The Hills Echo - Nov 22 Edition

Dr Deepti Parwani

IN

IN

Kate Burberry

IN

Dr Emily Shorten

EXPERIENCED IN

Dr Mark Wu

IN

Arana Hills & Brookside

Countdown to carols is on!

Hark! The angels will be singing at The Hills Community Carols on Saturday 3rd December at George Willmore Park, Ferny Hills.

This free family event kicks off at 4pm with a huge variety of performers, food, rides, face painting, glow products and of course, a visit from Santa himself! The event will conclude at approximately 8pm with an impressive fireworks display that is not to be missed.

This annual festive gathering is known as one of the most community oriented on the calendar, and as such, there will be a voluntary collection taking place at the event for our local SES, so any loose change is appreciated!

The Hills Community Carols would not be able to take place without the hard working group of volunteers who work tirelessly to bring the event to life. The committee comprises of; volunteers from the Golden Valley Keperra Lions Club, along with the Ferny Hills Amateur Fishing Club and Arana Hills Church of Christ. This organising committee also wishes to take the opportunity to thank the Sponsors that have come onboard to date in order to support the event.

The carols promises to get the family into the Christmas spirit, so bring your family, picnic rugs and your singing voices.

Everyone is welcome!

Volunteers feel happy, live longer, gain selfconfidence and enjoy the company of like minded friends.

A

cene from a previous Hills Community Carols Golden Valley Keperra Lions

Your Region. Your Paper

The Hills Echo is a FREE monthly publication delivering 14,500 copies per month of what matters to The Hills District 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; Ferny Hills, Everton Hills, Arana Hills, Ferny Grove, Samford Village, Keperra and Upper Kedron. Copies can also be picked up from a variety of magazine stands within the above suburbs.

Copyright: The Hills 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 (25th October 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, email admin@echo-news. com.au

Recipe of the month

Bella’s Bircher Muesli

Serves: 2 | Prep time: Overnight | Cook time: 0 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup yoghurt, natural, low fat

• ½ cup water

• 1 small green apple, grated

• ⅔ cup mixed berries

• Cinnamon to taste

• Small handful nuts and seeds (eg. almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds) finely chopped (plus extra to serve – optional)

• Yoghurt to serve (optional)

• Extra fruit to serve (optional)

Method

MIX everything together in a container with a lid and refrigerate overnight.

SCOOP half of the mixture into a bowl, top with yoghurt, extra fruit and sprinkle of cinnamon (optional). What’s Great About It?

This bircher muesli makes a great base to experiment different toppings with. Add in any other fruits or vegetables including grated carrot for an additional veggie boost!

Recipe courtesy of Isabella Maugeri, Brisbane City Night Branch

This recipe is brought to you by The Queensland Country Women’s Association’s (QCWA) Country Kitchens program. The program 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/.

The Positive or It’s Pointless Award

Claire Franklin was the recipient of the Arana Netball Club’s Echo News ‘It’s Positive or Pointless’ Award, for 2022. This award, known as the Echo News, Positive or It’s Pointless Award, is the club sportsmanship award for junior players.

In winning this year’s award, Claire was chosen as her coaches and the committee members identified her as a great example of the true meaning of good sportsmanship.

Claire has been playing for the club since she was eight years old and is an incredible team player. She is kind, respectful and supports her team whether playing or siting on the sidelines. Furthermore, Claire’s coaches admire her dedication to her team and her encouragement and support of her teammates, even when things aren't going well. ‘Claire has blossomed this year into a fierce defender. Her attendance to training and games is exemplary and she shows up to both with a great attitude. She is shining light at our club and we are very grateful to have her,’ said Claire’s coach.

From the whole team at Echo News HQ, well done Claire!

Summertime Shootout

The Arana Netball Summer Clinics have got off to a flying start with over 80 children signing up to learn the art of netball.

The Arana Netball Summer Clinic is open to all junior players new to netball, or looking to work on their fundamental skills in the off season. Their youngest registrations are open to girls and boys turning seven before 1/7/23. For more information or to get involved email arananetballregistrar@gmail.com

The Hills Echo,

Claire Franklin, with her ‘It’s Positive or Pointless’ trophy

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Spying On Our Local Koalas

it’s when you’re most likely to see males on the move. Unfortunately, during this time we often see a higher number of koalas killed on our roads as a result,’ explained MBRC Mayor, Peter Flannery.

‘Council invests in fauna crossing infrastructure, installs koala proof fencing and delivers targeted driver awareness campaigns. This technology is another effort by Council to protect our wildlife, but obviously koalas cannot compete against a car and we still need drivers to slow down,’ implored the Mayor.

An Insight Into The Important Role Of Our Local JP’s

Moreton Bay Regional Council is leading the way to develop new CCTV technology to identify koalas and to help keep them safe around roads.

The world first initiative is being developed in partnership with Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the State Government’s Daisy Hill Koala Centre and technology company Sapio.

The development seeks to train Moreton Bay Regional Council CCTV cameras, both fixed and portable, to identify koala movements across the region. When the camera senses a koala near the road, this would trigger road warning signs to notify drivers to slow down and koalas are nearby. Furthermore, the technology can also better inform MBRC about the design and location of fauna crossing infrastructure, through tracking their movements.

‘Koala breeding season is on now, through to January and

An update from the Brisbane North Retirees Inc. The guest speaker for the 18th November general meeting of the Brisbane North Retirees will be a representative from the Justice Department on the job description and legal responsibilities of JPs, how to become one and the important contribution they make in our society. Join the group for an informative discussion on this important community work and those who perform it. For more information please phone Graeme Wilson on 0413 441 080.

The Brisbane North Retirees Inc. meets on the 3rd. Friday of each Month in the Newman Room at Geebung RSL Club 323 Newman Rd Geebung starting at 9.30am with a Finance and Investment Discussion Group meeting on the 2nd. Fridays, also at 9.30am in the downstairs meeting room.

for

pets

Practice

Hills

Everton Hills Veterinary Surgery

GOALS

• Rolling Starts

TO PARTICIPANTS

WORK IT UP

12 week program for 15-24 year olds assisting in employment training opportunities.

FSK20119 Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways

Accredited qualification in career paths and personal skills to overcome workplace challenges, build confidence, and better career opportunities

• Language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills

• Group or individual support

• Workplace experience

READY FOR WORK

6 week one on one career coaching program for employment preparation.

Learn skills and improve personal potential for job opportunities. Build confidence, knowledge and skills to improve employability.

• Personalised training plan

• Assistance to create a great resume

• Practice job interviews and job applications

• Support with language, literacy, and numeracy

Welcome to our latest column, Random Acts of Kindness.

We all know our community rocks and it’s spirit is oozing with kindness, so to showcase this we are publishing ‘Random Act of Kindness’, a new column with submissions from our community. Have a read of Nerida’s submission below:

‘My new neighbour in Albany Creek, was watching my young son and I moving big rocks to try and make the front of the house look better. They were super heavy and we were doing our best but struggling! I hadn’t met him before but he brought over a trolley to help and two pairs of different sized gardening gloves to spare our hands. It was so touching and a huge help - it was a lovely lesson for the kids too.’ - Nerida S, Albany Creek

If someone in the community has offered a random act of kindness to cheer you up, it can be something simple or a big favour, we would love to hear from you. It’s all about the thought that counts, please get in touch as we would love to share it with our readers, admin@echo-news.com.au

It’s Not Christmas Without a Lions Cake

Can you believe it is only a few weeks until Christmas! I think you will all agree, that it is just not Christmas, without a delicious Lions Christmas Cake or Pudding. So where can you find one of our terrific cakes you may ask? Well, you will find the Lions out and about selling these decadent treats on the listed dates and locations below.

Golden Valley Keperra Lions

Kakowan Koffee Shop, James Drysdale Reserve, Jinker Track, Bunya: 7am - noon, 7 days a week

Brisbane Bunya Lions

Osborne Road Mitchelton Cake and Pudding StallTeralba Park: 9am - 3pm

Saturday, 26 November, Saturday, 3 December, Saturday, 10 December, Sunday, 10 December, Saturday, 17 December, Sunday, 18 December.

Fresh Christmas Trees available on Saturday 10th December and Sunday 11th December. First in first served.

