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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 first of the series – written by local resident Maurice Serico.
The StoriesBeneath
By Maurice Serico
As a neonate, I spent the last twenty-four days of the 1950s in a little two-bedroom house in School Road, in The Gap. I then spent all of the 1960s in that house until Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, then, in a threebedroom house in Bromwich St until 1980, the year Azaria strangely disappeared.
During all that time, as well as being a resident of The Gap, I was learning how to come to terms with my Aboriginal heritage.
For those that know me, you know that I’m not obviously Aboriginal, but like many people in Australia our heritage includes a form of Aboriginality that can be complex and mixed and difficult to deal with. As an example of what may be the case for other people let me tell you about mine. I’m doing this not from pride but from wanting to give you an example so that you may understand the experience of others.
Mum was white and Dad was black. Full stop. As a little kid that was just the most natural thing in the world. It wasn’t until about grade two, when I was visiting the home of a school friend that I realised his family was different to mine. I remember asking him, “why isn’t your father dark?” I just thought all men were darker than all women. This was how you think before you get taught about “race”.
Some time later I came home excited from school because I was going to be the “star” in our class play, Black Sambo. I told both Mum and Dad. The next day at school we were doing a different play. My parents were being kind, trying to shield me from racism for as long as they could.
So it was for most of my childhood and my siblings’ childhoods until high school. My parents were struggling and obtained Abstudy to assist with school costs. At first this meant little to me but over time it became clearer; despite the shielding me and my siblings were being introduced to a part of our heritage that had been kept from us. My father and his sister were the children of two Aboriginal people. We had known Grandad all our lives but Nana only appeared when I was nearly five years old. I learnt their marriage had not gone well. That always made me think about Mum and Dad’s marriage where Mum’s
mum, “Grandma” didn’t attend. I am always sad for Mum for that.
When I was about the age of ten Dad told me his tribe’s name, the Gubbi Gubbi. I giggled and said it sounded funny. He let that sit. Over time I wanted to know more about this tribe. Eventually he told me that Grandad was from a different tribe but because of laws Dad was Gubbi Gubbi. Those laws are hard to learn and neither Grandad nor Dad had been brought up in their jurisdiction because of the fierce prejudice against Aboriginal culture that lasted from the time of Grandad’s childhood until after Mum and Dad married. It was only in the 1970s that it became plausible for most Aboriginal people in Queensland to openly talk about their culture. It was then that I started learning the truth.
Nana often visited us and regaled us with stories of her visits to Cherbourg. As kids we were fascinated by these stories and begged our parents to take us there. They were horrified and absolutely forbade such visits. It wasn’t until later that I found how Cherbourg was essentially a penal settlement with all rights of the Aboriginal residents being controlled by Managers. Nana had been a girl on Cherbourg when she had lost her mother due to the Spanish Flu outbreak there. She then went into domestic service and although she gained a cultured accent from working in such households she gained nothing else, no education, no proper career. She did gain isolation from all her extended family who were still mostly in Cherbourg.
Grandad grew up in Taroom. His oldest brother had been sent to Purga Mission in Ipswich as was the practice with “half caste” children then. Grandad asked about his brother until the day he died. He himself was removed when he was nine years old and worked as the roustabout for the West Moreton Rabbit Board. He was attached to a horse team that travelled and maintained the rabbit proof fence in that part of Queensland. He was under the care of Horace Chatterton, the leader of that team. Chatterton must have treated Grandad well because when my father was born, Grandad gave him the middle name of Horace. So for those important years Grandad was away from his people and little knowledge was passed to him. The only solid knowledge he had was the terrible story of the massacre of his people, the Jiman people, following the event known as the Hornet Bank Massacre in 1857. To this day I have been unable to watch the excellent “Rabbit Proof Fence”.
With these backgrounds, Grandad and Nana worked hard to give my Dad and my Aunt the best life possible. After living in a rammed earth shack on a property past Warwick for three years, they moved to Bardon and remarkably, bought a house there, with the support of T. C. Bierne, who used to be a local retail entrepreneur. The reason for the move? So both of their children could get a good education. Dad and his sister went to Ashgrove State School during WWII. They had a hard time, being the only Aboriginal students there. My father became a champion if scrawny pugilist there and had friends who were just as hard. My aunt gained her revenge through sheer academic brilliance.
Image caption: Maurice (on right) with friends Randall and Gloria, in 1974 at The Gap State High School.
Both Dad and Aunty Eve were exceptional athletes and their skills in cricket, rugby league, netball, and track and field held them in good stead.
Dad and Aunty Eve succeeded. They were lucky. Dad became the first person in Australia, white or black, to ever become a Senior Radiographer, and Aunty Eve was the first Aboriginal person to gain a PhD.
There is a story of achievement here but bear in mind that many people with similar backgrounds have not had the fortune of my Dad and Aunty Eve. Even for myself, I had gained entrance to study medicine but ill health prevented me from completing the course. And
Oliver Fanshawe
Blind Tennis
Local
Local blind tennis athlete Oliver Fanshawe recently represented Australia in three major blind tennis tournaments across Europe. Oliver won both singles and doubles in England and Poland and secured second place in the World Championships in Italy. He is currently ranked number 2 in Australia.
At only 17 years old, Oliver’s achievements in blind tennis are inspiring both locally and globally. He is a passionate athlete, balancing his love for the sport with his education and other commitments. He hopes to raise awareness of this adaptive sport and inspire others to follow their sporting dreams.
Oliver’s recent success has sparked attention as he continues to train and compete for Australia. His story highlights not only personal
that ill health with a sore throat caught at the Ekka.
I hope you have gained something from this story. I may not be black, actually, I am often mistaken for Lebanese, but there are hidden stories for all of us. For those of us with Aboriginal heritage stories can be complex and sad like this. Me, and you, all need respect.
