The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021

The

December 2020/January 2021 ISSN 1327-676X

Western Echo Western

Published by: Hot Metal Publications Phone: 3300 1846 - Email: hotmetal@aussiebroadband.com.au Over 15,700 Copies delivered each month to homes, businesses and clubs in the Western Suburbs

Covid-19 Won't Stop Rotary's Santa Sleigh

As 2020 draws to a close the community has seen many changes to life as we know it due to Covid-19. Thankfully, some traditions can and have still been staged, one of which includes the annual Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap's Santa Sleigh. Christmas just would not be the same without this uniquely Gap tradition. Full story Page 3

THE POP UP - SHOE SHOP Christmas Trading Hours

Friday 11th to Thursday 24th December 10 am - 3 pm Shop 44, The Gap Village Shopping Centre - Across from Aldi.

Merry Christmas!

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 1

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANT

MEDICAL CENTRE

R G Goodman Phone: 3289 1700 pg 14

Keperra Family Practice Phone: 3351 0323 pg 6

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING Wyatt Automotive Phone: 3300 2077

pg 8

MORTGAGE ADVISOR Mortgage Choice Ashgrove P h o n e : 3 4 6 3 0 5 0 0 p g 11

MUSIC TUITION

BATHROOMS Steve Froggatt Phone: 0402 730 177 pg 11

BEAUTY The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

BRICKLAYING PAVING Inness Green Phone: 3300 1555 pg 24

BUTCHER MeatU@Home Phone: 3161 5021 pg 16

CHURCHES St Mark's Anglican Church Phone: 3300 1502 pg 27

CLEANING/HOUSEKEEPING Jane's Cleaning Service Phone: 0450 754 363 pg 21

CLUBS/GROUPS Taylor Range Country Club Phone:3366 1560 pg 13

COMMUNITY GARDEN

The Gap Piano Studio Phone: 3166 8353 pg 23

NEWSAGENCY NewsXpress The Gap Phone: 3300 6890 pg

18

PHARMACY

PHYSIOTHERAPY pg 21

PLUMBER Pandanus Contractors Phone: 3300 3934 pg 24 Plumbers We Are Phone: 3351 0016 pg 24

POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT Jonty Bush Phone: 3554 9100 Julian Simmonds MP Phone: 3378 1599

pg 5 pg 7

Yooralla Street Community Garden w w w. y s c g . c o m . a u p a g e 2 9

Cr. Steven Toomey Phone: 3407 1900 pg 4

COMMUNITY SERVICES

You can now read The Western Echo ONLINE - click on the links on either our website www.westernecho.com.au OR our facebook page

Communify Phone: 3368 3723

pg 12

EMERGENCY MEDICAL Northside Emergency www.emergencyBNE.com.au pg 6

GUTTER VACUUM Big Boys Gutter Vacuum Phone: 0407 737 400 pg 10

LAWYERS Hollingworth & Spencer Phone: 3123 5700 pg 14

MASSAGE Bernard Evens Remedial & Sports Phone: 3366 9997 pg 13

VETERINARIAN The Gap Veterinary Clinic Phone: 3300 1533 pg 15

PRINTER CARTRIDGES

WEIGHT LOSS

Cartridge World Ashgrove Phone: 3366 5111 pg 31

Winning with Food Phone: 0403 085 640 pg 20

REAL ESTATE

The Western Echo

Harcourts Inner West Phone: 3511 0666 pg 10

Hot Metal Publications

SANTA PHOTO The Gap Village Shopping Ctr Phone: 3300 3377 pg 17

SHOPPING CENTRES

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

Physiologix Phone: 3511 1112

POP UP SHOE SHOP The Gap Village Shopping Ctr Phone: 3300 3377 pg 1

Advertisers/contributors please note:

Deadline for February 2021 5pm Tuesday 26 January 2021

The Gap Village Shopping Ctr Phone: 3300 3377 pg 9 & 19

TYRE & MECHANICAL Wyatt Automotive Phone: 3300 2077 pg 8

is produced monthly by

PO Box 270 The Gap

Ph: 3300 1846

http://www.westernecho.com.au editor@westernecho.com.au

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Printcraft Ph: 07 3291 2444 Distributed by

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Inside the December Issue...

Amnesty International......................................................30 Arana VIEW Club...........................................................31 Ashgrove Forum................................................................30 Ashgrove Historical Society...........................................14 Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club...........................................16 Brisbane Tramway Museum..................................................31 Chess T’Minit.......................................................................26 Enoggera Historical Society............................................26 Ithaca Probus Club...........................................................29 Men of the Trees..............................................................25 Newmarket Bocce.............................................................30 Newmarket VIEW Club.................................................................26 Paten Park Native Nursery (PPNN).............................................28 Principal’s Points..............................................................22 - 24 Queensland Family History Society................................................11 Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap..................................3 SOWN (Save Our Waterways Now)...........................................29 State Update -Jonty Bush - Member for Cooper.....................5 The Gap Historical Society.......................................................26 The Gap Neighbourhood Watch/Boomerang Bags......................10 The Gap Probus Club.............................................................13 The Gap RSL Sub Branch......................................................28 Ward Happenings.........................................................................4 Walton Bridge The Gap Guides.......................................19

COPYRIGHT: All advertisements appearing in The Western Echo are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the written consent of the owner of the copyright. No guarantee is given to the positioning of the advertisements and the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions or theWestern accuracy ofEcho articlesDecember published. The Western Echo is 2021 delivered, by private letterbox distribution, to 15,700 homes and businesses in: Ashgrove, The 2020/January Page 2 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au Ashgrove West, St. Johns Wood, Dorrington, The Gap, and selected areas of Bardon, Red Hill, Enoggera, Keperra and Mitchelton

Santa Claus IS Coming to The Gap! Once again Santa will visit The Gap between Saturday 5 December to Friday 11 December. Santa and his helpers will be visiting different parts of The Gap between 6pm an 8pm each night. (Refer to the map below for areas/dates) As usual, Santa and all his helpers are looking forward to meeting everyone and wishing you a Merry Christmas!

BUT things will be different this year. Due to COVID 19 we are very aware of the need to maintain appropriate physical distancing.

We will no longer be knocking on doors. When you hear Christmas music near you, Santa will be approaching. Please come out to the street to meet Santa and his helpers who are collecting donations for Rotary.

We will be trialling the use of a Square Card reader.

If you don’t have cash but would still like to donate you can still do so using your card.

We cannot go down all streets. Increasing numbers of cars and other vehicles parked on the side of the road has made it increasingly dangerous to visit all streets.

Your safety and the safety of our volunteers comes first.

You can still have your photos taken with Santa, but you will need to keep at least 1½ metres between you and Santa. Santa’s helpers will help you find a suitable place to stand near the sleigh.

Please be patient while you wait your turn. Santa will still have wrapped lollies and other goodies for the children.

The Santa Sleigh is the biggest single community, fund-raising event for

Ashgrove The Gap Rotary.

Donations made to Rotary go to funding various Rotary activities. This year the club has had a focus on Domestic Violence and has already contributed funds to several organisations who help families who have suffered domestic violence. We have also assisted several community organisations that provide help to those

suffering disadvantage. We thank you for your generous donations in the past and thank you in advance for your generosity again this year.

We wish to thank everyone who have helped Santa visit The Gap each year. We could not do this without your help!

Keep an eye on facebook for updates about Santa Sleigh!

Santa's Schedule Area 1 - Saturday 5th December

2 - Sunday 6th December

3 - Monday 7th December 5th to 11th December

4 - Tuesday 8th December 6.00pm til 8.00pm

5 - Wednesday 9th December

6 - Thursday 10th December

7 - Friday 11th December

Santa Sleigh 2020

Data Source : Open Street Maps, October 2020 Original map: C.Drover 2020

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Visit us www.rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 3

WARD HAPPENINGS WITH

Cr Steven Toomey

Councillor for The Gap Ward Business in Brisbane Update

The year 2020 has been challenging for businesses and Brisbane City Council has been there for local business to help them get back on their feet and enable them to trade through this economic recovery.

In addition to waiving fees and permits, Council has worked with Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) to deliver the Brisbane Business Hub (the Hub).

The Hub has been developed to help local businesses across Brisbane recover from the impact of COVID-19. It’s both a physical and digital space for businesses to gain advice and learn the skills to sustain and grow their business, across all industries. Visit the Hub in person at Level 2, 155 Queen Street, City or explore the virtual Hub https://businessinbrisbane.com.au/about Here you can connect with Brisbane’s leading experts in business who are offering their help with free one on one mentoring sessions from HR to marketing, finance and legal, it’s a one stop shop for any business small, medium or large.

Council has 2 grants available to support economic recovery in our suburbs and neighbourhood centres. The Suburban Shopfront Activation Grant seeks to match property owners with vacant shopfronts with potential pop up businesses looking to try their hand in a physical space. Council provides a $2000 grant to each party and provides support through the initial set up.

The second grant is the Suburban Shopfront Improvement Grant aimed at revitalizing suburban shopping precincts and street-level improvements for your shopfront. Property owners or tenants are eligible to apply for this grant.

Grants will operate as a matched funding scheme, where Council and the Applicant will contribute to the costs of the shopfront improvements on a dollar-for-dollar amount basis up to a maximum amount of $5000 (ex GST) from Council. Find out more about this grant on the Council website and search ‘suburban-shopfrontimprovement-grants’

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2021 At the close of 2020, I would like to acknowledge the distress, loss and suffering our community has faced responding to the pandemic. We have faced unprecedented times but through out this year I have been amazed at the tenacity and resilience that comes from love, community and generosity. To the business, community, environmental and sporting groups across the ward who have adapted to ensure they remain connected to the wider community, I thank you. I would like to wish everyone a well deserved rest with friends and family over the Christmas and New Year season.