Brookside Shopping Centre - Opposite Terry White Chemmart Pharmacy : 9am - 3pm

Friday 21st October, Saturday 22nd October, Friday 28th October, Saturday 29th October, Saturday 5th November, Sunday 6th November, Thursday 10th November, Friday 11th November, Saturday 12th November, Monday 28th November, Tuesday 29th November, Wednesday 30th November, Tuesday 6th December, Wednesday 7th December, Saturday 10th December, Sunday 11th December, Monday 12th December, Tuesday 13th December, Wednesday 14th December, Thursday 15th December, Friday 16th December, Saturday 17th December, Wednesday 21st December, Thursday 22nd December, Friday 23rd December

Albany Creek Lions

Bunnings Brendale, Cnr Old North Rd &, Kremzow Rd, Brendale

Fridays 18th & 25th November, 3rd and 4th December, Thursday 8th December, 10th & 11th December, 17th & 18th December Coles Albany Creek, Albany Creek Village, Albany Creek Rd, Albany Creek

Prices have gone up slightly this year, however you still get an exceptional product. Both cakes and puddings are rich, fruit filled and moist and we are sure the whole family will thoroughly enjoy them. It is still one of the top shelf, value for money traditions that you can purchase and you are also helping the Lions to help others, at this very special time of year and when there are many folks doing it tough.

Pricing: 1.5kg Cake is $19.00 : 1.0kg Cake is $15.00 : 900gm Pudding is $15.00 and our Mini 80gm is $2.00 each.

Community Carols are coming to Mitchelton

The Brisbane Bunya Lions Club is hosting their annual ‘Carols in the Park’ event on Saturday 10 December 2022 from 4.00pm – 8.00pm.

The much-loved community show will return after three years and will be held at Mitchelton Park on the grounds of Wests Mitchelton Junior Rugby League Football Club and everyone in the local community is invited to attend.

With free entry, parking, entertainment, face painting and rides, this event is perfect for all ages and has been attended by thousands since it began in 2015.

There will be a huge stage with sound and lighting, a fantastic lineup of entertainers including Babushka Cabaret, The Fabulous Lemon Drops (for the kids!), Second Wind Concert Band, the Numb Bum's Ukulele Band, AMMA School of Dance performers and Mt Maria College, Mitchelton’s award-winning band, The Royals, who emerged from 'The Battle of Rock Bands' competition this month with Most Outstanding Band, Best Guitarist and Best Drummer awards.

And for the young ones, and the young at heart, Santa will visit to meet and greet with the children and to sit for family photos. All this followed by a spectacular fireworks display will end the evening.

With easy access to rides, activities for the kids, dinner, drinks and dessert vendors, all visitors are invited to bring along picnic rugs and festival chairs to sit on and enjoy the evening in comfort.

There’s a fantastic new addition to the event of Christmas Market Stalls in support of local artisans in jewellery, fashion, candles, toys, collectibles, art, plants, other quality items and children’s activities.

Lions Club Christmas Cakes and Puddings will also be available for sale.

This event is generously supported each year by Brisbane City Council’s Lord Mayor’s Community Fund and The Suburban Community and Multicultural Festivals Funding Program, Wests Mitchelton Junior Rugby League Football Club, Tim Mander MP, Cr Andrew Wines, Echo News and Fleetcrew.

Community Carols would not be complete without a Lions Sausage Sizzle!

Eat For Others Fundraiser

There is a new type of fundraiser being launched by The Mini Farm Project (MFP). One that creates meals to feed people in need.

The Mini Farm Project is a charity working to eradicate hunger by creating a network of charity farms to grow food for people in need all year round. The food that they grow is then given freely to local charities around each farm. Last year there were 1.2 million children that went hungry and 1 in 6 Australian Adults went hungry also. ‘Our job is to grow food on a local level and work with our charity partners to give them free food every week to create nutritious meals’ said Nick Steiner founder. ‘There is not enough food in the system and charities are struggling with food costs,’ Nick continued.

One of the ways that they are raising awareness of the food crisis and interest in their charity is through their new annual signature fundraiser called ‘In the Spirit of Giving.’

‘As a charity working to solve hunger we wanted to reinvent the old charity fundraising dinner into some new with a direct tangible result,’ Nick said.

In the Spirit of Giving will be a two hour no frills humble meal event, creating at least two hot meals for people in need per ticket sold. The food is served by a charity to people in need at the same time as the event is running.

To take the Spirit of Giving one step further, the event will not just be hosted at one venue, but will be ‘Ubered’ out their event to restaurants, cafes, clubs and venues to host on the MFP’s behalf.

‘I wanted to support hospitality business as they have suffered so much in the last couple of years,’ Nick said.

There are five venues on board this year from Moreton Bay to Logan, with the closest venue in our locality being the Aspley Hornets Club. Next year, they plan to have more venues, creating more meals to feed people in one night. The event will also raise awareness of the charity farms that the MFP are developing around South East Queensland. It is hoped that by stripping down the event and its costs, at least two meals will be created for people in need per ticket sold.

Danni Francis, General Manager at Aspley Hornets is excited to be part this unique fundraiser. ‘It is important to support our local community and when Nick came along with this idea we jumped on board,’ said Danni

The event will be on Wednesday 30th November from 6pm to 8pm at Aspley Hornets, Annie Lane Bribie Island, Caboolture Sports Club, Redcliffe Leagues Club and Extraction Artisan Coffee. To book your tickets at the Aspley Hornets Club, visit https://www.stickytickets.com.au/toumz/ humble_dinner.aspx

Don‘t Miss The Deadline! The deadline for The Hills Echo December edition is the 28th November

Mention Code NTHBRIS22 when booking!

Hamper Help WANTED!

Christmas is a time of celebration through gifts and food, unfortunately for some families providing a Christmas dinner, is a struggle.

Each year, Picabeen Community Centre gives Christmas hampers to members of our community who are in need. The team are now busy collecting for this years hampers and anyone is welcome to donate non-perishable food items that will be distributed to people in need. A list of items requested can be found on the right. This year, Picabeen has a huge undertaking with a goal of packing 110 Christmas hampers!

As you can imagine this is no easy task so if you have a couple of hours to spare, your help would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the team on 3354 2555.

Further updates from Picabeen Community Centre

The AGM and 30th Anniversary event saw staff, students and volunteers all come together and reflect on the people, services and opportunities Picabeen has provided. A 30th Anniversary book has been produced. If you are interested, pop down to the Centre at 22 Hoben Street, Mitchelton and have a read.

Picabeen Changeroom

It has been a busy time for the team at the Picabeen Changeroom. Business continues to grow, helping their clients with formal outfits, costumes for parties, everyday wear and of course that ‘something special’ to wear for an occasion. The shop receives so much support from the local community in the shape of donations, purchasing and just dropping in for a chat with the friendly, helpful volunteers. The clothing and accessories are constantly updated with wonderful donations received daily. Visit the friendly team at 8 Dallas Parade, Keperra and find your next op-shop hidden treasure.

An update from the Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association A wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by members at their October meeting!

Guest demonstrator Seder Yener amazed the group with his creations using a slightly different medium, pastillage to create some amazing plaques. Some works included a rearing horse, an underwater scene with fish, doves in a tree and a flower arrangement. The club was delighted to see some new local faces there and members from other branches.

With the Christmas season nearing, members are making cupcakes for Mitchelton Meals on Wheels clients. They are attempting to break their previous record and

Pastillage Perfection! provide 200 cakes; members are busy baking and decorating now!

The Keperra Baptist Church Twilight Markets are on November 19th and the club will have a stall there. Come along to purchase your small Christmas Cake.

The next meeting is also on November 19th, with a 1pm start, at the Arana Hills Community Centre, Dawson Parade, Arana Hills. There will be a planning meeting with the new committee, so that next year will be as busy and enjoyable as this year has been.

To finish the year there will be the inaugural Christmas Party on Monday, November 21st at the Aspley Hotel.

For more information, find them on Facebook at Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA or email brisbanenorthcakedecorators@ gmail.com

New members are always welcome.

Authors Coming To Samford

Baffies Oan Books will be hosting two fabulous Australian authors in November to chat about their latest novels.

You are invited to be part of the discussion and for just $15, you can enjoy a drink, some nibbles and the chance to mingle with other book lovers, ask our authors questions and get your books signed.

On Friday 4th November, Julie Fison will be welcomed to talk about her book One Punch, a story close to her heart. For all the nature, craft, family and/or cricket lovers, Inga Simpson will be joining the team on Friday November 25 to chat about her latest book Willowman. In Willowman, she returns to the beauty and simplicity of Mr Wigg to tell the story of a cricket bat craftsman and a young player striving to make his mark at a time when all the rules are changing. For more information or to book now, visit instore or online go to www. baffiesoanbooks.com.au . To be the first to hear about all of our events and latest releases, follow them on Facebook @baffiesoanbooks

One of Seder’s intricate creations

History

The Express Diner

Repurposing may be a trendy new buzz-word these days, but the practice is nothing new. In fact, it’s been going on since cave dwellers started clubbing and mugging in animal skins on the big-cat walks. I once visited a friend of a friend in West Sussex on the south coast of the UK. Her house was built in the 16th century from the timbers of an earlier sailing ship that came to grief on a nearby rocky headland. Remarkably, some of the timbers still featured the Tudor rose motif. The practice of plundering ancient shipwrecks and derelict buildings was nothing more than opportunism then.