Author background: Maurice Serico has a BA in philosophy and English literature from University of Queensland, completed in 1979. He is an Aboriginal man with Gubbi Gubbi, Jiman and UK Australian heritage. Maurice has worked in a variety of positions across Aboriginal health, TAFE, education, and human resources; and in Aboriginal Affairs including in the office of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Maurice is currently the Chair of Balaangala Community Group in The Gap. Maurice has a chronic kidney condition and participates in supporting the kidney health community.
Thanks to LINA for the financial support to feature this story: www.lina.org.au
triumph but also the growing awareness and accessibility of blind sports.
Oliver Fanshawe is from Pullenvale, where he attended Pullenvale State School. He is currently at Ambrose Treacy College and will graduate next month. He has been playing blind tennis since was just 4 years old and has represented Australia in several international competitions and won multiple titles around Australia this year. Oliver continues to pursue excellence in his sport and hopes to inspire future generations of blind athletes.
Next up, he’s heading to Adelaide in November for a tournament with players from all over Australia. And next year, he’ll be competing at the World Championships in France. Oliver is also a finalist for two Tennis Queensland awards: the Wendy Turnbull Junior Athlete of the Year (non-disabled) and the Athlete of the Year with a Disability, which will be announced at their awards dinner in early November.
For more information about blind tennis: www.tennis.com.au/play/inclusion-and-diversity/ disabilities/blind-and-low-vision
Images credits: Cover image: Maurice Serico by Colin Bushell Photography. Other images: Colin Bushell Photography, Maurice Serico, Melanie Grevis-James
Athlete Oliver Fanshawe Shines in International Blind Tennis Tournaments
Image caption: Maurice (on right), with brother Michael, sister Melinda, and Aunt Jane (2nd from left).
Jonty’s Cooper November Update
I am incredibly proud of the resilience and determination shown by our students this year Despite many challenges, they’ve reached a significant milestone, and their achievements reflect not only their hard work but the strong support of our community
As they move forward, they may not have all the answers, but their values, curiosity, and integrity will guide them Our community has played a vital role in shaping these future leaders, and I’m confident they will continue to make us proud.
Congratulations to all students, families, and our community I'm here to support and guide the next generation in any way I can
Big Turnout for Cooper Seniors Morning Tea Congratulations Senior Classes of 2024
Graduating Classes of 2024
I was proud to last week host a Seniors Morning Tea to celebrate Seniors Month which was a wonderful celebration of community and connection. It was amazing to see over 100 people come together on a rainy day to share stories and hear from some fantastic speakers
The event was a testament to the strength and resilience of our Cooper seniors’ community, whose contributions to the area are truly immeasurable It was a privilege to hear their insights and celebrate their achievements, reminding us all of the importance of staying connected and engaged.
Thank you to everyone involved for making the morning tea such a success!
From theEditor COL’S CHAT
Locals through my Lens
Corey Allen
When Corey Allen joined the Queensland Police in 1986, the service was about to come under one of the brightest spotlights any police service had ever faced. From those dark days however, shone a community-focused man who has helped transform all aspects of the Service.
Corey was raised in Greenslopes at a time when large parts of it were still rural. Life wasn’t easy. Looking for a way out, Corey joined the army.
“I was a young officer, but the army wasn’t really my bag and so I resigned and went to Victoria to be with a girl I fell in love with. That lasted barely two weeks. I felt ashamed. I’d thrown away my career, burned bridges and wasn’t welcome back home. I returned to Brisbane and found myself living on the bones of my bum, sleeping rough, or at some friends. A lot of the people around me were getting into trouble, but one – a wild artist - got me to come to the local gym. He kept me focused and out of trouble.”
So why join the police? “I wasn’t really that keen at first, but I blitzed all the tests until it came to my height. I was 1cm short! Having learned that you can be taller first thing in the morning [due to body compression], I spent two weeks in the gym stretching and hanging upside down with inversion boots. On the day, I wore three pairs of socks, got tested early and remeasured 1cm taller! Since then, I have stretched myself in every aspect of life”. Literally, and metaphorically it seems!
Over the years, Corey’s commitment to implementing change has been implemented in mobile patrols, weapons training, public safety and special emergency response teams, and street policing with the tactical Crime Squad. He helped redefine policing of the G20, CHOGM and the Commonwealth, as well as the way protests were handled. “We can either help people protest peacefully or be the thugs who drag people away. We should treat people with kindness, respect and empathy and get to know their story. Most people we meet are not crooks, they have just made poor decisions and choices. They’re often victims themselves.”
Corey is proud to be a community copper. He’s battled his own challenges recently overcoming prostate cancer, but he is still keen to express what for him is the most important thing. “You can be a good community copper without arresting someone every day. Good policing is about good communication, empathy and getting out from behind a desk.”
Since 1994, Corey has been writing his experiences in the form of a book. One thing’s for sure, it will be a local best seller.
Corey is currently serving as the Chief Inspector of the Inner West Patrol Group, North Brisbane District.
Author and photographer: Colin Bushell | Colin Bushell Photography
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our November edition!
Our special feature cover story this month is by local Maurice Serico – telling his family story as an Aboriginal man growing up in south east Queensland and Brisbane. A very moving story; and the first in a series that The Western Echo is featuring on local First Nations history and culture – made possible by a grant from LINA.
We invite you again to scan our Thoughtz QR codes – to join in our fun surveys. These are anonymous and will help us determine what you like to read about.
Our regular columns again include ‘For the Love of Books’ by volunteer writer Sarah Krause, and ‘Col’s Chat’ is about local Chief Inspector Corey Allen. The ‘Out and About’ column this month is about Labels Loved – a pre-loved high-end fashion shop in Paddington.
Don’t miss our monthly fun Photo Quiz, guessing where Colin Bushell (photographer) has been this month with his camera.
Updates from our local community groups and schools are included. We really appreciate the support of all groups and schools who send in their information to share with you, our readers. Editorial submissions from local community groups / NFPs and schools are always welcomed.
If you are a local business wanting to reach your local audience – we look forward to hearing from you, we have very affordable advertising rates.
Please visit our website: www.westernecho.com.au
Happy reading!
