The Everton Echo - January 2023

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.

Claus was well received by the youngsters

Santa

The Lions manned the stall at the inaugural sausage sizzle

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

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 (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 FRUIT SUMMER PUDDING

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/.

Love, Actually…

Love comes in many forms and at this time of year, here’s a few things to think about doing this New Year.

• Call or message an old school friend you haven’t chatted to in years. See how they are. What have they got up to since leaving school?

• Contact a family you know who have had a loved one pass away this year. Check to see if they need any further support or help with anything.

• Think of a favourite teacher you had during school. Reach out with an email or call. Let them know how integral they were in helping set you up for your future career and life.

• Do you know of someone doing it tough? They may be down due to being bullied at work, or someone may have had a relationship break-up, or they could have lost their job? Why not take them out for a coffee, check that they are okay and ask them is there anything you can do to help.

• Think of a local cause, club or community activity you are interested in. It could be an environmental group, a Men’s Shed, the local soccer team, a community centre, even a historical society! Look them up and get their contact details, find out how you can get involved and help out.

• Reach out to someone you had a falling out with last year. See if you can patch things up and start afresh.

• Visit the wonderful Christmas lights display in Cobalt Happy 2023 to all in our wonderful community from the Enoggera & Districts Historical Society inc. Take care over

the holiday season, especially when travelling on the roads and around water.

The 2023 Enoggera Historical Society calendars now on sale for $10! For enquiries phone 3355 2230. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page or visit www.enoggerahistory.org Peace and goodwill, Andrew McMicking. President

Discover your Family History

Family History Group takes place on the1st Tuesday of the month from 6pm - 7.30pm at Arana Hills Library. (times may vary over the Xmas period)

If you are interested in your family history or genealogy, come and meet with your local Family History Group. No bookings required.

Be sure to grab your copy of the Enoggera & Districts Historical Society’s 2023 calendar

An update from the Enoggera & Districts Historical Society

Big Fun For Little People Is Back At Stafford

After a pause during COVID, Little Stafford Playgroup is back, and it’s better than ever. Operating from The Community Place Stafford at 33 Teevan Street, the group made an easy re-entry in 2022 but is rearing to go in 2023. This free, community-based playgroup will open its doors in the new year at 9.30am on Monday 30 January, giving parents with older siblings time to get over the first day of school.

Last year found the Little Stafford Playgroup kids hunting dinosaurs, dressing up for Halloween, bopping along with Kids Music Beat and looking for some lost Christmas spirit with Bazil Grumble (it was found and reignited with its owner!). What’s in store for this year? Organisers are keeping things close to their chest but we have been able to find out that they have a full calendar of activities planned for Little Stafford Playgroup, and are looking forward to working with local libraries and other organisations to make the sessions rich and rewarding for kids and carer’s alike. When asked directly all they would say was ‘The sky’s the limit!’. We’ll leave that up to you to interpret, but it sounds like an exciting year ahead for little ones in Stafford.

If you would like to see what they got up to last year you can follow the Little Stafford Playgroup Facebook page or to speak to the facilitator you can call 07 3857 1152

For more information about The Community Place Stafford, visit https://www.thecommunityplace.com.au

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?

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!

Stafford Prepares To Repair

Have you ever been frustrated at having to throw something away that you know still has a lot of life left in it but it was too expensive or difficult to get repaired? Or maybe you’ve noticed all of the things that have been put out for kerbside collection that could be used or useful to someone? If this sounds like you, then the Repair Cafe is for you!

In a nutshell, a Repair Café is a meeting place where people who have things that need fixing can get help and support from people who know how to fix things. The Repair Cafe initiative is aimed at reducing the amount that goes into landfill by repairing rather than replacing and is just one more way that people can live a more environmentally friendly life - it also relieves some stress on the wallet as well!

At a Repair Café, the fixers are volunteers who pass on their skills, knowledge, experience and expertise, help people find the joy in repairing, and show how easy it can be. The people who bring their goods to be fixed leave with new skills, greater community connections, a new appreciation for what they have, and the feel good factor of doing something good for the environment by keeping things out of landfill. Repair Cafes are only as good as our volunteers – experts and general. If you have skills and a talent for fixing things, we’d love to hear from you. If you love welcoming people, helping direct them to the right place, making sure hard workers remember to drink and eat, and chat with people from the surrounding area, Repair Cafe is a great way to connect with your community!