Plumbers at the nearby Chichester Cathedral uncovered a 2nd century Roman mosaic floor in 1966 when installing underground pipes. The cathedral itself was built in 1075 on a much earlier Roman site and it’s highly likely that Roman building stones were used in its construction. Interestingly, the mosaic features a series of swastikas, once the ancient symbol of good luck, but famously repurposed by Hitler.

On a slightly less grandiose scale, my grandfather repurposed his used Woodbine tobacco tins for the storage of nuts and screws, but he never used the term ‘repurposing’; no one did then. If grandad was around today he’d probably use plastic ice cream buckets. Just walk around the sheds at Ferny Grove to see how popular they are.

This month’s photograph shows the Express Diner in Chester Street, New Farm, probably in the 1950’s. The diner was repurposed from an old tram, but nothing is known about this fascinating artefact. Presumably, it was used for dispensing meat pies and greasy chips to local workers from the nearby tram depot in Light Street. The Charles Hope Bodyworks

was also nearby. (They built trolley bus No.1 at the Tramway Museum).

If you want to ride a repurposed tram you can catch one at a repurposed bus shelter at the Tram Museum every Sunday afternoon (weather permitting). And if you know anything about the diner, we’d love to hear from you.

© David Fryer, maximalist@bigpond.com

The Tramway Museum is proudly sponsored by the Brisbane City Council

A BLAST FROM THE PAST! Construction of Arana Hills Library c1975.

Photo courtesy of the State Library of Queensland

News and Views from a Tramway Muse

Who Remembers Cracker Night?

An update from the Enoggera & Districts Historical Association

It’s November! November 5th has been long remembered as ‘Guy Fawkes Night’, commemorating the infamous, failed Gunpowder Plot on the King in 1605.

Since the 17th century, Great Britain has marked the failed plot with bonfires and fireworks. For anyone growing up in Australia during the 1950’s and 1960’s and even the 1970’s, the evening of November 5th was simply known as ‘Cracker Night’.

Cracker Night was a BIG event in every home and neighbourhood. Many people looked forward to it just like birthdays, Easter and Christmas. For weeks prior, children would collect old timber, logs and anything else that would burn and build a large bonfire.

In the lead-up to the night, local shops would sell an array of fireworks for use in the festivities, such as Skyrockets, Catherine Wheels, Throwdowns, Blazing Parachutes, Roman Candles, Penny Bungers and Jumping Jacks. Cracker Night was also sometimes celebrated on 5 May in commemoration of Empire Day.

Most Australian states have now banned the purchase and use of fireworks for private use, due to accidents and injuries. Cracker Night is now a distant memory.

Does anyone out there still remember Cracker Night? And the smiles on children’s faces as skyrockets soared into the night sky bursting into colourful stars and sparkles?

Children enjoying Cracker Night from days gone by

We’d love to hear from you and also collect any photos you may have for our records! Please email enoggerahistory@ gmail.com or drop into the Enoggera Memorial Hall any Thursday morning.

For further news and updates about the Society, check out our Facebook page or our website www.enoggerahistory.org

Take care, everyone, Andrew McMicking, President

A TIP TO HELP OUR BEES!...During the summer months there are fewer flowers, food sources and water for the bees. Furthermore, bees may drown as they try to drink from the pools when they do find water. To give our bees a helping hand, why not grate an Apple and add some water to the bowl? The bees will be able to get the sugars from the fruit and drink the water but not drown as they can stand on pieces of fruit. Our bee populations are threatened, let’s give them all the support we can!

We Will Remember Them

An update from the Samford Museum

At 11am, on November 11th 1918, the guns fell silent on the Western Front. Soldiers from our local districts were serving or had served in the four years of battle we now call World War One.

On Remembrance Day, we remember them and many more who followed in their courageous footsteps by serving in World War Two and in more recent conflicts. Especially on Remembrance Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

So many acts of bravery, suffering and loss by so many are remembered especially on Remembrance Day. Samford Museum honours service men and women who enlisted from our local districts in a War Memories display, in the relocated and repurposed Grovely Railway Station all year round and members are happy to share information with visitors.

Blacksmith Martin will hold copper work classes for children at Samford Museum’s blacksmith shop on the first Sunday of the month (except January). Classes will be held in the morning and children can make a ring for $3.00. Pease allow 15 minutes; this is all cold work and no forge will be running. Children need to be able to use a light hammer, little ones may need assistance from a parent. The museum opens at 10am, no bookings necessary -first come, first to be creative.

Teenage to adult classes will be by appointment in the afternoon of the same Sunday as the kid’s classes. Two people per booking time @$150 per person. This involves the metal preparation, shaping and finishing. Heat, cleaning chemicals and power tools will be used. Classes run for 3 hours and the objects created will be up to the learner and their skill level, this will be discussed when the booking is made. Please call Martin on 0408 069 408 to book.

Watch for Australia Day celebration details in January.

Samford Museum is open Wednesday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For more details, call 3289 2743 or email info@ samfordmuseum.com.au

Paint And Sip For A Splendid Cause

Marist180 Business Trainees will be hosting an evening of Paint and Sip to raise funds and awareness for the not-for-profit charity Stationery Aid on Saturday 19th November 2022 at the Kakowan Community Facility Bunya. The two local community organisations are coming together to help others in need.

Marist180 is a not-for-profit community services organisation that provides opportunities for long-term unemployed people to re-train and gain employment. The Marist180 Business Traineeship in partnership with Stationery Aid is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The trainees undertake hands-on practical paid work in a community setting at James Drysdale Reserve, Bunya in the Pine Hills Football Club house and Stationery Aid warehouse.

Currently, the business trainees are working with Stationery Aid to manage donations are also organising and hosting the Paint and Sip fundraiser to raise much needed funds for this local charity. All profits raised from this fundraising event will help Stationery Aid with operational costs to renew school stationery supplies and expand their capacity to support more children across south east Queensland.

The event is being held on Saturday, 19 November 2002 at the Kakowan Community Facility, 2 Pine Hills Drive, Bunya. Doors open at 6pm and tickets are $50 which includes a $25 donation directly to Stationery Aid, all painting needs and a lucky door prize ticket. You can alsopurchase raffle tickets for the Mega Raffle and bid in the silent auction. Drinks will be available for purchase and BYO food so you can enjoy a platter of snacks whilst painting your masterpiece. For tickets, visit www.humanitix.com and search for Paint and Sip for Stationery Aid.

Tid Bits

NOV/DEC 2022

Please take care as we enter the storm season. Roads are getting slippy and make sure that all water courses are clear around your garden.

Do not sit at home being lonely, please come along and join us for a cuppa and a chat.

The Hills Community Centre has had a face lift in the main hall with the ceiling repainted which makes it much lighter and fresher. Our meetings are every Friday morning, doors open 9am to noon and we now have three lucky door prizes. Club events are as follows.

• 4th November Bingo. Lunch

• 11th November Hoy. For Groceries

• 18th November Bingo

• 25th November Beetles

• 2nd December Bingo

• 9th December Club breakup/Christmas lunch.

• Club reopens on the 20th of January 2023

Please still be careful the COVD19 Virus is still about so it is very important to stay safe. We wish a speedy recovery to all our sick members. Please give us a call if you need any further information.

Till next time, Mike 0406 601 589

from the Arana Hills & Districts Senior Citizens Club

Hills Community Centre, 291 Dawson Parade, Arana Hills

But everybody loves a good makeover.

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.

A Musical Journey Set To Delight

Join the Serenata Singers as they travel through time and place on a musical journey for their inaugural Gala Concert.

The concert, in partnership with Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club and students from The Gap State High School, includes items especially prepared by Serenata Singers. Themes will span the globe in time and space. Some old favourites will also be performed along with modern pieces and solo acts by the accomplished musicians from The Gap SHS music program. The Gala Concert includes a supper and door prizes provided by Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club. All proceeds go to the Lions Medical Research Foundation and Serenata Singers program to provide Community Concerts.

The concert will take place at The Gap Uniting Church Auditorium on Saturday 19 November 2022 at 3pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. To purchase a ticket call 0400 210 357 or email serenatasingersthegap@gmail. com. Tickets are also available on the door.

Over the Hills (and still going!)

An update from the Hills Chamber of Commerce Senior Committee News

Are you interested in art?

The Over the Hills Art Group gathers each Friday in the meeting room at the Arana Hills Library from 10am to 12pm. Teacher Julie is ready on hand to assist with our efforts and everyone is welcomed.

