Our Logan - March 2015

Volume 36 March 2015

Munruben to Mount Panorama

Planning our city’s future

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.

Our Logan, Our City magazine

Rochedale South

CITY OF LOGAN DIVISIONAL MAP

Managing Editor: Deanna Nott News Editor: Zoe Krieg Writers: Rebecca Waters, Zoe Krieg, David Shaw, Steve Cadzow and Trish Weston Graphic Design: Natalie Matthews

Underwood

Div 2 Woodridge Logan Central

Priestdale

Div 1

Springwood

Div 3

Daisy Hill

Slacks Creek Shailer Park

Berrinba Forestdale

Browns Plains

Hillcrest Regents Park

Editorial Enquiries: Zoe Krieg 3412 4966 Advertising Enquiries: Ben Travaini 3412 5585

Div 7

Boronia Heights

Div 5

Tanah Merah

Loganlea

Marsden

Waterford West

Div 8

Bethania

Eagleby

Beenleigh

Holmview

Park Ridge South

Div 9

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.

Lyons

All content accurate as of 12 February 2015.

Windaroo

Logan Village

Stockleigh

Div 11

Mount Warren Park

Belivah Bannockburn

North Maclean

New Beith

Bahrs Scrub

Buccan

Chambers Flat

Munruben

Div 12

Loganholme

Waterford

Logan Reserve

Carbrook

Div 6

Edens Landing

Park Ridge

Photo: Supplied

Div 10

Cornubia

Meadowbrook

Heritage Park Crestmead

Greenbank

Front cover image: Chaz Mostert

Kingston

Wolffdene

Div 4

South Maclean

www.logan.qld.gov.au www.visitlogan.com.au

Yarrabilba

Cedar Creek

Jimboomba Undullah

Kairabah Kagaru Tamborine Cedar Grove

A Quick Response code (QR Code), is designed to be scanned by a smart-phone or tablet and provide an easy-to-use, quick-link to online content. To access exclusive content simply search and download a free QR reader from the app store, point your smart-phone or tablet device’s camera at the QR Code and hover over the square.

Cedar Vale Woodhill

Veresdale

Veresdale Scrub

Mundoolun

Our Logan is produced and delivered to every household in Logan City at a cost of 60 cents per household.

Getting involved in our local environment Sunday 1 March Clean Up Australia Day (Logan City) Come and participate in one of Australia’s largest events and join millions of Australians helping clean up our local environment by collecting and removing rubbish. Council will host a Slacks Creek Catchment Recovery cleanup between 8am and 10am. This is a family event. Please RSVP to: environment@logan.qld.gov.au or 3412 4491.

Saturday 28 March Earth Hour at Tygum Lagoon (5.30pm–8.30pm, Waterford West) Join Council and the Logan City Marine Modellers at an Earth Hour event at Tygum Lagoon. Enjoy acoustic music, food, a lantern making workshop and other fun family activities.

Lights-off for Earth Hour is from 8.30pm to 9.30pm local time worldwide. This is a family event. Please RSVP for the lantern making workshop: environment@logan.qld.gov.au or 3412 4491.

Nominations are now open for the 2015 Logan Eco Awards The awards recognise, congratulate and encourage people in the community who are helping to make Logan City more sustainable.

Nominations close 27 March 2015. Winners will be announced at LEAF on 31 May 2015.

For more information, visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/ecoawards

Kerbside collection 9 March 2015 Loganlea, Waterford, Waterford West and Park Ridge Visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/kerbsidecleanup for more information.

A message from our Mayor Welcome to the first edition of Our Logan magazine for 2015!

This year is shaping up as one to remember for our city with many great highlights heading our way.

Work is well under way on the Beenleigh Town Centre redevelopment that will see this keenly-anticipated $9.7 million project transform the Beenleigh CBD into a vibrant community hub. In July, we will play host to the largest musical event our city has ever seen when the Queensland Music Festival comes to the City of Logan. We are also looking forward to a great calendar of our favourite events including The Time Before festival and the ever-popular Jazz and Shiraz.

Mayor Pam Parker Phone: 3412 3412 Email: mayor@logan.qld.gov.au @MayorPam

We are committed to seeing our city flourish in 2015, and our investment in infrastructure, services and lifestyle projects is ensuring our city continues to grow from strength to strength.

An important part of growing a great city is listening to residents, and one of the ways you can have your say is through representation by your local divisional councillor. Local Government is the people’s government, and I would encourage you to contact your divisional councillor with any feedback or ideas you have on how to make our city and your local area a better place.

Each month, I host a divisional community chat event where you can come along and meet with me or a local councillor for a cuppa and share your thoughts and ask questions of your elected representatives.

I love to hear from our residents and these face-to-face chats are a great way to keep in touch. Visit Council’s website at www.logan.qld.gov.au or call 3412 3412 to find out when the next Cuppa with the Mayor is being held in your division.

This month’s magazine includes many great stories from around our city. Make sure you read about Logan’s most recent sporting success – Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar winner and Munruben resident Chaz Mostert, and learn about our wonderful Australia Day Awards recipients on page 11.

Mayor Pam Parker was on hand to launch Council’s free “Kids Alive” swimming lessons program with legendary swim coach, Laurie Lawrence.

Mayor Pam Parker City of Logan

Mayor Pam Parker speaks with 612 ABC’s Steve Austin about infrastructure priorities for Logan City.

Bravehearts founder, Hetty Johnston AM, was inducted into the Logan City Wall of Acclaim in January this year.

Read more on page 29.

3

From Munruben to Mount Panorama – Chaz is Logan’s latest sporting superstar In 2014, Munruben resident Chaz Mostert wrote his name into Australian motor racing history with a triumphant win at the Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercars event.

After starting from last place on the grid, Chaz, along with co-driver Paul Morris, showed anything is possible when you combine skill, hard-work and a never-give-up attitude.

Ahead of the BDS City of Logan Sports Awards this month, the Our Logan team spoke with awards nominee Chaz about how his life has changed since climbing to the top of the podium at Mount Panorama.

I

n your first full year of racing in the championship you scored two race wins and a top 10 finish overall. Did your first season in a factory-supported team live up to your expectations?

My first full season in the main game was amazing. For it to be in a factory team was a dream come true. The step up to full-time racing and in a big team is as much about on-track as it is about off-track and coping with fans and sponsors. At the start of the year I wanted top 10, but really had hoped for top five, so while I missed that by a little bit I am pretty happy overall.

W

inning Bathurst is a dream for many adults and children and your success at such a young age will no doubt inspire the next generation of sportspeople. How important is it to set goals?

Setting goals, whether in sport or in life, is super important. You need to have something to work towards as it keeps you motivated and when you reach it, you can then set a new goal and aim for it. My ultimate goal was always to get to V8 Supercars, and when I got there, I wanted to win Bathurst and the championship. I can’t believe I have already knocked off two of those things by 22 years of age, but I still have a lot more to achieve. I haven’t really thought too much about how I inspire people as I still look up to a lot of people, but if I can inspire some kids to reach their goals then that is pretty cool.

4

A

nother Logan resident, Steven Bradbury, came from the back of the field to win Australia’s first Winter Olympics gold medal at the 2002 Games — how important is it to never give up and has your remarkable win sunk in?

Steve’s win is one of the most famous in Australian sport as it shows that if you are determined, work hard and never take your focus off your goal then you can achieve anything. My win at Bathurst is starting to sink in. Our win was the result of a lot of strategy, smart tactics and of course pushing at the right time. We weren’t gifted it as no win at Bathurst is ever easy.

W

hat are your goals for next season?

I want to be a regular top five runner and finish comfortably in the top five overall, as that will show a further improvement on last year. We had a tough start this year and I was nearly last in the points after a few incidents, but once we got into our groove, it all started to pick up and we were more consistent. I would love to win Bathurst again and give the team three wins in a row.

D

riving a V8 Supercar is a high pressure job — how do you remain focused over a race weekend?

I actually like to have a bit of fun as for me that releases the pressure.

Frosty (Mark Winterbottom) and I joke around a lot. I have a great team of people working on my car and we are

all of a similar age and enjoy having fun, so that takes the pressure off.

We all know when to get serious and when to focus on the job, but our ability to do that is made easier by relaxing in between the tense periods.