How much does it cost? There is no charge for the repairs that take place at a Repair

Café, but donations towards covering the costs of consumables like glues and other operating costs are appreciated.

What kinds of things can I bring to the Repair Café?

Generally anything that is broken which you can carry on your own is welcome. The extent that you can be helped will be limited by the skills and expertise available on the day. We will try to publish what areas of expertise will be attending each session a week before the event.

Do I have to register in advance? No. There will be the opportunity to book a timeslot once the areas of expertise are known and published. Just for our records we will make a note of who came along and what they wanted to get fixed but that will take place at the door.

To stay in the loop, you can follow the Repair Cafe Stafford’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/repaircafestafford/ or go to their website www.thecommunityplace.com.au/ repair-cafe-stafford/. For email enquiries contact enquiries@ thecommunityplace.com.au

Glenn Chandler, Dip.

Isla had her

fixed at the Repair Cafe

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.

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 Tram

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.

Rotary isn’t just a club to join, but rather an invitation to endless opportunities, it’s amazing what we can accomplish when hearts and minds work together.

Contact the Club President Email: info@mitcheltonrotaryclub.org.au Mobile: 0428 795 890

Grinners At Annual Dinner

On the 7th December 2022 we had our Winners Dinner. But what on earth does that mean? I’m glad you asked!

Well, during the year we have a number of club competitions. This year it was Redlands, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Bocce clubs Usually Triples are played and there are four teams in each club. To give us the best advantage of winning, the club chooses at least two teams that are more experienced and have, on paper, the best chance of winning the competition. The other two teams are made up from those players that are also participating.

So, if we play well enough to get a placing in the competition, we get some prize money. Each of those players pay 20% of their winnings to the club and that money is kept for the ‘Winners Dinner’. Therefore, all the players that participated in the competitions during the year are invited to the Winners Dinner and it’s all paid by the Winners. The dinner is also

opened to guests as well and they pay for the meal. What a great night it was! 30 attended at the club house and our President Tony D. organised the Porchetta and vegetables, along with the sweets. Throw in some drinks and coffee and you have a great night out.

If you are on Facebook, join the Newmarket Bocce Club page and enjoy all my articles there or give me a call on 0403 257 325 or Bill on 0431 458 481 and we can guide you through the wonderful game of bocce.

Tidbits

from Arana Hills & Districts Senior Citizens Club Inc. Don’t sit at home being lonely, come along and join the Arana Hills Senior Citizens Club for a cuppa and a chat. Meetings are on every Friday morning from 9am to noon.

Club events and important dates are as follows; Club opens January 20th, 2023, Beetles- January 20th, Hoy for money & Pie and Peas lunch- January 27th (to celebrate Australia Day), Bingo- February 3rd. Don`t forget our Indoor Mat Bowls, every Wednesday & Friday 1pm to 3pm. Cost $5-00. Bowls Co-ordinator is Marcia, 0438 786 871. For more details call Mike on 0406 601 589

Club Secretary Mario De Marco

Garden Club Celebrates a Blossoming Year

Club

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.

Mitchelton Garden Club Members celebrate a tremendous year

An update from the Mitchelton Garden

‘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

Enjoy a game of cards? Have you played all the old favourites such as 500 and Canasta? Have you secretly desired to learn the game of Bridge but never had the opportunity? Here is a chance to learn this magnificent game.

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.

The Everton Echo,

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.

January 2023, The Everton Echo

An

SignOn for local sports

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.

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.

A Game For All At Pine Hills Hockey

Hockey is a sport played across Australia, from the city to the country, equally by men and women, boys and girls.

Hockey is a welcoming, family friendly and inclusive sport and local hockey club 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.

Pine Hills Hockey Club’s top priority is for players to have fun across all aspects of the game, central to providing a great club environment. Providing every participant the opportunity to strive to achieve their personal goals as a player, coach, official, spectator, volunteer or administrator is of upmost importance. 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.

The club invite all to join them. Whether you haven’t played at all, or you are looking to get back into the sport after a break or you have lots of hockey experience... all are welcome! Join them for pre-season activities that include; Sign On, Sunday Roll Up, Turf Skills Sessions and Hooked in2 Hockey.

