Volume 33 October 2014
Laughing in Logan with
Anh Do Parks, playgrounds and places to go
Makeup artist turns passion into profit
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 Editor: Natalie Newell News Editor: Steve Cadzow Writers: Rebecca Waters, David Shaw, Zoe Krieg, Sharon Worboys, Steve Cadzow Work Experience Writer: Zac van Manen Graphic Design: Natalie Matthews
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
Editorial Enquiries: Steve Cadzow 3412 4483 Advertising Enquiries: Ben Travaini 3412 5585
Marsden
Loganlea
Bethania
Waterford West
Div 8
Loganholme Eagleby
Edens Landing
Park Ridge
Div 12
Waterford
Logan Reserve
Front cover image: Anh Do
Carbrook
Div 6 Crestmead
Greenbank
Div 10
Tanah Merah
Heritage Park
Boronia Heights
Cornubia
Meadowbrook
Div 5
Regents Park
Holmview
Beenleigh
Park Ridge South
Mount Warren Park Buccan
Windaroo
Chambers Flat
Munruben
Photo: Supplied
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.
New Beith
Belivah
Bannockburn
North Maclean
Lyons
Logan Village
Stockleigh
Div 11
Bahrs Scrub
Wolffdene
South Maclean
Div 4
All content accurate as of 9 September 2014. Cedar Creek
www.logan.qld.gov.au www.visitlogan.com.au
Yarrabilba Jimboomba Undullah
Kagaru Tamborine Cedar Grove
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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.
Important information about payments made to Logan City Council Some Logan residents will need to retune their TVs when the Gold Coast’s TV transmitter changes frequencies on 28 October. In the interests of convenience and flexibility, Logan City Council offers a range of payment options. However, based on the cost of these payment options to council some changes are being made to various payment methods. From 1 October 2014, Council will charge a Merchant Service Fee of 0.5% on all credit card transactions (including phone, online payments, Australia Post and over the counter transactions where a PIN is used). This equates to a 50 cent fee per $100 and ensures the costs incurred from these payment methods are covered by the users of the service. All payments at Australia Post will incur a transaction fee of $2.12 (GST inclusive). Credit card will no longer be an option to pay by BPAY. There are still a number of payment options available that do not have a service charge such as payments made by BPAY and debit card transactions at Council customer service centres.
Find out more at www.digitalready.gov.au/retune
Logan’s first Instameet
Local Instagrammers encouraged to take part in the City of Logan’s first ‘Instameet’.
4 October, Berrinba Wetlands The event is part of a state-wide attempt at breaking the world record for the biggest Instameet by capturing thousands of images on one day and uploading to Instagram. With more than 200 million monthly users, the event is a great way to showcase Logan to the world. For more information, check out the Visit Logan website www.visitlogan.com.au/instameet and remember to follow Visit Logan on Instagram @visitlogan and add #visitlogan to your photos.
A message from the Mayor Logan City is home to a fantastic range of arts, culture, and entertainment facilities that offer a world of experiences for our residents. Our premier Logan Entertainment Centre (LEC), located in Logan Central’s civic precinct, is fast becoming known as a high quality and affordable place to see some of Australia’s best touring shows and performers. With an auditorium capable of seating more than 1,200 people, this year’s line-up at the LEC includes acts such as The Wiggles, acclaimed comedian Ahn Do, and Cirque Mother Africa. You can read more about the LEC’s program at www.loganentertainmentcentre.com.au as well as in a special feature in this month’s Our Logan on page 13. I recently had the honour of welcoming our first cohort of LEC volunteers who will be assisting on event days in various ways to help enhance the experience of all our visitors and guests to the LEC. If you would like more information on this new volunteer program, please contact the LEC on 3412 4770 or entertainment@logan.qld.gov.au
Mayor Pam Parker Phone: 3412 3412 Email: mayor@logan.qld.gov.au @MayorPam
As well as our entertainment centre, Logan is home to art galleries, libraries and several large sporting complexes. Celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, the Logan Art Gallery offers an extensive range of public programs and includes exhibitions, guided tours, practical workshops, special events and artist talks. Our nine Logan libraries hold hundreds of activities and events every year as part of our aim to encourage literacy and learning for all ages. If you haven’t visited one of our libraries, I would encourage you to do so, and open up a world of knowledge for you and your children. Logan City Council is proud to support our dynamic arts and culture programs, so make sure you take advantage of the great range of activities and events available in our city.
Mayor Pam Parker City of Logan
Above: The Loganlea Community Centre celebrated Seniors Week with a tree planting ceremony and the unveiling of new gardens.
Mary Bickerdike was announced as the 2014/15 Logan Senior Ambassador at the recent Logan Loves Seniors event.
The Logan Entertainment Centre welcomed its first intake of volunteers.
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Multicultural Tourism Village set to call Carbrook home
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world-class multicultural tourism village planned for a 200,000 square metre site in Carbrook near the Logan River is now one step closer.
Representatives from Australian Multicultural Tourism Village Pty Ltd and Dalian Jin Ma Hong Huan Group attended Queensland’s Parliament House recently with Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton and MP Peter Dowling for an official signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding. The eco-friendly project at Carbrook is an exciting opportunity for Logan City and is anticipated to create several hundred jobs during construction and approximately 450 permanent local job opportunities once complete. The proposal includes the construction of an eco-friendly world class multicultural tourism village consisting of a luxurious five-star hotel with 200 units across four storeys. The complex will be surrounded by a manmade lake facing the Logan River and include a shopping plaza, convention centre, resort spa island, and combination of 200 luxurious residences. Governance, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chairperson, Councillor Luke Smith (Division 6), said the project has the potential to enhance the City of Logan’s reputation as Australia’s most diverse multicultural centre.
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“A development of this nature has the potential to really progress the City of Logan as a tourism destination and will be a welcome addition to the diverse range of quality tourism offerings already in place around the city,” he said.
Photo: Delegates attend the official signing ceremony at Parliament House. Photo: Zhonggang Wang President, Dalian Jin Ma Hong Huan Group, Liang Shen Director, Australian Multicultural Tourism Village Pty Ltd, MP Peter Dowling and Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton.
Photo: Joel Richardson
Young entrepreneur has the fashion world at his feet
Following in the footsteps of famed Australian male make-up artist, Napoleon Perdis, local Joel Richardson is fast making a name for himself in the fashion world. The 20-year-old from Windaroo has already worked on a range of high-end fashion shows and photo shoots with high-profile brands including Calvin Klein. He began following his long-held dream when he was just 15 by launching his own YouTube channel, with videos showing how to apply make-up. Within a few weeks his first video had been watched by more than 25,000 people. Now, some of his videos have racked up more than 85,000 views. Through persistence, passion and raw talent, he has also been able to integrate himself into the world of high fashion. “I set up a website, called companies, made contacts and worked hard,” he said. “I also think that as a make-up artist my gender worked for me because it makes me stand out.”