Some races, like Bathurst, there is no time for that but that’s our job and the whole team is really focused and working at their peak so when you are surrounded by people like that it’s easy to focus on the goal.

W

hat is your favourite way to unwind at home in Munruben?

I don’t get home as much as I’d like these days, but when I do it is all about seeing family and friends.

My dad and his partner travel to the races but we don’t get to spend any real time together so we can do that when I come home. My mates are mostly from Munruben and the general area so we just do what we always did as kids.

T

here is a lot of preparation that goes on outside the car — what is something you or the FPR team do ahead of a race that fans may never get to see?

Most of our work is done before we get to the track. Whether it is training or having meetings with engineers, we put a lot of effort into preparing every detail as well as possible. A lot of people think we just sit around waiting for the next race but we are always working on improving ourselves and the car, and when we are not doing that, we do a lot of work with sponsors and fans.

Sports Awards

D

rivers have to stay at the top of their game physically and mentally — how do you stay motivated.

Motivation is easy, especially at the moment. I am 22, driving for a factory team in the sport I love. This year gave me a taste of success but I am a long way off being able to contend with the big guys in the sport, so until I can be winning championships and the big races on a regular basis it won’t be hard to be motivated. And even then, racing drivers are such perfectionists, so there is always something to improve and get right, so I doubt motivation will be hard to find.

L

ogan has produced a lot of sporting heroes. Who are some of the role models you have looked up to throughout your history?

I have been karting since I started school, and my heroes have always been from racing.

So I appreciate people like Steven Bradbury but my heroes were always racing drivers. It is funny as probably my biggest hero was Craig Lowndes. I liked the way he drove and also the way he treated people outside of the car and worked with fans. It is funny that I am now racing alongside him and fighting him on track. He’s now just another driver but to race someone you looked up to is pretty cool.

Logan has a reputation for producing some of the country’s finest sporting stars and now it’s your chance to come along and celebrate the city’s current and future champions.

This year’s BDS City of Logan Sports Awards is set to be the biggest and best yet, with an exciting new venue, and a record number of nominations across 11 categories.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Saturday 14 March 2015, hosted by rugby league legend and Local Government Association of Queensland ambassador Shane Webcke at the Logan Metro Indoor Sports Centre.

There will also be live music on the night, special guests and a host of local sporting stars.

Tickets are now on sale at www.logan.qld.gov.au/sportsawards and the new venue will cater for more attendees, however with previous years selling out, be sure to get in quick and secure your space.

Categories include Sportsman, Sportswoman, Sports Team, Young Sportsperson, Elite Athlete with a Disability, Sports Coach, Event and Official of the Year.

5

Logan Listens: Survey Snapshot 2014 City-wide satisfaction rating

Rural residents satisfaction rating

80%

70%

70%

97.3% 2011

2012

2013

2014

2011

2012

2013

locals give our immunisation service the tick of approval

think our sewerage service is flush with success

2014

Animal Management is “purrfect” according to

85% of locals

80% 71% 95% residents happy

Our rubbish and recycling collection cleans up

85% Believe Logan City Council “gets things done” Top performing metropolitan Council on IRIS database

8 in 10 feel safe with our disaster management efforts

6

vouch for free tip vouchers

applaud our sporting facilities

believe Council works in the best interests of the community

Our Logan magazine is the city’s preferred format to receive city and Council news

86%

91%

love Logan’s libraries Residents rate road maintenance as a priority

Parks come up trumps with

90% of residents

Over the past five years, Logan residents have been surveyed about their satisfaction with Council services to help us plan effectively for the needs of our growing community.

The random telephone survey of a valid sample of 800 residents is conducted in October each year.

The 2014 results are the most impressive to date and, most importantly, continue to show the trend of markedly increased resident satisfaction since the first survey was conducted in 2010.

Residents, both urban and rural, clearly indicated their improved satisfaction with the services and facilities we provide, with the overall citywide satisfaction jumping from 72.5 per cent in 2013 to 80.2 per cent in 2014 while almost 85 per cent of residents believe Council ‘gets things done’.

Just over 90 per cent of respondents believe Council works in the best interests of the community.

Survey says…

Logan is a leader Residents rated Council highly in the key areas of general waste and recycling collection, immunisation, animal management, sewerage services, sporting grounds, food safety and parks.

Residents also identified they would like to see us do more to maintain our local roads. This area has received record funding in the past two budgets and we are committed to keep working hard in this critical area in an

effort to meet the expectations of the community.

Learn more about the survey at www.logan.qld.gov.au/logan-listensresidents-survey

s n e t s n Li

ga : Residentsc’tober. o L ut stens arly O o

Abo2014 LogcaonnLdiucted inere18 yearssiwx h

. rvey ov ast as he • T rvey w ts aged for at le hone su om.

Su lep an and den resi in Log d the te ted at r 2 0 d e c • 8 ve live mplet sele rch. ha ths co ere by w s ted Resea t n c n o u e d m IS nd rst spon was co tants IR its fi ll re l d A y u e

s e in • ct urv nt con vey ndu e he s il co ts’ Sur c • T epend n Cou iden ely ind City ns: Res mat i n x a o r te og app • L gan Lis osts c Lo . y ve 0 l sur 201 nua n a he • T 0,000. $4

7

Siren sounds for a new season at Lowe Oval

Joshua Hampson, Councillor Lisa Bradley and Connor Hickman.

Springwood Australian Football Club (SAFC), which plays at Lowe Oval, has a long and proud history with the Logan community and is set to kick goals in 2015.

The club was recently successful in securing $130,000 through the Logan City Council Sport and Recreation Funding Program and Queensland’s Get in the Game initiative that will enable an upgrade to the grounds later this year.

“It is wonderful to see sporting clubs being proactive and making the most of available resources through funding and grant programs,” she said.

Club president Andrew Hickman said the funding would go towards a complete surface upgrade, including an automated sprinkler system.

“It will improve the quality of the grounds and facilities, allowing us to offer more sporting opportunities to the wider Logan community,” he said.

“Everyone is welcome at our club and we offer Australian football for men, women and children. We have growing membership in our junior and senior teams and we are the current senior and reserves Queensland Football Association Premiers.”

For more details visit www. springwood.aflq.com.au

8

Mobile meetings Mobile offices are a great way for residents to meet with their local councillor and discuss what is happening in the division.

Councillor Lisa Bradley, who has always conducted mobile offices in her division, encouraged residents to come along and meet with her to raise any queries or concerns about the division.

“I strongly believe as a councillor it is my role to actively listen to the community and proactively seek their feedback — the mobile office is an excellent way of doing that,” she said.

Cr Bradley will hold mobile offices on 20 March, 1 May and 19 June at the following locations: 8.30am–10am Cnr Springwood and Daisy Hill roads, Daisy Hill 10.30am–noon Near St Peter’s Catholic Parish, Rochedale Rd, Rochedale South 1pm–3pm Logan North Library, Sports Dr, Underwood 3.30pm–5pm Passerine Park, Parfrey Rd, Rochedale South

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

Councillor Lisa Bradley said she was delighted with the funding announcement, especially with the new season set to start.

The beautiful game brings smiles to residents

The team arrived to an outpouring of joy from their supporters and were treated as ‘absolute superstars’, according to Logan resident and Iraqi community ambassador for the Asian Cup, Ali Ghafoor.

He said the team played a special role in creating national harmony and unity both in Iraq and in the expatriate community abroad.

“The day helped put aside any differences in the community – what we wanted to show was the Iraqi community is welcoming of all cultures and all peoples,” he said.

“Our community cares about building bridges and connecting to society, as well as contributing to the Australian way of life.”

The national team does not get regular opportunities to play home matches in Iraq, so relies on expatriate support while playing in neutral venues.

“The team genuinely represents the unity and bond of the country, which is what all Iraqis aspire to,” Ali said.

“It’s huge – not a lot of people get to see the team – every opportunity to see them is very exciting.”

Logan is home to about 1,000 of the state’s estimated 5,000-strong Iraqi population.

The event was sponsored by Councillor Russell Lutton via the Division 2 Community Benefit Fund, with contributions from the Division 3 fund.

Underwood’s wastewater network upgraded A project to build a new wastewater (sewerage) pipeline in Underwood started in early February.

This upgrade will improve the efficiency and capacity of the network, and support growth in the area.

