IPSWICH GIRLS’ GRAMMAR JUNIOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL

RAAF SUPPORTS BUSHFIRE RESCUES

Australian Defence Force assets and personnel are often called upon to support mitigation efforts during emergencies and disastrous situations, so providing support for operations to minimise the effects of the bushfires is out of the ordinary but something these men and women are trained to do.

This week’s Star Chat examines the support provided by the ADF with Squadron Leader David Weekley, Executive Officer at No 382 Squadron at RAAF Amberley. His specialisation is Logistics Officer. LQ: What has been your role in assisting bushfire relief? DW: I provide executive support and expeditionary advice to the Commanding Officer of No 30 Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale. LQ: What is the difference between operations at home and while deployed on operations? DW:382SQN is a contingency response squadron, so the roles are the same as I would perform on the majority of deployments. The main difference is that when we are working at Amberley, i.e. not deployed, our focus is on ‘raise, train and sustain’ to ensure all 382SQN members are prepared, poised and postured as both individuals and teams ready to provide for lean, light, rapid, responsive and effective expeditionary airbase operational support. I have deployed on numerous occasions to the Middle East Area of operations, and both internationally, such as Australian Defence Force support to the Pacific Island Forum, and within Australia on activities and training exercises, such as Exercise Talisman Sabre. While the air base operational support we provide is similar, the situation and mission can be vastly different. I had a much smaller role at Amberley in providing airbase operational support during the humanitarian and security crisis that took place in East Timor from 1999-2000, and Operation Yasi Assist in Queensland, but have never deployed on a Defence Aid to the Civil Community (DACC) tasking on this scale. LQ: How do you prepare, mentally and from a logistics standpoint? DW:As members of a contingency response squadron, we are postured to deploy and provide this type of support at short or very short notice. In times such as this we use experience and lessons gained from previous activities and build our plan and actions from there. At the tactical level, lots of reading on the road or in the air helps understand the mission on the way to your next location. The logistics staff work incredibly hard all year round to ensure the equipment is postured to deploy, just like our personnel. LQ: Have you learned anything that surprised you this time? DW: I have learnt that no matter how short the planning time may be and no matter how many Defence and civilian agencies from all over the world are involved, when in a crisis we can all work together and make it happen in a safe environment. LQ: What’s important about the support offered to those in danger? DW:I am confident they are comforted that there are thousands of people working together to ensure support is made available. This includes firefighters saving houses and property, to evacuations from dangerous situations. Specific to our mission is to ensure the air base can support the fixed wing

and rotary wing aircraft flying into the areas of operation. The aircraft have several tasks including evacuation of civilians and animals; the transportation of civilian agencies and their assets; the return of evacuees once areas are deemed safe; and the supply of critical stores. It is important to note that the ADF does these tasks in support of the Emergency Services and other civilian agencies. LQ: Is there a rewarding element? DW:The entire operation is rewarding! It’s the look of gratitude from tired, stressed evacuees and volunteers, the ability to plan then execute Defence support, working closely with other governments, nations and Defence personnel, and reading the kind words on social media. LQ: How would you reflect on your time involved in the effort? DW:It will be a positive reflection once my part is complete. It’s difficult to walk out the front door and wave goodbye to the family, but as the cliché goes, ‘it’s what we’re trained for.’ I know the people of Australia, and my family, are proud of the way in which the Australian Defence Force can provide support to the state and territory governments in this time of need. Above: C-27J ‘Spartan’ pilots fly in poor visibility conditions as they assist evacuees during the bushfires. Left: Squadron Leader David Weekley. (Defence Photos)

Queensland is experiencing unprecedented levels of heat and drought, and as a result our wildlife are suffering. Under normal conditions people should stay away from wildlife and refrain from feeding them, however these extreme conditions mean that our furry friends may require some help from us to survive. Here are seven things you can do, from a safe distance of course, that could possibly save an animal’s life. Provide water. Koalas can’t tilt their necks to drink so use shallow dishes and bowls. Include twigs to help smaller animals get out if they need. If you have a larger property, troughs partly covered with wire and ramps can assist larger animals like echidnas as well as smaller bush birds.