Mel & Kym
Please
Rotary Club Ashgrove The Gap
Results of the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap Community Survey
From July to October, the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap conducted a survey to better understand the needs of the local community and how we can best serve you. The community survey was promoted here in the Western Echo, on social media, and at our Club events.
Over 100 people volunteered to do the survey, and we’re pleased to report that we received positive feedback on the Club, and helpful suggestions to guide our community service.
The survey results highlighted that 62% of people currently volunteer with the majority supporting sporting clubs, schools, and community groups. Also, up to 45% of people had participated in Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap activities.
Survey respondents were asked to note their community concerns, and what they thought Rotary could do to support the community. The main concerns were traffic, crime, activities for young people, community services, housing, and loneliness. Respondents overwhelmingly thought Rotary should support community activities and events, as well as a sense of community and connectedness.
These results highlight the importance of organisations like the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap to provide community events and an opportunity for connection. Our club meets at 6:45pm – 8:00pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Ellis Room, Ashgrove Golf Club and everyone is welcome to join us. Also, for the past 52 years we have provided a range of community events. Coming up we have Carols by Candlelight at Dorrington Park on Saturday December 14, and Santa will be visiting the streets of St John’s Wood and The Gap from November 30 to December 6. We would love to have new club members, or you may choose to be a ‘Rotary volunteer’ and just get involved in our activities when you can.
Based on the community survey results, our Club is also planning community meetings in 2025 to showcase the wide range of community organisations and services available in the Ashgrove The Gap region.
Some of the positive Club feedback we received included: ‘I think you do a wonderful job’, ‘I genuinely think and feel the current level of support is great’, ‘We value all that you do’, ‘Keep up the music programs, carols are amazing and Santa sleigh’.
To get in touch with us visit https://rotaryashgrovethegap.org.au/
Thank You from Zegatos
After 12 wonderful years of service, Zegatos Restaurant will be closing its doors at the end of December. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community, the Ashgrove Golf Club, and all of our loyal customers who have shared in thousands of
meals and countless smiles with us over the years.
To stay connected with us, please follow our social media channels and consider joining our Foodie Club. On behalf of Chef T and the entire team, we thank you for your support, and we look forward to staying in touch.
Warm regards, Tony and the Zegatos Team www.zegatos.com
Brisbane North Cake Decorators
This year is certainly disappearing fast, and it will be Christmas before we know it. Our preparations for all our activities are progressing nicely and we hope to see meet many of you at our cake stall at the Christmas Markets at St Mark’s Church Hall, The Gap, corner Waterworks Road and Kullaroo Street, on 7th December. There will be lots of goodies to purchase.
November is our final meeting for the year and our Christmas Party. A workshop is planned for the November meeting followed by a Christmas afternoon tea.
In September Robyn attended a workshop as part of our Cake Decorating seminar and enjoyed creating a lady in fondant under the direction of Verusca Walker, a well-known decorator. Robyn will also be the inspiration behind our display at the Cake Show in 2025 and planning is well under way.
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
A message from Maggie Forrest
Every day in Ryan, I engage with people who are worried that the Australian dream of home ownership is increasingly out of reach.
I share these concerns and am advocating for urgent action on this pressing issue.
The Liberal National Coalition plans to free up market supply by reducing the permanent migration program by 25% until our housing supply can catch up.
We’ll also impose a two-year ban on foreign investors buying homes, because Australians deserve access to affordable housing as a priority.
However it is disappointing to learn that the Albanese Labor Government has been secretly modelling changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, rather than solving key housing supply issues.
The Albanese Labor Government’s modelling shows it’s planning on increasing taxes for people in Ryan.
Meanwhile, the Liberal National Coalition is committed to easing the housing shortage and restoring Australians’ aspirations of affording their own home through a back-to-basics approach.
At the launch of Bardon Neighbourhood Watch 4065 earlier this year
Dropping into Valley District Cricket Club’s School Holiday Clinic with Leader of the Opposition, Hon Peter Dutton MP
Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club
Leadership in our world is more important than ever. Our local secondary schools have welldeveloped leadership programs that give young people the opportunity to learn and demonstrate their leadership abilities. Ashgrove The Gap Lions Club is committed to supporting schools in this endeavour.
The Lions Club promotes youth leadership through Lions Youth of the Year competition, open to all young people 15-18 years of age. This competition begins in early February each year and continues through District and State Finals, leading to the National Finals.
Public speaking is an essential leadership skill: the ability to present an argument and engage others in a cause. The Club promotes public speaking through providing secondary schools in the area with Excellence in Public Speaking Awards, which are presented at Awards Nights. It is certainly inspiring to attend these award ceremonies and witness the achievements of impressive young people who are the product of our local high schools.
In October, the Club held the first Friend of Lions Dinner. Kath and Brad Kemp from Ruby Red Jewellery and Kaz Willis from Valleys All Abilities Cricket Program attended. Melanie Grevis- James from Panet Marketing, editor of the Western Echo, and a Friend of Lions, was the guest speaker and spoke on Marketing Mistakes & Tips: Community Groups & Small Business.
Also in attendance were Joanne and Glen from Thoughtz. Glen introduced their new app which can be used by small business to gather anonymous feedback from customers.
Picabeen
Spread the Christmas Cheer!
This holiday season let’s join together to support families in our NorthWest community who could use a little extra support. Please donate to our annual Christmas hamper collection and help us reach our target of donating 120 hampers!
Lions members practised their technology skills by responding to a short survey via Thoughtz, about the evening and ideas for Club development. Thoughtz is a great new tech application from a local business. For more: www.ashgrovethegaplions.org.au
How can you help? Start a Collection: Gather food items with your friends, family, or neighbours. Drop off your food items at Picabeen community centre by 2 December. Share this message and help us reach more people in the community!
Suggested items: canned goods, pasta and sauce, breakfast cereals, tea, coffee, and treats, and other non-perishable foods
Together, we can make a big difference and spread the joy of Christmas.
