Vol 26 March 2014
Logan’s lionheart Alex Leapai Brilliant Broncos giveaway State of the City report released
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES BUSINESSES AND PRIDE
www.logan.qld.gov.au www.visitlogan.com.au
Logan City Council Contact Details
Phone: 1300 1 LOGAN* (1300 156 426) *Council’s 1300 number is only for use by customers within Logan City from a landline. When contacting us from a mobile phone or from outside Logan City, please phone 3412 3412.
Rochedale South
LOGAN CITY DIVISIONAL MAP
Our Logan, Our City magazine Managing Editor: Deanna Nott Editor: Natalie Newell News Editor: Amy McKenna Writers: David Shaw, Nicole Barclay and Rebecca Waters Graphic Design: Natalie Matthews Work Experience Writer: Kelly Palmer
Priestdale
Div 1
Underwood
Springwood
Daisy Hill
Woodridge
Div 2
Div 3
Slacks Creek
Logan Central
Shailer Park
Berrinba Forestdale
Kingston
Browns Plains
Hillcrest
Div 7
To contact Our Logan magazine staff, phone 3412 4483 To enquire about advertising in Our Logan, phone 3412 4272
Marsden
Crestmead
Bethania
Waterford West
Loganholme Eagleby
Edens Landing
Park Ridge
Our Logan is produced and delivered to every household in Logan City at a cost of 60 cents per household.
Carbrook
Div 6
Div 8
Greenbank
Div 10
Tanah Merah
Loganlea
Heritage Park
Boronia Heights
Cornubia
Meadowbrook
Div 5
Regents Park
Div 12
Waterford
Logan Reserve
Holmview
Beenleigh
Park Ridge South
Mount Warren Park Buccan
Front cover image: Alex Leapai.
Windaroo
Div 9
Photo by Marc Grimwade New Beith
Produced by Logan City Council. None of the material in this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Logan City Council.
Belivah
Bannockburn
North Maclean
Lyons
Logan Village
Stockleigh
Div 11
Bahrs Scrub
Chambers Flat
Munruben
Wolffdene
South Maclean
Div 4
All content accurate as of 13 February 2014.
Cedar Creek Yarrabilba Jimboomba Undullah
Kagaru Tamborine Cedar Grove
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Nominate now to help Council recognise Logan’s environmental champions!
Cedar Vale Woodhill
Veresdale
Veresdale Scrub
Mundoolun
Logan Eco Awards Nominations are now open for Logan City Council’s 2013 Eco Awards. The awards aim to recognise those who make Logan a more environmentally sustainable place. Nominate an individual, school, household or local business now.
Award categories: • Sustainable Household • Community Eco Action • Sustainable School
• Land for Wildlife Participant • Sustainable Business • Sustainable Food Business
Nominations must be received by 5pm, 4 April 2014. For information and to nominate go to: www.logan.qld.gov.au/ecoawards or email:environment@logan.qld.gov.au Winners will be announced at LEAF the Logan Eco Action Festival on 8 June 2014. www.logan.qld.gov.au
Mayor’s Message Welcome to the first edition of Our Logan, Our City magazine for 2014! It’s packed full of information and highlights some of the great sporting achievements of people from our community. Last December, we wrapped up a sensational program of Council events for 2013, finishing on a high with our local residents and businesses digging deep to donate thousands of toys for local charities at the Mayor’s Christmas Brunch. We also hosted the hugely successful Mayor’s Christmas Carols featuring Timomatic, which thrilled a record crowd of almost 10,000 people.
Mayor Pam Parker Phone: 3412 3412 Email: mayor@logan.qld.gov.au @MayorPam
And 2014 promises to be bigger and better than ever as we continue to work hard to bring you another outstanding program of activities and events that will appeal to young and old. We have already had two major events and the year has only just begun. Our Australia Day Pool Parties were a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to get together and celebrate how lucky we are to live in this great country of ours. I am so proud of the amazing sportspeople we have in our city. I was delighted to see Alex Leapai win the BDS Logan City Sportsperson of the Year at our gala event last month. Alex was one of 12 winners who are all highlighted on page 11 of this magazine. These people inspire us – they make us strive to reach our goals through hard work and perseverance.
Mayor Parker administered the Citizenship Pledge for 152 new Australians at Logan’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
X-Factor winner Dami Im, with Mayor Parker, Santa and Mrs Claus at the 2013 Mayor’s Christmas Brunch.
Every year, Council supports a jam-packed program of free and low cost activities through our Active Logan and Healthy Logan programs. Whether your interest is zumba, aqua aerobics, bootcamps or tai chi, these programs are an affordable and fun way to get fit. If you’d like to know more about the activities and events coordinated by Council, take a close look at Your Passport to events and activities in Logan City which has been included in this edition. It is full of things to see and do in Logan – I’m sure there is something for everyone!
Touring the new Darlington Parklands water park and playground at Yarrabilba. Meeting with Division 1 residents at the monthly Mayor and Councillor Community Chats.
Another wonderful event organised by Council is the ever-popular Jazz and Shiraz. This year’s event will be held on Saturday 29 March and you will have to act quickly to secure a ticket. Keep an eye on Council’s website for further details. I look forward to sharing more great stories of residents, businesses, Council and our community with you through this magazine. Make sure you look for it each month in your letterbox – it’s a great way to stay in touch with your city! Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and successful 2014. Mayor Pam Parker
Thelma Towers was named Citizen of the Year at Logan’s Australia Day Awards ceremony.
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Logan’s lionheart It’s a warm summer morning as more than 50 people excitedly gather in Springwood for their weekly Sunday service.
A
chorus of sweet, soulful voices sound throughout the hall. As parents bow their heads silently in prayer, the laughter of children sings from where they play. It’s a welcoming atmosphere. A sea of vibrant colours and happy faces of people who have become like family over the years. To them, Alex “Lionheart” Leapai is a devoted husband and father of six of unshakeable faith; a humble and gracious man who has turned his life around to become not only an inspiration to his children, but also to many across Logan City and Australia. At the age of 34, Leapai is quickly becoming a household name and may soon be celebrating a victory he only ever dreamed of. On Sunday 27 April AEST, millions across the world will be glued to their TV screens as Leapai steps into the ring against Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko. A win would elevate Leapai to the coveted title of WBO World Heavyweight Champion – and earn our lionheart a place in Australian sporting history. It hasn’t been an easy ride for the home-grown hero who, at just 25, found himself in trouble with the law. “I used to wag school because my ‘mates’ said it was the right thing to do; they got me into drugs and drinking at a very young age,” he said. “I don’t blame them though; I blame myself, because I made the choice.” 4
Leapai’s poor decisions eventually led him to pay the ultimate price in 2005, when he lost his shot at a promising rugby league career and was sentenced to three years prison following an incident with a bouncer. “My wife was almost eight months pregnant at the time and that was one of the hardest times for me, knowing that I’d let her down and lost the respect of my family,” he said. “I remember bursting into tears as I sat inside my cell at the Woodford Correctional Centre and that’s when I vowed to lead a better life.” It was the push Leapai needed to get back on track and he was released on good behaviour after serving six months. Sober ever since, Leapai trains six days a week with top Australian boxing manager, Noel Thornberry, and could teach us all a thing or two about life’s challenges.
Leapai’s lifetime of training was put to the test in those 10 three-minute rounds. It was not an easy win, with Logan’s gentle giant taking a head-butt to the face in round five by a frustrated Boytsov and tearing his calf muscle in three places in round seven. “To fight the last three rounds in that bout with his calf torn, after all he’d gone through leading up to it, it was not human and only adds merit to his win,” Murphy said. “You tell from his heart that he’s got this dream and belief in himself – pure willpower to beat the odds and, come this April, I have no doubt he’ll be crowned the first Australian World Heavy Weight Champion.” Leapai hopes his mistakes will serve as a lesson to today’s youth. “I want to pass that onto kids – you can hit rock bottom but you can change,” he said.
In the two days leading up to his November bout against Russian, Denis Boytsov, Leapai was bedridden with a migraine. His sponsor Phil Murphy said Leapai was in agony on the morning of the fight.
“Everybody gets a second chance but if you don’t want to hit that rock bottom then you need to make the right choices now and listen to your mum and dad.
“He turned to his team and said ‘we didn’t come here to lose boys, we came here to win – let’s go’,” Murphy said.
“Hard work pays off and when you’ve got good people around you pushing you in the right direction, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
“We were visibly worried but it’s this fortitude that has earned Alex his nickname. “As soon as he got into the car his whole focus shifted to the challenge that lay ahead. Alex’s mindset is a beautiful thing – it’s wonderful.”
Leapai was named Sportsman of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year at last month’s BDS Logan City Sports Awards.
