Contact Ron on 3148 2392 for more information.

Sing With Us!

Serenata Singers’ Open Invitation to 2023

The Serenata Singers is a friendly community choir based in The Gap. We are celebrating 53 years of singing in 2023 and would welcome new members. No audition is necessary. An ability to read music is helpful, but not required. The choir sings a variety of popular and show tunes, spiritual and folk songs.

The choir is starting the new year under the directorship of Guillaume Lemay-Yates with new music and our usual enthusiasm. We will be rehearsing every Monday in 2023 starting at 7.00 pm at The Gap Uniting Church auditorium, 1050 Waterworks Road, The Gap. You are welcome to meet choir members, find out about the choir, and join in or simply observe a rehearsal.

If you can hold a tune and love to sing, the Serenata Singers may be for you!

For further information, check us out at: https://serenatasingers.org.au/

The Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. (EDHS) will host its 2023 AGM on Sunday, 26th March from 2pm at the Enoggera Memorial Hall. Access to the hall is via Trundle Street and refreshments will be served after the AGM. Members and the local community are warmly invited to attend. The Society warmly invites the public to come and view their local history display. There is no cost to view the display which is open every Thursday morning from 9.30am at the Enoggera Memorial Hall.

Please keep those photos and memories coming in! Just like the one to the left of the Alderley Arms Hotel – taken in 1889! Finally, don’t forget to check out our Facebook page or visit our website www.enoggerahistory.org. If you are a member of the EDHS, annual renewal payments are now due. Please email enoggerahistory@gmail.com for any enquiries. Take care everyone and every good wish for 2023, Andrew McMicking, President

Gardening At HOG

An update from The Hills Organic Community Garden Christmas/New Year has come and gone once again and our garden is now almost in holiday mode with very little growing at the moment.

Summer is a very quiet season for the garden, besides carrying out maintenance over these hotter months. Weeding the beds and mowing and whipper snipping are high on the list of tasks to keep the garden looking good. Our members are very proud of their Community Garden and strive to keep it looking tidy and an inviting place to come and work as well as welcoming visitors who often come down to have a look at our garden. As we do not have much growing at the moment - most of the beds have had a good rest over the hotter months but come March we will start fertilising and composting in preparation for our winter planting.

The HOG community is a friendly group who offer people in the Hills District the opportunity to grow vegetables using organic principles. Our members meet on a Sunday afternoon during the summer months from 3pm to 5pm. As well, they attend the garden throughout the week to water and do general maintenance. You will find us at 416 Bunya Road, Bunya next to the Off Leash Dog Park. Membership Fees per year are $20 for adults, $30 for family and $10 for Juniors. Visit www.hog.org.au, search The Hills Organic Garden on Facebook or phone 0407582980 for information. We look forward to meeting you.

A Love

The first meeting of the Ferny Grove Garden Club for 2023 will be on Friday, 24 February, at 1 pm. The club meets in St Matthew’s Church Hall, Church Road, Mitchelton.

The February competition will be on display and the Annual General Meeting of the club will take place. New members are welcome – experienced gardeners willing to share their knowledge; new gardeners just venturing into gardening and wanting some advice and direction; non-gardeners who are interested in horticulture; anyone who loves beautiful plants. For more information call Elizabeth on 07 3851 0568

Got

For Plants? This Club Is For You!

AUSSIE RULES

News and Views from a Tramway Muse ‘If awards were handed out for red tape, Australia would win Gold, Silver and Bronze.’

So said multi award-winning actor Warren Mitchell, aka Alf Garnett in the hugely popular TV series Till Death Us Do Part.

Of course, red tape and rules go hand-in-hand and Australia loves both. Some say it’s a modern-day phenomenon, that it all started relatively recently. However, historic records suggest otherwise. Take these 1895 Brisbane Tramway by-laws for instance:

Every passenger shall enter or depart a car by the hindmost or conductor‘s platform, and not otherwise.

No passenger shall smoke on the platforms or inside any car.

No passenger or other person shall play or perform upon any musical instrument.

A person in a state of intoxication shall not be allowed to enter or mount upon any car.

No person shall swear or use obscene or offensive language, or willfully interfere with the comfort of any passenger.

A person whose dress or clothing might, in the opinion of the conductor soil or injure the dress or clothing of any passenger.

Start of Toowong Tram line. Milton Road. 1904

of horse-drawn trams feature a mysterious dog riding with the driver / conductor. Sadly, no mention of the dog has been found in records. There’s also no mention of guide dogs; they didn’t appear until much later.

Fortunately, the Brisbane Tramway Museum is a very relaxed place these days. Guide / assistance dogs are always welcome and if you can play a musical instrument whilst riding, the museum will even provide a well-trained conductor. A rattling tram at flat chat is always music to our ears…….. © David Fryer. maximalist@bigpond.com

The Brisbane Tramway Museum is proudly sponsored by the Brisbane City Council. Photo courtesy B.C.C. Archives.

The list goes on, but Rule 13 is also worth a mention No dog or other animal shall be allowed in or on any car except by permission of the conductor. This rule is interesting because many of the very earliest photos

13.