Almost a kilometre of pipe will be laid from Harris Rd, under Logan Rd and Stegemann Rd, and then along Stegemann Rd, Southwalk Esp, Kettniss St and Rolfe Cct.

More information can be found on Council’s website or call 3412 9600.

The pump station near Rolfe Cct will also be upgraded.

Residents living near the works should have received works notices from the Logan Water Alliance in early February.

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

M

embers of Logan’s Iraqi community have put troubled times behind them to unite for the Asian Cup, hosting a visit from the national football team at a special family fun day.

9

A range of refurbishment works are set to bring new life and activities to Reserve Park, Slacks Creek as part of a $350,000 upgrade including $200,000 allocated from Division 3 funds.

Kids will be excited to see a 6.8 metre bird’s nest style playground near the current play equipment with a climbing chimney, chunky rope bridge, net tunnels, rock climbing wall, slide, ladders and ropes all set to feature.

A range of fitness stations will create an outdoor gym and picnic shelters, shade trees and a new grass area for ball sports will complete the transformation.

“The work, which will commence in late Autumn, will make the popular park an even better place for local residents and their families to enjoy,” Councillor Steve Swenson said.

He said a creek side path with seating was proposed in the future, allowing people to enjoy more of the area along Slacks Creek which has been undergoing rejuvenation.

“The park upgrade is a first step in ongoing delivery of recommendations from the Council-adopted Slacks Creek Futures Study.”

Photo: An example of a bird’s nest playground similar to the model that will be installed at Reserve Park in 2015.

10

Logan is renowned for its community spirit and the hard work of a local church group is helping to put smiles on many faces.

The members of Hosanna Logan City come together twice a year and volunteer their time in order to give back to the community as part of the Serve Logan program.

The program is going from strength to strength, with more than 70 volunteers working at the most recent event, which included sanding and painting wooden chairs at Mabel Park State School and a free car wash at Logan Central Plaza.

Speaking on behalf of the leadership team, senior pastor Faamanuia Aloalii said everybody was looking forward to continuing the program in 2015.

“Volunteers from Serve Logan also cleared weeds and rubbish from Slacks Creek Reserve, which is enjoyed by so many people and everybody left feeling so positive – it was fantastic to see and is such a wonderful community initiative.”

Hosanna Logan City recently relocated to a new facility at 13/390 Kingston Rd, Slacks Creek.

People wishing to volunteer or nominate a potential activity for Serve Logan can visit www.hosannalogancity.com.au Photo: Hosanna volunteers hard at work as part of Serve Logan.

“We have been doing this for a few years now and it is a team effort that is very rewarding for all involved,” he said.

“Serve Logan is all about finding people with a need and then getting to work – we have been able to help the elderly with cleaning up their backyards or just visiting them and performing songs to let them know they are still part of the community.

“We also washed approximately 100 cars in four hours – people were amazed we did not want anything in return and it was great to see them leaving with a smile.”

Councillor Steve Swenson said the program showed everyone could do something to help out their friends, neighbours or local community.

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

Reserve Park to be rejuvenated in 2015

Serve Logan program shows community spirit at work

Awards Australia Day

acknowledge local heroes

O

n January 26 three exceptional residents from the City of Logan were honoured with Australia Day Awards for their contribution to the community.

Mayor Pam Parker said, while their backgrounds were diverse, each recipient exemplified the spirit of Logan.

Local resident Donna Thomassen was awarded Citizen of the Year for her work

as a child witness support volunteer with Protect All Children Today.

Sam Escobar was named Young Citizen of the Year while Logan Elder, Aunty Heather Castledine received the Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award.

Cr Pam Parker said the Australia Day Awards shone a light on those who give back to the community every day without seeking recognition.

“On Australia Day we take the

opportunity to thank all those who make Logan such a great place to live and this year’s award winners are true role models for our community,” she said.

“Donna has personally helped 422 children and their families since 2005 and she is always willing to make herself available for those in need.

“Donna, Aunty Heather and Sam are all fantastic role models and do an outstanding job supporting social cohesion in our city.”

Mr Escobar co-founded the Logan Metro Football Club (LMFC) and has made an outstanding contribution to Logan through his considerable work with the refugee community.

Aunty Heather was selected by the Mayor for the Spirit of Logan Award due to her wide ranging work in the community as a social worker and volunteer.

Australia Day Award recipients Sam Escobar, Donna Thomassen and Heather Castledine.

11

Young artists paint passion for pound pets

Keep your pet safe this Easter Logan’s next generation of artists is hoping to encourage pet adoption through a colourful series of works to be displayed at the city’s libraries.

A group of budding young artists with a passion for animals has created a collection of paintings now on display at Logan City Council Libraries.

Inspired by a powerful American adopt-a-pet campaign by artist Frank Shepard Fairey, the Logan Art School students aged from six to 13 years, chose a word they thought would inspire people to adopt as well as an animal they wished to paint.

Teacher Nicola Hooper said the children wanted to create paintings that demonstrated the love they have for animals.

“Kids are really compassionate about animals and the class embraced the idea whole-heartedly,” Nicola said.

“It gives the kids a real buzz to see their artwork on display and they hope it will encourage others to consider giving an animal a ‘forever home’.”

12

She said some of the children chose their own pets as a subject while others chose the art school’s pet dog ‘Ned’, a permanent fixture at the school after being adopted several years ago from the Logan Animal Management Centre by the art school’s owner Chris Martin.

Logan Art School offers art classes for all ages. For more information visit www.loganartschool.com.au Those considering adopting a pet can visit the Animal Management Centre at 213 Queens Rd, Kingston, or visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/animals

If you are going away and leaving your pet with a carer, r it is also important to conside e sur ke ma your pet and to your contact details are up to date with Council, your vet and microchip provider.

Easter is a fun time for the whole family but it is important to remember that chocolate is toxic for dogs and can make your beloved pet very ill.

Chocolate can cause major damage to the heart and nervous system in dogs and can even lead to death. Adults should ensure children are made aware of this danger and remind them to take extra care around their pets especially at Easter time. Chocolate ingestion is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs.

Symptoms may include restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking and increased urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors and seizures. Owners are advised to seek immediate veterinary assistance if their pet ingests chocolate.

Tuesday 17 March, 7.30pm Tickets start from $28 per person Book tickets online at www.loganentertainmentcentre. com.au or call the box office on 3412 5626.

21

Steven steps inside the mind of Ned Kelly

O

ne of Australia’s greatest stories will come to life on stage in Logan this month. On the eve of his execution, Ned Kelly’s brother steals his way into Ned’s cell to beg his forgiveness and Kelly brings to life a brutal confrontation.

Steven Rooke, who plays Ned, sat down with Our Logan to chat about playing such a unique role.

What’s it like to play one of Australia’s most notorious/ infamous crime figures?

I’m often asked about the pressure of portraying an icon on stage, but I honestly don’t feel it. The fact that he lived in a time before film means there is room for interpretation that can’t really be argued. So I get to play my version as written by Matthew Ryan.

And I really like the characterisation of Ned that we have come up with. He’s a tremendous amount of fun.

Where do you fall on the Kelly legend – hero or criminal?

I’ve played a lot of characters with questionable morals and the trick to getting them right is not to judge them negatively. From that perspective, he is neither hero nor villain to me, just a man doing his best to uphold what he believes is ‘right’. Whether people buy that idea or not is not for me to assume.

What are your thoughts on the relationship between Dan and Ned? I’m pretty certain that Ned would have preferred that Dan wasn’t there, if only

to keep him out of trouble. There’s no doubt that they were a family that were passionate about each other’s wellbeing. But once the chips had fallen, it was his duty to protect his little brother, the same way he fought to protect the rest of his family after his father passed away when Ned was still very young.

er

Keith Potg Tuesday 10

March, 11am

Colleen

Hewett

April, 11am Tuesday 28

If Dan did survive the siege of Glenrowan, why choose Queensland?

That’s a trick question, right? Why not choose Queensland? It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. And would have had the added advantage of being close enough to keep tabs on his surviving family members.

There are stories about him ending up in South Africa, fighting in the Boer War, but can you honestly imagine a Kelly fighting for the English?

n Judy Gle Tuesday 19

May, 11am

ey JOHN macnall Tuesday 30

June, 11am

You’re reprising your role as Ned – what is it about the Kelly legend that brings you back?