Maybe a Gardening Group at the Library. This is a free group and you don’t have to be a senior to join in for these activities. Contact John 0448 186 115

Seniors Christmas Lunch - How Christmas is celebrated around the world.

Where: Arana Leagues Club

When: Thursday 15th December from 11.30am - 2pm What: Roast with vegetables & Dessert. Tea/Coffee & Bread Roll

Cost is $25. Book for the event via www.hillschamber.org.au, click on Events and go to Senior’s Christmas Lunch. Then click on Get Ticket with the number you wish to purchase Follow the prompts.

Need that extra Christmas Gift? The Craft Table will welcome you. A welcome is extended to all Seniors for this event.

Contact Judith on 0431 159 921 or Leonard on 0417 883 688 or visit our Facebook page: Senior’s Committee Branching Out

Lunch With Our Local Ladies

An 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 in November we will be enjoying ourselves. The dates are:

• Tues 8th Nov. Coffee Cafe Lagarto, Samford Valley 10am

• Sat 12 Nov. Lunch Leagues Club 12pm

• Tues. 15 Nov. Techno Coffee Morning Leagues Club 10am

• Sat 19 Nov. Coffee Birds & Bees, Everton Hills 10am

• Wed 23 Nov. Guest speaker Paul Hobbs from Mitchelton MOW on the services they provide.

• Tues. 29 Nov. Techno Coffee Leagues Club 10am

• Tues. 6 Dec. Techno Coffee Leagues Club 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. There are also Older Women’s Networks in the UK and the USA among other countries. We are a part of a great organisation.

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

with Faith

The Arana Hills Library hosts a variety of events each month. Here is a wrap of just a few happening in September. To book your event, visit www.mbrc.qld. gov.au/libraries/events, For more information, call the library on 3883 5790 or pay them a visit at 63 Cobbity Crescent, Arana Hills.

Speechie Storytime : Thursday 10th November 10am - 11am

Enjoy a very special Storytime celebrating the Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards. Meet a local speech pathologist and enjoy hearing them read the winning book. Plus, find out more about how speech develops and how to know if your child may benefit from seeing a speech pathologist. Free. No bookings required.

Perimenopause to Menopasue : Tuesday 15th November, 6pm - 7pm

Naturopath Wendy Burke shares information on body changes in the perimenopause to menopause years and what you can do about it. Pick up tips on managing common changes like weight gain, fatigue, sleep problems and mood changes. Free. Bookings required.

Conversational English: Every Tuesday, 2pm - 3pm Learning conversational English can be relaxed and fun. Join us for a chat with new friends. Free. No bookings requiredjust drop in.

JP's in the Community: Every Tuesday, 4.30pm6.30pm

JPs available weekly. Please see staff at front desk to obtain a number for your place in the queue.

Family History Group: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. 6pm - 7.30pm

Interested in your family history or genealogy? Would you like

MOBILE MECHANICS THAT COME TO YOU!

What's On at the Arana Hills Library to swap research tips with other enthusiasts? Could you use some advice or assistance in researching your family tree? Would you like to know more about the genealogy resources at your local library? Come and meet with your local Family History Group. No bookings required.

Baby Rhyme Time : Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday, 9.30am - 10am

Baby Rhyme Time helps develop the skills needed to communicate and to learn to read. In a friendly and relaxed environment you and your baby can learn rhymes, action songs and finger plays to share together. For parents and children, babies to 2 years.

Pyjama Storytime : Every Tuesday, 6.30pm - 7pm

Wear your pyjamas and bring teddies and blankets to snuggle in for fairytales, stories and songs. For parents and children, babies to 8 years. Limited spaces available, which will be allocated as people arrive.

DEVICE ADVICE: Get help using social media, library apps, your smartphone, tablet or iPad. Visit your library anytime for a quick fix, or for more complex issues talk to one of our friendly staff about scheduling time of one-onone assistance.

Christmas Markets Calendar

If you are looking for a bit of Christmas gift inspo, check out the fabulous Christmas Markets taking place in our region. There's a huge variety on offer and many are fundraising events so not only are you shopping local but supporting the local community too! So what are you waiting for? Push ahead of the Christmas rush and get the Chrissy shopping done n dusted!

FRIDAY 4TH NOVEMBER

Eatons Hill Community Kindergarten Christmas Market

7 Marylin Terrace, Eatons Hill | 6pm - 9pm

Support your local kindergarten by visiting their exceptional Christmas Markets. It’s the perfect opportunity to get all that Christmas shopping done and dusted early on. There will be Arts, Craft, Raffles and Food available.

SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

Ferny Grove Markets

Ferny Grove Railway Station | 6am - noon

Every Sunday from 6am till noon, experience all that the Ferny Grove Markets has to offer! From great coffee, to fresh take-away food, fruit, & veg, enjoy wandering the Ferny Grove Markets to discover hidden gems amongst the tables of second hand clothes, toys, and bric-a-brac.

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

Samford Valley Markets

St Paul's Anglican Church, 12 Mt Samson Road, Samford | 7am - noon

Shop for produce, find a bargain, enjoy brunch and indulge in truly great coffee– all in the delightful leafy grounds around the St Paul’s Anglican Church. Between 40 and 50 diverse stalls carry an amazing range of goods and services. The markets are famous for their welcoming atmosphere and their country charm

FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

Albany Creek State School’s Twilight Markets

696 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek | 4.45pm - 8.30pm

Albany Creek State School Twilight Markets are an annual community event. With over 40 stalls indoor and outdoor, food trucks, facepainting and live music, this free event is sure to interest every member of the family.

SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

Carseldine Christmas Twilight Market

133 Dorville Road, Carseldine | 4pm - 9pm $2 Entry

Bring some Christmas cheer into your life at Brisbane’s beloved Christmas market, Carseldine Christmas Twilight Market! Enjoy gourmet eats and sweets and get those stockings packed with the goods from bespoke makers. Get ready to rock the night away with festive entertainment and live music

Art With Altitude Markets

Mount Glorious Community Hall | 9am - 4pm

Held in the newly rebuilt Mt Glorious Community Hall and now in its fabulous sixth year, the two-day family-friendly event will include a quality craft market, barista-made coffee, food and live music. Artworks for sale will include a variety of media - oil, watercolour and acrylic paintings, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, glasswork, pen-and-ink drawings, photography, fine furniture and woodwork and fibre-art.

Keperra Baptist Church Christmas Twilight Markets

Keperra Baptist Church, Samford Road, Keperra | 4.30pm - 8pm

Homemade crafts great for Christmas gifts. There will also be a sausage sizzle too, so come and have some fun! If you would like a table for your crafts, the cost is only $15. Call Lyn on 0411 336 460 or email somerville@bigpond.com

SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER

VEND Marketplace Christmas Markets

1768 Sandgate Road, Virginia | 4pm - 9pm

With over 130 stores inside and a pop up market outside with around 40 more stalls (each night will have different stall holders!), there will be something to please everyone. Plus there’s a café on site open for dinner, including some Christmas specials, a playground, jumping castle , FREE

facepainter, and a cocktail bar for the adults. The venue is dog friendly, and there will be a pop up professional photobooth caravan for Christmas family pictures! Also taking place on 10th December

Burnie Brae Christmas Markets

60 Kuran Street, Chermside 8am - 2pm

Jingle your way to Burnie Brae, where you’ll find artisan stalls selling locally designed goods. Explore fashion, art, craft, and homewares – there’s something for everyone on your list! Snack on café treats and sip freshly brewed coffee while looking for unique Christmas gifts and supporting your local community.

THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER

The Home Collective Christmas Twilight Markets

Wavell Heights Community Hall - 175 Edinburgh Castle Road, Wavell Heights | 5pm - 9pm

A market for the garden lover!

FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER

Old Petrie Town Moonlight Markets

901 Dayboro Road, Petrie | 5pm - 9pm

Old Petrie Town Markets are lighting up for this year’s Christmas Moonlight Markets. Every Friday in December artisan stalls will circle the village green and throughout the park. Street food vans for every taste and flavour, cafes, specialty shops, entertainment for the kids, live music are all on offer to entertain the whole family. Plus classic cars will be on display on the Main Street and whole lot more …Pop down every Friday in December 2nd, 9th and 16th from 5pm to 9 pm at 901 Dayboro Road, Petrie.

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER

Nundah Christmas Markets

Station Street, Nundah 4pm - 10pm | $2 Entry

Get jingly with it at Brisbane’s best Christmas market, Nundah Christmas Twilight Market! Mix and a-mingle with gourmet eats and sweets and stuff those stockings with the curated range of bespoke makers.