Soldiers Settlement Place

I was very pleased to have been able to facilitate the naming ‘Solidiers Settlement Place’ in the parkland at Michaela Crescent, The Gap; in consultation with Mr Jeff Hilder, President of The Gap Pioneer & History Group. A small Service on Remembrance Day was held with the ancestors of the soldiers that were given the opportunity to occupy property and settle in The Gap as part of ‘The Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1917”.

I am proud to be part of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s team as we strive towards our goal of becoming Australia’s most business friendly city.

I look forward to the commencement in early 2021 of the Ashgrove West Precinct Project and delivering a $2.9 million upgrade to this local shopping precinct.

The Gap Ward Office Christmas Holidays

The Gap Ward Office will be closed from 5pm Friday 18 December 2020 and re-open 9am Monday 11 January 2021

Community Corner – Thursday 10 December 2020

Bring along your current or recent rates notice to receive your voucher for two free trees from Paten Park Native Nursery, 57 Paten Road, The Gap. 6–7pm 10 December–Great Western Shopping Ctr, 1028 Samford Rd, Keperra outside Terry White Chemist

477 Waterworks Rd Ashgrove West, 4060 Phone: 07 3407 1900 Email: thegap.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au Web: StevenToomey.com.au The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 4

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

State Update

Jonty Bush MP

Member for Cooper

Thank you to the Cooper community for your support and trust The Queensland state election was held on October 31, and I was honored to be elected as your new Member for Cooper. I’ve hit the ground running, attending school awards ceremonies, community AGMs and end of year small business functions – importantly, speaking with you about the things you love in our community, and your ideas for the future. I’m looking forward to working with you over this term to progress those ideas.

At the time of writing this I’ve just finished up a parliamentary induction in Parliament House – did you know that schools and local groups can request tours of Parliament House? As Queensland’s most important working heritage building its certainly worth a visit, you can contact our office for details on how to organize this.

Finally I wanted to use this December edition opportunity to congratulate all of our graduating Year 12’s who are embarking on a new chapter of their life. Whether you intend on further study, work or travel I’m certain that 2021 will bring adventure your way. Also congratulations to our Grade 6’s who are off on their exciting journey into high school next year – and well done of course to the parents and loved ones, Principals, Teachers, Teacher Aides, administration staff and the broader school community. We know that our children’s school experience wouldn’t be the same without your love

Savvy Hair Artistry “Big Night In” Celebration

Attending induction at Parliament House with my new Parliamentary colleagues

and guidance and I hope you all get to enjoy a well deserved break over the holiday period.

This year has been unlike any other. We’ve had unforeseen challenges but through that we’ve also found new ways of working together, supporting our communities and caring for ourselves and our families. From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy festive season. Please follow me on social media (or call us) to find out about office closures over this period.

Red Hill Special School Graduation

Shop 2/230 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove Q 4060 t 3554 9100 e cooper@parliament.qld.gov.au f www.facebook.com/jontyforcooper

Jonty Bush - working hard for us website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 5

The Paddington Centre ...it matters where you go is back in action and ready to rumble

BECAUSE YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH IS VITAL

Come and join us at the Paddington Centre on Latrobe Terrace, for a range of activities that cater to a variety of FAMILY PRACTICE & SKIN CANCER CLINIC interests. Our activities vary from excursions, guest speakers, bridge, mah-jong, accessible gardening, guided exercise programs, brain gym art and music therapy, current affairs, theatre and arts discussions.

Our team of doctors and health professionals provide Our Out and About Thursday group explores and visits you with ongoing and little gems around Brisbane every week. In November we comprehensive medical care. went to the Eden Gardens and the Planetarium and when it rained settled in for a movie. The rain was not going to stop Childhood us from venturing out.

Immunisation The Centre recently won the Leading Aged Services now available Australia (LASA), Excellence in Aged Services Award for our evening groups like Sip and Paint. So why not join us for our evening class of Sip and Paint. Our Hands on Art artist, • Same day appointment guaranteed Karen, will lead the class and teach you to paint on canvas.

• Open 7 days • Online bookings on our website You can take your painting home at the end! Cost is $25 and includes facilitated painting activity, dinner, glass of wine and • Bulk billing for children & concession card holders door-to-door transport A day at the Paddington Centre provides the opportunity Cnr Settlement & Samford Roads, for our senior community members to enjoy a day away from home in the company of others. So pop in for some fun and Phone: giggles. www.keperrafamilypractice.com.au would Half page – 175mm HIfx you 120mm Wlike to get in touch with us call us on 3368 3723 or email emilya@communify.org.au

Keperra

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When knife skills aren’t so sharp…

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www.emergencyBNE.com.au The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 6

627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

UQ COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Running Ahead of Schedule The University of Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine team have announced significant progress in their vaccine trial.

The Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP and the Federal Member for Ryan, Mr Julian Simmonds MP visited the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at the University of Queensland to be updated on the vaccine development.

Professor Paul Young who is leading the research team revealed that the early data from the Phase 1 clinical trial indicates their vaccine is safe and well tolerated when administered.

Professor Young also declared that this vaccine induces a strong immune response and neutralises an antibody response equivalent

or better than what is seen in patients who have recovered from the virus infection.

“We have shown that the lower doses that we have been trialling have been just as effective in inducing that immune response,” Professor Young said.

The Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP announced that CSL have completed the manufacturing of this vaccine and are ready to commence Phase 3 clinical trials.

“The initial data is very clear, the vaccine is proving to be safe through Phase 1 clinical trials, and that it is proving to produce a positive antibody response, so it is doing its job,” Minister Hunt said.

The progress means that this vaccine will potentially be available, subject to

Mr Simmonds holding a COVID-19 vaccine at the AIBN, UQ

the results of those trials, for delivery to Australians towards the end of 2021.

“Our national goal is to ensure that all Australians who seek to be vaccinated are vaccinated by the end of 2021,” Minister Hunt said.

The Federal Member for Ryan, Mr Julian Simmonds MP said that “as a community, we are so proud of the work that the University of Queensland research team are doing here in the laboratories.”

“They [the research team] are very modest about it but the reality is that they are working incredibly long hours; their families are making sacrifices to make sure that they can be here working long hours on behalf of the Australian community, “Mr Simmonds said.

The Morrison Government have struck agreements with CSL and the University of Queensland for 51 million units of the molecular clamp, AstraZeneca and Oxford for 33.8 million units, Novavax for 40 million units, and Pfizer for 10 million units of their respective vaccines.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours

Julian SIMMONDS MP Federal Member for Ryan

Facebook: facebook.com/JulianSimmondsMP Phone: 3378 1599 Email: Julian.Simmonds.MP@aph.gov.au Authorised by J. Simmonds, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 188 Moggill Road, Taringa QLD 4068.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 7

Veteran and Community Grant Applications Now Open Local Ex-Service Organisations in the Ryan Electorate are being encouraged to apply for Federal funding as part of the Morrison Government’s Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) program.

These grants will support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

Julian Simmonds MP said the health and wellbeing of the veteran community is an ongoing priority for the Morrison Government and the Veteran and Community Grants Program is an important way of supporting ex-service organisations such as local RSL’s in providing grassroots assistance to veterans and their families. “ Wi t h t h e E n o g g e r a Barracks in the heart of the Ryan electorate, I recognise the immense importance of the Veteran and Community Grants program in supporting

activities and services that improve the health and wellbeing of the veteran community in my local area,” Mr Simmonds said.

The Morrison Government recognises the importance of ensuring our ex-servicemen and women and their families are supported through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and providing accessibility to carers and community services.

“The Ex-Service Organisations in our local community understand the support that is needed for veterans and their families.

This new round of funding will provide seed funding to initiate programs that will further extend the support that is presently offered,” Mr Simmonds said.

Ex-Service Organisations have been invited to apply

George Hulse OAM, President of the Toowong RSL SubBranch with Julian Simmonds MP, Federal Member for Ryan

for grants of up to $20,000 for local, community-based projects and activities.

Additionally, there will be a small number of larger grants of up to $150,000 which will deliver broad ranging projects that offer benefits for the wider ex-servicemen community.

The 2020-21 grant round is now available for application online and follows the Veterans’ Health Week where social connection amidst the coronavirus pandemic was the key focus.

“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone in our community, and Veterans’ Health Week has reminded us of the importance of staying connected with each other,” Mr Simmonds said.

Grant applications will close 29 January 2021. For more information about how to apply see the Community Grants Hub website: www. c o m m u n i t y g r a n t s . g o v. au. Assistance with grant application queries is also available by phone: 1800 020 283 or by email: support@ communitygrants.gov.au.

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The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 8

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The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 9

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap 4061 Many times, children, like adults, may feel troubled, confused, out of their depth, and even have feelings of despair and helplessness, for reasons big or small. For children, common challenges include bullying in person or online; relationship issues; sexual assault, body image, drugs & alcohol; domestic abuse; or even family separation /divorce.

Whatever they are e x p e r i e n c i n g , i t ’s s o important that our children have someone to talk to, especially if they aren’t yet ready to tell their parents/ guardians or loved ones.

The Neighbourhood Watch The Gap (NHWQ) and Rotary Ashgrove The Gap (RATG) have created Safety Bag Tags containing relevant information for our children

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so that no matter what they are experiencing or wherever they are experiencing it, they have someone they can call, who they can confide in, to get the guidance and support they need to work through their issue.

The NHWQ The Gap and RATG, under their joint Safety Bag Tags Initiative, will provide every student in Brisbane, and beyond, a ‘Bag Mate’ that contains hotline phone numbers of age appropriate welfare agencies that students can call in confidence about any safety concerns they may be experiencing now, or may experience in future.