The talented young entrepreneur’s advice to youth with big dreams was simple: chase them. “I love the saying that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life,” he said. “I have worked 14-hour days at shoots, had a couple of hours of sleep and had to get an early morning flight interstate – and I never felt tired, just excited; that’s how it should be.” Joel said he felt the same about his cosmetic line, JRich cosmetics, and couldn’t wait to launch his products. “With everything I do, I like to be in total control and do it all myself – my website, the cosmetic range – I don’t really let anyone help me at the moment,” he said. “I really want to be the face of the brand and be involved with it every step of the way. “I want my make-up to be sold at all of the big stores and I don’t mind how long it takes – I will get there. “If it doesn’t happen within the next year, that’s fine. If it doesn’t happen for another five years that’s ok too – I will still only be 25.” 5
Eagleby Wetlands putting Logan on the map There are many beautiful parks and open spaces in the City of Logan and one area that has helped put Logan on the to-do list is the Eagleby Wetlands. Set against the Albert and Logan rivers, the 30ha Eagleby Wetlands was a prosperous dairy farm during the mid-nineteenth century. For many years the wetlands sat as an idle wasteland. Extensive cultivation and re-vegetation work undertaken by the Community BushCare Group, and prior to that the Eagleby Renewal Action Group, transformed the land into the vibrant natural habitat it is today. Today, the wetlands boast one of the most diverse bird populations in South-East Queensland. More than 200 Australian native bird species call the wetlands home, including 17 of the 24 species of Australian Raptors, almost half the bird species found in Queensland and one quarter of the species found in Australia. Swans, geese, golden-headed cisticolas, rainbow bee-eaters, chestnut-breasted mannikins, double-barred finches, comb-crested jacanas, mangrove honeyeaters, mangrove gerygones, azure and sacred kingfishers, pheasant coucals, tawny grassbirds, white-breasted woodswallows and rarer birds like the painted snipe and pectoral sandpiper are just some of the species that have been spotted in the wetlands. The diversity of bird species found in the Eagleby Wetlands has led to a growing number of international visitors and bird watchers visiting the wetlands, with visitors coming from as far abroad as India and Sri Lanka. Closer to home, Logan City Council Parks staff use the wetlands to educate recently arrived migrants about environmental horticulture, vegetation management and native Australian flora and fauna.
Ready to ride the Spangled Drongo? Logan City has some of the best mountain bike trails in Queensland. The new Spangled Drongo trail is 1.8km of incredible cross-flow trail suited to all levels of riders. Enter the trail at the end of Kimberley Dr, Shailer Park. 6
Visitors can access the wetlands’ five lakes and ponds over 4km of walking track, get up close to the wildlife at one the four purpose-built bird hides, or simply enjoy a picnic among the trees. The wetlands contain an impressive diversity of trees and flora, such as eucalypts, melaleuca and persicaria. Some of the larger eucalypt trees are estimated to be around 200 years old. They have their own stories to tell, such as the Canoe Tree where the native Turball people are said to have cut a great canoe to be used in the nearby waters. Eagle-eyed visitors might also spot other scarred trees or stone tools offering a glimpse into Logan’s indigenous history. For more information about the Eagleby Wetlands or any of Logan’s many other natural bushlands visit www.visitlogan.com.au. Photo: Julien Star: The Eagleby Wetlands are attracting bird watchers from as far as Sri Lanka and India.
Fast Park Facts The City of Logan has the lowest level of air pollution in Australia.
2,187 kilometres of waterways. 924 parks.
Environmental parks spanning more than 5,000 hectares. 3,088 hectares of wetlands. Sport and recreation parks totalling 1,792 hectares.
Made in Logan: Parks fit for fun The City of Logan boasts 924 parks – from small suburban retreats to fantasy funderwoods and wide open spaces.
create childhood memories, host weekend barbecues and provide places to take in the serenity.
But these spaces don’t happen by themselves: Council has a team of five dedicated landscape architects working on a $15.5 million capital works program, to
It would be impossible to feature all the parks, so we have spoken to our landscape architects who have picked four of their favourite places in Logan.
Pick of the bunch: Four great Logan parks
Shailer Pioneer Park
Logan Village Forest of Memories
FUNderwood Hollow
Spring Mountain Reserve
Type: Recreational. Where: Cnr Harley St and Shailer Rd, Shailer Park. What can I find? Features include play equipment, barbecue shelters, tennis and multipurpose courts, a skate park and open space. The landscape architect says: “The venue is laid out so you can see what is going on – there is a wide variety of things to do. It is even fostering new friendships through the tennis courts and basketball court.” Fun fact: Shailer Pioneer Park was named the winner of the Parks and Open Space category in the regional award for Parks and Leisure Australia.
Type: Urban streetscape. Where: Albert St, Logan Village, opposite the Logan Village Hotel. What can I find? A ‘forest’ of totems with images etched illustrating the history of Logan Village, with notes giving visitors an understanding of the Village’s growth. Visit at night to see the totems light up and shift colours. The landscape architect says: “Everyone has a sense of ownership over the space – the community really came together to provide photos and stories. That is the best type of public space.” Fun fact: The whole forest is installed so that it can be easily moved or added to, as needs change.
What: Logan’s newest playground. Where: Underwood Park, Underwood Rd, Priestdale. What can I find? A magical Peter-Pan style playfort that caters for all ages. The landscape architect says: “The community played a big role in designing this magical place and it incorporates physical challenges, nets and a range of different things to do. It was a real joy seeing kids take to the new equipment.” Fun fact: The Speilart design is the largest of its kind in Australia.
Type: Natural/open space. Where: Tully Connection Rd, Greenbank. What can I find? Enjoy open spaces, the headwaters of Oxley Creek and trails that lead right up to Spring Mountain. There is also a viewing platform overlooking a natural lagoon and bike tracks. The landscape architect says: “We have worked with the existing landscape as much as possible – the park is laid out to explore the lagoon, the trees and the bushland. It is about making the most of nature and not interfering with it.” Fun fact: The Beaudesert Endurance Horse Riders use the site to host a festival that has been running for more than 20 years, and draws attendance from as far away as Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Photo: Heather Kay from Rochedale South has compiled a book of stunning wildlife images captured at Underwood Park. For more information contact media@logn.qld.gov.au
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We don’t like cricket -
For more than 40 years, the Suns, formerly known as Slacks Creek Cricket Club and Springwood Invitation Cricket Club, have been teaching and developing the cricketing prowess of juniors and seniors alike at Shailer Park’s Homestead Park. Homestead Park is quickly earning a reputation as the “Home of Cricket in Logan City”, according to Councillor Darren Power in recognition of the efforts of the Jodie St club. “Springwood Suns caters to players, both males and females, aged from under five to seniors, able-bodied and disabled and gives them the opportunity to play the sport so many Australians love 12 months a year,” he said.
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“I believe the facilities here at Homestead Park are the best in the city for cricket with both turf and Gabba grass wickets.”
“Our vision is to see everyone get the opportunity to play, support and watch the wonderful sport of cricket,” she said.
Club secretary Marion Young said the club currently have more than 250 players and was eager to attract more of all ages and abilities.
For further information on the club and how to register for an upcoming season, visit www. springwoodsunscricketclub.com.au
Library livens up! Are you aware the Logan Hyperdome Library offers a range of services and activities for all ages?
Photo: Liam Hames, 11, Michael Jones, 11, Maleesha Liyamage, 8, and Jayden Jones, 6, get into the swing of cricket season with Cr Darren Power and Brisbane Heat mascot Heater.
The Library has a smorgasbord of events coming up including LEGO robotics and brain games for adults. The new TLC Lounge (Tech. Learn. Create.) complete with electronic music equipment, 3D software, games, and movies provides the perfect place for children and teenagers to come and engage with the evolving digital world. Adults can also come and explore iPad and eBook loaning options, as well as coming along for October’s Music Month performance. Call 3412 4120 or visit www.logan.qld.gov.au for more information.
CR DARREN POWER p: 3412 3412 e: darrenpower@logan.qld.gov.au 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
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ricket is synonymous with Australian summer – but at Springwood Suns Cricket Club, one of the nation’s most-loved sports is played all year round.
we love it!
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he wraps have come off a proposed new design for Jimboomba skate park, following consultation with residents and park users. Councillor Trevina Schwarz said the proposal, once finalised through a tender process, could significantly expand the park giving riders more challenging elements. “I’m really very excited with the proposal the community and our consultants have come up with,” she said.