Picabeen: 22 Hoben St, Mitchelton. www.picabeen.org.au
Carmen Briggs operates under Carmen Briggs Properties Pty Ltd and works in conjunction with Harcourts Property Centre.
Keperra
Would you like to sing in a major Brisbane concert hall with one of Australia’s premier choirs, world-class soloists and an orchestra without having to audition and with only minimal rehearsal time?
Join the Queensland Choir for just three weeks of rehearsals to take part in Brisbane Sings Messiah, conducted by Kevin Power OAM, on Sunday, December 8, at 3pm in Brisbane City Hall.
The Queensland Choir’s musical director Kevin Power says the biennial performance of Brisbane Sings Messiah provides an exciting opportunity for people who would love to sing in a performance of Handel’s great masterpiece but don’t have the time to commit to singing with the choir throughout the year.
“Handel’s Messiah is the most popular of all choral works, loved by audiences around the world for its brilliant choruses and beautiful solos,” he says.
“This opportunity to join more than 150 other performers (including members of the Queensland Choir), professional soloists and orchestra for the concert on December 8 only happens once every two years, and places are limited, on a first-in, first-served basis.
“Participation is open to all singers aged 18 years and older. There is no audition! However, you must be able to attend all the scheduled rehearsals. Prior familiarity with the music and knowledge of music notation will also be an advantage.
“The concert will also give choristers the opportunity to hear world-class soloists including soprano Leanne Kenneally, mezzo soprano, Shikara Ringdahl, tenor Sebastian Maclaine and baritone Leon Warnock. All are award-winning Queensland Conservatorium graduates who have performed internationally and have also sung with Opera Queensland and around Australia.
Brisbane Sings Messiah gives choir members the chance to hear and learn from professional musicians, while being part of a welcoming group sharing a common interest.
“Singing in the choir is fun and a challenge, and everything is thoroughly rehearsed even though Brisbane Sings Messiah enables interested singers to take part in a full performance with a minimum of commitment.
“Please join us for this exciting event. Registrations close once soprano, alto, tenor and bass lists are full, so interested singers should contact the choir now.”
Out &About
Labels Loved, Paddington
Ladies, if you haven’t been to Labels Loved in Paddington yet, I suggest you do. I have been meaning to for ages, and I wish now that I had sooner.
Labels Loved is a second-hand store for high-end fashion labels, located in a charming Queenslander cottage in Latrobe Terrace. The perfect place to find a fashionable outfit for your next special event, formal or graduation, or upcoming Christmas party.
Jody Kinsella opened the pre-loved fashion store in late 2022, with the purpose to help ladies overcome the stress and overwhelm of wearing, and paying for, expensive high-end fashion.
The store came about by chance. Jody says, “I have worked in high-end fashion all my life. I needed to have a big de-clutter of my wardrobe. So, I got into my wardrobe (with a glass of wine) and cleared out a third of all my clothes - then took it all to the markets to sell. The markets went really well, so before long I had the store.”
“I love helping ladies purchase clothes to suit their body shape – helping give them confidence. Also, high-end clothes are like an investment, we can’t let go of them due to the guilt of the high cost. Ladies feel better knowing that someone else will be wearing and enjoying their pre-loved clothes.”
“It’s also great to ‘save the planet one garment at a time’ – creating a positive impact by avoiding items going to landfill”.
Jody sells all garments on a commission basis. She also offers one-onone styling sessions ($25 for an hour; which you get back when you buy something).
Most garments in the store had an average original price-tag of $300400; Jody sell’s them for a third of the original price. The store just won a Business and Community Excellence Award for the second year running, from the Rotary Club of Paddington.
Labels Loved is open Thursday-Sunday, from 12noon-4pm; or by appointment. Check ahead on the store’s social pages to ensure it’s open on the day. Tip: stop by on a Sunday afternoon for a free glass of bubbles or cup of tea.
You can also purchase garments online from the shop.
Jack Dangerfield 0422 564 007
teamdangerfieldproperty
team_dangerfield_property
Stephen Dangerfield 0412 145 802
The GapSustainability Initiative
The Gap Sustainability Initiative is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN) to monitor and assess the health of Enoggera and Fish creeks and evaluate their biodiversity. This is an essential step in our mission to reintroduce the platypus to The Gap. Using SOWN’s equipment and with support by knowledgeable SOWN members, we will soon begin monthly community creek monitoring through water quality and macroinvertebrate surveys.
We heard that our application to the Department of Transport and Main Roads grassroots cycling grant was not successful, and we congratulate all those who received funding including our sister organisation Zero Emissions Noosa. Although we were not funded, we are still keen to show The Gap residents how they can reach the city safely on bicycle. Several keen cyclists have offered their help and are willing to be guides for those keen to explore the cycleways. We will scope this project out at our next working group meeting and find a suitable date.
Our street tree TLC program is going from strength to strength, visit our website to see a map of all the streets we have already done and nominate your street if it needs care so we can look after it next. There is also a video by Sue Moller explaining on how to care for the trees if you want to start a troupe yourself.
Our next events are a seminar about building safe cycleways on 19 November, 7.30pm at The Gap State High School Library. We will hold our AGM on 30 November at 4pm. We will continue Street tree TLC every 2nd and 4th Saturday morning of the month, and regular Platypus toy sewing bees are held on Fridays.
Please visit our event calendar for details about all these events: www.thegapsustainability.org
AranaViewClub
CONNECT WITH OTHER LOCAL WOMEN AND SUPPORT CHILDREN IN NEED
Arana VIEW Club is on the lookout for new members who want to give back to their community and make new connections with women in the area.
VIEW which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women is a network of close to 300 clubs and over 14,000 women throughout Australia. It provides a place for women to connect with the community, enjoy social activities, and develop lasting friendships – all while supporting the work of children’s education charity - The Smith Family. Our Club President said this year is the perfect time to join VIEW as social events are truly back on the calendar and our guest speakers are booked in for the year. Our events and activities funds to support the education of children and young people experiencing disadvantage through The Smith Family.
