The Western Echo December 2024

Advertiser'sDirectory

TRADES

Out &About

PaperBoatPress, Ashgrove

Tucked away on Ashgrove Crescent is a gorgeous gift shop and boutique ceramic studio. I recommend you pop by Paper Boat Press asap for your Christmas gift shopping –and to purchase beautifully handcrafted ceramic Christmas ornaments.

Kylie Johnson is the creative force behind PaperBoatPress. She established the business in 1995 and moved to the current location 12 years ago. Her journey began in the early '90s during her Visual Arts and Film studies, where she connected with the Amfora group, reigniting her passion for ceramics—a love nurtured by her parents in the '70s and '80s.

Paper Boat Press started with boutique greeting cards featuring Kylie’s whimsical poems and has since expanded to ceramic ornaments, jewellery, homewares, and books - specialising in bespoke ceramic items by Australian and Japanese artists, including a unique range designed and created by Kylie herself.

Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2017, Kylie spent two months in Japan studying Kintsugi (ceramic repair) and gallery management philosophies. In 2021, she coauthored ‘Utsuwa – Japanese Objects for Everyday Use’ with her sister, Tiffany Johnson, celebrating their shared appreciation for Japanese artisans. In addition, Kylie has written three poetry books, and most recently published ‘Earth and Fire’, about modern potters, their tools, techniques, and practices.

Kylie holds regular exhibitions for fellow artists at the Ashgrove store, featuring both Australin and Japanese ceramic artisans. Hands-on ceramic workshops are also offered at the store. Kylie also hosts curated and bespoke creative tours to Japan several times a year. All details can be found on the website or contact the store direct.

Tip: purchase a “Memento Kit”. The DIY kit allows you to create your own personalised handcrafted ceramic Christmas decorations, perfect for teachers, colleagues, friends, neighbours, and family members.

The online shop offers an extensive range of items – so if you’re time poor, just jump online to purchase today.

Paper Boat Press, 60 Ashgrove Cres, Ashgrove

Tel: 3366 9956

Open: Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm; and Saturday 10am-2pm.

For more: www.paperboatpress.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paperboatpress

Facebook: www.facebook.com/paperboatpress

Authorandphotographer:MelanieGrevis-James Coverimage:KylieJohnsonandsister, TiffanyJohnsonatPaperBoatPress

Celebration Time

The Gap Santa Sleigh

Sunday, 30 November to Friday, 6 December – from 6pm-8pm nightly

Selected the streets of The Gap

See the Ashgrove The Gap Rotary Club Facebook page for all nightly route details: https://www.facebook.com/ashgrovethegap/

Paddington’s Terraces by Twilight

Friday, 6 December, from 4pm-8pm

Given and Latrobe Terraces, Paddington

Late-night shopping, face painting, fun for the whole family, and a visit from Santa

The Gap She Shed Christmas Market

Saturday, 7 December, from 3pm-7pm

St Mark’s Anglican Church & Hall, Waterworks Rd, The Gap Christmas gifts, local arts, crafts, jewellery, hand-made and baked goods, and more

Christmas at Ashgrove

Sunday, 8 December, 4pm festival; 6pm carols

Ashgrove Baptist Church, Firhill St, Ashgrove Carols, markets, free rides, free BBQ, and more!

Christmas at Bardon Markets

Sunday, 8 December, from 7am-12noon Corner of Baroona Rd and Rainworth Rd, Bardon

Rotary Carols by Candlelight - Ashgrove

Saturday, 14 December, from 4.40pm-8pm

Dorrington Park, Mirrabooka Road, Ashgrove

An evening of traditional carols, children's activities, food trucks, and a fireworks finale.

Please note that event details are subject to change. It's advisable to check closer to the event date for up-to-date information.

From theEditor COL’S CHAT

Locals through my Lens

Ky Garvey

Halfway through my chat with Ky Garvey, I am reminded of a quote from Stephen Hawking: “Quiet people have the loudest minds.”

Ky has that loud mind; a local writer and podcaster, she displays a prolific, driven and imaginative creativity that belies her quiet deportment.

“I struggled with confidence, and my initial thought was to be like JD Salinger (author of Catcher in the Rye) who never left his house but produced amazing work. But this wasn’t my reality, and I had to push myself to overcome my anxieties. Ultimately, this allowed me to really flourish.”

So where did that journey lead you? “I found a confidence in writing picture books. My sons are on the autistic spectrum and have ADHD, and my first book, Easy Peasy is based on aspects of their lives. I felt it needed to be based on authentic experience. I loved roller skating as a kid with my dad, so the book was formed around that idea. Being from my own heart, it just sung on the page and got published.”

And what about, future works? “I am looking at an anthology of stories from parents who are raising complex families, exploring feelings around diagnosis. It can be a resource for parents who have a new diagnosis for their children to make sure that they are not alone, and that it’s not the end of the world. I wanted to explore that in a creative way.”

In a world where podcasts are more abundant than ever, what were your motivations to start Totally Lit? “I have always been a big fan of true crime podcasts, so understood the medium. With my book submissions often taking 18 months to filter through publishers, I wanted something more immediate. I wanted to share my experiences as a writer alongside authors; discover their journey, their motivations and their processes.”

You have had over 70 episodes so far, so who have been some of your guests? “We’ve had an amazing range of guests, including scriptwriters, songwriters and creatives of all genres. Dave Faulkner from the Hoodoo Gurus appeared in January this year. He was so generous with his time and a really fascinating human being.”

For Ky, there’s now a novel in the works. “The novel looks at the relationship with a partner that truly believes in your work. My husband has been so amazingly supportive and having that on your journey can be a massive boost for your creativity. He’s taken on me, the boys and the pets and is a person who has changed our lives dramatically just by his presence.”

To find out more, listen to the latest podcast, and follow Ky’s journey, visit: www.kygarvey.com

Author: Colin Bushell

Photo credit: Lou @

Fotofox

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our December edition!

We wish all our readers, advertisers, community groups, and our entire community a very Happy Christmas and Festive Season! This year has flown by – and 2025 is just around the corner. We hope you all have a successful and happy New Year.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through the yearand an especially big thank you to our wonderful community who so generously donated to our fundraising campaign this year. Without this support (both financial and non-financial assistance) we would not be able to keep The Western Echo alive and thriving.

We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts – as we really love creating this publication for our community every month.

This edition features our local festive season events, and a special story (part 2) by local Maurice Serico – this time talking about local Aboriginal cultural sites and history – made possible by a grant from LINA.

Our regular columns include ‘For the Love of Books’ by volunteer writer Sarah Krause, and ‘Col’s Chat’ is about local writer and podcaster Ky Garvey. The ‘Out and About’ column this month is about Paper Boat Press in Ashgrove – featured on our cover.

Don’t miss our monthly fun Photo Quiz, guessing where Colin Bushell (photographer) has been this month with his camera.

Happy Christmas everyone! Our next edition will be February 2025 –as we take a break in January.

Please visit our website: www.westernecho.com.au

Happy reading!

Mel & Kym Melanie: 0409 440 501 | editor@westernecho.com.au or melanie@planetmarketing.com.au Kym: 0402 450 568 | spotart@spotart.com.au

have a happy and safe holiday State Government Update

This is my first update after the Queensland election and I want to start by thanking you for putting your trust back in me, and re-electing me as the Member for Cooper I’ve always maintained that this role is, above everything, a public service role The focus ought to be on turning up, listening to local concerns and ideas and working with you to help progress or resolve those issues That’s been my focus for four years and it’s the commitment I will give you again this term

Support local this Christmas

We are fortunate to have a number of local small and micro businesses that would really love your support this Christmas, I’ve collated a short list to get us started!

Paddington Christmas Festival

Late Night Christmas Shopping event along Given and Latrobe Terraces Friday 6 December from 4-8pm

The Gap She Shed Xmas Market

St Marks Anglican Church Saturday 7 December 3-7pm

The Gap Creative

Consortium of local artists, original art to be purchased direct https://thegapcreative com au/

Paddington Terraces

A range of small businesses, from chocolatiers, to fashion, homeware, jewellery and books Check out Given & La Trobe Terraces and Enoggera Road

Ashgrove West Village Precinct

Located near Ashgrove State School you can checkout retailers like Sweet Crumbs bakery and The Sun Room for great gifts!