New Jimboomba skate park design unveiled
“We began by hosting an onsite park users workshop with the legendary skate park designers Convic, who have created a truly remarkable proposed design based on what the riders and park users want. “The new design includes a significant expansion of the park, which includes an exciting new skate plaza with viewing platform, seats and steps, an open bowl with the addition of a taco for the adventurous, and a new shelter. “This is great news for the community and will be a huge boost to park facilities in Jimboomba.” In further good news for the park, the adjacent car park – currently made of compacted dirt – will be sealed with asphalt. Cr Schwarz said the upgrade came after another carpark sealing project in the complex was completed. “We’ve sealed the upper car park in the centre of the sports precinct, making it more accessible and considerably safer,” she said. The skate park upgrade is due to go to public tender in the coming months. Photo: Cr Trevina Schwarz with Ethan Clarke and Damon Clarke, checking out the new plans.
Shh - Major park attraction coming to New Beith Our spies have seen plans for a Trii-riffic new playground at Richard Wilson Park. The super-secret plans will turn a new leaf for parks in the city – but are still officially under wraps for the moment.
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
Come along to see the playground plans unveiled at 10am on Saturday 18 October and give your feedback to Cr Schwarz and Council’s Parks staff.
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Photo: Beenleigh PCYC disability program coordinator Peter Spaeight with Councillor Jennie Breene.
The program making everything possible Peter Spaeight, Disability Program Co-ordinator at Beenleigh PCYC, has never let having a disability hold him back – and, through his Possibility Program, he is helping other young people in the area reach their potential too. Peter has designed a dynamic program that allows young people with disabilities of varying severity to come together weekly. He now holds 11 Possibility Program sessions a week.
“Some of these guys don’t get to hang out with friends, they don’t have opportunities like everyone else in life, so this is about allowing them to do that. “People come along and they have more confidence because of it and improve their motor skills too which means everything – it means they can improve their life.” Peter said his disability helped him relate to his clients, and them to him. “My disability may not be as severe as some of the guys but it does make me able to see where they are coming from,” he said. Councillor Jennie Breene said the Possibility Program was inspiring. “What Peter has done is fantastic and makes such a difference to people’s lives,” she said. Logan City Council has contributed $1000 to the program. For more information, call Beenleigh PCYC on 3380 1777. 10
Holmview Road turning heads Head to Holmview Rd and you will notice the landscape has been freshened up in the past couple of months. The installation of new garden beds, replacement of a timber post and rail barrier above the drainage culvert, continuation of a footpath at the northern end of the road, and installation of more trees on the road reserve and on the frontage of Holmview Park have freshened up the area. Murals are currently being painted on the power poles through Holmview Rd, and Mitre, Jarvis and Jeetho streets while a suburb naming sign has been installed near the southern entrance. “This work complements recent upgrades in road infrastructure and water in that area and is in response to requests from local residents,” Cr Jennie Breene said. “All of the garden beds were planted with a range of hardy perennial species suitable to growing conditions in the area.” The Holmview Rd beautification project was funded by Council and cost $118,000. 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
“We will have different activities such as softball, modified cricket – lots of sports - and the aim is to provide an avenue for people with a disability to come and have fun in a positive environment,” Peter said.
Logan City Council Ride On For Charity - 4 October It is not every day you see 20 ride-on lawnmowers driving down the streets of inner-city Logan. But on 4 October, that is exactly what will happen - and it’s all to raise money for sick kids. This year, Council is the proud sponsor of the Logan City Council Ride On For Charity event, hosted by Brisbane Mowersport Inc, which will raise funds for the Mater Children’s Hospital and Logan Hospital Children’s Inpatient Unit, while creating quite the spectacle for locals. Twenty kind-hearted drivers will ride around the city, stopping at iconic locations along the way to refuel their mowers, shake their fundraising tins and sell raffle tickets. Ride On For Charity will take place from 8am at various locations throughout Logan. For more information visit www.qldlawnmowerracing.com.au
Don’t miss it – October in the City of Logan Pets
Community
18 October
25 October
Come along to a free cat behaviour seminar and learn some handy tips to reduce problem behaviours in your feline friend. The seminar will be presented by the RSPCA Animal Training and Behaviour Centre.
The annual Welcome to Logan event will see the community walk together with newly arrived refugees. The Walk Together will start in Logan Central and will lead into the free Welcome to Logan event, where we celebrate the diversity of new residents to Logan with entertainment, guest speakers and more.
10am – noon, Animal Management Centre, 213 Queens Rd, Kingston, 3412 5397.
Further details at www. logan.qld.gov.au/ welcome, 3412 5324.
Art 19 September 25 October Artwaves is an annual art exhibition of work sourced from the creative and talented high school students in the Logan region. Artwaves aims to demonstrate the wealth of imagination and creativity present in the City of Logan and adjacent areas and is supported by Buckham School Supplies, Oxlades, Eckersley’s Art and Craft and School Art Supplies. Logan Art Gallery, Wembley Rd, Logan Central, 3412 5519.
Photo: Loc Wilson, Year 12, Blind (detail), digital print
RADIO-THON Oct 9, 10, 11 This month, 101FM will be raising funds to stay on-air. Tune in to hear stars including: Jimmy Barnes, Marcia Hines, Ross Wilson and Darryl Braithwaite. Listen in each Friday morning to get the latest Logan City Council updates.
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Foundation for Beenleigh’s future laid Twenty years in the planning, the keenly-anticipated $9.7 million project to transform Beenleigh CBD has started.
Council has contributed $6 million to the project with the Federal and State governments contributing $3 million and $250,000 respectively.
Logan City Mayor Pam Parker, Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen, and State Member for Waterford Mike Latter turned the first sod on the exciting project on Wednesday 17 September.
“Beenleigh is one of Logan City’s primary economic development hubs and the community will certainly benefit from such a significant revitalisation,” Councillor Parker said.
The event marks the beginning of 12 months of construction that will see the removal of the six-way roundabout in the heart of the town and transform the area into a pedestrian-friendly precinct by reducing bitumen in the centre by 50 per cent.
“The much-needed project promises to inject significant economic and social benefits to the immediate and wider community. It will help Beenleigh regain its proud status of being a vibrant community hub, with culture and community activity supporting economic growth and job creation.”
Happy 5th birthday!
Combined Vets of Logan City On Monday 28 September 2009, a one-yearold chihuahua cross called Jackie was the first four legged friend to receive five star treatment at the Combined Vets of Logan City (CVLC) Community Desexing and Microchip Clinic. The clinic is based at Council’s Animal Management Centre at 213 Queens Rd, Kingston and is operated by the CVLC in partnership with 17 local veterinary clinics. Equipped with two surgery areas and two recovery rooms, the clinic offers discounted cat and dog desexing and microchipping to pensioners, concession and health care card holders and veteran gold card holders. CLVC has been a major contributor in the battle to control unwanted pet breeding.
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Open to the public Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm and Saturday 9am – noon. Phone 3209 3220 or visit logan.qld.gov.au/vetclinic
Cr Parker said the precinct would be a strictly non-smoking area and feature a quality market/event space, pavilion/ café structure, civic platform and water feature. Council’s Planning and Development Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Dalley (Division 8) said the project would transform the town centre and contribute significantly to the SouthEast Queensland region. Cr Jennie Breene (Division 12) said the first stage of construction would focus on completing necessary roadworks in the town centre.
City survey to gather snapshot of views of residents Logan City Council is once again conducting its Logan Listens: Residents’ Survey from 7 to 14 October to help steer Council’s budget decisions and priorities. The telephone survey will be conducted by independent market research consultants, IRIS Research, with 800 residents aged 18 years and over selected at random. The survey asks residents to rate the level of importance of a wide range of Council’s current services and their satisfaction with these services. The results help Council plan effectively for the needs of Logan’s growing community. If you are contacted by IRIS Research, we hope you will give around 18 minutes of your time to complete this influential research. All personal information obtained remains confidential. The results of the survey will be published on Council’s website in December.
