OurNarangba & Burpengary Magazine December 2015

New Crossing for Golden Wattle Dr Certified Organic Farm Here in Narangba

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Narangba Rangers?

December 2015 Edition

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Y HL T N ITY O E M MUN NE E FR OM AZI C AG M

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Letter from the Editor

THIS EDITION

December tends to come with a mix of emotions, as we reminisce over the year that was and look forward with hopeful anticipation to the year that will be.

NARANGBA HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES S T U D E N T T A L E N T 4

Most of us would agree that finishing high school is one of the many defining moments in our lives. After thirteen years of attending school, I am confident that the graduating students from Narangba Valley State High School will relate to the feeling of relief knowing that they don’t have to go to school tomorrow and the sense of excitement as they enter the ‘grown up’ world.

This month our writers have covered some of the senior students’ end of year celebrations and achievements.

Those moments that make a parent’s heart burst with pride and which showcase the hard work that has been happening by our Narangba students throughout the year.

Naturally our regular columnists bring a range of topics for you to enjoy and we also have some special photos from Decades Festival courtesy of Narangba photographer, Kara Bust. If you missed Decades Festival you can see more photos in our dedicated Facebook photo album.

I would like to draw your attention to the Date Claimers box towards the end of the magazine. There are some great family Christmas events happening in Narangba this month.

Thank you for your support and readership during 2015.

We have many exciting things planned for 2016 and we look forward to telling your stories.

On behalf of the OurNarangba team, I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday period.

Darren More Editor

N V S H S C E L E B R A T I O N S H O W C A S E 2 0 1 5

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LI GHTS, C AMERA, AC TI ON! AT NARANGBA V ALLEY SHS ENV Y AWARD S

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NARANGBA YOUTHS RECOGNISED FOR A R T I S T I C T A L E N T 13 HOW D O I SELEC T THE RI GHT C HI LD C ARE FOR MY C HI LD ? 15 NARANGBA BUSINESS GROUP Kingswood Cabinets

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H O M E M A D E W I T H H A N N A H F O R S D I K E Decorating Clear Ornaments

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PETS OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON

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HOME AND GARD EN WI TH NARANGBA HEI GHTS Tips For Entertaining At Home This Christmas

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NEW C ROSSI NG FOR GOLD EN WATTLE D RI V E

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TALK I NG FI NANC E WI TH LEE BOWD EN Retirement Planning - Part Two

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R E A L E S T A T E W R A P U P W I T H D A R R E N G R I M W A D E 25 Househunting Tips & Tricks T H E F L I P S I D E W I T H K I M & A L E X New Season, New Wardrobe!

What Seasonal Styles Are in This Summer?

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SPEAKING EDUCATION WITH KAREN CARTER Happy Holidays!

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L I V E W E L L W I T H M E L T O R A Y A 29 Christmas Comes But Once A Year O R G A N I C F O O D , I T ’ S S E C O N D N A T U R E

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LETS TALK WELLBEING WITH THERESE O’BRIEN Pathways Foundation - Every Child’s Rite

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I N R E V I E W W I T H J A D E M I T C H E L L The Polar Express

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MICROVERSES: A WORLD WITHIN YOUR WORLD The Locke’s Tradition OUT & ABOUT

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D A T E C L A I M E R S 33 T R A D E S & S E R V I C E S 34 NARANGBA RANGERS

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N A R A N G B A V A L L E Y S H S S P O R T S A W A R D S

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ADVERTISING For advertising rates, conditions and bookings please contact our team at ads@ournarangba.com.au or contact Darren More via phone on 0416 430 792.

COVER PHOTO: Year 12 students Jessica Gillies, Chelsey Chilton and Grace Schodel on the red carpet. photo provided by Narangba Valley State High School

Get In Touch Editor: editor@ournarangba.com.au Content Manger: rebecca@ournarangba.com.au

BUSINESS HOURS Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm DISTRIBUTION OurNarangba is available to residents and businesses within the Narangba area or online at www.ournarangba.com.au COPYRIGHT & DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. The information in this magazine is for information purposes only. OurNarangba and its editors, publishers and agents assume no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of OurNarangba. Therefore, OurNarangba carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon.

INDEMNITY By advertising or submitting with OurNarangba you agree to indemnify all participating students or contributors and supporting businesses such as graphic designers and printers against any claims.

ABN 47 438 219 632

We cover the 4504 postcode

Advertising: ads@ournarangba.com.au

www.ournarangba.com.au EDITOR | Darren More CONTENT | Rebecca Fawcett-Smith GRAPHIC DESIGN | Rachel Woodcock | Graphic Design by JoJo PHOTOGRAPHY | Tami Bass | Kara Bust Copyright ©2015 OurNarangba. All rights reserved.

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Narangba High School Celebrates Student Talent

by Hannah Forsdike

Narangba Valley State High School’s ninth Annual Instrumental Music Awards Gala took place on Thursday, November 5. The evening celebrates and showcases the talent and hard work of the students involved in the Instrumental Music Program. The school has produced some of the best instrumental music talent in the state, with their success recognised at competitions such as Fanfare (QLD State finalists), Queensland Youth Music Awards (silver award) and Upbeat Ekka.

‘The students look forward to the gala evening all year because it is a celebration of their commitment and achievements in instrumental music,’ said Kathryn Wallace, Head of Performing Arts.

The PALACE amphitheatre was a full house packed with families, peers, members of the community and teachers.

The evening kicked off with a sausage sizzle dinner provided by the Parents Support Group, with the show starting just after 6pm. I found myself sitting amid a gaggle of Instrumental students who had a buzz of excited energy as they chatted about their upcoming performances.

The Gala opened with a solo performance, which set the bar for the talent that would be exhibited over the course of the night. The MC for the evening, Year 12 student Amy Kalmar, accredited the evening to the Parents Support Group, who had worked hard to ensure the night went off without a hitch.

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‘We have an extremely dedicated parent support group who fundraise and work behind the scenes to ensure that the students are recognised and promoted as creative arts ambassadors,’ says Kathryn.

The evening included performances from Narangba Valley State High School’s award winning String Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and more.

The bands played a mixture of classical music and pop songs from musicians such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Pharrell Williams; showcasing a variety of student talent.

And even though all the performances were amazing, the String Orchestra’s rendition of Colours of the Wind from Pocahontas made me nostalgic of my favourite childhood movie.

In between the outstanding acts, participation and achievement awards were presented to the students.

Proud parents, without whom those 7am rehearsals would never have been possible, cheered from the audience.

‘Family is extremely important to the Instrumental Music program because of the support that they provide to the students and staff throughout the year,’ said Kathryn.