VIEW is the largest sponsor of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which provides students with financial and personal support our president says this is crucial, particularly in the current economic climate.
AshgroveForum
On Saturday 19 October, the Ashgrove Forum Club held a celebratory Lunch at Zegatos Restaurant in the Ashgrove Golf Club attended by Ashgrove Forum members past and present along with representatives from their sister Forum clubs to celebrate its 1000th meeting milestone. In the Forum tradition, as well as enjoying a delicious lunch and great company, a member of all clubs attending was asked to deliver a speech on a topic with “1000” in the title.
Ashgrove Forum has held many of our celebratory functions at Zegatos since Chef Tony Davis opened his restaurant in The Gap in 2013, and Ashgrove members have adjourned to the Ashgrove Golf Club for a delicious dinner at Zegatos after their monthly meetings for the past eleven years. Consequently, we were devastated to learn that Zegatos will be closing down at the end of the year. Tony and his exceptional culinary skills will be sadly missed by Forum members. We have been extremely fortunate to have had a chef of his talents in our midst (judged the Qld Chef of the Year in 2000) serving top class cuisine. We thank him sincerely for looking after us for these past many years and wish him and his family well in the future.
The speech topic for the November club meeting is “Migration”. This is both a contemporary and contentious topic which is certain to produce some interesting points of view both for and against.
Ashgrove Forum Club meets in the Ashgrove Library Meeting Room at 6.30pm, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to attend and observe without obligation to speak, though they may do so if they wish. For more information, contact Secretary Pat on 0458 696 267.
Our president says, “We have all been hit by the rising cost of living, be it power prices, food or petrol. But these rises have had an even greater impact on those already doing it tough”.
“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between putting dinner on the table or buying their child’s uniform for school. This is why it is so important that we can help children experiencing disadvantage with their education.”
VIEW nationally supports the education of over 1720 students through the Learning for Life program, ensuring that they have educational support and what they need for the school year.
Arana VIEW Club currently supports 14 students.
We are always looking for women of all backgrounds and ages to join and look forward to welcoming new faces at our next monthly meeting which is on the first Wednesday of the month 10.30 for 11.00am at Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Parade, Grovely. A two-course lunch is provided for $35.00 including tea & coffee.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can call Carol on 3355 5349 by 12.00 noon the Thursday before the meeting for further information or to advice your attendance.
Trek2Health
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2024
Mental Awareness Foundation: A Community Lifeline We Can All Support
Fifteen years ago, two local Ashgrove boys had a vision: to bring mental health awareness to the forefront of our community. From that vision, the Mental Awareness Foundation (MAF) was born, and since then, it has grown into a powerful force, helping thousands of people find the support they need. As CEO of Trek2Health, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact MAF has had - not just on individuals, but on entire communities. At Trek2Health, we work with frontline personnel, veterans, and everyday Australians, using outdoor activities to boost mental and physical resilience. MAF’s commitment to grassroots programs like ours makes all the difference. They understand that mental health is about more than just awareness; it’s about creating spaces where people feel accepted and supported. Their work doesn’t just shine a light on mental health - it brings people together in powerful, life-changing ways.
I’ve been privileged to witness the transformation that occurs when someone takes their first step toward mental wellness. It’s often a long journey, but organisations like MAF help people find the strength to start. In a world where mental health challenges are more prevalent than ever, the work MAF does is critical. They’re not just supporting mental health; they’re building a future where mental wellness is a community-wide priority.
Let’s continue to stand together, raising awareness and fostering acceptance. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
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
The GapShe Shed
The Gap She Shed always welcomes new members. We are a community group for women to gather in friendship, to support one another, learn and share. You can join as a community member for free or you can become a financial member for $25 a year to gain discounts to all our priced events. Copy this link if you are interested in becoming a financial member: www. trybooking.com/COLFO
7 December: The Gap She Shed Christmas Market will be held this year at St. Marks Anglican Church in The Gap on Saturday 7 December 2024 from 3-7 pm. Use the following link to book a stallwww.trybooking.com/ CSUQF
Apart from our regular activity groups, we have special events this month which include:
• NEW!!! Craft n Chat Evenings run by Phoebe. Held every second Monday evening of the month at 7pm. $2 per visit. If interested, join the chat group for Monday crafters on Facebook.
• Sunday 3, 10 and 17 November: Meditation at 4pm. Venue: The Gap RSL Sub-Branch, 34 School Road, The Gap.
• 16 November: Self Defence and Empowerment for Women Course to be held at the Scout Den, 76 Riaweena Street, The Gap.
• 27 November: at 7pm, Lindy Sugars from the Ashgrove Historical Society is presenting a talk about Dorothy Hawthorn who was born in Ashgrove in 1900.
Check the November 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
The Gap State High School is seeking LongTerm HomeStay Families for students from Italy, Germany, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Colombia. Can you open your door to them? HOMESTAY FAMILIES
The Physiologix Corner
Frozen shoulder or “adhesive capsulitis”
Frozen shoulder or “adhesive capsulitis” is the development of a very stiff shoulder which can be very painful in the initial stages. It typically affects those in there 40’s-60’s. It is not known yet how frozen shoulder occurs.
Contributing factors include: genetics, aging (from 40s-60s), lifestyle (there are strong links to adiposity, meaning increased body fat), metabolic (there are strong links with diabetes, thyroid and hyperlipideamia).
The Gap Pioneer & History Group Inc
THE ’74 FLOODS – 50th ANNIVERSARY 1974 – 2024
On 26 January 1974 widespread flooding occurred in Brisbane with Enoggera Dam and Enoggera Creek being significant contributors to this most memorable disaster.
The featured photograph provided by Colin and Ros Williams was taken
If you have any of the above contributing factors then this places you at greater risk of having frozen shoulder. Typically the shoulder becomes restricted in movement as the capsule contracts, typically in movements reaching the arm outwards, behind you or overhead. This is known as the “freezing phase”. Over many months the shoulder will become less painful but remain very stiff and restricted in movement –this is know as the “frozen phase”. Over yet more months the shoulder will slowly improve with the range coming back, known as the “thawing phase”. Diagnosis of frozen shoulder can be confirmed on imaging, together with your symptoms and range of movement. Xray can be very useful to rule out several other possible causes of your shoulder pain.