Suburban Villages

If you’re wanting to get all your shopping done at once you can visit The Gap Village, Paddington Central, Newmarket Shopping Centre, Park Road in Milton

We are fortunate to have a couple of wonderful Carols by Candlelight events again this year Ashgrove / The Gap Rotary will again host the Dorrington Park Carols by Candlelight Saturday 14 December from 4 30-8pm Carols in Frew Park are back, coordinated by a number of local church and community groups its on Sat 14 December from 4:00-8:00pm Grab a picnic blanket and an esky and head along for free family fun

Be ready for storm season

We are now in storm season While I find storm’s exciting - they can quickly become dangerous Preparation, and knowing what to do in a storm and in the event of local flooding goes along way to improving your safety and reducing anxiety.

https://www getready qld gov au/ offers up to date information and resources to help you with this, including how to develop a plan with emergency contact details Brisbane City Council now offers an emergency dashboard that provides real-time updates around fires, flooding, road closures and where to collect sand bags from (google Brisbane City Council disaster dashboard) In the event of flooding, or fallen trees, the SES can assist - you can contact them on 132 500

Happy holidays and closure times

Our office will be closed from Monday 23rd December until Monday 6th January 2025 We will be monitoring messages for urgent issues, however of course in the case of an emergency we would encourage you to call 000

For assistance navigating Queensland Government services I’d encourage you to contact Smart Services Queensland on https://www qld gov au/services

If you are feeling isolated or needing help over Christmas (as many of us do), Communify Queensland has a wonderful team - and you can reach them on 3510 2700

Finn Lee Parkour Championships

The Gap resident Finn Lee represents Australia in Parkour championships

22-year-old The Gap resident Finn Lee boarded a plane recently for Kitakyushu, Japan, ready to compete in the 2nd FIG Parkour World Championships.

Finn qualified for the championship after he placed 2nd in the Speed Run and 1st in the Freestyle events at the Oceania Parkour Summit Competition Event held in Perth two months ago.

Parkour or Freerunning is a sport in which athletes attempt to move ‘freely’ from one point to another as fast and as efficient as possible, using running, vaulting, jumping, climbing, rolling, and other acrobatic skills to traverse obstacles.

Finn Lee is senior coach with the FreeG program offered by Mitchelton Youth Club (MYC), having started his coaching career about four years ago. FreeG (freestyle Gymnastics) combines traditional gymnastics with parkour, tricking and free running. Finn was instrumental in the development of the FreeG skill levels. He travels to other Queensland Gymnastics clubs to teach and demonstrate the FreeG program.

The GapRepairCafe

Finn’s love for flipping, jumping and swinging started at an early age. He picked up drills with the help of YouTube, practicing at home and at the local playgrounds. At 13 he joined the Gymnastics program at MYC, and competed at local, state and one national events. In 2019 he travelled with his club to Austria to represent Australia at the World Gymnaestrada, the largest general gymnastics exhibition.

At the start of the covid pandemic, Finn broke his ankle practising parkour at the local park and had to undergo surgery to install plates and screws fixing shattered bones. The recovery was long and hard for the 18-year-old, who continued exercising wearing a moon boot.

While parkour is a recognised discipline with the International Gymnastics Federation, Finn had to raise the funds with his community and from a sausage sizzle at the MYC gymnastics club, to cover his adventure, to purchase the Australian uniform and the plane tickets.

Although the idea of competing on a world stage is daunting for Finn, he takes it in his stride, “I don’t think I’ll win a medal,” he says, “I only want to do Australia proud and perform to the best of my abilities.”

The 2nd FIG parkour world championships were held at Katsuyama Park in Kitakyushu, Japan in November. Australia had 4 athletes competing, together with 113 other contestants from all over the world. Finn competed in the ‘Senior - Qualification Freestyle Men’, finishing in 36th position from 52 contestants, and was the 1st Australian on the list (2 Australian men participated).

the broken items and replacing them with new ones. That’s the same as flying nearly 90,000km - more than twice around the Earth!

We would really like to emphasise the importance of trying to repair broken items BEFORE replacing them, to reduce the demand for new resources, and keep items in circulation for as long as possible for a circular economy and to save our MOTHER EARTH.

Don’t replace it – REPAIR IT!

At Repair Café The Gap, we have fixed everything from Armchairs to Zippers, and everything in between! This year, we have had 356 visitors bring along 432 broken items, and we have successfully fixed or given advice on 301 of them (70%). This has potentially kept 972 kgs of broken items out of landfill and saved over 9 tonnes of CO2 emissions, compared with the emissions associated with disposing of

We understand, some items are hard to do without until the next local Repair Café, but we encourage you to try! If your kettle stops working, you can boil water for your cuppa in the microwave. If your toaster is on the fritz, your sandwich press makes a solid substitute. You could reach out to your neighbours to see if they can lend you the thing you need. If you really can’t wait, with 11 Repair Cafes in greater Brisbane, there is one on nearly every weekend, and most are very happy to help regardless of where you live. Contact us (thegaprepaircafe@ gmail.com) and we’ll help you find the next one.

Our amazing volunteers are taking a break in December. They will be back on Saturday, 18 January. Bookings will open on 4 January. Everyone at Repair Café

The Gap wishes you all a wonderful festive season and thanks you for your support during 2024!

Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club

The months of November and December are busy times for Lions with a flurry of projects, fundraising activities and community service before a well-earned rest over the festive season!

A highlight of November was the successful conclusion to the Melbourne Cup Trifecta. A very excited and happy Susan from Bardon watched the horse race at home and was on the phone to claim the $1000 prize! She will be using the extra cash to support members of her family at Christmas time.

Lions have also been at work supporting the Walk for Brain Cancer, the Cystic Fibrosis Sweet and Salty Brunch, Valleys Cricket All Abilities Program, Girl Guides Shave for a Cure, and the Trek2Health Red Run to commemorate Remembrance Day.

Sales of Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are in full swing, selling at PA and Wesley Hospitals, at the Bardon Sunday Markets in December, the She Shed Christmas Market, and as well as being available through several local outlets (details below).

A very Happy Christmas from Ashgrove The Gap Lions to all in our community. May it be a time for family, friends and relaxation!

Lions Cakes and Puddings: Eyecare Plus Ashgrove, Ashgrove Fresh Ashgrove, Bank of Queensland Ashgrove, George the Barber Ashgrove, West Ashgrove Pharmacy, The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy, Star Discount Chemist The Gap, Bank of Queensland The Gap, Friendly Grocer The Gap, Bardon Chemist, The Bardon Shed, Voices of Birralee Bardon, Paddington Pharmacy, Broncos Leagues Club Red Hill, Red Hill Bowls Sports & Community Club, and Red Hill Pharmacy.

Photos: 1. Lions and Friends of Lions attended the Cystic Fibrosis Sweet and Salty Brunch. 2. Eyecare Plus Ashgrove is a corporate Friend of Lions. 3.Proceedsfromtherecentplantsaleweredonatedto Hummingbird House. The funds will be used toenhancehydrotherapyprogramsforchildren with a life-limiting condition.

Details on becoming an individual or corporate Friend of Lions can be found at www.ashgrovethegaplions.org.au

AshgroveHistorical Society

Ashgrove Historical Society wishes to thank its members and the local community for their continued support during 2024. Our guest speakers have been varied and appreciated by all who attended our monthly meetings. Our final meeting for the year is on 7 December. After a few weeks break, we will return on Saturday 1 February. Our guest speakers will be Jill Rogers (QUT Digital Collections) and Dr Lyndal O’Gorman. During their presentation, Jill and Lyndal will be discussing the QUT Digital Collections service broadly and the Bain/O’Gorman collection in more detail. Visitors are very welcome to attend.

Lyndal O’Gorman is a lifelong resident of Ashgrove. After her mother, Cynthia née Bain, passed away in 2016, Lyndal began the task of sorting through more than 100,000 photos taken by Cynthia and her father, Jack Bain. The Bain/O’Gorman collection currently being digitised and held by QUT includes photographs from around the world from the 1920s through to the early 2000s. The collection also includes Queensland images of Brisbane, the Somerset region, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gladstone, the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns.

An exhibition “River City stories: QUT Digital Collections of Brisbane” is currently displaying different Brisbane images on an 8X# metre interactive screen, offering a rich blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives. The exhibition can be viewed in P Block, QUT Gardens Point campus, commonly known as ‘The Cube’.

On a festive note, our publications make great gifts for people interested in Ashgrove’s history. Lost Ashgrove ($25) is particularly popular with past and current residents. The Ashgrove Heritage Tour ($10) provides the means to explore the suburb and learn about its past in a userfriendly way. It was revised in 2019 after first being published in 2006. Purchases can be made at a meeting or by contacting the secretary, Julie (ahs.secretary@bigpond.com).