Local business donated awards to special award recipients. ‘Students feel valued through recognition not only from their school community, but the wider

Aside from displaying a high level of musical ability, to qualify for an award, students must, demonstrate the school’s core values of Respect, Integrity and Commitment at all times. ’This includes attending rehearsals and lessons every week,’ said Kathryn.

community as well,’ said Kathryn. Mark Ryan MP made a special appearance on the evening, donating $200 in prize money for the winner of the Musician of the Year award, given to the student who has best demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement and musical ability, as well as being a role model to fellow students and the school community in general. This award was presented

by Mark Ryan MP alongside last year’s winner, Unnah Leitner.

Students put on a light supper during the interval, giving families the opportunity to congratulate the awardwinning students. For the teachers, Kathryn said, ‘This night gives us an enjoyable way in which we can finish off the year and congratulate all students and their families for all of their hard work throughout the year.’

The Instrumental Music Awards Gala is an annual, free event open to friends, family and the community.

It is an informal evening, celebrating the students’ achievements and it is truly is wonderful to see their hard work and dedication showcased through the schools award winning Instrumental bands.

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Mark Ryan MP State Member for Morayfield

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P 07 5343 5100 morayfield@parliament.qld.gov.au

PO Box 991 MORAYFIELD Q 4506

www.markryan.com.au Authorised by M. Ryan 3/67 Morayfield Road Caboolture South Qld 4510

Your independent councillor representing residents across 600km of Moreton Bay Region from Mt Nebo to Narangba.

Council Services: 3205 0555 Email: mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au Twitter.com/CrBobMillar | Facebook.com/bob.millar.92

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NVSHS Celebration Showcase 2015

by Alex Habilay

Positive recognition is a tough gig in high school, yet Narangba Valley State High School gave both parents and students something to smile about at their annual Celebration Showcase held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

Narangba Valley State High School didn’t just host any ordinary academic excellence celebration.

The school paid homage to every inch of their faculty and the outstanding students in each field. This ranged from the students who absolutely aced their report cards, to the Art kids’ admirable creativity and even those students who specialised in trade, TAFE and vocation subjects.

It was incredibly refreshing to see so many overachievers recognised for their unique prowess. The incredibly tailored criteria the award winners were assessed on included laurels for supporting their community and Narangba Valley State High School culturally, socially and financially. My awe was split between the amount of prestigious awards presented – including the Australian Defence Force Leadership award and QUT’s Engineering scholarship – and the sheer bulk of Narangba Valley State High School’s award winners. It’s proof that Narangba Valley State High School’s student body has been given a chance to shine, and blind us they did.

Entertainment for the evening was expectedly held by the school’s creatives. Dancing girls hit the stage, and much to my dismay, my view was obscured by the thousand parents coughing at each other in Morse code. Thankfully, Maddy Leigh’s acoustic cover of Jet Black Heart (5 Seconds of Summer) and the school’s string ensemble’s take on My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) got the crowd moving enough for me to catch a glimpse of the art in progress, and I was impressed. It was yet again another fantastic result of the learning environment created

by Narangba Valley State High School’s faculty.

The Celebration Showcase of 2015 definitely revealed the product of nurture and dedication from teachers and students alike. As the students lined up on stage, some hiding behind their certificates like a shield and others like a sword held to their future’s throat, I couldn’t help but marvel at what this community has achieved…and also sort of regret turning my certificates into paper planes.

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Lights, Camera, Action! at Narangba Valley SHS ENVY Awards

by Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

On October 30, Narangba Valley State High School (NVSHS) rolled out the red carpet for its ninth annual ENVY Awards. ‘The ENVY Awards are one of the longest standing showcases of student talent at NVSHS,’ said Jean-Maree Pool, HOD Visual Art and Information Services. ‘These awards celebrate the skill and creativity of students studying Film, Television and New Media in an Oscars themed, red carpet event.’

Much like Hollywood treats the Golden Globe Awards as a dress rehearsal for the Academy Awards, many ENVY nominees use the awards night to audition their look for the Year 12 Formal. Suits were donned, hair coiffed and smiles practiced as nominees paused for photos on the red carpet before making their way inside the PALACE. Nominated films are selected from four different student tasks. ‘The experimental films that the Year 11s are currently working on will be eligible for nomination next year, and the current Year 12s experimental films that were made a year ago were able to be nominated this year,’ said Mark Elliott, English/FTV Teacher. ‘Also eligible for nomination are the Year 12 music videos and ‘Australian Story’ biographical films, and the first production task for the Year 11s – a micro documentary.’

A comprehensive secret ballot process determines who will be recognised for film achievements in the categories of Best Cinematography, Best Directing and Best Editing.

Over two days, a range of volunteer judges including teachers, members of the school administration, ancillary staff, students and for the first time, Principal Richard English, cast their votes. ‘Every year we do our very best to ensure that the process of nominating these awards is objective, democratic and impartial,’ said Mark. ‘It takes hours to go through the process of selecting the nominees for each category, student by student, task by task. The votes at times were very close, coming down to one vote’s difference.’

The 2015 showcase was first-class with the quirky and playful Doll’s Play by Courtney Dacey taking out the awards for Best Editing and Best Overall. ‘An outstanding film!’ said Mark. ‘Hours of effort and creativity were put into this stop motion animation and it involved her whole family.’

Also taking home crystal trophies from Burpengary’s Action Trophies were Angela Davis who won Best Director with her energetic Summer while Megan Russell took out Best

Best Dressed Winner Harrison Ryan and Gemma Patmore

Cinematography with the heart-wrenching, Faux Get. Harrison Ryan was awarded Most Improved and Best Dressed alongside Loralee Edser. Hayden Russell won the People’s Choice award with his mockumentary, White Girl Living with Illness.

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Wishing you all a

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year from the team at IGA Narangba

OPENING HOURS IN DECEMBER Monday to Friday Saturday & Sunday Christmas Day

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6:30am to 9:00pm 7:00am to 9:00pm Closed

36 Main Street, Narangba [Opposite the Train Station]

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Narangba Youths Recognised for Artistic Talent

by Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Arriving at Narangba Valley State High School on October 16 to attend the KickstART Art Show, the soaring sounds of a string quartet steered me through the school grounds to The Darkroom Gallery. Once a photographic darkroom, the space is now a purpose built art gallery, and where for the last six years, KickstART guests have gathered to view the best of the best from the Year 11 and Year 12 Art students.

‘This exhibition is the highlight of the calendar for the Visual Art department along with the ENVY Awards,’ said JeanMaree Pool, HOD Visual Art and Information Services. ‘This work represents a years’ worth of achievement for our Year 12 students who have been working exceptionally hard over the course of the year to achieve phenomenal standards and excellence in Visual Arts.’

Year Eleven students are selected and displayed upon special invitation. ‘The Year 11 works are generally at an ‘A’ standard and add to the overall exhibition due to their theme or through their selection of materials,’ said JeanMaree.