One of the children, who received a Bag Tag Buddy as part of Phase 1, told us; “My new Bag Buddy makes me feel happier, more safe, makes me feel relieved that there are places I can call to talk about things, and makes me feel like I can help others.”

Having such hotline numbers in an easily

accessible place, also encourages conversation between peers, siblings, parents/guardians about such subjects, as reported by a parent from one of the participating schools.

The NHWQ The Gap and RATG, as part of the next phase, are working towards engaging with the remaining 8 primary and secondary schools in Ashgrove and The Gap. We are working towards raising funds to attach ‘Bag Mates’ for free to every child’s school bag.

To make this a reality, we invite every school and their P&C, and local businesses in our suburbs to join us in this initiative and attach a ‘Bag Mate’ on every child’s bag. Parents, grandparents, and friends, too, can directly purchase one or more “Bag Mates’ to help us keep more children safe.

We have produced generic BAG MATES suitable for primary and secondary schools available NOW for purchase for $5 a tag. You can purchase these BAG MATES by contacting us through our email, safetybagtags@ gmail.com; Facebook: safetybagtags, or soon to be launched website: www. safetybagtags.org.au.

The image below shows the insert content for Primary schools (left) and Secondary schools(right) tailored to age appropriate hotline numbers.

Are your GUTTERS ready for the storm season?

Don’t risk your safety by climbing on your roof!

Call Maurie on 0407

737 400

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 10

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Steve Froggatt

Having trouble with researching your family history?

Have you been dabbling in researching your family history or have you hit a brick wall with your research? Perhaps you are struggling to find information on your family history and don’t know where to look next and need a bit of help. Why not start learning the basics of getting started researching your family history in 2021. These past months have really reinforced the importance of family and recording our older family members stories.

In February Queensland Family History Society has a beginner’s class starting. This six week course will get you started and assist you in starting your research. Our experienced tutors will help you with where to start, what to be on the look out for, where to look for information. Read more about the course on our website at www.qfhs.org.au/events/ finding-your-family-a-beginners-course-in-research-feb-2021.

Members and non members are welcome. For the duration of the course you will have access to all QFHS resources.

Our line-up for courses for 2021 is looking fantastic. With our webinars we have interstate and international speakers willing to share their experience and knowledge with you. www.qfhs.org.au/events/fridays-qfhs/ Book early and don’t miss out. Happy and safe holidays to you all.

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Mortgage Choice Ashgrove wishes all our clients and the local community a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

Talk to us today 07 3463 0500 MortgageChoice.com.au/stuart.pullar Unit 3, 229 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove

Stuart Pullar: 0414 408 535 stuart.pullar@mortgagechoice.com.au Gary Rowe: 0406 969 932 gary.rowe@mortgagechoice.com.au

Mortgage Choice Limited ACN 009 161 979. Australian Credit Licence 382869.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 11

Ashgrove sweethearts celebrate 70 years of marriage

More than 75 years ago two neighbours become good friends – and then more – in a tiny town west of Beaudesert.

Now lifelong sweethearts Alwyn and Doris Pfeffer have reached a major milestone, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on November 11.

Doris lives at Carinity Hilltop aged care in Kelvin Grove while Alwyn is still in the family home of 70 years at Ashgrove. He visits Doris almost every day and is assisted at home by Carinity Home Care.

Alwyn, 94 and Doris, 91, have been a couple for 75 years.

They met as children at Charlwood State School, in the Scenic Rim region, and grew up on neighbouring dairy farms.

They didn’t attend high school as they worked on the family farms but caught up at Sunday School at their

On their wedding day in 1950

Doris and Alwyn Peffer on their 70th wedding anniversary, 11 November 2020

local church and attended the same community functions.

After being paired together for a community bushwalk at Cunningham’s Gap, the then teenagers began courting and were engaged five years later.

“We were paired off for the walk and Doris and I were a pair – and we’ve been a pair ever since,” Alwyn says.

Alwyn and Doris were married in Kalbar on 11 November 1950 then moved to Ashgrove.

Doris and Alwyn both agree that times were much simpler when they were growing up and in the early years of their courting.

Farm life was so busy that they had very little time for anything else.

They enjoyed attending church and community functions.

Alwyn worked as a wool classer in Brisbane for more than 40 years while

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 12

Doris was a housemaker who cared for their three sons. The couple travelled overseas to places such as Africa and Britain.

They are long-time members of Ashgrove Baptist Church, where Alwyn was a Sunday School teacher for 25 years and Doris catered for social functions.

They were also heavily involved with Boys Brigade.

Alwyn believes a good marriage will endure if couples, ‘Have the same goals and hobbies, have good communication, are tolerant, don’t place your own views first, and learn to compromise.”

Doris’ secret to a happy marriage is: “If you have a disagreement just let the other person think they are right – even if you know they aren’t.”

Alwyn and Doris have nine grandchildren and several greatgrandchildren.

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Probus Club of The Gap

This month, so fortunate are we in Queensland, the Probus Club has been able to put on no fewer than three separate events – real ones, with real people in a real place, nothing virtual about them. That we could do this is a tribute to the club organisation, and to the members who put up with the ever-changing regulations, and to our fully-trained and certified Covid Marshall (as we call him) Bob Adams (Achievement Earned Notification COVID SAFE Work Training for Dining In (TAFE)).

First we had a Melbourne Cup lunch at The Gap Tavern, which was a lot of fun and no-one went home broke. Well done the Tavern for hosting it smoothly in difficult circumstances.

A couple of days later we had a general meeting in the Baptist Church – what we would once upon a time regarded as a “normal” meeting – during which, after the quiz was decided and its prizes distributed, we learned a lot about some members’ histories: meeting the spouse, first job, etc. These turned out to be great conversation starters.

Finally, a lunch at the Blind Tiger bar and restaurant in The Gap village rounded off a month that was more eventful than some in the recent past! And we can recommend the ginger-and-rhubarb gin.

Next month will finish off our year with a Christmas lunch and a bus trip to Tamborine, before we take a bit of a break and meet again informally on Australia Day. We really do believe in “an active retirement”.

If you would be interested in joining Probus, or just giving it a try, we would welcome your enquiry. Just call our secretary Jan on 0448 965 459. Places are available – no waiting list – and we’d love to put you on the mailing list and include you in the clubbishness!

The Western Echo extends best wishes to you and your family over the Christmas season and wish you a Covid-free, prosperous, healthy and exciting new year.

We look forward to your continued readership in 2021 - first edition February.

Philippa Wightman OAM - Publisher/Editor

ANTA Member

MASSAGE THERAPY POSTURAL DYNAMICS

The Ideal Christmas Present the Whole Family Can Enjoy!

Ta y l o r R a n g e i s a family recreational Club which offers leisure and recreation in the western suburbs for 12 months of the year.

As well as a gas-heated swimming pool for use Swimming pools for year-round enjoyment in the cooler months the Club also has numerous gas barbecue areas that you can relax at during these beautiful clear days.

Instead of spending a fortune on a gym membership that you rarely use why not join a Club that encourages a healthy lifestyle for the whole family whilst creating lifelong memories?

Two Day/Night tennis courts Facilities include 3 swimming pools, 2 day/night tennis courts, 4 glass-backed squash courts, function hall, kiosk, half-basketball court and barbecue areas.

Taylor Range also offers squash for all ages. “We have a junior academy run in conjunction with Squash Australia and this gives boys and girls the opportunity to join one of our junior teams”, said Club manager Michael Wilson.

Junior Squash Academy “We have squash players aged from 5 to 75 years of age at the Club, so whatever your standard there are opportunities here to play socially and or competitively,” added Michael.

This is the ideal time Ideal for birthday parties and barbecues to join a Club that offers you and your family healthy outdoor leisure opportunities, in a safe relaxed environment. Don’t miss out - contact the Club today!

Membership is strictly limited

by Club Constitution.

Contact Club Manager Michael Wilson for details today.

Telephone: 3366 1560

Shop 1/ 489 Waterworks Road Ashgrove West

www.taylorrangecountryclub.com.au

T: 3366 9997 www.ntpages.com.au/bernardevens

28 Greenlanes Road, Ashgrove

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

A.C.N 009 818 277

Email: trcclub@bigpond.net.au Fax: 3366 7430

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 13

The Three Mile Scrub - Part 2

- Continued from the October 2020 edition of The Western Echo The Three Mile Scrub was 80-100 hectares of rainforest unique and specific to Brisbane on Enoggera Creek from Kelvin Grove to Newmarket. It was considered one of the most beautiful areas of lowland vine forest and wet scheropyll in Brisbane. The forest had towering hoop pine, mahogany, ironbark, cedar and fig trees plus many plants including vines, creepers, orchids, passionflower and black bean. The diverse environment provided a cool haven with the creek and dense canopy and offered indigenous people an ideal habitat to source plant medicines as well as hunt, fish and gather food. It was a site for harvesting, fermenting and processing black-bean paste and macrozamia (cycad) kernels. It was a veritable Garden of Eden!

Since the beginning of European settlement, the area suffered from the felling of the tall, straight hoop pine.

The logs were used for ships’ masts and spars and were in fact, the first export to England from Brisbane Town thus sounding the death knell for the majestic stands of hoop pine along the Brisbane River and its tributaries. As early as the 1880s, the infiltration of weeds such as lantana had a significant impact on the Three Mile Scrub.

Around this time, selectors took up land grants in the area. The grants required that all vegetation be removed so land was available for farming. Farming then gave way to housing estates and Enoggera Creek became a dumping ground. The remaining forest was overrun with weeds and the tannery located on the creek at Free

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Street, Newmarket (18681956) polluted this once beautiful waterway…

Fast forward to the 1980s.

Cr Brian Hallinan (The Gap Ward 1982-1997) was concerned about the state of the creeks in his ward.