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Local Heroine Changes the Fate of Endangered Swimmers

By Georgia Wright, Echo News Journalist

On Tuesday 3rd January, the strength and kindness of a 55-year-old woman on chemotherapy singlehandedly saved the lives of two drowning men at Lake Kurwongbah.

Danielle Dipple was her name, having come from a long line of local Ferny residences; the beloved Dipple Park was in fact named after her great grandfather. She is a tirelessly hard worker and an even more tireless mother and grandmother. Now, she is also a local hero.

The Dipple family are well-known as champion water-skiers, still to this day carrying on the tradition of casually skiing at Lake Kurwongbah. That horrific day, it was Danielle and her daughter, Tori, who arrived first on the scene, with Danielle behind the wheel. According to her soon-to-be son-in-law Louis Rowe, who brought this story to Echo News’ attention, as soon as the two women spotted a capsized kayak on the water, alongside two men screaming for help, Danielle slammed the car to a stop and dove in the lake to save them.

In an interview with Tori herself, she revealed that it was her own quick-thinking that helped Danielle save the day: ‘After

LOCAL ART & CRAFT SHOWS

Taigum Shopping Centre, 217 Beams Rd, Taigum QLD 4018

30th January - 12th February 2023

All items are for sale and there will be a raffle box!

Kedron Arts Group (KAG) consists of local artists and crafts people, and provides the opportunity for members to showcase and sell their work to the public. KAG donates a % of all sales to nominated local charities, such as Karuna Hospice, Drought Angels, A Brave Life and Qld Rural Fire Brigade. For more details email kedronartsgroup@gmail.com

witnessing the two men pull each other under several times, I yelled for mum to swim for the kayak, which had floated a good twenty metres away from the men. Without her bringing something for them to use to stay afloat, they would only pull a rescuer under.’

Tori continued on to explain how Danielle listened and tugged the kayak toward them using an ore, which they grabbed a hold of to pull the woman closer. With all three of them now clutching to the capsized kayak thirty metres out, Danielle yelled to Tori to get more assistance—her husband and son Anthony and Brod Dipple, were only a short distance over the hill waiting to begin skiing.

Tori told Echo News, ‘I ran and got them, worrying about the men’s health once we were to get them to shore. By the time I returned with help, mum had paddled the kayak and two men more than half the way to shore. My brother and dad pulled them in the rest of the way and helped them in the aftermath.’ Danielle has since met with the two men to check in and discuss what happened that day. One of them, a tourist from Scotland, was elderly and had come to visit his daughter who is currently battling late-stage cancer. Gordon, his son-in-law, had accompanied him. Gordon himself told the Dipple family that they would have died without Danielle’s prompt help; ‘Even 20 seconds longer, the outcome might have been a lot different.’

Tori revels in her mother’s valour, referring to her as a ‘superhero’, a ‘lifesaver’ and someone to both acknowledge and be proud of. ‘My mum has always been more deserving of recognition for everything she has done for others than she has received.’ Regardless of the danger to herself to swim in regular clothes at her age and ability, Danielle still dove without hesitation to save two desperate lives. On behalf of our community, we cannot thank Danielle enough for this act of heroism.

Local Heroine Danielle Dipple with daughter Tori at Lake Kurwongbah

KEDRON ARTS GROUP PRESENTS

Teeing Off For Mental Health

The Hills Women’s Collective has successfully raised more than $25,000 since 2020 for Rizeup and DV Connect, supporting women and families affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, and this group of local passionate women are back in 2023 with their inaugural charity golf day!

This event will shine a spotlight on the Top Blokes Foundation and raise money to support the young men and boys in our community who need a helping hand as group member Kelly Chapman explains.

‘Our group feels the time is right to introduce a new event to our fundraising calendar which addresses the mental health of our boys. We know you are all as passionate as we are to end domestic violence and acknowledge rates won't improve without helping men as well as women,’ said Kelly.

Top Blokes work with groups of boys and young men over 3-6 months to increase their resilience, empathy, and respect for self and others to help reduce the rates of suicide and mental health issues. We know that these issues are real and affect so many men and boys within our community.

The charity golf day will take place on Friday, March 17th from 7am-12am at the Keperra Country Golf Club, 44 Duggan Street, Keperra.

How can you get involved and help reach the target of $10,000? Come and play! Tickets are selling fast for up to 20 teams of four players. The cost of $170 per player (register as a team of four) will get you a fun morning of 18 holes of golf, light breakfast, BBQ buffet lunch and four drinks.

In the case you had not noticed, the event takes place on St. Patricks Day so ‘to be sure, to be sure’, there is no better way to celebrate the occasion! Perhaps you might like to dress in green and see if you have the luck of the Irish?! Whether you are a novice, occasional player or club member, all are welcome. This could be your next team building day with work colleagues or the perfect excuse to catch up with your mates. The group would also love to hear from any companies or individuals that would be interested in becoming an event sponsor. Get on board and enhance your public perception and profile amongst North West Brisbane men and women. Contribute and align your business to an issue that is so important to so many of us - boys and men's mental health. You will get exposure to a captive audience comprised of over 80 locals in a fun and positive environment raising funds for

The Hills Women’s Collective at their last fundrasing event ‘Sweat Like A Girl’

a great cause! To request a sponsorship prospectus, you can email hillswomenscollective@gmail.com.