There’s so many reasons. The Queensland Theatre Company season in 2012 was one of the highlights of my stage life. Even on the hardest days, once the lights went down and the music started, there was never a moment that didn’t feel real. Matt spoke about the feeling of ghosts watching him write this script, and it’s somewhat the same performing it. It’s almost as if 130 years of myth and legend steps on stage alongside us.

TICKET PRICES (per person)

TABLES Balcony

Single Show Entry

$21.50

$20.50

Single Show Group 8+

$20.50

$19.00

Includes morning tea

Limelight Bistro open for all performances.

Bookings essential on 3412 5626.

Book online at www.loganentertainmentcentre.com.au visit us at 170 Wembley Rd, Logan Central or phone the Box Office on 07 3412 5626 (9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

13

City’s newest suburb builds its community

Starting from humble origins as a mums and bubs Facebook group, the newly launched Yarrabilba Families organisation aims to offer a place for families who have recently arrived in the area to meet others.

Organiser Melissa Kirkwood said the group had grown significantly in the past few months and was seeking volunteers to help create a board and incorporated association.

“Yarrabilba Families was originally set up as a getting to know you group, for chatting and meeting up, but has developed as the need for community events and awareness has grown,” she said.

“We started in February last year, mostly as a mothers group but realised there were other people who wanted to get involved, so we decided we wanted to be the residents group for the area.

“Our first event was a small Halloween event in the park in October, and then we had a Christmas movie night in December.”

The group is looking for volunteers who are interested in helping form a formal association with committee members for the future.

The Christmas movie night was jointly sponsored by Councillor Don Petersen through the Division 4 Community Benefit Fund and through Lend Lease, developers of Yarrabilba.

You can find Yarrabilba Families by searching on Facebook – the group is closed for privacy, but residents in Yarrabilba and surrounds can apply to join.

14

Photo: Melissa Kirkwood (left) and Kacey Cunington (with Emerson) chat while Aiden Kirkwood (front, left), Zachary Cunington (middle) and Heath Kirkwood play.

trims rough shoulders A number of gravel roads and shoulders have been sealed under Council’s new road improvement program, the Gravel Road and Shoulder Sealing program.

Flesser Rd, Tamborine, has been completed, with several more projects due for completion in 2015, including widening sections of Weaber Rd, Mona Drv and Wandearah Rd, weather permitting.

Councillor Don Petersen said the program would help improve unsealed gravel roads and narrow roads in an effort to cut dust and improve a number of rural roads in the division.

“Some of these roads have been earmarked for upgrade for some time, and I’m delighted we have been able to make it happen,” he said.

The work, valued at $1.5 million, has been funded through the Divisions 4, 7, 9 and 11 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Funds as well as other Council sources.

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, Kairabah and Yarrabilba.

Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.

DIVISION 4 NEWS

A

new grassroots community organisation is emerging in Yarrabilba as a way for residents to meet and greet the neighbours and to help build neighbourly spirit.

GRASS program

New playground makes Kingston Butter Factory better Logan City families will soon be enjoying another great playground, with a $200,000 upgrade, including a picnic shelter, to be completed near the Kingston Butter Factory Community Arts Centre.

The playground will feature an array of climbing apparatuses designed to challenge the balance and coordination skills of children including a central climbing net, slides, spinners and balancing platforms.

Local teenagers are learning practical work skills while helping to beautify one of Loganlea’s community treasures as part of a joint initiative between Logan City Council, BoysTown and the Logan Artists Association.

Councillor Graham Able has provided $60,000 to enable BoysTown to carry out remediation and landscaping works around the Logan Artists Association building.

The funding has allowed for the construction of a new concrete driveway, maintenance and care of bushland, including the establishment of a walking track and removal of an extensive lantana infestation.

During this work, a dead gumtree on the grounds needed to be felled for safety purposes and the youth workers put their carpentry skills to good use constructing a wooden bench in a shady area at the centre.

BoysTown youth construction trainer Brett Britnell said it was an opportunity for local kids to give

Photo: An artist’s impression of the new playground.

back to the community and learn vital skills.

“This program provides on the job training for a number of locals and one participant now has an opportunity to work in the mining industry, which is a really positive outcome,” he said.

Logan Artists Association president Di Flack said the project was a winwin for the community and that the work at their site had been of a very high standard.

Photo: Councillor Graham Able, Logan Artists Association president Di Flack and BoysTown youth construction trainer Brett Britnell inspect a new seat created from a damaged tree removed from the grounds.

Celebrating 35 years of faith I would like to send a hearty congratulations to Father Sunil Paul and St Maximillian Kolbe Parish, Marsden, which recently celebrated 35 years since its first service was held on 20 January 1980. A range of activities to commemorate this milestone are planned throughout the year. – Councillor Graham Able

Councillor Graham Able said the new playground would be a great asset for not only Kingston residents but also the wider Logan community.

“Our city’s youngest residents are going to love exploring this great new playground, which has been designed for optimal fun,” Cr Able said.

The Kingston Butter Factory Community Arts Centre is home to the Butterbox theatre, a community arts centre, canteen and museum. It is located at Milky Way, Kingston.

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

Hard work bolsters beauty at community arts venue

A swing will also be installed, along with rubber soft-fall play humps, a picnic shelter and drinking fountain.

15

New signals to make crossing a breeze near Easy St The lights will replace a pedestrian refuge in the median that is used by locals and students of the nearby Loganholme State School.

Resident Karen Watson, who is visually impaired, said the new crossing would make life much easier for her family, which used the crossing several times a day.

“My son is in grade two at the school and some mornings we wait up to 10 minutes to cross the road safely,” she said.

“Being legally blind, the new signals will make it much less stressful when I have to cross and will help me to get to the nearby bus stop on my own.”

Loganholme State School Parents and Citizens Association president, Lisa Dreyer, said both the P&C and local community members such as Karen had supported the installation of a crossing.

“Parents have been concerned about the safety of students crossing the road and it is fantastic Council is moving ahead with the new signals,” she said.

16

Bouncing big time

fun comes to Meadowbrook A trampoline centre has opened in Meadowbrook, providing residents with an opportunity to reach great heights.

Councillor Luke Smith said the Logan Office of Economic Development had worked to help Xtreme Indoor Trampoline Centre open in Logan.

“This is great fun for the whole family and these centres have proved a real hit in major cities around the world so it is fantastic to have one right here in Meadowbrook,” he said.

Works are currently anticipated to start in late March and will take about four weeks to complete, weather and site conditions permitting.

“I am sure the kids of Logan and those who are still kids at heart are going to have a great time here.”

Councillor Luke Smith said the crossing would not only improve road safety for both pedestrians and motorists, but most importantly be much safer for our children.

Visit www.xtreme trampoline.com.au for more information.

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

A new $200,000 signalised pedestrian crossing at Drews Rd near Easy St at Loganholme will make a daily activity safer for local residents.

Councillor Luke Smith, local resident Karen Watson and P&C president Lisa Dreyer at the site of the new signalised crossing.

BizConnect is set to boost local business in 2015 Small businesses are a key driver of the local economy, employing thousands of residents in Logan.

In 2015 the Logan Office of Economic Development will once again offer its BizConnect workshops to assist small business owners with reaching their goals.

Capability building workshops offered include the Small Business Workshop series covering a range of key topics including lead generation, conversion strategies, referral strategies and how to build a marketing campaign.

The Digital Marketing Made Easy “Taking control of marketing your business online” program consists of four workshops that provide business owners with the knowledge and skills to effectively create, manage and market their business online.

Digital workshops Digital workshops are planned for Friday 10 April and Friday 5 June, while Small Business workshops are held on the first Tuesday and Thursday of the month. Bookings are essential. To find out more about BizConnect workshops, contact our Business Support team on 3412 4888 or visit www.loed.com.au

SmartTech builds for success after BizConnect workshop SmartTech Group Pty Ltd is a boutique computer company based at Browns Plains, which completed a BizConnect marketing workshop in 2014.

Melinda Renner from SmartTech Group said participants in the marketing workshop learnt the power of networking and were given an opportunity to network with others attending the same course.

“The value of being able to have one-on-one mentoring when we are going through a growth change is simply immeasurable,” she said.

“SmartTech has been able to move into a new office in Browns Plains, build our client base to the highest level yet, put on staff and all while keeping it local, helping those around us and supporting our clients.”

