Volume 82 September 2019
Planting the seeds for a better future
Memories of Logan inspire literary award winner
CON T E N TS OUR LOGAN, OUR CITY MAGAZINE Editorial enquiries: 3412 5284 or media@logan.qld.gov.au Advertising enquiries: 3412 5176 or marketing@ logan.qld.gov.au Managing Editor: Rebecca Smith News Editor: Martin King Writers: Zoe Krieg Martin King Julie Brumfield-Jones Sam Burgess Samantha Stiller Geoff Stead Jason Oxenbridge
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New water play areas
ImagiNation Children’s Festival
Job-seeker program boosts environment
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Work to start on KBF precinct
Cedar Grove’s environmental centre
Logan’s Tokyo sweetheart
Customer Service Centres:
Phone: 3412 3412
Front cover image: Melissa Lucashenko Photo: courtesy Miles Franklin Literary Award/ Belinda Rolland.
Email: council@logan.qld.gov.au
Logan City Council Administration Centre 150 Wembley Rd, Logan Central Open Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
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All content accurate as of 15 August 2019. logan.qld.gov.au
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visitlogan.com.au Logan City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging and extends that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the City of Logan.
Logan City Council contact details: Post: PO Box 3226 Logan City DC Qld 4114
Graphic design: Vicky Fraser Natalie Matthews
None of the material in this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Logan City Council.
Children’s Festival
21 Sep – 6 Oct 2019
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Message from the Interim Administrator September marks my fifth month as Interim Administrator at Logan City Council. Over the course of these past months, I have been looking at improvements to the systems, policies and processes that support the workings of Council. My intent for this work, known as the ‘Transition to Council’ plan, is to restore the community's confidence in local government by giving the next Council the best possible foundations from which to successfully lead the City of Logan. To assist me in this work, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) is reviewing and developing a wide range of tools across areas including governance, planning and performance and community engagement. One particular body of work to emerge from the IMC will be a new and improved process for building councillor capabilities across a breadth of areas relevant to their roles. There are three key areas of focus for this project: • Candidate training: A new tool will be developed to assist aspiring candidates to better understand the system of government, the operations of Council and the requirements, roles and responsibilities of being a Councillor. • Updated and expanded induction for elected Councillors: This will cover areas such as policies and processes, legal and ethical responsibilities, conflicts of interest, record keeping, decision making and strategic planning. • Continuing professional development: This will ensure Councillors become even more effective in their roles by building on their knowledge and skills with training throughout their term.
With a newly elected Council due at the end of March 2020, our focus on building councillor capabilities will play an important part in helping them to lead the City of Logan with transparency, confidence in decision-making and in the best interests of the whole city. It will also better prepare Councillors to meet their responsibilities to the community, the organisation and to ensure they meet the requirements of all the relevant policies and legislation that governs Council. Another focus for the IMC is reviewing various Council policies and frameworks so we can confidently move forward with a best-practice approach to accountability and transparency. Some of the areas for review include: • Fraud and corruption policies • Complaints investigations • Councillor expenses and benefits • Privacy and Right to Information • Councillor Discretionary funding; and • Code of Conduct I am confident that over the coming months, we will deliver important improvements to key policies and practices across Logan City Council, and in doing so, will help create the foundation for a successful transition to Council in March 2020.
Interim Administrator Tamara O’Shea Logan City Council
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Welcome to this edition of Our Logan Logan is quickly gaining a reputation as a city that embraces innovation and entrepreneurial activity.
Melissa grew up in Logan and drew upon the people and places of her early adulthood to enrich her storytelling.
Last month Logan came to international attention with the announcement that Wing, which is owned by the same parent company as Google, has selected Logan to run its trials for drone deliveries.
This is the second major award for Melissa who also won a Walkley Award for her feature writing, which also featured elements of her upbringing in Logan.
The company said it selected Logan to establish operations as it is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities in the centre of a rapidly expanding region (story page 20). At the regional finals of Pitch@Palace, Logan was well represented by four finalists with Kingston-based company, Suelo Tech selected to advance to the national finals next month. It’s the second time in two years that a local company has won the regional final (story page 25). Our cover story this month features author Melissa Lucashenko, winner of this year’s Miles Franklin Award, Australia’s most prestigious literary competition.
To celebrate her win we’re offering the prize of a copy of Too Much Lip to one of our readers (see page 6). Council has also been busy with its own major projects, with the newly named Cedar Grove Environmental Centre taking shape with vegetation plantings, picnic shelters and walking trails and the rehabilitation of the iconic Red Bridge adjacent to the Logan River Parklands. When completed, the city will have new wetlands in the south west of our city and the convenience of a much loved and well used pedestrian link returned to service at Beenleigh. After significant planning, work is scheduled to start shortly on the first phase of turning the Kingston Butter Factory’s outdoor area into a vibrant entertainment precinct. Water play areas and associated family-friendly facilities such as barbecues and playgrounds in Logan Central and Flagstone are also nearing completion and should be open later this year (see facing page). Doug Larsen Park is also being redeveloped as a BMX/skate freestyle facility. These multi-million dollar projects will provide our family-friendly city with even more options to keep the kids amused over the summer holidays. In the meantime, our award-winning ImagiNation Children’s Festival, which coincides with the spring school holidays, promises to be better than ever with plenty of free and low-cost activities. The Colour Blast Fun Run is new to the program, as is Movie Night at Event Cinemas. Although it’s an expanded program, you will still need to get in early to guarantee a booking for some activities. There’s plenty happening in September in the City of Logan.
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Acting Chief Executive Officer Silvio Trinca Logan City Council
New water play areas will be a splash hit this summer Work is underway on a $3.3 million water play area at Logan Gardens, scheduled to open by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, construction is continuing on another water play area at Greater Flagstone.
The family-friendly facility will feature four differently themed play areas—a bucket-tipping pond, a totem spray forest, a pop-jet plaza and a toddlers section.
That facility features a 10-metre high treehouse-style structure with water features, two smaller tree-shaped waterfalls and a watercourse through the play area with jets and blasters.
Shade sails, seating, lawn picnic spaces and additional covered areas are also part of the plans.
There are also shade structures, tables, seating and umbrellas.
It is being built adjacent to the existing playground at Logan Gardens. The Logan Central location has existing barbecue facilities, parking and is close to public transport. Temporary fencing has been erected around the construction site. Temporary public toilets also have been placed in the park as the water play area build requires the relocation of the existing toilet block.
The $3.2 million water play area in Flagstone Regional Park (above) is being built in a joint venture with developer Peet. It is alongside an innovative skate plaza, community playground and dog park. The two water play areas are on top of Council’s $3.1 million redevelopment of the Doug Larsen Park BMX freestyle facility now underway at Beenleigh and the advanced planning for an Olympic-standard whitewater park facility at a Logan site yet to be finalised. This drawing of the new Logan Gardens water play area shows the four differently themed areas within the facility
An artist’s impression of the treehouse-inspired water play area being built at Greater Flagstone.
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Lucashenko has miles of the ‘write’ stuff Celebrated author Melissa Lucashenko is revved up after winning Australia’s most prestigious literary award, but all she really wants is a new cherry red Harley to rumble through the streets of her old haunts in Logan. “It has been a bit of a crazy ride,” she says, aware of the metaphor. Making noise has become a trademark for the author, who last month beat a plethora of hopefuls to win the $60,000 Miles Franklin Award for her sixth novel Too Much Lip. The book was praised by the judges as ‘a novel of celebratory defiance’. This trademark defiance is part of her self-styled trenchant wit, for which she makes no apologies.
Win a copy of Too Much Lip We're offering a prize of Melissa Lucashenko's award winning book to an Our Logan reader who in 100 words or less can tell us of their fondest memory of growing up in Logan. Entries should be addressed to communications@logan.qld. gov.au Entries must be received by 4 October and the winner will be announced in the November edition of Our Logan.