The Happiest Refugee I’d bring over Manu (and we’d ing Anh comedy k make him cook), Gorden Tallis and r, e b to to c his O show his stage Robbie Farah. g n ri b e ill e w g Do st Refu ie p p a H e If you could take three things Logan. Th ng tale of and uplifti g n ti a v ti m waro o to a deserted island, what fr y e rn is the m u mily’s jo e fa th is ll h a d d would they be? n n –a Anh a to Australia che that m a tn ie V a Manu, Gorden Tallis and Robbie torn d heart umour an Farah. tragedy, h . g with it f went alon o d a e h What is the most played Logan a ed to Our promised e h e Ahn chatt song on your iPod? n o ; e aster rformanc a ‘roller co e his big pe c n ie d Barnsey’s Khe Sanh. I play it u the a tears’. w would give fe a d n before I go on stage. a ghter ride of lau What has been your most memorable experience when meeting fans? What made you decide to This mum comes up to me with prepare a stage show? her four-year-old kid and says “you I was hanging out with Dave are my son’s favourite person in Hughes one day and started telling the whole world – can he have him some of my real life story. He your autograph?” So I’m signing said – “you should tell that stuff this autograph for this kid, and on stage”! I said, “I want to make the mum goes “you were by far people laugh, not cry. He said, the best Wiggle.” It took a couple “make them laugh and cry!” And of moments for me to realise that so I started sharing real life stories she’d mistaken me for Jeff. The kid on stage mixed in with the comedy looked really excited and I didn’t and the show has been a real hit want to disappoint him so I crossed because audiences get a deeper, out the Anh Do autograph and richer, more meaningful show. wrote ‘Jeff Wiggle’. What can people expect from What advice would you give to the show? people starting out in comedy? The show is basically my life story, Expect to fail a lot. That’s the only from early childhood through to the way you get better – trial and error present. One reviewer called it “the and error and more error until you happiest audience experience she’s start to get better. ever had” and I guess that seems to be the consensus. The audience experiences a roller coaster ride of Anh Do - The Happiest laughter and a few tears and they Refugee Live! Tour generally leave feeling very uplifted.
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How do you prepare for going out on stage? I make sure my zipper’s done up. If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be and why?
Saturday 18 October, 8pm See Anh Do’s The Happiest Refugee tour at the Logan Entertainment Centre. Book tickets online at www.loganentertainmentcentre.com.au or call the Box Office on 3412 5626.
On Show at
Merry Melodies with Rhonda Burchmore Merry Melodies Series 20 with Rhonda Burchmore: Up Close and Personal. Tuesday 21 October, 10.30am
The Platters – featuring Monroe Powell For the past 50 years, the legendary Monroe Powell has been a recording and touring lead vocalist with internationally acclaimed groups, firstly with The Dominoes and then in his most recognised role as lead vocalist of The Platters. The Platters, who garnered 16 Gold Records, attained international fame and immortality through the romantic ballads that continue to be played and loved all over the world today. Today, The Platters continue to perform the world over bringing back memories of romance and simpler times with their delicately balanced harmonies. Audiences of all ages continue to flock to their performances. Saturday 25 October, 7.30pm
The Laughing Samoans – Fresh Off Da Blane This is the latest offering from one of New Zealand’s most successful live comedy acts. For more than a decade now, the Laughing Samoans comedy duo of Etueati Ete and Tofiga Fepuleai has been touring extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, the USA and the UK, performing to packed houses. Friday 14 November, 8pm For show information or bookings phone 3412 5626 or visit www.loganentertainmentcentre.com.au
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The volunteer making technology easy Photo: Councillor Lisa Bradley and technology tutor Garry Lock with Vivienne Shelley.
giving local seniors the helping hand they need to get connected. Garry is one of the volunteer tutors delivering the Broadband for Seniors program, designed to help seniors with anything to do with computing – iPads, laptops, Windows, emails – all for free.
Volunteers at Logan North Library are teaching local seniors how to make the most of technology.
The small classes, usually two students per session, can be tailored to suit the individual.
Garry Lock has worked in IT for more than 30 years throughout Australia, Canada and South East Asia, and now runs Springwood-based Simplify Technology, which has recently partnered with Priority Group to become a one-stop IT shop for small businesses.
“I had one gentleman come in who had poor English and had never used a computer before, so we had to try and teach him how to use a mouse – it was right back to square one,” Garry said.
He spends every second Thursday however at Logan North Library,
“We can sit in a relaxed manner and go through things step by step. “At the end of the class, they may not
be able to do everything, but they can do something, and they feel a sense of accomplishment. They come away saying ‘I can do that’ and that gives them confidence.” Councillor Lisa Bradley said volunteers like Garry were making life easier for local seniors. “It can be intimidating for an older person to set themselves up with a computer and start learning how to use it,” she said. “These tutoring classes are basically one-on-one lessons where they can ask any question about anything to do with computers – without feeling intimidated. It’s about giving our seniors confidence.” It’s not just the students who get something out of it though – it pays off for the tutors too. “You meet a lot of different people; I enjoy that,” Garry said. “Being a mature person myself, we have a similar sense of humour and we can talk about life in a way that a young person might not be able to.”
Changing the world from Rochedale South From an office on the corner of Underwood and Rochedale roads, a small team of locals is tackling an international problem – alleviating global poverty.
GDG currently manages 192 projects in 35 countries across Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America. Last financial year, the organisation received a record amount of donations from the Australian public – more than $30 million. “Our projects aim to uplift communities, families and individuals from poverty, and to build their capacity to ensure the long term objectives of the development activities are maintained,” founder Geoff Armstrong said. GDG works collaboratively with local in-country project partners, to help build the capacity of the local community and empower them towards long term sustainability. With this attitude, the organisation continues to achieve great outcomes – from assisting in the development of Vietnam’s first speech therapy clinic to providing education to thousands of war-affected children in North Uganda. 14
Visit the GDG website at www.gdg.org.au
Photos: GDG aims to improve the lives of people in developing countries.
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
Global Development Group (GDG) is a non-government development organisation that has been carrying out aid and development projects across the developing world since 2002.
Game of life
With
computers and mobile devices seemingly an extension of the limbs of today’s youth, parents frequently despair about their children turning their back on the great outdoors. Students at Harris Fields State School delved into the technological world that fascinates so many as part of the recent regional competition of the Wakakirri Festival – with award-winning results. In its first foray in the acclaimed competition, the school picked up two coveted awards in the story-dance section; Best Original Story and Best Public Speaking, for its colourful production, Alice in Videoland.
“We thought it would be a fun way for them to get interested in music and production; and it certainly was,” Miss Wegener said.
A fun way for the students to get interested in music.
Miss Ashdown said Alice in Videoland tells the story of Alice, a young girl obsessed with a video game. “Alice finds herself in the middle of the actual game and even though she wins the game, she realises video games cannot compare to the fun and enjoyment of real life,” she said. Divisional Councillor Russell Lutton said the school contested the State Awards Night at the LEC on 8 September and received several public speaking awards. “It has been a remarkable achievement by the students, teachers and parents at the school and one I am sure the kids will remember for many years,” he said. Photos: Students from Harris Fields State School enjoyed success at the recent Wakakirri Festival.
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
Teachers Hannah Wegener and Libby Ashdown said the 42 students from Years 4-7 involved in the production had been rehearsing almost daily since the start of Term 2.
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Round and round the roundabout A $5 million upgrade of the Paradise Rd roundabout at Slacks Creek was recently completed by the State Government and many locals have contacted Council with questions on how to use the roundabout safely. After being contacted by a number of residents, Councillor Steve Swenson contacted the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for further information. You can read the full response on our website by scanning the QR Code or visiting www.logan.qld.gov.au/ourloganmagazine Exiting the roundabout onto the Western Service Rd to access the Loganlea Rd interchange causes the most confusion, as it changes from two lanes to a one lane exit. Drivers must enter the roundabout from the left lane, near Ikea, and remain in the outside lane to use the single exit lane on the Western Service Rd. Vehicles travelling north in the right hand lane must turn right using the inner lane to access Paradise Rd westbound lanes. Vehicles wanting to turn right and exit the roundabout westbound on Paradise Rd must merge into the inner lane past the continuity line to turn right. The pavement has been marked with ‘M1’ to assist motorists in selecting the lane leading to the Pacific Mwy on ramp.