Brisbane City Council treated them as stormwater drains and used bulldozers to clear them of weeds. Brian’s vision was to establish a communitybased organisation, which would provide the knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to carry out the rehabilitation of the creeks and gullies in the catchment area of the Enoggera and Ithaca Creek system. Brian invited the existing Enoggera Creek Committee, under the leadership of Trevor Ozanne, a lecturer in horticulture, to form the nucleus of the steering committee to establish Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN).

The SOWN committee was established on 1st March 1994. A book was published last year to commemorate SOWN’s 25th anniversary. It is a wonderful record of the organisation, and the work that has been carried out by its members during those years. It can be accessed as an eBook on the SOWN website under the tab ‘Current

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The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 14

Projects’. Dedicated SOWN volunteers continue to be very active in re-establishing the native flora along the banks of our local creek system. Information on how to get involved in working bees etc can also be found on the SOWN website or on noticeboards located along the creeks.

The AHS committee would like to thank those people who have renewed their membership or joined during this discombobulating year. Your loyalty and interest is encouraging and we sincerely hope that the monthly speaker program and the morning tea that follows will return early next year. If all goes to plan, the first meeting will be held in the Ashgrove Library meeting rooms on Saturday 6 February 10amnoon. Updated information on dates and speakers will be posted on our website and Facebook page during January. In the meantime, for information about the Society and its publications (great for gift giving), please visit our website. PayPal is no longer supported on the website so please contact the secretary, Julie, at E: ahs. secretary@bigpond.com or P: 3366 4621 if you wish to make a purchase.

Quote of the Day

We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us.

- Albert Einstein website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Merry Christmas from The Gap Veterinary Surgery We strive to continually improve our services and maintain state of the art veterinary care.

We have refreshed our practice branding to reflect our dedication to modern veterinary practice and the community we serve. We hope you like the fresh new look as much as we do.

This year we have updated our patient monitors and fluid administration pumps as part of our on-going commitment to providing safe anaesthesia, cutting-edge monitoring of all patients and pain-free recovery. We continue to use, where appropriate, techniques such as epidural anaesthesia, local and regional nerve blocks and continuous infusions of pain relieving drugs.

As a result, our patients are happier and recovery times are shorter. We have replaced our patient warming devices, so our patients continue to be snug during and after procedures, or whilst in hospital with an illness that drops body temperature.

Our range of in-house diagnostic equipment has been extended to include a hematology machine and a urine analysis machine. For many years we have been able to perform blood chemistry tests and semi-automated urine testing “in-house”. With the addition of this new equipment, we are now able to perform complete blood counts, complete blood biochemistry profiles and comprehensive, automated urine tests in the clinic. As a result, your pet’s test results are often available within the hour, or on occasions before you leave the building.

I wish to thank our wonderful veterinary nurses for embracing the new technology and for their commitment to on-going technical development.

As the end of 2020 approaches, I’d like to sincerely thank all of our clients for once again entrusting their pet’s health care to the vets and veterinary nurses of The Gap Veterinary Surgery.

The opportunity to provide veterinary services to our community is a privilege, a pleasure, and a responsibility that we take very seriously. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Regards, Scott, Connie and all the staff TGVS

Services we offer :-

• Veterinary treatments, surgery and hospitalisation • Small animal Dentistry • Veterinary diagnostic pathology and radiology • Sales of Pet products, food and accessories • PennHIP scheme accreditation • Cat Boarding • Loads of friendly advice!

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Phone: 3300 1533 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 15

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club

As Christmas approaches I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief that 2020 is nearly over and we can look forward to a better and more optimistic year in 2021.

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions have gradually, over the last couple of months, been able to get back out into our local area to help other community groups with their events and to, once again, start to raise funds with such things as sausage sizzles, raffles and the Melbourne Cup Trifecta. In regard to the latter congratulations must go to a resident of the The Gap who had the winning combination, well done!

Another main fundraiser for Lions clubs is the selling of our Christmas cakes. For many, the purchase of these cakes and puddings has become an annual tradition

and a tasty inclusion to the Christmas fare. They also make very acceptable Christmas gifts. This year marks the end of an era as Top Taste, who for many years has been baking these cakes on behalf of Lions Australia, has shut its doors.

A new company has taken over the contract, with the understanding that the same long standing recipe is used, however the cakes sold this year will be the last to be made in here in Qld. Lions’ cakes and puddings are available for sale in the following places: The Gap: Star Discount Chemist; Day and Night Chemist; Bank of Qld West Ashgrove: West Ashgrove Pharmacy; The Council Gap Ward Office Ashgrove: George the Barber; Suncorp Bank;

Westpac Bank; Bank of Qld; Cartridge World.

Red Hill: Red Hill Pharmacy The final event for Ashgrove/The Gap Lions will be our Christmas party. This will be only the third time this year when all members and their partners have been able to get together, so it is a much anticipated event and we are all looking forward to ‘getting on with the job’ when we reconvene at the end of January.

Don’t forget to check out

Guess who is gearing up to leave the North Pole? ...and along with our old mate comes the annual decisions to be made on what do we need for our Christmas Celebrations?

This year we will be stocking all of your traditional (and some not-so) Christmas food requirements so if you are struggling for ideas, don’t hesitate to give the store a call or pop in and have a chat to our team of knowledgeable butchers and staff to assist with your choices.

We will gladly offer meat choices, cooking advice and recipe ideas to help you through the festivities, whether you are cooking for 1 or 100.

You can choose from the following but there is always more – you just need to ask.

Free Range / Pasture Raised Leg Hams (Whole, Half, Quarters, Sliced) Tu r k e y s ( W h o l e , Buffet, Breasts) Chickens (Whole, Butterflied, Boneless)

the second instalment of the interesting and important article on Cyber Security that is in this edition of the Western Echo. It is written by a member of Ashgrove/ The Gap Lions club who is still working in this field and is a must read for everyone who values keeping their personal information secure. Enjoy!

Have a good and safe Christmas and our best wishes to everyone for a healthy and successful 2021 from all at Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club.

Pork Roasts (Leg, Shoulder, Loin Bone In or Boneless)

Nitrite Free Leg Hams (Whole, Half, Quarters, Sliced)

A secret offer for Western Echo readers, we can cook a limited number of Pork Roasts for collection on Christmas Eve - but numbers are limited, so if you want us to cook your roast for you, you will need to order early, as when numbers are filled, orders will be closed off.

Call the store - 3161 5021 - or pop in and order to avoid disappointment.

As always, if there is anything we can do to assist you, or there that special product you want and can’t find it, please don’t hesitate to ask and we will do what we can to get you what you need.

Until February, stay healthy, eat well and hope to Meat U @ The Gap soon!

Kind regards and a very Merry Christmas, Julie and Gary Read and our wonderful team

The Gap Village Shopping Centre, 1000 Waterworks Road, The Gap The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 16

THE GAP

Ph: 3161 5021 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Get your ‘Selfie with Santa' at The Gap Village!

Christmas shoppers are encouraged to stop by the "Selfie with Santa" booth, situated in the Aldi arcade (eastern wing) of The Gap Village Shopping Centre.

As an added incentive there will be giveaways of ‘The Gap Village Eftpos Cards' for:

• Best “Selfie” Photo • Best Family Photo • Best Kids photo • Best Nana & Pop photo

Please email your photo entries to: thegapvillage@gmail.com Entry photos may appear on The Gap Village's

or

pages.

* Selfie's with Santa promotion ends 31 December 2020

1000 Waterworks Road, The Gap Qld Tel: 3300 3377 website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 17

Walton Bridge The Gap Girl Guide District We are close to wrapping up for 2020 and what a year this has been. After a bright start to the year, we had four months with no face-to-face meetings.

Instead we had Flexible Guiding some units emailed challenges, another provided activity boxes with ‘at-home projects’ and others did Zoom meetings.

Walton Bridge The Gap Guide units resumed in person during the second half of the year enjoying a wide variety of activities within our COVID Safe Plan. These included indoor and outdoor games and activities, a cookout with individual foil meals to be COVIDsafe, campfires, making camp gadgets, and jewellery making. Three units, 1st Brownies, 2nd Brownies and 3rd Guides, supported the charity Share the Dignity this year. This charity works to end period poverty in Australia. We thank our volunteer leaders for their enthusiasm, skill and commitment that empowers girls and young women to grow into confident, self-respecting responsible community members.

There are six units for girls and young women from ages 5 to 17 developing their leadership skills, enjoying the outdoors, having fun while

learning essential life skills. There are also opportunities for adult women to continue Guiding with a Trefoil Guild (adult members 18+) or as adult leaders and unit helpers working with the girls.

If you think you have a little space in your lives to volunteer as a leader or unit helper, these are a great bunch of girls and young women who have fun, enjoy friendships, and support each other. If you decide to join as an adult leader or unit helper, uniforms and training are provided. Please contact our District Manager, Elizabeth Wheeley if you are interested at e.wheeley@gmail.com to find more.

2nd Walton Bridge The Gap Brownies who, as part of their service commitment, collected items and donated 16 bags for the charity “Share the Dignity.” The charity then gives the bags to women and teenagers who are homeless or in need. Jen Witheriff, a Director at Share the Dignity, who is in the photo at right - centre back row, came along to Brownies to collect the bags and she spoke to the girls about how important their role is in the world and she asked them about Guiding and how it made them feel when they came to Brownies and what sort of activities they did each week.

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The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 18

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The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 19

Pharmacy still going strong after 25 years During November, The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy spent a week celebrating pharmacy and showcasing some historical pharmacy items.

Also a key part of the celebrations was to mark that for 25 years, Michael & Kate Knynenburg have been owners of the popular and highly regarded pharmacy.

Over the quarter of a century, they have operated under a several different banners and in late 2018 became proudly independent.