If you would like to become an AHS member or purchase a gift membership, fees are $10 single per annum (1 July - 30 June), or $15 couple/family. Membership includes the quarterly newsletter and discount on our publications. Please contact the secretary, Julie, (ahs. secretary@bigpond.com ) and she will let you know the EFT details or you can join at a meeting.

Maggie FORREST

A MESSAGE FROM MAGGIE FORREST

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you find time to enjoy this period and take a moment’s break from a busy year.

There are so many community events h d l d R I h t

The RBA has made it clear that interest rates are staying higher for longer due to Labor’s reckless spending. Under Labor, the price of everything has gone up, including food which is up by 11.7%.

The economic policies proposed by the extreme Greens, who want to be Labor’s junior alliance partner, threaten to make the situation worse.

Only a Coalition Government will rein in inflationary government spending to get the cost of living down.

In light of the tough economic conditions faced by so many right now, if you are in a position to give, please consider donating to Communify Qld who run an amazing community pantry in Bardon: https://communify org au/thepantry/

Authorised By B. Riley, LNP, 281 Sandgate Road, Albion QLD 4010 -Maggie

M: 0482 059 763

E: ryan@lnp.org.au

W: maggieforrest.com.au

F: @Maggie4Ryan

I: @maggieforrestlnp

Volunteering at Ashgrove parkrun last month at Yoku Road, Ashgrove They run every Saturday at 7am Shout out to the local community members who volunteer each week to make this event possible

With members of the The Gap RSL Sub-branch at their Remembrance Day stall at The Gap Village

Rotary Club Ashgrove The Gap

The Club is entering the busiest time of the year. School awards nights and special assemblies have started, the Santa Sleigh has delighted yet another generation of Gap residents, and on Saturday 14 December the huge event of Carols By Candlelight at Dorrington Park with enthral thousands from The Gap, Ashgrove, Mitchelton, Enoggera, Alderley, and surrounding areas.

Rotary does a lot to support local schools, and the Rotary Junior Community Awards are an important element. A challenging but non-competitive program of mental, physical and social development for Year Six children, modelled on an age-appropriate version of the Duke of Edinburgh awards, run by a Year Six teacher, culminates with the public presentation of certificates of completion to those who stay with it. These prestigious awards are much prized and mark a child out as a potential leader.

Separately, the Rotary Best AllRounder Awards of a medallion and a book prize, go to Year Six students selected by their teachers for all-round academic, sporting and social achievements. Eleven local schools participate; the criteria are based on the Rhodes Scholarship scaled back.

The Carols event is the biggest single endeavour of the club year – although at seven nights in a row the Santa Sleigh runs it close. That both happen almost at the same time can prove challenging, and public help is always welcome. It is true that after Carols and the end of the school year we do take a bit of a deep breath – until our Citizenship Ceremony next Australia Day!

To get in touch with us visit www.rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au/

You can direct any enquiries about Rotary to Tim Boyd at tim@boyd.org, or text at 0411 141 304.

Discover what your home is worth in today’s market with Carmen Briggs.

Real Estate Agent & Justice of the Peace 0418 742 511

The Gap RSL Sub Branch

Thank you once again, The Gap community, for your incredible support for Remembrance Day. Our volunteers enjoyed meeting so many of you during merchandise sales at The Gap Village. Most importantly, we are grateful for everyone who paused to "Remember to Remember" on November 11 at 11 am. The support from our local schools and the turnout for the commemoration service was truly heartwarming.

The RSL always welcomes new members and is here to support the welfare of veterans in The Gap. Feel free to join us any Tuesday from 9-11am, or on the third Friday of the month at 5:30pm for our catch-ups. Image credits: Colin Bushell Photography

Carmen Briggs

Carmen Briggs operates under Carmen Briggs Properties Pty Ltd and works in conjunction with Harcourts Property Centre.

I’m Rebecca Hack and I am Labor’s Candidate for the seat of RYAN

I love our community, its people, the shared focus on protecting our environment and how we care about our neighbours.

When I was small, my parents taught me the joy of giving back and the value of hard work and collaboration. Community service is one way I have lived these values. I have chaired a large animal rescue, been a P&C President, Foster Carer, and volunteered for countless other community organisations.

Making a positive difference is what drives me.

As a former school Principal, I served a diverse and disadvantaged community. For over a decade I worked tirelessly with all levels of Government to deliver real, tangible results. As your representative I will work just as hard to deliver for Ryan because I know outcomes matter.

I’m proud to be part of a Labor team that will deliver a 20% cut to student debt and free TAFE so more young people can study without a lifetime of crippling debt.

I also know our kids need secure and affordable places to live which we will deliver through our $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and ongoing increases to rent assistance.

Labor’s delivery of a tax cut to every taxpayer, an energy rebate to every household and a pay raise for low paid workers is a great start.

But there is still more work to do. This election is close. Vote Rebecca Hack to get Ryan back on track.

Authorised K Flanders, Australian Labor Party, Level 1, 16 Peel St South Brisbane QLD

The Western Echo is thrilled to present a short series of articles featuring local First Nations stories, history, and culture. This has been made possible through a generous grant received from the Local & Independent News Association (LINA). The following story is the second in the series – written by local resident Maurice Serico.

The History Under Your Feet

By Maurice Serico

For most people, The Gap is all about the trees, pleasant spaces and the creek. It was thus the same for the First Nations people who camped here and passed through. These people were predominantly the Turrbul people with others including the Jagera and some Wakka Wakka people. Despite the lushness people in The Gap may see today that same diversity of resources paled in comparison to the riches available in Meanjin, the Turrbul name for the area that we know as central Brisbane and the Brisbane River. With both freshwater and saltwater fish and shellfish available, plus easy access to Moreton Bay to dugong and turtle and fertile wetlands and associated birdlife, the people of Meanjin were spoilt for food and other resources. The Gap was predominantly an area for passing through to the bunya festivals held in Baroon Pocket, north of Maleny in the Blackall Ranges. As a result of this passing through the track from Meanjin (Brisbane), towards Mount Nebo and then to Baroon Pocket was an important component of The Gap. This track followed Enoggera Creek very closely. In the 1860s when a new dam for the growing city of Brisbane was needed, a dam high on Enoggera Creek became the chosen project. The site sits at the junction of three creeks and was a popular stopping point on the bunya festival walks. Because many other First Nations people would be on the same walk, rest points along the walk became good places to conduct meetings. Traditional Aboriginal meetings on the east coast of Australia typically would take place in bora rings, and there are many bora rings reported to have been in The Gap.

Bora rings are unique to eastern Australia, with South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales being the areas where they are concentrated. They have important sacred functions including the initiation of young men into full manhood, community ceremonies and non-sacred community meetings.

A traditional bora ring comprises two circles, a larger one and a smaller one, connected by a straight path, generally less than 500m long. The circles and paths would be marked usually by raised soil ridges or less frequently by large stones. Despite common belief, the raised circles were often decorated with sticks or plants and a central plant or pole. Most activities took place in the larger circle with only the initiation ceremony taking place in the smaller circle. In many cases only one bora ring could be seen. The smaller, sacred circle was often erased after use in initiation ceremonies. Bora rings are connected to the heavens. In Aboriginal astronomy the dark nebulas that can be seen dotted along the Milky Way form the

Dark Emu. You can see the Coalsack nebula in the Milky Way at one end of the Milky Way without a telescope. There is a larger dark patch that covers the bulge at the centre of the Milky Way. Those two dark patches represent the head and body of the dark emu and a thin line of darkness along the middle of the Milky Way represents the neck of the emu, connecting the two parts of the emu. The two rings and paths of the bora ring mimic that dark emu shape, even if the dreaming stories and lore of south east Queensland do not reference the emu.

Locally, bora rings, a Kamilaroi (NSW) name, were known as kip, derived from the Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi) term “kippah” meaning an uninitiated young man, giving us the suburb names, Kippa-Ring and Keperra. The early settler, Tom Petrie (1831-1910), who grew up and played with local Aboriginal children in Brisbane, noted several bora rings in and around Brisbane. From his reminiscences, it seems that the bora ring at Samford was used by Turrbul and Wakka Wakka people, another bora ring at North Pine was used by the Kabi Kabi, Joondaburri, and Yagembah peoples, and yet another bora ring at Redcliffe, presumably the one formerly found at Kippa-Ring was used by the Kabi Kabi and Wakka Wakka peoples.

