The Western Echo March 2023

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANT

RGA Business & Tax

Phone: 3289 1700 pg 8

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING

Wyatt Automotive

Phone: 3300 2077 pg 1

BATHROOMS

Steve Froggatt

Phone: 0402 730 177 pg 12

BEAUTY

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy

Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

BRICKLAYING PAVING

Inness Green

Phone: 3300 1555 pg 20

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Picabeen Community Centre

Phone: 0466 159 893 pg 27

FREE Concert

QSO Roma St Parklands

25 March 2023 pg 11

GARDENING

Good Deal Mowing

Phone:0439 734 142 pg 20

KITCHENS

Kitchen Design Qld

Phone: 0419 020 121 pg 12

LAWYERS

Hollingworth & Spencer

Phone: 3123 5700 pg 8

MUSIC TUITION

The Gap Piano Studio

Phone: 3166 8353 pg 23

ORGANIC PRODUCE

The Gap LOCO

www.thegaploco.com pg 15

PHARMACY

The Gap Day & Night Pharmacy

Phone: 3300 1555 pg 32

PLUMBER

Pandanus Contractors

Phone: 3300 3934 pg 20

Plumbers We Are

Phone: 3351 0016 pg 20

Same Day Trades

Phone: 3062 2339 pg 12

PILATES

Keep Moving Pilates

Phone: 0405 425 400 pg 19

PODIATRIST

ProHealth Podiatry

Phone: 3076 7306 pg 19

POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT

Elizabeth Watson-Brown

POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT (Continued) SCHOOLS

Jonty Bush

Phone: 3554 9100 pg 5

Cr. Steven Toomey

Phone: 3407 1900 pg 10

REAL ESTATE

Harcourts Inner West

Phone: 3511 0666 pg 9

Team Dangerfield

Phone: 0422 564 007 pg 11

St Peter Chanel Open Day

Phone: 3300 1202 pg 23

TMR - EMPLOYMENT

School Crossing Supervisors

Phone: 0417 733 640 pg 25

SECURITY DOORS

K& D Security Doors

Phone: 3200 9152 pg 13

TYRE & MECHANICAL

Wyatt Automotive

Phone: 3300 2077 pg 1

WALKING FOOTBALL

Walking Football Brisbane

Phone: 0432 967 829 pg 26

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

We urgently need more volunteer drivers. It can be for as little as a few hours each month. We deliver each morning, Monday to Friday, from around 9.30am until noon. Can you help us? If you are interested, please phone our office on 3366 4299 between the hours of 8.00am and noon.

Ashgrove Meals on Wheels

524 Waterworks Road

Ph 3366 4299

Phone: 3378 1599 pg 7 & 9 www.facebook.com/pages/

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

NOTICE TO READERS

We wish to advise that distribution of the Western Echo can not be legally made to letterboxes displaying ‘Australia Post Only’ ‘Authorised Mail Only’ or ‘No Junk Mail’.

For those residents who wish to collect a free copy, we have newstands located at:

• Night Owl Enoggera - Cnr. Samford Rd & Wardell St

• Stewart Road News Ashgrove

• Ashgrove Library

• Jonty Bush’s State Electorate Office

• Cr. Steven Toomey’s Gap Ward Office

Copies are also available at Red Hill APO, West Ashgrove APO, The Gap APO, The Gap Village, The Friendly Grocer The Gap, Wyatt's bp The Gap, & Ashgrove Golf Club

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 the accuracy of articles published. The Western Echo is delivered, by private letterbox distribution, to 15,700 homes and businesses in: Ashgrove, Ashgrove West, St. Johns Wood, Dorrington, The Gap, and selected areas of Bardon, Red Hill, Enoggera, Keperra and Mitchelton

Mysterious toxin is grounding iconic lorikeets

Known for their clownlike antics, lorikeets who once barrel rolled in the sun, tore apart blossoming bottle brush and filled their neighbourhood with their iconic squawk, are paralysed from taking flight.

Unable to walk, eat, blink and eventually move at all, our rainbows of the sky are suffering Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome.

Without intervention and intensive care, our beautiful lorikeets have no chance of survival.

In 2022, 3,221 lorikeets presented to RSPCA with Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS) and 389 lorikeets have already been admitted into their care in January.

The syndrome is primarily seen in rainbow and scaly-breasted lorikeets. If left untreated, the birds are unable to feed themselves and die from dehydration and starvation.

“Every summer we treat hundreds of lorikeets with LPS. The syndrome is mainly on present in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and some in Gympie,” says RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Vet Tim Portas.

“It is treatable when found early but requires weeks of intensive care for the birds.”

Thankfully, our iconic rainbow pilots can return to the wild, but this isn’t without around-the-clock care followed by weeks rehabilitation before they can be released.

Lorikeet Paralysis

Syndrome is a serious threat to our iconic lorikeets and needs immediate intervention.

If you find a lorikeet that is unable to fly, has varying degrees of paralysis, seems wobbly or is unable to blink or swallow seek them help immediately.

Symptoms of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome:

• Inability to fly

• Varying degrees of paralysis of the legs and wings

• Hopping / wobbly

• Voice changes

In serious cases, paralysis may affect the whole body and the bird may be unable to blink or swallow

The cause of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome is still unknown, but research is ongoing.

Dr Portas says, “We are currently collecting intestinal contents and faeces from severely affected lorikeets and working with Universities to perform plant DNA studies in the hope to find what lorikeets are eating that could be causing the disease.”

Our local western suburbs, being so close to Brisbane Forest Park and other green corridors, means we are blessed with an abundance of wildlife, particularly native birds many of which visit our gardens on a regular basis.

If you notice a lorikeet with any of the above symptoms call the RSPCA’s 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625), or your nearest

wildlife

You can also take the bird directly to your local vet or wildlife hospital or the Australian Wildlife Hospital

Hotline 1300 369 652.

For more information on wildlife issues and protection visit rspcaqld.org.au

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

The Gap RSL Sub Branch

Mr Ray De Vere MC OAM R.I.P.

RSL Queensland and ACU announce partnership to support veterans and their families in higher education.

Whatever our job or vocation we all know the importance of education . None more so than the RSL. One of the major problems in transitioning from defence to civilian life is acquiring the necessary skills or knowledge.

To improve career prospects for current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), RSL Queensland and ACU are working together

to expand the programs available to veterans across Queensland to support those enrolled in higher education.

This partnership strengthens RSL Queensland’s commitment to higher education for the veteran community, extending the existing annual investment in direct educational bursaries for veterans and their families.

Ray was a long time, well known and highly respected resident of The Gap.

He had an illustrious military career, awarded

the Military Cross for his operational service in Vietnam .He led an equally illustrious career in academic and civilian life with a special interest in Veterans Affairs through the RSL, for which he was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia.

He was State President of the RSL and held various state

STOP PRESS ••• STOP PRESS ••• STOP PRESS

A long time ago... in our wonderful part of the world... I embarked on a new venture, one that has given me enormous pleasure and sense of belonging in such an amazing and wonderful community.

In 1994 The Western Echo first arrived in letterboxes throughout The Gap, Ashgrove, Bardon and Keperra

Over the years I have had the privilege to become acquainted - and often friends - with hundreds of locals who volunteered their time to schools, community groups, clubs and organisations.

There have been many changes over the intervening years – nearly three decades – not least of which are the variety of businesses who have made the area their business-base and very often their home as well.

Over those years, 29 in all, I’ve captured for

posterity all the ANZAC Days, Remembrance Days, Santa Sleigh travels, Student Leader induction ceremonies and events at many of the school, GRIPPS concerts and every local Australian Citizenship Ceremony held on Australia Day each year.

It has been a pleasure introducing new businesses and their services or products to the broader community. There have been literally hundreds which have come, some have stayed and prospered, some have moved on to greener pastures.

Capturing the social history of our local suburbs has seen many events, births, marriages, anniversaries as well as the formation of three historical societies.

So it is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I have had to make the hard and difficult task to call it 'time' for the production and delivery of The Western Echo to cease.

This decision has not been taken lightly – I know the supporters and readers, as well as the many clubs and groups will miss having their news and stories get out to the local communities.

I have been fortunate to withstand the demise of printmedia up until now, and overcame and persevered the difficulties presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and the drop off in advertising which resulted as businesses had to virtually close to face-to-face contact with their customers.

Compounding the problem was the advent of social media, where many new and existing businesses, moved to more on-line promotions, and the inability to achieve a thorough distribution.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all readers and supporters of The Western Echo, the wonderful local businesses who continued to support the

and national appointments. Ray was a Life Member of the RSL and Vietnam Veterans Association and an Honorary National Vice President of the RSL.