Over the years they have worked with numerous staff members, all of whom have made their mark in helping the pharmacy serve The Gap community. The pharmacy's team have seen children and babies grow into adults who are now bringing their own families in to The Gap. Michael and Kate thank all their wonderful customers and their exceptional staff for their years of support.

Pharmacy has certainly changed over the years (as demonstrated by some of the items that have been on display).

One innovation which has proven to be very popular with customers is the Med-Advisor pharaceutical script ordering application - especially since the outbreak of Covid-19. The application - for use on your smart phone, tablet or PC, allows you to manage and order your scripts online with your local pharmacy, and you are notified when your order is ready for collection. This free service allows you the convenience of quick pick-up and dispensing of your prescription and over the counter medications. For more information have a chat

Gap Pharmacists Michael and Kate Knynenburg still serving The Gap community after 25 years

with us when you are next in the pharmacy and we can assist in setting it up.

Feel free to have a look at our facebook page for photos of the items we displayed and pictures of past staff members - some of whom are still part of the dedicated, knowledgeable and excellent customer service team.

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The Physiologix Corner The importance of exercise in improving health comes through time and time again in research.

This may be from things like cancer through to back pain or chronic pain conditions, for example fibromyalgia. A recent study looking at exercise in older athletes in the British Medical journal stated the following: “Engaging in regular physical activity may be one of our best ‘life enhancing medicines’ and should be used extensively”.

In this study higher intensity exercise was found to be more beneficial than moderate intensity exercise, following a twice a week program, at home or in a class setting. Being given a set program helped gain more motivation and compliance from participants. At Physiologix, we are passionate about getting you moving. In our stunning private gym area, with state of the art pilates and rehabilitation equipment, we run an extensive timetable of small, pilates classes where you will have your own individualised program to follow. We also run small physio supervised classes for those needing a little more help and support.

Here is a snapshot of a few pilates based exercises and why we might be doing them The ‘Scooter’ on the reformer is a great exercise to work on hip stability and strengthen for glutes and legs. The idea is to keep your body weight and your balance on the supporting leg, as you kick back with the other leg. Yet it is amazing how many people have done this in Pilates workouts for years before coming to us and felt the exercise more in the front of the thigh…..totally missing the point of this exercise!!! A few little tricks and this becomes one of the best buttock muscle activation and strength exercises there is.

The ‘Step Back’ on the wunda chair is one of the functional exercises that we use during our physio rehab and the Pilates classes. Depending on the springs that you are using, you can have more or less support to step up, so we can always adapt the exercises for your level.

This is a fantastic exercise to strengthen your glutes and legs, and work on your balance and full body control.

Pilates is not only about rehabilitation. You can also work really hard! Our pilates instructors have a fitness background to help you to reach your fitness or sporting goals.

PILATES at The PHYSIOLOGIX studio space has expanded!

Our bigger and well equipped pilates studio offers custom programs for individuals or small group classes, with all sessions run by a highly qualified physiotherapist. See you there!

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At The Gap Health & Racquet Club 200 Settlement Rd, The Gap This ‘long stretch series’ is an example of a challenging core work.

Our ability to mix rehab and pilates equipment together at Physiologix allows us to progress and challenge you. In this case, the addition of the BOSU for Kneeling Chariot/Lat Pull creates an added challenge by being on an unstable surface.

Your deep core stabilisers need to work harder to maintain stability without compromising posture.

Motivated? No matter how unfit or fit you are, no matter what your injuries or health issues, at Physiologix we will get you moving. Get in to see our Sports and Exercise physios to get an individualized program for yourself, either to do in one of our many classes, or to do from home. Call us on 3511 1112 or email us from the ‘contact us’ tab on our webpage physiologix.com.au

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The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 21

.....Principal's Points.......Principal's Points......

Mt Nebo State School Our little school on the mountain has not had as many opportunities this year to compete or participate in competitions with our cluster schools. We have, however been able to host several events and have also been able to have parents as spectators (following all guidelines), due to our smaller numbers. Since last year, our school enrolments have grown from 24 to 39 and we continue to welcome enrolments in our multi-age setting.

We have seven students heading off to High School in 2021- Five of these students will attend The Gap High while two are moving south. Our wonderful Chappy Kay organised two transition afternoons for the Year 6 students, which they have thoroughly enjoyed.

So far, four students have enrolled in Prep for 2021 and have enjoyed a number of transition days, finding out what it’s like to participate with their fellow peers, in activities from Reading Groups, Perceptual Motor Program, to Music and Forest School.

At the end of Term 3 all students participated in a wonderful “Colour Run” also organised by Chappy Kay, and raised over $6500, of which the school has received just over $4000. The funds are being used to renovate our school library. We were all excited to enjoy a spectacular Book Week Parade early this term, where staff all dressed in Dr Seuss themed costumes.

The students had a wonderful time.

In the same week we had a virtual meeting with Olympic Rower, Ria Thompson, who inspired students with her amazing outlook and

messages about aiming high, striving to do your best by setting goals. We were lucky enough to win this special virtual meeting, which our library teacher aide, Mrs McDonald organised.

Our students were incredibly successful in the annual Moreton Bay Youth Art Awards. The Prep-Year 2 class took out first prize and won $1000 for our school’s art program. Their mixed media canvas was entitled “Reflections of 2020”.

Individuals took out a number of trophies and prizes too, which made us very proud.

Paintings and drawings were some of the highlights of the winners - 1st - Year 3-6 Ishmael, 1st - 2D – Yahli, 2nd - Year 3-6 – Rory 2nd, Prep-2 – Poppy and 3rd – Prep - 2 – Phoebe. Another 10 students received Highly Commended awards.

Our students in Prep-2 recently enjoyed a visit to Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre and spent a day learning about animals and plants in a different forest environment with our partners from the centre.

Every Monday this term, the whole school travels down the mountain to Taylor Range Country Club where all students have been enjoying swimming lessons taught by qualified coaches, who are able to differentiate to the needs of students. We are all looking forward to our small swimming carnival on the 30 November to finish off the season.

At the time of writing, we were anticipating the arrival of a special guest, His Excellency, The Governor of Queensland, Paul de Jersey AC whose visit on the 17 November, inspired us to find out more about the role of The Governor in our society.

We think we are pretty lucky having such a special guest

and were delighted that he wanted to see our unique little school on the mountain.

As the year comes to a close, our Year 6 students have been completing writing the annual school play with one of our wonderful parents. The coming weeks will involve every student in rehearsals with the culminating night being the Year 6 Graduation, Awards and Play on December 4th at school.

As we wind down after the play, we will have one final event which will be participation of our school community in the Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious Christmas Market on Sunday December 6th.

Robyn Burke - Principal

Payne Road State School We a r e a s c h o o l o f excellence!

It has been a privilege to support or dedicated teams of highly capable learners at Payne Road SS in their quests for academic excellence this term – through Optiminds and Brainways quests community challenges!

Our Junior Optiminds Team has recently achieved honours and a spirit award!

Our Junior Brainways Team have just this weekend, won the State Finals and are now set to compete at national level!

Our Senior Brainways Team reached the state finalist threshold and they achieved an invitation to participate in the online State Finals.

All of these students have shone in their sheer dedication, inspiration and together they have shown a real synergy within their respective teams.

Such learning capability in collaboration will see them in good stead for life-long

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 22

learning as ‘together they can achieve more’.

Our competitive teams have been prepared by our highly capable teachers with extension and group challenges in English, Science, Humanities and Mathematics – they proudly facilitated growth and confidence in our highly capable student teams!

We also recognise the parents who have supported our teams by organising materials, transport and online interaction – it really does take a community to raise a child!

At Payne Road State School our motto is – We Aim Ever Higher!

Nicky Brazzale – Principal

St Peter Chanel School Term 4 is typically a busy one in the life of schools and this year is no exception.

Children in Prep – Year 2 have begun their coaching sessions with Gymnastics Australia, with the children eagerly participating in their learning! The program’s focus is on fundamental movement patterns which assist students to progress to more advanced skills or sports. Safety, teamwork and building self-esteem are also key components. Our families are enjoying lesson photos which are posted on the school’s PE blog.

We have hosted a Band Information Night for parents of students thinking of joining the Junior Band in 2021. It is great to see the interest in this enjoyable program remaining high.

Day for Daniel is another day we commemorate in Term 4, where we focus on raising awareness of child safety, protection and harm prevention. Students were (Continued on page 23)

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

.....Principal's Points.......Principal's Points......

St Peter Chanel Primary School (Continued from page 22)

invited to wear a splash of red to school and we appreciated a special visit from our Adopt-a-Cop, Sergeant Greg Bishop, along with Senior Sergeant David Farley. They shared valuable information with the students regarding how to stay safe in physical and online environments.

Early in November we commemorated NAIDOC 2020, taking up the invitation to all Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.

Like many around our country we explored this year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be. Congratulations and well done to three of our talented students. Lexi S represented St Peter Chanel at the Queensland All Schools Weightlifting Championships on the Gold Coast in the U13 girls’ section. Despite competing against girls a year older than her, Lexi placed 9th overall breaking her Snatch (24kg) and Clean and Jerk (34kg) PBs in only her second ever competition.

Thomas C participated in the Queensland Schools Orienteering Championships.

Over 100 students from all around Queensland took part in three events: a Sprint Distance event at Nudgee College, Boondall, and a forest event at South Ripley.

Thomas came 3rd in the Sprint and 3rd in the Long Distance, competing two years above his age group. Sienna P’s Cheerleading Team recently competed in the State Allstar Cheerleading competition and placed first in their division. Sienna competes as a tumbler and flyer. These are great achievements for our students.

O u r e n d o f y e a r, preparations are well underway for our Christmas Concert. All classes will be involved in leading the singing of Christmas carols and our Junior and Senior Concert bands will also be performing. Whilst we will not be able to welcome families and friends to join us (due to COVID-19 restrictions), we will be filming the event and posting it on our Parent Portal for our families to enjoy.