Currently, the best-preserved bora ring near The Gap is the Samford or Wight’s Mountain bora ring which was preserved by the local property owner and then handed over to a trust for further preservation. Another well preserved bora ring lies in Nudgee. Jeff Hilder recalls that his brothers knew of two bora rings near Mount Nebo Road. That road was part of the bunya festival trek, and the bora rings would have been a convenient place to meet. They were halfway between the plentiful fresh water of the high reaches of Enoggera Creek and fertile wetlands beside Fish Creek. Sadly, those bora rings were demolished in the 1960s when the area was prepared for housing. They were located where Moygara Street is now. There are signs of spear sharpening in Fish Creek with a series of sharpening grooves on a rock platform in the creek, suggesting that spear fishing may have taken place there. As the name suggests, fish were plentiful in this tributary of the Enoggera Creek. Where Fish Creek flows into Enoggera Creek was, and still is, an important social gathering place. We know it today as the Walton Bridge Reserve. For the First Australians walking out to the bunya festivals it was one of the major resting points. Being flat, shady, cool in summer, with food and shelter in easy reach it became an important and popular place for rest, recreation and meeting. Recreation is even in the name of the creek, Enoggera. This word should really be the Turrbul word, “Euoggera” but the “u” was mistaken for an “n” in an early printing and the error stuck. Euoggera means “sing-dance” or “sing-play”.

This spot was one of many along Enoggera Creek that were used for impromptu corroborees, where groups would sing and dance in good natured competition and feasting. It is quite likely that the nearby O S Twist Oval was also a dancing ground. The bestknown dancing and ceremonial ground on Enoggera Creek was at Sedgley Park in Alderley. Much more elaborate corroborees took place that included invitations being published in the local newspaper. The last of these corroborees took place in 1902.

Above and to the south of the Walton Bridge Reserve lies Jevons Street. It has been reported that bora rings were located here, but they were destroyed when housing in the area was developed.

Although bora rings are almost completely removed from The Gap their history has remained. Perhaps modern society can learn to value other cultures more in the future and be more caring and less destructive with cultural material like the bora rings. Even though the bora rings are no longer here the path that connected them, Enoggera Creek, or should I say, “Euoggera Creek” still flows strongly and while people don’t walk along it to get to the bunya festivals any more their spirits are still flowing too.

Thanks to LINA for the financial support to feature this story: www.lina.org.au

Images credits: Colin Bushell Photography, Melanie Grevis-James

The GapCreative Inc

This year has been big, bright, and beautiful for The Gap Creative and it is not over yet!

One of our November highlights saw an artistic refresh on the walls of Ruby Red Jewellery. Katherine Kemp is a staunch supporter of all our members and is always willing to showcase our diverse talents to the community at large. We cannot thank her enough and look forward to what is to come.

For us, 2024 saw the continuation of our much-loved Tula Gallery Event at The Gap State High School and annual Open Studio’s weekend. We look forward to bringing this back next year, with more members, more creativity, and more community connections.

CHRISTMAS

School, gave us a wonderful opportunity to show an array of works and we are already preparing for what we can create next.

We are always thrilled to collaborate with other local events, which allow us to celebrate the arts and highlight how much talent we have here in our suburb. Arts & Eats, co-hosted by Ruby Red Jewellery and St Mark’s Anglican Church, and The Gap Soirée held by The Gap State

Newmarket Bocce Club News

Queensland Bocce Federation Cup 19 & 20 October 2024

What a great weekend of bocce. Bundaberg, Redlands, QBF, and Newmarket Bocce clubs played 6 games over the weekend culminating in a presentation lunch on Sunday. Camaraderie was high and so was the competitiveness between clubs. So, it always comes down to the last game. Newmarket men Tony Servodio, Silvio Rotili, Bruno Cappellone, and Natale Zaini won the cup and runners up, Redlands, Joe Reitano, Peter Oxnam, Mario Menelli, Enzo Tomasi. Redlands women Barbara Jones, Nevia Dekli, Chiara Tomasi, and Luz Van Hemmen took out the women’s cup with the Newmarket team of Silva Piotto, Sue Thompson, Gayle Mudford, and Maria Mammarella in second place. Mario De Marco and Peter Van Hemmen were official referees. Congratulations to all players!

Newmarket Bocce Club wishes all the Echo readers a merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we will do it all over again next year!

We were also thrilled to showcase our members at the recent Christmas Markets at The Gap Village, which were a great success – thank you to all

A big thank you must go to our supporters. Whether this came in the form of financial sponsorship, gifting of goods and services, volunteering, and the care of family and friends, we could not do what we love to do without

2025 will be even bigger, even brighter, and even more beautiful and we cannot wait to bring our local community along, for what is sure to be an exciting ride. On behalf of The Gap Creative, we wish you a very merry festive season, a peaceful new year, and plenty of creative fun

Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club

It’s all go at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club

Any doubt about the benefits of Probus would have been swept away by spending November with Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club, starting with the regular cards afternoon in the first week. A band concert by boys from Marist Ashgrove opened our monthly general meeting, followed by the always tasty morning tea. Internationally renowned guest speaker Dr. Chris Reynolds presented a fascinating discussion about his new book “What a Capital Idea – Australia 1770-1901.” The book exchange table at the general meeting continues to be very popular. November’s outing was to the refurbished and re-opened Newstead House, followed by lunch at the Brekky Creek Hotel. Then more great social interaction at a lunch at Litse Lounge in Keperra. And our monthly coffee and chat morning at a café in The Gap.

There are always lots of social activities and opportunities to make new friends at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club. New members are most welcome. Just search for Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club on the Probus website.

We meet at 9.30am on the 2nd Thursday each month except December and January at the Red Hill Bowls, Sports and Community Club in Fulcher Road, Red Hill. Come and give us a try at a monthly meeting or on any of our outings. Please phone either of our Club Membership Officers Sue Vivian on 0413 544 202 or Caroline Graham on 0411 459 687, so that we can make you welcome.

Tradies, we understand the struggles you face. Managing finances, keeping up with compliance, and handling tax obligations can be overwhelming. At Tradies Tax, we specialise in bookkeeping, business development, and tax services designed specifically for tradies. Our expert team will ensure you meet QBCC requirements, lodge financial reports, and maximise your returns. Let us take care of your books so you can focus on what you do best. Book a free consultation today and discover how Tradies Tax can support your business and simplify your life.

Email: office@agilisaccountants.com.au

Brisbane North Cake Decorators

Our year of fun and creativity is drawing to a close with our final meeting for the year held on 16 November, with a fun workshop and Christmas party. Then we all seem to be extra busy preparing for Christmas. We have a cake stall at the Christmas Markets at St Mark’s Church Hall, The Gap, corner Waterworks Road and Kullaroo Street on 7 December, commencing at 3.00pm. There will be lots of goodies to purchase.

At our October meeting Victoria conducted a workshop making Butterfly Ranunculus using wafer paper. Some of us went home with something resembling the flower, and we all realised how different wafer paper is to use compared to our usual flower pastes.

We have no meeting in December and commence again in January 2025, when all our activities will commence. We have another year full of new experiences for our members, including working on our project for the cake show that will be on in the middle of the year.

Don’t forget to check out our activities on our Facebook page, Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA or we can be contacted via email at: brisbanenorthcakedecorators@gmail.com Wishing everyone a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Newmarket Probus Club

For their October activity, members of the Newmarket Probus met at Woody Point to enjoy fish and chips and friendly conversation beside the bay. As well as a different activity each month, members, who are retired or semi-retired, meet to listen to an interesting speaker. This month we heard about the Queensland Justice System and how judges decide on sentencing. We’d love for you to come along and find out more about us.

We meet at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Red Hill Community Sports Club, Fulcher Rd, Red Hill. Check out our website for more information (google Newmarket Probus) or contact Judith on 0438 335 314.

Red Hill Bowls, Sports & Community Club

Red Hill Bowls, Sports & Community Club

Red Hill Bowls, Sports & Community Club

22 Fulcher Road, Red Hill 4059 www.redhillbowls.org.au

22 Fulcher Road, Red Hill 4059 www.redhillbowls.org.au

22 Fulcher Road, Red Hill 4059 www.redhillbowls.org.au

All Abilities Cricket Program

Get ready for an exciting season with Valleys District Cricket Club's All Abilities Cricket Program! We’re thrilled to announce that registrations are now open, welcoming neurodiverse kids and young adults from across our community. Our programs offer a safe, fun-filled environment for participants of all ages to experience the joy of cricket at their own pace.

Since its launch in 2021, our All Abilities Cricket Program has become a vibrant part of the club, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for everyone who wants to be involved. We believe cricket should be for everyone, and with the support of our dedicated coaches and volunteers, each session is designed to encourage teamwork, build confidence, and most importantly, have a fantastic time on the field. We tailor the activities to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and supported, creating a friendly, non-competitive environment that prioritises fun and friendship.