There will also be a North Pole bespoke pop up bar with festive entertainment and live music. Plus; - Artisan Handmade Gifts, Gourmet Eats and Drinks, Snaps with Santa, DJ, Kids Activities and Entertainment.

Christmas on Main Markets

Station Road, Samford | 5pm - 8.30pm

Follow the red bows and twinkling lights of Main Street Samford to support local traders, cafes and restaurants and share some Christmas Cheer! You can enjoy Late Night Shopping, Christmas Specials, Music at Venues, Carols at and activities for the kids.

SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER

Jan Powers Farmers Markets

Blackwood Street, Mitchelton | 6am - noon

Acoustic musicians set the mood for a laidback Sunday morning as local providers and regional farmers offer an array of homegrown produce and handmade goodies to dedicated and loyal market shoppers. Fill your green bags with locally grown fruit and vegetables, quality meat and sustainable seafood, freshly baked bread and pastries, artisan deli lines and pantry items from spices to spelt flour. Fuel up with a coffee and a satisfying snack or a hearty meal and wind down with a sweet treat from the friendly food vendors.

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

Carols in the Park Christmas Markets

Wests Mitchelton Junior FC, Mitchelton | 4pm - 8pm

Brisbane Bunya Lions Club is delighted to present Carols in the Park on Saturday 10 December 2022 from 4.00pm - 8.00pm. This market (that takes place during the Carols event) support s our local artisans in jewellery, fashion, candles, toys, collectibles, art, plants, other quality items and children’s activities. Enquiries via email at brisbanebunya@lionsq3.org.au

SUNDAY 18TH DECEMBER

Pine Rivers Park Christmas Twilight Markets

Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine | 4pm - 8pm

Get a head start on your Christmas gift shopping at our twilight markets! Take a stroll under festoon & festival lighting and enjoy local crafts, jewellery, handmade goodies, toys and more. Treat the family to a delicious meal from one of our food trucks available at the event. You will be spoilt for choice!

Bardon Christmas Markets

Cnr Baroona & Rainworth Rds, Paddington | 7am - noon

All welcome including fur babies. Handmade Christmas gifts, live music, delicious food, fresh produce and exceptional meat. A visit from Santa and fun activities promised!

N O R T H W E S T B R I S B A N E' S

PROPERTY GUIDE

The property market is red hot at the moment. With this in mind, Echo News is delighted to bring the North West Brisbane Property Guide to our newspapers. Read on to discover tips and tricks to help sell your home, maximise return and get ready for market.

Summer Selling Checklist

If you want to sell your house this year, there are plenty of jobs you can cross off your list to help you get ready for market and maximise your sale price. This checklist will help you take the first critical steps towards being prepared to sell your home.

1. Research the market

The property market can be a fickle beast, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what’s happening in your area before you list your house for sale.

One of the easiest ways to get a handle on your local market is to observe the market for a minimum of six to eight weeks.

Once you’ve seen properties come on the market and hopefully selling in that period, it will give you an idea of what those properties are selling for and what you can afford to buy.

2. Inspect properties in your neighbourhood

While browsing online will give you some good insight, you’ll also want to get out to physically inspect properties so you can see how your home compares with the stock available to buyers.

3. Get a pest and building inspection

A pest and building inspection report will highlight any major issues with your property and give you the option to deal with these before you start your sales campaign.

4. Clean and declutter

Decluttering comes hand-in-hand with moving house, so if you’re thinking seriously about selling there’s no better prompt to get rid of unwanted belongings.

5. Create a fabulous first impression

Great street appeal is key to selling your home. Those first impressions are lasting impressions. You might like to use the holiday break to wrangle an unruly garden into submission, repair fences or front gates or paint the front door.

6. Get a head start on paperwork

You can also use the holidays to read through agent contracts, check in with your local council for any requirements like pool compliance or certificates, and to contact solicitors or conveyancers for quotes on preparing a sales contract.

October Cash Rate Rise: How Is Your Borrowing Power Impacted?

The official cash rate lifted again in October to 2.60% for the sixth consecutive month. This is the highest the rate has been since July 2013 when it was 2.75%. The increase will impact any homeowner with a variable-rate or split home loan, or anyone considering taking out a new loan. But it isn’t only repayments that will be impacted. The increasing cash rate also impacts borrowing power. But what is borrowing power and how much does an increase in cash rate and its flow-on effect to interest rates impact it?

What is borrowing power?

Borrowing power is the amount of money a lender is willing to let you borrow to purchase property. This is also sometimes referred to as your borrowing capacity. The way it is calculated varies depending on the lender, but in general it takes into consideration your income, assets, liabilities, credit health, debts, deposit amount and the value of the property.

Lenders are also expected to apply at least a three percentage points interest rate serviceability buffer (according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s guidelines). This means the lender will add at least three percentage points to the current interest rate to calculate repayments and ensure you will be able to meet them, hedging against future rate rises.

How do rising interest rates impact borrowing power?

When interest rates rise, your borrowing power is likely to decrease. This is because the repayments will increase and if your income isn’t also increasing, your ability to service that loan will drop. Let’s have a look at how borrowing capacity can be impacted as interest rates rise.

In this example, Nancy earns $110,000 per year pre-tax with no dependents, debts or credit card and the average Australian annual expenses of $16,500. For a loan term of 30 years, her borrowing capacity would change depending on the interest rate as follows:

3.0% p.a. - $830,000, 3.5% p.a. - $784,000, 4.0% p.a.$741,000, 4.5% p.a. - $702,000, 5.0% p.a. - $666,000, 5.5% p.a. - $632,000, 6.0% p.a. - $602,000

As you can see, an increase of just half a percentage point makes a huge difference in Nancy’s borrowing power. If the lender passed on the RBA’s full increase in cash rate in its interest rates, which was by half a percentage point last month, and Nancy had been considering a loan at 4% p.a., the interest rate would have increased to 4.5% p.a. and her borrowing power would have dropped from $741,000 to $702,000decreasing her potential bid by $39,000.

What if I have pre-approval?

Pre-approval is when a lender indicates they are satisfied you meet their criteria to borrow a specified amount. However, pre-approvals are conditional. If your circumstances change or interest rates increase, it could impact your pre-approval. The important thing to keep in mind is that increasing interest rates do not mean doom and gloom. We have a panel of over 60 lenders and can find the right one for your needs. There are still competitive deals available, and we can help optimise your borrowing power through a number of steps and matching you with the right lender. For more information or advice please contact Scott Palazzi from Loan Market on 0413 747 283

Renovating for a Return

Want to fix up the home before selling but don’t want to break the bank? Or maybe you are looking to get into the ‘House Flipping’game and maximise your return on investment.

Generally, there is a lot of money that can be made from buying undervalued properties, renovating them and then selling them on at a profit. However, overspending is just one of the things that can eat into your profit. Here are a few tips from founder of ‘Renovating for Profit’ renovating expert, Cherie Barber, on how to budget for a renovation project and maximise your return on investment.

SPEND WISELY

Don’t spend any more than 10% of the current property value on an entire cosmetic renovation. This includes all labour, fixtures, materials and fittings – everything.

BREAK IT DOWN

First, break down your budget room-by-room and then job-byjob. This makes it more manageable and you’ll be less likely to overspend this way.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

When it comes to selling your house, first impressions are everything. Buyers are notoriously harsh judges and are often spoilt for choice. That’s why street appeal is so critical, and a quick exterior renovation can add considerable value to your home.

AFFORDABLE UPDATES

Rather than ripping out kitchens and bathrooms and starting fresh, working with what you’ve got. Affordable updates like a fresh coat of paint, new tapware, bench tops or vanities

can make a big difference in these spaces and can save you a fortune.

BUDGET FLOORING IDEAS

Fresh flooring will work wonders for a home and with so many affordable options on the market it really is a no-brainer when renovating. If you’re not lucky enough to find floorboards under the carpet you rip up, opt for a timber laminate flooring to save money and still get the desired finish.

REMEMBER THE 20% RULE

Assuming you’re doing a full renovation of your bathroom and kitchen, a good rule of thumb is to allow around 20% of the total renovation budget for each. So, for a $500,000 home you should spend no more than $10,000 on each. When creating these plans and strategies don’t forget, cheap doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. It just shows you’re clever about finding the very best deal at every single step of the renovations.

HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN

Always factor in a budget contingency of 5∞ to 10% for any unforeseen costs. Planning is essential with profit in mind. A clear and realistic outlook on the project you are committing to, pre-renovation, will help you cope better during the process of the renovation.

Information sourced from https://www.homestolove.com.au/amp/ cherie-barber-advice-on-renovating-for-profit-2709

Quick Tip: If you are renovating to make a small house look bigger, an inexpensive and beautiful way of achieving that goal is to use mirrors.