Alex Leapai FAST FACTS Name:
Alex Leapai
Nationality:
Australian
What: WBO World Heavyweight
Champion contender
Age: 34 Height:
183cm
Weight:
111kg
Boxing record: Fights - 37
Wins - 30 24 by KO
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Love all
TALENTED tennis player steals hearts in Beenleigh This may be the face of the next Serena Williams – a ‘pocket rocket’ tennis player tipped to one day take the professional circuit by storm. Born in East Timor, Kerry Galhos, 18, trained at Beenleigh Tennis Club for three years before relocating to the United States earlier this year. She made the big move after receiving a prestigious tennis scholarship to Texas A&M University, one of many Division 1 colleges fighting to secure a space for her. Beenleigh Tennis Club head coach James Rapkins said Galhos was scouted by his brother, Jed, who spent two years in Timor establishing self-sustaining tennis clubs. “Kerry was one of the best kids Jed trained over there. He came back for a holiday and told us all about her and we, the family, decided that we’d help her with her goals,” he said. “I’ve seen the video of when she was first playing. She was very fast but she had a lot of technical things that needed fixing. “It took her a while to get used to wearing shoes. She had a lot of 6
injuries in her first year because in Timor she didn’t train wearing shoes and it threw her muscles out a bit.”
“It’s exciting but I’m nervous at the same time; I’ve never been to America,” Galhos said.
In the US, Galhos will study political science and train with one of the most respected tennis coaches in the USA in the hope of getting the points and the recognition needed to put her on the professional circuit.
“My dad is pretty keen on tennis as well. Once when I was seven, I went with my dad to watch a Serena Williams match on a big screen TV and I loved it.
“Kerry is a pocket rocket. I’ve coached a few girls who got scholarships overseas and Kerry is by far the best candidate,” Rapkins said. “We have 400 kids a week all dreaming they could be as good as Kerry. “Kerry will get on the professional circuit; she’ll get there on pure heart alone. Fortunately she’s got a great work ethic - she’ll need it. “She’ll be one of the shortest girls on the circuit but she makes up for it in leg power.” Receiving a tennis scholarship to an American college is incredibly competitive. Hundreds of applications from players throughout the world are received for every scholarship place.
“Tennis isn’t really played in Timor – there’s about 150 people playing and we’ve got three clubs available for public use. “I’m the first Timorese national to get an athletics scholarship to the US.” Setting off into the big wide world can be daunting, especially for a teenager, but Galhos is mature beyond her years and, above all else, incredibly grateful. “I don’t know when I’ll be home (Timor) next,” she said. “It’s hard but everyone around me here in Beenleigh is very supportive and very welcoming. This is my family as well.” Photo: Beenleigh Tennis Club head coach James Rapkins and tennis ‘pocket rocket’ Kerry Galhos, 18.
NEWS
Consultation started– city planning scheme The community now has the chance to have its say on future growth management as part of the new citywide planning scheme.
IN BRIEF
The new planning scheme unifies three previous planning schemes (Logan, Gold Coast and Beaudesert) into one, creating a single document citywide.
CBD funds confirmed A $3 million Federal Government funding commitment to the Beenleigh Town Square renewal initiative has been confirmed by Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development the Hon. Jamie Briggs. Work on the keenly-anticipated project is expected to start in the second half of 2014 once design specifications are done. Council has committed about $6 million with funds also received from the State Government. The project involves transforming Beenleigh’s CBD from a car dominated six-way roundabout into a pedestrian-friendly public space and will provide a catalyst for further revitalisation of the town centre.
It will also cater for expected growth – with a projected need for more than 70,000 new homes in the next 20 years. The draft plan includes expected infrastructure priorities, biodiversity overlays and a range of other important changes. Logan residents and business owners are encouraged to review the draft city plan and make comment. Consultation activities have started. For details, including how to view your property and have your say, visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/haveyoursay or call 3412 4247.
SEE ENCLOSED FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Secure your spot at Jazz and Shiraz twilight concert! Jazz and Shiraz is back for 2014 and promises to live up to its reputation as one of the most popular events on the Logan City calendar. Grace Knight, Renae Suttie, David de Vito and Scat will entertain with swinging tunes at this year’s twilight concert.
29 March
Grab a picnic rug, some gourmet food and a glass of wine and sit back under the stars and enjoy the sounds of contemporary, soul, swing, funk and all that jazz.
Tickets ($20) are limited and selling fast. Secure yours online at www.loganentertainmentcentre.com.au or phone 3412 5626.
Regional Arts Development Fund
Arts Grants available Logan City Council is now accepting applications for the Logan Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
RADF supports established and emerging professional artists, arts workers and arts organisations to practise their art, for and with the Logan community. All applicants are required to meet with the RADF Liaison Officer prior to submitting their application.
Applications are due by 5pm Wednesday 19 March 2014 Visit www.logan.qld.gov.au to obtain your application package or email radf@logan.qld.gov.au If you are interested in applying for RADF, Logan City Council is holding a workshop Introduction to grant writing on Saturday 1 March, 2-4pm at Logan Art Gallery. Places strictly limited so booking is essential.
Please contact the RADF Liaison Officer on 3412 5426. The RADF is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Logan City Council partnership to support local Arts and culture.
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Equestrian clubs hit the trail
with new sports funding
T
he team at Waterford Equestrian and Pony Club has received $100,000 of State Government Get in the Game funding for lighting infrastructure for its dressage and showjumping arenas. The new lights will lengthen safe operating hours so horses and their riders don’t have to contend with the summer heat. Club Secretary Melissa Addley said lighting had been on the wish list for years. “We have some fantastic members and families here who will benefit from the updated facilities,” she said.
Councillor Don Petersen said Council’s innovative Logan Sporting Clubs Facility Development Program assisted Logan-based clubs draft and coordinate Get in the Game applications in an effort to help keep the Logan community active. “This funding helps sporting clubs, big and small, improve their facilities and get more people interested in sport,” he said. “Logan is very proud of its sporting clubs and facilities and this funding helps get more people involved and enjoying the benefits of an active life – better health, better fitness and the camaraderie of being part of a team.”
“This club is a place for our members to be supported and cheered on while gaining the experience and education they need to succeed as riders.” Logan Village Riding Club was also awarded more than $76,000 for an all weather riding surface to increase the opportunity to ride all-year-round.
Photo: Secretary Melissa Addley at Waterford Equestrian and Pony Club.
Buccan teen kicking goals Two best and fairest accolades in the local football league led to 15-year-old Joel Platell’s nomination in last month’s BDS Logan City Sports Award.
Beenleigh Australian Rules Football Club coach Michael Jordon nominated Joel for the award. “Joel is a likeable guy who is very mature for his age,” he said. “Every year his abilities improve in leaps and bounds and I have no doubt he could one day play professionally.” Councillor Don Petersen said he looked forward to seeing more players like Platell recognised and rewarded for their efforts and achievements. “The Logan community is very proud of the depth of sporting talent in the city with many of our athletes going on to be professional sports players,” he said. “When good character is rewarded we don’t just develop competitive athletes; we develop role models.” 8
CR DON PETERSEN p: 3412 5504 e: donpetersen@logan.qld.gov.au Division 4: Bahrs Scrub, Bannockburn, Belivah, Bethania, Buccan, Cedar Creek, Holmview, Jimboomba, Logan Village, Mount Warren Park, Mundoolun, Tamborine, Waterford, Windaroo, Wolffdene and Yarrabilba. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 4 NEWS
The Buccan teenager qualified to play AFL at state level with the Gold Coast North Stingrays and the elite-coaching program, SUNS Academy.
Photo: Cr Graham Able with Marine Modellers Eleanor Clem, Russell Hinks and Lou Frederick.
Motoring along just nicely
With mateship at the core, the 80 plus members share a love of the water and marine modelling, with many of the boats taking years to hand craft from plans. Long-time member Ted Fisher is now in his 70s and said it was a something he had enjoyed since he was a child. “I started making model boats with my father when I was just nine or 10 years old,” he said. “When I retired from the Army in 1984 my wife suggested I take it up as a hobby and it’s something I’ve since passed down to my children and grandchildren.
“My oldest boat is a 1920s Thames River Trader but the members have all different boats, from sail boats reaching almost a metre high, to the newer style electric speed boat replicas.” Ted said the club welcomed all ages – hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. “Our interclub competitions and regattas attract people from as far as Ballina and the Queensland North Coast,” he said. “Our oldest member is in his 80s and our youngest still at school. If it’s something you think you might be interested in then come down, have a look around and chat to our members about what they do.” The popular Logan club has been operating at its current location for just under a decade and is often a talking point for the local community and visitors from afar.
“In today’s day and age, it’s often all about tablet devices, smart phones and big screen TVs,” he said. “Since the park’s $2.5 million rejuvenation in 2011, we’ve continued to see its popularity grow and the pontoon and boat shed have proved a real hit for our Marine Modellers and locals. “The improvements have created a real community atmosphere and it’s uplifting to see so many, young and old, enjoying the outdoors together.” The Logan City Marine Modellers operate from the Tygum Lagoon pontoon every Sunday and Wednesday, 8am – noon. Membership is $60 per year and includes use of the club facilities, access to boat plans and insurance cover.