To find out more, contact Club Secretary Rachael on 0477 1778 564, Club Treasurer Robyn on 0407 985 991, or email join@pinehillshockey.org.au. For more information, visit the club’s website and Facebook pages (details in advert below)

Hailee Simpson, Sarah Traynor and Gabby Canniffe from Pine Hills Hockey U13A 2022 team.

Photo courtesy of Tim Wilson

SignOn for sports

Rise To The Challenge With Phoenix

Phoenix Netball Club, based in Ferny Grove have built a reputation for fostering a love of netball for all players and their families.

The club pride themselves on their positive culture, sense of community and family whilst continuing the development of talented netball players, umpires and coaches who strive to ‘Rise to the Challenge’.

Team 24 (8/9 years old)

For their Winter season, training will take place during the week at Tramway Street, Ferny Grove and they will play Saturdays at Downey Park Netball Association.

Phoenix Netball welcome all players 7.5 years or older (born after 30/06/2016). Registrations for the Winter season open online early January with a drop-in information and uniform night held on Monday 30th January and Wednesday 1st February from 5pm – 7pm at their courts.

Phoenix Netball are also excited to announce their second season of Walking Netball that will commence on Friday 10th February from 6pm – 7.30pm. Walking Netball is open to participants 15 years or older who wish to play netball at a slower pace. The rules are modified slightly and as you’ve guessed, there is no running!!

For more information, visit www.phoenixnetball.org.au, email registrar@phoenixnetball.org.au or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @phoenixfernygrove

Team 25 (8 years old) in a team talk

It’s all about having fun and making friendships at Phoenix Netball Club, as Team 23 (10 years old) already know!

Countdown to Netball Season at Pine Hills Netball Club

The Pine Hills Netball Club is looking forward to the start of the 2023 netball season and to welcoming new and returning players back to the club for the new season. Following a successful 2022 season which saw 12 teams make the finals, 4 teams win their grand final as well as 17 players and 4 umpires selected for the representative competition, Pine Hills Netball Club is excited for the start of the new winter season at Downey Park commencing in late April 2023.

The club offers a very well organised non-competitive program for girls aged 8, 9 or 10 and fields teams in all competitive age groups from 11s through to the open age division. During the winter season, all non-competitive and competitive teams play at Downey Park on a Saturday with optional participation in local association carnivals.

While Pine Hills is a relatively small club, they pack a punch in terms of the experience they offer netball players and their families with exceptional coaching, great team spirit, strong player pathways and an enormous focus on fair play. As a new family in 2022 commented, “Pine Hills is both extremely well-organised and also very friendly and welcomed my daughters with open arms who were all new to playing netball. We were warmly welcomed into the club from the first skills session we attended.”

Founded in 1978, the club is based at the James Drysdale

Reserve in Bunya and holds all team training and their Net Set Go program during the warmer months at the netball courts located at the Reserve.

In 2023, the club is keen to grow their player community and field a few more teams in the Downey Park winter competition. They are looking forward to welcoming all of their 2022 players back to the club and are also looking for new players across all age groups. Whether you see yourself as an elite player, a social player or have never tried netball before, Pine Hills Netball Club is an excellent choice and will provide you with plenty of pathways for your netball journey.

Registrations for the 2023 season will open on 9 January and the club will be holding two skills evenings on the 2nd and 9th February for competitive age groups (11 years and above) for those new and existing players who would like to get back into the swing of netball prior to grading and the commencement of pre-season training. Selection trials kick off in February so it’s not too long to wait to get back on the netball court.

To find out more about these sessions or the club in general and the 2023 season, visit the Pine Hills Netball Club website at www.pinehillsnetball.club or follow them on social media via Facebook and Instagram.

Pine Hills Netball Club

Pine Hills Netball Club are excited to welcome new players to the 2023 season

SignOn

SignOn for sports

Martial Arts For The Whole Family SignOn for sports

Research in kid’s sports links participation to better grades and self-esteem, long-term improvements in education, employment and lower obesity rates. But the escalating time, travel and financial demands these days are pushing some parents to look to sports that are inclusive for the whole family. By this families can still reap the many benefits of sport mentioned above, however also gain quality time as a whole family.

Karate is more than a sport and the benefits Karate can bring to adults and children alike is endless. Karate can improve your stamina, focus, coordination, along with your fitness and overall health. It will teach life skills, how to defend yourself against others, including how to not put yourself in dangerous situations. All of this can improve self-confidence and self-esteem giving the student a great sense of self accomplishment.