Entering the gallery, my eye was immediately drawn to a piece suspended in the corner of the room by Year 12 student, Erica Burke. Titled Jazzy, the piece made from bamboo and string was inspired by a malnourished horse that was neglected due to having a disability. Looking up at the piece, the lightness and sparseness of the materials echoed Erica’s message of animal cruelty and neglect.

Lighting too played a part. ‘The darkness of the shadow [on the wall] shows the sadness,’ said Erica. ‘I’m really happy with it.’

Artworks were not confined to inside the art gallery.

Outside, art installations hung from trees and awnings and mannequins adorned in wearable art pieces provided talking points for the milling guests. ‘Parents love it. The kids love it,’ said Vicki Murawczak, English/Art Teacher. ‘We try to encourage everyone to come, from staff right down to juniors.’ The exhibit remains on display for a week following the unveiling to allow the greater school body access.

Amidst the canapes and mocktails prepared and circulated by the hospitality department and students, Jean-Maree took a moment to acknowledge the many parties who contributed to the event. ‘A very big thank you to our

One part of the People’s Choice winning piece, Here today … gone tomorrow, by Jessica Gillies

hospitality students and our hospitality department for getting this together tonight and also to our spectacular string quartet for the entertainment this evening,’ she said.

‘Thank you to my Art staff as well for helping hang this [the exhibit]. This was a big job and it takes a lot of work to get this together.’

Featured students are encouraged to assist in the set-up of the exhibit. ‘The idea is that they contribute because as artists, they should be doing what an artist does and hanging up their work,’ said Vicki. ‘We ask them to write their own didactic panels and to express their ideas on that.’

The didactic panel for KJ McCarthy’s Illuminate piece speaks of the cycle of life from birth to death. Discussing some of the materials used, KJ said, ‘The birthday candle when lit is life.

When it’s blown out, it’s death. The sand was to do with the hourglass theme.’ An image of Illuminate was featured on the e-invite. ‘I was astounded,’ said KJ of her reaction.

Once the gallery doors had closed, the People’s Choice votes were tallied and Jessica Gillies’ two part piece, Here today…gone tomorrow (pictured in part) was declared the crowd favourite. ‘It is a huge honour to be selected as the People’s Choice recipient,’ said Jean-Maree. ‘Jessica will be awarded with a trophy in the near future.’

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How Do I Select the Right Child Care for My Child?

With more parents returning to work after having children, choosing a child care provider is becoming a hot topic within the community. Even for stay-at-home parents, we now know the importance for children to gain experience in a group care environment before they start school. So how do parents choose the right day care provider when there are so many in today’s market? Sesame Lane Child Care gives the following advice and tips on where to start when choosing a child care provider: 1. Know what you want before you start. Make a list of wants and needs.

6. Environment. There should be a good mix of outdoor and indoor play and activities offered.

7. Visit and tour all providers you are interested in so you can see first-hand how each centre operates, the environment your child will be in and how the staff interact with the children.

8. Child Test. Ask to stay, play and participate in an activity with your child. Most providers will also offer a half-day test run before you commit.

9. Services. Ensure you know what services are offered, such as nappy and linen services. Do they provide all meals and snacks, or would you prefer to provide meals and snacks yourself? What additional programs do they offer such as language or music programs? Do they run the Approved Kindergarten Program?

2. Location. Many people want to have their child close to their workplace.

Others choose care close to home.

3.

Reputation is important, so do your homework! How long has the provider been established? What do people say about them?

Are they involved in the community?

4. Staff should be engaged with children when you visit. Are the staff welcoming towards your child?

5. Communication is paramount! How will staff communicate with you about your child? How will you be kept up-to-date with what happened during the day?

10. Trust your Instincts! Ultimately, choosing the right day care provider is a personal choice and you need to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right keep looking. You’ll know when you feel comfortable and confident in entrusting your child to the right people.

At Sesame Lane we understand the emotional journey for parents when choosing child care. We have been caring for children across the Moreton Bay Region for over 25 years. For more information or to book a tour at one of our 14 Centres, please call 1800 SESAME or www.sesamelane.com.au.

At Sesame Lane, we understand the emotional journey for parents in looking for quality childcare, and have over 20 years experience educating children across the Moreton Bay Region.

We provide all of the services that you expect including All nutritional meals and snacks Nappy and linen service Japanese and music program Before and After school care Vacation Care Government approved Kindergarten programs.

But there’s one thing that sets us apart from the rest……. our staff. Our caring and qualified educators foster a learning environment that is fun, educational and allows children to develop their curiousity and broader thinking.

For more information or to book a Centre Tour visit www.sesamelane.com.au Narangba One 25 Banyan St, Phone: 3886 9800

Narangba Two 1-9 Cottontree Drive Phone: 3886 9800

Creating tomorrow’s thinkers today 15

print

approach

Kingswood Cabinets

by Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Fast Facts: • Operating for 11 years.

• Approx. 55 employees on staff.

• Currently manufacturing 50-60 kitchens per week.

• Winner of 2009 MBCC Awards of Excellence Manufacturer of the Year.

• Winner of 2008 MBCC Awards of Excellence Employer of the Year and Business of the Year

With no website or Facebook page, Kingswood Cabinets may be one of Narangba’s best kept secrets.

‘We don’t advertise at all,’ explains Director, Tom Raleigh. ‘As much as possible we keep to ourselves and keep pretty anonymous. Our showroom is really for builders who send their clients to us. Some of our builders don’t have display homes so hence we’ve got this.’

‘This’ is the company showroom, which features kitchen designs from the very economic and basic, to the more upmarket through to the really high end. You would be remiss however in thinking that Kingswood Cabinets is solely about kitchens. ‘We do bathrooms, wardrobes, entertainment units and all that sort of stuff as well, but the bulk is kitchens,’ said Tom. Kingswood Cabinets is currently manufacturing kitchens, laundries and wardrobes for the 131-unit complex at the Scarborough Hotel redevelopment site. ‘We’re busy at the moment doing some big projects in Scarborough and Woody Point,’ said Tom. ‘Some of the bigger housing estates in the area we are doing a lot of work in too.’

The company’s work is not limited to the local region.

‘We travel fairly far and wide. Business is good at the moment. The last ten months have been great.

Before that we were going to Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Mackay, Mooloolaba, down to Newcastle, everywhere. Anywhere we could find work to keep everybody employed basically.’

This loyalty appears to be reciprocated with many staff having been on board since the company’s inception. ‘Our Factory Manager has been with the company longer than the actual factory. He helped us finish building the facility,’ said Tom. ‘One of our sales guys, Tim, moved over from America with his wife and children a few months after we started. He’s gone from factory floor to sales.’