Leave food. Leave food under bushes and away from the house, to encourage animals to eat where they feel safe. Include food like sweet potato, fruit and any collected leaves, grass and shoots. Cover your pool. The last thing anyone wants is for an animal to drown in a deep pool they may see as a sanctuary.

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Animal watch. Keep an eye out for animals suffering heat stress. Heat stress presents differently in different animals. Watch out for nocturnal animals out during the day, and animals near the road at night.

Watch closely for predators that may be preying on the food and water spots. Wildlife rescue kit. Have an emergency wildlife rescue kit ready in your car and local wildlife rescue numbers on hand. An emergency kit may include: a fluro vest, gloves, torch, towel, pillow case, first aid kit, pliers and a large box.

These are essential for handling wild animals and doing the least damage until you can reach a rescue centre. Who to call. There are a number of agencies such as Wildlife Rescue on 1300 094 737 that are on call to provide essential rescue and treatment of wildlife. Get to know who to call so that you are prepared.

Stay Safe. Always be careful when approaching a native animal, particularly if injured. Keep well away from any animal that may be venomous or dangerous, particularly snakes, goannas, flying foxes or other kinds of bats. Main Photo: vetvoice.com.au

The Trottie Becke store has long been an established hot spot for beautiful fabrics and designs in Ipswich, and now that the weather is determined to stay steamy, we’re confident that Trottie Becke is going to be nailing the lewks in a big way.

Chatting with owner Alexis, we got the low down on what to look out for, how to wear it and a reminder of the most golden rule of all: wear what you love. Here are five pieces from Trottie Becke that can be mixed, matched and worn to your heart’s content. SWEET IN PINK This lil sweetie is performing the miraculous and giving tie-dye a more elegant, fun edge. And did we mention it has POCKETS? If you’re not taking this one to the beach, let it take you there as you skip the sweat and bring colour back to your wardrobe. SHOW OFF YOUR TAN If longer skirts aren’t your thing and your legs are aching for some sun, take this bubbly blue shortie for a spin. Paired with strappy sandals and large floppy hat, it’s made for hitting the streets all summer. TWO-PIECE OPTIONS The two-piece set had a big time revival, and we can see why. It’s vibrant, flirty and oh-socomfortable as well as giving you a sizeable amount of options to pair it with pieces you already own. While together, it serves up a more dressy look, or you can set the top with skirt and boots for a festival, or bikini top and skirt for easy beaching. CHEEKY FLORALS This gorgeous piece is an ode to the enduring enchantment of soft and pretty florals. The gentle waist cinch and loose drape creates a flattering shape, complete

with cheeky plunge, thigh slit and peasant skirting. For a BBQ, brunch date or even summer night party, this dress is your friend. COOL AIRA MINI It’s all about the easy oversized look this year. The Aira Dress by Australia’s bohemian designer Jaase is made from a beautiful soft pure cotton with a gorgeous floral pattern embedding into the fabric. MORE IN THE MALL You can find all these looks and so much more at Trottie Becke in the Nicholas Street mall as well as through their killer insta @trottiebecke

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 14 MARCH - 10AM TO 1PM

Visit Ipswich Girls’ and Junior Grammar School’s 2020 Open Day and take a student-guided tour to see the School in action.

The Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School (girls only, Years 7 to 12), Ipswich Junior Grammar School (co-educational, Prep to Year 6) and the Ipswich Junior Grammar Early Education Centre (Kindy and Pre-Prep) 2020 Open Day offers a full program of events, giving visitors the opportunity to spend time with the School’s expert staff, tour the heritage-listed campus and stateof-the-art facilities, enjoy student performances and learn about the School’s high quality academic and co-curricular opportunities.

The School’s annual Open Day is a highlight on the School calendar, with staff and students alike keen to showcase their school and all it has to offer.

“We are very proud of our School and look forward to Open Day each year as it allows visitors to explore the many opportunities we offer and gives them the opportunity to experience our friendly and inclusive School community first-hand,” said the School’s Principal and CEO, Dr Peter Britton.