The Hills Women’s Collective was started by local woman, Briony O’Connor. After working for many years as a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Briony realised just how prevalent domestic violence is, and how much the issue has grown over the last few years.

Briony started talking to other local women about the concept and found many had the same desire to assist vulnerable individuals and families within our community. This in turn has culminated in the formation of the Hills Women’s Collective that now consists of 15 mums from the Hills district and surrounding suburbs.

The group is passionate about tackling domestic violence from all lenses, supporting woman and children, empowering the younger generations, and supporting men and boys. A collective focus for a collective good!

Tickets for ages 18+ years are available through Eventbrite at https://topblokescharitygolfday.eventbrite.com.au or scan the QR code on the right. To keep up to date with updates, visit the ‘Hills Women’s Collective’ Facebook page at www. facebook.com/Hillswomenscollective

Who is ready to play a round of golf and help raise much needed funds for a great charity?

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Health & Wellness Guide

A Fitness-Focussed Resolution That’s Worth Keeping

Life gets messy, busy, complicated and unpredictable sometimes. In the New Year, an ‘all or nothing’ approach to your New Year’s health focussed resolution just doesn’t last. So, incorporating a plan that is realistic and sustainable is of upmost importance.

Focusing on daily choices that are achievable and simple will create changes that don’t just last until March when your effort and energy has run out, but are long lasting. Here are 12 realworld ways that can help you achieve your health goals in 2023.

1. Eat protein for breakfast to keep your insulin levels steady and appetite satisfied.

2. Eat slow, chew your food.

3. Eat healthy meals. You will not lose weight by skipping two meals a day. Your body needs quality adequate calories from carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

4. Include exercise snacks in your day. Maybe one minute of steps, squats or wall pushups whenever possible. This keeps your energy levels boosted whilst burning calories.

5. Learn about how food affects your body, so you can burn fat more efficiently.

6. Strength training is your secret weapon. Muscle preserves age, keeps you toned and takes up less space than fat.

7. Schedule exercise sessions for 20 or 30 minutes - you don’t need hours in the gym. Check in with yourself, show up and prepare the night before.

8. Plan for bad days. You can still succeed by doing what you need to do most of the time.

9. Find your fit. You have everything you need inside of you to get you where you need to go.

10. Enjoy the journey. Make it part of your new lifestyle and enjoy what you do.

11. Sleep should be your priority. Getting adequate sleep reduces the amount of food people eat during the day and your food choices are wiser.

12. Getting adequate water is amazing for weight loss as a natural appetite suppressant and helps remove waste from your body.

A healthy resolution doesn’t need to focus on weight loss. Create a wellness resolution/goal to live a healthy, happier life on any day you decide to start. Give local Fitness & Nutrition coach Kim a call on 0407 919 143 to help you achieve your New You in 2023

For more tips, visit the health section of the Echo News website https://echonews.com.au/category/health/

Bringing JOY to the Community

For the past four years a group of locals – whose ages range from 55 to 90 - have been meeting every week for exercise, fun and a lot of laughter.

It’s called JOY – Just Older Youth – exercise classes for the over 55’s. Local business Enhance PT offer these low to moderate intensity exercise classes that have been designed specifically for people who are 55 and above. The classes focus on increasing balance, strength, and flexibility as well as the improvement of general fitness levels, as Miranda Pardon, owner/operator of Enhance PT explains. "It's not inevitable that people of a certain age won’t be capable of doing things. There's a lot of research out there that suggests feeling good about ageing and about ourselves can actually help us to live more positively and longer," says Miranda. “Ageing can bring challenges and not all of life is within in our control. However, there's a lot that we can do. We are extremely passionate about keeping our more mature population moving freely, living stronger and living independently for as long as possible. Our JOY classes have had a big positive social affect in that they are a community within a community. Members look out for one another and if someone is missing from class we will text or phone them to check if they are okay or need help.”

At Enhance PT, some of their clients have reconnected with friends they had lost contact with, while others have formed new friendships and bonds. Miranda explains that the social interaction that comes with attending these types of classes can have such a positive impact on both

Enhance PT have been working with this age group for several years now, which Miranda feels is super important. According to research, injuries after 55 can be life-changing and exercise prescription must be tailored to suit ageing bodies and be delivered by an experienced instructor. Exercise can assist in many age-related changes and can help hone muscles and joints. Remember, it’s never too late to start. So, if you’re looking for safe, social and fun exercise classes pop along and join JOY. All fitness levels and ages are welcome.JOY classes run every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the All Saints Church Hall, 86 Cobbity Cresent Arana Hills (across the road from the Arana Hills Library). For more information visit www.enhancept.com.au or call Miranda on 0434 401 750

How to better support your child this year

If you’re trying to be a better parent this year, you are not alone! Parenting is a journey, and we can always build our skills. Here are five tips to help you become a better parent in 2023.