Treatment
Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint have good evidence in the initial phases of frozen shoulder. This may be more effective when coupled with a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder bursa. Early detection is everything. An experienced physio will help diagnose this condition early on, and work with your GP or specialist to confirm diagnosis on imaging, thus facilitating early intervention.
Massage and hands-on physio might help manage your pain in the “freezing” phase. The physio will help advise on movements that might help with some pain relief, together with advice on ways to sleep and position your arm that might provide more comfort. Keeping your body as healthy as possible through this time is key.
Physios will use hands on techniques to help mobilise and stretch your shoulder to regain the lost movement. Other interventions are available for frozen shoulder including hydrodilitation, surgical release, and manipulation under anaesthetic – you can discuss this with your health provider.
For more information contact the physios at Physiologix, upstairs at the Gap Fitness Club, on 3511 1112; or on their website: www.physiologix.com.au
in heavy rain from their driveway at 340 Payne Road, The Gap and it reveals the School Road bridge and Payne Road are underwater.
In April 1977 Lord Mayor Alderman Frank Sleeman officially opened the ‘new Enoggera Dam’ which was Stage 1 of Brisbane’s flood mitigation project.
The $5.5m project which was started in 1975, raised the level of the original dam by 6.25m and the bywash level by 7.25m.
The project was financed by State and Federal Governments with the Brisbane City Council financing 20 per cent of the scheme.
The mitigation scheme was designed to mitigate flooding for the full length of Breakfast and Enoggera Creeks where widespread damage to property had occurred in 1974.
One hundred and sixty years ago in 1864, work commenced in The Gap on the clay core construction of Australia’s second largest dam being built to provide water to the town of Brisbane. The first major dam constructed in Australia being the Yan Yean Dam, Victoria in 1857.
The Gap Pioneer and History Group Inc. welcomes new members who have, or wish to develop, an interest in the history and heritage of our beautiful suburb.
Members meet at 1.30pm on the second Saturday of each month (excluding January) at The Gap Uniting Church, Upper John Knox Hall, 1050 Waterworks Road, The Gap. ENQUIRIES: jeffhilder@outlook.com
Red Hill Bowls Sports & Community Club
Club News
Dave Thomas, Greg Rolls, and Will Anderson from Red Hill Bowls Sports & Community Club together with Peter Campbell from Windsor played bowls in the Classic Fours Tournament in Capalaba recently and came 2nd overall and won prizemoney to supplement the good bowls played.
Home on the Green dog-friendly café is fully operational now which is run by Home Café in Ashgrove. The café opens Tuesday to Sunday from 6am-12noon with great coffee and food, so please come along and enjoy the vibe and ambience whilst you are walking the dog. A dog wash has been installed at our club at the main gate entrance in front of the café, so make sure if the dog needs a wash, do so before you have a coffee.
The next Music on the Green will be held outdoors at the club on Sunday 10 November with the club opening at 12noon. Play barefoot bowls with the live music
from Superfry’d commencing at 2pm-5pm. Great food provided by Home on the Green Café with an opportunity to win Meat Trays and Fruit & Vegetable Trays on the day as well.
Our Music on the Green Community Christmas is on 8 December with live music till 7pm as well as twilight markets, and barefoot bowls with lots of fun planned for the whole family leading up to Christmas.
Our function hall is an opportunity to book for parties and corporate events and we would welcome your enquiries.
The GapCreative Inc
As spring officially sprang and the sun shined upon us, seventeen artists in The Gap Creative swung open their doors to the public in our annual Open Studio’s Event. The weekend saw a great turnout of many Gap residents (and some from much further afield) wandering the art trail and immersing themselves in the joy of creativity.
A particular highlight was the TrekHouse at Enoggera Reservoir, acting as both a gallery and our own neighbourhood historical gem, with many passers-by curiously keen to get a sneak peek inside the old dam keeper’s house.
We were absolutely thrilled by the community engagement with such genuine interest shown in our creative diversity, our arts practice, and processes, and the values we all strive to uphold.
Members have described these get togethers as a unique opportunity to chat and brainstorm together, as they work on a current project. Different techniques, promoting your art, growing a creative business, hosting an exhibit – these are all hot topics up for discussion, with innovative and inspiring ideas forever flowing.
A special mention to Giovanna Scott on her first solo exhibition, A {not so} Still Life – Unravelling The Art Of Motion. The opening night was a fabulous affair attended by so many of our collective, a true testament to the supportive nature of this group.
Recently, we have added Member Meet Ups to our monthly calendar, across various locations including local coffee shops and The Blind Tiger. These are an informal gathering focused on developing social connections both within the creative, and with our surrounding suburb.
Embroiderers' Guild Queensland
The Embroiderers’ Guild Queensland invites you to our annual Christmas Craft Market on Sunday 24 November 2024 at our heritage building at 149 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley from 9.00am-1.00pm. Free entry!
The Guild has members throughout Brisbane, including the western suburbs.
Visitors will be able to shop for a variety of hand-crafted gifts, browse a treasure-trove of preloved embroidery and crafting items, and buy a ticket for a chance to win a fantastic raffle prize.
Saturday, November 23, will see us working with The Gap Village Shopping Centre as they launch their Christmas celebrations. A boutique market by several of our members, as well as the unveiling of an interactive mural will be a first for us and we cannot wait to show you what we have been up to! Hours upon hours of creating behind the scenes, and it is a joy for us all to share it with our community.
Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming events by following The Gap Creative Inc. Facebook Page or @thegapcreative.inc on Instagram.
Yoorala
Street Community Garden
Have you visited Yoorala St Community Garden? Spring has arrived and the garden is blooming with life and colour after the recent rains. We love visitors and welcome the community to come and see what we do.