Developing talent is something that Kingswood Cabinets fosters. ‘As a general rule we try and put on two apprentices a year, sometimes three,’ said Tom. ‘The young people who come to work here generally start off as labourers.’ All going well, the labourer will be offered an apprenticeship and encouraged to develop their skills from the factory floor up.

Kingswood Cabinets has maintained employee retention while at the same time investing in advanced technology to enhance product turnover. The onsite beam saw was the first one of its type in Australia. ‘It is possible to cut, edge and build a standard type kitchen in a day,’ said Tom. ‘We’ve got plans drawn for another factory next door, and we’ve got space down the back for two more smaller buildings,’ said Tom. ‘We’ll just see what the market does. That’s a pretty big investment and makes it a bigger monster to feed.’

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY The Narangba innovation Precinct is a thriving hub of innovation with world-class engineering facilities & sustainable businesses continually striving to reduce emissions and recycle waste.

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To find out more contact Anthony Dow on email: anthonyd@rdamoretonbay.org.au

Step 1

Decorating Clear Ornaments For Christmas I have an easy DIY on how to decorate clear plastic ornaments. You can buy these individually or in packs at any good craft store during the festive season. There are literally endless possibilities on how you can decorate them and I’ll be walking you through a few of my favourites. But if none of these take your fancy there are plenty of creative ideas and inspiration on Pinterest.

You Will Need: • Clear plastic ornaments

• Coffee beans

• Table salt

• Twine or string

• Air-drying clay

• Small twigs

Step 2

Remove the topper and fill approx. a quarter of the ornament with table salt.

Step 3

On top of the table salt, drop in one carrot nose, two arms and three coffee beans, acting as lumps of coal. Use a pencil or chopstick to arrange them until you’re happy with the formation.

(optional)

• Orange and brown paint • Letter stickers

Using air-drying clay, create a small carrot nose and twig arms. Leave your clay creations to dry overnight. You can buy coloured air-drying clay, but if you opted for plain white, wait until the nose and arms have completely hardened before painting them. An alternative idea to making the arms out of clay is taking twigs from the garden and using them instead.

(optional)

Melted Olaf Ornament

Frozen is dominating Christmas for the third year in a row, so if you live with children you might as well embrace it.

Step 4

(optional)

If you want to keep it classy you can stop here. But to make it a little more special for the kids, I’ve taken my lettering stickers and stuck on the words ‘some people are worth melting for’.

If you have any Frozen obsessed children in your life, you probably already know that this is what Olaf the Snowman says to Princess Anna in the movie.

This is the perfect homemade Christmas present for kids to give to their friends or for adults to give to someone they think is worth melting for.

Check out ournarangba.com.au for FIVE other ways to decorate your clear ornaments.

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Pets over the

Festive Season

By Jessica Geroux, Dog Behaviour Expert Trained and Certified by “The Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan

There is nothing quite like the feeling of pulling Christmas decorations out of storage, however before your home transforms into a Christmas wonderland, consider carefully what decorations will be placed at your pet’s level. All animals are very inquisitive about changes in their environment and your pet may not be able to discern between decorations resembling the toys that they are allowed to play with or your precious yuletide items.

It can be very insightful seeing your surroundings from a totally different perspective and this is certainly the case when it comes to our pets. Get on your hands and knees and explore your home at the same level as your pet. You may feel a bit silly but it is the silly season after all. After looking at the world from the same level as your pet, you may rethink where Santa will be leaving all those goodies.

There are many practical presents you can give your pet this Christmas to suit any budget. It can be something as simple as taking your dog for a walk or taking out pet insurance.

Another great gift idea is to have them professionally groomed. Come in and see me at Bow Wow Meow Pet Grooming. Not only will your pet look amazing and smell beautiful, they will also feel great.

If you want to give a gift on behalf of your pet this Christmas, you could donate a bag of pet food, your time or money to your local animal rescue organisation. Animal Angels Rescue Queensland has a great $5 card that if kept in

your purse or wallet will let people know in the case of an emergency that you have a pet at home. This could not only save your pet, but raises much needed funds. You could also bake your pet some delicious treats. There are many simple recipes online and is a great idea for pets with special dietary requirements. It can be a good idea to prepare a special meal for your pet so that you don’t feel like the Grinch when asking visitors not to feed your pet. Little titbits can soon add up to a lot of extra food that is outside their normal diet and you may end up with one sick puppy. Some human foods can be hard for animals to digest and some are so toxic it can be fatal even in small amounts. Be sure to do your research before giving pets any human food and if you’re not sure, don’t take the risk. Don’t leave any food out, dispose of all leftovers and secure rubbish bags so they can’t be broken into by inquisitive animals.

If you would like more information, check out my Facebook page, Jessica Geroux – Dog Behavioural Expert and most importantly enjoy the festive season with you pets.

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with Oxmar Properties

Tips for Entertaining at Home This Christmas Christmas can be a busy and sometimes overwhelming time of the year! Follow these simple tips to keep your holiday parties on track and your season flowing smoothly.

Make a plan

Holiday parties are all about food, decoration and entertainment. Get your decorating done early and spend some time planning the foods and activities you will offer. At least a couple of weeks in advance, write down your meal plan and make a thorough list of everything you need to pick up to prepare your dishes. When the time comes to start cooking, you will be thankful for this!

Design a DIY table

A beautiful Christmas table does not have to be difficult. Start with solid-colour napkins in a festive shade, then wrap in a complementary colour of velvet or satin ribbon. Don’t forget the centrepiece! Simply place a few candles in the middle of the table, and decorate with faux holly leaves, branches, or flowers in Christmas colours to complete the look.

Be prepared

When planning your Christmas parties, know that something is bound to go differently than you expected. Prepare extra food and small gifts in case a friend or family member brings a “plus one” without asking, and always have a backup recipe in mind on the off-chance that something stays in the oven for too long!

Put the kids to work

If you have kids, enlist their help in preparing Christmas goodies. Kids can help make homemade presents for their friends, teachers and family members, and the older kids can also help arrange gift baskets. Simple recipes can be easily delegated to children as well. While you’re in the kitchen cooking for your holiday parties, set up a “kid station” and put the kids to work on mixing fudge, trail mix, pudding, or cake mix. They’ll have fun and you’ll have one less step in your cooking process too!

A little preparation and help from the family goes a long way in getting ready for Christmas. Keep these tips in mind, and your holiday will be smooth sailing!

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New Crossing for Golden Wattle Drive

by Katy More

Mr Richard English, Principal of Narangba Valley State High School, recently announced that the community’s safety concerns over the pedestrian refuge located on Golden Wattle Drive will be resolved.

Effective November 30, 2015, the pedestrian refuge will be changed to a children’s crossing with the support of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Moreton Bay Regional Council and the School’s P&C Committee.