SouthWest1 sets the pace for national investment A strategically-located enterprise park in the City of Logan is shaping as a key location for national operating businesses.

Demand for property with access to major transport routes has seen large organisations such as Australand, Energex and Sigma Pharmaceuticals establish a presence in SouthWest1 at Berrinba.

Governance, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair, Councillor Luke Smith said Logan’s strategic location was attractive to businesses.

“To cater for the growing demand for industrial land, Logan City Council will be auctioning three additional lots totalling 44,580 square metres prior to the end of the financial year.

“The development of SouthWest1 is creating jobs and we expect to see more businesses moving into the precinct this year,” he said.

“In addition to this, there are plans for a hotel and retail, commercial and residential offerings on the site, which will further bolster the local economy and service nearby residents.”

17

Logan Art Gallery

March in the City of Logan

20

6 March–18 April, The Homesickness Project The Homesickness Project takes homesickness as a starting point for broad discussions on how people make a home in the world. Works from 10 local artists created in partnership with community groups will be showcased alongside artworks by Australian and international artists.

10am-5pm Tues-Sat, entry is free.

CELEBRATING

Saturday 14 March, The Homesickness Project: public forum Hear The Homesickness Project directors Elizabeth Woods and Kevin Leong talk about the Logan projects and the works in the exhibition. The talks will be followed by an afternoon panel discussion, with participating artists and homesickness experts. Bookings are essential by Wednesday 11 March.

1pm–5pm, Logan Art Gallery, Cnr Wembley Rd and Jacaranda Ave, Logan Central, 3412 5519 or artgallery@logan.qld.gov.au

YEARS

LIVE WELL LOGAN inspiring a healthy community

Start your active and healthy lifestyle today by attending a free or low cost activity in Logan City. Council’s Live Well Logan program offers a wide variety of physical activities and healthy living programs for everyone to enjoy.

There are great activities to try including bootcamp, gardening and circus skills. These activities are a great way to get out, get active, meet new people and feel fantastic.

All Live Well Logan activities are: • free or $3 • designed to suit all ages and abilities • delivered by qualified instructors in a safe and friendly environment.

Participating has become even more rewarding — join our new reward scheme by gaining stamps at each session to go into a monthly draw to win a Live Well Logan prize pack.

Libraries

18

2-30 March, Smart Money Logan Logan libraries will host a series of financial literacy workshops as part of the Smart Money Logan program. Workshop topics include refund rights, avoiding scams, credit facts of life and make your money work for you. The free workshops are presented by Logan service providers. Bookings are essential.

Further details are at www. loganlibraries.org/events_ calendar

For further information or to download the full Live Well Logan program visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/livewell. To find out about an activity contact the activity provider in the program.

24 March, First World Treasures: a white gloves experience; and Caring for your First World War memorabilia As part of the Anzac Centenary Commemoration, Logan City Council will host two events that will give residents the opportunity for a hands-on look at some the State Library’s rarest and most precious original First World War materials. A conservator for the State Library of Queensland will also provide oneon-one consultations about how to care for your own memorabilia.

These events are presented by State Library of Queensland as part of Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation, proudly supported by The Queensland Government.

Pets 28 March, Dog behaviour seminar Come along to a free dog behaviour seminar and learn some handy tips to reduce problem behaviours displayed by your furry friend. The seminar will be presented in conjunction with the RSPCA. 10am–noon, Caddies Community Centre, 19–33 South St, Jimboomba, 3412 5397.

Council plans for Logan’s future Draft Meadowbrook Master Plan The community will be able to have its say on Council’s draft Meadowbrook Master Plan in 2015.

New Logan Planning Scheme Council sent the revised draft Logan Planning Scheme to the State Government in November 2014, requesting final approval.

At the time of going to print, Council had not yet received a formal response due to the state election being called for 31 January and the State Government entering its caretaker period.

The adoption and commencement of the revised scheme will be delayed until after the State Government provides a formal response to Council after the election.

Council was anticipating that the revised scheme would be adopted in early 2015 and will provide further information as it is available.

This is an infrastructure-led master plan with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

Council is seeking to create a suburb that is vibrant and diverse and better connects existing major facilities, including the Logan hospital, TAFE and Griffith University.

Meadowbrook is a major growth precinct, being close to the M1 and Logan Motorway, Gold Coast railway line and regionally-significant open spaces.

Following community consultation and adoption by Council, the master plan will form part of an amendment to the new Logan Planning Scheme.

For more information about Council’s growth planning or to register your interest in upcoming consultation, phone 3412 4247 or email council@logan.qld.gov.au

Beenleigh Town Square update

T

he Beenleigh Town Square project is beginning to take shape and the search for an experienced market operator for the open-air market space has begun.

Loganholme Local Area Plan Council endorsed the Loganholme Local Area Plan, deciding that the Neighbourhood Plan would be an amendment to the new Logan Planning Scheme, and referred it to the State Government for review in August 2014.

Council had not received a formal response from the State Government before 6 January when the state election was called, meaning Council will not receive a formal response until a new State Government is formed after the election.

Following receipt of the response from the State Government, the draft Loganholme Local Area Plan will be released for a final round of public notification.

This will be your opportunity to review the draft Loganholme Local Area Plan and have your say on how these new policies will be included in the new Logan Planning Scheme.

has experience in successfully managing and operating markets within an urban environment and who will provide an atmosphere in keeping with the Beenleigh Town Square vision

Works on the $9.75 million project, which will transform the physical heart of the town into a place of cultural exchange and activity, continue to progress on time with completion expected in September 2015.

We again thank businesses, motorists and residents for their patience and understanding as we deliver this important project. All efforts are being made to minimise disruption during construction.

The open-air markets will provide an opportunity for small business and sole traders to showcase their arts, crafts, creativity, talent and multicultural foods.

Council is also looking to rename the project and there is still an opportunity for you to put your ideas forward. For more information or to suggest a name for the space visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/beenleightownsquare.

Council is committed to engaging a market operator who

19

Art installation commemorates a nation’s history While the guns of the battlefield may have fallen silent, the memory of the hundreds of thousands who served the nation has not fallen quiet.

As the centenary of the landings at Gallipoli draw closer, the Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch, in partnership with Councillor Laurie Smith, is preparing to unveil a new art installation commemorating the anniversary.

Drawing inspiration from a public art installation celebrating the life of human rights activist Nelson Mandela, the dramatic sculpture will only reveal its image from a central focal point; appearing as a jumble of steel poles from all other points of view.

Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch president Barry Macdonald said the project would be a permanent reminder of the Centenary of Anzac landings, and create a legacy for future generations.

“We think this is a first for the western side of Logan,” he said.

“We’re very happy with how the Australian public are picking up the Centenary of Anzac – we’re really just looking after it for them and it’s terrific we are able to assist this way.”

Sculptor Jacques van der Merwe, an artist with several decades of experience, said the installation represented an individual being a part of something bigger.

“When you move out of the point of focus, the picture becomes abstract, but when viewed from the right point, the poles come into focus revealing their image,” he said.

fields appear Flanders Ave ac z n A g n alo Fields, and in Flanders

s, ll grow der of gun poppies sti e th e h the thun il it h w for W e te e m p ti m lcrest in nger co il lo H t o a n r s a e rk la l app oppies wil s. a field of p celebration ry a n te funded n e C l art works ra u Anzac Day m ’s il c un Capital an City Co ucture and n for the tr Part of Log s a fr In 7 ision desig through Div funding, the artwork n approved by t ee n b e s m a e ve h ppy Improv ng Anzac A ave a new set of po lo a s le o p h n y. o tr o n power s u ill co he poles w served the o h w ll a Energex. T g tin nsen mmemora Jay Christe ts is rt a y artwork co b rtaken urals ill be unde painting m The work w ull, who have been urnb years. and Paul T re than 10 o m arch. r fo y it c ring from M a e p p across the a , ld e fie e out for th Keep an ey

“Viewed from other angles, the poles are individual and abstract.”

The installation is due to be complete in time for Anzac Day in April.

Cr Smith is funding the project via the Division 7 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Fund.

In brief New footpaths are springing up across Division 7, with a footpath along Middle Rd (Crest Rd to Kallioota St), Greenbank, completed in December, and Abbey St, Forestdale, and Fedrick St, Boronia Heights, due to be completed before March, weather permitting.