Councillor Graham Able said the club had created a tradition at the park that he hoped would continue for generations to come.
All go for Allora street It’s all go for Waterford West’s Allora St motorists after major drainage and resurfacing works were recently completed. The total works, costing more than $1 million, took just over four months to complete and included strengthening of the road and replacement of the kerb, channelling and footpaths. The significant improvements will aid in preventing future drainage issues by using a unique open drain and grate solution to help with storm water management. Cr Able thanked local residents and parents for their patience and understanding while works were being completed.
CR GRAHAM ABLE p: 3412 3412 e: grahamable@logan.qld.gov.au Division 5: Berrinba (part of), Browns Plains (part of), Crestmead (part of), Kingston (part of), Loganlea, Marsden and Waterford West (part of). Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 5 NEWS
L
ooking to enjoy a spot of boating but don’t want to get your feet wet? The Logan City Marine Modellers may have the answer. The radio control enthusiasts transform Waterford West’s Tygum Lagoon into a sea of sails every Sunday and Wednesday morning.
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Demons’ rugby league domination
The Meadowbrook-based club was recently awarded the annual greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League Club Efficiency Trophy in recognition of its timeliness, communication, behaviour, positive promotion and friendly atmosphere. President Adam Lumsden said the Demons were the only club to win the award twice after first clinching the award in 2006. “We’ve got great helpers. Everyone gets involved,” he said. “We pride ourselves on the family atmosphere; it’s what makes our club so great. “We’ve got great coaches and we’re developing talented players.’’ There is no greater proof of this than five juniors from the club being handpicked by Canberra Raiders for five-year rugby league scholarships. Rhys Sparey, 12, said the scholarships were a big opportunity. “They see something in you that they can make better, they see potential,” he said. 10
Thirteen-year-old Cruise Ten was picked during his first year in the game after signing up to play socially – a rare achievement in itself. “He’s one of the real deals,” Jake Sparey, 15, said. “He’s a prime example of them seeing something in someone and saying ‘we want him before someone else can get him’.” Councillor Luke Smith said Waterford Demons epitomised local junior sport. “Every player counts – they’re not treated like a number – they’re each given the attention they need to train better, play better, and most importantly, have fun with the game,” he said.
Tudor Park upgrade to start in 2014 Revamp designs for Loganholme’s Tudor Park are complete with construction work set to start later this year. Councillor Luke Smith said the playground would be updated and a new skate park moved closer to Clarks Rd, ensuring easier access. “The existing skate park has nearly reached the end of its useable life,” he said. “New equipment, shade sails, safety enhancements and barbecue facilities will extend the playground.” Cr Smith said a nature playground, exercise equipment and dog off leash area were planned for future years.
“The Demons should be proud of their achievements in 2013; I look forward to seeing what this year brings. It promises to be a big year.” Waterford Rugby League Club was nominated for three awards at last month’s BDS Sports Awards: Organisation of the Year, Coach of the Year (Brad Gough) and Young Male Sportsperson of the Year (Hisiu Fabila-Hicks).
Photo: Rhys Sparey, 12, Laithan Joseph, 14, Jake Sparey, 15, Hisiu Fabila-Hicks, 15, and Cruise Ten, 13.
CR LUKE SMITH p: 3412 3412 e: lukesmith@logan.qld.gov.au Division 6: Bethania, Meadowbrook, Tanah Merah, Loganholme, part of Cornubia and part of Waterford West. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 6 NEWS
W
aterford Rugby League Club is kicking goals – from having five players selected for Canberra Raiders scholarships to winning its second award for club efficiency.
Meet Logan City’s newest
sporting champions
Twelve of the best local sportspeople, clubs and events were recognised for their excellence at last month’s BDS Logan City Sports Awards.
Boxing champion and Our Logan cover story Alex Leapai took out top honours by securing the coveted Sportsperson of the Year and Sportsman of the Year. Leapai is featured on page 4.
Regents Park powerlifter and rower Tiarne Augustine was named Sportswoman of the Year and is profiled on page 15.
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR, FEMALE
SPORTS COACH OF THE YEAR
SPORTS VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Kristy Wallace - Basketball
Mack Utai - Boxing
Wilma Perkins - Athletics
Eighteen-year-old Kristy Wallace has played in state, national and international basketball tournaments, earning herself a long list of accolades including Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Number One Point Guard. Most recently, Wallace has represented Australia at the Pacific Women’s Championship in New Zealand where she was awarded the Most Valuable Player.
Basement Southside Academy, a partnership between The Basement Logan City Boxing and Southside MMA Academy, has established a winning reputation because of boxing coach Mack Utai’s devotion, both in and out of the boxing ring. Utai, a father of three, has spent the past 12 months coaching pro and amateur boxers as well as introducing a junior boxing program to develop discipline, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and confidence.
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR, MALE
Trae Williams - Athletics Trae Williams, 17, has represented the state and the country at a number of athletics events over the past year. He placed first in the 100m and 200m sprints at the Australian Junior Championships in March after placing fourth in January in the 200m sprint at the Australian Olympic Festival, an international event. He also won a bronze medal in the medley relay.
ELITE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY
SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Glenn Niciejewski - Blind Golf
Logan City Men’s Softball Team
Glenn Niciejewski placed as champion or runner-up in both national and international blind golf competitions over the past year, including at the British Open and Australian Open. In May this year, Niciejewski will play the World Championships at Nelson Bay.
The Logan City Men’s Softball Team was runner-up at the Queensland Open Men’s State Titles in November 2013. Ten team members also played the winter season and were undefeated from week one through to their grand final win.
SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
SPORTS OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Margaret Gorman - Secretary of Logan City Softball
Sam Bent - Softball
Margaret Gorman worked tirelessly organising the 2013 Logan City Softball Queensland Masters Tournament – an annual event attracting more than 1,000 competitors and supporters. Gorman pulled together volunteers, coordinated venues and ground requirements, managed stakeholders and worked in the canteen.
Eighteen-year-old Sam Bent was awarded junior umpire of the year by Softball Queensland in July 2013. Bent has played the sport for 12 seasons and has shown incredible commitment to the game.
At the World Masters Athletics Championships in October 2013, Wilma Perkins, aged 64, won two gold and five silver medals in the track and field events in the women’s 60-64 years age group – a remarkable feat against more than 4,000 athletes from 82 countries. In March the same year, Perkins won four gold and two bronze medals at the Australian Championships.
SPORTS ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
Jimboomba Little Athletics Centre Jimboomba Little Athletics Centre experienced its most successful season last year, and the 2014 season, which started in October, looks to be even better. Membership to the club has increased from 217 athletes in 2011/12 to more than 432. In June 2013, the club received the Little Athletics Queensland Centre Development Award for the highest registration increase state-wide.
SPORTS EVENT OF THE YEAR 2013 Softball Queensland Masters Tournament Held in August last year, the event attracted 88 teams and 1,200 competitors to play in 268 games over three days at Meakin Park. Participants came from across the state, New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand. More than 150 volunteers worked tirelessly to pull the event together. The economic impact injected into Logan City was estimated at $1.7million.
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Nine News Sport Presenter Wally Lewis sat down with Broncos co-captain and State of Origin champion Corey Parker to talk about growing up in Logan and the city’s rugby league talent.
Wally – Corey, always good to talk to you. Logan has been an important part of your life. What are some of your favourite memories of growing up in Logan? Corey - I spent my first 11 years in Logan and my favourite memories would be playing footy at Logan Brothers. I was great mates with Cameron Smith back then and we played at the same junior club. Wally How old were you when you started? Corey - I was eight and I had to rip and tear to get a jersey and a game. Mum and dad weren’t big fans of the sport and didn’t want me to play rugby league. But as a kid, you want to do what all your friends are doing and all my friends were playing league. I eventually got a game and really enjoyed it. I started out on the wing, which didn’t last too long.
Wally – Now, not only did you grow up down there, but your wife grew up in Logan too didn’t she? Corey - Correct, Margaux was a Loganholme girl. It’s quite a large area when you think of it. You pass the “Welcome To Logan” sign at around Beenleigh and it finishes close to Mt Gravatt so it’s a massive area down there. Wally – Your parents weren’t keen on you playing junior games, will you be cheering your kids on from the sideline? Corey – My kids are three and a half, two and a half, and seven months, but I won’t be pushing them into rugby league. If they don’t want to play, then they don’t want to play. I’ve only got one boy and another on the way so we’ll see what happens.
Wally – Logan has a fantastic reputation when turning out NRL stars. Why do you think footy is so big in Logan? Corey - I think the footprint of Logan is so big. When I was playing at Logan Brothers – actually they used to be called St Paul’s which is showing my age – it was just a very small club, but a very competitive club in terms of rugby league and it’s grown. There’s a lot of Islanders in the area and since then there’s been 20-odd household NRL stars come out of that club. So it’s now got a reputation for developing some really good footballers.