A very impressive record indeed

We Will Remember Him LEST WE FORGET

magazine, through difficult times, which allowed printing and distribution costs to be met.

It has been a wonderful 29 years and I have been truly blessed to have the support of so many, particularly my husband Graeme and children Jess and Angus.

My sincerest appreciation to everyone who has contributed towards the success and strong readership of the last local community news magazine in our area. I'm very sad it has to end.

Philippa Wightman OAMowner, editor and publisher The Western Echo

State Update

Give ‘em Heaps

I was thrilled to join Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, and representatives from the GPS Rugby and Valley District Cricket clubs recently to officially open the new Ashgrove Sports Ground clubhouse. I know this has been a much-anticipated project for everyone connected with these two magnificent clubs, and locals can’t wait to pop down and check it out!

The redeveloped club will provide significant refurbishment of the community hall and public space around the existing main building; new amenities blocks, two additional change rooms dedicated to female athletes, a strength and conditioning gym, a first aid room, and referees dressing room.

I worked hard to secure $2.5m in funding towards this project when I was first elected, and it was certainly a proud day to see that commitment delivered.

2032 Olympics – the Ultimate Home Game

The Olympic and Paralympic games will kickstart a major revitalisation of the Gabba Stadium. Connecting the Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro, it will deliver a walkable connection to South Bank and Brisbane CBD via Brisbane City Council’s new green bridge, providing greater accessibility for those with all levels of mobility, making it one of the most accessible stadiums in the country. The Gabba Stadium redevelopment will see the Stadium fully demolished and rebuilt, with improved disability access and improved access to public transport. Additionally – the rebuild will anchor significant urban renewal including delivering more housing, including social and affordable housing. The redevelopment will support the long-term needs of community, professional sports, and the entertainment industry at large, in the city of Brisbane, before and after 2032.

Experiences of Victims of Crime

Clean Up Australia Day

March 5 was Clean Up Australia Day, and this year I teamed up with Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN) and the Lions Club of Ashgrove/The Gap to make sure our creeks and parks are free from plastics and other rubbish. A couple of different locations were being targeted, with activities running from 8.00-10.00am. The Lions put on a thank-you BBQ at Alfred and Lucinda Best Park.

Everyone and anyone was warmly welcomed – it was a great opportunity to contribute towards local environmental initiatives, have a chat to interesting locals and hear from SOWN experts on creek care before grabbing a snag.

We live in one of the safest parts of Brisbane, even so, crime can happen anywhere. When it does, victims of crime want to be supported throughout the process, they want access to information regarding court proceedings, they may need financial assistance to recover, and importantly they want to feel safe again. As part of my Parliamentary work, I would like to hear from locals who have experienced crime in the past two years, and feel like they can share their experience with me, so I can work to identify areas for improvement. If that’s you, please get in touch via the details below.

If there’s anything here you’d like to know more about, or would like to connect with me generally, please reach out.

Jonty Bush MP Member for Cooper Jonty Bush

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap 4061

Check out “LOVE THE GAP” http://nhwq4061. com/love-the-gap/

Lot’s of great info on places to enjoy, eat, play surrounded by a wonderful safe community created by NHW The Gap!

Check out the merchandise too and get your hands on it which supports our NHW The Gap fundraising -> which is reinvested into local campaigns.

Queensland and The Gap is a safe place to live however, crime does occur. Adopting core personal strategies will enhance your personal safety.

Exercise your right to safety

We all have the right to be safe.

While it is important you are aware of and exercise this right, be mindful that you also have responsibility for your own safety.

Keep fear of violence in perspective

Many people have a fear of crime that is disproportionate to the actual risks they face. This can result in unnecessary limitations being placed on their lifestyle and a diminished quality of life.

Be committed

Being committed to your safety is fundamental to maintaining it.

Many people have a strong commitment to preserving the safety of their loved ones, often willing to take any action if those people are in danger but lack the same level of commitment to their own safety.

Be confident

Display an air of confidence, even if it is a bluff. Attackers target vulnerability. The more confident you look the less likely you are to be attacked.

Body language can convey our thoughts reflecting confidence or fear.

Be aware of your surroundings

Continuously surveying your surroundings in a relaxed, positive manner can alert you to potential danger, enabling you to take action to avoid it.

Trust and act on your instincts

Your instincts are sound. If you pick up a bad feeling from someone, or if you feel a sense of threat or danger, trust your instincts and remove

Source: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/sites/default/ files/2021-08/Personal%20Safety.pdf

yourself from the source of potential danger.

Be assertive

Assertiveness is about using direct and honest communication that demonstrates self-respect and respect for others.

Develop a safety network

Consider developing a safety network of trusted people who are easily contactable and can provide support and advice if you have a problem or if you are concerned for your personal

safety. Your network may include friends, relatives, neighbours, work colleagues, community groups and police.

Have a personal safety plan

A personal safety plan is comprised of safety strategies chosen by you to suit your lifestyle and abilities.

These strategies should become habits you develop as you routinely implement your plan.

COMMUNITY NEWS: March 2023

Platypus are certainly amongst the most fascinating animals in the world. Our guest speaker Tamielle Brunt took us on rapid history of the Platypus, including to dream-time stories, discovery of their egg laying, and the additional insights gained by modern research such as rapid discovery of genetic materials in waterways that indicate whether Platypus are present or not. Tamielle importantly reiterated the ten actions every individual can take to improve the chances of Platypus returning to The Gap such as reducing water use, cleaning up rubbish that might end up in the creek, rehabilitate native vegetation in your garden and along the creeks, and responsible pet ownership. Tamielle runs the PlatypusWatch project officer for Wildlife Queensland and asks us to report any sightings we may make, regardless of the location. In addition to these actions, community organisations and citizen scientists can play a major role in understanding whether the habitat is suitable by observing water quality and depth in the local creeks throughout the years, and

understanding the impact of developments and community actions on the chances for Platypus to be reinstated in the Gap.

This was our first event at The Gap High School which is a fantastic venue, and has a very accommodating set up with air-conditioning and presentation technology.

Next Events: On the 21th of March, TGSI will hold its next working group meeting at The Gap High School Library. The Community Energy Group was busy over the last few weeks exploring the federal government’s community battery scheme and whether TGSI could apply to host such a battery. However, this requires very complex issues such as legal, technical and health and safety issues to be resolved that are beyond our capabilities as a small charitable organisation. We can however play a role in informing the community about the benefits or drawbacks of battery systems, and have provided a letter of support for a large company that may apply for the grant, and is interested in a community partners. There are several other grant opportunities being worked

on for which we either provided letters of support or are considering whether we could be a partner. Its exciting to get to know all these different avenues in which sustainability can be increased in the future.

Membership: Thank you very much or the many new members who sent their details through over the last month. Its very much appreciated and warmly welcome all of those new members. If you are interested, the membership fee is $5 per financial year (increasing to $20 next financial year) to cover costs such as insurance, website hosting fee, room hire and facilitated meetings. Please use our Bank Account Name:

The Gap Sustainability BSB124001 Account No: 23277186 and send us your name, DOB, and address to thegapsustainability@gmail. com for the membership registry.

Fundraising:TGSI now is an official fundraising team with Containers for Change. Please consider donating your refund to our cause by using our Scheme ID: C10826699.

Social Media: Please stay updated about our activities by visiting our website www. thegapsustainability.org. We now also have an active presence on Facebook.

Yours sincerely, The Gap Sustainability Initiative Mgt Committee

Tamielle Brunt, PlatypusWatch project officer for Wildlife Queensland at the seminar

School Safety: EVERY decision you make behind the wheel counts

The 2023 school year is well underway which means speed limits apply during certain hours in school pick-up and dropoff zones.

Drivers should be aware of surrounding school zones and to check signage when driving through a school zone.

“As a police officer, a road user, a school adopt-a-cop and as a parent, I urge drivers to take extra care and to remain aware of the parking restrictions in school zones,” said Senior Constable Ricky Blanckensee.

“Children sometimes make poor road safety choices and therefore, child safety is everyone’s business.”

When driving through or parking in school zones, please be aware of the following:

• Use the area like a quick-moving taxi rank.

• Move forward in the queue of vehicles to the signed area.

• Once in the signed area, you may exit your vehicle quickly to help your children get in and out safely however, you must not walk away from your vehicle.

• You are only allowed two minutes in the signed area, if you take any longer you can be fined.

• Only let your children out once you have pulled into the signed area as it is dangerous to let them out while waiting in a queue.

• Teach your children to look out for your vehicle and to get in quickly when you pull up.

• Always enter the queue front-in, never in reverse.

Some pick-up and drop-off areas are supervised by a volunteer traffic co-ordinator, who may assist in helping your child get in and of the vehicle, and who ensure vehicles do not exceed the wait time so as to avoid a traffic build up.