Students get a confidence boost with Polish Program Year 10 students at Mabel Park State High School have put themselves a step ahead by brushing up on the skills they will need to get a job post-school. The students recently participated in The Beacon Foundation’s Polish Program – a one-day workshop helping young people transition successfully from school by equipping them with the skills they need to excel in the workplace, such as communication, networking, personal brand and initiative. The school’s Year 11 hospitality students prepared a two-course lunch for business representatives, community members, including Councillor Steve Swenson, and the Polish participants to allow them to put their newly acquired skills into practice. “It was amazing to see the confidence levels of the students rise through the course of the day,” Cr Swenson said. “They’ve picked up some valuable skills that will put them a cut above the rest when it comes to applying for jobs when they finish school.” Photo: Luke Streeting and Juanita Toimata with Councillor Steve Swenson.
Photo: The new Paradise Rd roundabout is a different style to most others.
More than 1,150 softballers took over four venues within Meakin Park in August to compete in the annual Softball Queensland Masters Tournament. Twenty diamonds (fields) were used across four venues for 309 games over three days. More than 200 officials assisted the 96 teams that competed including 70 ladies and 26 mens teams. Councillor Steve Swenson said the volunteers from Logan City Softball, Logan City Kings, Logan City Rugby Union and Meakin Park Junior Sporting Association helped contribute to the success of the tournament.
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The 2015 tournament will be held from 7 to 9 August.
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
Masters Softball teams take over Meakin Park
Asian opportunities abound A delegation of local businesses and Council representatives has visited several Asian nations on a strategic economic trade mission aimed at capitalising on current investment opportunities. Photo: Mr Choe Lam Tan
Jeta Gardens founder named as Logan business ambassador Mr Choe Lam Tan, the founder of Bethania aged care facility Jeta Gardens and creator of the ageing in place philosophy, has been recognised with a Logan Business Ambassadorship. Mr Tan has been recognised worldwide for the passionate philosophy behind Jeta Gardens and is a notable international speaker on the topic of senior living and ageing. He is currently overseeing a $600 million development at Jeta Gardens, set to make the site the first intergenerational facility of its kind in the country. Governance, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chairperson, Councillor Luke Smith (Division 6), said Mr Tan was an outstanding ambassador for the City of Logan. “Not only has he been recognised in China, Singapore and Malaysia for his contribution to the seniors industry, he is also a former adviser to the State Government and a former member of the Queensland Seniors Council,” he said. “Mr Tan’s success in creating the unique Jeta model is highly regarded in the industry and is setting the benchmark for aged care facilities around the world. “He is a passionate advocate for Logan and is very deserving of this recognition.” As business ambassador, Mr Tan will be responsible for contributing to the promotion and economic growth of Logan City.
During the visit, three significant agreements were signed including a Friendship and Economic Cooperation Agreement between Logan City and Panjin. The five-year anniversary of a sister city agreement with Suzhou was also celebrated. Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton (Division 2) and Governance, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair, Councillor Luke Smith (Division 6) attended two separate parts of the mission, which included meetings with Trade Commissioners and investment conferences. Cr Smith said a wide range of direct and indirect benefits for Logan City will result from the mission with new investment and export opportunities. “Established and future projects including Jeta Gardens and the Australian Multicultural Tourism Village demonstrate that Logan is firmly in the sights of international investors,” he said. “We expect further projects will come to fruition in future. “These projects create jobs locally and bring substantial benefits to the community while strengthening ties between local businesses helps diversify the economy through additional export opportunities.”
Photo: International investment in Logan creates jobs and economic growth.
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Logan residents with a disability have been recognised for their contribution to the Logan community. This year the annual Awards for People with a Disability was held in conjunction with the Breaking Barriers, Opening Doors Expo, which attracted close to 500 people.
Logan City Council and a variety of local growers were front and centre with a stand at this year’s Ekka, highlighting the little known fact that the region generates a wealth of fresh produce, from strawberries and mushrooms to cucumbers and herbs.
Photo: Winners of the Awards for people with a Disability with Councillor Graham Able.
Local businesses took to the greens for a day of networking in August. The City of Logan Executive Golf Day at Windaroo Lakes Golf Course saw big and small businesses battle it out for top prizes, closest to the pin and the straightest drive.
Photo: Springwood’s Nicole Armstrong at the Ekka.
Become a waste-wise shopper! Reduce waste to landfill and minimise litter in the environment by eliminating unnecessary packaging! products ✔ Choose packaged in larger
fresh foods ✔ Put in reusable containers for a nutritious school lunch or for storage in the fridge
quantities which have less packaging per item
✘
Avoid overpackaged products and individually packaged snacksized portions
refills and concentrates where available ✔ Buy to refill reusable containers, bottles and pump packs
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✘
Avoid disposable wrapping including plastic wraps and plastic bags
For more information about recycling, visit logan.qld.gov.au
Council contributes to community groups
T
aking care of the community comes at a cost so Logan City Council recently presented cheques to three organisations that have been looking out for locals for many years. Council donated $5,000 each to Logan Beaudesert Crime Stoppers, Volunteer Marine Rescue and RACQ CareFlight to help them continue to assist Logan residents in times of need. Mayor Pam Parker said Council was delighted this year’s budget allowed for donations to these three wonderful organisations. “Council has donated to these organisations annually for several years and is very pleased to be able to continue supporting their efforts,” she said. “The Volunteer Marine Rescue operates on waters between southern Moreton Bay and the Coomera River and up to 50 nautical miles offshore. “RACQ CareFlight has been operating for more than 30 years while Crime Stoppers was formed more than 20 years ago.
Photo: L to R - John Ranizowski (Volunteer Marine Rescue), Karen McIntyre (RACQ CareFlight), Mayor Pam Parker, Kerry Conn and Andrew Jones (Logan and Beaudesert Crime Stoppers).
CareFlight performs four main types of missions – primaries, which involve attending to patients at the scene of an accident such as road or farming; search and rescue; inter-hospital transfers, which involve taking people from regional and rural hospitals to more specialised care; and neo-natal retrievals which assist premature and newborn babies. Volunteer Marine Rescue undertakes search and rescue operations and carries out vessel recovery.
“Financial support is vital in allowing these organisations to continue assisting local residents and keeping Logan City safe.” RACQ CareFlight has airlifted more than 40,000 patients since its inception and supplies doctors, nurses and paramedics to all Queensland rescue helicopters and the Royal Flying Doctors aircraft. Photo: John Ranizowski from Volunteer Marine Rescue (above) and Karen McIntyre from RACQ CareFlight (right) received $5,000 on behalf of their organisation from Logan City Council.
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Big River Country Park hosts PCYC program
Photo: Activities coordinator Kyra Merrett, and Senior Constable Deb McLachlan at the new shed.
The program, guided by activities coordinator Kyra Merrett, is aimed at exposing young children to a range of sports and is a huge success. Each Friday for two hours, local schoolchildren come along and get a taste of a wide range of sports – the perfect way to burn off some energy at the end of the week. “The whole point of the program is to get kids moving, to get them to try lots of sports and to have fun,” Kyra said. “Out here in Logan Village kids can often feel a little isolated and programs like this, which get the kids together, are really popular. “Since we have been here, it has been even more popular than it was before, and having the new shed to use as a base is great too.” The shed measures 20 metres by eight metres and was installed six months ago. 20
Park grows in popularity and parking spaces Big River Country Park,
home of the Logan Village Falcons, is becoming busier and more popular, and its grounds are receiving upgrades befitting a bustling community hub.