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“To win a Miles Franklin award from a black working-class woman is a big thing,” Melissa says. “It’s the easiest thing in the world as an Aboriginal writer (to be defiant). The norm needs to be defied and changed. There are a lot of issues with racism and inequality in this country and I’m not about to sit back and say it’s OK.
“The people are fair dinkum, there’s some great people, great food and of course the markets. I almost moved back to Trinder Park a few months back, but it didn’t happen. One day I’ll be back.”
“People should not be blamed for their situation when they’ve had no say in it, whether they’re black, white or brindle. There’s so much hypocrisy in the world right now and I feel that one of my jobs as a writer is to peel that back, to peel back the layers.
In Too Much Lip, protagonist Kerry Salter sets off from her Trinder Park home to visit her dying pop in NSW. But first she has to find a way to get there.
“There’s really not that much to lose. It’s the same with my characters, they can afford to tell the truth.” With the Harley dreams idling away, it’s horsepower of a more literal kind for which the 52-year-old has some of her fondest memories, ‘growing up and mucking about’ in Rochedale and Eagleby. “I have very fond memories of growing up in Logan, just the vibrancy of it. I remember riding my horse through the cane fields of Eagleby,” she says. “Karawatha is also very dear to my heart, walking the dogs through the state forest. I loved it and I’ve probably been searching for it ever since.” It’s this affinity that has Logan and some of its gritty, salt-of-the earth characters sprinkled throughout her stories. “You know what you’re going to get in Logan, there’s no bullshit,” she says.
Wise-cracking Kerry Salter has spent a lifetime avoiding two things – her hometown and prison. But now her Pop is dying and she’s an inch away from the lockup, so she heads south on a stolen Harley. Kerry plans to spend twenty-four hours, tops, over the border. She quickly discovers, though, that Bundjalung country has a funny way of grabbing on to people. Old family wounds open as the Salters fight to stop the development of their beloved river. And the unexpected arrival on the scene of a good-looking dugai fella intent on loving her up only adds more trouble – but then trouble is Kerry’s middle name.
“I wanted to write a really funny book and I think I’ve achieved that with Too Much Lip. At least I think it’s funny,” she says.
“I’m conscious to do the right thing by my characters and my community. I don’t shy away from hard issues,” explains Melissa.
A writer of European and Bundjalung/ Goorie heritage, Melissa received an honours degree in public policy from Griffith University in 1990. In 1997, she published her first novel Steam Pigs.
“I write so that anyone who is literate can pick up my books and enjoy them. It makes me happy.”
It follows young Aboriginal woman Sue Wilson, who escapes her “toolarge, too-poor family in a too-small” north Queensland town for Logan City’s frontier sprawl.
Her essay Sinking Below Sight: Down and Out in Brisbane and Logan won the 2013 Walkley Award for Long Form Journalism (the Australian equivalent of a Pulitzer). Melissa has a gift for unique storytelling and rasp-like prose which shines a light on the disenfranchised and real issues.
She's spent many hours banging away on the keyboard, developing characters and baring her soul. It’s a fair stretch from sitting in the Beenleigh Tavern doing her Uni homework because it was ‘quieter than home’. “There was no library back then,” she laughs. Now that hard work is a paying off in spades. Her latest book has sparked the curiosity of script writers and film makers, including interest from Hollywood. “I have had few nibbles in the past (from film companies), but nothing like this. This is kind of next level,” she beams. “I told them I don’t want a conventional contract though, all I really want is a cherry red Harley.” Don’t be surprised to see her cruising the streets of Logan on her dream machine one day soon.
Photo: courtesy Miles Franklin Literary Award/Belinda Rolland
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Children’s Festival
21 Sep – 6 Oct 2019 imaginationfestival.com.au ImagiNation Children’s Festival is a monster-sized program of fun, games, activities, culture, art, music, nature, technology, stories, poetry, movies and colour—lots and lots of colour! The 16-day action-packed program brings together more than 270 free and low-cost activities in every corner of the city, sparking the ImagiNation of children with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. It’s designed to inspire children to play, explore and exercise their talents and unleash their creative potential. Bookings are essential for activities and open 9am on Monday 26 August. The festival kicks off on 21 September with a new event— a free Colour Blast Fun Run. This new attraction at Griffith University, Meadowbrook Campus, is a partnership between KRANK, MSK Events and the ImagiNation Children’s Festival. Places for this event are limited and bookings are essential at: ticketebo.com.au/colourblast Another new feature this year is
Movie Night at Event Cinemas Rock climbing
For just $5 you can see any appropriately rated movie at any session.
Kayaking on the Logan River
High school students need to bring Student ID and Cinebuzz card. One parent per child can also take advantage of this amazing offer for only $5 each with a Cinebuzz card.
Monday 23 September 2.30pm until late Event Cinemas Loganholme, Hyperdome Piazza Cnr Pacific Hwy and Bryants Rd, Loganholme Ages: 5-17 years Bookings: Event Cinemas Loganholme Email: loganholme_events@evt.com The Logan Entertainment Centre will also host a number of daytime and evening performances, featured on page 12, to appeal to both children and adults.
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Bubble soccer is a favourite activity
Key events for animal and nature lovers • Fishing
Key educational activities • Slime workshop • Deadly digital movie maker • Digital media for teens: Adobe Photoshop session
Family friendly entertainment
• Animal Management Centre tour
• Colour Blast Fun Run
• Bushwalking
• Movie nights • Eats & Beats • Playgroups
• It’s Rocket Science • Coding Club
Key events for sports and adventure lovers • Kneeboarding • Wakeboarding • Go Karting • Ninja obstacle course • Rock climbing • Nerf Wars Key arts and crafts events
• Bubble soccer
• Street art workshop
• Kayaking
• Design your own doughnut
• Clay sculpture
• Learn to skateboard
• Little chefs
• Acrylic art
• Chocolate Crackle making
• Jewellery workshop
• Dance with Adventures of the Magic Far-Out Faraway Tree
Key events for the foodies
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Planting seeds for a brighter future Taking part in the Logan City Council– Reclink environment program are Trent Dickson, of Greenbank, and Bettina Sheppard, of Yarrabilba
Working in Logan parks and helping to improve our environment has given a group of job-seekers a headstart towards new careers. The trainees have been mentored by specialist staff at Logan City Council as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Project run in conjunction with Reclink Australia. Twelve of the trainees have begun planting 1,000 native trees in Kurrajong Park at Jimboomba and Kooruhman Park at Logan Village as part of the six-month paid program. They are also helping promote regrowth of the endangered swamp tea-tree (Melaleuca irbyana) and undertaking weed control and mulching. Another group of 10 trainees has been busy restoring habitats to assist in the recovery of the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia), in areas including Windaroo Creek, Belivah Creek and California Creek at Cornubia. They will also plant 30 Birdwing butterfly vines (Pararistolochia praevenosa), the main natural food plant for the butterfly larvae, and remove Dutchman’s Pipe vines which are deadly to butterfly larvae.
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While undertaking these works, they are also learning about landscaping and park management. Both groups are also educated on workplace health and safety, flora and fauna identification and surveying and plant propagation. The 22-week program provides accredited training and support to people of all ages who are experiencing difficulty obtaining qualifications, skills and work experience. At the end of the course, which also includes additional TAFE units, they will qualify for a Certificate 1 in conservation and land management. Trainee Abigail Tavukuin said the program was an ideal opportunity to learn about plants, animals and the environment. “I enjoy protecting and preserving the ecosystem, researching about different species and especially physical work helps keep me fit and happy,” she says. Wayne Roney, one of the trainees on the program, described his traineeship as “a fresh start in a new career”. “I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people who are likeminded,” he says.