If your pick-up or drop-off area has a traffic coordinator, you should stay in your vehicle at all times as they will be able to help your children.

Please follow these easy tips to help ensure children are kept safe in and around schools.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/transport/ safety/rules/schools

Councillor for The Gap Wa

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS AN EDGE

Glenlyon Drive, Ashgrove Greener Suburbs Program

At over 125 years old, the heritage-listed trees along Glenlyon Drive are one some Ashgrove’s most iconic trees In recent times they have been receiving treatment to improve their health Further works are commencing soon for the next phase of preservation and modifying the road reserve to improve the surrounding soil and water egress

Payne Road Improvements

We are improving the southern side of Payne Road between Illawarra Street and Whitehead Road, The Gap The project will upgrade and widen the footpath and will include the consolidation of two bus stops, new kerb and channel, and driveway reconstruction Works starting early March through to May 2023

Clean up Australia Day 2023 is on Sunday 5 March. The Gap Ward residents are spoiled for choice with the number of events that are in our local area.

If you would like to find an event, please contact the office on 3407 8888.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra announces an epic outdoor FREE concert

Symphony Under the Stars set for Saturday 25 March at Roma Street Parklands

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) just keeps kicking goals – this time it is a major free outdoor concert at the Roma Street Parklands on Saturday 25 March, with registrations open from 9am Sunday 26 February at qso.com.au.

Experience a night of enchanting music under the stars at Roma Street Parklands, where the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform a repertoire of classic compositions on Saturday 25 March at 6:30 pm. With renowned conductor Richard Davis leading the orchestra, the outdoor concert promises to be a magical experience.

The program is set to open with the thunderous and wellknown Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland, followed by Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman. As the night unfolds, the audience will be taken on a musical journey through different ages, from Dvo?ák’s lively Carnival Overture to Delius’s serene Summer Evening. The performance continues with the intricate Symphonic Minutes by Dohnányi and the exuberant Capriccio Italien by Tchaikovsky. The concert will conclude with Glinka’s thrilling Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila.

Symphony Under the Stars is FREE, but registration is

encouraged. Register online from 9am Sunday February 26 at qso.com.au

This outdoor event is open to all ages and offers a chance to witness the Queensland Symphony Orchestra play in a relaxed and picturesque setting. Bring your picnic basket or grab some food from the food trucks available at the venue. Whether you’re a devoted fan of the orchestra or a first-time attendee, this concert is not to be missed. Join us for a night of exquisite music and revel in the beauty of Roma Street Parklands.

Team Dangerfield has over 55+ years of combined local experience.

If you would like to have advise from a dynamic, forward-thinking and local team, we are here to assist.

For a completely confidential and free appraisal, please scan the QR code or contact us directly.

teamdangerfield@mcgrath.com.au

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

Jack Dangerfield and Stephen Dangerfield

Qld Symphony Orchestra's Brenda Sullivan, Kate Travers, and Ashley Carter among those performing at the concert

A record 20,000 people are set to pound Brisbane’s streets next month to support breast cancer research and services after the International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage, sold out in just four weeks.

But people who want to join Mater Foundation’s biggest fund-raising event of the year are still able to take part – by completing virtual fun runs in their own communities.

EVENT DETAILS

What: International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage, - Australia’s largest International Women’s Day celebration.

Support people with breast cancer and raise vital funds for breast cancer research and services in Mater Foundation’s biggest community event of the year.

Where: Anywhere in your neighbourhood (that’s safe!)

When: 6-12 March 2023

Visit: fundraise.mater.org.au/event/funrun-2023/virtualhow-it-works

The Murray family are looking forward to particpating +in the International Women's Day Fun Run

Ashgrove Forum Club held its 980th General Meeting at the Ashgrove Library at 6.30pm on Wednesday 15th February 2023.

Ashgrove Forum members were honoured to welcome the State President of Forum Communicators, Anna Bowman (pictured right), at the February meeting. Anna attended to induct the newest Ashgrove Forum Club member, Helen Spencer, into Forum. Anna, who is a member of the Bayside Forum Club, which is based in Wynnum, is qualified as an Accredited Speech and Procedure Assessor. She provided valuable feedback to members as the visiting Assessor for the meeting.

Several visitors also attended the meeting, one of whom was a Project Marketing Manager for large Australia-wide Property Group currently developing a $3-billion community on the Sunshine Coast. She used her visit to Ashgrove Forum to have a trial run of an important presentation she was soon to give on the project. Anna critiqued both her content and delivery and provided some tips for improvement. Forum has always been an excellent venue for trialling workplace presentations, and many members and non-members alike have used it for this purpose.

All members, including our new member Helen Spencer, spoke to the set topic “What is the Most Serious Issue Facing Women in 2023?”, covering numerous crucial issues, local, national, and world-wide.

At the next meeting on 15th March, Pat Pepper will be the main ten-minute speaker. Her speech title is “Once in a Lifetime. Other members may then speak for five-minutes on the same title.

Ashgrove Forum holds meetings in the Ashgrove Library Meeting Room at 6.30pm, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Visitors are always most

welcome to attend without obligation.

For enquiries and more information, ring Secretary Pat on 0458 696 267.

For more information on Forum Communicators public speaking association, please visit the website www. beconfident.org.au

State President of Forum Communicators, Anna Bowman

Hills Chamber of Commerce

Over the Hills (and still going)

Free Art Class

The Over the Hills Art Class have recommenced. They are on each Friday at the PCYC Hills District at Everton Hills, 10am to 12pm. Teacher Julie is ready on hand to assist in our efforts with lessons in a mix of media and styles.

Bring along your art supplies or use ours and enjoy learning new skills in a friendly group.

You don’t have to be a senior to join our activities. We enjoy ourselves. Contact Julie 0408 879 243

Technology Sessions at the Leagues Club

2nd Wednesday of each Month 8th March 2023 10.30am - 12.30pm, our tutor is Graham McDermott “The Tech Tutor”

The Topic for March is Government Essential Services, Services available, How to sign access them via phone/ computer, how to sign up to them, Overview

Cost $15.00 Book online at the Chamber website: hillschamber.org.au - how to book:

• Go to Events

• Click on Technology Session

• Click on the Number of tickets (the + button)

• Click and then follow the prompts.

• Places are limited so be quick to book in.

Why not stay for coffee or lunch at the Club after the session. Contact Judith 0431 159 921

Important: Keep Friday 26th May Free: That is when the Twilight Years Expo will be on at the Hills District PCYC. A Living, Active and Fun time for all.

Other activities: Maybe a Board Games, Techno Sharing or Card morning, always over a coffee or tea. We would love to see these activities started.

Contact John 0448 186 115, Carolyn 0448 328 914 or Judith 0431 159 921

We have our own Facebook page: Senior’s Committee Branching Out

Ashgrove Historical Society Inc.

Visitors are encouraged and very welcome at the Ashgrove Historical Society meetings held at the Ashgrove Library on the first Saturday of the month 10am-noon. The topic for the meeting on 1 April will be The History of the Red Hill Skate Arena presented by Andrew Darbyshire and Mark Louttit.

Precis: The Red Hill Skate Arena first opened circa 1920 as the Red Hill Picture Pops Theatre. The theatre functioned until around 1964 when new owners converted the building into a ‘sound lounge’ known as Teen City. However, in 1965 the building was converted for use as the Red Hill Skate Arena, which became one of the most popular and well-known skating rinks in Brisbane.

While this presentation will focus on the Red Hill Skate Arena’s ever-evolving incarnations it will also look briefly at the history of roller skating in Brisbane. Come along and remember the fascinating life and fun times of this iconic building.

There will be morning tea following the presentation which will provide the opportunity to share memories with the guest speakers and other people interested in local history. If possible, please register your anticipated attendance on the society’s Facebook page under ‘Events’.

Save the Date: The society will be celebrating 20 years of preserving Ashgrove’s history at a lunch on Saturday 6 May. Further information will be available in the April edition of the Western Echo, our website and Facebook page. Members will be kept informed by email.

If you would like to become an AHS member or purchase membership as a gift for someone, fees are $10 single per annum (1 July - 30 June), or $15 couple/family. Membership includes discount on our publications and the quarterly newsletter, Tram Stops. Please contact the secretary, Julie, (ahs.secretary@bigpond.com) and she will let you know the EFT details or join at a meeting. Funds raised from memberships, raffles and sale of our publications supports the research, preservation and recording of Ashgrove’s history.

Movie-goers now enjoy the rebuilt site of Skate Arena

Ashgrove/Bardon RSL Sub Branch

The Sub Branch was very proud to see one of our members receive an acknowledgement of his service in the 2023 Australia Day Honours.