The ground is host to a range of sports old and new, including football, netball, tennis and darts, as well as the Girl Guides, PCYC programs and more – meaning there are more locals than ever before using the space. As a result, the car park has been extended, with an additional 80 car parking spaces and an electric gate with swipe-card entry has been installed.
Searle said he was pleased the sporting grounds were proving popular with the community. “We have a lot happening in the coming months,” he said. “We will be running a junior six-a-side and a senior six-a-side competition in the off season, a five-a-side netball competition and our comedy gala on 18 October. “We are pleased to have the support of Logan City Council.”
Councillor Don Petersen said as the uses for the club grew, it was important to ensure the grounds were improved. “The grounds here are fantastic with so much happening that appeals to the community; I am pleased these improvements are taking place,” he said. “The changes mean the grounds are user-friendly for the many and varied groups who use the facilities. “We are also installing a fence along the drive, tripling the size of the dam, and of course the new shed, and we have further improvements planned.” Logan Village Falcons president Peter
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
A shed at Big River Country Park is allowing a popular PCYC program to host dozens of young people each week.
New kitchen for community volunteers
Photo: Community centre volunteers Heather Redmann, Marg Jensen, Lobna Elsabawi and Lisa Vassdal keen to get started in the new kitchen.
L
oganlea Community Centre’s kitchen is a busy place – buffets, sandwiches and food hampers are all prepared in the bustling space – so a $10,000 upgrade is being welcomed by the volunteers there. The old kitchen, which was the original one in the 30-year-old building, is history and a new one has been installed with funding from Logan City Council. Management Committee Vice President and centre coordinator
Heather Redmann said all volunteers were looking forward to getting a great deal of use out of the kitchen, which they helped design. “We offer tea and coffee to our guests, we have homework club where we prepare food for the kids, and we make food hampers,” she said. “We have been giving out the food hampers for a while – we saw that there was a need for it, and wherever there is a need in the community we try to meet it.
“The older kitchen was always a bit challenging so we were delighted to hear of the upgrade.” Councillor Graham Able said he was pleased to be able to assist the team at the community centre. “The work the volunteers do is really invaluable and they need to be able to have the space and the facilities to do that work comfortably,” he said.
Final stage of wastewater project underway
Councillor Graham Able said delivery of the system’s third stage would involve laying 3.4km of wastewater pipeline between Crestmead and Kingston and constructing a new pump station in Logan Reserve. “This final section of pipeline will be installed along Chambers Flat Rd through Crestmead and Marsden, and adjacent to several residential streets between Bunya and Princess streets in Marsden,” he said. “The majority of construction activities will be carried out as day works from Monday to Saturday, however some
night and Sunday works would be required to install sections of the pipeline along Chambers Flat Rd. “This decision has been made in an effort to minimise traffic disruptions for motorists, and commercial impacts for local businesses. “All residents and businesses affected by night or Sunday works will receive advanced written notice, and changed traffic conditions will be clearly signposted to assist motorists.”
The project will be delivered in stages, with all works scheduled for completion by August 2015, weather and construction conditions permitting.
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
Works to construct the final stage of a $30 million, 16km major wastewater network (sewerage) upgrade between Logan Village and Kingston are underway.
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Thousands of car batteries are discarded every year and a local business is now leading the way in recycling this essential item in an environmentallyfriendly way. 70,000 car V Resource, based in Loganholme, has batteries developed patented recycled technologies that allow each month 97 per cent of material from used lead acid batteries to be reprocessed into new materials including clean, high quality lead for secondary smelting. Director Vincent Huang said recycling batteries helped keep hazardous material away from landfill and reduced the need to mine lead, which is a non-renewable resource. “We continually invest in research and development to improve our process, 10,000 tonnes which uses only water with no of lead recycled smelting or burning each year required,” he said. “It is important to motivate people to recycle and to ensure car batteries are not illegally dumped as they can contaminate soil and create an environmental hazard.” V Resource currently receives batteries from bulk suppliers including car wreckers but also encourages members of the public to bring used lead acid batteries direct to the company for recycling. Plastic parts from batteries are also turned into new components 50 jobs and electrolyte is regenerated and used in fertilisers. created to Councillor Luke Smith said date V Resource demonstrates that innovative businesses are continuing to choose Logan as a base for international operations. Lead acid batteries can be dropped to V Resource at 33 Henry St, Loganholme during business hours and the company plans to expand to Meadowbrook next year. 22
Tanah Merah teen chasing ice hockey dream Logan City is known as a breeding ground for sporting champions, yet it is a long way from Ottawa for local ice hockey sensation Jake Stansfield. The Tanah Merah teen dreams of playing ice hockey at the highest level and was on his way when he received a high school scholarship to attend the prestigious Ice Hockey Academy in Canada. Jake recently returned home after completing Year 11 at the academy to the news his mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was now unable to financially support his skating. Having returned overseas in late September after raising money for a flight, Jake is continuing to raise the funds required to fulfill his potential in the rink while completing his education. “We approached local businesses and it was great to receive support from the community, however there is still a way to go to cover daily living costs while I study and skate,” Jake said. Overcoming obstacles is nothing new for the 17year old who is also a multiple title holder at state and national levels for speed skating, having spent eight months off the ice with a severely broken leg. “My dream is to eventually return to Australia to help develop the sport here and give back to the local area by working with future sporting stars in a coaching and mentoring role.”
Logan City Council has contributed to Jake’s fundraising effort. If you would like to show your support please phone 0411 379 245 or email JakeStansfield96@ gmail.com CR LUKE SMITH p: 3412 3412 e: lukesmith@logan.qld.gov.au Photo above right: Jake Stansfield is raising funds to attend a prestigious hockey academy in Canada. Photo above: Jake representing Queensland in 2004 at age seven.
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
Loganholme business bringing batteries back to life
Storm season: coming soon to a backyard near you Longer days and bright sunshine are just around the corner, but with the warmer temperatures comes the return of summer storms. Sometimes, these storms can result in property damage, fallen trees, flash flooding and power outages among other issues. Damage can occur through trees falling on houses, water coming through roofs and garden objects causing damage. But, by taking a few simple steps, you can minimise any potential damage to your home and property. You can help reduce risk by doing a few simple household tasks now before storms hit. Remember –
Water consumption advice for tenants Logan City Council will no longer send water consumption advice notices to tenants who rent residential properties following State Government amendments to the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.
Keep guttering and downpipes clear of debris.
Ensure your roof is in good order by checking for cracks or gaps.
Trim trees close to the house and driveway.
Tidying loose objects in the yard and making sure things are stored securely.
In the event of an emergency, the State Emergency Service (SES) may be able to help with temporary repairs. The SES is a volunteer service, and availability is subject to volunteers giving up their time to assist. If calling on the SES, please be patient – they may have a large volume of calls to get through.
Residents wishing to register interest in helping their community by becoming an SES volunteer can email loganses@loganses.com.au and include name, contact details and preferred contact method or call 3209 5522.
The Act previously required water businesses, including Council, to provide water consumption advice notices to help tenants monitor their water consumption and to meet the consumption targets that were put in place during times of drought. Council will continue to provide property owners with a rates account, which includes their water charges. Tenants will now need to engage directly with property owners or agents about water usage and Council encourages tenants to regularly read the water meter at the property to monitor their own consumption. Council’s website contains details on how to read a water meter. Water charges are governed by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, and the property must be individually metered, include water efficiency devices or the tenant must agree for water consumption charges to be passed on by the property owner. Tenants with concerns about water charges are encouraged to talk to their landlord or managing agent or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority on 1300 366 311. 23
LOGAN :
Cityof Choice Photo: Representatives from City of Choice have presented a progress report on the initiative.