Woodridge heritage captured in special school fundraiser The spotlight will be on Woodridge’s history at a special festival this month. Woodridge State High School is hosting the 2019 Woodridge Heritage Festival from 3pm to 7pm on Friday, 20 September at the school, 323 Wembley Rd, Woodridge. In honour of the theme Connecting People, Places and the Past, one of the festival’s features will be a history walk. This display will include historical images and artefacts of Woodridge as a suburb and of Woodridge State High School over time. The school will also embrace its current heritage through multicultural performances and international food vendors. The festival is open to the community as well as current and former students and their families. For more information check out the Woodridge Heritage Festival page on Facebook.
What's on at Logan Art Gallery 13 September to 19 October 2019 — Exhibition Artwaves 2019:
Logan and adjacent areas secondary schools art exhibition Artwaves is an annual exhibition which features more than 150 artworks selected from high schools across Logan and surrounding areas. The works include themes strongly influenced by social media and pop culture that highlight social issues, politics and the natural environment. Each year a student is awarded a mentorship and the opportunity to provide an exhibition the following year. This year Danica Coetzee will present her new work in Ripple effect: out of Artwaves between 25 October and 30 November.
www.schoolartsupplies.com.au
Danica Coetzee, Year 12, Anxious minds, 2018, ink and watercolour on paper
Matilda Martin, Year 12, A place where nothing needs a place II, 2018, oil on canvas board
www.schoolartsupplies.com.au
Lucy Coleman, Year 12, Self-portrait: thinking of home (detail), 2018, oil on canvas board
www.schoolartsupplies.com.au www.schoolartsupplies.com.au
Gallery Workshops Leaving: 15th Century woodblock printing to 20th Century 3D printing with Pamela See Part 1: Saturday 5 October, drop in any time between 10am to 2pm No booking required Explore the theme “what I hope to leave behind for future generations,” with artist Pamela See. Create a series of woodblock prints of leaves and embellish with calligraphic style drawings. You can then choose to have your designs translated into a design for a 3D print by attending the Part 2 workshop. NOTE: You may attend this workshop without attending Part 2.
Part 2: Tuesday 8 October, 3.30pm to 4.45pm Bookings required1 You must have attended the Part 1 workshop, to attend this session. For children aged 7 and older, and teens. Turn your woodblock prints into 3D printed images with artist Pamela See. Participants will be assisted in translating their printed and drawn compositions into an STL (stereolithography) file that can be printed in 3D by Logan City Council Library services.2 The project explores the relationship between 15th Century principles of perspective to 20th Century computer aided design (CAD).
Pamela See and Jasmin Craig, Caterpillar, 2019, PLA print, woodblock print and drawing
A selection of children’s designs will be adapted and printed by the artist for a participatory artwork. 1
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Bookings can be made online at logan.qld.gov.au/ artgallery Participants of this Part 2 workshop involving CAD will be required to bring their own device. Tinkercad will be used to create the files. Parents will be required to signin to or sign-up for an account with Autodesk.
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WHAT’S ON AT
EVEN T S S EP TEM B ER
Celebrate National Stroke Week with Aphasia Community Choir Tuesday 3 September, 10am to noon Logan Central Library 26 Wilbur St, Logan Central QLD Bush Poetry Championship Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September 9am to 3pm, Beenleigh Tavern Beenleigh Historical Village abpa.org.au/events.html
Lady Beatle Starring UK-born Australian stage and screen star Naomi Price and inspired by true accounts, Lady Beatle is a rollicking magical mystery tour soundtracked by The Beatles’ biggest chart toppers, including Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Eleanor Rigby, Yellow Submarine and Penny Lane. Date Time Sun 29 Sep 2019 6pm
Suitable for ages 13+
Cool Cars and Classic Hot Wheels Car Show Sunday 8 September, 9am to 3pm Waller Park, Waller Rd, Browns Plains Logan Artists’ Association Special Open Day Saturday 14 September, 10am to 2pm Able Gallery, 27 Coral St, Loganlea Market stalls music, food and RAKU kiln firing BushCare’s Big Day Out Sunday 15 September, 8am to 10am, Eagleby Wetlands, 293 Logan St, Eagleby ImagiNation Children’s Festival Saturday 21 September to Sunday 6 October Held in suburbs throughout Logan imaginationfestival.com.au Under the Trees at Mayes Friday 27 September 10.30am to 1.30pm Mayes Cottage, 20 Mawarra St, Kingston loglib.org/imagination
Tickets Adults $37 Under 30 $34 Concession $30 Group 8+ $28pp LEC Member $28 VIP $49
The Longest Minute By Robert Kronk & Nadine McDonald-Dowd Jess was born on the night of the North Queensland Cowboys’ first game in Townsville. Daughter of Foley Shield legend Frank ‘Black Flash’ Wright, she grew up as a footy fanatic with big dreams, silky skills and boundless ambition to play. But as a girl in a male-dominated sport, she faces more than her fair share of knockbacks, just like the luckless Cowboys. Despite their relentless string of losses, Jess still dares to believe in her team, and herself. Queensland Theatre joins forces with debase productions and JUTE Theatre Company to bring this iconically Queensland story to audiences to the City of Logan.
CDP Kids & Salspot presents
Date Time Sat 5 Oct 2019 7.30pm Tickets Adults $37 Under 30 $34 Concession $30 Group 8+ $28pp LEC Member $28 VIP $49
SPOT Spot is one of the most loved dogs in the world – and he’s coming to Logan!
Based on the books by Eric Hill
Eats & Beats Friday 27 September, 5pm to 9pm Logan Metro Sports Park, 345-355 Browns Plains Rd, Heritage Park
Spot and his friends are off on a new adventure. Eric Hill’s beloved puppy comes to life on stage with puppetry, songs and puzzles for children aged 18 months+ and their adults.
Tropicarnage Cup—Roller Derby Friday 4 October, 8am to Sunday 7 October, 8pm Mount Warren Sports Centre 2 Milne St, Mount Warren Park
BOOKINGS
Dates Times Wed 18 Sep 2019 10am Wed 18 Sep 2019 noon
Tickets General Entry Group 8+ LEC Member Family Pass
$18 $15pp $15 $65
(admits 4)
In person: Logan Entertainment Centre, 170 Wembley Rd, Logan Central. Mon to Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm 12
Phone: 07 3412 5626 Online: loganentertainmentcentre.com.au
Step into a world of fun and wonder at your local library
Sandra Young is a volunteer with the Home Library Service and delivers from the Logan Village Library
Home Library Service If you’re unable to visit one of our nine libraries independently you’ll be pleased to know that Council’s libraries provide a free delivery and collection service to member-residents. The Home Library Service is available to all Logan residents of any age, unable to visit a library independently. Our network of volunteers has been providing this service for more than 30 years, visiting people’s homes, nursing homes and retirement villages on a monthly basis. They can deliver books, magazines, audio books, music, jigsaw puzzles, DVDs and items in over 50 languages.
Whether you need access to the internet, print a document or to just relax in a safe and welcoming environment, walk through the doors of your local library. You will be amazed at what’s on offer for all ages – and its FREE. Stroll through the shelves with more than 300,000 titles to choose from or download an audio or e-book. Discover unlimited possibilities in the 24/7 online library providing access to members to online databases, magazines and newspapers. Explore hundreds of activities and events that embraces life-long curiosity and discovery. There’s something to inspire everyone. For families, visit the library for First 5 Forever programs, and don’t forget us for school holiday activities as well as homework help. Examples of some of the free community learning programs include learning English and skills for work sessions, sustainable living and gardening talks, business events, tech help and more. For further information about Logan City Council libraries and locations go to: loglib.org.
Around 450 home library borrowers use the service, which is provided with the support of more than 90 volunteers. Some have volunteered for more than 20 years.