Christmas

Galore

An update from the Arana VIEW Club

It’s that time of year again! The Arana VIEW Club’s December meeting is on 7th December at the Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade, Keperra.

Doors open at 10.30am and the fun starts at 11am when the club hope to see lots of members dressed in white/gold/silver and wearing Angel Wings or maybe a halo. After all the theme is ‘Angels in Disguise’ as they support their Learning for Life students with the Smith Family. Cost for lunch is $30 for the two course meal and tea or coffee.

The December meeting will be extra busy with the final ‘Make, Bake and Grow’ table for the year after deciding to move it from the November meeting. They are hoping for lots of Christmas Goodies to purchase and there will also be the book table where you can stock up on Christmas reading by filling a bag of books for $5.

Entertainment for the day will be by Ukulele Extravaganza and Ian Maurice and friend. Ian is well known in radio, television and the cabaret scene and is known as ‘The man for all seasons’. It is sure to be an entertaining finish to the year Members are also looking forward to attending the Lord Mayor’s Senior Christmas Party at City Hall, a very enjoyable concert, according to those who have attended in previous years.

Please contact Carol on 3355 5349 by noon on Monday 3rd November if attending.

An Art Exhibition At Altitude

Take a day trip to the beautiful rainforest village of Mount Glorious, where Art with Altitude will showcase the creative communities of Mount Glorious and Mount Nebo.

Held in the newly rebuilt Mt Glorious Community Hall and now in its fabulous sixth year, the two-day family-friendly event will include a quality craft market, barista-made coffee, food and live music. Artworks for sale will include a variety of media - oil, watercolour and acrylic paintings, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, glasswork, pen-and-ink drawings, photography, fine furniture and woodwork and fibre-art.

As well as the exhibition and markets there will be art and craft demonstrations. A lucky door-prize of artwork and great raffle prizes is on offer, including two chances to win a weekend getaway at beautiful Mount Glorious.

Art and crafts are for sale at a range of price points, offering you a one-stop Christmas shopping trip, and a lovely day out, in idyllic surroundings!

Follow Art With Altitude on Facebook and Instagram for a sneak peek at what’s for sale.

Mount Glorious is a beautiful place to enjoy the cool refreshing mountain air, have lunch at one of the local cafes, or go for a walk in the National Park.

Just minutes from Samford, North West of Brisbane, Art with Altitude will be open from 9am until 4pm on the 19th and 20th of November at the Mount Glorious Community Hall- mark it in your diaries now!

Art with Altitude is proudly sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Just one of the artworks that will be on display at the exhibition

Do you have a local event coming up? If so we would love to share it with our readers. Email admin@echo-news.com.au

The Little EchoEcho Li le The

Little People, BIG Voices Project - Sustainability & Nature Focus

We believe children are natural connectors and want to have a voice on social, environmental, and human issues that impact our community. We also know they like to have fun, play, be creative, and spark joy.

The Little Echo is a platform that gives our community’s youngest citizens a BIG voice and a place to showcase their creative talents. This website is filled with local news, stories, photos and thought-provoking content—all from the children’s perspective. Here at The Little Echo, we hope that our young creatives can deliver key messages that will in turn provoke changes within our community. We also hope that this platform can promote inclusion by ensuring all children and young people in the community—no matter their background—have a voice.

This feature highlights some of the amazing submissions The Little Echo has received this month. They all have one thing— one key message—in common, and that is vocalising the importance of sustainable practices and nature appreciation in our community. We hope you enjoy this segment and our platform, visit www.littleecho.com.au for more inspiration!

An Open Letter To Our Community

To Our Community,

We are writing this open letter to express our concern about the state of our environment. Our world is in danger and becoming more polluted. Climate change is already impacting us and how we live. Our planet is in desperate need for help. We wish to inform you of everyday routines you can change to make our world a better place for future generations.

Here are a few tips for how you and your family can make a change: The first step is as easy as pie. Just ‘switch off when you step out!’ If you are leaving your bedroom to go to school, or any room in your house, turn off the lights and fans. This saves energy and money. If your room gets hot during the day, simply open the window. Fresh air is good for you! The reason we do this is so that we do not add to greenhouse gases and pollution.

Another effortless way to help save our environment and stop pollution is to ‘turn scraps to soil.’ Composting is an easy yet effective way to help stop pollution. All you need to do is get an old ice cream container with a lid, or if you want to be fancy you can get a composting bin cheap from Bunnings. Whenever you eat delicious fruit or veggies, instead of throwing the scraps in the bin, compost them instead. You can also put coffee grinds and eggshells in the compost bin, just make sure you do not add meat.

As well as composting another super, easy way to save our planet is knowing that ‘plastic packaging pollutes!’ This means not purchasing products that have an unnecessary amount of plastic packaging. However, if you cannot avoid it that is ok, just put the packaging in the recycling bin or take it to Coles or Woolworths for them to recycle. This helps because most of the plastics that would be going to landfill can be used to make useful things like park benches, bicycles, wheelchairs, and bridges for nature walks.

One final suggestion is to ‘demand second-hand’. The making of clothes uses plastic and sends out dangerous chemicals in the process. Buying things second or third hand will reduce these problems if we all work together. Clothes are not the only option, even though they are the first things that come to mind. You can also get a variety of second-hand items online such as bikes, desks, chairs, shoes and even monkey bars. Second-hand items normally sell for much lower prices than when they were bought new. Do not worry these items are normally in good condition. Sometimes people just grow out of them.

Help us make the world a better place for future generations by remembering these four fantastic tips – Switch off when you step out, Turn scraps to soil, Plastic packaging pollutes and Demand second-hand.

Yours sincerely, Erin, Peggy and Stephanie - Year 6

Ocean’s Voice

By Ruth H, aged 12 years

The salty spray whisps through the air. A light wind blows, picking up sand and throwing it at my legs as it goes. Waves slap against the sides of the rocks, curling over the edge dangerously close to where I stand. The sea is grey and murky, and the clouds stretch far out into the horizon. From the tip of the rocky point, I feel as close to the sea and the sky as I am to the rocks beneath my feet. Out here, I am at the mercy of the elements. I am attuned to the oceans force, to the changing tides and the crashing and breaking of the waves. I am at one with the sea. Graceful yet assertive, its presence pulls everything around it into a neverending orbit, a chain that cannot be broken. It has a strength that resonates deep beneath these rocks, like the echoes of thundering waves. I cannot bring myself to look away, I am transfixed by the rolling waves.

The unrevealing inky-grey water ripples mysteriously around the rocks, creating obscure but wonderful patterns that run until the shore, constantly disrupted by the crashing waves. My heart beats to the rhythm of the pounding waves, my mind entwined with the ocean.

Erin, Peggy and Stephanie

“Pretty much all the honest

telling there

by

LOVE to

georgia@echo-news.com.au

‘There is a shark with a tail and there’s a bottle inside the shark. The kindy children invented a vacuumater to suck up the Rubbish out of the shark’s mouth. The shark can now be happy and have a nice day in the water’ Milo, 5 years

ART

The turtle is sad because there is rubbish in the ocean and plastic bags. The jellyfish is sad because its tentacles keep hitting microplastics. The jellyfish has now run out of stings and he can’t protect himself” Aiden, 5 years

Sad Earth

Chiara OF, 11 years celebrates the coastline of Australia through her Watercolour painting . Rachel P, 13 years highlights the plight of the Koala through her pastel masterpiece. Both artworks were created at one of The Little Echo’s recent Art Workshops.

Cockatoo Hayden S, Age 11

My name is Caellum. I love my mummy, daddy, electronics and robots. This drawing is of houses connected together with LEDs. They glow. LEDs don’t get hot like bulbs and they are good for the earth. They are pretty. The square home is mine. The rectangle house is my cousins, Max, Jake, Chloe and Ella’s house.

Caellum, Year 1

Little People, BIG Voices ProjectSustainability & Nature Focus

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” - Degas

Hello, Mr World

By the children and Mrs Linda Meinicke, Director of the Willmore Kindergarten and Preschool.

At Willmore Kindergarten, we revisited our discussions about trees and the earth through reading a story called Hello, Mr World. In the story two children are pretending to be doctors and their patient is the earth. They discover from checking the earth’s temperature that it is too hot. The ice is melting and the arctic animals are finding it hard to survive as their habitat is changing. After we finished reading the story and had a discussion as a group, the children headed off to play. Below are some of the wonderings and ideas that came out of this discussion.

Echo Li le The

Who Are You?

I am the waves as I storm viciously towards the sandy shore.

I am the wind crashing quickly through the green trees.