Logan progresses as City of Choice More than 200 representatives from Logan’s community, businesses, State and Federal governments, and Council converged on Logan Metro Sports Centre last month for a progress report on the award-winning Logan: City of Choice initiative. One of the most significant initiatives in the city’s 33-year history, the project, continues to gain momentum. The result of the Logan: City of Choice Summit held in February last year, the unique collaborative initiative responds to and aims to address the key challenges facing the city. Mayor Pam Parker, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Minister Glen Elmes, and Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen each presented their respective organisation’s six-monthly progress report outlining key actions in delivering a two-year action plan. “The benefits of City of Choice are already being seen in the north, south, east and west of our city and are having a positive impact for people of all ages and from all walks of life,” Mayor Parker said.
Some of the City of Choice achievements highlighted by Mayor Parker included: • The Australian-first memorandum of understanding between Council and all Job Services Australia providers in Logan that helps link job-seekers with employers; • Community and government advocacy in opening up education opportunities for long-term New Zealand residents which will soon enable eligible students now living in Australia to access student loans; • The decision to host next year’s Queensland Music Festival event in the City of Logan. The twonight event will showcase 500 performers from the city and is expected to attract audiences of 10,000 each night; and • Additional policing resources including general officers and Aboriginal and Pacific Island liaison officers.
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Photo: An athlete from John Paul College evades defenders from St Francis College Crestmead.
Listen in to speeches from the day!
At the conclusion of the event, another successful Logan: City of Choice initiative kicked off. Almost 300 Pacific Islander rugby players from schools in Logan City and the Brisbane area ran out on Meakin Park in Slacks Creek as part of the Logan School 7s event, which was attended by Queensland Reds players Ben Tapuai and Samuela Kerevi. The event is supported by the Queensland Rugby Union and Council through the Pacific Islander Community Engagement Project and is also supported by the State Government. “Logan City has an enviable reputation for developing world class rugby union players – Israel Folau, Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins and Matt Toomua are just three former Logan players who are, or have previously, been in the Wallabies squad,” Mayor Parker said. “This latest project gives juniors the opportunity to participate in sport and potentially develop them into future Reds or Wallabies.”
Straight from the horse’s mouth: Greenbank’s a great club Photo: Kaitlin Eleveld on Lenny, and Megan Eleveld on Kade, with dressage clinic instructor Ellie Pajovic from Murray Equine Services.
Kaitlin Eleveld on Lenny practices jumping.
Megan Eleveld and Lenny.
I
t is a club that has stood the test of time and has a very bright future ahead thanks to recent upgrades. For the past 38 years, Greenbank Pony Club has been encouraging local riders of all ages to enjoy everything associated with horses. President Mark Harrison said pony club was a great family activity, with disciplines including sporting, dressage, hack, cross country and jumping.
“Our club provides instruction in riding and horsemanship in a family friendly atmosphere,” he said.
“This will help the members improve their skills as they will not be hampered if it rains,” he said.
“We have many instructors who are very experienced.”
Meanwhile, improvements valued at $50,000 are being made to Greenbank Meadows Park, next to the pony club grounds.
The club holds rally days on the first Sunday of each month, and has been boosted by a recent $31,000 upgrade to the driveway, thanks to Logan City Council. Councillor Laurie Smith said the new driveway would give the club access to its Campbell Rd grounds, no matter the weather.
The upgrade will include new playground equipment and covered picnic tables. For more information about the club, visit www.greenbankpc.com
Work starts on Bellevue Park improvements Some exciting changes are underway at Bellevue Park, Greenbank, helping to create a more useable space for the public. Councillor Laurie Smith said the existing playground equipment is being removed and replaced with a new playground, as the existing equipment had reached the end of its life.
Bellevue Park is located on the corner of Middle and Carlton roads.
• new fitness stations offering cardio and resistance equipment • a new pathway • distance markers painted onto the existing circuit pathway • a multi-purpose seating area • a new ‘Takraw’ (kick volleyball) court with solar lighting • minor refurbishment and painting of existing
picnic facilities • Facilities for dog owners (bin and bags) • Shade sails over the new children’s playground and the fitness station. Cr Smith said there was a demand for a dedicated Takraw faciliity in the city. “We are installing this court to respond to that community request, and I’m sure it will be really well used,” he 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
Other improvements include:
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Photo: Propagation Australia managing director Ron Walker with staff member Mary Ioannidis.
Park Ridge plants sinking roots across the country If you have bought a plant from a major hardware retailer or nursery, chances are it has come from Park Ridge-based Propagation Australia.
They have even been working on creating a world-first commercial version of the Sturt Desert Pea, a decade-long labour that is about to bloom onto the commercial scene. But, for the moment, that is a story for another time.
The company has been operating in its current form for 17 years, but has roots sinking right back to the 1970s, with managing director Ron Walker carrying on a family business established as a cut flower operation.
“We supply major growers in every state in Australia,” he said. “Our business provides young plants, from selected breeding stock, to production nurseries that grow the plants to what you might see in a shop.” Mr Walker said current trends were mirroring changes in lifestyle, with smaller blocks meaning consumers were preferring small to medium pot plants, while retirees were looking for larger plants to put into gardens. “At the moment, we are producing a lot of perennials that will flower all year – there is a strong demand for carnations and other flowering plants,” he said. Propagation Australia employs a large local workforce drawn almost exclusively from Logan, of which the company is very proud. 26
Lego Literacy Club for school age children and their parents at 2pm, Saturday 18 October.
Coming up at
Join local author Karen Tyrrell for tips on writing children’s picture books at 6pm, Thursday 16 October.
Logan West Library Have fun at Tech for Toddlers workshop for parents and toddlers at 11am, Tuesday 7 October.
Be entertained by The Happy Ukelele Group at 10am, Friday 24 October.
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
Covering almost 30 hectares, Mr Walker said the company’s operation has 30,000 square metres under roof.
It’s a busy time in Division 9.
O
ne thing is certain – on any given day of the year, Logan City Council is working hard to make your neighbourhood a better place to live, work and play.
Councillor Phil Pidgeon said Council had again been hard at work on a wide range of projects to improve and beautify the streets of Division 9. “No matter where you live in the division, there is always something happening in your neighbourhood,” he said.
Community Chat Come and have a cuppa and chat with Cr Phil Pidgeon: 10 October at 10am - noon Kensington Fair Bakery, 1/5-11 Julie St, Crestmead.
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sub-soil drainage is being installed on Trulson Dr in Crestmead, with the project due for completion in November a road rehabilitation project to widen and strengthen Logan Reserve Rd, near School Rd, was completed in September, with stormwater drainage also installed. a project to strengthen and resurface Loganview Rd, at Logan Reserve, including the installation of sub-soil drainage and the construction of gravel road edges and open drains, will be completed in December a section of Kenny Rd in Chambers Flat has been strengthened and resurfaced, a reinforcing grid was installed, and gravel road edges were constructed upgrades are planned for Pinnington Park at Crestmead and Carnation Park, Waterford West, while works at Wells Park are complete.
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
Projects that have started, or will start soon, include:
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Summer safety S
ummer is just around the corner, and for most of us here in SouthEast Queensland that means it’s time to dust off the swimmers and take a dip in the pool. Whether you are heading to a local Council pool, or lucky enough to have one in your backyard, it is important to always be aware of water safety for you and your family. With drowning possible even in shallow water, supervision and safety is extremely important – and swimming lessons are a must for young children. Council operates an award-winning Learn to Swim program at its Aqualogan centres for children of all ages from four months old. Swim coach legend and water safety advocate Laurie Lawrence
said there were a number of ways parents could ensure their children were safe and confident in the water over summer. “It is so important for kids to have swimming lessons, as early as possible,” he said. “They need to have consistency so that going into the water is a regular thing for them; they need to be able to explore the water in their own time, outside lessons, so that they can get a feel for it and enjoy it at their own pace. “They also need to learn gradual independence, but always have a parent or guardian in arm’s reach.” For more information regarding Learn to Swim programs or to discuss your needs, call Logan North Aquatic Centre on 3120 1600.