Lt Col Kevin Humphreys, Member of AshgroveBardon was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as the Commander Aviation Support Element in Afghanistan from 1 March -2 August 2006.

Many in the ex-services community will also know Kevin for his initiative in the creation of the Cor Infinitus movement to pay respect to and provide comfort and support to the families of veterans lost to suicide after serving their country.

Discussions are currently underway with Councilor Steve Toomey and Kevin Humphries about the placement of a memorial in Stewart Place Ashgrove to commemorate these veterans.

Stewart Place, AshgroveMemorial Upgrade

Plans are also underway for an upgrade of the Stewart Place memorial and a prominent signage acknowledging the 61st Battalion Queensland Cameron Highlanders, The Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in 1917 during the First World War but disbanded the same year without seeing active service. It was re-raised in Ashgrove by Gallipoli veteran Lieutenant-Colonel John MacDonald Grant MC VD as a part of the Militia in 1938 in Brisbane, Queensland. With the outbreak of the Second World War they initially undertook garrison duties in Australia, however, in 1942 they were deployed to New Guinea where they took part in the Battle of Milne Bay,

during which the Japanese were defeated for the first time in a major land battle. In late 1943, the 61st Battalion was withdrawn back to Australia for a period of re-organisation and training before being deployed overseas again in late 1944. This time they were deployed to Bougainville, where the Australian 3rd Division had taken over from the American garrison and the battalion joined the drive towards the Japanese stronghold at Buin in the south of the island. Following the end of the war, the 61st Battalion was disbanded as part of the demobilisation process on 8 January 1946.

Ithaca Creek State School

Tobruk Memorial

Ithaca Creek State School has an ANZAC Ceremony each year. One of the invitees , over many years, was a ‘Rat of Tobruk’ named Gordon Wallace, who sadly passed away two or three years ago. Sometime during his involvement with the school he had arranged with the

Supplying

The Tobruk Memorial at Ithaca State School

Rats of Trobruk Association to place a memorial at the school. We think this would have been in the early to mid 2000s. Obviously being out in the open for so many years it started to look well-worn so we decided to give it a face lift. The painting was done by John Pye, a retired painter, who does many favours for groups like the Sub-Branch.

The Sub Branch Annual General Meeting will be held on 26th March 11:00am at the Red Hill Community Sports Club, Fulchers Rd Red Hill. Members and interested members of the community are invited to attend.

10 years.

For a current price list and details about ordering – email thegaploco@gmail.com or visit thegaploco.com

We are a community owned, local, worker run, registered worker co-operative.

Deliveries are on Mondays and we also run a pop up shop between 10am and 3pm on Mondays at 15 High St Ashgrove (in the Oakleigh Scouts car park)

Deliveries are on Mondays and we also run a pop up shop between 10am and 5pm on Mondays at 15 High St Ashgrove (in the Oakleigh Scouts car park)

* Advertisement proudly sponsored by COOEEE - ( COOEEE.com.au)

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

Join our Community Choir – Going for a Song

Start the year off by doing something for yourself and join our choir! Going for a Song is a local community choir who meet every Monday night at the Ithaca Hall in Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill from 7pm – 9.10pm. Our members come from Bardon, Ashgrove, The Gap, Red Hill and surrounding suburbs.

All you need is a love of singing, we are a friendly no audition choir and our repertoire covers a range of musical styles.

We meet during school terms. Your first night is free and then our fees are $20 per week, with a discount available for concessions/

pensions. We practice a number of songs each week, with a break for supper.

For more information see our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/

GoingforaSongChoir/ or come along & join us on a Monday night!

ASHGROVE VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

We urgently need more volunteer drivers. It can be for as little as a few hours each month. We deliver each morning, Monday to Friday, from around 9.30am until noon.

Can you help us?

If you are interested, please phone our office on 3366 4299 between the hours of 8.00am and noon.

Ashgrove Meals on Wheels

524 Waterworks Road

Ph 3366 4299

A Group Reading - all welcome to read or listen

Everyone interested in literature, theatre, history and of course Shakespeare, will enjoy being a part of our friendly and relaxed group of readers.

Bring a copy of Shakespeare’s plays or borrow a copy available on the day.

Please come along. For more information phone Margaret 32670568 or Bernadette 0412802791

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

The Going for a Song Choir performing at the Bardon Bowls Club in 2022

Ashgrove/The Gap Lions News

The month of February signals the start of our national youth project which is Youth of the Year with students from 3 schools in our region participating at our club final at the Ashgrove Golf Club on Tuesday 28th February. The process for students will be that they will go through an interview process, and then the night of the final they will present an impromptu and prepared speech in front of guests and a panel of judges. The winner of the club final in our region will compete against other winners culminating with the national final to be held on the Gold Coast in May 2023

History of Lions Youth of the Year

Although most Lions members are aware of the ‘Youth of the Year’ program, few will know that it was a member of Ashgrove Lions club who was the coordinating chairperson for the first 10 years of the program’s life and who insured it would be “The most successful district project ever” as stated by the District Governor at the time, Jamie Jamieson. This club member was Syd MacDonald and the inaugural year for the program was 1964. The very first winner of the Youth of the Year was Peter Wicks of Toowoomba Grammar School.

Although the original concept came from Jamie Jamieson it was Syd MacDonald who was given the task of putting the idea into fruition. Syd put together a small committee with members from three other local clubs. Youth of the Year was originally designed for young men in their final year of school to “Foster and encourage leadership and the citizen qualities in young men at an age when they are about to enter commerce and higher education”. (At the time, it was felt that

there were many quests for young women but nothing for young men, however in 1980 female students were invited to participate in the program).

Syd MacDonald and his team put together the framework for the, mainly, public speaking competition and, although there have been some tweaking of this over the years; much of that original framework remains today. It is still the only annual project in the Lions calendar that does not involve fundraising.

Initially, it was only held within our local district but in 1965 the second Youth of the Year competition also included many clubs in NSW, mainly due to Syd’s ability to convince other clubs of the benefits of running the program. By 1966, Syd MacDonald had recommended that the program be adopted as a Multiple Districts Project; this was accepted and so Youth of the Year became the National program it is today.

Ashgrove -The Gap Lions club is still very actively involved with the Youth of the Year program and it is well supported by three high schools, The Gap State High School; Marist Brothers Ashgrove and and St James College ensuring that Lion Syd MacDonald’s legacy lives on.

Recently we had the pleasure inducting Jonty Bush & Clare Webster as members of Ashgrove – The Gap Lions Club, congratulations ladies on becoming members of our club

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

Our club also held a BBQ at Bunning’s in Keperra on Sunday 26th February which was very busy and provided us with the opportunity to raise funds to support those in our community

If anyone would like to purchase Christmas Cakes or Puddings leading up to a Christmas in July event, just email us at lionatg19@ gmail.com

Upcoming Events

On 5th March we will be conducting a BBQ for Save our Waterways Now Clean Up Australia at Alfred Lucinda Best Park at 89 Payne Road in The Gap.

In March we will be conducting a number BBQ’s for Trek2health who do such a wonderful job in providing support and help to First Responders, including the Defence Force and Returned Servicemen and Women

On 28th March we will be hosting Matthew Crossley from the Lions Wellbeing Foundation together with a visit from Pinelands Lions Club at our Monthly Partners

& Friends meeting at the Ashgrove Lions Club

If you are interested in learning more about your local Lions Club and what our club does in the local community or you are interested in volunteering with us in our projects we would love to hear from you. Please contact us by emailing lionatg19@gmail. com or visit our newly created website Ashgrove Lions The Gap – Lions Club Australia (ashgrovethegaplions.org.au) as well as our facebook page Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club|Facebook

Clare Webster and Jonty Bush at their induction to the Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club with president Peter Cooper

Cr Steven Toomey welcoming Jonty to the Club

Newmarket Club

Introducing OUR 2023 Newmarket VIEW Club Committee

The support of VIEW Clubs and all its members, through fundraising, volunteering and advocacy in your communities is vital. It helps The Smith Family to continue its work with young Australians helping them to realise their full potential. Your voice also draws attention to how The Smith Family helps, and ensures the work we do together on behalf of children in need is better understood by our key stakeholders

With 1.2 million Australian children still living in poverty, growing The Smith Family’s reach and impact has never been more important.

OUR STUDENTS ARE: Abbee (19), Roudwan (15), Jesse (14), Tony (13), Mitchell (9), Abigail (8), Amy (10). i.e. one tertiary, three secondary and three primary students.

Newmarket VIEW Club provides a place for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities and

develop lasting friendships – all while supporting the work of the children’s educational charity – THE SMITH FAMILY

If you wish to know more about the Newmarket VIEW Club, you can also email us on newmarketview@gmail. com.