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Wally – What’s your wish for the future of rugby league in Logan?
TICKET GIVEAWAY
Corey – The Broncos have got a stronger hold down there now in terms of we’ve got a development centre that should be up and running in the near future. That development is a smart move. As I touched on before, there are 20-odd NRL stars and a heap of up and coming juniors who are in the city’s footprint and it would be good to mould some of those guys into a Broncos jersey.
Thanks to Channel Nine, you can win one of five double tickets to the Broncos v Cowboys match at Suncorp Stadium on March 14. Email your name, phone number and suburb to media@logan.qld.gov.au by 5pm Friday 7 March. Winners will be drawn at random on 10 March and winners notified.
Win
The match starts at 7.30pm and will be broadcast live on Channel Nine.
Abrahams aces Atlantic challenge
L
ogan City’s own Andrew Abrahams has become the fastest Australian to row solo and unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean.
The 39-year-old father of three took the lead in the Adventure4ACure Atlantic Challenge, crossing the
finish line on 1 February, 57 days, 17 hours, 54 minutes and 20 seconds after starting the epic adventure to raise money for disadvantaged children. Abrahams, from Rochedale South, finished seventh overall ahead of five other teams and was the only solo rower to complete the gruelling race. He rowed 2,800 nautical miles (approximately 5,000km), battling sea sickness, sleep deprivation, sharks, mental fatigue, leg injury and a capsized boat – all in monster waves in an endeavour to become the
fastest Australian to row solo and unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean. “I’m ecstatic to have completed this epic journey. It was exceptionally difficult to be alone out there at times and to reach Antigua feels unreal – you gotta’ wanna’.” Abrahams said. Logan Mayor Pam Parker said Logan City was incredibly proud of Abrahams for completing the challenge. “This has certainly been more than your usual race; it has been a monumental challenge,” she said.
“He has shown tremendous courage, strength, fitness and determination to even finish this challenge; for him to win is absolutely remarkable and we as a city are extremely delighted for him and his family and support team. “Andrew is a fantastic athlete and has shown superhuman endurance.” Donations can still be made online via www. adventure4acure.com/ donations Photos: Andrew Abrahams - the fastest Australian to row solo and unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean.
Logan Cycling Club is holding its first expo across three dates in March – 2, 16 and 30. The expo, which will promote local cycling businesses and great places in Logan for people to ride, will be held at Berrinba Wetlands in conjunction with the club’s Sizzling Summer Series. Visit logancyclingclub.org.au for more information.
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Malay-Thai sport is catching on with Australia’s first and only internationallycompetitive Sepak Takraw team winning third place at the recent 2nd Asian Footvolley Championships in Thailand. Sepak Takraw, also known as ‘footvolley,’ is played on a volleyball court and is best described as a mix between soccer and volleyball. Three players on each team knock a woven ball over a high net – without using their hands.
“My dad showed me the sport quite a while ago, and I’ve been playing since then,” he said. “I love it because it’s the most challenging game I’ve ever played.” Adding to the challenge, Thao’s teammates live in Darwin making it impossible to train regularly. “I train with my friends and family since I’m not able to see my team mates until two weeks before competition,” he said. “It all comes down to trust really. If you know your teammate is ready to take the ball, you give it to him. If not, we try again.” On top of studying for a medical science degree, Thao and his friends actively work to promote the sport. “The longer it survives in Australia the better,” he said. “It’s fun and it keeps you really fit; the sport involves a lot of abworkouts.” Thao hopes that one day Sepak Takraw will become an Olympic sport. “There aren’t enough countries competing yet, but once people hear about or see the sport, they immediately enjoy it,” he said. Councillor Laurie Smith has provided funding for lighting and a 14
Sepak Takraw
the new sport in town
Sepak Takraw court to be installed alongside the existing court at Bellevue Park so local players can train at night. “The Logan community loves its sport and it’s great that people are becoming more interested in a game that is a bit different,” he said.
For more information on Sepak Takraw contact Veng Thao on 0478 049 773.
“I’m incredibly proud that a local player from Division 7 is not only doing so well in the sport but is also trying to boost its popularity and encourage others to be part of the game.” Local players practise every Saturday and Sunday from 3pm until dark at Bellevue Park, Greenbank. Anyone interested in the game is invited to come along and try it for themselves. “We can slowly teach you, and as you become fitter, you’ll become a better player,” Thao said.
CR LAURIE SMITH p: 3412 3412 e: lauriesmith@logan.qld.gov.au Division 7: Boronia Heights, Forestdale, Greenbank, Hillcrest, Munruben (part of), North Maclean (part of), Park Ridge (part of) and Park Ridge South (part of). Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 7 NEWS
Twenty-year-old Veng Thao, a member of the award-winning Australian team, has wanted to play professionally since taking up the sport as an eight-year-old.
Photo: Local Sepak Takraw champion Veng Thao.
Powering into the record books
Already an accomplished rower, Regents Park’s Tiarne Augustine is now setting new standards in the sport of powerlifting.
with her sights set on a world title and lobbying to have her sport included in the Commonwealth and Olympic games.
Two years ago, Augustine’s rowing coach noticed she was lifting some pretty impressive weights – so impressive in fact, Augustine’s training weights eclipsed existing national records.
“I was training with my rowing coach, and he said, ‘You’re actually lifting Australian records now. Have you ever thought about trying powerlifting?’, so we entered a competition and it went from there,” she said.
The Sports Movement and Business student is now a multiple powerlifting record holder and national champion
“I compete as a junior in the 84kg-plus women’s category and hold the record for 140kg squat and 85kg bench press. I can deadlift 115kg but don’t hold the record but my total of 335kg is a record.”
Augustine is training for a tilt against the reigning world champion at a June competition in South Africa. “I’ve got to have a 350kg total to qualify,” she said. “I have beaten the current world champion on bench press at a competition in New Zealand and I came second to her in totals.” Augustine is currently training full-time and will start a double degree in Sports Movement and Business at Griffith University later this year. Augustine was named Sportswoman of the Year at last month’s BDS Logan City Sports Awards.
Skate park expansion rolls on Work to upgrade and expand Waller Skate Park is progressing with a contractor appointed through a public tender process and initial survey works completed in January. Councillor Cherie Dalley said the park’s upgrade and expansion would bring new challenges to the already acclaimed park. “The skate park’s upgrade will include a new set of elements that complement existing ones, bringing a heightened degree of difficulty,” she said. “The upgrade will promote continuous riding around the whole park.” Construction is due to start in late-March, with an estimated completion of June anticipated, weather dependent.
CR CHERIE DALLEY p: 3412 3412 e: cheriedalley@logan.qld.gov.au Division 8: Browns Plains, Heritage Park, Park Ridge and Regents Park. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 8 NEWS
Photos: Tiarne Augustine will challenge for the world powerlifting title in July.
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Sporting success pays off
ogan has lived up to its reputation as one of Australia’s premier rugby league nurseries with seven Marsden State High School (SHS) graduates preparing to tackle the big league.
This year’s young guns follow in the footsteps of NRL legends and household names Cameron Smith, Corey Parker, Alex Glenn, Josh Papalii and Israel Folau – all former students of Marsden SHS. Broncos recruits and 2013 graduates George Fai and Riva Pati acknowledged their selection was a dream come true. “Josh Papalii is my favourite; he’s a family friend and someone I have always looked up to,” Fai said. “I started playing with Logan Brothers when I was six and have always watched NRL games with my dad. He was so proud when we found out I’d made the Broncos Under 20 squad that he cried – that’s not something he really does. “A lot of hard work has paid off; I’m in the system now and one step closer to my goal but I’m trying to stay humble because I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead.”
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Pati, who comes from a family of football fanatics, said his coaches at Marsden SHS had helped develop his skills.
1. George Fai (Brisbane Broncos) 2. Riva Pati (Brisbane Broncos) 3. Peauafi Vakauta (Gold Coast Titans)
“It was always about striving for excellence,” Pati said.
4. Tyrone Pritchard (North Queensland Cowboys)
“The boys I surrounded myself with at school and training – we all had the same goal and worked hard towards achieving that.”
5. Eugene Fiu (Cronulla Sharks) 6. Jordan Mago (Canberra Raiders) 7. Jordan Aiono-Fatu (Canberra Raiders)
Councillor Phil Pidgeon said he believed this year’s selection set a new record for the most NRL recruits scouted from one Australian school. “It’s not just the Broncos we’ll be seeing the Marsden boys play for, but intrastate and interstate clubs including the Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys, Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks,” he said. “They’ve put in a lot of effort to get to where they are today; training hard while others were enjoying their weekends and holidays. “I have no doubt they have challenges ahead, but hard work pays off and I can’t wait to cheer the boys on when they’re out on the field.” Photo: Recent Marsden SHS graduates George Fai and Riva Pati are one step closer to achieving their NRL dream.