Each week, participants can look forward to new challenges, plenty of laughter, and a free BBQ token to wrap up the night with family and friends. Whether your child is new to cricket or has played before, they’ll be warmly welcomed and encouraged every step of the way. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Spaces are filling fast, so sign up today and let’s make this season the best one yet. Join us at Valleys District Cricket Club and be part of our inclusive cricket family – because at Valleys, everyone’s a star!

Check out our website to register at www.valleycricket.org.au/allabilities or call Kaz on 0416 113152 for more info.

AranaViewClub

ARANA VIEW CLUB SMITH FAMILY’S CHRISTMAS APPEAL

The Arana VIEW Club is calling on the community to embrace the festive season spirit of giving and help raise funds for The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal, to ensure thousands of students experiencing disadvantage can be supported in their education in 2025.

The charity aims to raise $4.91 million nationally through the appeal, which will provide more than 11,700 children with access to critical learning and mentoring programs to help them stay engaged and motivated at school.

This includes programs like student2student, which pairs younger students with young reading buddies, and after-school Learning Clubs, where students get support with their homework from trained volunteers – many of whom are VIEW Club members.

Arana VIEW Club president, Hilary said this work is more important than ever as families face the ongoing effect of cost-of-living increases.

“All funds raised through donations to the Christmas Appeal will ensure students can take part in The Smith Family’s evidence-based numeracy, literacy, tutoring, digital and mentoring programs to help them catch up and keep up at school,” she said.

Nationally VIEW Clubs currently support more than 1,785 students

The GapShe Shed

The Gap She Shed Management Committee wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The She Shed is looking for volunteers to help with various events. If you enjoy event planning and would like to help, please contact us at hello@thegapsheshed.au

We are planning more fun things to do in 2025. Copy this link if you are interested in becoming a financial member: https://www.trybooking. com/COLFO Financial Membership is only $25 a year and it pays for itself as members get a discounted price to events.

The Gap She Shed Christmas Market will be held this year at St. Marks Anglican Church in The Gap on Saturday 7th December 2024 from 3-7pm.

The market will have stalls selling a wide variety of Christmas items, such as earrings, baked goods, hand-made gifts, resin ware, children’s clothing, bags, Christmas ornaments, 3D printed dragons, eggs and toys, a Nutrimetics stall, … just to name a few. It will be a great place to do some Christmas shopping.

Check the December calendar under the Events tab on The Gap She Shed Community Facebook page for dates and times of all events and activities.

Email us at hello@thegapsheshed.au for all activity enquiries and bookings and for our monthly newsletter.

Website: www.thegapsheshed.wixsite.com/home

Email: hello@thegapsheshed.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ thegapsheshed

on the charity’s flagship Learning for Life program, which provides educational, personal and financial support.

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation and support network, bringing together women to enjoy social activities, develop skills, and make connections – all while supporting Australian children experiencing disadvantage.

For those who are interested to find out more about VIEW or who would like to join visit view.org.au

For more information on the appeal, go to www.thesmithfamily.com. au or call 1800 024 069

To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366.

Arana VIEW Club meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade,Keperra. Call Carol on 3355 5349 by Thursday 12.00 noon in the week BEFORE the meeting if you are attending or wish to find out more about our club.

The Physiologix Corner

Management of ACL injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key ligament in the inside of the knee that helps to stabilise the knee joint. Injuries are common, especially among athletes involved in sports that require sudden stops, jumps, and changes in direction. The ACL can be partially torn, or totally tear, called a complete rupture. An ACL injury is a significant injury.

Previously ACL reconstruction in surgery was the next step. However there are also successive non-operative options available. If you suspect an ACL injury it is essential you see a health practitioner. As sports physios we will be able to assess your knee.

Surgery is NOT your only option. Many people are managing well after ACL injury with physio alone and no surgery needed. This is known as a “coper”, someone who copes well with no surgery.

For athletes or individuals with complete tears, surgical intervention may be necessary and remains the more frequently opted for intervention. The most common surgical procedure for ACL injuries is arthroscopic reconstruction.

Rehabilitation and Long-term Management

No matter which option you opt for, a highly structured rehabilitation program is critical for successful recovery moving forward. Your physio will carefully assess you throughout making sure you only progress when you are ready. It is essential that you continue to look after your knee, maintaining strength and function long term.

Preventing ACL injuries is just as crucial as managing them. Effective prevention strategies include: strength training, neuromuscular training, and proper techniques - how to land correctly, pivot safely, and cut efficiently.

Your Physiologix Sports and Exercise Physios are highly experienced in ACL management and rehabilitation.

BalaangalaCommunity Group

The Timeline

When you think about the early history of The Gap, where does your mind go?

For people with European ancestors it often goes to the timber

getters or the sheep graziers who arrived in the 1800s, often referred to as early settlers. However The Gap was actually settled 40, 50 or maybe 60 thousand years ago. The Yuggera speaking people brought up their families here, celebrated here, worked together to provide food and shelter for everyone in their community, cared for their environment and were buried here. If you want to understand more, Balaangala has created a timeline which highlights the length of time Europeans have been here compared to First Nations people. It also provides a history of significant events for First Nations people over the last two hundred years. The timeline is located at the Balaangala garden in Yoorala St.

Unfortunately many are not aware of or want to sweep the full history under the carpet including how the local people were killed or forcibly removed and taken to missions like Cherbourg. At such places parents and children were separated and no one was allowed to speak the Yuggera language. This avoidance of our history at a governmental level is reflected in the closure of the Queensland Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.

To give you an idea how European history in Australia compares to the time First Nations people have lived in The Gap, imagine that every word in this article represents 200 years of time. At this point in this article Europeans have still not arrived. They will only have arrived in the very last two words ‘our home’. This should be in our mind when we talk about ownership of land, our history and our home.

Trek2Health

Living in the Moment: Embracing Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

In a fast-paced world, our thoughts often drift to memories of the past or worries about the future, leaving the present moment overlooked. Yet, research highlights the profound benefits of being fully engaged in the “now”. Studies show that living in the present can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance emotional well-being, and improve overall life satisfaction. At Trek2Health, we work with frontline personnel, veterans, and all Australians, teaching the importance of being fully immersed in today as a way to build resilience and mental clarity.

The past, though an essential part of our journey, can sometimes carry weighty regrets or sadness. The future, filled with uncertainties, can trigger fears and anxieties. But today - today is here, offering a unique opportunity to create positive experiences, to connect with others, and to focus on well-being. We remind our clients that the power of “now” is in our hands; every moment spent with empathy, kindness, and gratitude builds not only mental resilience but also a sense of peace and purpose.

As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to practice living in the present. Let go of yesterday’s weight and refrain from fixating on tomorrow’s unknowns. Each day offers a chance to focus on what truly matters: nurturing mental health, fostering meaningful connections, and experiencing the beauty around us.

Thank you for reading this. Stay tuned for more tips and insights. Until then, take a moment to step outside, ride a wave, ride a horse, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the beauty of nature.

Warm regards,

Bruce Barker, CEO and Founder, Trek2Health & Surf Shed

Mitchelton & Districts GardenClub

60 Years and Counting!

The Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club Inc. celebrated a remarkable milestone in October - its 60th anniversary - with a luncheon held at the Arana Leagues Club. This festive gathering brought together current members, Lifetime Members and local dignitaries, all of whom were excited to honour six decades of shared passion for plants and community engagement.

Speeches from Club President, Ros Morton, and founding members reflected on the club's early days and life over the years, emphasising the sense of camaraderie and community that has been a hallmark of

AshgroveBaptist Church

Christmas at Ashgrove, Sunday 8 December Festival at 4pm, Carols from 6pm

Looking for a fun afternoon celebrating Christmas? Come along to Christmas at Ashgrove on Sunday 8 December from 4pm. It’s a free family event hosted by Ashgrove Baptist Church.

The annual Christmas event, Christmas at Ashgrove is Ashgrove Baptist Church’s gift to the community. From 4pm you can enjoy free activities including a jumping castle, giant slide, reptiles, petting zoo, face painting and more. The onsite markets provide you with the opportunity for last minute Christmas shopping, with a variety of stalls on offer.

If you’re feeling hot or hungry, Ashgrove Baptist are also providing free cold drinks, barista coffee and a barbeque.

Have some fun, fuel the family with food, and then head into the airconditioned auditorium at 6pm to enjoy an evening singing carols and celebrating this festive season.

No tickets are required - just bring your family, friends, and neighbours for an afternoon spent celebrating Christmas.

the club’s meetings.