Legendary swim coach Laurie Lawrence recommends enrolling kids in swimming lessons as early as possible. 28
Does your pool comply? As well as swimming lessons, those with a backyard pool need to make sure their pool adheres to Queensland fencing laws. All pools, including portable spas, require building approval and compliant fencing. The only pools excluded from this requirement are those that cannot be filled with more than 300mm of water, have a maximum volume of 2,000 litres, and have no filtration system. All pools and spas in Queensland need to be registered, and a maximum penalty of $2,277 may apply if your pool or spa is not registered. For more information, contact the Pool Safety Council on 1800 340 634.
Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death in Australian children under five. There were 64 drownings in Queensland alone last year.
From 2013 to 2014 a total of 40 children under the age of 14 drowned including 31 children under four years of age. Learning to swim helps save lives.
Pull up and park What’s one thing you will find in most places around Queensland, but nowhere in Logan? Paid parking.
Photo: Representatives from Football Queensland , Logan City Council and local clubs at Meakin Park.
Football Queensland kicking goals in Logan A new partnership between Logan City Council and Football Queensland will see the governing body of football in Queensland relocate its headquarters to Logan. In an exciting development for sports in the city, the partnership presents the opportunity for Football Queensland to implement its vision to develop Meakin Park as the central hub of football in Queensland. Football Queensland CEO, Geoff Foster, said the relocation discussions had been happening for several years and it was great to see them come to fruition. “Logan’s strategic location with easy access in a major growth area makes it the ideal position for our facility – we are looking forward to building on the excitement of the recent World Cup and upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2015,” he said.
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6 October: Kingston, Berrinba and south Logan Central (south of Wembley Rd including the southern side of Wembley Rd). 20 October: Slacks Creek and Meadowbrook.
Paint and Chemicals 1 November: free Household Paint and Chemical Drop Off Day at Browns Plains Landfill. Visit logan.qld.gov.au/chemicaldropoff for information on allowable materials.
One of the many benefits of living and working in the City of Logan is the absence of paid parking, allowing us to work and play at our leisure. However, Council reminds residents that parking in bays reserved for those with a disability parking permit or with a designated time limit can result in a fine. Council monitors and enforces disability parking bays throughout the city, ensuring the bays remain available for those with a genuine need. Here is what you need to know about disabled parking laws: • Disability parking permits are granted to people whose ability to walk is severely restricted by a medical condition or disability.
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• Permits are granted to organisations that transport eligible individuals. • Permits should be displayed on the front left hand side of the windscreen so the permit number and expiry date are visible from outside the vehicle. • Australian Disability Parking Permit holders may park in any disability parking bay. Red (Queensland) disability permit holders can only park in an offstreet disability parking bay. 29
From Logan to Glasgow: our shining Commonwealth Games stars
Photo: Marsden State High School students were in the thick of the action at the Logan School Sevens event.
There were plenty of hoarse throats all over Logan throughout July, as sports fans cheered on Aussie athletes during the Commonwealth Games. Among those flying the Aussie flag were many local superstars, proving, yet again, that Logan is the home of champions. Well done to all our athletes – you did us all proud.
Try line firmly in sight with new partnership
Keryn McMaster Daisy Hill local and former Logan Vikings Swim Club member Keryn is an inspiration to all young sports-starts-in-waiting. The 20-year-old was the first Australian swimmer to win a medal at the Games, bringing home the bronze in the 400-metre individual medley.
A Logan City Council partnership with Queensland Rugby Union will use sport to build meaningful, cohesive relationships between Pacific Islander communities and other cultural groups. Damon Kelly Weightlifter Damon, 30, had been battling injuries for a year before the Games in July. But the determined athlete, who grew up in Rochedale South, took home bronze in the superheavyweight competition. The 2014 Games were his third – he won gold in the 2010 games and was presented with the Key to the City. Photo: Weightlifter Damon Kelly won bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
Alicia Coutts One of Australia’s swimming superstars, Alicia Coutts, added to her already impressive medal collection in Glasgow. She won three gold medals with the women’s relay team, and one silver for the 200-metre individual medley. The 26-year-old Chisholm Catholic College graduate has an award named after her at her former school. Photos: Bronze medal winners Keryn McMaster and Damon Kelly.
The Pacific Islander Community Engagement Project is a $40,000 partnership which will include a Reclink Rugby Program, Logan School Sevens Event, support the Kings and Queens of Pacific Rugby Tournament, Rookies2Reds School Attendance Program, and Queensland Reds Community Volunteer Education Courses. The project aims to improve attendance and educational performance of Pacific Islander students and provide volunteer education courses to the wider Pacific Islander community throughout Logan. Mayor Pam Parker said it would have a lasting benefit. “This will be extremely beneficial for the community, with partnerships developed between government, business and community groups,” she said. “The project will be delivered through an initial trial in 2014 with the view of developing into a more regular program of events.”
5th Annual Charity Golf Day - Friday 24 October 2014 The Annual Logan Mayoress’ Community Service Committee Charity Golf Day will be held from noon on Friday 24 October at the Windaroo Lakes Golf Course. It promises to be another great day of golf and fun for all. Oldmac Toyota have again generously provided the opportunity to win a brand new Toyota Yaris for a hole-in-one. So get your team of four together and nominate now. 30
COST: $100 per person or $375 per team. RSVP by 10 October: Ph: 0411 869 099 or loganmayoressgolf@gmail.com
Team Logan City rides to conquer cancer Team Logan City raised more than $50,000 during the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer in August. The team of 14 comprised Logan City Council staff and Logan-based cyclists. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Russell Lutton, was the team’s captain, raising more than $13,000 before the event to be the seventh highest individual fundraiser. Fellow Councillor Luke Smith and Deputy CEO John Oberhardt joined him for the ride. “This was an initiative we wanted to throw our weight behind,” Cr Lutton said. “It was a fantastic achievement for the team and I am proud of each of them.” The Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised more than $14.1 million over the past three years for QIMR Berghofer and $30.6 million for cancer research, treatment and care programs. This year, the ride raised more than $3 million. Photo: Logan City Council Deputy CEO John Oberhardt and Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton.
Food for a Happy and Calm Household What is really in some of the popular foods we put in our children’s lunchboxes? Could unhealthy additives be causing temper tantrums, sleep disturbance or hyperactive behaviour?
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It is no secret that many food products now include a variety of artificial chemicals. However, it can be hard to know what the numbers mean and which additives you need to avoid. Council’s Live Well Logan program is providing a free seminar to help you learn more about the way our foods have changed and how to plan and shop smarter to avoid harmful food additives and improve your health. The Food for a Happy and Calm Household seminar, presented by Home Economist Louise D’Allura, will be held on Saturday 8 November, 9.30am – 11.30am, at the Logan East Neighbourhood Centre. Book your place and find out more about Live Well Logan’s free and low cost activities at www.logan.qld.gov. au/livewell
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1. In a salad bowl, combine all salad mix ingredients together except for the noodles and almonds and chill. 2. In a shaker, combine all dressing ingredients and shake well. 3. Before serving, add the noodles and almonds then pour over the dressing.
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DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN LOGAN
Bushfires Drought conditions means the City of Logan faces its greatest risk of severe bushfire in many years. Act now and prepare your property.
Preparing for a bushfire • Prepare a bushfire survival kit. • Make a firebreak. • Trim branches well clear of the house. • Clear roof and gutters of leaves and twigs. • Remove all rubbish and leaf litter. • Keep grass short and green. • Fit wire screens to doors and windows. • Fit hoses to reach all parts of your home.
For more information:
Contact us:
www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au www.logan.qld.gov.au www.disaster.qld.gov.au www.em.gov.au
E: disastermanagement@logan.qld.gov.au P: 3412 3412