CR PHIL PIDGEON p: 3412 3412 e: philpidgeon@logan.qld.gov.au Division 9: Chambers Flat, Crestmead, Jimboomba, Logan Reserve, Logan Village, Munruben Forest, North Maclean, Park Ridge South, South Maclean, Stockleigh and Waterford West. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 9 NEWS
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for super seven
Marsden SHS 2013 recruits:
Award-winning café and roastery, Simply Beans, is now open in a bigger and better venue and once again serving internationally awarded coffee.
All about the beans: New Logan coffee shop hits the spot
Listed by Courier Mail as the 16th best kept secret in South-East Queensland, Simply Beans has moved from a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ to a new combined roastery and café on Compton Rd in Underwood where it can cater for larger crowds. Loyal coffee lovers have followed Simply Beans director and master roaster Giuseppo Anapo to the new premises, where new and old customers alike are enjoying not only the premium Arabica beans, but also the training, equipment and all things coffee that come along with it. “When we opened this new café I was really particular about creating another ambience that people would enjoy as much as the other place,” Simply Beans business manager Deborah Anapo said.
Photo: Councillors Luke Smith, Russell Lutton and Graham Able with Mayor Pam Parker and CEVA’s Casey Fisher.
As the name suggests, Joe maintains Simply Beans is all about the coffee, which is used in a number of cafes around Logan City. “Joe was a roaster for a larger company and his passion was always about roasting the beans to get the most out of them,” Deborah said. “Coffee is similar to wine in a way – having a smaller roaster means you can maintain the integrity and pick up the nuances in the bean as it changes.” In addition to offering some of the best coffee in the south east, Simply Beans also provides barista workshops where coffee lovers can bring their own machine and learn how to make the perfect cup at home. The business is also helping get people into the workforce, working closely with MAX Employment to take on employees during busy periods. Visit www.simplybeans.com.au or find them on Facebook. Simply Beans, Southpark Centre, 10 Compton Rd, Underwood. Photo: Simply Beans director and master roaster Giuseppe Anapo.
Doors open on CEVA’s Logan warehouse One of the world’s leading supply chain companies, CEVA Logistics, has officially opened the doors to its new Logan City facility.
Showcasing your small business Does your business need help with marketing? Are you looking to grow? WHEN Four half-day workshops held every Tuesday or Thursday of each month.
WHERE BizConnect Centre Logan City Council, 150 Wembley Rd, Logan Central
BOOKINGS P: 07 3412 4888 E: BizConnectCentre@logan.qld.gov.au W: www.loganbiz.com.au
The 56,000sqm multi-use warehouse and office space in Berrinba was officially opened by Mayor Pam Parker and CEVA’s Executive Vice President Australia and New Zealand, Casey Fisher late last year. Mayor Parker said the new facility was CEVA’s largest in Australia. “Having CEVA build its biggest Australian facility here is a big tick of approval for our city,” she said. “The new facility has already created 150 jobs, the majority of which have been filled by local employees, with an additional 10,000sqm available on site to allow for future expansion.” CEVA’s Berrinba site was designed and built to achieve a four star Greenstar rating with natural light, solar hot water, drought resistant landscaping, a waste recycling area and rainwater harvesting. 17
Local lady bares all as calendar girl See Beenleigh Theatre Group Vice President Rachel Hunt take on the role of Miss July in the national production of Calendar Girls when it visits the LEC this month.
Special Olympics squad makes it all fun and games Sport is a major Australian pastime – a way of life – for many of us and it’s easy to take for granted the ability we have to be part of a team. For others, finding a place to play can be a major hurdle, especially for those living with an intellectual disability. One group of Logan athletes are proving disability is no barrier to playing sport, making friends and being active.
“From when they start to the end of the year, some of their skill levels will blow you out of the water, other ones, they are slowly getting there, but it’s not just their skills as basketball players – it’s the interaction with others,” he said.
“Some might pick up skills very quickly, others might take a little longer. It’s no big deal for us, we work individually as well as a team.
Logan Special Olympics is open to new members who can come and try with their first visit free. Currently, they offer basketball, futsal and soccer, however other sports can be accessed through other regions by joining in Logan.
“We make it as fun as possible – there is nothing worse than training for a sport you don’t enjoy.”
Training is every Thursday at InSports Metro from 4:45pm, with Futsal on Tuesday at 5pm.
The combination of social time and sports training has already proven its worth – while some athletes may not have progressed technically with their on-
Email: info@soqlogan.com
Meet the squad from Logan Special Olympics: athletes, caregivers and volunteer coaches, all proving that sport isn’t just about being harder, better, faster and stronger. Squad coach David Russell said all team members focused on combining training with fun, social interaction as a major part of training. “No matter what skills they have, everyone is equal,” he said.
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court skills, their lifestyle and social skills have improved out of sight.
Photo: Logan Special Olympics squad.
Based on the movie of the same name, the Jally Entertainment production tells the story of Anna and her best friend Chris’ campaign to raise money for a new sofa in the local hospital waiting room, following the death of Anna’s husband from leukaemia. They come up with an alternative calendar – roping in other women to pose nude, their modesty spared only by artfully placed cakes, knitting and flower arrangements. When news of the women’s charitable venture spreads, hordes of press descend on their small British village but, while the calendar is a huge success, their new-found fame puts pressure on the relationships between Anna and Chris. Based on a true story, the production has become a worldwide comedy hit and is sure to please fans here in Logan City when it takes to the LEC stage for two shows on 22 March at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased online at loganentertainmentcentre. com.au or phone 3412 5006. Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for concession and $25 for members. Back row from left: Logan local Rachel Hunt, Madison Thew-Keyworth, Alli Pope Front row from left: Marion Johnson, Yvie Somerville, Blossom Goodchild.
Logan heroes recognised with Australia Day honours Three of Logan City’s most outstanding residents have been honoured with Australia Day Awards. Long-time Logan resident, Thelma Towers, was named as the city’s 2014 Citizen of the Year. The Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Dale White from Waterford and Laurie Koranski from Buccan took home the Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award. Mayor Pam Parker said the Australia Day Awards recognised the selfless work of Logan’s heroes. “There is a strong sense of community here in Logan and these three award winners symbolise the spirit of our great city,” she said. “A huge number of people make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through their acts of kindness and generosity but often don’t receive any recognition. “These three people, and every person nominated, help make Logan a great place to live.” These awards are given to those who demonstrate outstanding community values and who are inspirational role models for others. Meadowbrook’s Thelma volunteers for a number of different organisations including the SES, Red Cross and the Justice Department. Thelma also offers her time to assist local police no matter what time of day or night. In 1987 Thelma became Logan City’s own Erin Brockovich as she helped families involved in the toxic waste issue at a site in Kingston. She has also assisted people in Fernvale, Bundaberg, Innisfail and Cairns after the floods and cyclones. “The Citizen of the Year Award acknowledges those extraordinary people in our community who have helped make Logan a thriving and diverse city,” Cr Parker said.
Photo: Australia Day award winners, Laurie Koranski, Thelma Towers and Dale White with Mayor Pam Parker.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award is given to a person under 27 years who has made a noteworthy contribution and strives to be an inspirational role model, demonstrating kindness and generosity for the Logan community. Dale, 25, has built a successful business, Ripple Fitness, to help fight obesity. Dale promotes healthy and active lifestyles through community events, school seminars, bootcamps and personal training sessions. “Dale is extremely generous, not only with his money, but with his talent and time,” Cr Parker said. “He donates profits to the B105 Children’s Christmas Appeal and Make a Wish Foundation, as well as donating his time to support disabled athletes in achieving their goals. “His clients speak highly about the way Dale goes above and beyond to help people achieve their goals. “He’s a great example to other young people of what they can do when they put their mind to it.” The Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award, selected by the Mayor, acknowledges those who have a big heart and passion for the city and its people.
“The award winners’ selfless deeds have touched the lives of many,” Cr Parker said. Laurie, the Logan Country Chamber of Commerce President, has volunteered with many different community groups and local charities. Her efforts include helping raise more than $250,000 for the Cancer Council as a committee member of the Cancer Council Queensland Jimboomba Branch and Relay for Life Jimboomba. She was also recently appointed as the Chair of Relay for Life Beenleigh. She is also the spokesperson for VETO, the volunteer director for the Logan Country Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank and a member of the Logan Country Safe City Group. She also helped to coordinate the highly successful celebration of the Logan Village Settler’s Day 150 year anniversary. “Laurie was a highly active participant in the Logan City of Choice Summit, advocating for business in the Logan Country region,” Cr Parker said. “Her passion, vision, leadership and drive to succeed make her a role model for many others.” 19
W
hen Logan Hyperdome Library opened its doors in February 1998 it set the scene for a new direction in public libraries in Queensland. Fast forward 16 years and it is doing it again. Last month, the library unveiled its keenly anticipated revamp - complete with Technology, Learning and Creative (TLC) Lounge. The revamp has turned the library on its head with the technology area, which was once on the upper level,now on the lower level and expanded and enhanced to become the TLC Lounge. “Libraries are important to the community and here in Logan we certainly boast libraries of an incredibly high standard,” Councillor Darren Power said.