Ashgrove Baptist Church 7 Firhill Street, Ashgrove

ashgrove.org.au

QCGC President, Phil Adams, and Committee Member, Jillian Mahoney, were special guests at the event. In his address, Phil highlighted the club’s commitment to fostering a love for gardening and providing a space for people to learn and connect. He concluded by kindly presenting the club with a certificate on behalf of the QCGC, in recognition of this outstanding achievement.

A highlight of the celebration, founding members, Margaret Morrow and Berenice Corvi, together with longest-standing President, Pat Killoran, performed a cake-cutting ceremony in honour of the club's enduring legacy. All those present toasted to many more years of happy gardening and connecting with like-minded people.

If you have been considering visiting a local garden club, we warmly welcome you join us on the first Thursday in February 2025, at The Enoggera Memorial Hall (entrance via Trundle St) at 9:30 am for a 10:00 am start. You will be greeted with friendly smiles and a complimentary morning tea. There will be time to browse the Trade Table for new plants or homemade preserves before the meeting proper - a brief affair - followed by a talk from our Guest Speaker and a raffle draw. Entry is $5.00.

All our best wishes for a happy and safe Festive Season!

Image: QCGC President, Phil Adams, presents Club President, Ros Morton, with a Certificate of Congratulations.

Jack Dangerfield 0422 564 007

teamdangerfieldproperty

team_dangerfield_property

Stephen Dangerfield 0412 145 802

SOWN

Weeping Lillipilly – an iconic tree of our waterways

A signature native tree along our local creeks is Waterhousea floribunda, the Weeping Lillypilly, shading and stabilising the stream banks. Despite all the changes in surrounding suburbs, where housing has replaced the natural woodlands and creeks have suffered siltation and weed invasion, the bands of Waterhousea remind us of the original riparian vegetation - some of the large old trees along Enoggera Creek in The Gap pre-date European colonisation. This species is characteristic of two Regional Ecosystems which occur on alluvial soils (the Qld Blue Gum - River Oak forest RE 12.3.6 and the critically endangered Lowland Rainforest RE 12.3.16).

For the Love Of Books

Well Christmas is almost here, so I headed to The Gap Village to find out which books some of the locals would love to find under the tree this year.

Rosi from the beautiful Element Boutique is hoping Santa might bring her the stunningly colourful cookbook “Comfort” by Yotam Ottolenghi. And after spotting it at Big W, I think I’ll add it to my gift giving list! It’s packed with stories from Ottolenghi’s childhood, alongside recipes that evoke comfort and home.

A moderate sized shade tree (usually 10 to 12 m at maturity) with a dense weeping canopy of glossy dark green leaves, Weeping Lillypilly is both attractive and distinctive. The lush foliage has wavy edged, pointed leaves which start off a pinkish colour, then turn to pale green and dark green as they mature. It is a hardy and moderately fast growing tree which keeps its foliage from bottom to top, effective as a screening plant, and can be pruned to shape or for hedging, as well as suitable for street tree planting and in medium sized to large gardens. The species name floribunda refers to its profusion of white flowers, which are followed by berries becoming red when ripe. Importantly these trees form hollows (essential as nesting sites) as they age, so contribute effectively to habitat for birds, bats and arboreal mammals. Weeping Lillypilly propagates readily in the wild and in cultivation, and is generally available in nurseries (including the Paten Park Native Nursery in Paten Road The Gap).

Shed HappensFor Men

Western Echo readers may remember the much-loved members of our community, the late Alan and wife Glenda Sherlock who owned The Gap chemist on Waterworks Rd? Later Alan became a Member of Parliament?

Alan visited a Shed Happens for men meeting at Murrumba Downs in 2012 and realised that our suburbs have many untold stories and interesting characters whose life journeys should be shared.

Alan's dream became a reality in April 3013.

We still meet on the third Wednesday each month, February to November [more about our December meeting below] at the Paten Park Scout Den off Paten Rd, The Gap. Commencing at 6pm with a delicious barbecue cooked by the Scouts.

Two local fellows are then interviewed about their life's adventures.

You will be truly amazed at the depth and breadth of talented men in our suburbs!

We are a non-political, non-sectarian group. Our aim is to advance the intellectual and cultural interests of adult aged males.

The lovely Volunteer Justices of the Peace (JP’s) Michelle and Jill are both voracious readers who know what they like, and don’t necessarily agree in their tastes. Michelle is wishing for Trent Dalton’s latest “Lola in the Mirror” (great choice and we love a local boy!), and Jill would love “Wing” by Nikki Gemmell as she is very interested in the educational setting and the female student interactions.

As for my Wish List – I’ve got my heart set on a Kobo Clara Colour eReader. Nothing beats physical books, but to access the Brisbane City Library catalogue and whilst travelling, a Kobo can come in very handy. I’m also hoping for some pink Strapsicles to assist with holding it for long periods. They’re great for people who might get sore joints, and they look cute in so many different colours. (www. strapsicle.com 15% discount SARAHSBOOKCHAT)

Wishing you all a joy and peace-filled Christmas and lots of happy reading!

@sarahsbookchat

Author: Sarah Krause

COMMUNITY NIGHT

On Friday 6 December we invite our partners and friends to an endof-year breakup evening at the Hilder Rd State School, The Gap, auditorium commencing at 6pm.

Our two guest interviewees are: Jessica Van Vonderen, ABC television presenter and Journalist; and Ian Townsend, Manager Communications, Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Queensland, Journalist, author and a recipient of an Australian Human Rights Award.

A sit-down dinner will be cooked by the Paten Park Scouts. Cost $25.00 a head.

Bookings for this highly anticipated community event close Sun 1 Dec. Bring your friends and neighbours. Make up a table!

Community Night and all Shed Happens enquiries phone Craig: 0417 736 897 or Lionel: 0417 786 542. Email: gapshednight@gmail.com

AshgroveRangers

Personal bests:

The Ashgrove Rangers have been an integral part of the Brisbane athletics community since 1962. The Club’s focus is on participation and community –anyone is welcome to join.

This month we would like to acknowledge the amazing achievements of our younger Club members who competed at the recent Queensland All Schools Track and Field. The Ashgrove Rangers team had great success, with medals aplenty (including some meet records) and numerous personal bests. These results were the culmination of hard work, sacrifice and dedication of our young athletes, as well as invaluable support from family and coaches.

Medal summary:

Gold: Tate van Camp (set multiple meet records), Isaiah Burgess (set meet record) and Laura Bray. Silver: Connor Campbell, Cooper Lofts and Katie Bray. Bronze: Kaley Croot, Hayden Lockhart and Lyndon Maynard.

Ashleigh Preston, Kristina Kersten and Haiden Boyd.

Well done to all our athletes that competed and made us proud.

The Ashgrove Rangers host a monthly free, family-friendly running event called The Flying Four at the Ashgrove Sports Ground. There are 3 distances to choose from (1km, 2km and 4km) so there is something for everyone! It’s the perfect event to check out what the Ashgrove Rangers are all about.

The GapSustainability Initiative

Looking back at the year 2024, we can be proud of our achievements. We updated our website to make it more user friendly, and added a community calendar where people can see what sustainability activities they can join in, such as habitat and other bushcare groups, Boomerang Bags, Repair Café, and our own creek monitoring, energy saving and community sustainability events. We hosted six amazing community seminars with important topics such as “The importance of street trees and how to care for them” to “Electrify everything and how this saves money for you and the community”. We held five working group meetings, in which we shared ideas and planned for each of our projects. We received training by Anna Bourke, Brisbane City Council’s Creek Catchment Officer, and started creek biodiversity monitoring in preparation of the Platypus’s return to Enoggera Creek. We started a Platypus Toy sewing bee, and greatly enjoyed National Tree Day which was celebrated at Paten Park Native Nursery at the end of July. We started a Street Tree care program and created a map that shows the streets we already serviced, and encouraged residents to nominate streets that need TLC.

Seminar: Our first meeting of 2025 will be on the 21 January, at The Gap State High School Library at 7pm.

JOIN OUR INITIATIVE

Be Part of Our Sustainable Journey - Learn, Connect, and Make a Difference

If you’d like to know more about us, the Flying Four or our regular training sessions, head to our website: www.ashgroverangers.org

NorthsHockeyClub

Norths hockey talent scoring goals overseas

Both outdoors and indoors, Northern Suburbs Hockey Club players and coaches are hitting goals around the world. Several members of the Ashgrovebased club recently represented Australia in Auckland, with Ken Wigmore playing in the Australian 55+ team at the Masters Hockey World Cup.

Norths clubmates David Johnston, Russell Rendell and coach Daniel Goodwin featured in Australia A teams which contested the International Masters Cup in New Zealand.