1. Create a warm environment Fostering a warm, supportive environment can make your child feel safe and secure. Try talking about emotions, such as the high and low lights of everyone’s day, around dinner. Expressing belief in your child and staying abreast of events in their life will help them feel valued. Shared enjoyable activities together help with bonding.

2. Offer the right kind of support It can be hard to know how to support your young person. Knowing how you can help is a start –does your child need you to listen, give advice, provide affection, give practical support, or simply spend time with them? Don’t be afraid to ask what they need in the moment, though if they’re overwhelmed, they may struggle to articulate this (in which case just being there may help).

3. Know your triggers Parents are only people and can’t be perfect. Setting realistic goals for your parenting can help reduce guilt. Know your triggers – what situations or feelings tend to occur before you parent in a way you are not proud of? Take a deep breath or a short break if you start to feel triggered.

4. Take care of yourself Too much focus on your child’s needs to the exclusion of your own wellbeing will not help you be a better parent. Looking after your own physical and mental health will help you regulate your emotions and behaviour more effectively, as well as set a good example of what self-care looks like.

5. Know when to seek help Help your child to build a strong support network. If you or your child are struggling, reach out to professionals

to assist. Our allied health team can provide mental health support for young people and adults for a range of issues. Call Young Minds on (07) 3857 0074.

SNACKING DONE RIGHT

BOOST your energy and FUEL your body with our Carrot Cake Bliss Ball recipe. These healthy and yummy snack are guaranteed to keep you going through the day!

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

INGREDIENTS

3 40g dates

3 40g sultanas

3 1 cup grated carrot

3 50g oats

3 50g Weet Bix

3 1 tbsp coconut oil

METHOD

3 1 tbsp honey

3 1.5 tsp cinnamon

3 ¼ tsp nutmeg

3 2 tbsp coconut plus extra for rolling 3 100 g walnuts

Place everything in the blender and process until combined.

Roll into approximately 30 small balls and store in the fridge or freezer.

www.youngmindsnetwork.com.au Ph (07) 3857 0074

The Everton Echo, February 2023 -

New Dads, New Challenges. Men need help too.

This article is brought to you by Social Worker, Elena Bishop. Elena is the director of Supportive Therapy and Social Work in Arana Hills. She has a wealth of knowledge and insight into the industry. This month Elena talks about the impact a newborn can have on the family.

This is an appreciation post to our amazing dads, who sometimes struggle their way into fatherhood and don’t know how to put words to their feelings.

Welcoming a newborn child, where initially you are excited to meet your new addition to the family, can sometimes shift to feeling internal conflict. Mum has had time with baby in her tummy, so she already feels like she has a connection. Watching the birth and mum in pain can make men—like myself—feel helpless.

Depending on the birth and labour, we can sometimes experience vicarious trauma. But because we didn’t go through it ourselves, we don’t want to complain or talk about it. As a man, I’ve always been a ‘fixer’, but there’s nothing I can do to help her. This leads to a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness. Baby needs mums’ milk, so sometimes it feels like I’m a spectator in my own child’s life, which I was not expecting. I want to help out and be involved. But most of the time the baby is with mum, and I feel like I can’t do anything right. My child only wants mum, and they cry when

I hold them. Sometimes it feels like I’m missing out, I have to work all day and when I get home I just want peace with my family, but it always seems to be chaos. House is a mess, baby is crying. Mum needs a break and I feel like I can’t say or do anything that will help.

Because my partner’s priority is now the baby, it feels like because we haven’t had an intimate connection for a while, so it now feels like a loss of emotional connection. The loss of physical connection can sometimes feel isolating and lonely. This can sometimes now lead to resentment. Emotions of disappointment, dissatisfaction, envy, discontent, jealousy, or fear.

Keeping everything inside and not being able to talk about what’s going on can lead to strife. Feelings like I don’t matter much anymore, like I’m not important or special like I was before the baby. Now I’m feeling like the bad guy all the time, trying not to repeat the cycles when my father raised me - if we didn’t talk about our feelings, how can I talk about my own emotions? It’s so uncomfortable and unnatural to me. I have a little sleep now to function while I still have to go to work because I’m the provider. There is so much more pressure now to be the breadwinner and I need to make sure I’m earning enough money for the future of my family. The pressure can be all too much and overwhelming, feeling like our survival is all on my shoulders.

Sometimes it’s easier to just suck it up and withdraw or shut down. If we are looking for evidence that this is impacting you, noticed changes in moods and emotions such as feeling sad, low or miserable, unable to cope, short-tempered, and frustrated. Also, behavioural changes- lost interest in activities, withdrawn, and disconnected, fear of going out, and a fear of being alone with the baby. Physical symptoms are feeling sick, changes in sleeping and appetite, low energy. All is not lost; dad is so important! This is just the beginning. If you can learn to recognise when things are going so well, it will make things easier in the future. Learning to support yourself – speak up when you’re struggling. Learn your triggers, what sets you off to react or feel a certain way, and why does that trigger you? Recognising patterns within yourself of behaviour and mood. Talk to your partner, It can help bring you both together. Make sure you are laughing every day - practice, those dad jokes! Watch your diet, alcohol or drug consumption as it impacts mental health. Try an exercise every day—maybe even include baby! Getting help sooner rather than later always determines better mental health outcomes. Understand ‘Attachment theory’, this may determine how you will parent because of how your parents raise you. My YouTube channel has a free simple explanation. Be kind to yourself. Be conscious of how your thoughts are impacting you and if you are spiralling, what can you do to stop. You are so important to your child—every kid needs their dad.