Luckily for local residents, we have the principal QLD dojo of The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) in operation at Craigslea S.H.S, which houses a variety of world class instructors.

Head Sensei, Gavin Hill, who is a 6th degree black belt and has over 30years experience in Karate and serving as a Qld Police Officer, explains that they already have many families reaping the rewards of this training. “We have three families at the dojo at the moment, combinations of fathers and sons/daughters. It is quite inspiring to see how they enjoy sharing this healthy activity and having fun at the same time,” said Sensei Gavin.

The IOGKF caters for all age groups, and the instructors have found that children have generally developed the ability to concentrate and participate for the duration of the classes from age six upwards. Currently, they have a wide age range of students that enjoy the classes from age six to sixty.

‘Here, students gain so much more than just physical skills. They gain self-respect and self-discipline which sees their behaviour change, their work improve, their ability to focus and problem solve increases, it provides so much more than just learning to punch and kick.’

The IOGKF run classes Monday and Wednesday from 5:30pm-6:30pm (Kids) and 6:30pm to 8pm (Adults) This allows instructors to cater the teaching methods to the class so that the students get more out of each session. In addition, the IOGKF is offering the FIRST MONTH FREE at the Craigslea S.H.S dojo. If you would like to take part or have any queries, call 0419 719 810. You can also follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ goju_ryu_karate_qld/

Institute of Traditional Karate Monday & Wednesday 5.30pm

Craigslea High School

For further information, phone 0419 719 810 or drop us a DM on Instagram goju_ryu_karate_qld

The Magic of Movement for Tiny Dancers

Storytime Dance Centre is to open a new location at The Community Place in Stafford.

Jacqui Story, the principal of the Dance School said, “It’s a unique little school which offers a place for little ones to explore Dance through the magic of their imagination”.

“Each week, children learn the basics of ballet and movement through a new adventure or fairytale”.

“We recently did the Little Mermaid, Frozen, Swan Lake and we finished off 2022 with a trip to The Enchanted Forest”.

Ms Story said the school has a focus on dancing for fun, no eisteddfods, no exams, just the experience of learning and loving dance.

Parents love the the relaxed atmosphere of the classes and Miss Jacqui’s gentle approach for their child’s introduction to the world of Dance.

“There are no uniforms, the children can wear whatever they feel comfortable dancing in. That is an invite for your little ones to dress up as their favourite superhero, Disney princess or as a little ballerina if they choose.”

The classes are for Baby Ballerinas - 18mths to 3 years, Tiny Dancers - 3-5 Years and Junior Ballerinas - 5-7 years. The school also offers exciting and fun Jazz classes for 3-5 years (Jazz Magic) and 5-7 years (Jazz Kids).

Classes are held on Wednesday mornings in Stafford and Mondays and Saturdays in Kalinga. With free trials for all new dancers. Storytime Dance Centre will be holding their 2023 Open Day on Saturday 21st January at their Kalinga location, where children can have a little taster of the classes offered.

For more information head to www.storytimedancecentre. com , email admin@storytimedancecentre.com or phone 0432 095 531.

SignOn for sports

Continuing to care for local residents at Lumus Imaging North West Private Hospital

Residents of Brisbane’s north have access to the technical expertise of Australia's leading medical imaging network, Lumus Imaging.

Previously known by several brands including Queensland Diagnostic Imaging, Lumus Imaging offers knowledge that matters, by people who care, across their network of more than 135 clinics nationwide.

Darren Schwedes, Lumus Imaging QLD State Manager reports that, ‘Locally, Lumus Imaging is committed to offering a wide range of diagnostic imaging services to patients in the north of Brisbane. Our caring staff have been looking after the local community for a number of years and we look forward to the opportunity to support and grow alongside this community, as it changes and transforms over the coming decades.’ ‘Many local residents have visited our site at North West Private Hospital and we want to continue to support the community by ensuring we focus on a patient centred service, particularly in the area of women’s imaging,’ said James Lindner, Operations Manager.

At Lumus Imaging North West Private Hospital, the staff understand that some aspects of women’s imaging can be worrying for their patients, therefore the dedicated, caring staff are all highly trained to ensure privacy, dignity, and comfort. Lumus Imaging is proud to be focused on offering the best in patient-centred care for Australians across our sites in both metro and regional locations.