Hayden Scholes, Thomas Quine and Harley Woodall competed at the Mirnawan Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November. They represented the Queensland Under 17 side at the tournament, which

Looking ahead for next year we have a packed program of activities already planned out and would love additional volunteers to join us. Take part in our initiative to build a sustainable future in The Gap. Within a supportive community, you'll learn how to create positive change. Subscribe [https://thegapsustainabilityinitiative.eo.page/4061] to explore how you can make a lasting impact locally and beyond. We always welcome new members. Please email:

info@thegapsustainability.org if you are keen to get involved.

also featured teams from South Africa, Malaysia, Austria, Canada and South Korea.

Max Harding, Kyle Jeffery-Prestwich, Diarmid Chappell, Darren Fowler (coach) and Christian Bourke (manager) are members of the Brisbane Blaze men’s team contesting the Hockey One national league.

Holly Gilbar helped the Tassie Tigers women’s side qualify for the Hockey One finals for the time since the league’s inception in 2019.

The indoor hockey season is also in full swing with several Norths players set to represent Queensland this summer. Luke Keir, Ben Chiu Chong, Grace Petersen and Laura Thirgood have been selected in Queensland Under 14 indoor hockey teams to contest the national titles.

Jessica Moffat has been named in the Queensland open women’s team for the Australian Championships in Canberra starting December 14. Capping a magnificent season, Jessica was named the Female Indoor Hockey Player of the Year at the 2024 Hockey Queensland Awards.

www.northshockey.org.au

3300 6304 | www.ppnn.org.au

Native Sennas

Sennas (once called cassias) belong to the Family Fabacea. Many people in the Brisbane area are familiar with the Easter cassia (Senna pendula var glabrata), a South American species which has become an environmental weed. It has many things in common with the native sennas, including a beautiful floral display of pea-like yellow flowers and compound leaves. It is most like the rainforest cassia (Senna acclinis) that is endemic to coastal areas of eastern Australia. Although botanists rely on several features, some requiring microscopic examination, to distinguish the two species there are a couple of obvious differences that taken together separate them. The native species produces golden yellow flowers through spring and summer followed by long, flattened seed pods that turn black and papery when mature. The Easter cassia usually has bright yellow flowers in autumn and early winter, although some may flower leading up to Christmas, with long, cylindrical, green seed pods that turn straw coloured. Unlike those of the native senna, these pods are not retained for more than a season. When flowers and pods are not present for comparison, the leaflets of the Easter cassia, unlike the native species, have a distinctive yellow edging line.

The rainforest cassia typically grows to 3 metres tall at the edges of subtropical and dry rainforest. Due to habitat degradation and loss, this has become a threatened species. The brigalow senna (Senna coronilloides), also growing to a height of 3 m, is endemic to brigalow areas of southern Qld and Northern NSW. The smooth senna (Senna barclayana) grows to 1.5 m tall in open forests of southern Qld and northern NSW. It too has bright yellow flowers that are carried in small clusters on stalks, sequentially throughout spring and summer. The slightly curved seed pods ripen to a dark brown. The leaflets of the compound leaf are narrow and elliptical, giving the plant a fern-like appearance. The pepper-leafed senna (Senna sophora var sophora), from wet sclerophyll forests, also grows to 1.5 m with bright yellow flowers, but the leaflets are lanceolate and seed pods cylindrical.

All these native sennas produce spectacular displays of bright yellow flowers; attract butterflies, particularly the small grass-yellow, the large grass-yellow, and the even larger lemon migrant and yellow migrant; are pollinated by a variety of insects, including native bees and can be pruned to size so they are suitable for even the smallest garden. In the garden they are fairly tolerant of a range of soil types and are hardy once established. The larger species are good screen plants whilst all can be used as fillers that will not overwhelm other plants. They grow in full sun and filtered light. They have a life span of four to ten years with plants that are pruned, fertilised and watered annually after flowering living the longest. Altogether a lovely plant to have in the garden.

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society

Pop-up Shop for Enoggera & District Historical Society

Watch out for the PopUp Shop at Brookside on 14 December!

A special limited edition [100] of 2025 Calendars celebrating the 100th

Anniversary of The Enoggera School of Arts Memorial Hall has been produced by the Enoggera & District Historical Society. The Society first issued a calendar in 2015 to mark the beginning of World War l. The price then was $10 and the 2025 calendar is the same price!

The calendar will be available from the Society’s stand at the Blackwood St Farmer’s Market on 1 December.

The Pop-Up shop at Brookside [near Terry White Chemist] is on Saturday 14 December only; and at the Historical Society [Trundle St, Enoggera] each Thursday from 9.30am till 12.30pm up until Thursday 12 December. Preferred payment is cash or direct credit. For further information contact the secretary on 3355 4714.

Ashgrove Bardon RSL Sub Branch

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2024

It was a new generation of veterans that organised and conducted the Remembrance Day ceremony at The Bardon Bowls Club this year. We thank Committee Member Ryan Muller (centre left below) in particular for his efforts in a most successful and dignified service. We also thank Annie Pope and the Bardon Bowls Club for hosting the event. Well done everyone. It was indeed a fitting tribute to our Fallen.

Services were held simultaneously at Ashgrove’s Stewart Place and Bardon, attracting local people, school children, and veterans. Warrant Officer John Franklin led the service at Ashgrove and we thank John for his services.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

The Ashgrove-Bardon Sub Branch would also like to take this opportunity to offer our members, supporters and the entire Veteran family a Happy and joyous Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.

NewmarketViewClub

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Newmarket View Ladies Club

At our October meeting we welcomed Councillor Andrew Wines who gave us an entertaining and informative talk about the history of our area and explained the significance of the bronze horse drinking from a water trough out the front of the hotel. It was the last watering place for those travelling to the Samford Valley.

This meeting also celebrated Melbourne Cup. Our thanks to Sheryl who decorated the room to rival The Birdcage at Flemington from stunning white tablecloths, serviettes in champagne glasses, flower decorations, Melbourne Cup horses galore and even two life-size racehorses. Fashions were outstanding.

In November, our ladies enjoyed our Christmas-themed morning tea at

The GapProbus Club

What would November be without the Melbourne Cup? Merely a waystation on the road to Christmas. So hooray! for a little flutter, an excuse to get together and have a little fun, wear silly hats and generally let loose.

The many members who repaired to The Gap Tavern on the famous first Tuesday took full advantage of the excuse, and enjoyed the full range of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship that is Probus’ raison d’être.

Those three words lend their initials to our 3F lunches, where members host others in the club at home, to give an opportunity to get to know one another in a small self-selected group over a co-operatively produced meal. We have only recently re-introduced these, and they are proving extremely popular.

The club also has a serious side, and our speaker in November gave everyone pause for thought. Nerilee Sowter works for Destiny Rescue, an organisation that rescues kids from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They are fully action-oriented, and will mount raids into brothels and nightclubs, even if defended by criminals. Importantly, they follow up by equipping and educating the children to stay free. This is not light-hearted stuff, but it is important.

If you are interested finding out more about Probus without commitment, we would be delighted to talk with you, and invite you to our meetings (first Thursday of every month, 2pm, at The Gap Baptist Church, corner of Waterworks and Settlement Roads). Just call (or, better, text) Tim on 0411 141 304.

Sassafras Paddington and our final meeting for 2024.

Our final club get together for 2024 will be our Christmas lunch at Room with Roses in the Brisbane Arcade in mid-December where we will enjoy our lunch in great company and beautiful surrounds, overlooking the wonderfully decorated Brisbane Arcade.

On Sunday 8 December outside Terry White’s Pharmacy at Brookside our club will be hosting a Christmas Pop-Up fundraising stall. Please say hello if see us outside Terry White Pharmacy. Funds raised will help us continue to provide support for our 9 Learning for life students and potentially to increase our sponsorship numbers in 2025.

If you are interested in attending either our monthly meeting or some of our regular social events in 2025 or to find out more information about our club, please ring either Shirley (President) on 0448 556 214 or Margaret (Secretary) on 0408 988 672 or email newmarketview@gmail.com.

The Hills and District Chamber of Commerce

Seniors Committee

The Seniors Committee of The Hills and District Chamber of Commerce invite you to a Christmas Luncheon celebrating the joy of the Christmas season, the achievements of 2024 and the excitement of looking forward to the events we are creating in 2025.

The two-course quality luncheon of roast buffet, dessert, tea and coffee will be held at the Arana Leagues Club on 12 December at a cost of $34 per person. Doors open at 11.30am. There will be raffles, a lucky door prize, and a table of crafts for sale.