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“This revamp will benefit children
through to community groups and businesses. “The TLC lounge provides space for workshops or meetings. The children’s area on the upper level will also be a highlight.
IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD • Work has recently been completed on a wildlife mural at Shailer Pioneer Park. The mural is a welcome addition to the popular Harley St park. • The section of Chatswood Rd between Kimberley Dr and Lyndale St is currently being resurfaced and repairs made to kerb and channelling as part of improvements works.
“Computers are entrenched in our lives. Books are now read electronically, learning and work done online and computer games the norm. They are a way of life and we are meeting that need.” The TLC Lounge has a 3D printer, the first for a Logan library, and iPads available for in-house loan. Training sessions will be held for people who want to use them. “At the February 14 opening, a ukulele created on the 3D printer was played which was interesting,” Cr Power said.
CR DARREN POWER p: 3412 3412 e: darrenpower@logan.qld.gov.au
Council contributed approximately $50,000 to the library’s upgrade and secured a State Library grant of $25,000 to complete the work.
Division 10: Carbrook, Cornubia (part of), Daisy Hill (part of) and Shailer Park. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 10 NEWS
Library turned on its head
Photo: Councillor Darren Power at the Logan Hyperdome Library.
Jimboomba’s reigning horseman looks to maintain control
Jimboomba’s Bayley Lowe has taken his love of equestrian dressage to new levels, winning national titles at the age of 14. Last year, Lowe took out the national Limited Non Pro, Reserve Champion Youth (14-18 years) and Champion Non Pro Lowe titles in the equestrian category of reigning. Reigning, a specialist form of equestrian dressage, requires riders and horses to work as one. The duos are scored on the degree of difficulty being performed and the level of control displayed by the rider. The Flagstone Community College student said building a connection with the horse was critical to success. “I ride almost every day,” he said. “You’ve got to have their trust and they have to have yours.” The signature move at a reigning competition is the slide stop – an impressive sequence involving the horse sliding on its hind legs, coming to a stop in a spray of dirt, commanded only by a ‘woah’ from the rider. “We start off by teaching them to stop walking on the word ‘woah’,” Lowe said. “They have to stop without the use of hand signals, instead only listening to my voice. “It’s a slow process but eventually the horse will build up to a gallop. They wear special shoes called sliders and they help as well.” It can be a wild ride, but it’s clear the thrill of achieving this difficult technique is worth it. Lowe will be looking to defend his titles at the national championships in Sydney in September. Scan the QR code to read more.
Photo: Bayley Lowe with horse Roxie.
Earthworks at Glenlogan Park North – home of the Jimboomba Redbacks and Jimboomba Cricket – are nearly finished, following a $150,000 redevelopment program. Councillor Trevina Schwarz said the project was close to completion after some minor setbacks due to weather and was looking forward to seeing the clubs resume training. “Most of the work was done over summer and after the end of last year’s AFL season,” she said.
“A new grass surface has been seeded and the park will be ready to play on once it’s taken root. “I’m really excited – it won’t be long until we see more kids out on the field, playing together as a team and keeping healthy, fit and active.” Work is expected to be completed in early-April.
CR TREVINA SCHWARZ p: 3412 5511 e: trevinaschwarz@logan.qld.gov.au Division 11: Cedar Grove, Cedar Vale, Flagstone, Greenbank, Jimboomba, Kagaru, Lyons, New Beith, North Maclean, South Maclean, Undullah, Veresdale, Veresdale Scrub and Woodhill. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 11 NEWS
Redbacks redevelopment on track
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Beenleigh bright with AFL Stars During the visit, the SUNS gave fans of all ages the chance to meet their AFL heroes in the lead-up to the 2014 Toyota AFL premiership season. The camp, with players and coaching staff, was held throughout Logan on February 7 and 8. Councillor Jennie Breene said she was delighted the SUNS selected Dauth Park and Beenleigh High School to hold pre-season training and skills clinics. “This was quite a unique opportunity for our city’s young people and I was particularly pleased the SUNS focused on Beenleigh for much of the camp,” she said. “It is clear Logan is a huge growth area for the SUNS and I am very supportive of sports like AFL that encourage the community to be fit and active.” The AFL community camps will see more than 800 players take the game to regional and rural communities across Australia and overseas. 22
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Travis Auld said the camp was an important opportunity for players to interact with their local community. “The Australia Post AFL Community Camps are about taking Australia’s game to regional and rural communities and providing fans with opportunities to meet their favourite AFL players and clubs,” he said. “In Logan, we visited a range of schools and community organisations, while promoting healthy lifestyles and participation.”
Gold Coast SUNS visited local schools and community organisations to promote AFL and healthy lifestyles.
He said the club was strongly committed to its social responsibilities and regularly assisted in fundraising to help groups supporting issues such as youth homelessness and domestic violence. In addition to the community camp, the players joined the Beenleigh Library’s Page Turners Reading Program to encourage a love of reading among local primary school children. In total, the Gold Coast SUNS met with more than 4,000 children at 27 schools over the two days.
CR JENNIE BREENE p: 3412 3412 m: 0411 658 297 e: jenniebreene@logan.qld.gov.au Division 12: Beenleigh, Eagleby, Edens Landing and Holmview (part of). Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 12 NEWS
L
ogan welcomed the Gold Coast SUNS to Beenleigh for a two-day Australia Post AFL Community Camp last month.
An Australian first
Logan City Skills for Industry agreement
Every Logan City job services provider will work in conjunction with Council and local businesses to train jobseekers and place them into employment following the signing of an Australian-first Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, part of the Skills for Industry pilot program, meets a priority outcome identified in the Logan: City of Choice Summit – to have local Job Services Australia providers work with industry to encourage entry level positions be filled by people from high unemployment areas. “By putting industry skills needs, recruitment requirements and training at the core, we know this project will
lead to greater outcomes for everyone involved,” Deputy Mayor Councillor Russell Lutton said. “It is a win-win for industry, job seekers and job services providers.” Job seekers will undergo a training program, coordinated by the Logan Office of Economic Development and facilitated by registered training organisations, to ensure they are jobready. “Securing work is about more than just having a qualification or the technical skills – it is about being able to prove you will be a productive and valued employee,” Cr Lutton said. “This training program will give job
seekers, including those who have recently arrived in Australia or not had a full-time job, an understanding of what is required in a workplace – the importance of arriving on time, being motivated, enthusiastic and having a positive attitude – while also teaching industry-specific skills needs. “It’s a perfect match. Workers will have the specific skills they need to fill the gaps where industry is telling us they need more employees.” Photo: Councillor Russell Lutton and Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen with local job services providers and businesses at the signing of the Australian-first Skills for Industry program.
State of the City report paints a picture for Logan LOGAN :
Cityof Choice
The City of Choice Leadership Team has released its State of the City 2013 report, providing a snapshot of where Logan is now as a community and enabling informed decision-making for the future direction of the city. The report complements the Logan: City of Choice Two-Year Action Plan and strengthens its ability to advocate for and protect the interests of Logan residents.
State of the City
2013 BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES BUSINESSES AND PRIDE
It presents key statistics, facts, trends and performance results against a set of indicators relating to education, employment, housing, safety and social infrastructure for Logan City. The City of Choice Leadership Team, led by Chair Jude Munro, is working hard to deliver the actions outlined in the Action Plan, measured against the State of the City 2013 report and, already, significant achievements have been made. See the report online and learn more about key City of Choice achievements to date by scanning the QR code. 23
FREE
Animal Management Centre Tours Join a tour of Council’s Animal Management Centre for a behind-the-scenes information session.
Each year, Logan City Council issues free trees to Logan ratepayers, schools and community groups. By planting trees on your property, you are helping to beautify Logan and make our city a more enjoyable place to live. The scheme provides three trees per rateable property per financial year. Schools and community-based groups can apply for 50 trees per financial year. How to obtain your free trees: • Bring in your original rates notice to any one of the collection points. • Tenants of rented properties will need to bring in a rates notice and written permission from the property owner to collect free trees. • You can only collect once in the financial year. • Multiple property owners with four properties or more are to contact Council’s Parks branch on 3412 5338 to make alternative arrangements. • Schools and community groups need to apply to Logan City Council in writing.
Gain an insight into services such as: • Animal management • Animal sale program • Graffiti management • Immunisation clinics • Noxious weed control • Vector control
Bookings required!