20

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

Photo: Glen Barton, Ron Lord, Brian Lewis, Tom McGee OAM, Councillor Laurie Smith, Terry Hippisley and Noel Brown at the site of the new installation.

BMX club rides high in 2015

Centenary Plains BMX Club will be riding high this year, celebrating its 30th anniversary, the construction of a new clubhouse and also hosting a major event.

Councillor Cherie Dalley has provided $250,000 to construct the clubhouse for the group, which has grown its membership from 80 to 250 in recent years.

“Our clubhouse was built 18 or 19 years ago and we have well and truly outgrown it,” club president Brendan Platt said.

“The new facility will have better toilet, kitchen and canteen facilities and office and first aid spaces.”

He said State Government funding was also enabling them to install a new timing system.

“It’s a growing sport and an Olympic sport. We are hosting the BMX South Queensland Championships in June, which will attract 600 to 800 riders and thousands of spectators.”

“Centenary Plains BMX club is one of our city’s great clubs and its success in recent years can be attributed to a very dedicated and passionate group of volunteers,” she said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club can find them on Facebook or visit their website www.centenaryplainsbmx.com

Cr Dalley said she was very pleased to continue to support the club, which had been a wonderful asset for the city for the past three decades.

Some exciting additions will be brought to Sunrise Park at Regents Park in the coming months, offering residents an opportunity to take in the tremendous local scenery.

The park, developed three years ago, already has picnic facilities, a children’s playground, pathways and landscaping, but Councillor Cherie Dalley said the soon-to-be-installed equipment would make it even better.

“We’re installing a new crow’s nest playground at the park’s highest point so people can check out the great views on offer,” she said.

“We’re also installing the city’s first outdoor ping pong table and a swing, with works to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.”

Cr Dalley said the project followed on from revegetation works completed in July 2014.

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

Crow’s nest set to rise at Sunrise Park

21

Green thumbs plant sensory seeds Some of Logan’s newest green thumbs have reaped a harvest of touches and tastes, establishing a sensory garden to assist with therapy and to help create independence.

Located in Logan Village, the House with No Steps aims to make the most of everyone’s ability, creating an inclusive community that empowers people to live purposeful lives focused on achievement and respect.

The house received a Logan City Council EnviroGrant in 2014 to build and establish a sensory and production garden to provide a safe place for residents where they can find peace and use the calming effects of specially planted species, the sound of waterfalls and chimes.

Residents participated in the garden’s building, learning new skills in growing fruit and veggies, which will also be used for cooking lessons.

Councillor Phil Pidgeon said he was delighted to help open the new garden, visiting the house for its official opening late last year.

“I’m very honoured to help open the new Sensory Garden at the House with No Steps at Logan Village,” he said.

“Congratulations to Annette and the team from House with No Steps, who have done a wonderful job, and thanks also to Logan Village Lions, Logan Village Community Centre, Bendigo Bank and others who have helped.

“What a beautiful bunch of people – I’m looking forward to helping the team continue their great work.”

In brief The intersection of Waratah Dr and Browns Plains Rd is being upgraded to include a right-turn red arrow, separating turning movements from Second Ave and Waratah Dr, as well as work to improve visibility from Second Ave, some tree clearing and tidying.

22

A project to improve the road surface and drainage along Greenvale Rd, Chambers Flat, between Chambers Flat Rd and Daly St, has been completed.

CR PHIL PIDGEON

p: 3412 5509 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

Back (from left): Sharon Norman (Bendigo Bank – Logan Village branch), David Pollock, Annette Briers (House With No Steps Support Manager) Front (from left): Cr Phil Pidgeon, Ryan Gray.

Find out more about House with No Steps at http://www.hwns.com.au

LOGAN :

Cityof Choice Stay up to date with City of Choice news by subscribing to our monthly enewsletter at www.logan.qld.gov.au/ cityofchoicenews

W

oodridge State High School’s unique Community and Multicultural Youth Hub is giving vulnerable graduating Year 12 students hope and job opportunities beyond high school.

The hub links students and their families to community services, government organisations and education and training providers to make the transition from school less daunting.

Woodridge Community Hub: support from the heart

Participating students are offered one-on-one employment consultation sessions. Support ranges from resumè and job interview advice through to linking students to services like Access Community Services’ driving school, to equip them with skills to help them enter the workforce. Last year, more than 100 people, including 60 graduating students, accessed the hub.

Project manager Josephine Aufai said the hub also provides employment consultancy services to family

members, former students and community members, as well as group training sessions (through registered training organisations) in areas including aged care, retail, business administration, small business and training and assessment.

“Our vision is to see an engaged, educated and empowered community, and we achieve this by building up the skills and confidence of our students through collectively working with the community,” Josephine said.

“The strength of our Hub is the relationships we have with our key

New Community Services funding opportunity Do you have a program that will build or develop the community within Logan City?

Grants of up to $5,000 are available under Logan City Council’s Community Services Grants Program to assist in the delivery of community projects from 1 July to 31 December 2015.

Council invites funding applications from community organisations or groups from a variety of sectors.

Applications close 30 March 2015. To apply for a grant or for more information, visit www.logan.qld. gov.au/communityservicesgrants

government, education, training and community support services.

Those connections help us give people the opportunity to reach their full potential — and then they, in turn, can give back to society.”

One of the Hub’s success stories is a graduate and mother of four who completed a Mentoring Training Course through the Hub, followed by a Certificate 3 in Youth Work, and is now studying a Bachelor of Human Services at Griffith University.

“Other Hub activities to strengthen our families and community include fitness and training programs, English language classes, Cultural Connections – sharing of stories, and a recent community engagement conference that equipped 120 Education Queensland and non-government delegates with tools to successfully engage our community,” Josephine said.

The Woodridge State High School Community and Multicultural Youth Hub is an initiative of the Better Futures Local Solutions program funded by the Department of Human Services.

Key partners include the Federal Government, BoysTown and Centre for Multicultural Youth.

The Woodridge Community and Youth Hub delivers on the Logan: City of Choice Two-Year Action Plan 2013-2015.

23

GIVIT to

help Logan locals in case of disaster Logan City has strengthened its disaster recovery by securing the assistance of a national online charity to manage donated goods in times of need.

Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Mayor Pam Parker and GIVIT CEO Juliette Wright recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to identify and, if necessary, broker donations to meet specific community needs.

“In the past when Logan City has been struck by disaster, the overwhelming generosity of our city has come to the fore,” Cr Parker said.

“By using GIVIT, all offers of assistance can be well managed to ensure our most vulnerable and worst affected are able to access what they need.”

Established in 2009, GIVIT supports more than 950 charities and has facilitated the donation of more than 126,000 items to impoverished Australians.

“Logan has a strong sense of community and GIVIT can harness this generosity and help provide valuable assistance in the form of essential items – from furniture to bedding, to clothing and school supplies,” Ms Wright said.

“There are currently 46 charities and not-for-profits within the region already utilising the GIVIT service and we hope this partnership helps grow that number, encouraging more organisations to secure the support of GIVIT.”

24

By visiting www.givit.org.au items can be donated into GIVIT’s virtual warehouse, where they remain until needed, saving Council valuable resources.

Photo: Mayor Pam Parker signed an MOU with GIVIT that will benefit residents in times of disaster.

City pride on display across Logan City Council’s City of Logan Pride Program continues to build momentum with stunning banners now on display across the city.

Launched six months ago, the innovative program aimed at encouraging locals to promote their pride in Logan City has included a YouTube video clip viewed by more than 6,000 people, a coffee table book and a Championing Change booklet with facts about Logan.

The new banners in Springwood, Park Ridge, Jimboomba, Loganlea and Beenleigh display beautiful images from the Logan Hidden Gems photography competition, adding vibrancy and colour to the city’s streetscape.

“We have had such an amazing response to the first phase of the program, and I’m just as excited to see these amazing banners adorning our city,” Logan City Mayor Pam Parker said.

“I am so proud of our city and its sense of community and togetherness, combined with its natural assets.”

Cr Parker said Council was also beginning to engage schools to get them involved in the program.

“Our children are among our most valuable assets. By demonstrating what an amazing city we have, we can instil pride from a young age.”

The city pride campaign aims to encourage positive conversations about the City of Logan and is an initiative from the Logan: City of Choice Two-Year Action Plan and Council’s City Image Strategy.

To find out more visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/pride or scan the QR code nearby.