We have also begun collecting goods for the Christmas hampers we create and give to St Vincent de Paul for distribution in both the local area and the areas supported by the Sisters of Charity’s Downs and West Community Support group.

The Sisters are our school’s founding religious order. The Year 6 virtue group of Charity will take the lead with this initiative by helping build the hamper boxes, as well as by talking to the other children at our assemblies about this wonderful Christmas tradition. It never ceases to amaze me how generous our school community is with projects such as this.

To all in The Gap and surrounding areas, wishing you a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with hope and joy.

Margo Carwardine – Principal

The Gap State High School We celebrated NAIDOC during the week of 8-13 November. We were very lucky to have Aunty Ruth James, Lydia Oppermann, Uncle Desmond Sandy and Katharine Wiltshire visit our Junior Assembly. Lydia Oppermann, a local Yuggera woman did a traditional Welcome to Country and told a dreamtime legend of how a battle between the

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more info on: www.thegappianostudio.com land animals and the sea animals resulted in the land animals being injured and laying at rest across the land as mountains and other landforms within the Brisbane region. Katharine talked to us of local Aboriginal figures and history as well as the meaning of some Yuggera words we may recognise from places around Brisbane e.g. Pinkeba means Turtle (Binkin) place (ba). Students were treated to cultural performances by Indigenous artist Ben Barber; screenings of critically acclaimed Indigenous films; displays of year 8 digital posters on Indigenous Perspectives; lunch time Indigenous artist radio; and creative ways for students to get involved in acknowledging and celebrating our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.

Th e Year 1 0 A ct i o n Initiative saw overwhelming support in aid of the Brisbane Basket Brigade. This is a non-for-profit organisation that provides food and gifts for people that need a hand during Christmas – children, the elderly, the hungry and the homeless alike. The students and community have relished giving donations of hygiene and personal bathroom products to help those that are less fortunate than themselves.

O n e o f o u r Ye a r 9 students, Andy was picked as a finalist in the Future Anything 2020 Grand Final for his Funpunsbyandy initiative. This is an amazing achievement as there were over 120 students and over 40 teams involved in the competition. Andy, along with the other finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of high profile judges for the chance to secure the funding and support he needs to launch his social enterprise ideas out of the classroom and into the real world.

The Gap State High School would like to wish The Gap Community a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the new year.

Anne McLaughlan – Principal

The Gap State School NAIDOC Week - A recent highlight for The Gap SS was our whole school NAIDOC celebration. All students positioned themselves around the school (much like the Qantas ad – We are Australian) and sang Yugger Djarra-na. A fitting acknowledgment to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Special thanks to music teacher, Mrs (Continued on page 24)

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 23

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Principal's Points......

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The Gap State School (Contd)

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Debbie O’Shea for teaching the song to all students during their music lessons.

M t C o o t - t h a Yo u n g Writers - Last month four of our Year 6 students, Aiden, Brittany, Julian and Tara, attended the Mt Coot-tha Young Writers’ workshop at Rainworth State School.

A cluster initiative, the workshop provides talented and motivated young writers with the opportunity to work through the writing process under the guidance of a published author. This year, Brian Falkner returned to share his skills and passion for his craft with the students.

I am looking forward to receiving the students’ anthologies from the event organisers to present once they have been published.

Well done students!

Sporting Success - Year 6 student, Nathan recently represented The Gap State School at the All Schools Triathlon Championship held

at Lake Kawana. This was Nathan’s first ever triathlon.

Racing conditions were not ideal, yet his hard work and tenacity certainly paid off as he secured a spot in the Met North School Sport Triathlon Team. Nathan will now compete at Qld Schools State Championships early in 2021. This is certainly a wonderful achievement for Nathan as he had set himself a goal of making the Met North Team earlier this year. Congratulations Nathan!

Year 3 student, Connor competed in the Under 13s Queensland All Schools weightlifting competition, children travelled from all over Queensland to compete.

There were 8 lifters in his session, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years. Connor achieved personal best lifts in the Snatch – 21kgs and Clean and Jerk 26 kgs and was 2nd in his session. Well done Connor!

Finally, a very Happy Christmas, prosperous New Year and a safe holiday to all in The Gap community.

Joanne Nicholls - Principal

Paddington Probus

Even though Probus Club meetings were suspended during the COVID lockdowns, since August, Paddington members have made up for lost time by enjoying belated first birthday BBQ celebration in a park, movie get-togethers, musical mornings, afternoon teas at members’ houses and a number of interesting walks around Brisbane. Walks normally conclude with a coffee where members get to know one another. A recent cruise to the Gold Coast in conjunction with the Newmarket Probus Club proved a popular outing as did a visit to a Camel Farm outside Ipswich. Our Book Club caters for the avid readers amongst the members - our members are most certainly living the Probus Mantra of “An Active Retirement”. The Club has a COVID Safe Plan and all activities and meetings comply with this.

The Club was formed in June 2019 and has grown rapidly as 17 months later, 80 members are enjoying new friendships through the many and varied activities on offer. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month when members enjoy morning tea and a variety of interesting guest speakers.

Members meet at the Red Hill Sports and Community Centre, Fulcher Road, Red Hill and new members are welcome. Our first meeting for 2021 will be on 3 February - for further information contact our Membership Officer, Doug Shepherd on 3368 2451.

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 24

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

HAPPY DAYS! MOTT TURNS 40!

MOTT President Cr Steve Toomey welcomes the assembled guests and MOTTs

The Men of the Trees Qld, a small tree planting group but with a big tradition, turned 40 years old on Saturday 14th November. So of course a tree was planted to mark the occasion.

MOTT volunteers, members and friends rolled up for the special event, most with current or recent involvement, and some from as long as 40 years ago. Two ladies came because they noticed the invitation in last month’s Western Echo. When 25 years younger, their boss David Morgans was chief of the Brisbane Forest Park, and member of MOTT’s management committee.

They came to pay their respects to the organisation that meant a great deal to him.

Shows just how much their boss meant to them, as well!

Five engaging speakers confronted the generously loaned PA sys- tem mike,

and told their stories:Councillor for The Gap Ward, and MOTT President Steve Toomey, founder/coordinator of the Queensland Relaxation Centre, Lionel Fifield, former Curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens (Toowong), Ross McKinnon, former Councillor for The Gap Ward, Brian Hallinan, and former MOTT volunteer from the age of 11 years, now a leading Queensland ecologist, Brad Jeffers; all speakers having had, some continuing to have, a hefty involvement with MOTT. President of SOWN, John Abbott also attended and spoke, not only to support us in that way, but also by rolling up his sleeves and assisting with the set-up and set-down on the day.

The tree, a Tallowwood, was planted by Brian and Ross in Paten Park, The Gap, (MOTT’s centre of activities for many years), to

MOTT's Alex Croll about to read the "blessing" of the tree

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

MOTT President Cr Steve Toomey, PPNN representative Fay O'Sullivan and SOWN President John Abbott photographed after the presentation of an iconic photo of the founder of MOTT Richard St Barbe Baker with MOTT's first President Ngairetta Brennan, at Sunnybank SS in 1981. The framed photograph is for displaying on the wall of "Twahamwe Cottage" at the Paten Park nurseries

commemorate the outstanding service to the environment and the community by Ngairetta Brennan, first and long-serving President of MOTT QLD, and to celebrate 40 years of bush restoration by 40 years of volunteers.

With water provided by the Scouts, the children watered the tree, and one of

the children, Alex Croll read for us a tree-planting quotation much favoured by the founder of MOTT - words that apply as much to tree planters themselves, as to the trees: “Stand firm Grip hard Thrust upwards to the skies Bend to the winds of Heaven And learn tranquility.”

Brian Hallinan and Ross McKinnon planting the MOTT tree

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 25

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. When the Valley was ‘King’ at Christmas time

For many long-term Westside residents, a memory from Christmas time from years gone by would have been the role played by retail stores in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley in preparing for that special day of the year.

For decades up until the early 1980s, the Valley was ‘King’ when it came to shopping at Christmas time and celebrating the season. Who remembers McWhirters (built at the turn of the 20th century and taken over by Myer in 1955), T.C. Beirne (built in 1902 and later renamed David Jones) and Waltons? Who also remembers the fabulous Christmas window displays?

Or ‘Myer on the Rooftop’ featuring rides, attractions and an opportunity for children to whisper in Santa’s ear what they wanted to find in

their stockings on Christmas morning?

All these department stores ceased operating in the Valley by 1988, with the rise of CBD-based shopping and large centres in the suburbs such as Chermside and Indooroopilly. The buildings which were McWhirters and T.C. Beirne were listed on the Queensland Heritage Registry in 1992 and 2003 respectively.

Does anyone out there have special memories of the Valley at Christmas time?

We’d love to hear from you.

Visit our Facebook page or email enoggerahistory@ gmail.com And the Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. takes this opportunity to wish its members, supporters and friends in the general

The Gap Historical Society Inc. Est. 2000 PART 2 OF “MORE ABOUT CAPTAIN COOK”

CAPTAIN COOK’S FAMILY

In 1762 James Cook married Elizabeth Batts in London.

They had six children.

James Cook - Born 1763-Died 1794 at sea, the Isle of White Nathaniel Cook - Born 1764 Died 1780 at sea in the West Indies Elizabeth Cook - Born 1767 - Died 1771 aged four Joseph Cook - Born 1768 - Died aged one month George Cook - Born 1772 - Died aged three months Hugh Cook - Born 1776 - Died of diptheria aged seventeen.

None of Captain Cook’s children married or had children of their own. In other words, there were no direct descendants of the Cook- Batts marriage.

Christmas in the Valley

community a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy 2021.