A key focus of Ipswich Girls’ and Junior Grammar School is personalised learning, with each student from Prep to Year 6 having an Individual Academic Learning Plan, crafted from a range of standardised tests and classroom observations that identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.

Bright Sparks, a Junior Grammar signature program, offers students rich E-STEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) opportunities and allows them to explore and develop skills in digital learning, starting from Pre-Prep. Chinese Mandarin lessons are embedded within the academic curriculum from Prep while Japanese and German are offered in higher Year levels.

Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School aims to provide a personalised, holistic education by expert staff in engaging learning environments to its students, and to ensure that every student is known and feels important.

“Every student is important to

us and is known by name as well as their individual strengths and challenges as we inspire them to become confident, well-educated young women,” said Dr Britton.

At IGGS, each student’s academic program is tracked and addressed in her Personalised Academic Action Plan. Each girl takes an active role in her learning adventure, reviewing her progress, setting goals and deciding how they will meet their challenges. The School is also deeply committed to providing the highest quality pastoral care and is committed to supporting girls to grow into confident, well-educated young women.

The School also offers flexible boarding options, with Cribb House, the onsite boarding facility also open for tours throughout Open Day.

During the 2020 Open Day, families will be able to take advantage of a special Open Day incentive.

For more information about the Open Day and to register, visit girlsgrammar.com.au or juniorgrammar.com.au and click on the Open Day link, or call (07) 3454 4447.

This is a special event that could lead to an excellent future in education for your child.

The Heritage-listed Ipswich Girls’ and Junior Grammar School campus is located in the heart of Ipswich, Cnr Queen Victoria Parade and Chermside Road East Ipswich, overlooking the beautiful Bremer River.

For the Open Day, visitor parking will be available via Torch Street off Chermside Road. Where is IGGS & IJGS?

14 March 2020 10am to 1pm OPEN DAY

New year, new healthy you SHAKE OFF THOSE BAD HEALTH HABITS AND FEEL GREAT

v with Jess Blair, Nutritionist and Naturopath @wellnessbyblair

Weight loss can be both confusing and overwhelming. Here are my favourite tips and tricks to get back to basics and make this year your best yet! Healthy Snacks I always recommend something high in protein and fats for snacks. This keeps cravings at bay! Something like mixed nuts, avocado or boiled eggs are great for snacks! Water During the warmer months we need to increase our water intake. Drinking water throughout the day can help with keeping our bowels regular and our skin glowing! It doesn’t have to be boring either, get creative and add fresh fruit or lemon and lime to find the flavour you like best. Cut back on Sugar We all should be watching what extra sugar is in our foods! Home-made meals and snacks

are best, so you know exactly what’s in them. If you get sugar cravings, try and curb it with some nuts or even some dark chocolate. Gut Health Gut health is paramount when it comes to immunity, mood and even weight. Making sure we are eating less processed foods, drinking more water, eating more real foods and adding foods high in pre- and pro-biotics. Movement Exercise is not only a great tool for weight loss it also helps with stress management. We should all be aiming to move every single day. Try to make it a goal. If you are sitting at your desk, get up every few hours and take a stretch and walk around, get outside at lunch or try to reach a 10,000-step goal every day.

There you have it! A few small and simple steps repeated consistently will have you on your way to your best health!

‘Wellness’ is a practical, easy-to-follow guide for people wishing to live a more energised and healthy life, packed with simple tips that make a big impact on health. The book will guide you through five key areas of focus: food choices, the joy of movement, when to supplement, creating a healthy home and a positive approach to living. All this, with an emphasis on kindness and self-compassion. It also includes a 7-day kick start plan to help readers begin their journey to healthy living.

To win a copy of ‘Wellness by Blair’ go to our website at www. lifestyleqld.com.au, click on the enter competition button on the front page and fill in the form with the codeword ‘Wellness’. Entries close 29 February 2020. WIN A COPY OF JESS BLAIR’S BOOK