Trips, Shows And So Much More In Store

An update from the Mitchelton & Districts Gem Club

The Mitchelton & Districts Gem Club has reopened after the Xmas break. Opening days are Thursday mornings from 9am to noon for Lapidary and noon to 3pm for silverwork and Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm for Lapidary.

The highlight of 2023 will be the National Gem & Mineral Show (Gemboree) which is held over the Easter break. The show will be held at Dayboro Showgrounds. More information regarding this show will be in the March issue of Echo News.

The club is planning to go on several field trips this year. One is to Chinchilla for Petrified Wood as well as to the Lismore area for Labradorite.

As the year progresses, we will have more information about these trips. Visits can be made to the various Gem Shows which are held throughout the year. These are generally held at Redcliffe in May, Beenleigh in October and Caboolture July, to name a few.

The Mitchelton & Districts Gem Club welcomes new members. The community can come pop along on Thursday mornings to see what members do and have a look around. In addition, there are several social events throughout the year as well as well as the Xmas breakup in December.

Clubrooms are located at 46 Ferneydell Street, Ashgrove. It is the old Scout building on the left-hand side before the end of the street located in Corbie Park.

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.

If you are interested in the hobby of Lapidary, visit the club’s Facebook Page:Mitchelton & Districts Gem Club Inc. or visit www. mitcheltondistrictsgemclub.wordpress.com

The club looks forward to seeing you soon! ...........................................................

Lunch With The Ladies In 2023

An update from the Mitchelton branch of the QWNQ

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.

February meeting dates are as follows:

• Tues 7th Feb. Kakawan Coffee, Cnr Bunya Road & Jinker Track, Bunya 10am

• Sat 11th Feb. Lunch, Gaythorne RSL 12pm

• Tues 14th Feb. Coffee Cafe Lagarto Samford Valley 10am

• Sat 18th Feb. Coffee Birds & Bees Cafe, Everton Hills 10am

• Wed 22nd Feb. Monthly Meeting Panther’s Den Arana Leagues Club 10am Guest speaker Caxton Legal Service Helen Wallace/ Sun-lyn Lee (EPOA) followed by Coffee/Lunch

• Tues 28th Feb. Techno Coffee Arana Leagues Club 10am

The aim of the group is to provide information to women relating to a healthy outlook on ageing and to meet in a friendly, social atmosphere.

QBCC 702280

For more information about Mitchelton OWNQ ring Judith on 0431 159 921

The Everton Echo, February

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.

Come and Try Sessions Are Not Just For Kids!

Hockey is a sport played across Australia, from the city to the country, equally by men and women, boys and girls. This great game is a welcoming, family friendly and inclusive sport and Pine Hills Hockey Club fully embrace existing and new – players, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers and fans alike to join their club. Club members have been able to grow in their hockey careers through participation in all levels of the sport from local competitions to representing Queensland on a national level in the past year as both players and officials.

If you have never played, the thought of learning new skills can be daunting no matter what your age. Nevertheless, as a club, Pine Hills Hockey offer those who are new to the sport programs for both children and adults. One of these programs is Hookin2Hockey that is a national program offered to primary school aged children which includes skill based games in a fun and safe environment. The program allows children to get a taste for the game before

committing to a team. The program will commence on the 10th February at the club’s fields at the James Drysdale Reserve between 7pm and 8pm, running until mid March. Congruently, the club will run a program for adults and older children who may wish to give the sport a try. So, bring down the whole family to give it a go. Visit www. pinehillshockey.org.au to register.

Pine Hills Hockey consider their top priority to be enjoyment across all aspects of the game, central to providing a great club environment and provide every participant the opportunity to strive to achieve their personal goals as a player, coach, official, spectator, volunteer or administrator. The enjoyment and relationships that have been built by members from their Under 7 to Master Teams, from 5- to 70-year-olds, across multiple generations of families, are for life. To find out more, contact Club Secretary Rachael on 0477 1778 564 or Club Treasurer Robyn 0407 985 991, email join@pinehillshockey.org.au or visit their website and Facebook pages for more information.

SignOn for sports

SignOn for sports

Physical Culture Empowering Girls for Life

Have you heard of the dance sport known as Physical Culture or ‘Physie’?

Everton Physical Culture Club is driven by a mission of ‘Empowering Girls for Life’ and is looking for new members in 2023, inviting girls and women aged three to ladies to experience the dance sport.