‘We convened a Safe School Travel Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 where the Department of Transport and Main Roads advised that, according to their independent survey, this pedestrian refuge was a high risk point,’ said Mr English.

‘It is our hope that this, combined with the introduction of a regulated flow of students exiting the grounds after school, will greatly reduce the risk factor to the Narangba community.’

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads confirmed that their recent risk assessment of the area around Golden Wattle Drive was the basis of the advice provided to local council. ’We work closely with local governments and school communities to ensure students are safe when travelling to and from school.

Recently, Narangba Valley State High School and council contacted us with concerns about road safety near the school. Safety is our top priority.’ said the spokesperson.

Whilst this refuge experiences a high pedestrian volume before and after school, pedestrian behaviour is not the only cause for concern.

Parents stopping at the pedestrian refuge, allowing their children to exit the vehicle mid-road whilst stopping traffic flow, has resulted in many concerns for pedestrian safety. ’Crossing and Pedestrian Refuges are not designated parking areas and therefore vehicles are not permitted to stop for passengers to exit their vehicle,’ advised Senior Sergeant Cook of the Burpengary Police Station. This behaviour reduces the visibility for pedestrians resulting in an unsafe practice.’

The ignorance of road rules surrounding a Pedestrian Refuge has also been evident by the unpredictable decisions on the road by drivers which leaves pedestrians and fellow drivers confused. A Pedestrian Refuge is not a crossing, and regardless of high pedestrian traffic on a refuge, vehicles are not required to give way to pedestrians.

Rather, it is considered an offence if a pedestrian walks onto the road and causes a traffic hazard.

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In contrast, the new Children’s Crossing will have the same laws as a Zebra Crossing whilst signed, namely: • Children’s crossings operate only when the red ‘children crossing’ flags are displayed and traffic must give way to pedestrians once they have a foot on the crossing.

• Pedestrians are expected to stand at the edge of the crossing and wait for the traffic to come to a complete stop, ensuring all approaching traffic has seen them before crossing the road.

‘We will not have Crossing Supervisors at first however if there is an apparent need for them, the school will take it into consideration,’ said Mr English.

Despite the provision of street side parking on the school side of Golden Wattle Drive for the drop off and pick up of students, further complaints about the unsafe parking strategies conducted by some Narangba residents in this area to unload their passengers include: • Cars parked in business driveways, blocking access to other incoming traffic; • Drivers parking beside, as opposed to in, spaces in the car wash car park, blocking the exit of parked cars; and • A general disregard for road safety rules.

It is envisioned that the extra measures by the High School of providing a ‘controlled flow of students’ from the school’s exit gates along Golden Wattle Drive will further assist in reducing the high safety risk in this area.

Effective November 30, gate attendants provided by the High School will only allow a certain number of students (still to be determined) out of the school grounds at a time with the objective of moderating the pedestrian traffic flow.

The week starting November 30 was chosen due to the reduced number of students at the High School at that time. With Years Ten to Twelve already on school holidays, younger students will have more time to adjust to the new road rules and control flow systems with the assistance of High School and Department of Transport and Main Roads employees.

Retirement Planning - Part Two Following on from the November edition, this month we continue to look at ways to maximise your social security entitlements in retirement.

Gift assets

It is possible to gift assets valued up to $10,000 per financial year, or $30,000 across a rolling five year period, without any adverse impact on social security entitlements. Gifts above these limits are subject to social security deeming rules and will continue to be counted as assessable in the name of the gifter for a period of five years from the date of the gift. Gifting within these limits may provide a small improvement to the level of social security received. In a similar fashion to the home renovation strategy, it must be noted that once gifted, the person has lost control of these assets and subsequently any income generated by them.

Contribute to super

For a person under age pension age, superannuation in the accumulation phase is not assessed under the assets or income tests. People under age pension age may wish to invest into super to reduce their assessable income and assets. Where one member of a couple is younger than the other, money may be contributed to super in the younger person’s name. This can include the older partner withdrawing money from super and reinvesting it in the younger partner’s name.

This is a potentially complex strategy with a number of factors that must be considered, including contribution caps, preservation ages and tax implications amongst other things. It is strongly recommended that a client seek professional advice prior to implementing this

strategy. For a couple with one partner who is younger than the other, this strategy can however have a significant positive benefit on the pension eligibility of the older client.

Maintaining a long term income stream

Subject to a number of conditions, income streams that were commenced prior to January 1, 2015 receive favourable treatment from Centrelink. Care should be taken if ceasing an income stream that was commenced prior to January 1, 2015 as this action could have a detrimental effect to a client’s social security entitlements.

Any advice in this publication is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information. The information in this document reflects our understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc. as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. Lee Bowden and Howard Carr of MLC Advice North Lakes PTY Ltd and MLC Advice Robina Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of GWM Adviser Services trading as MLC Advice, Australian Financial Services Licence 230 692.

Lee Bowden and MLC Advice North Lakes Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of GWM Adviser Services Limited trading as MLC Advice ABN 96 002 071 749, AFSL No 230692 (GWMAS), Registered Office at 105 - 153 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060. GWMAS is part of the National Australia Bank Group of companies. MLC Advice North Lakes Pty Ltd is not part of the National Australia Bank Group of Companies. National Australia Bank does not guarantee or otherwise accept any liability in respect of MLC Advice North Lakes or GWMAS. A116179-0515.

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Househunting Tips & Tricks Finding houses to buy or rent is easy. The real challenge is finding the perfect house to buy or rent that suits the specific wants and needs of everyone who’ll live in it.

There are however a number of ways to ensure that your househunting journey ends with a property that everyone can be happy with.

Communication & compromise It seems simple, but if no one is willing to budge on certain details of their dream home, you’ll still be searching for a place to live when the rest of us are driving electric cars and having robots do our gardening.

All too often, buyers and renters tread water trying to find the ‘perfect’ property. The best way to handle this is to sit down and prepare a list of ‘must haves’ and a separate list of items that are desirable. The desirable items are the ones that you feel you can compromise on.

Get the inside word Register with local real estate agents who can give you an instant heads up when a suitable property crosses their desk.

All agents are generally aware of new properties that will be coming onto the market, sometimes weeks before actually

listing the property for sale. Agents will generally be able to match upcoming properties to your requirements and offer you an inspection before anyone else.

Relocate your perfect location In the current property climate, getting everything you want from a house in the location you want is an increasingly challenging proposition. Add in your partner or future housemate’s ideas on where the perfect place might be, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to a giant real estate roadblock.

Be open to surrounding suburbs to widen your property search. Also consider a more affordable suburb nearby, or one where you’re more likely to get what you want for your hard-earned dollar.

Get alerts and get in first In addition to being in regular contact with your real estate agent, you should also subscribe to real estate alert systems to receive an email the moment a property matching your criteria hits the market.