To become a member provide proof of address and library staff can join you straight away. For those under 18, a parent or guardian will need to sign on your behalf.
If you have problems with your eyesight, we also have a small number of iPads available, loaded with free eBooks or eAudiobooks and our helpful staff and digital volunteers are more than happy to provide personalised training.
You can sign up online for a limited membership at: loglib.org/join
The service is available throughout the city so there’s no need to feel isolated, even if you live in a remote area. We have eager volunteers in Logan Village, Greenbank and Jimboomba! If you would like to become a volunteer it’s a great way to provide a valued service to the community. To access this service or express your interest in becoming a volunteer contact: Home Library Service Phone: 3412 4147 Email: libraries@logan.qld.gov.au or go to our website at: loganlibraries.org/hls 13
History churned out from the old butter factory The recent relocation of the Logan City Historical Museum Society from the Kingston Butter Factory (KBF) has rekindled interest in a trove of documents and artefacts from Logan’s past. With more than 100 years of history, Council’s decision to revamp the grand old building was always going to encourage people to revisit the documented past.
President of the Logan City Historical Museum Society David Amiet with one of the KBF cream delivery books
Among the many older documents being moved there were several ‘Cream Delivery’ books that recorded all the deliveries and orders from the days when the KBF was a butter factory. Local Heritage Specialist Hilda Maclean says the delivery books, some of which date back to before WWI, provide a valuable insight into Logan’s past. “They feature all the older pioneering names and the records can also be cross-matched with military service records,” Hilda says.
LOGAN
“Digitising these records has been a big job but it is worth it because
having an easily accessible database will help current and future generations piece together Logan’s past.” Other historic documents include the book used to record the first meeting of the KBF co-operative in 1906. Interestingly, the book is a simple exercise book rather than a proper meeting ledger. However, the handwriting is unmistakably from yesteryear, featuring the immaculate cursive synonymous with the fountain pen. The KBF was pivotal to the economic growth of the district and later supported a nearby piggery, which utilised the surplus buttermilk. Dairying remained the key industry in the Logan district through the first half of the 20th Century. The Logan City Historical Museum Society has been temporarily relocated to other Council-owned premises at 28 Wilbur St, Logan Central (next to the Logan Central Library), while the Kingston Butter Factory Precinct is redeveloped.
Eco Forum 2019 Saturday 7 September 2019, 10am to 3.30pm Beenleigh Events Centre, Cnr Crete St and Kent St, Beenleigh Are you passionate about nature? Do you have ideas on how to create a cleaner, greener City of Logan? Join us for an inspiring day of networking as we share local knowledge, ideas and experiences to better understand how we as a community can create a city living in harmony with nature. Please note this event is not suitable for children under 13 years of age. Lunch, afternoon tea and beverages are provided. Registration is essential:
loganecoforum2019.eventbrite.com.au For more information, visit:
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www.logan.qld.gov.au/ecoforum
FREE EVENT
Site works set to start on new outdoor stage at KBF Precinct Site works are set to start this month on the City of Logan’s largest outdoor events space at the Kingston Butter Factory Precinct. Over the coming months, the new 250 square metre stage and surrounds will take shape ahead of the venue’s scheduled opening in mid-2020. When finished, the outdoor venue will have capacity for audiences of up to 5,000 people, and attract national acts, host major festivals and local events, and be home to markets and signature large-scale events. The covered stage will be extendable and have capacity for up to 50 dancers, a 50-piece orchestra, a 100-person choir or a live band with all its equipment. The viewing area in front of the stage will double as a landscape feature, and residents can enjoy the open space on days when events are not scheduled or other activities are booked.
The precinct redevelopment also includes fully-accessible toilet facilities.
Connect. Engage. Inspire.
The KBF Precinct will feature a new signature entrance from Jacaranda Ave, plus plenty of onsite parking and public transport options. Meanwhile, Council will soon source proposals for concerts, markets, festivals and other activities to create a dynamic events calendar for the precinct. This includes opportunities for community groups to use the new stage and grounds. The redevelopment is creating jobs during construction, with additional new jobs created to manage the outdoor stage and precinct, once operational. For more information on opportunities at the KBF Precinct (via a formal Expression of Interest process), contact KBFproject@logan.qld.gov.au or phone 3412 3412.
kbfprecinct. com.au
Kingston Butter Factory Precinct Milky Way, Kingston
Artist's impression
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On site at the setting for the book Wajin: the Guardian of Scrubby Creek, (L-R): Beverley, Reg and Missy Knox
Update for an Indigenous Logan classic A classic Logan tale is being reimagined for the digital age through a Logan City Council Libraries project. As part of its Deadly Digital Communities project, Council is working on a narration of the picture book Wajin: the Guardian of Scrubby Creek.
The State Library of Queensland believes this is a significant cultural story in Logan.
The book is set in Scrubby Creek at Kingston and Slacks Creek which is well known across the City of Logan for its wildlife. The book’s main character is a platypus named Wajin.
Representatives from State Library have partnered with Logan City Council to work on an exciting new digital introduction to the picture book.
Library Programming Co-ordinator Debra Cooper says the book's narration was done by Missy Knox using the Queensland Narration Service’s digital recording equipment.
In the narration Missy talks about why the picture book, Scrubby Creek and its wildlife are important to her family and to the Logan community.
“Missy is the daughter of well-known local Indigenous artist Uncle Reg Knox and his wife Bev Knox who were behind the original format of the book,” Debra says.
Debra says the finishing touches were being made to the new digital format. It is expected to be available online later this year at: loglib.org/atsi
“Uncle Reg and Bev have lived in Logan since 1966 and are well known in the city’s arts and culture communities.
The book’s narration and new digital introduction are in recognition of the 2019 United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages.
“Uncle Reg illustrated the book and Bev wrote the story back in 2004 assisted by a number of Year 8 students from Mabel Park State High School who contributed their ideas to the story-writing process. “Samuel Ah Wing, the son of Council’s Deadly Digital Communities Project Officer Robert Ah Wing, was one of those students and he is now a school teacher.” The book is out of print. In recent years the family gave Council its blessing to turn it into an eBook. 16
“The long-term plan was for Missy to then narrate it so that it could be made as freely accessible as possible to the people of Logan,” Debra says.
Deadly Digital Communities is an initiative of the State Library and Telstra in partnership with Indigenous Knowledge Centres and local councils.
In the belly of the Red Bridge
Allroads senior project engineer Nick Meecham and a crew of 20 are undertaking a full-scale remediation of the iconic Red Bridge
According to Nick Meecham, it's not until you are standing on—or rather, hanging from—the structure that you get an idea of the scale of Logan City Council’s Red Bridge restoration project.
“We do a defect survey as part of our work and we go through every concrete surface with a hammer tapping. You can hear ‘drumminess’ if it needs to be repaired.
In the belly of the bridge the world is red and, a little daunting.
“The quantum of the work in terms of the concrete repairs has grown pretty exponentially.”
The scaffolding is trustworthy, but in the back of your mind is the deep water of the Logan River below.
So extensive is the project that work has been undertaken on multiple fronts.
Allroads senior project engineer Nick and his crew have lived this reality almost daily for the past few months.
The bridge has been divided into seven spans, each requiring a different approach.
Their task has been “full-scale remediation” of the 88-yearold bridge, including steel and concrete repair, the fixing of expansion joints and a new coat of paint.
Span three, which stands above the northern motorway underpass, will be the final piece of the puzzle, minimising traffic disruption.
It is perhaps no surprise the immense project’s temporary scaffolding has been a feat of engineering in itself.
Logan City Council Roads and Water Director Daryl Ross says the project would enhance the lifespan of the bridge.
“It took a good four weeks to design,” Nick says.
“There is a lot more to this project than a fresh coat of paint. Despite the bridge’s age, these repairs will see the bridge in service for many years to come,” he says.