All’s well at Ithaca Probus Club

The first general meeting of the Ithaca Probus Club for the year set the standard for a very entertaining and informative new year. After problems with the sound system in November prevented club member Judy Blaney from giving her scheduled talk - “What do you know about donkeys?” we all agreed that her talk in February was well worth the wait. Now we know quite a lot about donkeys in general and Rocky and Carlo in particular. Donkeys are quiet animals that are not easily startled and only move slowly. Their big ears give them very acute hearing. They don’t like being out in the rain and will take any shelter available. They become very

good pets and are emotionally sensitive.

Guest speaker for February was lawyer Loan Chow telling us about Estate Planning. Her excellent presentation covered all the important issues – wills, enduring powers of attorney, advanced health directives and testamentary discretionary trusts. At the conclusion of her talk she provided numerous information sheets, all of which were subsequently combined into one document and distributed to members on email.

With recent research showing the benefits to memory of maintaining reading, especially complex novels with

NOTICE TO READERS

We wish to advise that delivery of the Western Echo can not be legally made to letterboxes displaying Australia Post Only or Authorised Mail Only. For those residents who wish to collect a free copy, we have newstands located at:

• Night Owl- Corner Samford Rd & Wardell St

• Stewart Road News Ashgrove

• Brumby's Bakery, 974 Waterworks Road, The Gap Copies are also available at The Gap Village, The Gap Ward Office, Ashgrove Electorate Office, Ashgrove Library, Red Hill Australia Post, Ashgrove West Australia Post & the Great Western Super Centre Management The Friendly Grocer The Gap and bp The Gap. Distribution is currently being made by IVE Residential Distribution. Delivery is made to all domestic letterboxes, providing there is no signage requesting non-delivery of unsolicited mail.

lots of characters, it was very pleasing to see such a wellsupported book exchange table at the February meeting.

Members have a couple of options for a day out on St Patrick's Day – either the O’Shanley’s Irish Bar and Restaurant in Clifton or the Caloundra RSL. Most of the wide range of interesting activities - talks, outings, and other socially engaging events, such as the cards group and the poetry group, are running again after the summer break.

Our monthly newsletters keep members connected. New members are always most welcome at our meetings at 9.30am on the 2nd Thursday each month except December and January at the Red Hill Bowls and Community Club in Fulcher Road, Red Hill, and on any of our outings.

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.

Newmarket 2023 VIEW Club Committee - from left Roslyn Arden, Ondra Bryant, Clare Chapman, Lynne Ingen-Housz, Beverley,Phillips, Estelle Schoch, Shirley Bouffier, Frances Carter, Margie Bean, and Margaret McCormack

Amnesty International continues to campaign for the rights of women and girls around the world who are facing threats to their human rights. Current actions being undertaken by Amnesty International this month include supporting women and children fighting for their rights in Afghanistan, protecting the right of women to have safe abortions in Australia, Argentina and Poland, and protecting those who are fighting for freedom from violence against women. A case in point is the childcare worker, Wendy Galarza, who was shot in Cancún, Mexico in 2020 at a peaceful protest calling for justice for a murdered woman. She launched a case against the police after they fired shots into the crowd and injured her, however nearly three years later those responsible for the violence have not been brought to justice. Amnesty International is campaigning in support of Wendy to show that violence against women must be taken seriously by all in society, but particularly by those in power. The violations that she endured must be Impartially and thoroughly investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice.

The Helen Black Amnesty International group meets 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 Thursday evenings of the month and can be contacted by calling Sally on 3366 2046 or 0476 006 990.

Catholic Bushwalkers

Join the Catholic Bushwalkers in all varieties of walks – city, local bush, mountains, rainforest, and creeks. Some areas are seasonal depending on the weather and time of year. The Club also programmes “beginner’s walks” to let visitors find out if they like walking distances – a bit more than the morning fitness walk around the block. For the beginners, we try to stay near the city.

For more information ring Greg on Ph: 3351 4092.

Double, double toil and trouble How quickly do your warts grow? Have you been struggling with persistent warts without success? Why not try something new?

Have you tried everything to get rid of your warts? Are you embarrassed about the state of your feet? Have you been to both the GP and a Dermatologist for treatment with no success? Why not give Swift a go? All it requires from you is availability for three treatments spread three weeks apart. Call us today to see how we may be of help.

The Rotary club of Ashgrove/The Gap is hosting an information night on the evening of 22nd March at the Ashgrove Golf club, starting at 6:45. If you are looking for a way to make a positive impact in your community, or are just curious about Rotary and what it is and does, then this event is not to be missed.

It will be an opportunity to learn about the Rotary club and its mission to serve the community. You will learn about the various service projects that the club is involved in and the impact they are making. This is a chance to hear from members of the club and ask any questions you may have.

The Rotary club is a community of individuals who share a common goal - to make a positive difference. Attending the information night will provide an opportunity to meet and network with like-minded individuals who are passionate about service.

Whether you have a specific cause that you are passionate about or are looking for a way to give back, the Rotary club offers a variety of ways to get involved. At the information night, you will learn about the different projects within the club and discover how you could contribute.

Rotary membership gives one the opportunity to make a real difference in the community and world-wide. The club is involved in a range of service projects, from supporting local schools and hospitals to providing clean water and eradicating polio. Attending the information night will give you a taste of the impact you can have as a member of the club.

In summary, the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap information night is an event not to be missed. Whether you are looking to make a positive impact in your community, meet like-minded individuals or learn more about the Rotary club, this event offers a unique opportunity to get involved. Join us to discover the power of service and make a difference in your community.

But there is a lighter side too. At our last meeting, for example, we marked the Japanese National Day with a short koto recital, and some members even turned up in Japanese garments, and demonstrated Japanese toys. Did you know that Rotary in Japan played a leading role in the recovery from the Fukushima tsunami disaster? Neither did I.

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. Remembering the suburb of Dorrington

Following European settlement, there was a suburb lying on the north bank of Brisbane’s Enoggera Creek bordered by Ashgrove to the south, Enoggera to the north and Alderley to the east.

Originally named Oakleigh, in 1946 the suburb became Dorrington.

To this day, the term ‘Dorrington’ is still used regularly by local residents. There is a Dorrington Park (home to the Enchanted Forest playground), a Dorrington Drive, even a Dorrington Neighbourhood Watch group.

However, technically, the suburb of Dorrington no longer exists.

In 1975 the suburb was absorbed into Ashgrove by then Lord Mayor Clem Jones’ administration. Its fate was similar to that of other localities in the greater north western region of Brisbane during this time, including St John’s Wood (also wound up in 1975), Torwood, Rosalie and Oxford Park.

Interestingly, Gaythorne was also wound up as a suburb, only to be brought back at a later date!

Art in Bark Assoc.

Are you looking for something new to do?

Come and join us, and learn how to do a bark picture.

Art in Bark have classes at Brisbane City Hall 50+ in basement. Adelaide St. of City Hall. Mondays 9.30 –12 pm for Workshop. Lesson $10 and $5 for kits.

The Kit we supply, board, bark, glue etc. for the first lesson,

If you can’t get to Brisbane we have Workshop on a Saturday for all ages at the Nundah Apostolic Church Hall, 43 Robinson Road, Nundah,

We’d love to see you , however please phone us first.

For more Information phone Barbara 3271 2130, Joy 0407 178 064 or Hazel 0408 157 117.

The Enchanted Forest at Dorrington Park

Does anyone out there have memories to share of life in Dorrington? Is there further information about why places like Dorrington and St John’s Wood were wound up as suburbs? And why them and not others?

We’d love to hear from you. Visit the Enoggera Historical Society Facebook page or email enoggerahistory@gmail.com

Take care everyone, Andrew McMickingPresident

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

Payne Road State School Students Inspired To Learn

In all classrooms students launched into their new learnings by being inspired to engage in their units of work, across the curriculum, in a variety of ways:

Music and movement:

Prep students used their large whole body movements in their new learning spaces which created an uplifting atmosphere for learning about oral language by feeling the rhyme and rhythm of words, and supported by familiar poetry and personalised songs as they got to know each other better. Such a child-centred developmental approach led them naturally into inspired play and exploration both indoors (such as sociodramatic play, building and constructing together) and outdoors (such as nature and gross motor play). Smiles on their faces indicated a sense of wellbeing as they transitioned successfully into their first days in Prep – a familiar and supportive environment.

Provocations to inspire creativity:

For example in Year 1 – students’ deep thinking in English was stimulated by presenting a large, imaginary, shimmery and beautiful, colourful sea creature (partly fish, dragon, mammal). Students were then asked to create and illustrate an imaginary life cycle for this creature, where they could combine prior scientific knowledge with their imaginations – creativity thus abounded in thinking, English and Art!