Getting in first is often the difference between snaring and missing out on a house that’s just right for you.

Be the first to view a property.

Being first enables you to feel confident that (if the property ticks most of the boxes in your criteria), you can make an offer and hopefully secure a successful purchase well before your competition are even aware the property is on the market.

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New Season, New Wardrobe!

What Seasonal Styles Are in This Summer?

She says: Summer is here and you know what that means...a new season and a new style! A fast-paced time of year due to all the festivities, we don’t always have a lot of time to coordinate our clothes. Therefore, here is one of my favourite summer outfits that not only keeps me cool in the scorching weather, but also looks nice and is comfortable to wear! To create a quick and easy summer outfit, you need a few essentials. Lightweight clothes are definitely preferable to avoid overheating in the scorching weather. I like to start with some white shorts. Shorts keep your legs cool and the white colour provides a clean, fresh look.

Light colours also look nice such as baby pink or aqua.

Next, the top. I like to wear something floral such as a cute daisy midriff with a plain, lightweight singlet underneath. A flowy top over a fitted singlet is very slimming and comfortable.

Flat shoes will complete this casual look and either sandals or basic runners are perfect. So there you have it, a simple summer inspired outfit that keeps you cool in the sun and still looks hot.

And the best thing about it, because it’s such a casual outfit, any hair, makeup (or lack thereof) looks great with it! What’s your go-to summer outfit?

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He says: Summer is here and the sun is blasting its light on our shortest clothes, palest skin and most ignored gym subscriptions. Months of harbouring the best intentions to go to gym next week have come and gone. “Next week” is now this month’s newest regret and the coming New Year’s latest resolution. Instead of joining the sculpted herd of insecurities posing on the beach this summer, I dare you to join the people who go deeper than ankle deep water. The ones who wear their stretch marks like tiger scars and let their stomachs perform and jiggle on that golden, sandy stage.

The hottest fashion this summer requires no preparation, no meal plans and no squats. You don’t need impractical bathers, the bling chosen to match and definitely no waterproof make up. Nothing will compliment your curves or flatten your tummy like confidence can.

Forsake the mannequins on the beach. Let them melt in the sun while you have fun.

Covering up your insecurities is so last season. This year the only thing that cares about your body size are the sharks. With the frequency of attacks this might be a catch-22, but it wouldn’t be life without some no-win situations. So this summer you can either melt in the sun like plastic, or hit the surf.

Hot weather means hot styles! What is your favourite summer outfit?

Happy Holidays!

I couldn’t believe the date when I wrote it yesterday. Surely it couldn’t be December already!

Didn’t I only pack the Christmas decorations away a couple of weeks ago? It seems to me that everyone is amazed at how fast 2015 has gone. In reality, the year hasn’t passed any faster than any other, but in our hectic and busy lives it always seems that it does.

For many of us, the Christmas break gives us a chance to slow down, unwind and spend precious quality time with loved ones. Our children have completed another year at school; another milestone to be proud of as they seem to speed ever closer to adulthood. Assessments have been handed in, report cards issued and our children look forward to what I remember as a child as being a long, hot summer break full of happy days with friends and family. The thought of the next school year seems a long way off.

Enjoy your time with your children while they are on holidays. It seems like a long break to them, but for us adults, the time will fly just as it always does. At any age it’s a great time to reconnect and share experiences with our children. Head to the parks, the movies, the beaches and do things at home that you normally don’t have time to. Take time to talk to one another and share hopes, dreams and experiences while you can. Take the photos and build the memories! Time is a precious commodity that we can never get back once it is gone.

When our daughter Emma was born, a fellow teacher who was a lot older than me at the time said, ‘She’s beautiful. Enjoy your time with her while you can, because before you know it she will be finished high school.’ I remember thinking, ‘that’s years away’! Well, Emma completed her science degree at university last month and our lovely son, Sam, has just finished Year twelve. While we couldn’t be prouder as parents, I can tell you the years have indeed gone so fast, and they grew up before it seems we had time to take a breath.

Our children are only young once. They grow up faster than we can believe and before we know it, we as parents take a back step as they head out to make their own unique mark on the world. Savour the time you are able to spend with them while they take a well-deserved break from school.

Before you know it, 2016 will be on the doorstep and the hurly burly will start all over again. Until next time – Happy Holidays!

Qualified ECT Tadpoles Early Learning Centre is a fun filled educational journey where our early childhood educators support and encourage your child to reach their full potential.

Tadpoles Early Learning Centre Narangba 2 12 Main Street, Narangba Ph: 3886 6488 narangba2@tadpoles.com.au

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Christmas Comes But Once A Year The build-up is well on its way as we plan, shop, spend, eat and drink for that ONE day of the year. Christmas is a fantastic time for catching up with friends and family but just remember it is only ONE DAY. It isn’t a week, a month or longer - just the one day.

Yes, you can have your turkey, seafood, trifle, BBQ or whatever it is that you do to celebrate this fabulous time of year, but don’t undo all the hard work you have spent putting in up until this time.

Relax and unwind but do it incorporating good habits.

Walk and talk, get outside, move your body and shoot the breeze. Have a game of cricket, soccer or football anything that gets everyone involved and keeps you active. We work especially hard in the lead up to Christmas to fit into those party dresses and pants, swimmers for the beach and shorts and t-shirts for the summer. Remind yourself how hard you worked, remember how good you feel and have your relaxed eating and drinking on Christmas day, BUT get back into it the next day. Keep planning for workouts

or exercise time in your day even if you are on holidays. Make the most of your days and get it done so you have time to enjoy with friends and family. Get them to workout with you. It’s even more fun with a buddy and you have to turn up if someone else is depending on you.

Make the best choice you can when you go out. You don’t need to wait until New Year to change habits or make resolutions. The best time to do it is right now! Don’t try to turn the world on its head overnight. Just make small changes that you can stick to. Start with simple changes like adding an extra glass of water a day, eat more veggies with your meals, or swap cake and biscuits for a piece of fruit. If you have to go out, take a nice healthy plate with you. Veggie sticks and hummus, or a bright and colourful fruit platter. That way at least you know you have one good choice. Have a bit of protein before you go to the party so you aren’t starving hungry when you arrive and ready to devour the table.

So enjoy your Christmas break but don’t let it break you.

Narangba

Our

.com.au

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Organic Food, It’s Second Nature Second Nature Organics at Narangba is a certified organic farm now providing food boxes for local customers. The farm grows much of the produce it sells and sources additional products from other local organic farms. Initially producing for the wholesale market, the farm began offering retail food boxes at the request of locals wanting to buy directly.