The club is part of a national network of Bjelke-Petersen BJP Physical Culture clubs that has been inspiring girls and women through physical movement since 1892. What is Physie?

Physie is a fusion of dance and sport. Students learn dance styles such as jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, aerobic dance and even yoga to fun, upbeat pop music as an individual and team-based sport. All movements are designed to increase flexibility, strength, fitness and teaches girls to have a positive relationship with their body.

Girls have the opportunity to participate in individual champion girl competitions at club, state, and national level with team competitions at state level. Senior national finalists compete on stage at the Opera House, a tradition started in 1974.

2022 brought some outstanding results for the club with eight individual zone place getters including three zone champions. The club sent six Junior National competitors to Sydney in 2022 aged between 6 and 14 years, and three of those girls made it to the National Final putting them in the top 18 of their age groups in Australia, an exceptional result for the club.

Why Physie is Great for Girls

Teacher Zara Grlj said Physie is great for girls and witnesses them ‘learn, grow and blossom in their confidence and self-assurance’ as she instructs them in the sport.

“A healthy mind in a healthy body is the motto of all BJP clubs, and at Everton Physical Culture Club we strive to inspire, motivate and build self-esteem in every girl.”

“Designed with families in mind, classes start from $8.00 per week, with no expensive footwear, costumes or recital fees, our girls learn and compete in active wear and leotards.

“Physie is an affordable and fun way to keep fit with many girls making friends for life,” Ms Grlj said.

NEW STUDENT SPECIAL OFFER - TWO FREE TRIAL LESSONS for all new members during Term 1 Classes start Monday 13th February and are held at the Hills District Community Centre, 291 Dawson Parade Arana Hills.

Please visit www.evertonphysie.com for more information and to register.

Learn Tai Chi & Qigong

Enoggera Memorial Hall, via 36 Trundle Street Tuesdays 10:00am Saturdays 9:30am

For more information email: taichiinternalartsqld@gmail.com

Dance classes for girls & ladies ages 3 and up Classes held at Arana Hills

2 free trial lessons for all new members during term 1

Classes resume Monday 13th February For more information visit www.evertonphysie.com

EvertonPhysie

Reviewing your goals for 2023? Looking for a group of inspiring, motivating and energetic individuals? Come join the Run With Rob running group at Eatons Hill. We guarantee it will be life changing and just the motivation you need to kick start 2023. We meet at 4.45am on weekdays in the Eatons Hill Woolworths Carpark.

Monday: Easy Farm Loop Tuesday: 45 minute speed session

Wedneday: Easy 45 minute out to Bakery out and back

Thursday: 45 minute threshold training or rolling hills

Friday: River loop 45minute easy rcovery session

Saturday: Road, Trail or Park Run. Details sorted mid week in group chat

Rob HopkinsonFounder, Run With Rob

Fly High With The Falcons

Ferny Grove Falcons is a dynamic, inclusive, and grassroots footy club with big dreams, exceptional coaching, and community spirit at its heart.

The Falcons family is committed to enabling all current and aspiring Australian rules football players to have fun and ‘fly high’ to reach their potential through talent development pathways that span age, gender, and experience level.

Ferny Grove Falcons fields fearless footy teams across all competitive divisions: Auskick (for boys and girls aged 5-12), Superstars (for boys and girls aged 5-6), Juniors (for boys and girls aged 7-11), Youths (for boys and girls aged 12-17), Seniors (for men 17+), Masters (for men and women aged 35+)

With female participation the fastest-growing segment of this great game, Falcons wholeheartedly encourages girls and women to pull on their boots and start kicking goals at Falcon Park in 2023 and beyond.

Registrations are now open for the 2023 footy season, so jump online at www.fernygrovefalcons.org.au and simply follow the prompts to join.

Still undecided? Round up some friends and pop along to the Annual Sign On Day on February 5th from 1pm-4pm. For more details, check out the Falcons on social media via Instagram (@fernygrovefalcons) or Facebook www. facebook.com/FernyGroveFalcons

School Days From Years Gone By

An update from the Samford Museum

Scholarship

1960

Day

Not long ago we farewelled 2022 and holidays were our focus.

For some, we are now back to the school routine, for others it’s starting the big new world of education or moving to the next level. Whatever your situation, the Samford Museum sends you best wishes for the future.

In the past, in country schools such as Samford and Bunya, the grade eights who passed scholarship moved on to high school education- and what a change it was! The new class at high school had more students than that of all of Bunya School put together. From going barefoot to school and not a uniform to be seen, to wearing proper school shoes and heavy grey stockings, a pinafore, blouse and tie as well as gloves and proper hat in the middle of summer took a bit of getting used to. ‘Those were the days’ we say. Now members of Samford Museum, some of whom remember those school days, welcome school groups keen to learn about living in ‘the olden days.’ Children who have visited the museum have loved the part of school where they marched into class to marching music after saluting the flag, then showed their clean fingernails to the teacher and sat up straight and listened to the lesson. During the visit, they are shown the ways we used to communicate by telephone, do our homework by lamplight, wash non-synthetic linen and clothes in the copper, learn what a ‘gazunder’ is and much more.