Please remember ‘the reason for the season’. 2020 has been, for many of us, the most difficult year of our lives. Let’s all stay positive,

hang in there and look out for each other. There are better days ahead.

Take care, everyone.

Andrew McMicking President

Quote of the Day

A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad.

- Samuel Goldwyn Captain Cook had a sister Margaret. She was younger than James and was born in 1742. At the age of twenty-four, Margaret married James FLECK, a shopkeeper and fisherman of Redcar. They had eight children and the Fleck line became very strong.

As there were no descendants of Cook-Batts marriage, this meant that the Cook family descended through the Margaret Cook- James Fleck marriage, so making the Fleck family the continuing family line. There is an Australasian Society for the descendants of the Cook-Fleck family and this was recently updated by Mr Rodney Fleck who lives in Sydney, Australia.

On 29th April each year, Australian members of the Fleck family gather at the landing spot of the ship HMS Endeavour in Botany Bay near Sydney. There is a ceremony to commemorate the first landing on 29th April 1770. Unfortunately on the day following the landing one of the crew members died. His name was Forby Sutherland and Captain Cook dedicated and named the landing area in remembrance to Forby Sutherland and the name continues to this day and is now known as Sutherland Shire.

A replica of Captain Cook’s ship The Endeavour was built in the late 1990’s and has sailed around the world. The ship is now berthed in Australia and carries out short cruises, which are quite expensive but well patronised.

Captain Cook’s widow, Elizabeth, continued to live in London after her husband’s death and died when she was 93 years old. She died quite wealthy and left a very detailed will, copies of which can be seen at the museum.

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 26

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Newmarket VIEW Club

CHESS T'MINIT

‘Voice, Interests and Education of Women’

Cutting the birthday cake!!

Though we were not able to celebrate our 12th birthday this COVID year, we are still having a Christmas function. We are meeting at the Everton Park Hotel marquee in Flockton Street, Everton Park for Christmas lunch in December for a final gettogether for 2020, hoping that 2021 will be a brighter year.

Members use raffles and donations to raise funds to continue to support the six students following The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program, by sponsoring their school activities The Newmarket VIEW Club, Brisbane, is a small. friendly club with members coming from all walks of life, and we would be delighted if you could join us in our mission to provide better educational opportunities for young Australians.

If you wish to know more about the Newmarket VIEW Club, email us on newmarketview@gmail.com or ring our president, Heather, on 0437 343 163 or vice-president, Jean, on 0438 177 176

With Covid-19 restrictions now being relaxed, physical tournament and social play at The Gap Chess Club has recommenced with Covidsafe play rules in place. Game night starts 7.30 pm on Friday nights at Room B6, The Gap State High School. The club has a Facebook Page, “The Gap Chess Club”, with updates on club play, local chess news and puzzles.

The Martin Laizans Cup is presently being played at the club as a 5 round Swiss to celebrate the life of club member Martin Laizans who recently passed away. After 3 rounds Rex Scarf is the only player with 3 points, with Oliver Au and Brian Willcock ½ point behind.

With the completion of this event tournament play will end for the year, and the club will reopen in mid-January 2021 after the Christmas and

New Year break.

This month’s problem comes from a real chess game played in Riga in 1955, but features in the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit”. In the series, chess prodigy Beth Harmon is white playing against the local champion Harry Beltik. Find the move (and follow up) that wins spectacularly for white.

Solution to last month’s puzzle. 1 Qh6 and if black plays Kxh6, 2. Rh8 is checkmate, or 1… gxh6, 2 Rxf7# ends the game

W WW . ST MARKST HE GAP .OR G. AU

The community of

St. Mark’s, The Gap

warmly invite you to share in worship during this festive season A SER V I C E OF NINE LE SSO NS & CARO LS SU NDAY 20 DE C, 6.0 0P M ( W ITH B B Q A T 5P M )

CHR IST MAS EVE TH UR S 24 D EC, 6. 00PM

CH ILDREN ' S C HR ISTM A S W O RSHIP

CHR IST MA S DAY FRI 25 D E C, 8. 30AM HO L Y CO M M UN IO N

Christmas is a time of giving!

God gave his Son as a baby into the life of the world.

This means love, acceptance, forgiveness and hope.

Come and worship and learn more!

Cnr Waterworks and Kullaroo St, The Gap

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

@S TMARKS .ANG LICAN. C HURC H. T HEGAP

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 27

Volunteering 3300 6304

www.ppnn.org.au

Volunteering Paten Park Native Nursery is a not-for-profit community organisation whose objective is the propagation and promotion of the indigenous plants of SE Qld. This is achieved through providing educational and training opportunities for individuals and community groups.

Although the nursery has a paid skeleton staff (Manager, Production Team, and office support), it could not operate without the contingent of volunteers who perform a variety of essential tasks.

Volunteers are encouraged to participate in all aspects of plant production. Many go

on to specialise in tasks that they are most comfortable in performing. They learn about the myriad of plant species and their place in their ecosystems through, for example:• seed collection and processing • techniques in seed

germination and growing from cuttings • potting on young plants • weeding • recycling pots • preparing plant orders •customer relationships Opportunities abound for fund-raising ventures (e.g. bush food jam and cake making) running environmentally-based workshops for children and

adults, writing articles and developing material for our Web and Facebook Pages.

If these activities appeal to you and you wish to participate in a diverse community bound by commonality of purpose, PPNN will appreciate your contribution of whatever time you can spare (a halfday to several days a week) in whatever capacity. Do not hesitate to contact us.

The Gap Sub-Branch RSL

The recent Remembrance Day ceremonial in Memorial Park in Walton Reserve was rated by most as a success, in spite of OVID19 restrictions, impressive in its solemnity and the wide range of the participants. The President and Members of the Gap RSL sub-branch are grateful to those who participated in the Memorial Service, either by attending in person or joining in spirit in another place. The young ladies and gentlemen of the local schools considerably enhanced the significance of the occasion.

Thanks also go to members of the community who supported the local preRemembrance Day badge sales - generating needed funds to continue the Subbranch’s welfare activities .One important activity as Christmas approaches is to host our War Widows to a pre- Christmas lunch; which

is always a delight and a privilege We rightly honour those who have made the supreme sacrifice but equally we should never forget those they have left behind , those who have also made a sacrifice. There is always a consequence, collateral grieving.

Christmas and war are not compatible, but too often they are thrust together. What is it about Christmas that sparks a sense of humanity at this time of the year? The Christmas truce of 1914 – a series of unofficial ceasefires – was a statement of peace and humanity amid one of history’s most brutal wars.

And what is it that at this time of the year spurs us to make every effort to cobble together a Christmas Dinner, no matter what the circumstances?

Hundreds of thousands of Australians have spent Christmas at war: freezing i n F i r s t Wo r l d Wa r trenches, as prisoners of war of the Japanese, or on reconnaissance and ambush operations in Vietnam. Even today, Australian soldiers find themselves spending Christmas far from home, on operations in Afghanistan.

Soldiers are not forgotten at this time of year, and efforts have always been made to bring a little joy – and a decent meal – to those serving, or those recovering from wounds.

Christmas is often a marker of time for a soldier at war. They count their service by each one that comes and goes, always optimistic that it will be the last spent away from home.

Many Australian troops have spent Christmas on

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 28

deployment in conflict zones in various parts of the world.

No involvement was more important to Australia than in our nearest neighbour Timor Leste ( East Timor ).

Spare a thought for those currently deployed overseas , not only on land but deployed at sea; whether in operations against pirates or drug smugglers or terrorists .However in the finest naval tradition our sailors will be served their Christmas Dinner by their Captain and Officers .

From the President and members of The Gap RSL Sub-Branch, best wishes for a peaceful, contented and relaxing Christmas and thank you for your support LEST WE FORGET

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Brisbane's Big Butterfly Count If you love butterflies (and who doesn’t) now is the time to learn more about them with Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count underway until the end of March 2021.

Led by Brisbane Catchments Network, Save Our Waterways Now and other catchment groups across the city are hosting a series of butterfly walks, field surveys and webinars to engage members of the community as well as collect important scientific data.

Coordinator of the project Jutta Godwin said early surveys by the Cubberla Witton Catchments Network had already counted 50 species of almost 200 species found in Brisbane.

“Butterflies are an important bio-indicator so by counting the various

species we learn more about biodiversity,” Jutta said.

Brisbane Catchments Network has produced education materials to help community members who want to get involved.

These include: • Identification brochure with colour photos of Brisbane’s 31 most common butterflies – available at the SOWN Nursery • Activities booklet for primary schools • A3 poster.

Ithaca Probus Club wakes from hibernation Activities at Ithaca Probus Club are continuing in line with the new normal - the now standard practices of hand sanitising, spaced seating, no gathering in clusters for chatting, and individually packaged morning teas.

A good roll-up of 50 members were delighted to be able to meet again at the November general meeting. Guest speaker Dennis Wayper gave a comprehensive account of “The Life and Music of Doris Day.” Later in the month a couple of dozen members enjoyed lunch at the Newmarket Hotel.

No more general meetings now until February, when a talk on Consumer Rights is scheduled by a person from the Dept of Fair trading. Meanwhile 25 lucky members will attend the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Party at City Hall; we are looking forward to our now regular Christmas lunch at the Paddo Tavern with a rendition of carols by a few members; and then the club’s traditional Australia Day BBQ in January. Other club activities are nearly back to normal, with the cards group and the poetry group each holding meetings in members’ homes.

Throughout the shutdown the club has been welcoming new members, offsetting a few losses, so numbers are recovering well. Our monthly newsletters have been keeping members connected and are again carrying the usual round of club news.