Narangba local, Olga Trotter, is managing the food boxes with assistance from Megan Limpus. Both Olga and Megan have plenty of experience in the food business. Olga used to manage the North Lakes Markets and Megan worked at the Maleny Food Cooperative.

‘Organic food ticks all of the boxes,’ said Olga. ‘It’s better for your health because it’s grown without harmful and carcinogenic chemicals.

It’s also better for the environment because there’s less chemical pollution of our soil and waterways.’

The boxes include a variety of seasonal produce and contents may vary each week according to availability. According to Olga, the food boxes have a 100% satisfaction rating and clients are saving by buying directly from a farm. ‘Some customers like us to surprise them with a little variety, while others like a more customised box,’

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she said. ‘We are here to help customers have access to clean and healthy food and if there’s something a customer wants, we will do what we can to source it.’

Currently the food boxes contain organic fruit and vegetables and customers have the option to add organic breads, organic free range eggs, raw honey, and a selection of whole foods, grains and nuts to their weekly boxes. ‘Customers love the weekly recipe ideas that come with each box and our Facebook site is always up-to-date with recipes and tips on health and nutrition,’ said Olga. The company plans to expand on the range available as the demand increases.

There are now an estimated 7,200 different kinds of chemicals used in food production and manufacturing.

Organic food is produced the way it used to be, before the invention of chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Instead of chemicals, only naturally based fertilisers and sprays are used.

‘One of the best things we can do for our health and our children’s health is move to a more chemical free diet,’ said Olga. ‘There are so many great organic products now on the market and it is also becoming a lot more affordable’.

Buying “certified organic” means the highest possible level of guarantee that customers are getting what they pay for. ‘It is just a great feeling to eat food you know is good for you,’ said Olga.

Pathways Foundation - Every Child’s Rite

by Paul Henley

Welcome to Let’s Talk Wellbeing. This month it is my pleasure to introduce you to Paul Henley of Pathways Foundation, who will share with you insights into the importance of Rite of Passage for girls & boys.

Growing up – moving from childhood to adulthood – is one of life’s most difficult transitions and for many, the shift from teen to adult is too big to do alone. Quite simply, our adolescents need help making the emotional shift to adulthood. Pathways programs support the shift from boy and girl psychology to healthy man and woman psychology. Just as their bodies are being flooded with hormones, their brains are rewiring, and their minds are inundated with advertising, computer games, cultural expectations and peer pressure. Teens need emotional support to navigate these turbulent years safely and to build their self esteem.

The structure of families and households is changing at a faster pace than many people can accommodate without support. An increasing number of families each year are striving to maintain relationships under pressure: financial, work, time, unemployment, divorce and family breakdown. This can lead to serious health and behavioral problems including drug abuse, depression, juvenile offending, aggression and violence, peer rejection at school, school failure, early school dropout, teenage pregnancy and youth suicide.

This is not a new phenomenon. Traditional societies recognised that the future health of their communities depended upon having healthy men and women as members instead of overgrown boys and girls.

They did this through Rites of Passage. We believe we can improve the lives of every Australian boy and girl by providing them with a fundamental process they are missing but which they desperately need – a ritual in the form of a Rite of Passage. Our programs aim to create strong and open relationships between teenagers and their parents or mentors; to set up ongoing mentor and support systems for young people and to encourage healthy attitudes of respect between young people and adults.

Pathways is honoured to have His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC as our patron. This partnership is a testament to the continued positive contribution the Pathways Foundation makes to young people and their families. We have also been honoured to have had Dame Quentin Bryce AC and (Philip) Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC as past patrons.

For more information on Rites of Passage programs, visit www.pathwaysfoundation.org.au For the extended version of this column, please visit the OurNarangba app or website.

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The Polar Express The Locke’s Tradition As I’m sure you all know, particularly at this time of year when Christmas movies come out on parade, there are many Christmas movies. Most are for kids - Elf and The Grinch which teach us to be kind - and some for adults - Love Actually and, (because I’m a “die-hard” fan), Die Hard (which I feel deserves a notable mention, and not just because I’m not-so-secretly in love with Bruce Willis). Lines such as, ‘Love actually is all around,’ remind us adults that the world is a beautiful place, and not as scary or horrible as people (Bruce) would have us believe. ‘Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.’ Brilliant!

So, out of all these Christmas classics, (and my love for Bruce), why did I pick this one? Simple. Aside from the fact that Tom Hanks (with his dreamy voice) does a fantastic job with his role, this movie struck a chord with me.

The Polar Express is a movie about belief.

Belief in the impossible, the unreal, the magical and anything you can’t set eyes to. It’s about giving yourself a chance and allowing yourself to have an unshakeable belief in something you can’t prove.

Now, I’m not especially religious.

I’ve had my fair share of doubts, questionings and wavering in my own version of faith. So this movie, with its young, doubting protagonist, Hero Boy, and his desperate wish to be able to believe in Father Christmas, was something I related to strongly.

The wound’s location always differs, but the day the wound is tended to has remained identical for centuries: Christmas Eve. Lachlan Locke was once a riled recipient, but is now a giver wearied

by Santa’s endless orders and expenses. The middle-aged architect lacks the finesse of Agnes, his elfish mother, as he stitches a brandnew stuffed argyle sock onto the buff, antique teddy bear. Aspiring to emulate Agnes is impressive enough for Lachlan, though.

Accepting his patchwork armchair’s embrace at last, Lachlan removes his horn-rimmed glasses, unrolls the sleeves of the red, cabled jumper his wife Geraldine made for him on their seventh wedding anniversary, and runs a hand through her blonde, perpetually messy, yet short hair. He then transforms Geraldine’s specialty hot chocolate into a makeshift hot toddy with a half-bottle of whiskey, sips, and then stretches. While miniature aural fireworks pop across his shoulders and down his spine, Lachlan’s classically masculine jaw tilts upward, and he realises he’s under yet another sprig of mistletoe Geraldine has hung on every high, flat surface in their home. ’Like mould on a cottage,’ Lachlan says with a wan, grey-whiskered smile. He was relieved to finally express his actual opinion of the mistletoe now Geraldine’s keen hearing was switched off. Solitude became an endangered species when Geraldine moved in, more so when Geraldine proposed. Once they adopted Thomas, solitude went extinct. Occasionally though, Lachlan saw something that resembled solitude, and those sightings sufficed. On service, Lachlan also lost his left leg. Upon arriving home, he lost his moral legs too when he met Geraldine at university. Lacking any kind of stable leg to stand on, he feared he would lose his life too without these minutes of silence.

Whether it’s Christmas, the Easter Bunny or some other form of faith, this movie represents that part of us that has trouble believing without seeing.

And though in the end, Hero Boy does see, it is not until he’s had the courage to truly believe that it happens. His belief comes first, and only then is he able to see Santa Clause.