Becoming a volunteer presenter of any of these and more olden days topics doesn’t require further education; just spending a few sessions with a presenter. Dressing up in olden days fashions is an option. Museum membership and a ‘working with children’ Blue Card, applied for through the museum, are the requirements.

For more information on the many roles museum members play in the operation of Samford Museum please call Geoff 0417 610 983 or visit Samford Museum on Sunday or Wednesday 10am- 4.00pm. Admissions $5 adults; School Children $1

New Year New Opportunity

An update from the Newmarket Bocce Club by Secretary Mario De Marco

January is a quiet month for bocce as members are still getting over Christmas and holidays. I thought I might give you an idea of how many types of bocce games there are.

There is the social backyard bocce, where you see enthusiasts play anywhere where there is room enough to play. The rules are simple, you must get your bocce ball as close as you can to the jack or kitty. The bocce balls could be the petanque, hard plastic, composite balls or maybe even wooden balls, as long as you have a great time.

Then there is the game I play known as bocce volo. You can only use steel balls between 900 and 1200 grams in weight, which must be 90mm to about 100mm in width. The rule is similar, get as close to the jack or kitty as you can. But you can’t drive the ball down to get rid of your opponent: you must take a run off, lob the ball in the air, and hit the target ball. There are more rules in this game. Too many to mention here. Now there is beach bocce, not the type you play social but a more structured game. The play area is smaller than a traditional bocce court and balls are of a composite make, 100mm in diameter and weighing 700g. A plastic ring 500mm is placed at one end, where you throw from. The other end at 6m a 500mm ring: 7m a 400mm ring: 8m a 30mm ring and at 9m a 200mm ring. The idea is to lob your bocce ball into the rings and be clear of the ring. You get points awarded to you. Well that’s a wrap for now. Remember there are no losers in bocce, we are all winners. For more details, call me on 0403 257 325 or Tony on 0418 731 423.

EVEN MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES UPGRADED

An update from Cr Andrew Wines of the Enoggera Ward

NEW EVERTON PARK LIBRARY

Council is delivering a new Everton Park Library that better meets the needs of the local community You’ll notice early works have begun with an investment of $11.6 million for the new facility.

35,000 people visit Everton Park Library each year and super sizing from 454m² to 1000m² means the new library will offer more spaces for people to read, gather and learn. The upgrade includes more meeting rooms, a computer lounge, a children’s space, dedicated quiet room and terrace spaces that connect visitors with leafy, green Fallon Park. The community can look forward to:

• An increase in library floor space from the existing 454 m² to over 1000 m²

•An undercover carpark, with a new vehicle access driveway off Gearside Street

•Multi-purpose spaces and meeting rooms to support a diverse range of learning, literacy and cultural programs

•Library collection spaces for information, learning and leisure needs

•Computer lounge and Wi-Fi seating to support digital inclusion through supported technology access

• A children’s space to support early literacy development, learning through play and growing a love of reading

•A dedicated quiet room for independent work and study, and varied seating options to support collaborative work

• The existing library building, when demolished, will be replaced with a turfed park, and a pathway connection to Fallon Park.

With construction until late 2023, weather and site conditions permitting, the new library is expected to open in early 2024. During construction library services will be relocated to Fallon Cottage and will remain in this location throughout construction. Signage will be in place to direct visitors to the new location.

If you have any questions about the works, please contact the project team on 1800 884 681 during business hours or email cityprojects@brisbane.qld. gov.au, and you can find out more on Council’s website by scanning the QR code.

EVERTON DISTRICTS

SPORTING CLUB UPGRADES

Works have begun to dramatically upgrade facilities for our local clubs at Enoggera Memorial Park at Mott Street Gaythorne including the Everton Wolves, Mayne Tigers, and Ashgrove Cricket Club.

Along with $11,000 from the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grants’ Community Support Category to replace field lighting with LEDs, the canteen and clubroom are undergoing a major renovation thanks to $130,000 funding from Brisbane City Council.

It was fantastic to meet on site with Everton Wolves Junior Australian Football Club President Corey Smith and Facilities Manager Charles Tibbitts to see the works in progress. The clubhouse is being completely renovated with expansive glass doors offering an uninterrupted view of the field, and a new canteen. The community can also look forward to brand new tiered seating, with upgraded access for prams and wheelchair users. Weather permitting, the new facilities will be completed in March to be ready for the new season in April.

Whether you’re excited to enjoy the games this season, or you’d like to sign up and get involved, it’s a great time to get in touch with the clubs. Find out more:

•Everton Wolves JAFC www.facebook.com/evertonwolves

•Mayne Australia Football Club www. facebook.com/mayne.tigers

•Ashgrove Cricket Club www.facebook.com/AshgroveCricketClub

Cr Wines with Councillor for McDowall Ward Cr Tracy Davis and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at the sod turning for the new Everton Park Library

Tuning Up The Trails For 2023

An update from the Northside Trail Care Alliance

The Christmas break may not have been the best for beach weather, but it was fantastic for those of us that had a desire to get out on the trails with enough rainfall to produce ‘hero dirt’. Many riders, walkers and runners took advantage of the perfect conditions to make use of the festive calorie bank.