Free movie nights given the Blue Light is a police youth program that encourages positive relations between the police, young people, their parents and the community.

Loganholme Blue Light president, Senior Constable Tony Fishburn said more than $1,000,000 had been raised and placed back into local community youth programs over the past 20 years.

“We try to keep up-to-date with social trends and are always looking for new ways to connect with our local community, families and young people,” he said.

“The first free family outdoor movie night organised by Loganholme Blue Light held last year in Shailer Pioneer Park was a resounding success. We had more than 1,500 community members enjoy the evening and from this we have planned more free events throughout the year.”

Councillor Darren Power said the group had operated at a surplus over the years, however the expenses outweighed the revenue significantly due to the rental costs of the equipment needed for the movie nights.

blue light In light of this situation, Cr Power has allocated $3,000 of his Community Benefit Funding for the next two movie nights in Division 10.

Cr Power said he would consider purchasing new equipment in the future to reduce the costs for the group — making the nights more profitable.

“By purchasing new equipment, the group will be able to operate more cost-effectively – these movie nights are extremely popular and I want to see them continue for the community,” he said.

“Loganholme Blue Light is a great example of community spirit and I am supportive of programs that encourage the youth, families, police and the community to join together,” he said.

Tony said volunteers kept Loganholme Blue Light a productive organisation and they were always looking for new members to join in.

Upgrade for Brough Place playground Daisy Hill residents will soon benefit from the redesign, upgrade and facelift of the Brough Place playground.

Play equipment and rubber surfacing will be installed in a new area at the popular civic space in coming months to ensure a safe clearance from overhead power lines.

The works will also include shade trees and landscaping.

The project will cost $60,000 and is expected to be completed by 30 June 2015, weather permitting.

Brough Place is located on the corner of Cupania St and Daisy Hill Rd.

Upcoming free movie nights Loganholme Blue Light also plans to host more free monthly movie nights in parks around Logan in March and April and from September to December 2015.

The next outdoor movie night will be held at Homestead Park on 21 March.

For further information visit: http://www. bluelightqld.org/page22. html

CR DARREN POWER

p: 3412 3412 e: darrenpower@logan.qld.gov.au

Councillor Darren Power with members of the Blue Light committee.

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

To volunteer, email loganholmebluelight@gmail.com

25

Councillor Trevina Schwarz with the Hoggart family, Karinna, Brayden, 2, and Lyrik, five months at Richard Wilson Park.

Magic set to happen in New Beith park in the final design, so I’d like to thank everyone who put forward their ideas.”

New Beith’s Richard Wilson Park will soon have a magical playground with a variety of play experiences to inspire the young and young at heart.

surroundings and looks straight out of the pages of Tolkien with elven-like, pod style tree houses, rope bridges and a wooden rope ladder.”

Councillor Trevina Schwarz said the playground was an extension of its natural settings and would cater to a range of age groups from very young to older children.

Cr Schwarz said the community had been involved in the development of the playground concept.

Other key features of the playground include a fireman’s pole, rubber softfall and a new picnic shelter with picnic setting.

“We are excited to have such an inclusive and inspiring concept,” she said.

“It was well-supported by the adults and children who attended the consultation session and I know this will become a valuable community asset,” she said.

Weather permitting, construction activities at the park are expected to start after Easter and the playground is planned to be installed and available for use by early July.

“The adventure playground is designed to complement the natural

“The community also suggested a separate swing, which was included

Work is progressing across Division 11 to seal selected gravel roads and shoulders across Division 11 under Council’s new road improvement program.

Councillor Trevina Schwarz said most Division 11 projects approved in the 2014/2015 Gravel Road and Shoulder Sealing program is underway.

“This program will provide better roads for drivers and reduce dust for residents, with $1.5 million of improvements being made across the city during the financial year,” she said.

Project locations in Division 11 include:

26

Mountain Ridge Rd, South Maclean

Lance Rd, North Maclean

Queen St, Ann St, Hill St, Jimboomba Jimboomba Jimboomba

Green Ridge Rd, Jimboomba

Pennine Dr, South Maclean

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

Improvements made to gravel roads and shoulders

Don’t miss your winter sports — jump on board

Councillor Jennie Breene said Beenleigh’s Chris Green Park was a great place to find a wide array of sporting clubs to join, with each club having strong connections with the Logan community.

“We continue to see the park’s popularity grow each year with award winning sporting clubs, for all ages and levels of experience,” she said.

“I am very supportive of sports that encourage the local community to be fit and active.”

The park is currently home to a variety of sports clubs including a BMX Club, mallet sports, a football club (soccer) and the Beenleigh MultiSports Association (BMSA), whose members participate in touch football, rugby league and touch rugby league.

Each club boasts its own successful history, sporting champions and award winning achievements.

Members of local sporting clubs (LR) Ian Every, Colin Tierney, Bayley Wright and James McPhee.

Sign on details •

Beenleigh BMX Club: Email: beenleighbmx@hotmail.com

•

Twin Rivers Community Mallet Sports Club: www.malletsports.com.au or email trcmscsec@hotmail.com

•

Beenleigh MultiSports Association (BMSA): Facebook address: Beenleigh MultiSports Association

•

Logan Lightning Football Club: www.loganlightningfc.com

Councillor Jennie Breene’s mobile office times for March

New footpaths Through funding from the Division 12 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Program, residents will benefit from the construction of two new 1.2 metre wide concrete footpaths at Hochtief Ct, Edens Landing, and Arup Tce, Edens Landing.

Friday 6 March 2015 2pm–3pm

Beenleigh Mall (40-68 Main St, Beenleigh)

3.30pm–4.30pm Eagleby Shopping Centre (142-164 Fryar Rd, Eagleby) 5pm–6pm

Edens Landing Shopping Centre (125-127 Castile Cr, Edens Landing)

Friday 27 March 2015 2pm–3pm

Beenleigh Mall (40-68 Main St, Beenleigh)

3.30pm–4.30pm Eagleby Shopping Centre (142-164 Fryar Rd, Eagleby) 5pm–6pm

Edens Landing Shopping Centre (125-127 Castile Cr, Edens Landing)

If these times don’t suit, please call Cr Breene on 0411 658 297 to arrange another time.

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

Being active in local sports clubs not only keeps you healthy but can lead to a more positive outlook, personal achievements and the forging of new friendships.

27

Trailblazing the sounds of Logan

Brothers across generations

As it prepares for its 38th season, Logan Brothers Rugby League Club is also hoping to usher in another generation of potential National Rugby League players.

Photo: Sean Mee (left) with Sally Williams Schloegl (right) at the Songtrails showcase performance.

If Logan had a musical sound, what would it be?

That’s one of the questions being asked during a number of community song writing workshops being held across the city to develop material for the 2015 Queensland Music Festival, Logan Musical Celebration.

Logan Village resident and participating singer-songwriter Sally Williams Schloegl said the event was shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of Logan’s musical talent.

“The crowd really enjoyed the performance (at a recent Songtrails showcase performance) – lots of smiling faces and tapping feet, which is what you want,” she said.

“I’m so excited about the event – it will be the highlight of the year.

“Anybody who lives in Logan who misses this show will be kicking themselves. It’s got such an exciting vibe, there is so much energy and talent in the community going into the show, it will bring a lot of joy.”

28

QMF creative director Sean Mee said the festival made an early decision to include Logan-based songwriters and musicians in the creation of the music.

“It’s the first time we’ve generated songs from the community and it’s because we met so many truly excellent people writing really good songs,” he said.

“Logan is a diverse place and that diversity is not just about the cultures that reside here. It’s also about the stories, themes and music.”

Song writing, story development, dance, choral and orchestral workshops and rehearsals will continue in the coming months, leading up to a spectacular musical performance in Logan during the Queensland Music Festival in July and August this year. For callouts, auditions and upcoming opportunities visit www.qmf.org.au For an extended interview with Sean Mee, and to hear some of the songs performed at the Songtrails workshop, scan the QR code nearby or visit www. logan.qld.gov.au/ ourloganmagazine.

Boasting an alumni the envy of any rugby league club and including legends such as Cameron Smith, the club continues to quietly produce some of the country’s best football stars.

The club was recently featured in Rugby League Annual as one of the nation’s premiere NRL development clubs, and president Matt Mead said the secrets to its success were simple.