“We’ve got a crew of 20 people up there at one time, with all their materials. “The scaffold also acts as an encapsulation, so any of the materials that we are using up there don’t fall into the Logan River. “That, of course, puts a giant wind load on the bridge and the scaffold, so it needed to be a pretty beefy thing.
“The Red Bridge is a recognisable highlight of the 70km waterbased Logan River Trail. “It’s been part of Logan’s history since 1931 and this will ensure it is also a part of our future.”
“The design also takes into account access for all our guys, and makes sure they can get out safely in an emergency.” Importantly, the scaffolding has also brought engineers close enough to the bridge to gauge what is required to preserve the Logan icon. “It’s inherent in these kind of projects, it’s an old bridge, it’s hard to know what you are going to uncover until you really get into it,” Nick says. 17
Let’s move it with Adaptive Gymnastics Amalie Abdullah (pictured with Helen Page from FunFit Gymnastics)
Adaptive Gymnastics, tailored gymnastics classes for young people with disability, are now being provided by FunFit Gymnastics, as part of Council’s Move it Logan program.
Logan Little Legends is a program designed to develop young children’s coordination and strength through a range of fun and interactive activities.
The classes improve gross and fine motor skills, sensory development, mobility, strength, co-ordination and socialisation skills. Amalie Abdullah has been doing adaptive gymnastics for three months and her mum Falak Helwani says Amalie can hardly wait to attend her classes. “The trainers make her feel included and capable of achieving despite her many health and development challenges,” she says. “After just one term at FunFit, her school teachers noticed significant improvements in her stability and stamina both in the classroom and at physical education.” The small classes are designed to meet the needs of participants and it’s a fun environment with ribbons, balls, hoops and parachutes. For more information on Adaptive Gymnastics or to book, contact FunFit Gymnastics on 0497 985 377 or funfitgymnasticsau@gmail.com
13 to 18 years Tuesdays 4.30pm to 5.30pm
These skills which improve balance, handeye coordination, running and jumping are the basis of popular sports such as; Basketball, Futsal, Netball, Volleyball, and Badminton.
3 to 4 years Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.15am
Cost: $8
Classes are held at Paxton St, Springwood
5 to 7 years Thursdays 3.30pm to 4.30pm Cost is just $5 per participant.
Includes a FREE handball
Wednesday and Friday 3.30pm to 4.30pm for children 5 to 8yrs
Book now, spots are limited. To find out more about the activities on offer through Move it Logan, visit: logan.qld.gov.au/moveitlogan Funding for Move it Logan has been provided by the Australian Government through Sport Australia.
SAFECITYLOGAN The 2019 Safe City Logan Community Survey is now open
Phone: (07) 3412 5955 Email: Insports@logan.qld.gov.au loganleisurecentres.com.au This Program is proudly presented by Logan City Council
SAFE CITY SURVEY
Tell us how you feel about the safety of your local neighbourhood and the City of Logan by participating in our annual Safe City Logan Community Survey. Just by completing a survey, community members can choose to go into the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards. Complete a survey online at: logan.qld.gov.au/safecitysurvey or on a questionnaire available from any Logan City Council Library or Customer Service Centre. The survey 18
Sessions: Wednesday and Friday 9.15am to 10.05am for children 3 to 5yrs
will be open throughout September with a closing date of 30 September 2019. Your feedback will help us to better understand how you feel in relation to different aspects of community safety in the City of Logan. Results will be used to plan and prioritise the community safety and crime prevention activities we deliver over the next 12 months. It is anticipated that results of the 2019 Safe City Logan Community Survey will be available to the community by mid-November 2019.
Community emergency planning How can you plan to help yourself and others after a disaster? The Community Emergency Planning process aims to reduce the potential impacts of hazards and threats by: • identifying what is important for the community and planning for possible disasters and emergencies • identifying and recording resources, people and skills that are valuable in an emergency event
Like every city, Logan faces ongoing threats from natural disasters such as floods, bushfires, heatwaves and severe weather.
To take the lead, the first step is to download the guide and toolbox from: logan.qld.gov.au/community-support/ disasters-and-emergencies/communityemergency-planning
While these hazards may result in road closures, infrastructure failures and other potential impacts, there are things that each of us can do to help ourselves, our families and our community to recover. Council has developed a Community Emergency Planning Guide and Toolkit to support local communities wishing to take an active role in planning for, responding to and recovering from disasters or emergencies which may impact their community. Community Emergency Planning is a program undertaken by community members in liaison with Council, emergency service agencies and other local organisations to plan for emergencies or disasters which may impact their community.
This will help you to establish a Community Emergency Planning Group, with members who can provide leadership and action the plan. A group of six to 10 people can be effective, if it includes people who have broad experience and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of their community. Your group could be an existing group within the community, such as a body corporate, Neighbourhood Watch, P&C or a newly formed group made up of residents, family members and friends. For more information on Community Emergency Planning, download the Community Emergency Planning information flyer or contact Council’s Disaster Management Team at: disastermanagement@logan.qld.gov.au
• enabling communities to recover more quickly following an emergency. Planning for disasters at a community level has many benefits, including: • identifying and understanding local hazards and risks • minimising the potential impacts of disasters and emergencies • creating community networks and relationships with local government, emergency services, community groups and other organisations • identifying and strengthening local community resources, skills and leadership • building the ability of the community to lead and build community resilience • contributing valuable local knowledge and information to Council and emergency services.
FRIDAY 30 AUGUST 5PM – 9PM HYPERDOME SHOPPING CENTRE ACCESS VIA MANDEW ST LOGANHOLME #eatsandbeats #visitlogan #cityoflogan eatsandbeats.com.au eatsandbeatslogan @eatsandbeatslogan
FREE ENTRY. ALL AGES EVENT. FOOD TRUCKS. LIVE MUSIC. THIS IS A PET FREE AND ALCOHOL FREE EVENT
Drone deliveries How does it work?
It's being hailed as a safe, fast and environmentally-friendly mode of delivery—and it’s coming to Logan neighbourhoods soon.
Terrance Bouldin-Johnson, Head of Australian Operations, Wing, says he is always looking for community feedback to improve the service.
Wing will soon be flying in Logan skies —delivering a range of items such as fresh bread, hot coffee and food items directly to homes by drone in minutes.
“If residents have any questions about our service or are keen to sign up to be one of our first customers, please visit wing.com/australia/logan,” Terrance says.
The company will expand its Australian operations by launching the first air delivery service in South-East Queensland. Wing is teaming-up with local businesses to give customers the opportunity to have a range of goods delivered in minutes. Deliveries can range from fresh bread for the kids’ school lunches, a weekend coffee or even lunch, without having to drive to the shops. The proposed delivery service will initially be available to a small group of eligible homes in the suburbs of Crestmead and Marsden as part of its Early Flyer program. It expects to gradually expand to provide services to more customers in the coming months.
You’ll be notified when the app is available to download. wing.com/australia/logan.
“We’ll also be holding community information stalls and delivery demonstrations over the next few weeks. We invite the public to come along, experience drone deliveries in person and share your feedback. “We’re excited to connect with local businesses in Logan about how we can help you reach more customers faster, safer and more sustainably. If you are a local business owner interested in participating in our service, get in touch." wing.com
Terrance Bouldin-Johnson, Head of Australian Operations, Wing with one of the drones that will soon be delivering in a trial area which includes parts of Marsden and Crestmead
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SIGN UP
ADD ITEMS AND CONFIRM Whether it's ordering your morning coffee or fresh food for lunch, you can conveniently have items delivered to you when you need them.
AIR DELIVERY Your order will arrive in your front or backyard within minutes!