The use of ‘circle time’:

In Year 2 classrooms students quickly engaged

in a Circle Time process, where active participation saw them quickly build a sense of belonging and class team identity. Here they shared and connected over fun experiences, co-created classroom expectations, discussed anti-bullying through role-plays and problem solved potential scenarios. Being kind was an agreed expectation, and they actively co-created real ways to be kind to each other!

Curiosity tables that stimulate student inquiry:

For example in the Years 3 and 4 classrooms – students brought in crystals, precious stones and geodes from their own family explorations/ collections, and one was even found in Africa! These real objects inspired a range of student questions which made their way onto their Inquiry Walls. This was a great way to launch into their Science inquiry into rocks and minerals!

Making ‘chatterboxes’ to create student connections:

In Years 5 and 6 students constructed chatterboxes where they could ask specific questions of each other and find similar areas of interest – this was a personalised way to stimulate conversation, connect with new friends and engage new students to our school. As this is a developmental time where students tend to be very peer-focussed, such connections are crucial to supporting student wellbeing – relationships come first!

Our students certainly love being in that ‘Learning Pit’ – just enough challenge to inspire their learning and support their wellbeing!

Nicky Brazzale – Principal

St Peter Chanel

On Tuesday morning

Mrs Hayley Hadfield –Assistant Principal Religious Education had the pleasure of taking 3 senior students to the launch of Project Compassion at St Stephen’s Cathedral. Our students received a commissioning scroll from Dr Sally Towns the Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director and were asked by Archbishop Mark Coleridge to take it back to our school community and to be mindful that our privileges require us to give thanks and return what we can to the world in which we live. We also paired up with St Joseph’s, Kangaroo Point to win the pancake flipping relay race. At School, the students received pancakes to enjoy with their classmates.

Paul McGlone

Principal

– Acting

The Gap State High School

Japanese Study Tour

It has been a longanticipated wait since COVID-19 when we could finally open our doors to International Study Tours.

This term, our community welcomed 18 students from Josai Uni Ikebukuro Junior High School in Tokyo.

Despite the Brisbane summer heat, the students settled in very well, assisted by their school buddies. The students explored our amazing community and had a taste of our café culture with a relaxed visit to Café Tara, where they ordered a variety of drinks ranging from banana smoothies to chai tea.

Thank you to our community, students and homestay families that welcomed their hearts and doors to our Study Tour guests.

The Gap Experience

Join us on Thursday 20 April, for The Gap Experience from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. The Gap Experience is a great way to see our school, meet our staff and students and ask any burning questions. Come along and join us for a great evening of fun!

GP’s in Schools

A great new initiative in Queensland schools is the GPs in Schools Pilot Program. The initiative is designed to make it easier

St Peter Chanel's Year 4 students

The Gap State High School (Contd.)

for adolescents to access the healthcare they need and create a community of health and well-being.

The Pilot has allowed our school to set up a fit-forpurpose GP clinic on school grounds. This clinic gives students access to a GP, Dr Dushyant Singh (or Dr D - as we know him), every Thursday during a school term.

Dr D. practices at Urgent Care Brisbane - an emergency Walk-in Clinic. Dr D is passionate about working with children and making an impact in the life of our students.

Students can have confidential chats with Dr D about physical health, mental health, sexual and reproductive health issues, and all appointments are bulk-billed through Medicare.

Anne McLauchlanPrincipal

The Gap State School

2023 Student leaders were celebrated at our 2023 Student Leaders’ Investiture Ceremony held on 21 February. Thank you to our guests who attended the ceremony to speak and/ or to present badges to our students: Ms Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Federal Member for Ryan; Mr Steve Williams, Music Supporters’ Group Secretary; Mr Jonathan Grassby, School Council Chair; Ms Trinity Ryan, P&C President; Senior Sergeant Ritchie Callaghan, School Adopt-a-Cop; Ms Ruth Donovan, Head of Year 12 - The Gap State High School; and Year 12 students from The Gap State High School, former students from The Gap State School, Aliya and Chloe.

I look forward to continuing to work with our student leaders throughout 2023.

School Captains - Elsa and Liam

Vice Captains - Sophie and Harry

Senior Leaders - (Bigi House) Xavier, Bruno, Aahana, Sophie, Zara, Carlie, Zoe, Oliver, Kirra; (Warril House) Angelina, Jade, Levi, Lisa; (Bungil House) Archer, Mollie, Ethan, Jnyssa,

Katrina, Lucy, Harlem, Robyn, Audrey; (Dhagun House) Faye, Lauren, Laura, Nyla, Fynn, Cooper, Ben.

Music Captains - (Band) Abigail, (Strings) Aiden and Shrivant, (Choir) Cadence and Sophia

Eagles hockey players start new season on a high

The Brisbane hockey season starts in March – but Norths players have been training and playing hard on outdoor and indoor fields over summer.

The indoor hockey season has wrapped up with teams from the Ashgrove-based club winning grand finals and players achieving representative honours.

After being named the player of the tournament at the Australian Indoor Hockey Championships in Brisbane in January, Norths Eagles young gun Jessica Moffat was selected into the Australian Under 21 team to tour USA.

The Australian Platypups team made the final of the National Indoor Tournament in Virginia and will soon contest the Big Apple International Tournament in Pennsylvania.

Five Norths players were selected in Australian junior indoor hockey squads: Dylan Pember, Bryce Robinson, Zali Gough (Under 21), William Ready and Brayden Naess (Under 18).

Quin Carey captained the Queensland side which won the Australian Under 15 indoor hockey national title – and he won the player of the final award.

Holly Gilbar and Jessica Moffat were named in the Australian Hockey5s squad. The squad will attend a selection camp in Warrnambool in April, from which the Australian team to compete in World Cup qualifiers will be selected.

Turning to outdoor hockey, Diarmid Chappell, Oliver Harding and William Ready will represent Queensland at the Australian Under 21 Championships in Sydney starting March 22.

CHESS T'MINIT

The 2023 chess year at The Gap Chess Club is underway, with the annual Lightening tournament being completed over two nights in February. Following the completion of this tournament there will be social chess and some informal tournaments before the major club tournament, the Flood Cup, gets underway in mid-March. Anybody interested in playing in club tournaments should contact the club through its webpage. Game night starts 7.30 pm on Friday nights at Room B6, The Gap State High School. The club has a web page, https://www. thegapchessclub.org.au/ with updates on club play, local chess news and puzzles.

This month’s puzzle is a famous endgame study by world champion Emmanuel Lasker. White to play and win. Solution to last month’s puzzle: Solution 1. d3 (which keeps the symmetry and stops the king moving. After any pawn moves a rook can deliver checkmate, and if a knight moves, a pawn move will checkmate.

Thomas Quine was selected in the Queensland Maroon side to contest the Australian Under 15 Championships in Darwin in May.

After umpiring at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games, Aleisha Neumann was named the Officiator of the Year award at the Queensland Sport Awards.

Jessica Moffat is representing the Australian Under 21 indoor hockey team in the USA.

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

The Gap State School (Contd.)

(Continued from page 23)

House Captains and House Vice Captains – (Bigi House Captains) Ava and Fabian (Bigi House Vice Captains) Jessica and Mimi, (Warril Captains) Charlotte and Charlie, (Warril House Vice Captains) Samuel and Hardy, (Bungil House Captains) Erin and Connor, (Bungil House Vice Captains) Mindi and Thomas, (Dhagun House Captains) Zara and William, (Dhagun House Vice Captains) Lucy and Sebastian

Learning Technology Leaders - Alex, Thomas, Ryn, Carter, Mitchell

Library Leaders - Ivy and Maya

Sustainability Club

Representatives - Lydia, Joshua, Abigail, Zoe, Niki, Teipo, Evie C, Evie D, Ethan, Zachary, George, Krishav

Student Councillors

- Henry, Flynn, Georgia, Caitlyn, Louella, Jason, Andrew, Alexis, Julie, Joseph, Amelie

The representative school sport pathways program provides opportunity for students to excel in their chosen sports, competing

The Gap Probus Club

Two Volunteers Urgently Needed!

Social Club Secretary & Treasurer

The Gap Probus Club is an active and social group of people who enjoy monthly meetings with a topical speaker, day trips to Places of interest, such as Gold Coast by boat, St Helena, and historic Ipswich for example. Members also enjoy regular meals out, coffee meetings, longer trips away such as two or three #day trips. Our members’ main interests are in travel, gardening, reading, fitness, arts, culture and games and puzzles.