Phone: 3412 5397 Email: animalmanagementcentre@logan.qld.gov.au Visit: Animal Management Centre at 213 Queens Rd, Kingston
flu program for seniors and those most at risk Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended and free for: ● All persons aged 65 years and over ● All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over ● All pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy ● Medical Conditions (ie Diabetes, severe Asthma, Obesity etc)
Marsden PARKS Depot 177 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden Sat 9am - noon & Wed 9.30am - 11.30am Sat 15th March 2014 Wed 19th March 2014 Sat 7th June 2014 Wed 11th June 2014
Eagleby Community Nursery Olivers Sports Complex, 293 Logan St Eagleby Sat 9am - noon Sat 12th April 2014
Monday 14 April
Noon to 1.30pm
Beenleigh Library, Crete St, Beenleigh
Munruben Depot
Tuesday 15 April
9am to 10.30am
Logan North Library, Cnr Sports Dr and Springwood Rd, Underwood
Tuesday 15 April
9am to 10.30am
Logan West Library, 69 Grand Plaza Dr, Browns Plains
Tuesday 15 April
Noon to 1.30pm
Beenleigh Senior Citizens Centre, 20 Alamein St, Beenleigh
Tuesday 15 April
12.30pm to 2pm
Logan Central Library, 26 Wilbur St, Logan Central
Wednesday 16 April Noon to 1.30pm
Caddies Jimboomba 19-33 South St, Jimboomba
Tuesday 22 April
9am to 10.30am
Marsden Library, 35 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden
Tuesday 22 April
Noon to 1.30pm
Hyperdome Library, 66-70 Mandew St, Shailer Park
113 - 127 Crowson Lne, Munruben Sat 9am - noon Sat 10th May 2014
For more information Phone: 3412 5338 Email: parksdepot@logan.qld.gov.au Web: www.logan.qld.gov.au
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FREE flu vaccinations are available at:
Change gears, change your lifestyle with mountain biking
“People who love being on bikes are realising the benefits of being part of a club,” president Tony Hancock said. “You don’t have to worry about getting lost in the bush, no one gets left behind and it’s a great way to make friends.” BSMC, with support from Councillor Lisa Bradley, is running a number of initiatives to get more people involved in the sport. “We want more people on bikes, getting fit and experiencing the first class natural environment here in Logan,” Hancock said.
B
risbane is one of the few capital cities with world-class mountain bike tracks right on its doorstep and Logan is home to some of the best. Underwood-based Brisbane South Mountain Bike Club (BSMC) has increased its membership from 100 to 260 in two years.
To encourage kids to take up competitive riding, BSMC is offering free racing in its Underwood Park summer races to children under 13 years. Parents are required to purchase rider insurance ($20 for a day licence or $35 for club membership including 12 months of insurance). One free social ride is also being offered to riders of all ages and the club will cover the cost of insurance. Social rides leave from the top car park at Daisy Hill Conservation Park at 8am every Saturday. The one and a half hour ride is open to riders of all levels.
“We are already seeing results from this program, not only with kids but also their parents coming along and testing it out to see if they like riding and like the club activity,” Hancock said. “The ride leaders give trail knowledge and riding hints as they go so it’s perfect for beginners.” Cr Bradley, also an avid cyclist, said in addition to its community engagement work, BSMC volunteers worked tirelessly to develop and maintain world-class local tracks. “They have a strong history of establishing legal and sustainable trails for riders to enjoy throughout the south side of Brisbane,” she said. “It’s not only rewarding for those involved in the development of the tracks, it is rewarding for the many locals and tourists who come to Logan specifically to go mountain biking.”
Photo: Councillor Lisa Bradley and BSMC President Tony Hancock.
Landscaping work on the central medians on Springwood Rd has been completed, giving the area a fresh new look. The two month project, between Pannikin St and Dennis Rd, was completed in December and complements landscaping work completed over the past four years. Councillor Lisa Bradley said the work included the installation of decomposed granite pavement with kauri pines, alongside a number of new garden beds featuring low ground cover planting. Some infill planting also occurred in existing garden beds.
“The new landscaping was designed to create a transition from the more formal style of planting toward the M1 and the more natural style after Dennis Rd,” she said. “It was also designed to be low maintenance, saving Council and ratepayers money. “We received a lot of favourable feedback about the work undertaken on Springwood Rd over the past four years.” The works were valued at $130,000, equally funded by divisions 1 and 3. Watering and weeding will be ongoing over the next six months.
CR LISA BRADLEY p: 3412 3412 e: lisabradley@logan.qld.gov.au Division 1: Daisy Hill (part of), Priestdale, Rochedale South, Springwood (part of) and Underwood (part of). Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 1 NEWS
Springwood Road gets a makeover
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Royal spotlight on our Cambodian Community
Photo: Cr Russell Lutton met with the Cambodian King on his recent visit to Phnom Penh.
Cr Lutton, who visited Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh during a recent holiday, had the unique opportunity to meet with His Majesty, who expressed interest in Australia, Logan City and its multicultural mix. “It was a privilege to join one of Logan’s monks, Preah Udamanheana
Healthy cause helps fight cancer A heart-starting challenge for a great cause will provide the motivation for Team Logan City to cycle 200km in the 2014 Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer. The two-day charity cycling challenge will see participants ride from Brisbane to Wivenhoe Dam and back again. The event will be held on August 16/17 with Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton heading up Team Logan City. “The ride raises much-needed money for the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute which is home to specialists dedicated to translating discoveries into treatments for those with cancer,” he said. “As a team we have set ourselves the target of raising $50,000 for the institute. Cr Lutton will be joined on the ride by Council officer Peter Lecinski who has a personal reason for joining in. Peter’s wife Janelle, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and with the love 26
and support of their son and daughter, the family has bravely forged a battle against the dreaded disease – and it is a battle they are hell-bent on winning. “Nothing can prepare a family for a diagnosis of cancer,” Peter said.
Honorable Rajakana Vanna Choum, to meet the King,” Cr Lutton said. “Logan’s Cambodian community raised $4,500 for flood-affected areas of Cambodia late last year and I was pleased to accompany the monk to make the presentation to the King. The money bought 10 tonnes of rice for people in need.” His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, who is fluent in English, Khmer, French, Czech and Russian, also expressed his appreciation of the Logan City community’s acceptance of the Cambodian community. “He was very interested to learn that Logan was home to so many from his nation,” Cr Lutton said.
Read more about Peter’s cancer experience by scanning the QR code on this page. Cr Lutton said other members of team Logan City would participate in the 60km Weekend to End Women’s Cancer Walk on October 25 and 26. “To be eligible to ride, each participant needs to raise $2,500. If someone chooses to go in the walk, they need to raise $2,000. “The cycle and walking teams are actively training and working together on several fund raising initiatives, so please lend your support wherever you can. Every dollar makes a difference. “I would really like people throughout Logan to consider signing up and joining our Logan City teams.”
To make a donation or join Team Logan City at either event, contact Cr Lutton ph: 0411 869 099 or russelllutton@logan.qld.gov.au or joannthompson@logan.qld.gov.au
CR RUSSELL LUTTON p: 3412 3412 e: russelllutton@logan.qld.gov.au Division 2: Woodridge, Logan Central, Kingston and Underwood. Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 2 NEWS
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iscussions about Logan’s significant Cambodian population and the great contribution it makes to our city have been the focus for a meeting between Logan City Council Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton and the King of Cambodia His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni.
Pure heart
the Logan boxer changing lives
Photo: Logan boxer Shannon ‘Shotgun’ O’Connell with Councillor Steve Swenson.
with Mayor Pam Parker and Cr Steve Swenson 10am to noon - Friday 14 March 2014 Michel’s Patisserie, Chatswood Central Shopping Centre, Cnr Chatswood and Magellan Roads, Springwood
Photo: Boxer Shannon O’Connell in training for the super-featherweight title.
The 31-year-old boxer and mother of two will this month take on world number one Diana Prazak in the World Boxing Council super-featherweight bout in Melbourne, a fight she described as the “most prestigious belt in boxing, for men or women”. “This fight could make or break me,” she said. Sadly though, it won’t be the toughest fight of her life. When O’Connell was just two, her father tragically lost his life in a speedway accident and her mother turned to drugs, an addiction that later killed her. “I saw a lot of bad things and had a lot of bad things happen to me,” she said. In her late teens, O’Connell got mixed up in the wrong crowd and was drinking and taking drugs. “I started to hear some of the things people were saying about me. One
thing in particular that stayed with me was ‘she is going to be just like her mother’,” she said. “Right then and there I woke up to myself and swore I would never touch another drug. “About a week later I went to the local boxing gym in my area in Adelaide. The owner of the gym knew my dad and helped me get started on my journey to make my dad proud again.” Just a year later at age 21, she won her first Australian title and moved to Logan where boxing was bigger and better. O’Connell became amateur boxing’s number two in the world and was first in line to become Australia’s first female Olympic boxer, a dream she sacrificed to be home with her children. Instead, she turned professional.
empower children by speaking at schools and to youth groups. “I talk to the kids about making their own future. It’s not always going to be easy. Everything in life is a rollercoaster; it’s all about how you ride it,” she said. Councillor Steve Swenson said O’Connell was one of Logan City’s best kept secrets. “I hope Logan City gets behind her, not just because of her incredible story, but because she wants to use that for the good of others,” he said. “Let’s hope this is a stepping stone to bigger things for our very own local hero.” Read more by scanning the QR code.