Yoorala St Community Garden is made up of communal members growing areas and individually leased plots, where you can grow your own fruit and vegetables. We also have raised garden beds which are access friendly. The garden operates under organic gardening principles, as required by Brisbane City Council. Please pop in on any Sunday afternoon from 4pm – there will always be a member available to show you around and tell you about our garden. Our garden community is made up of local residents of all backgrounds and abilities; no prior gardening experience is required.
The garden provides a family-friendly and welcoming space for our community to come together, enjoy the outdoors. Our working bees are brilliant opportunities to make new friends, learn about gardening and share our harvest. We are always keen to welcome new members, and anyone can participate in our activities. Remember to bring your hat and a smile.
Address: 98 Yoorala St, The Gap. Annual membership and plot rental available. For more information email: yscgsecretary@gmail.com Visit our website: www.yscg.com.au or check us out on: www.facebook.com/
Carinity Newmarket Bocce Club News
Joan celebrates 100 fabulous years
A woman who has split her time between living in England, Africa, and Australia has celebrated a major life milestone.
Joan Hunter, a longtime The Gap resident who now lives in the Carinity Hilltop aged care community at Kelvin Grove, turned 100 on September 22.
Joan was born in Newquay in Cornwall, England, in 1924. She was called up to work in a munition factory manufacturing parts for World War II bombs.
After the war ended, Joan left England for Africa with her first husband, Jack Robertson. They settled in Cape Town with their son, Keith. After their marriage ended, Joan met Noel Hunter who became her second husband.
The couple moved to South Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with Keith. Their daughter, Gail, was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1960. Shortly after, the family moved back to Cape Town.
Noel was a hotelier. Over the years, he and Joan opened several large hotels in Zimbabwe and Zambia, before moving to Australia in 1970.
In Africa and Australia, Joan worked as a beautician, mostly for the Helena Rubenstein cosmetics brand. She also supported Noel in opening and running several hotels in Australia.
Gail and her mother lived very happily together at The Gap until Joan moved to Carinity Hilltop in 2018, where “she’s been living contentedly ever since”.
“Joan is a very special person, loving and kind with a witty sense of humour. She is much loved and appreciated by extended family and special friends,” Gail said.
Joan has always loved reading and watching movies, and still enjoys watching old films.
She also has a great interest in the British Royal Family and was delighted that King Charles – as well as the Australian Governor-General and Prime Minister – sent their congratulations for her 100th birthday.
Bill’s 60th Birthday!
How do you enjoy your 60th birthday? You invite about 40 of your relatives and friends and hire the bocce courts for about 4 hours. Have a BBQ, cooked up by the club’s culinary BBQ chef, Philippe Antelme, throw in a bit of cheer, champagne and speeches, including 3 games of bocce. Yes, that’s how Bill enjoyed his birthday on 5 October.
Throw in some club helpers, President Tony Di Sipio and wife Sarina, Silvio Rotili, Philippe, Leo Thompson, and Mario De Marco and you have the making of a great day.
AshgroveHistorical Society
Visitors are encouraged and very welcome to attend the Ashgrove Historical Society meetings held at the Ashgrove Library on the first Saturday of the month (except January) from 10am-noon. Topics and guest speakers can be found on the Society’s website under What’s On ‘Meetings’. The topic on 7 December 2024 is War comes to Mt Coot-tha presented by Janet Spillman.
Janet is a retired teacher with a love of history, bush walking and plants. She has written three books and is currently researching the history of colonial botanist Frederick Manson Bailey. She is also a bush care worker on Mt Coot-tha. Her presentation is on the post-European history of Mt Coot-tha as a railway reserve and then as a recreation reserve. She will tell of how West Ithaca Creek became a popular place for walkers, artists, and family picnics, and why it became known as The Dams. She will describe Mt Coot-tha’s occupation during World War 2 by American and Australian troops, the environmental damage, and its restoration by Brisbane City Council.
A shared morning tea will follow the presentation which will provide the opportunity to chat with the guest speaker and other people interested in local history.
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 user-friendly 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). Also, a stall outside Woolworths Ashgrove is being planned for December. Please check our website for details.
Funds raised from the sale of our publications supports the research, preservation and recording of Ashgrove’s history.
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 join at a meeting.
Reminder for Advertisers / Contributors please:
Deadline for December 2024 Edition: All due by 15 November 2024
Please send to: editor@westernecho.com.au Any questions? Call Melanie on: 0409 440 501
BalaangalaCommunity Group
Midjum
The traditional name of this plant has a range of spellings including, Mid’yum, Midgen, Midjim or Midyim. This is an example of variations encountered when translating an oral language into a written alphabet. European names for Midjum include Austromyrtus dulcis, Silky Myrtle and Apple Berry.
Midjum is a shrub which grows 1-2 metres high. New leaves are pinkish-red and mature leaves have a pleasant aroma if crushed. The small white flowers appear in profusion in late spring, and it is well known for its edible berries which are pale with small mauve spots. The berries attract foraging birds.
Midjum is found growing naturally from K’gari to Grafton. It adapts to a variety of habitats and soils including heathland, woodlands, sandy soils, and on the edges of rainforest. While not recorded as growing in the Enoggera Creek section of D’Aguilar National Park (including The Gap and nearby suburbs), it may have occurred further down the Enoggera creek catchment towards the Brisbane River. Midjum is growing and thriving in the Balaangala garden, especially along pathways, where there is regular sunlight.
We understand the tasty sweet berries were harvested and enjoyed by Traditional Custodians including the Butchulla People on K’gari, the Gubbi Gubbi People who lived in the area north of Meanjin (Brisbane), and the Bunjalung People of north-eastern NSW. We also understand that women and girls had a special connection to the Midjum plant.
Today Midjum is used by Balaangala members as a snack, in fruit salads, apple pie (as a contrast flavour) and jams. It is high in calcium, vitamin C and fibre.