“One of our secrets is coaching the coaches — we make sure the NRL comes down and keeps them updated,” he said.

“The other one is discipline – we keep them on the straight and narrow – none of the issues from outside make it into the club.

“There are many cultures represented in the club, we never have any fights, they all play, train and get along.”

The formula appears to be working: many of the club’s members stay brothers for life, training junior teams and making a contribution to the club long after their playing days are over.

Logan Brothers is run by volunteers, including coaching staff, and is based at 170 Wembley Rd, behind the Logan Entertainment Centre.

Hetty held in high acclaim in Logan

Photo: Hetty Johnston is inducted to the Wall of Acclaim by Mayor Pam Parker.

Australian children are safer in 2015 thanks to the tireless efforts of local Hetty Johnston AM who was recently inducted into the City of Logan’s Wall of Acclaim.

Long-term resident Hetty formed Bravehearts in 1997, and was named 2015 Queensland Australian of the Year late last year.

Mayor Pam Parker said Hetty’s dedication and persistence had helped many families and led to positive reforms in child protection across Queensland and Australia.

“Hetty is a real Logan hero and the people of Australia owe her a great debt of gratitude for her work in keeping our kids safe,” she said.

Ms Johnston said Bravehearts was founded in south-east Queensland and the efforts of local volunteers and staff had helped the organisation to reach out and achieve positive change nation-wide.

The organisation has grown to employ 80 staff, with 13 offices across six states.

“Our purpose is to educate, empower and protect some of the most precious and vulnerable members of society – our kids,” she said.

“It is humbling to be recognised by my local community and I would like to share this accolade with all the members and volunteers that work hard every day towards our 2020 vision of making Australia the safest country in the world to raise a child.”

To watch a video of Hetty’s induction scan this QR code or visit www.youtube.com/ logancitycouncil

University is there for all ages For many, retirement hardly seems like the time to take up study, but a growing movement believes it’s the key to staying active for longer.

The University of the Third Age or U3A is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

But the term “university” is used loosely — with no academic requirements, no exams and it is run by volunteers.

The Logan branch is Queensland’s second largest group and coordinator Trevor Scott said many recently retired or semi-retired people quickly realised they had a lot of free time.

“Joining groups of people with similar interests could fill their lives, keep mind and body active and add hours of enjoyment,” Trevor said.

wide-ranging and included history, Shakespeare, languages, hobbies and games, Tai Chi, painting, photography and walking groups.

For more information visit www.u3abrisbane.org.au email Trevor on logan@u3abrisbane.org.au or phone 3236 3055.

He said the 40 activities available in Logan for term one in 2015 were 29

Stay safe on our roads this Easter Drive to the conditions, do not take unnecessary risks and obey the road rules – that’s the simple message for drivers ahead of next month’s Easter school holidays.

People face their highest risk of injury or death on the road when they are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home.

The Easter holiday period is traditionally a busy time on the roads, with people often travelling long distances to and from holiday destinations in relatively short timeframes.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it only takes one person to affect or destroy many lives.

Queensland Police Service will play a key role in ensuring the safety of road users and reminds people to remember the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, seat belts and distraction and inattention.

Council is committed to doing whatever it can to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on local roads through its SafeRoads4Logan program, working closely with representatives

Sour Cream Cake This is a delightful cake and so easy to make on a a Saturday afternoon, especially if you have last minute guests popping in.

Ingredients • 180 grams of softened butter • 1 ½ cups brown sugar • 3 eggs • 1 ½ cups self-raising flour • 2 teaspoons of ground ginger • 7 heaped teaspoons of sour cream Method • Preheat oven to 180 degrees • Cream butter and sugar - use an electric mixer or similar • Add in the three eggs while mixer is still running • Sift in flour and ginger • Mix for a further three to four minutes until smooth • Spoon into a well-greased baking tin • Top with sour cream; just dollop around the top of the cake • Bake in oven at 180 degrees for about 35 minutes — make sure the cake is clean with a skewer • Allow to cool slightly before carefully removing from tin • Serve warm or cold with an extra dollop of sour cream or ice-cream SPECIAL NOTE - if you run out of self-raising flour just use plain flour and add in 1 heaped teaspoon of baking powder.

30

from Queensland Police Service, Department of Transport and Main Roads, RACQ and Queensland Health to educate motorists and passengers about the risk of poor choices and improve their awareness of their responsibilities as motorists.

Plan your trip and take your time. It is better to get to your destination safe and late, than not at all.

Learn more at www.logan.qld.gov.au/ saferoads4logan

2014 was a winning year for Council Organisations as diverse as the World Health Organisation, AustSwim and the Public Relations Institute of Australia sat up and took notice of Logan in 2014.

Logan City Council was recognised with numerous awards from respected organisations last year across a range of areas including economic development, workplace health and safety, parks, environment, health, organisation management and more.

Logan City Council CEO, Chris Rose said it was wonderful

Award name: 2014 Golden Target Awards Award received: Commendation Presented to: Media and Communication branch Award name: Global Alliance of Healthy Cities Conference Awards Award received: Health in All Polices (Winner) Presented to: Community Services branch Award name: Bob Marshman Trainee of The Year Award for The South East Region Award received: Winner - Lachlan McIver Presented to: Lachlan McIver, Plant Fleet Services Award name: 2014 Government Communications Australia Awards for Excellence Award received: Best Communications/ Engagement (City Council) Presented to: Community Services, Media and Communication and Marketing branches

that staff within Logan City Council continued to achieve external recognition for excellence in serving the city.

“It is no secret that I am passionate about efficient and effective local government, and it is tremendous to see so many of our staff in Council demonstrate this passion too,” he said.

“What really pleases me is that these awards cover a very broad range of council services, and they have been judged by independent, external experts in the award areas.

“I congratulate all the staff involved in these awards. It is a credit to them that in their pursuit of serving our city Logan has been recognised in so many areas.”

Some 2014 Awards Award name: Economic Development Australia National Awards for Excellence

Award name: Queensland Safe Work Awards 2014

Award received: Best Work Health and Safety Management System Presented to: Logan Water Alliance Award name: Engineering Excellence Awards Award received: Highly commended (projects less than $1 million)

Award name: Local Government Manager’s Australia Awards for Excellence (Queensland branch) Award received: Manager of the Year for Leadership and Management Excellence Presented to: CEO Chris Rose

Presented to: BMD Urban and Road Infrastructure Delivery branch Award name: Parks and Leisure Australia’s Regional (Qld) awards Award received: Award for Excellence - Parks and Open Space Development Presented to: Parks branch Award name: Water Industry Operators Association of Australia Queensland Conference Awards Award received: Second place - Best Paper by an Operator Presented to: William Smith, Water Business branch

Award name: AustSwim Queensland Swim School of the Year Award received: Winner Presented to: Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School Award name: 2014 Government Communications Australia Awards for Excellence Award received: National Award Presented to: Community Services, Media and Communication and Marketing branches Award name: Fitness Australia Quality Awards Award received: Gold Award Presented to: inSports Health and Fitness

Award received: Innovation Award Presented to: Logan Office of Economic Development Award name: Local Government Managers Australia Queensland Awards for Excellence

Award name: Global Alliance of Healthy Cities Conference Awards Award received: Special Recognition Award (Winner) Presented to: Logan City Council

Award name: 2014 Golden Target Awards (Queensland)

Award received: Finalist - Excellence in Innovation

Award received: Inhouse PR team of the year

Presented to: Animal and Pest Services branch

Presented to: Media and Communication branch

Award name: Healthy Waterways Awards Award received: Government Award Presented to: Environment and Sustainability branch Award name: Local Government Managers Australia Queensland Awards for Excellence Award received: Excellence in Collaboration Award winner Presented to: Community Services, Media and Communication and Marketing branches

Award name: Australasian Reporting Awards Award received: Silver Presented to: CEO’s Office and Media and Communication branch Award name: Local Government Managers Australia Queensland Awards for Excellence Award received: Finalist - Excellence in Collaboration Award Presented to: Libraries and Cultural Services branch 31

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Saturday 14 March 2015

Logan Metro Indoor Centre 357 Browns Plains Rd Crestmead QLD 4118

$80 per person

Includes pre-dinner drinks, 3 course a la carte dinner, live music and entertainment by sporting legends.

Tables of 10 can be reserved

Ticket sales www.logan.qld.gov.au/sportsawards