“Boxing is probably the most dedicated sport in the world,” O’Connell said. “It’s a sport that changes lives.” She now uses her experience to
Logan Hockey Club is looking forward to the year ahead, with big plans on the table President and head coach Adam Mills said 2014 would see the retention of existing teams – in the women’s turf and grass competitions – and a challenge for a second turf team to play in a higher division. Women interested in playing, or anyone interested in coaching, is urged to contact the club via www.loganhockey.com.au
CR STEVE SWENSON p: 3412 3412 e: steveswenson@logan.qld.gov.au Division 3: Daisy Hill (part of), Kingston (part of), Slacks Creek, Springwood (part of) and Underwood (part of). Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 3 NEWS
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ou may not have heard of Shannon ‘Shotgun’ O’Connell, but chances are that’s all about to change.
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Getting fit for life The latest Queensland Health statistics show the number of adults with diabetes has increased by 2.3 per cent in the past two years alone. Even more alarming, 61 per cent of local adults are overweight and a further 48.1 per cent do insufficient physical activity. Logan Reserve resident Dieter Lacko decided to beat those odds and beat diabetes and arthritis at the same time. But, he never expected it to lead him across the world. After joining Council’s Healthy Logan program “Beat It” in January 2012, the 66-year-old felt fitter and reenergised. Full of new found energy, Lacko signed up to volunteer for a number
of community organisations, including Meals on Wheels Logan and the RSPCA Logan Wildlife Ambulance. “I wanted to make the most of my new-found energy and the RSPCA Logan Wildlife Ambulance kept me fit chasing all sorts of injured wildlife and returning them to the RSPCA,” he said. Lacko discovered members of his wife’s family had served in the Boer War and WWII and decided to pay tribute and challenge himself by walking the Kokoda Trail. On 27 October, Dieter embarked on the 93km Kokoda Trail. The steep descent and rugged terrain proved treacherous and he recalled his legs felt like jelly. “The training Council’s health and fitness programs provided me was what kept me going,” he said. “It made me push beyond my comfort zone and nine days later, I arrived at the end of my journey and entered the Kokoda Village.”
Photo: Dieter Lacko beat diabetes and arthritis to tackle the Kokoda Trail.
Vaccinations a cinch thanks to outreach program For many families, getting out of the house with a newborn is a major logistical operation. Throw in siblings or even twins or triplets and the degree of difficulty rises exponentially. A trip out suddenly turns into a daunting exercise, weeks in the planning. This can pose a real problem for parents aiming for timely immunisation for their baby. Sometimes, it just seems too hard. To help raise immunisation rates around Logan, Council operates a vaccination outreach program to fill the gap, and support mothers like Tarsha Flack maintain their children’s recommended immunisation schedules. Ms Flack recently gave birth to triplets and, with a two-year-old as well, getting out of the house is a real challenge. “It’s very difficult to actually get the babies out of the house, between feed times and sleep times, so having the service come out to us was a lot more convenient,” she said. “Having that service makes it easier to have their vaccinations. It means they have the best chance of staying healthy.” Access to the service is by referral only, with parents who would have difficulty attending regular clinics given priority. Now eight weeks old, Ms Flack’s triplets are doing well. “They are all gaining weight, which is what they are supposed to be doing, and have no health concerns,” she said. That’s one less thing to worry about and more time to spend enjoying cuddles at home. Visit www.logan.qld.gov.au for more information. 28
Tried and Tested
O
ur Logan writer, Nicole Barclay recently tried out Cable Ski Logan for herself. Here’s why she thinks you should too.
Sport of any kind can be daunting, especially for those of us with the coordination skills of a newborn calf. I have no shame in admitting that’s me so when the opportunity came up to test my athletic skills, I was hesitant. After 10 minutes on the phone to Cable Ski Logan, I became more accepting of the idea of joining a Chicks Clinic. “It’s perfect for first timers,” a reassuring voice says down the phone line. “Great for your fitness, lots of fun and it’s suitable for all ages – our youngest is three and oldest is 60. “Best of all, it’s only girls so there’s no need to feel intimidated or rushed by the more advanced riders.” I’m convinced and a few days later, arrive at Cable Ski Logan on a sunny Sunday morning.
I hold my arms close and bend my knees, listening carefully to instructions. I’m half expecting to fall flat on my face but a wave of determination rushes over me as the cable slowly pulls me out of the water; I’m up!
I can’t help but admit that I was addicted from that very moment; the feeling of achievement, the adrenalin when you stand up and glide across the water – it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The classes are a weekly occurrence during the summer months, and run fortnightly in March and April, before returning again in September for Spring. For $40 per person, you’re provided with a wakeboard and lifejacket to suit your size, coaching from 8:30am to 10am and morning tea after. Places are limited to 20 per class so be sure to secure your spot by contacting Cable Ski Logan on 3287 7777.
I’m greeted by a friendly female face who introduces herself as Krystal Wilkings; one of the six Wilkings’ who run the successful family-owned business at Carbrook. Krystal invites me to register my details and runs the other daredevils and I through a straight-forward safety video. There’s about 15 of us and we’re soon kitted up with lifejackets and a board - ready to start our hour and half Chicks Clinic coaching session. Nerves are shrouded with excitement as we line up at the Go Ride, a specially designed training cable for beginners with variable speed and no tricky turns. Krystal runs us through the basics and before we know it, we’re putting method into practice one by one in the water.
Photo: Krystal Wilkings from Cable Ski Logan.
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SunState Roller Girls go global A group of Logan roller derby skaters has their eyes on a permanent place in the national team heading to Texas for this year’s Blood and Thunder World Cup. SunState skater Blockadile Dundee (Nikki Boyle) and team bench manager Slawta Dawta (Angie Dugdale) are among a group of 11 SunState skaters vying for a spot for the December trip. The all-female team is looking to go one better than the last World Cup and beat England to claim third spot at the tournament. “That’s realistically what we’re aiming for,” Slawta said. “Their team is made up of the London Roller Girls who get to train together regularly – we had four hours’ training together as a team in the lead up to the last world cup. “Hopefully because we’ve had more opportunities to train this time, we’ll do a little bit better.” 30
The squad of 27 skaters and officials has been picked on a try-out basis. Blockodile Dundee and Slawta Dawta competed on the Australian team at the first world cup three years ago. The girls have already tasted success at the 2013 Tropicarnage Cup, where SunState claimed back-to-back state titles. “We’re looking forward to both the national competition, Great Southern Slam, and this year’s Tropicarnage,” Blockadile said. “Hopefully we’ll get some inside knowledge on the Victorian team before the Southern Slam – we’re really honing in on the team we’re looking to take down there.” Both skaters have been participating and bouting in roller derby for more than five years and say the sport is a great outlet for women who want to get involved in a sport in a relaxed, cooperative and supportive environment.
“I’ve skated since I was a little kid. I’ve never been good at sport before, except for skating. Being in a team has really helped me stick around,” Blockadile said. “It’s very accepting of every shape and size and we have nurses, mothers, every walk of life. It’s a very inclusive sport – everybody has something to offer,” Slawta said. “It builds a self-confidence that not a lot of other sports can – it’s a really good little community. Anyone can help out – there are a lot of hours that need to go into it.” SunState Roller Girls hold open training sessions for interested skaters every Sunday at Digi Roller Skating, 44/40 Johnson Road, Browns Plains. Check out their website at www.sunstaterollergirls. com for more information. Photo: Some of the squad from SunState in training for selection in the Australian team.
FREE WORKSHOP - Saturday 22nd March 2014 Rethinking Waste at Home Learn how to reduce your waste footprint, help the environment and save money in your household by registering to attend Logan City Council’s FREE community ‘Rethinking Waste at Home’ workshop. Ÿ Waste minimisation tips including;
smart shopping ideas composting & worm farming techniques the lowdown on correct recycling Ÿ Guided bus tour of the Browns Plains Landfill facilities, working tip face and the Logan Recycling Markets Ÿ Refreshments and morning tea Ÿ Worm farm giveaway to one lucky participant Places are limited and bookings are essential To register, contact the Watch Out Waste team on 07 3457 2400 or email loganwe@envirocom.com.au Venue: ‘The Shack’ Browns Plains Landfill 349 Browns Plains Road Heritage Park
Time: 10am-11.30am (Guided bus tour to follow)
Access, Equity and Inclusion Plan Logan City Council is developing an Access, Equity and Inclusion Plan to ensure the delivery of our facilities, programs and services are inclusive, equitable and accessible for people with disabilities and their carers living in Logan.
Have your say now
Council will begin consultation from 3 March 2014 where you can have your say online and at local shopping centres. We value your input and the feedback you provide will help us improve our services.
To register or for further information, please visit our website www.logan.qld.gov.au/haveyoursay or phone Council’s Community Development Officer on 3412 3412. 31
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