Happier birthdays for families as AEIOU centre turns one Edweana Chadwick and her four-year-old son Amar at the Meadowbrook Childcare Centre
Mother of two, Edweana Chadwick, uses a simple word when describing what Logan AEIOU has meant to her family—hope. The Meadowbrook childcare centre this month celebrates one year of providing care and early-intervention therapy for children with autism. The centre opened on 7 September 2018 as the AEIOU Foundation’s milestone 10th childcare centre in Australia. Enrolment has increased steadily over the last 12 months with almost 50 children now accessing the service. That group includes Edweana’s fouryear-old son Amar. “They know everything to do with autistic children … I have no worry at all with him being here,” Edweana says of the care Amar receives at Logan AEIOU. “There has been so much improvement with him, especially in terms of speech. “Before coming here he was pretty much non-verbal with only about 40 words. “Now, he’s probably got about 200 words and he’s saying three-word sentences.“It is absolutely amazing.” AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith says the opening of the Logan AEIOU
centre in 2018 increased the care options for local families living with autism. Previously, local families had to commute to centres on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane, after time on waiting lists. For Edweana and her family, the wait has been worth it. Amar’s older brother Aanand, 8, is also on the autism spectrum but Edweana says the boys have vastly different needs. “Aanand started talking at nine months, he started walking at 11 months, everything happened super quickly,” Edweana says. “We didn’t even get a diagnosis for him until he was five-years-old when he started at Prep. “When Amar came along we thought, ‘ok it’s going to be like Aanand,’ but everything took a lot longer.” Edweana says the family was house-bound for the first two years of Amar’s life.
Edweana puts the dramatic change in Amar down to his treatment by speech and behavioural specialists at the AEIOU centre. “For a parent to know that your child is in safe hands is just an incredible assurance,” she says.
Logan invited to Take a Hike for kids with autism Logan residents are gearing up to Take a Hike for kids with autism on Sunday 13 October. The AEIOU Foundation’s main fundraising event will be held from 6:30am at Kurilpa Park, 11 Montague Rd, South Brisbane. Participants are encouraged to wear blue or pink in support of the AEIOU Foundation. For more information or to register, visit: supportus.aeiou.org.au
“We didn’t know how to take him anywhere,” she says. “He would just meltdown, and the meltdown would go on for hours. “But coming here, all of a sudden, Amar had somewhere that he could go.” 21
Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) trial has been extended until 30 June 2021
Good news for DRT patrons The Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) trial has been extended until 30 June 2021. The service has completed 27,000 trips since its introduction in 2017 to fill the void where buses or trains aren’t available. As a low-cost public transport option it can be used by residents in DRT trial areas to connect to designated
Greater Flagstone gets on the buses
transport hubs and destinations within the trial area, including Loganlea or Beenleigh train stations, park and rides at Eight Mile Plains, Greenbank RSL and Park Ridge, or to the bus at Browns Plains and Logan Hyperdome.
The service operates seven days a week, between 6am and 10pm and complements public transport services and the opening hours of key local destinations. Each-way fares are $3 or $1.50 for concessions.
DRT is booked in advance and other people in your local area who want to travel at the same time are collected and dropped off at selected destinations.
For more information on DRT including where the trial sites are located, visit transLink.com.au, call 13 11 90 or download the MyDRTLogan app.
Greater Flagstone residents will soon have access to Translink-operated bus services. A funding agreement with State Government will connect the high-growth Logan suburb with the wider South-East Queensland bus network. The new services are set to begin in November. They will run between the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area and Grand Plaza Shopping Centre at Browns Plains. This new route will be classed as Zone 3. A go card trip from Greater Flagstone to Browns Plains will cost $3.31 while travelling to the Brisbane CBD will cost $6.61. Pensioner and student discounts apply while some off-peak services will cost less. First services are proposed to begin from Trailblazer Dr, Flagstone. It is estimated the 26km all-stops service will take 40 minutes to Browns Plains. Services will initially be provided Monday to Friday between 5.30am and 7.30pm with greater frequency during peak periods. Community information sessions to discuss the route, timetable and stop locations will be held in October and November.
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For more information visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.
The North Maclean blue gum now known as Gandalf is estimated to be 378 years old. Photo courtesy of The Tree Doctor
Landowner John Howes at the base of Gandalf which is 2.38m in diameter
Branching out to find more magnificent trees like Gandalf The search is on for more ancient trees in Logan following the official dating of Gandalf, a gnarly monster blue gum in North Maclean estimated to be 378-years-old. Gandalf was identified in the first year of Council’s tree age testing program. It is hoped to expand the program with the help of other landowners and map historic old trees across the city. Council is aware of at least one other contender to join Gandalf but is not identifying exact locations of the magnificent trees at this stage to ensure they remain protected. Gandalf was pointed out by a North Maclean property owner who had joined Council’s Land for Wildlife program. Its trunk is 2.38m thick and is estimated to be 34m high although the top has been snapped off, probably in a storm.
Like many old eucalypts, Gandalf contains a number of hollows that provide shelter and habitat for native animals including possums, gliders, owls, parrots, ducks, rosellas, kingfishers, frogs and native bees.
which measures the resistance as it goes through the hard and soft wood of each year.
Landowner John Howes says he was surprised to learn the tree’s age when tested under a program funded by Logan City Council.
The arborist, Adam Tom, suggested giving the tree a name and chose Gandalf after the aged wizard in Lord of the Rings.
“I’m just a boy compared to the age of this tree,” says the 74-year-old retired blacksmith and boilermaker. “We knew it was old just by looking at it but thought at best it might date back to around the time Captain Cook discovered Australia (1770).” Testing by the arborist, which confirmed the tree dates to the 1640s, involved using an extremely thin drill probe
The data identifies a yearly growth pattern which enables the age of the tree to be estimated.
“We thought it was an appropriate name as the tree has a lot of character,” John says. In the last financial year, Council planted more than 83,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses across the city. It is estimated more than 94,000 will be planted across the City of Logan over the next 12 months. If you have a tree you think may rival Gandalf contact 3412 3412. 23
The 2019 Industry category award winners were:
Michael Potter from Neverfail Spring Water with Jodi Brackenbury, Diana Bryson, Katrina Prentice, Amy Vivian
Manufacturing Bee All Natural (photo above: Natasha and Jason Roebig)
Business Distinction Awards attract 300 nominations
Weddings White House of Waterford Real Estate Blue CHP Ltd
Yarrabilba Jobs Exchange is the City of Logan’s Business of the Year 2019.
Tourism & Hospitality Beenleigh Rum
Formed in 2016 with support from Lendlease and Access Community Services the fledgling company has placed approximately 1,000 people into full-time employment or training.
Digital Space Services Black Label Hosting
This year’s Logan Business Distinction Awards attracted more than 300 high quality nominations.
Beauty Health & Well-being Fizzio for Life
Also recognised were: • Physiotherapy Innovations for its Community Contribution • Bee All Natural For Sustainability and Environmental Contribution • Swanborough Funerals for Customer Service • Perfekt Studios as a New or Emerging Business • Laser Tag in a Box for Most Innovative Business Council’s Interim Administrator, Tamara O’Shea, thanked the combined Chambers of Commerce presidents—Karen Murphy, Natasha Hobson and Kerry Menck for pooling resources to host the awards and the chambers’ ongoing support of Small Business Week activities conducted by Council in May. “The program of 35 workshops, seminars and mentoring sessions was recognised as the most extensive to be delivered by any Council in Queensland,” she says. “In the last 12 months, Council’s Office of Economic Development has delivered 66 business workshops with more than 1,500 attendees, and provided one-on-one engagements to more than 260 businesses across the city.”