This celebration is a follow-on from the great success of our Twilight Years Expo. The feedback from the event has been exceptional and we were particularly excited by the feedback we had from our community organisations and how they connected with each other. Our luncheon is the perfect place to re-connect, celebrate the season together and look forward to building on it in 2025.

To book this great event, go to our website: www.hillschamber.org.au

Click on “Events” and go to “Seniors Christmas Lunch”, click on “Get ticket” and put in the number of tickets required, follow prompts to finalise your purchase.

For more information: The Hills and District Chamber of Commerce, call John 0448 186 115 or Carolyn 0448 328 914.

AIR CONDITIONING

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Payne Road State School

Kaleidoscope – Celebration of the Arts at PRSS

In Term 4 we celebrate and acknowledge the tremendous work of our students who have participated in Instrumental/ Strings and school choral music programs as well as drama and visual arts. The night was MC’d by our wonderful 2024 Arts Captains – Angus, Jack and Lucas and lead by our hardworking and proud teachers – Mrs Sergeyeva (Music – Choirs), Mrs Elliott (Instrumental), Mrs Dinnis (Strings), Mrs Gibbs (Visual Art), and Mrs Towns (Drama).

It was so lovely to see our students perform with enthusiasm and a smile, demonstrating their new found skills, techniques, and abilities.

Every PRSS child had a fabulous piece of artwork on display in the STEAM Room, thank you to the talents of Mrs Gibbs and the inspiration she enables our students to share their creative talents.

St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School

As we reflect on the year gone by, it's hard to believe how quickly time has passed. The final session of Ready Set Prep marked

an important milestone, and it was wonderful to see our young learners finish their preparations with such enthusiasm and readiness for the year ahead.

In our final weeks, we also said goodbye to Fr. Terry, who leaves us to begin a new chapter on the Sunshine Coast. His presence in our parish has been a true blessing, and while we will miss him dearly, we send him off with our heartfelt gratitude for all the love, guidance, and wisdom he has shared with us during his time here.

As the year drew to a close, we celebrated together in grand style with our Christmas Disco and BBQ. The laughter, dancing, and shared moments of joy were the perfect way to end a year filled with growth, connection, and community. It was a reminder of the many blessings we’ve experienced, and the vibrant spirit that continues to thrive within our parish.

Looking back, it’s clear that this year has been one of transition, connection, and celebration. We have faced challenges, but also embraced many moments of joy, and in doing so, we’ve grown stronger as a community. We look forward to the new year with hope and excitement, knowing that the journey ahead will continue to bring us together.

From all of us at St Peter Chanel, we wish all our community a very Merry Christmas!

The Gap State Primary School

This term, members of Ashgrove The Gap Rotary Club joined eleven of our Year 6 students, parents and teachers, to recognise and celebrate achieving the Rotary

Junior Community Award. Each recipient shared their journey of learning with a display, examples of their new skills, a public address and slide show presentation. Recurring themes shared by recipients included the need for persistence and confidence to overcome challenges, gaining a greater sense of self-awareness and connection with others. Appreciation of the support and encouragement provided by their parents, teachers and the Rotary Club, was also shared, with special thanks to RJCA Coordinator, Mr Russ O’Malley and teachers, Mrs Beaumont and Mrs Evans. Congratulations to our 2024 Year 6 award recipients: Ben, Merrin, Miriam, Lola, Emilia, Thomas, Pepa, Jason, Amber, Teipo, and Madeline.

In October, five choral students from Year 6 participated in the Metropolitan Choral Honours Program. Nominated by the school’s music team, students were selected by the Department of Education's Music Resource Centre to participate in this three-day workshop, designed to cater for advanced choral students. Congratulations to Jason, Madeline, Sophie, Thomas and Miriam.

Five of our Year 6 budding authors gathered at the Mount Coot-tha Young Writers Camp last term for an inspiring experience filled with creativity and collaboration. Students participated in engaging workshops led by a published author, honing their skills in short story and narrative techniques. This term we celebrated the students at an Anthology Presentation evening, to recognise their hard work and creativity. It was a memorable evening for all involved, marking the beginning of their journeys as writers! Well done, students: Thomas, Evie, Jason, Emma, and Jack.

Students in Years 3-6 were provided the opportunity to participate in this year’s Australian

Mathematics Competition (AMC) and ICAS assessments, in English, Mathematics, Science, and Digital Technologies. These competitions challenge students from all over the country to showcase their skills and knowledge in a global context. We commend all students for their commitment to learning and growth. Recognising academic excellence, students who achieved High Distinctions and Distinctions were presented with their certificates recently on assembly: ICAS High Distinctions English: Myra, Catherine, Shaili; Science: Tenyu. Distinctions English: Nicholas, Ruben; Mathematics: Cameron, Jason, Ruben, Tenyu, Tyler, Zishuo: Digital Technologies: Myra, Ruby, Stanley, Tenyu; Science: Henry, Myra, Shaili. AMC High Distinction Tenyu. Distinctions Arlo, Asher, Ben, Cameron, Evie. Kind regards, Karyn Hume, Acting Principal

The Gap State High School Gap State High School Celebrates the

Class of 2024 Graduation

On the evening of November 14, The Gap State High School marked a significant milestone by celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2024. With over 1,100 parents, family members, and friends in attendance, the ceremony was a heartfelt and inspiring occasion that honoured the accomplishments of the Year 12 students as they concluded their schooling journey.

The event was a reflection of the pride and excitement felt by the Gap SHS community, as students prepared to embark on new paths in life.

Message to the Class of 2024

“Class of 2024, as you stand on the brink of this new journey, remember that the road ahead may not always be easy, but each challenge is an opportunity for growth. Embrace change,

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seek knowledge, and stay true to yourselves. You have the strength and the passion to make a difference in the world. As you step into this next chapter, I encourage you to pursue your dreams relentlessly. Surround yourselves with those who uplift you, and never hesitate to reach

Art

out for support when needed. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ Forge your own paths, and let your beacon shine brightly.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

inBark

We're slowly slowing down for the year, most of the shows are finished till next Year now.

We are still having classes at Brisbane City Hall, in the basement Adelaide St side of the Hall. Classes are on Monday 9am-12noon. Lesson $10; kits $10 - and we supply boards, glue & bark.

We are closing for the Christmas break Monday 23 December and reopen Tues 28 January 2025. We also have workshops on Saturdays at the Apostolic Church Hall, 43 Robinson Road, Nundah; with a Christmas break from 14 December and reopening 1 February 2025.

Please phone first to book your class. For more Info: Barbara 3271 2130; Dipti 0468 548 600;

The Gap Pioneer & History Group Inc

Walton Bridge The GapGirl Guides

“LEST WE FORGET”

On 12 November 2019 The Gap Pioneer and History Group Inc. lodged a Park Naming Application with Brisbane City Council Cr. Steve Toomey relative to acknowledging the Soldier Settler Centenary in The Gap in 2020.

Informative signage was sought for a presumed unnamed green space in Michaela Cr., The Gap to honour and remember our Soldier Settlers who had returned from WW1, and the establishment of the new ‘Settlement’. A section described as Portion 97 of the Soldiers Settlement at the western end of the Michaela Cr. site was suggested as the definitive site for signage to be erected, as some heart-wrenching history is

It has been a busy year of learning, challenges and personal development for all the Guides. It is all made possible by our wonderful volunteers who manage each group of Guides. They are a varied group: new to Guiding and those who were Guides themselves, working full time and stay-at-home parent, those with big families, and those who are yet to create their own household. What they have in common is a desire to influence the next generation of women, so that the girls know they can try anything, learn from challenges (including when it does not go as planned), and to believe in themselves enough to have a try. We have had a busy year meeting once a week during term times, as well as special events such as Snow Trek to the NSW ski fields, a State camp connected to 10 sites across the State by radio and internet, attendance at ANZAC commemorations, and other acts of service.

If you have a daughter, aged 5-17 years, who would like to come and try Guides or you are an adult who would like to help create the leaders of tomorrow please contact Juliana at waltonbridgethegapDM@ guidesqld.org

attached to the first occupiers returning from the battlefields of WW1, with horrific memories of their time at the front.

The first occupier of this Portion was Sister Florence Elizabeth JamesWallace, the second occupier Lance Corporal George Alexander Bayne, and the third occupier Driver John Missenden.

Floral tributes have been placed by Pioneer Group members at the “Soldiers Settlement Place” informative panel on both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day since 2020. The floral arrangement for Remembrance Day 2024 was created by our Secretary from her own garden roses, day lilies, gladiolas, statice, hippeastrums and daisies.

Enquiries: jeffhilder@outlook.com