I am the long jetty standing tall, sturdy and cold.

I am the shells silent and still on the wet shore.

I am the power of the tall and mighty gums. I am the dreaming of our aboriginal past. Who are you?

Willmore kids making daisies

Clara said , “The world is sad because it is sick. It needs some trees to make it better.” At the bottom of her picture was a white space she explained, “this is the ice for the polar bears to live. I don’t want them to die.”

A group of children went into the block corner space. We had wondered as a group how the tree in the block corner could get water from the river which was a long way from it. Tom thought we could ask the animals to hold water in their mouth and take it to the tree. Georgia F decided to make the river larger because the rain had come.

Henry was playing at the table with coloured blocks and put the yellow blocks in front of his eyes. He said, “Hey. I am being the sun. I’m the reason the world is so sick.”

Jakobi led some thinking at the light table where there were some polar bears and ice He said, “The penguins home is melting. Little penguin can’t swim. Mummy will protect them. She is swimming with her babies.”

Georgia B “The penguin made a new home of ice because their other home melted. This one (points to the polar bear) has had his home melt too. The penguins home is melting.”

Georgia F “I can build another home for them. It is not good that their home has melted. Come on penguins, jump out and come into your new home.”

Because of the rain Daisy made many beautiful flowers grow. Flowers could help our earth to cool down as well.

As we played we were wondering about polar bears and one of the children asked, “Can polar bears live in water without ice?” I replied that I didn’t know but that we could research this question. We looked at some clips of polar bears moving through ice and were amazed at how agile they were and how far they could swim.

The children relate their own experiences to that of the world. They show an innate empathy for living things and want to make things better. This is such a great example of how the children use many languages of learning to make sense of their world. From paint, to blocks to light and of course stories. This was also our first step into the research area. Once the children learn that anything they are interested in we can research we are able to go much deeper with our thinking and learning.

The children have continued this line of thinking by researching the 17 UN Sustainability Goals. We are looking at the goals individually and working out ways we can make a difference in our own homes and community.

The Garden

By Rose Ness W, Grade 5

The joyous sun, a rambling rose, Where youth and passion grows and grows.

Deep rich soil, spread onto the land, Like icing on a cake, that has no end.

Planted by day, bloomed by night, Awoken at dawn by the welcoming light.

Where the birds start to sing, playing hide-and-seek in the trees, Awakening the ants, butterflies, and bees.

Leaves fall, wind blows, the sun goes down again, Ready for another day at the garden.

For more creativity visit www.littleecho.com.au or send YOUR submission to georgia@littleecho.com.au

www.echo-news.com.au

operates on the last Sunday of the month between 10am and 3pm. The self-guided tour takes

on a cre

Bay Hinterland from Woodford, Mount Mee, Sam-ford, Dayboro and elsewhere in between. Tawny Trails feature some of the regions most talented artists and the opportunity to participate in workshops with the creatives or purchase works from them.

The galleries and artists who participate in the Tawny Trails include Woodside Ce-ramics, Running Duck Studio, Hay Cottage, Christa’s Art and Gilding, The Good Egg Gallery, Dayboro Craft Princess, Nigindi Gallery, Dayboro Art Gallery, Arthouse on the Hill, Woodford Community Art Gallery and Museum, Dinkidi Australia, Sandy Skinner Art Studio and Robyn Darling Images and more. For more information visit the website here www.tawnytrails.com

November 27th will be the Christmas celebration trail event and will be a great opportunity to get some Christmas shop ping done.

The project is supported by the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland.

Life Coaching Psychology

Samford Library Sources A New Home

The Community Library Samford has been without a home in which to operate for two years now.

After much perseverance in following available options, the Library has finally had some success. A three year agreement was recently signed with Scouts Qld to operate from a section of their Baden Powell Park Samford site. The opening will likely now be early 2023.

The Library holds a collection of some 17,000 books, all of which have been donated from residents in the Samford Valley and surrounding areas. Besides specialising in Farming and Gardening, Arts and Military / Transport (with a focus on Aviation History), the book collection focuses on old Classics, Australian authors and Australiana. All other categories both fiction and non-fiction are also held, with many out of print books. A large collection of biography, autobiography and inspirational books will also soon be available to borrow.

Currently the Library is fund raising for construction items required to comply with regulations for installing a building on the Baden Powell Park site.

One such fund raising event is a BBQ of chicken, lamb, and beef gourmet sausages as well as vegetarian BBQ food at the Creative Samford Art & Craft Fair. The event is at the Samford Showgrounds on the 12th and 13th of November.

An additional table beside the BBQ will have homemade items comprising cakes, biscuits, jams, chutneys, Christmas treats etc. available for purchase. Donations of items are also kindly accepted.

Bunnings Keppera are always very supportive of the Library. As such, we will be in attendance at Bunnings Keperra Christmas Markets on Thursday 8th December from 6pm –8pm.

Thanks to a grant from the Gambling Community Benefits Fund earlier in the year, the Library also runs sales of books for all ages, jigsaw puzzles, games and children’s toys from the four metre trailer. Sales are generally every Saturday at the Samford RSL car park in Progress Street, Samford. Visit the Community Library Samford on Facebook for updates, or email info@communitylibrarysamford.org

Dickson News

partner with a collection box at my electorate office in Strathpine.

If you do have excess stationery items such as:

• Pencils, pens, crayons, highlighters

• Pencil cases

• Exercise books/scrap books/notepads

Hacks and scams - Optus

With the recent Optus data breach, it’s a timely reminder to think about your security online. Hackers and scammers are getting more sophisticated and it’s important to regularly update your passwords and take other precautions to ensure your safety online.

Information, advice and tips on how you can ensure your safety online can be found at:

• www.idcare.org

• www.cyber.gov.au

• www.moneysmart.gov.au/banking/identity-theft

Stationery Aid

I’m regularly out and about in Dickson talking to charities about issues that matter to them and offering my help in any way possible.

Just recently I had the pleasure of meeting Stationery Aid founders Alison and Jan Schutt, at their sorting and storage facility in Bunya. Stationery Aid collects, cleans and then donates stationery to schools with disadvantaged students and families. Our environment also benefits by diverting stationery waste away from landfill and reusing and recycling it.

I am very pleased to become Stationery Aid’s latest collection

• Display books

• Erasers and rulers

• Sharpeners and glue

• Headphones

• Musical instruments

• Cover contact

• Visual art diary

• Art books and art supplies

• Textbooks and book covers

• Folders (except ring binders)

• Maths equipment including calculators

Please feel free to drop into my office in Strathpine and place donations in the Stationery Aid collection box. For more information on what Stationery Aid does, visit https:// stationeryaid.org/

Backing local, small businesses

I want to see more local business opportunities created in our community, so more people will have jobs. If you would like me to visit your business, please get in touch with my office via email, the contact details are below.

2023 Dickson Community Awards

Do you know an individual, business and/or organisation who have gone above and beyond for our community this year? Nominations are now open for my annual Dickson Community Awards which will be presented on Australia Day, Thursday 26th January 2023.

Please visit the community hub on my website for all the details - nominations close 5pm Friday, 25th November 2022.

Contact Me

Please get in touch with me at peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au or 3205 9977. Stop by one of my mobile office caravan visits, or drop in to my office in Strathpine to let me know what your priorities are for our community.

Don't Miss The Deadline!

Peter DUTTON MP Federal Member for Dickson

Peter Dutton MP with the team at Stationery Aid

THE FERNY REPORT

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

Queensland Jobs and Energy Plan

The Queensland Government has committed to a massive expansion of our state’s renewable energy generation grid. This is only possible because we have kept our electricity assets in public hands.

Between now and 2032 Queensland will need a considerable increase in energy generation to meet our state’s growing needs. In the next ten years the Queensland Government will add extra large-scale wind, solar and hydroelectric capacity to the network distributed across the state.

By 2032 70% of Queensland’s energy generated will be renewable.

Coupled with community battery rollouts, this means Queensland-made energy will be clean, cheap, and reliable.

Perhaps just as importantly, this energy transformation will be the largest jobs opportunity we will see in a generation. Entire industries in Queensland that are today only in their infancy, will in years to come, employ over a hundred thousand Queenslanders in new green hydrogen, clean energy generation, electricity storage, and transmission jobs.

With this $62 billion policy, we will power our state for decades to come – while growing local jobs and transforming our industries and our exports by decarbonising our Queensland-owned grid.

Ferny Grove TOD & Market update

I have received a briefing from Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the timeline for the delivery of the multi-level carpark at the Ferny Grove Railway Station.

While we were hopeful the carpark portion of the development would be ready by the end of this year, I have been informed the construction has experienced a significant amount of adverse weather events and supply delays. This means the carpark will not be completed until sometime in the new year.