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Retail Simply Beans
Trade Services Munster Mechanical Senior Services Seasons Aged Care Medical and Vet Services Park Ridge Animal Hospital Media and advertising Jimboomba Times Professional services The Psych Professionals Not for profit and community services: Logan City Community Cadets Education, employment and training Griffith University
office of Economic Development
Entrepreneurs make a new Pitch@Palace
Kingston-based company Suelo Tech trumped a field of 17 entrepreneurial enterprises to take out the regional Pitch@Palace Australia 3.0 competition, held at the Gold Coast’s Bond University.
Suelo Tech won the regional final of the Pitch@Palace 3.0 from a field of 18 nominees
Suelo Tech’s software collects data, which then automates and optimises small-scale ecological farming, minimising inputs such as fertiliser and water, while maximising yields, guided by regenerative agriculture principles.
Fiftysix Creations
Being able to make agricultural practices more productive and sustainable, the technology has unlimited applications. Co-creators Julia Khalyavko and Mohsin Parwez were mentored by Substation33’s Tony Sharp who also helped Brad Clair and Nick Kamols from PowerWells to make last year’s Pitch@ Palace final at Buckingham Palace. Tony, who is also an INNOV8 spokesperson, said it was no surprise that four out of the 18 Queensland finalists were from Logan. “In Logan we’ve created an innovation ecosystem where people aren’t afraid to take a risk and follow their passion," he says.
There’s no shortage of young budding entrepreneurs in the City of Logan. More than 125 children and teens between the ages of six and 15 have attended eight Fiftysix Creations workshops to learn how to create original ideas and turn them into profitablebusiness products or services. The workshops focus on the basics of entrepreneurship, including how young people work in small groups to share and brainstorm ideas, design and pitch their business proposal – building on their soft skills in leadership, communication, teamwork and problem solving. These Council-sponsored events are proving so popular that the next one to be held on 13 September 2019, the Young Entrepreneurs Summit, is already booked out, so the event will be live streamed for free. To sign up go to: youngentrepreneursummit.com/online-streaming
“People are realising that you don’t have to go to Brisbane, that you can stay here where the cost of doing business is cheaper and there’s not as much traffic. “Companies like GO1 (the world’s largest on-boarding, compliance and professional development platform) have actually come back to Logan because it’s such a good place for them to do business.” Suelo Tech will now advance to the national finals next month in Perth.
innov8logan.com.au
In one exercise participants built their own Virtual Reality headsets
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10TH BIRTHDAY SUPER SALE
Our 10th Birthday Super Sale is here … To celebrate we’re giving you a gift*, so you can become the healthiest version of you. All membership types on sale from 9-19 September for 10 days only – don’t miss out! Contact us for details *Conditions apply.
loganleisurecentres.com.au/gym/memberships-and-offers insportsfitness
Eagleby is key stop for Brisbane to Coast ride For the 15th year, participants in one of Queensland’s biggest bike rides will pass through the City of Logan. The 5,000 riders on the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge will travel through the Logan suburbs of Rochedale South, Underwood, Springwood, Slacks Creek, Tanah Merah, Loganholme and Eagleby as they wind their way from the University of Queensland at St Lucia to Southport on the Gold Coast. The ride on Sunday, 15 September, is run by Bicycle Queensland. A shorter 60km ride will run in conjunction with the main event, which will begin in Logan at the Olivers Sport Complex at Eagleby. Strathpine local, Ellen Camilleri, will be among the riders. She will join her husband Mario who is doing the 100km course. Ellen says the couple got into cycling five years ago as they were looking for an activity to enjoy together.
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“We hadn’t ridden in donkeys’ years but found it was something we could do together,” she says The duo generally take part in charity rides and don’t do anything special to train apart from a couple of regular rides of about 40km twice a week. Ellen says the ride generally takes her about three hours at a pace of about 20km/h. “After Logan it flattens out and it is a lovely ride,” she says. “You travel on roads you wouldn’t normally ride on and you feel so safe as you’re in a group and it’s well organised and marshalled. “It’s a chance to do a different type of ride with a group of like-minded people.” Details about the race can be found online at: b2gc.com.au
LOGAN
Engaging with disengaged youth A project focused on identifying effective ways to reach disengaged youth—to discover the types of CityStudio projects which would spark their interest and involvement—has been the focus of two psychology undergraduates for the past four months. QUT students Geraline Fafai and Hannah Law interviewed a number of local youth organisations and investigated how they connect and support local young people. They then presented their recommendations and insights to Council’s Community Engagement and City Futures staff. Building rapport and trust with youths with a core team of dedicated staff, while maintaining a consistent presence—and delivering interesting programs—were some of the insights that will inform Citystudio’s future operations. If you would like any further information on CityStudio Logan, please contact citystudio@logan.qld.gov.au
An image of the wetland plantings at Cedar Grove Environmental Centre
New name reflects Cedar Grove’s environmental credentials Following engagement with the community, the Cedar Grove wastewater treatment plant will now be known as the Cedar Grove Environmental Centre. The first stage of works is underway with plants starting to establish themselves as water fills the wetlands. The Community Reference Group, Economic Development Queensland and the Centre’s project team are finalising a scope of works for community features on the site which include picnic shelters and walking trails along the Logan River. The works are funded and should be completed by mid-2020.
Improvements made to water network Ageing water infrastructure is being replaced in Logan’s northern suburbs to ensure the continued efficient delivery of water services.
WE’RE TOUGH ON TAGS Graffiti or ‘tagging’ is a form of vandalism that you don’t have to live with.
The Logan Water Alliance program will replace more than 250 pipe, valve and hydrant junctions across Woodridge, Logan Central, Kingston, Springwood, Daisy Hill, Rochedale South and Shailer Park. Works will continue through to September next year.
That’s why Council will remove graffiti from the external boundaries of your property for free—or from public places— generally within 48 hours of being reported.
Old infrastructure, particularly junctions with pre-1980 fittings, can potentially reduce water pressure and can create other water delivery issues.
You can make graffiti disappear by reporting it via Council’s City of Logan App, our website at: logan.qld.gov.au/graffiti, emailing graffiti@logan.qld.gov.au or by phoning 3412 3412 to alert Council crews to its presence.”
Replacing the fittings in a proactive maintenance program ensures that Council’s water infrastructure operates effectively and reduces the chances of bursts in the water network.
If you can include the exact location, surface type and colour it can help us to speed up the removal process.
Construction will mostly occur in Council-owned road reserves with some weekend work expected. 27
Animal keeping local laws review Did we hear you correctly? We’ve been busy reviewing feedback from more than 2,300 residents who participated in the Have Your Say survey to review the city’s existing cat and dog keeping local laws. Your responses have helped us draft what we think will be leading (pun fully intended) animal keeping laws. Not only will the updated laws help keep our city safe, they’ll enable many residents who haven’t previously been able to, to own a pet. We’ve also reviewed the number of cats and dogs you can keep with and without approval.
Reality bites
Tick Season 2019 is coming to a park near you Paralysis ticks are a menace to pets and can cause sudden illness and even death if not promptly treated. Dogs and cats, particularly those with long coats that frequent grassy areas and bushland, are the most prone to paralysis ticks. The good news is there are highly effective chewable tablets available for dogs, which are available from veterinarians and good pet stores. Applicators are available for cats. If your pet isn’t protected you will need to check their coat thoroughly
after they have been near long grass. Symptoms of tick bites vary, but classic signs in dogs are wobbly or weak legs and an increased effort to breathe, while signs in cats are harder to recognise as they often curl up sleeping. Be tick smart—protect, check, remove and watch If you find a tick on your pet, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible—their life depends on it.
Cats and dogs welcome.