The Northside Trail Care Alliance (NTCA) were out in force as well, working on Xmas Eve and New Years Eve, as a labour of love it’s rewarding in itself. The new year often welcomes new visitors to the Samford and Bunyaville trails, one such face was Meaghan Scanlon MP, Minister for Environment, who came to have a look at the recent refurbishment work on Jurassic in Bunyaville Conservation Park and have a chat about ways to improve access to funding for community trailcare groups. The new year sees the North Brisbane Mountain Bike Club back in action, with social rides every Sunday morning as well as regular Saturday rides. Check the Facebook page for upcoming rides at www.facebook.com/ NorthBrisbaneDirtDogsMTB

Herbs and Hot Gardening Tips

When the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club meets on Thursday, 2nd March, J.A.'s Herbs and Salvias will be the subject matter of guest speaker, Sally Moore. Many herbs are drought tolerant and easy to grow. They are not prone to disease or insect attack. Nowadays herbs and spices play a prominent part in creating delicious flavours in our food and early history records compliment herbs for their medicinal qualities as well. Salvias are ideal plants for cottage gardens. They have long flowering spikes and add much colour to where they grow. If you would like to hear Sally Moore's talk, come for morning tea at 9.45am. The meeting commences immediately after that. This month give priority to gardening activities such as watering, mowing and mulching to help create weed control. To have seedlings ready to plant in April, sow spring annuals and winter vegetables such as celery, cabbage and cauliflower. It would be a good idea to do this in containers that can be moved to a sheltered area should adverse weather occur. Sweetcorn and beetroot should be able to survive if sown directly into the garden bed. Shrubs showing good growth after earlier spring pruning, may be tip pruned this month. Have you tried propagating shrubs by layering? This simple method produces plants ready to go into the ground or pots. Just look for a pliable branch at the base of a shrub. Bend it

down so it touches the ground. Where it does, scrape away some of the bark and a bit of the woody branch. Cover the raw part with hormone cutting powder, and push it into the soil. Use a rock or wire bent in a U-shape to hold it in place. Keep that part of the soil moist. After four to six weeks, roots will have formed. More growth should be showing on the end of the cutting which should be ready to cut away from the trunk side of the original plant. You'll now have another plant to be potted or planted somewhere else.

The Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club Inc. meets on the first Thursday of the calendar month except January at the Enoggera Memorial Hall. The entrance is at 36 Trundle Street. The hall is close to public transport and accessible by wheelchair. There is a lucky door prize, a continuous raffle and a plant exchange table.

Visitors and new members are most welcome. For more information please phone the president, Trish, on 0438 268 212.

Meaghan Scanlon MP, minister for Environment, with members of the NTCA

An update from the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club

by Mark Furner M.P. State Member for Ferny Grove

Top Baby Names 2022

The Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages has been recording baby name data since 1856 when we were still part of New South Wales, so it’s really fascinating to see how names have changed in popularity over the years.

Last year there were almost 63,000 babies born in Queensland, with more than 12,000 different first names being recorded.

The top girl’s names in Queensland were 1. Amelia, 2. Charlotte, 3. Isla; with boy’s names, 1. Oliver, 2. Noah, 3. William.

In Brisbane’s North, the most popular girl’s names were 1. Olivia, 2. Charlotte, 3. Matilda; with the boy’s names, 1. Theodore, 2. Henry, 3. Oliver.

In the southern area of Moreton Bay, the most popular girl’s names were 1. Sophie, 2. Charlotte, 3. Ava; with the boy’s names, 1. Theodore, 2. Oliver, 3. Charlie.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund $100K Super Round Now Open

The super-sized round is an opportunity to encourage local organisations to think big and apply for a GCBF grant. These grants can be used for items such as vehicles and sporting equipment, it can also be used for building upgrades, specialised training and more.

Organisations which support marginalised groups such as First Nations people, migrants and refugees, people with

At the end of January, I dropped in to Mitchie Special School to inspect the progress of the new facility. Principal Sheldon Hooper explained that construction is on track and the staff and students are looking forward to having lessons in their new purpose built classrooms later this year

a disability, as well as organisations that assist women and families escaping domestic and family violence are encouraged to apply.

You don’t need to be a professional grant writer to apply –read through the guidelines https://bit.ly/3iNA6lp and tell your community group’s story when applying. To apply, go to: https://bit.ly/3WaRQVL. Organisations can also contact the GCBF if they need help on 1800 633 619

Applications are open now for eligible groups and will close at midnight on 28 February 2023.

Fee-Free TAFE

Young people still have the chance to build their futures and enrol in one of the many high-demand areas of study offered by TAFE Queensland. The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments are taking action to deliver approximately 37,000 Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training places for Queenslanders in 2023. With popular courses including Diploma of Business, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Community Services, there are great career pathways available, with approximately 84 per cent of TAFE Queensland graduates going on to employment or further study after completing their training. For more information, go to: www.tafeqld.edu.au.