The North West Hospital site offers a comprehensive range of imaging services, free parking with a new multi storey carpark,

accessibility to appointments and an affordable service for the local community.

For more information or to book an appointment visit www. lumusimaging.com.au or call Lumus Imaging North West Private Hospital on (07) 3353 5011.

Australia Day Celebrations At The Museum

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

So, bring your family research questions, your photos and memories to add to Samford Museum’s collection of local and family history.

Please send enquiries to info@samfordmuseum.com.au, or call Geoff on 0417 610 983

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.

HOW TO STAY SAFE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER SEVERE WEATHER

An update from Cr Andrew Wines of the Enoggera Ward

BE PREPARED

Council’s website is live with this season’s Be Prepared information. On the website, you can register for Brisbane Severe Weather Alert, register to be a mud army volunteer, find out where you can collect sandbags, obtain information about how to prepare your home and be prepared for storm season. You can also access the updated Flood Information Online to view your property on a map and identify if your property is subject to creek, river, overland flow or storm tide flooding. You can also view the historical maps of February 2022, January 2011 and January 1974. Helpful videos have been included providing instruction on how to navigate the Flood Awareness Map. It’s important to be prepared for severe weather events. Taking a few simple actions will go a long way in helping you protect

your families and properties in the event of severe weather. Scan the QR code to visit Council’s website for

more information.

SANDBAGS

Pre-filled sandbags are available for collection 24 hours a day, seven days a week from September to March, and when there is a severe weather event predicted. Sandbags can be collected from Newmarket SES Depot, 66 Wilston Road. Find other sandbag collection locations around the city on Council’s website.

ROAD CLOSURES

QLDTraffic is the source of truth for all closed State and Local roads. The QLDTraffic map can be accessed via Council’s website, please scan the QR code and select Traffic conditions and road closures. Use this information to plan essential travel during a severe event. While Council officers will endeavour to physically close roads with signage where appropriate, due to the nature of the event and safe access, not all road closures may be signed.

Remember: If it’s flooded, forget it, even if signage is not in place. Council continues to implement a program of providing additional warning infrastructure to areas subject to flooding. This includes in Windsor, where new automated flooded road warning signs have recently been installed to help keep our community safe when the road is flooded. These signs can be turned on remotely in case of severe weather. In our area, signs will be installed at the following locations:

• Victoria Street, Windsor for southbound traffic

• Northey Street, Windsor for westbound traffic

• Green Terrace, Windsor for eastbound and southbound traffic

Cr Wines collecting sandbags from Newmarket SES Depot

Cr Andrew Wines and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announcing Council’s new automated flood warning signs in September

State School Graduation Ceremony

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 Echo,

Everton News from your State Member for Everton TIM MANDER

Mitchie Day Club Christmas Party

Enoggera

Before all the lollies disappeared at Carols in the Park Locals enjoying the entertainment at Carols in the Park

THE FERNY REPORT

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

Extreme Weather Preparedness

As Queenslanders, we know that extreme weather is part of the Queensland landscape. The QLD SES has advised all Queensland households to have an emergency plan that every member of the house should know and understand.

It should include agreed meeting places in the event of evacuation, kits with essential medicines and lists of important contacts – such as electricity providers, doctors, local councils (who co-ordinate responses), and the 132 500 SES number itself, among other helpful suggestions.

For a full list of the recommendations, visit shorturl.at/kCJ26 and make your plans today.

Mountains of Pineapples

Whether you like pineapples on pizza or in Pina Coladas, there is one thing we can all agree on – nowhere in the world grows sweeter, tastier, pineapples than Queensland.

This season the unusual weather conditions have resulted in an early flowering of pineapple stocks. This means Queensland’s pineapple growers’ crops will yield a bumper supply in January, followed by some shortages from April to June. This is a major risk for our iconic pineapple industry.

As Agriculture Minister, I am asking everyone to support the Take Two appeal – asking everyone to double down on pineapples in January to support our farmers.

Citizenship Ceremony

I am very much looking forward to welcoming all the new citizens who will be taking their oaths on Australia Day as part of the GVK Lions citizenship ceremony on Australia Day at the Kakowan Community Facility in Bunya.

Coffee Catch-Up

My first coffee catch-up for the new year will be at Stella Rosa in Arana Plaza just next to Coles at 9:30am on 28 January. Come on down and grab a cuppa and have a chat about the things that matter to you. My shout! Taigum

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