Mobile
Microchipping
Saturday 7 September 7.30am to 9am Beenleigh PCYC, 20-38 Alamein St, Beenleigh Unsure if your pet is microchipped? Get your pet chip checked. The RSPCA Microchipping van will be at many stand-alone events during the year. Don’t miss out! Get your pet microchipped for just $20. That’s up to 50% off. logan.qld.gov.au/microchip
JUST
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$20
Want to know more? Catch up with our Community Education Team who will be attending a number of events across the city from late August to 15 September (logan.qld.gov.au/animallaws) or visit: logan.qld.gov.au/haveyoursay
Vote for your favourite Logan legend Voting is now open for the People‘s Choice Award as part of the 30th birthday celebrations for the Hyperdome Shopping Centre. To mark the milestone, the Hyperdome compiled a list of 30 Logan residents chosen from hundreds of nominations recognising those who had made a difference to the lives of others in the Logan community. The finalists include 11-year-old Calvary Christian College student Samuel Glancy, who runs his own charity, Kids4Kids; Australia Post mailman Brett Carroll; Knit4Charities founder Pamela Tait; and John and Michaela Porter, who set up the not-for-profit Nightlight which offers a support network for homeless and disadvantaged members of the Logan community. Voting for the People’s Choice winner of the ‘30 for 30’ promotion runs through to Wednesday, 18 September. Votes can be lodged at the ‘30 for 30’ stand near the Hyperdome Centre Court. The winner will receive a $5,000 shopping voucher. For more information go to the hyperdomeshopping Facebook page.
Purr-fect friend for Logan’s Tokyo sweetheart
Holly Jae made headlines two years ago when Tomoko Takeyama flew from Japan to Logan to adopt her as a replacement for her toy poodle Leo Thorpee, who had died. Tomoko adopted Leo Thorpee during a brief stay in Brisbane in 2006. Holly Jae was taken to the Logan City Council Animal Management Centre (AMC) after being found wandering the streets. Tomoko saw a photo of Holly Jae on the AMC’s Pets for Sale webpage and decided she would be a perfect replacement for Leo Thorpee and made a special trip to take her back to Japan. Ana the cat belongs to Holly Jae’s groomer Keiko Takahara and was taken in as an abandoned kitten. The two pets bonded during grooming sessions and now have regular playdates and sleep overs together. Holly Jae, who has an Australia flag name tag to remind everyone where she came from, is now four and is loving life in Japan’s biggest city, Tomoko says.
friendly cafes where Holly Jae has developed a taste for Japanese food. “Her favourite food is meat, of course, but she also likes to try a little bit of yoghurt and even some seaweed and sushi,” Tomoko says. The City of Logan’s AMC adopts dogs and cats under its Rehoming and Sales program which also includes the Senior Pets for Senior People free adoption program.
Tomoko Takeyama and her Australian silky terrier Holly Jae
To view pets available for adoption go to: logan.qld.gov.au and search for pets-forsale. Can you spot Holly? In another sign of her amazing devotion to her pet, Tomoko Takeyama has had a special t-shirt made that features a fun ‘Find Holly Jae’ game on the back. Can you spot the dog drawing that looks like Holly Jae? ANSWER: last image, bottom right
Logan’s most famous adopted dog, Tokyo-based Australian silky terrier Holly Jae, has a new friend and playmate, a cat called Ana.
“We go for a walk in the morning every day including snowy days and rainy days,” she says. “We enjoy the nature, birds singing, coloured leaves and blooming flowers. “Tokyo is a very busy city but I don’t realise it when I am with Holly Jae.” The pair regularly dine at some of Tokyo’s dogAna the cat and Holly Jae breaking the unwritten code
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5 FREE lessons*
Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School TM
Join our FREE Kids Alive – Do the Five learn-to-swim, five-day program. It’s free, fun and will give your kids water safety skills for life.
Runs 23 to 27 Sep 2019. Bookings open 16 Sep 2019.
*Lessons for children aged 4 months to 12 years
PROUDLY
*Children under the age of 4 years must be accompanied by a parent/carer in the water. We ask that carers wear a t-shirt in the water. *Bookings essential. Spaces are limited.
Have you paid your pet’s annual registration? Cat and dog registrations fell due on 30 August so if you haven’t paid yet the easiest way is to go online at: logan.qld.gov.au/paymypetrego If you’ve already paid, thank you. Misplaced your lifetime registration tag? We’ll replace it for free. Contact Council to request a new one on 3412 3412.
Kerbside Clean-Up 2 Sept to 13 Sept Woodridge and North Logan Central (north of Wembley Rd including the northern side of Wembley Rd) 16 Sept to 27 Sept Kingston, Berrinba and South Logan Central (south of Wembley Rd including the southern side of Wembley Rd)
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30 Sept to 11 Oct Slacks Creek and Meadowbrook
Only 35% of single-use plastic water bottles are recycled. The rest end up as litter or landfill.
Community Voices Project A newly formed choir is helping its members with much more than being able to sing in harmony. Formed in May through a partnership between Vinnies Queensland, Creativity Australia and Wise Employment, the Community Voices Project aims to improve the connections members have with the community, by offering support to address barriers to employment. Program Coordinator Paula Herlihen said the choir’s main function was to bring people who are unemployed or under-employed together with mentors and also to provide them with ‘wrap around’ support and funds to help overcome barriers to finding work or study. “We provide members with a way to make a ‘wish list’ item come true, with mentors who can make requests a reality, such as ‘I need to improve my resume’ or ‘How do I get instruction for the hours I need to get a driving licence?’,” she says. “Part of my role is to match choir members with mentors, who can come
The Community Voices Choir (standing) Alexa Sheppard (Conductor), Karina Allingham, Kylie Jackson, Paula Herlihen (Project Coordinator), Carrie Russell, Louise Linnell, Michael Roennfeldt (Project Coordinator), Helen Bale, Nathan Middlebrook, Gayl Carter; (seated) Hanbin Lee and Luke Shaw
from all walks of life. This is to broaden members’ networks and introduce them to people who can make a difference at a critical point in their life, as well as to connect with people one-on-one between choir sessions.” Luke Shaw, a choir member since May, says he was ‘a bit worried’ about hitting the right notes to start with. “Our conductor Alexa told me to go through the scale with ‘do, re, mi, fa, so’—like in the Sound of Music and she said I did a good job,” Luke says. “It’s a good feeling being in the choir. You can’t be sad when you’re singing, it makes you feel a lot better. When you’re
HOW WE RECYCLE Your recycling goes to our Materials Recovery Facility where it is sorted and then sent to be re-manufactured into new materials. We need to work hard to ensure that our product is as clean as possible. This means ensuring your recycling is empty and dry and that only recyclable material goes in your bin.
performing you sing with your heart and give it to your audience.” The choir practises at the Gould Adams Community Centre, Kingston Rd, Wednesdays between 6pm and 8pm. Supper included. Attendance is counted as a Centrelink-approved activity for jobseekers. Paula said the choir was aiming to expand to 100 people and was seeking both members and volunteer mentors. If you would like to register your interest in participating in the program, email Paula.herlihen@svdpqld.org.au or call 0436 803 499.
You may see a friendly bin inspector around the streets. Feel free to stop and say hi, or ask about how you can improve your recycling. Recycling Col lection
Single-use? Think Again! What is the real cost of single-use coffee cups? • • • • •
water emissions trees resources landfill space
The alternative is a reusable coffee cup which costs just
$5
and will keep your coffee hotter for longer.
For more information about what’s recyclable: logan.qld.gov.au/wheelie-bins
FREE Community Workshops Check out the FREE Waste Minimisation Workshops happening near you. • Composting and Worm Farming • Repair and Salvage
logan.qld.gov.au/community-workshops-and-special-events
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Nominations open now. One of the best ways to foster sporting talent is to recognise it. Nominate your local sporting hero today in one of 12 categories. To nominate visit: logan.qld.gov.au/sportsawards Entries close Monday 23 September
Gala Awards Dinner Saturday 2 November 6.30pm, Logan Metro Sports & Events Centre 357 Browns Plains Rd, Crestmead