Rather than ‘seeing is believing’, this movie’s premise is, ‘believing is seeing’. And that’s a beautiful thing. It opens your mind to countless possibilities if you can only have the courage to let the belief take hold.

Out of ten, I rate The polar express: Plot - 8/10

Characterisation - 9/10

Acting - 9/10

Soundtrack - 8/10

Overall rating - 8.5/10

My recommended ‘christmas’ movie list is:

• Miracle on 34th Street • Love Actually • The Grinch • Gremlins • Die Hard (the original)

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After swaddling the bear in wrapping paper and taping it haphazardly, Lachlan takes the second-greatest gift he has given Thomas, and kisses it instead of Geraldine. The spitfire heat of Lachlan’s whiskeyimbued kiss fades as he crosses the walnut floorboards to the artificial pine tree in his threadbare argyle socks. However, when Lachlan places the gift underneath the tree, he notices the edge of it is still slightly dampened by his kiss.

Running a finger over this dimple, Lachlan reflects on the family tradition’s pattern. Through anecdotal research, Geraldine discovered this pattern, as usual. The wife made her husband a hot chocolate before going to bed early. The husband always stayed up repairing a bear with an injury that mirrored his own, and then gifted the bear to his biological daughter. ’A tradition is still a tradition, even if the new parts aren’t traditional.

It’s simply our tradition now,’ Lachlan concludes, wishing Geraldine could have heard this particular opinion.

Out & About

Photography by Kara Bust

DATE CLAIMERS • Friday 4th Twilight Markets

4:30pm to 8:00pm. Narangba Valley State School

• Saturday 5th

Burpengary Christmas Spectacular

3:00pm. Burpengary Community Centre, 111 Station Road

• Sunday 6th

Narangba Lions Community Carols

4:00pm to 8:00pm. Narangba Community Hall

• Friday 1 1th

Last day of Term 4 – School Holidays Start

• Saturday 12th - Monday 14th

Become a ThetaHealer Practitioner in 3 days

Earth Vibrations-9 Mumford Rd Narangba. Kaye Vivian 0422 986 090

• Sunday 13th

Kids Christmas Party

12 noon to 3:00pm. Narangba Valley Tavern (Tickets Now Available from the Tavern)

Xmas Party in the Park

Hosted by Norfolk Lakes Neighbourhood Watch. Starting at 2:00pm Norfolk Lakes, Narangba (BYO chairs and drinks)

Narangba Community “Carols by Christmas Lights” 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Moreton Central Community Church Narangba State School Hall

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Narangba Rangers

by Damon Ryan and Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Narangba rugby league club, the Narangba Rangers, has come from humble beginnings. In 2005, the club’s first year, 38 members played across three teams; Under 7s, Under 8s, and Under 9s. Since then the club has grown to the extent that the 2015 season saw 308 members play across 20 teams, from Under 6s to Under 20s.

Brian Winney, the driving force behind the creation of the Rangers Club, has over 50 years of rugby league experience, with so many achievements it would be a struggle to list them all. His career has included time on the field as a player with the Parramatta Eels and the Redcliffe Dolphins, however the majority of Brian’s work has been behind the scenes. Brian has been a coach, a selector, a chairman, and of course a great teacher.

In 2004, Brian decided to use his wealth of knowledge to start something fresh for the kids of Narangba - a rugby league club.

Wanting to engage the local kids, Brian called for club name and logo ideas from the students of Narangba State School. A number of great responses were received which, in conjunction with the district’s geography and wildlife, led to the name Rangers.

Eleven years later, the goals of the club still remain the same.

When asked why families should choose the Rangers, Brian’s love for the game was still very clear to see. Outlining the advantages of playing this great sport, Brian said, ’The desire to engage in healthy, active outdoor experiences and the friendships made through team spirited sport can be lifelong bonuses that stamp our social persona. The Narangba Rangers Club was formed to provide this base for all who wished to be involved for the sake of our youth. It is their game, it is their fun and it is their opportunity.’

This love and passion for the game has guided the club to some great results. The 2015 season saw some big achievements in the younger Ranger teams. The Under 13s Division One and Three teams, along with the Under 12s Division Two team, made the semi-finals. The Under 11s Division Four team made the grand final, but lost 18-8. Earlier in the year, the same Under 11s team also made it to the Chairman’s Trophy Match against Valleys, but unfortunately lost 22-18 in golden point.

These results have only added fuel to the fire for Brian who said, ’Season 2016 is there for the taking and the making.’ Child or adult, it’s clear that there’s a lot to gain from being involved with a club like the Rangers.

Narangba Valley SHS Sports Awards

by Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

photo provided by Narangba Valley State High School

On October 12, Narangba Valley State High School (NVSHS) held their Sports Awards ceremony. This annual event showcases the excellent work of the student body in the sporting arena for the year. The occasion was well attended, with over 500 students and parents taking their seats in the PALACE. Special guest for the event was current member of the Brisbane Lions, Jonathan Freeman.

Also in attendance was Principal, Mr Richard English, and Deputy Principal, Mr Ian Sevens.

Another record broken this year was the number of students selected to be members of regional sporting teams. Thirty-three in total were chosen with three progressing through to regional teams. Tamara Hotten has been selected to represent Queensland in four events at the National Athletics titles held in Melbourne in November. Recognition was also given to the NVSHS teams who represented the suburb including Soccer, Rugby League, Volleyball, Basketball and Cricket.

Over the course of the ceremony, an amazing parade of highly talented students crossed the stage to receive awards for excellence in sport throughout the year. First to be celebrated were the outstanding players of the Nova Netball Academy. Second to be called to the stage were the Age champions from the school’s three major carnivals.

Guest of honour, Jonathan, took to the stage to speak about the importance of respect, integrity and commitment within the fields of modern sport, before presenting the AFL Vipers with their awards. A special mention must go to the Year 9 Star Cup team who made it to the finals but were unfortunately beaten.

2015 saw a huge upsurge in students playing sport for the school, with many going on to represent at a higher level. Four interschool sports teams became District Finalists and the Year 8 girls Football (Soccer) team became the first team in the history of the school to be crowned Metropolitan Champions. ‘The increase of students that are now succeeding at a high level is a good indication of the excellent work being done by the school teaching staff in helping the athletes of tomorrow achieve their sporting dreams,’ said Paul Webster, Sports Coordinator.

Rachael Isele was the 2015 recipient of the Pierre de Coubertin Olympic Award, an accolade given to the student who has shown to represent the Olympic goals. ‘During her five years at the school, Rachel has won multiple awards over many sports including Netball, Volleyball, Swimming and Track and Field,’ said Paul. ‘She also devotes her spare time in helping younger students achieve their goal.’

The major awards ceremony concluded with Jonathan presenting the Excellence in Sports and House Captain of the Year Awards.

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