The Ferny Grove Market operator has been given an extended contract until the end of January and will operate unchanged until the multi-level carpark is completed. I have arranged a site visit for Colin (market convenor) and myself to inspect the carpark before the handover.

DV Safe Phone is a Queensland based charity that provides refurbished mobile phones to victims of domestic violence. My Electorate Office is an authorised Phone Drop Location for DV Safe Phone.

For more information on how to prepare your old phone to donate, or to simply find out more go to: www. dvasafephone.org/donate.

Everton News from your State Member for Everton TIM MANDER

Stephen Lawley is part of the Special Olympics Queensland team that competed at the Special Olympics National Games in Launceston at the end of October.

It was fantastic to be able to play a quick nine holes with Stephen at Keperra Golf Club, as he prepared for his event. Stephen is a member of Keperra’s Brisbane Falcons team, in which some of his other teammates also competed for Queensland alongside him. Stephen is an extremely hard working and inspiring individual who serves as an excellent representative for our area.

My annual Everton Volunteer Awards event is coming up later this month at the Everton Park Bowls Club. It is a chance to recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers in our local community and to express our sincere appreciation for the work they do.

If you have witnessed outstanding community service in our area, then please don’t hesitate to nominate the deserving recipient for an award. Nominations can be submitted via my website www.timmander.com.au

To keep up to date with what is happening in your local area visit my Facebook page TimManderMPEverton or visit my website www.timmander.com.au

If you would like to contact me, please phone my office on 3535 1100 or email everton@parliament.qld.gov.au

Come Swim With Us!

Would you like to brush up on your swimming skills and endurance? Would you like to have fun with like-minded people? Then come along to the Albany Creek Masters Swimming club. The club trains from 7.15 am to 8.30 am on Sunday mornings at Albany Creek Swimming Pool, with the assistance of an experienced coach. There really is something for all with everyone swimming at their own ability and having their own goals, whether it be beginner or advanced - plus the coach is kind and approachable! Details can be found at www.albanycreekmastersswimming.com.au

Tim Mander MP with Stephen Lawley

Gardening During The Summer Months

An update from the Hills Organic Community Garden

The last few months have been amazing for the garden. The weather has been good with mild temperatures and intermittent rain to keep things growing well. As a result, we have been enjoying the fruits of our harvest and each Sunday take home an abundance of produce.

However, the warmer months are approaching and things will start to slow down somewhat.

Our tomatoes are just starting to produce some nice fruit and our cucumbers, radishes and capsicums will be great for our salads when they mature.

Summer is a time of rest for the garden but there is still plenty of work for our members to do. As our plants stop producing, they will die back and go to seed. After the seeds are collected, they will then be chopped up and placed in the compost bays to break down. By next Autumn, we should have some rich compost for our gardens.

The Hills Organic Garden is a great place for “green thumbs” and lovers of organic vegetables to come and enjoy the company of likeminded people, as well as being able to grow, harvest and eat healthy vegetables.

Our garden is a community venture, where volunteers work together to grow a chemical-free harvest which they can all share.

We are a friendly group of garden enthusiasts, so why not come along on a Sunday afternoon between 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. and have a chat. 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 hog.org.au, search ‘The Hills Organic Garden’ on Facebook or phone 0407 582 980 for information. We look forward to meeting you.

Water saving tip!

ONLY WATER YOUR LAWN WHEN IT NEEDS IT

If your lawn springs back after stepping on it, it doesn't require watering. When you do water, a good soaking every now and then is preferable to frequent, light watering.

Christmas Party Time!

From the Ferny Grove Garden Club

The November meeting of the Ferny Grove Garden Club will mark the end of a busy year of meetings, entertaining and informative talks, and visits to public and private gardens. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the annual competitions; the Esme Marshall Trophy for Overall Points; the Pamela Brown Trophy for Horticulture and the Beryl White Trophy for Floral Art.

There will not be a guest speaker at the meeting as we will be celebrating the Christmas season with Christmas floral arrangements, music, fun and games and a delicious lunch provided by members.

The club will meet again on Friday, 24 February 2023 at 1 pm at St Matthew’s Church Hall, Church Road Mitchelton. For more information, contact Elizabeth, 07 3851 0568

Gardening Jobs List

Where has this year gone? It’s the second last month, and Christmas plans are underway.

The December meeting of the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club will occur at the Enoggera Memorial Hall on Thursday, 1st December. Attendance at this meeting is for club members and invited guests only. It will consist of end of year activities and presentation of prizes to successful 2022 exhibitors. Despite all the adversities during the past ten months the entries on the show bench each month have been a delight and the exhibitors are congratulated for their efforts.

It looks like there’s going to be plenty of wet weather, but if there isn’t make sure your lawn receives a deep soak once a week. This will encourage the grass roots to penetrate deeper into the earth and increase the area to mow. Don’t hesitate to plant grass seed or pieces of turf in bare spots, You may need to use a ‘weed and feed’ spray to control unwanted material in the lawn. If not, give your lawn some nutrition each month. Citrus trees have been in blossom and tiny fruit is forming. Watch out for citrus leaf miner and gall wasp which may be pruned away to keep these problems controlled. Azaleas and spring flowering shrubs need attention too. If they are not very old, tip prune them to develop their shape. Old shrubs may have lots or woody parts removed to encourage new growth. After pruning, apply a fertilizer and make sure there’s plenty of mulch on the soil to conserve moisture. Vegetable growers may still plant lettuce, sweet potatoes and sweet corn. Meetings commence immediately after morning tee which is served at 9.45am. Entrance to the hall is at 36 Trundle Street, Enoggera. The hall is close to public transport and accessible by wheel chair. Visitors and new members are welcome. For more information please phone the president on 3356 1256

An update from the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club

Your Summer

Counselling

The Impact on Children after Separation

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 separation can have on children.

The breakdown of a relationship is heartbreaking and difficult. If we can’t manage our needs – how can we then manage our children’s needs? When we separate, we are in survival mode. Sometimes we are unable to regulate ourselves and think clearly because we are trying to make it through the day. We all react differently to separation, including our grief reactions. The future can seem uncertain and we feel a loss of control and confidence. When we feel a loss of control, it makes us feel powerless, which then creates internal turmoil and chaos. We need to feel like we are in control again, which can present as controlling or manipulative behaviour, irrational decision making or saying things we don’t mean.

This pressure is then experienced by our children and sometimes expecting them to grow up faster than what they should.

Adultfication: Is when the parent treats their child as an adult, exposing them to all adult information instead of protecting them. They expect their child to take on adult roles or even the parental role of looking after their younger siblings. Parentification: Is when the parent is unable to soothe

themselves and they instead have their child take on the parent role and comfort them when they are distressed, worried or suffering. The child then sacrifices their own needs to be the rock for their parent. There is also the opposite, extreme Infantilization, where the parent treats their child as an infant again. They give their children no autonomy and obsess to the point where the child is dependent on them and unable to do anything themselves.

Trying to maintain a healthy relationship for all parties is the best outcome for our children to make sense of it all. The goal is Cooperative Parenting, with low levels of conflict, where parents can put their differences aside to prioritise the needs of their children. This is the best long-term outcome for kids. Next is Parallel Parenting. Parents create parallel homes for their children to move between and kids generally cope well moving between the two homes. Children commonly struggle with the inconsistency of rules and the bickering of parents. Mixed Parenting is when parents have little to no interaction with each other but when they do, it is arguing and conflict. This leaves our kids to feel uncertain, always walking on eggshells and anxious because of the inevitable conflict. There is also Parental Alienating Parenting, where one parent essentially corrupts the child’s sense of reality. The parent coerces the child to believe their other parent does not want them or love them. Seems harsh, so lets quickly look at the 3 different types of Alienators.

Naïve Alienators, even though they may occasionally engage in typical alienating behaviour, ultimately, they do acknowledge the importance of the relationship with the other parent. Active Alienators are parents who when they feel hurt, will strategically isolate their child. They tend to express guilt after when they realise the extent of their damage. Obsessed Alienators are when parents want to punish their ex-partner for the pain the separation has caused them. They have little selfcontrol or awareness into their behaviour. They are focused on getting back at someone rather than moving forward.

Children need to be loved and protected, not brought into the chaos of adult separations. It may seem easier said, than done. If you need help, speak with someone, educate yourself, understand anxiety, as well as the grief and loss cycles after separations. You want your children to grow into adults who respect for you for your decisions, not because they have been manipulated into loyalty.

Do you know that if you text 0477 13 11 14 between 6pmmidnight when you are in need of support, a trained Lifeline crisis support worker will text with you? So if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, please drop them a text.