New members are always most welcome at our new meeting venue of the Red Hill Community Sports Club in Fulcher Road, Red Hill. If you would like to give us a try, please phone either of our Club Membership Officers Sue Vivian on 0413 544 202 or Janelle Rhodes on 0412 628 646.

For more information about our club please see our web site: www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ithaca website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata can frequently be spotted in Brisbane PHOTO: Robert Whyte

Jutta said the butterfly count was for people of all ages and knowledge levels.

Each of the catchments groups is hosting activities and assisting locals to get involved.

SOWN is hosting a Butterfly Walk at Banks Street Reserve, Ashgrove at 9am on Sunday 6 December.

The walk will be led by butterfly expert Helen Schwencke who will share her knowledge and expertise.

Participants will learn

about butterflies, their life cycle and their host plants, and which ecological role they play.

You can find more details and register for the walk on the project Facebook page.

This walk will be followed by SOWN surveys at Bowman Park Bardon and Yoorala Street The Gap. For information about walks, events, webinars and talks go to the project Facebook page www.facebook.com/ BrisbanesBigButterflyCount.

Have you visited Yoorala St Community Garden?

What we love about our garden: Grow your own fresh produce Make new friends An active community group Enjoy family-time outdoors Learn gardening skills & tips No gardening experience required Access-friendly raised garden beds Social events & on-site workshops Private plots available for lease

It's a place we really dig!

Community open times: Please come and see our garden for yourself.

You are welcome to visit us during the following community times: Dec-Mar: Sundays, 4.00-6pm Apr-Nov: Sundays, 8.00-10am Just turn up, bring your hat, water bottle & gloves. One of our members will meet you, show you around, and provide information if you'd like to get involved. And join us for a cuppa afterwards. Hope to see you soon!

Visitors welcome!

98 Yoorala St, The Gap www.yscg.com.au yscgsecretary@gmail.com www.facebook.com/yooralastreetcommunitygarden

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 29

NEWMARKET BOCCE CLUB INC Submitted by Mario De Marco, Secretary Newmarket Bocce Club

I have spoken about the club many times in the past and what we do well is play bocce, however we do have a number of social events during the year and early in November we went on a bus trip.

WOW, what a fantastic day. 40 members of the club ventured out with Red and white Coaches who took us to Mt Tamborine. Our driver was Matt and the host, the wonderful Margaret.

We l e f t t h e c l u b a t Newmarket at about 8.30am and travelled to a beautiful park by the Coomera River at Hope Island. We had morning tea - the Italian biscotti and expresso coffee went down

well.

We then ventured off to Robert Souter Park, where the hang-gliders launch from. No hang-gliders on the day we visited, but the views were spectacular. Have a look at the group shot we took.

Lunch was at St Bernard's Hotel at Mt Tamborine.

Overlooking the Guanaba George, you see breathtaking views and old world charm.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch. The two resident saint Bernards, Molly and Syrah can be found at the front entrance. I have attached a group photo taken in front of the bus outside the hotel.

Off we go again to the famous Gallery walk Mt Tamborine. Located in Long Street, it is about 800metres of pure shopping pleasure boasting over 60 art, craft

Robert Souter Park Mt Tamborine offered spectacular views

and gift shops. I purchased a couple of bottles of liqueurs from Castle Glen wineries.

Avocados must be in season because there were market stalls everywhere, but we could not find a big enough stall to satisfy our needs. Anyway we had a great day. We headed for home and

Ashgrove Forum

For more information on Forum Communicators visit the website www. beconfident.org.au Ashgrove members are winding up the final months of 2020 with a mixture of emotions.

Then in early November we lost longstanding Ashgrove Forum member Jayne Krieger, pictured right, after a short battle with cancer.

Jayne joined Ashgrove Forum in 1990 and was much loved and highly respected.

She became State President of Forum and served on the State Management Committee for 22 years. She was also an accredited Speech and Procedure Assessor and a great mentor to many. Her cheerful smile and dry wit will be sadly missed. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, only three Ashgrove members were allowed to attend the funeral, but many others

watched her service via livestream.

The first meeting in 2021 will be held at 6.30pm on 20 January, where members are invited to present speeches on “Humorous Poetry”.

Hopefully, we will be back in our meeting room at the Ashgrove Library at 87 Amarina Street, Ashgrove.

Visitors and prospective members are always welcome to attend without obligation, but should ring 0409 615 514 to check the venue beforehand.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

played some beautiful Italian music in the background.

If you want to have a chat about bocce you can contact me, Mario, on 0403 257 325 or Bill on 0431 458 481.

U n t i l t h e n e w y e a r, wishing you a merry Christmas and New Year.

Amnesty International For this issue, it seemed timely to look at the work of Amnesty International in the USA. With the recent election of Joe Biden to the US presidency, Amnesty International USA is calling on the Biden administration to places human rights at the forefront of all domestic and foreign policies. Some of these human rights priorities include those related to COVID-19, gun violence, freedom of expression, police killings of black people and climate crisis, amongst others. Asylum access and immigration detention is another urgent priority, in order to address the human cost of the human rights violations enacted by the Trump administration’s policies of the last four years which have traumatized and criminalized immigrants and asylum seekers to the US. These reforms can be implemented through the existing powers of the government and don’t need new legislation or regulations. Amnesty International USA is hopeful of working with the new administration to strengthen human rights both domestically and internationally. For a copy of the full report, “Strengthening Human Rights for All in 2021” please visit the Amnesty International USA website or use the following link (https://bidenhumanrightspriorities. amnestyusa.org/).

The Helen Black Amnesty International group meet between 9-11am on the second Monday morning of the month in The Gap and would love to hear from anyone interested in joining the group. Please contact Di on 33001861. The Ashgrove Amnesty International group meets on the first and third evenings of the month and can be contacted by calling Sally on 3366 2046 or 0476 006 990.

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 30

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

Brisbane Tramway Museum Hi-tech people parcels in Ferny Grove

by David Fryer

If you thought electric cars and bicycles are new and exciting, you may be surprised to hear that they have been around for a very long time. In fact, both made their first appearance in the late1800’s; but it all started much earlier.....

Experiments with electric transportation began almost 200-years ago in 1828. Not surprisingly, early creations were primitive and impractical, but in 1859, French physicist Gaston Planté invented a rechargeable lead-acid battery that revolutionised the storage of electrical energy. In 1881 another Frenchman - Camille Faure - improved the design enabling Gustav Trouve to drive a British-made Starley tricycle along the Rue Valois in central Paris, thus becoming the world’s first road-going electric vehicle.

The first railway locomotive powered by batteries appeared even earlier. Built in Scotland in 1837 by chemist Robert Davidson, the relatively small 7-tonne machine - named Galvani - was exhibited at the Royal Scottish Society of Arts in 1841. It managed to haul an impressive load of 6.1 tonnes at 4 mph, but it was destroyed by railway workers who saw it as a threat to employment.

The new light-rail systems rolling out across Australia today are essentially a reincarnation of much earlier tramways.

The world’s first electric tram appeared near Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1875 and Berlin delivered a similar system in 1881.

British inventor, Thomas Parker, introduced battery-powered trams as early as 1890. He also invented the world’s first production electric car in 1884, a year before Carl Benz launched the first internal combustion-engine automobile (so called “ICE” cars today).

Technology improved rapidly and by 1897 London boasted a fleet of electric taxi cabs. A battery-powered car was also the first road vehicle to exceed 100 kph in 1899. The Belgian made ‘torpedo’ - named La Jamais Contente - was driven by Camille Jenatzy and officially timed at 105.9 kph, a remarkable speed for a road based vehicle at the time.

By 1919, Harrods of London had a fleet of American made electric delivery vans, though they later built their own. In total, 565 different makes of electric vehicles were offered before the onset of World War Two in1939.

Brisbane’s first electric trams appeared in 1897. They were hi-tech creations of their time essentially kick-starting the

suburban mass-transit systems that we rely on so heavily today.

You can see a reproduction of the record-breaking Jamais Contente in Europe, but you can ride a genuine 1901 electric tram at the Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove. When you climb aboard, just remember that you are entering a hitech people parcel of its time, and spare a thought for the early pioneers who built it. To quote an ancient proverb - Everything old is new again.

Arana VIEW Club December/January It was great to see our numbers slightly up at our November meeting. Our cent auction went off well with proceeds going towards supporting our Learning for Life students and the Smith Family activities. The guest speaker at the November meeting, Jo Neary, gave us an insight into the wonderful work the Zephyr Foundation does supporting children.

Arana VIEW Club will hold its first 2021 meeting in February and this meeting is our Annual General Meeting.

There are some vacant positions on the committee so please think about becoming more involved in your club.

Please contact Carol on 3355 5349 before Monday 30th November if you are attending the December Meeting.

Hopefully life will return to some normality in 2021. We welcome new members so why not come along.

Offer expires 31/01/2021

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 31

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy for all your pharmaceutical needs

Michael and Kate Knynenburg

Merry Christmas...

Open 8.30am - 8.00pm daily Open Christmas Eve 8.30am - 6pm CLOSED Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Open Boxing Day 9am - 1pm Visit www.thegappharmacy.com.au for more details

Open 7 Days 8:30am to 8pm Undercover Parking available under Aldi Glen Affric Street is available if parking spots in our centre are fully occupied Providing all your pharmaceutical needs including :-

• Blood Pressure Checks • NDSS Agent • Ear piercing • Webster Packing

Ph: 3300 1555

Naturopath available — Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday

HOME DELIVERY

The Gap Day and Night Pharmacy 974 Waterworks Road, The Gap QLD, 4061 thegap@thegappharmacy.com.au

Fax: 3300 9020

Available Monday to Friday You’ll see us coming in our new delivery vehicle!

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy

thegapdayandnightpharmacy

www.thegappharmacy.com.au The Western Echo December 2020/January 2021 Page 32

website: http://www.westernecho.com.au