We are actively recruiting younger members or recently retired people, however we have immediate need of a Club Secretary and a Treasurer as our present incumbents have to retire for health and travel reasons. Our Annual General Meeting looms near and we have a care-taking arrangement contingency, however our need is NOW. Expedients such as job-sharing, short-term rotations, a “management committee” approach are all on the table but have not yet produced a solution.

The club is a vibrant and joyful place with around sixty active members. Outings, lunches, picnics, speakers, concert trips – all are fine, and people do have fun, but our legal obligations will not be met unless we fill these statutory positions.

If you are interested finding out more without commitment, we would be delighted to talk with you, and invite you to our meetings. Just call Rhoda on 0409 484 219. If you can contribute to staving off disaster, we’d really like to hear from you!

against students from other schools for a place in the district, regional and state teams. Congratulations to the following students on their recent sporting successes:

Year 5 student, Ava was selected to represent North West District at the recent Met North Girls Cricket trials. Congratulations Ava!

Year 6 student, Faye was selected in the Met North Aquathlon team, at trials held in Term 4 last year. Faye showed true grit under tough conditions, competing against the top athletes in the state at the Queensland School Sport Aquathlon State Championships held in Hervey Bay in February. Great effort, Faye!

Year 6 student, Harry represented the school at the recent North West District cricket trials and was successful in earning a place

in the North West District 1012 Years Cricket Team. Harry will now go on to compete at the Met North Cricket trials in March. Good luck, Harry!

Year 5 students - Andrew, Ayla, Camille, Madeline and Rory and Year 6 students - Charlie, Jessica, Mollie and William, were selected to represent the school at the North West District Swimming trials held in February. All our swimmers put in huge efforts in their training, which resulted in them producing some very fast times in the pool. Congratulations to Ayla, Charlie and William who were selected for the North West District Swimming Team to compete at the Met North Regional trials. Well done, swim team!

Warm regards,

Joanne NichollsPrincipal

National Pet Adoption Month March 2023

PETstock Keperra is urging locals to Adopt Different and give a pet most in need a brighter future

On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March, between 19am to 2pm PETstock Keperra will play host to its local animal rescue organisation as part of National Pet Adoption Month, an initiative of The Petspiration Foundation (formally PETstock Assist) with support from event partner PetRescue.

With 1 in 5 families acquiring a new dog or cat1

to add to the family unit in recent years, the Petspiration Foundation is encouraging Australians to Adopt Different this National Pet Adoption Month by considering a pet most in need, with more than 7,4002 animals currently looking for a forever home.

Sherralea Cassidy, Petspiration Foundation’s Charity and Events Lead, says the charity is on a mission to have cats, large dogs, adolescent dogs and bonded pairs that can’t be separated, adopted as they remain the most vulnerable in 2023.

“All pets deserve a safe and loving home, and National Pet Adoption Month is the perfect opportunity to meet pets searching for a new family,” says Sherralea.

Natural disasters, increasing living costs, inflation and access to housing3 are impacting pet

ownership and leading to surrenders of pets. PetRescue Founder and Director, Vickie Davy, is seeing great dogs coming into rescue care, ready for a new home, even if some training is needed.

“The fact is that only a small percentage of pets are surrendered due to their behaviour which - like any animal - can be negated through dedicated training,” says Vickie.

Animal Behaviourist, Dr Kate Mornement, says, many rescue pets have been house pets in the past and are already toilet trained, with basic manners so you’re not starting from scratch - it’s about reinforcing the existing desired behaviours and building on these.

“There are so many options when it comes to adoption. Cats are wonderfully intelligent animals, fantastic for any size home, and can be easily trained (just like dogs) using positive reinforcement,” says Kate.

“I also encourage wouldbe rescue pet owners not to be put off by a large dog because you think it will need more exercise, as it is very much dependent on the breed, age and individual personality of the dog. For those concerned about being in the office and leaving their pet, a bonded pair could be the answer as they have each other for company.”

The Petspiration Foundation exists to strengthen the rewarding bond between pets and people and has found homes for more than 13,000 rescue pets since its inception in 2007.

6.9 million Australian households4 currently are pet owners.

Animal lovers are encouraged to visit petstock. com.au in March to find a pet that needs a forever home. On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March head to selected PETstock stores to meet rescue pets available for adoption or fostering.

Pet adoption success pairing Laura and Luna

Isabelle and Aldo

.Clarence and Florence

Technology bringing joy to older seniors

Robotic companion pets are a becoming a common sight in aged care communities, including Carinity Hilltop in Kelvin Grove.

These life-like therapeutic robots simulate the sounds and movements of real animals and respond to touch, providing two-way interaction. Residents can even feel the vibration of a cat purring and the ‘heartbeat’ of the dog.

They may be electronic devices, but companion pets bring much joy and have physical and psychological benefits for older seniors, including those living with dementia.

Carinity Hilltop Residential Manager, Ramandeep Gill, says companion pets enhance the wellbeing of aged care residents and prompts increased social interaction.

“Just like the use of real-life creatures for animal-assisted therapy at Carinity aged care sites, the robotic companion pets offer a comforting presence for our residents,” Ramandeep explains.

“Interacting with companion animals can help to improve residents’ health and wellbeing and social interaction, providing opportunities for residents to share stories about the pets they had in their younger years.

“Some residents living with dementia who may be unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the companion pet.

“The reactions from these residents have been incredibly positive. The smiles on their faces are priceless.”

For more information about Carinity Aged Care visit www. carinity.org.au or phone 3550 3737.

Picabeen Youth Team are currently seeking Students with a lived experience of Defence life in years 10-12 to be part of a Peer Mentoring program. This initial phase of the program will begin in week 5 of term 1. In term 2 they will welcome years 5-8 to participate and be mentored. For more information, please call Picabeen Community Centre on 3354 2555 or refer to our website https://picabeen.org.au/ . The program will run out of our Community Centre at 22 Hoben Street Mitchelton.

As we start to transition into Autumn, The Changeroom would like to thank all our Community who have donated such wonderful warmer clothing to the Op shop . We will be transitioning our stock to suit the cooler weather soon, so drop in and check out the pre-loved clothing and accessories that are in store. Come as see us at 8 Dallas parade Keperra Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

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

Caption: Carinity Hilltop resident Beryl Boorman with one of the Kelvin Grove aged care community’s companion pets.

Ivory Curl

3300 6304 www.ppnn.org.au

When driving through Brisbane suburbs in late summer and autumn it is impossible to miss the magnificent displays of ivory curl (Buckinghamia celsissima) trees along streets and in gardens. Long, pendant spikes up to 27cm long of cream, spidery flowers are produced on the ends of branches. Individual flowers, densely clustered along the axis, are sweet smelling and

full of nectar which attracts birds, bees, butterflies and other insects which in turn attract insect-eating birds. The ovary of each flower develops into a fruit which, when mature, slits open along one side to release up to six small brown seeds. Both the flowers and the fruit are similar to those of the Grevillea, to which this tree is related. Even when not in flower, this is an attractive plant. The young leaves, which have a bronze tinge and are deeply lobed, mature into an elliptical shape about 20 cm long that is dark green above and lighter below. It has an attractive, dense, umbrella shape that requires little pruning unless height restriction is required.

The ivory curl is indigenous to rainforests of north-eastern Queensland. In its natural habitat, the tree

can grow to 30 m in order to emerge through the canopy to reach the light needed for flowering. In cultivation, however, the height seems to be determined by climate, reaching about 8 m in warmer regions but decreasing with drop in temperature so that in Melbourne it is more like a shrub.

Although ivory curl tolerates a wide range of soils, it grows best in areas with good drainage that have been supplemented with high levels of compost. It benefits

from maintaining moisture levels until established, after which it is dry tolerant. Ivory curl will grow in full sun or partial shade but the flowering is limited by high levels of shade. Plants usually flower after 3 years. This species is, however, frost tender when young. Ivory curl makes a stunning feature plant, can be mass planted as a screen or wind break or as a backdrop to mixed shrub garden beds. It has been used successfully in erosion control and is playground friendly.

West Brisbane Orchid Society Autumn Show

11 and 12 March Brisbane

Botanic Gardens Auditorium

Mt Coot-tha, Toowong.

8.30am - 3.30 pm Saturday, 9.00am - 3.00pm Sunday. Potting Demonstrations, Cultural Advice, Sale of fertilisers, pots etc, raffles.

Entry: Adults $4.00 - Children

free. EFTPOS available. Wheel-chair access. Ample parking. Further information: E: wbossec@yahoo.com.au, M: 0411 496 901.

The show is a great opportunity to see prize winning orchid flowers and learn more about these

fascinating plants. Displays at the show include a wide variety of orchids from some of the best growers in SE Queensland. Hundreds of orchid plants for sale at great prices. Demonstrations and advice from experienced

growers on topics including nutrient requirements, disease and pest management, repotting and propagation. Supplies for plant growers include pots and plant holders, potting media, fertilisers.

Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN) Enoggera Creek's aquatic native plants essential!

SOWN is known for planting along the creeks in our catchment, but what’s in the creek? Weeds!

Yes, but there are also aquatic native plants submerged and emergent. Emergent plants - those growing out of the waterinclude sedges, bull rushes and aquatic herbs. These native plants are important habitat for native animals of all sizes.

Recently there has been renewed interest in the presence of platypus in Enoggera Creek and it’s tributaries, Fish Creek and Ithaca Creek. Plants along the banks provide cover for shade and protection for this shy animal. In-stream plants are important for small invertebrates, yabbies and worms that make up the diet of platypus. Without these submerged plants it is

unlikely that there will be enough food for these egg laying mammals to survive. Loss of native submerged plants results in reduced numbers or the absence of larger animals, including platypus.

Native invertebrates are fussy eaters ignoring introduced weeds and having a diet restricted to the plants that have evolved with them. Exotic or non-native plants are often introduced into our creeks when the owners of home aquariums decide to release the fish and plants into our local creeks in the false belief that they are doing the right thing. Most of the introduced weeds will grow from tiny pieces that are caught along with fish when they are being released into the creeks. These tiny pieces of weed grow rapidly and displace our native

submerged plants. In the long run, we loose a lot of animals and plants including platypus.

There has been reliable sighting of platypus in the Enoggera Catchments in recent time, but these are rare, and a resurgence will need the rehabilitation of local environment to provide habitat for platypus. Perhaps if we build it, they will come.

SOWN activities and site events are listed on our webpage (SaveOurWaterwaysNow. com.au), or simply type SOWN into your webpage browser and go to our home page. You can also catch up on SOWN happenings via facebook - https:// www.facebook.com/ saveourwaterwaysnow.

Mitchelton & Districts Garden Club

The next meeting of the Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club is on Thursday, 6th April, the day before Good Friday. The guest speaker is Leonie Kearney from Rosevale Homestead at Samsonvale, and she will talk about old fashioned roses and cottage gardens. These items are growing at the Rosevale Homestead gardens which are open to visitors on Saturday afternoons - it would be wise to make prior arrangements with Leonie. Not only are the gardens an absolute delight, the scenery is outstanding. You can even see the ocean from one spot.

The February meeting was very enjoyable. The guest speaker was so thorough with his talk about foliage plants, he ran out of time so what he had to say about carnations has to wait until a future date. There was a good display on the show bench. The chief steward remarked that all the exhibits came from only five members. Vacancies exist for new members if you are interested. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the calendar month except January, at the Enoggera Memorial Hall. Entrance to the hall is at 36 Trundle Street and the hall is accessible by wheelchair. Morning tea is served at 9.45am. The meeting commences about 10am and closes about 11.45am. Visitors and new members are most welcome.

March is the month to plant strawberry ‘runners’,

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

ie: new plants created at the end of a long, thick, stemlike growth from the original plant. Choose a sunny welldrained spot that is enriched with organic soil. Make little hills about 15 cm apart with the soil and plant each new plant on top of a ‘hill’. Cover the surrounding soil with mulch which will keep the fruit from touching the earth. It’s been said that strawberries are one of the dirtiest fruits, so always wash them well before eating them. If you are raising spring annual seedlings, give them some liquid fertilizer to make them strong and ready to transplant next month. Spring flowering bulbs need attention. Place them in a

paper bag and then in the crisper or vegetable drawer of the fridge for a few weeks to acclimatise them for planting by the end of April.

Should more information be required, please phone Trish, the president, on 0438 268 212.

Toss

it? No

Way!

Repair Café The Gap turns 1 – still seeking a sparky!

Since our launch in March 2022, Repair Café The Gap’s workshop has popped up every month (except December) to help repair all manner of household items belonging to The Gap community. It’s entirely run by volunteers, who offer their time and skills to repair your consumer goods for free.

In the past year, over 280 items have been brought in for repair by around 200 community members - clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, camping equipment, tools, mowers, toys – the list goes on! Almost 70% of these items were either repaired on the spot by our skilful volunteers, or their owners were advised of the next step - to buy parts and return, or visit a professional repairer. These results demonstrate the talents of our marvellous volunteers, and we are very grateful to them all!

But we could do more! Almost 60 percent of the items brought in are either electrical or electronic. This includes kitchen appliances, power tools, display and sound equipment, and toys. By law, any item over 50 volts must be inspected, tested and signed off by a licensed electrician. Our lone sparky Roger (who also volunteers at several other repair cafes around Brisbane) would really appreciate the support of another one or two electricians to lighten his load!

Why volunteer for the Repair Café? Here’s what their volunteers say:

Amanda saves the day by mending the Spidey-suit

“The fact that a few hours of our life can change someone else’s in a positive way is enough reason for me to be here at the RC. With every little fix, advice or recommendation we are moving one step closer in caring a bit more for our environment and each other. Movements like these bring the community together and makes us believe that a positive change is possible. “ ~ Sheryl, repair assistant and photographer.

“It’s the people, both the camaraderie of team members and our customers. Just helping someone out with something that is sentimental to them is the sweetest. Having a chat to our customers, hearing their stories while repairing an item. Learning new skills from other team members such as electrical is invaluable both for the team and personally.” ~ Ben, repairer of just about anything.

“Being a member of the RC team provides us with the opportunity to work within a group of positive minded, talented and skilled members who always have smiles on their faces. We feel that we are part of a team governed by good leadership.” ~ Amanda, sewing repairs

So, if you are, or know of, a licensed electrician who can diagnose and fix minor problems with household items, and would like to get involved, please get in touch! In return, you will get: the satisfaction of resurrecting seemingly dead appliances; the adoration of the owner whose item you save; the chance to collaborate and learn from other like-minded volunteers; new friends; free advertising for your business (if applicable); and free tea or coffee and tasty treats from the café kitchen!

Facebook: Repaircafethegap

Instagram: repaircafethegap

Email: thegaprepaircafe@gmail.com

Roger, Ben & Sheryl team up to fix a lamp

Brisbane Tramway Museum

Space-Age Trams

News and Views from a Tramway Muse

The first passenger trams appeared over two-hundred years ago at the delightfully named Swansea and Mumbles Railway in Wales. The tramcars were primitive horse-drawn contraptions, not unlike contemporary stagecoaches of the time. However, the stability of rails enabled double-decking, a feature denied on many of the deeply-rutted cart tracks.

Brisbane’s first horsedrawn trams arrived in Moreton Bay in April 1885 aboard a German sailing ship, the Von Moltke. Eighteen were offloaded, with manufacture split equally between two U.S companies: Stephenson & Co. of New York, and J. G. Brill of Philadelphia. Six of the cars were double-decked.

The Brisbane Tramways Corporation justified the overseas purchase in a report shortly before arrival:

“The American cars are in use all over the world, and are noted for their elegance of shape, their finish and lightness (a most important consideration in this climate), combined with strength, durability, and a degree of comfort that is met with in the makes of but few manufacturers.”

An article in The Brisbane Courier also described the shipment:

“The cars are constructed of cedar and mahogany, highly polished, and fitted with all the latest improvements”.

An official Government party boarded the first tram on Monday, 10 August, 1885. Pulled by a team of four magnificent show horses it was a sight to behold, but the horses were unaccustomed

to walking between rail lines and the tram derailed several times. There was also concern when the driver’s whip almost struck several officials on the top deck!

If you want to see an early horse-drawn tram,

the museum has one of the very first in its collection. Originally made by Stephenson & Co of New York in 1885, it now wears a reproduction body built by the Brisbane City Council in 1959. Sadly, tram horses are in short supply these days,

so the museum has to rely on human power for special events!

© David Fryer. maximalist@bigpond.com

Newmarket Bocce Club News

by Mario De Marco. Secretary of the Newmarket Bocce Club

Submitted by Mario De Marco, secretary Newmarket Bocce Club

A big hello to all Echo readers. Many clubs by now would have had their AGM. It’s the most important event in a clubs calendar. Amongst other matters the members

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

decide who will govern the club for the next year. Our club had its AGM on 5 February and was attended by a record 58 members. The club provided lunch and drinks. The meeting was chaired by the clubs President Tony D and taking

the minutes were Mario and Leo. All went well.

There are no losers in Bocce, we are all winners. Want to know more about Bocce then call Mario on 0403 257 325 or Tony D on 0418 731 423.

The BTM is proudly sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.

2023 Committee (left to right) President Tony D, Vice president Silvio, secretary Mario, treasurer Bill, and committee members Leo, Philippe & Vince (missing Tony S and Carmelo)