Photocredit:ColinPeile
For local business owners and community groups: DATE: Wed, 4 Dec at 6pm | VENUE: Zegatos Restaurant / Ashgrove Golf Club, Waterworks Rd, The Gap COST TO ATTEND: $25 per person – includes share platters and pizzas | CASH BAR: pay-as-you-go for all drinks
RSVP to Melanie by 2 December please –or via the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1312825789714721 melanie@planetmarketing.comau | 0409 440 501
Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club
Great Times at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club
Our October general meeting saw all the usual components – not too much routine admin, then a short talk from one of our members, a break for a chat and a tasty morning tea, then a return of one of our favourite guest speakers.
Denis Wayper presented another of his retrospectives. This time Dame Joan Sutherland. Denis’s talks come complete with both pictures and sound so we enjoyed a real musical treat. Several film clips of some of her most celebrated performances, including her final appearance at the Sydney Opera House.
The book exchange table is one of the more popular activities, with many books changing hands each month. The new initiative of a monthly coffee and chat morning at a café in The Gap is proving popular.
The club lunch in October was at Thai on Grove in Ashgrove – always a very pleasant gathering. And the month finished with a very enjoyable picnic in the park – a BBQ at Walton Bridge Reserve.
Lots of social activities and opportunities to make new friends at Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club, following the themes of Probus – Friendship, Fellowship and Fun. New members are always most welcome. Just search for Red Hill-Ithaca Probus Club for ongoing information on our upcoming activities, found on our 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 come along as a guest 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.
Art inBark
We've been busy exhibiting at Pine Rivers Show, the EKKA, Gold Coast Show, and the Brisbane Quilt and Craft Convention Centre in October. Are you looking for something new to do? Come and learn how to create a bark picture with the bark from the Melaleuca tree. You don't have to be an artist - we will teach you what to do. Come make a bark picture for Christmas.
We have classes at Brisbane City Hall in the basement on the Adelaide St side of City Hall on Mondays 9am-12pm. Lesson $10 and Kits $10. We supply board, bark, glue etc.
We also have a workshop on Saturdays at the Apostolic Church Hall at 43 Robinson Road, Nundah. Please Phone first to book your class.
For more info: call Barbara 3271 2130; Dipti 0468 548 600; or Hazel 0408 157 117.
Brisbane CitySounds
Brisbane City Sounds Christmas Concert 2024
Carols sung in old stone churches such as the beautiful Sacred Heart Church, Rosalie, are surely a part of the joy of Christmas time!
Brisbane City Sounds women’s a cappella chorus invites you to join us as we celebrate the season with a variety of Christmas music, popular, traditional & sacred. Our women’s four part harmony chorus is joined by quartets, a choral ensemble and instrumentalists from the Conservatorium of Music. And, of course, there will be some carol singing by everyone, raffles and a light supper at intermission!
The date: Friday, 29 November
The times: 6pm arrival for 6.30pm-8.30pm.
The place: the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 369 Given Tce, Rosalie (on the corner of Fernberg Rd and Given Tce)
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for concession holders and children aged 12 and under are free. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CWCDB
For more details, contact Kim on 0433 152 247; or kimish36@gmail.com
SOWN
The Corbie Park Bushcare Group, Davidson Street Bushcare Group, and Tennis Avenue Bushcare Group are delighted to have been awarded a Federal grant to aid in the recovery of their sites after the 2022 floods! The funds have now been received by SOWN, and with support from the Brisbane City Council’s Habitat Brisbane team, work on these important sites will begin in the coming weeks.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in securing this grant and for all the hard work that has gone into making this project a reality. Your dedication will make a big difference in restoring these areas and help them be more resilient for future flood events. Pictured is Hon Tanya Plibersek MP meeting with the SOWN President and local bushcarers.
This activity is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
For more about Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN): www.sown.com.au
The GapProbus Club
Our big social event for the month was the Soirée at the Ashgrove Golf Club, catered by Zegatos, which, sadly, we learn is to be discontinued shortly.
The festivities were opened by Jonty Bush, the member for Cooper, who also donated a lucky door prize. Besides the food and drink (always important to a Probus gathering, for some reason) we enjoyed short and witty speeches, a trivia quiz, a picture-based puzzle about local suburbs, and a silent auction of a huge variety of objects, with jewellery, electronics, woodcraft, and needlework prominent.
The Probus Cake was cut with due ceremony, and the evening voted a huge success, exemplifying Probus’ goals of Fun Friendship and Fellowship.
On a somewhat more serious note, our speaker at the subsequent general meeting was Clare Blake of QIMR Berghofer, the medical research institute. Clare went rapidly through the history of QIMR, and brought us up to date on the world-class medical advances they are making.
The institute is named after the Toowoomba philanthropist Clive Berghofer, but its more secret benefactor was Chuck Feeney. He wanted to do good with the great wealth he accumulated from his Duty-Free Stores, feeling somewhat guilty about the health effects of all the tobacco and alcohol he was selling. His friend the Brisbane tennis player Ken Fletcher suggested he fund medical research, and what better place than in Brisbane?
Guided tours of QIMR are available, and the club is considering when to go. It promises to be fascinating.
If you are interested finding out more without commitment, we would be delighted to talk with you, and invite you to our meetings (first Thursday of every month, 2pm, at the Baptist Church, corner of Waterworks and Settlement Roads). Just call (or, better, text) Tim on 0411 141 304.
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 Christmas luncheon is the perfect place to re-connect, celebrate the season together and look forward to building on it in 2025.
There are two ways 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 OR pay cash at the Arana Leagues Club foyer between 10am to 12noon 28/ 11/ 2024.
For more information: The Hills and District Chamber of Commerce; John 0448 186 115 or Carolyn 0448 328 914.
Musk mallow
Like most scientific names, that of the musk mallow describes features of the plant – Abelmoschus (father of musk) moschatus (musk scented) var. tuberosus (has tubers). The seeds produce an aromatic oil that has such a strong musk odour that, prior to the development of cheaper synthetic musk, it was used in the perfume industry. There are two subspecies of Abelmoschus moschatus – A. moschatus var moschatus and A. moschatus tuberosus. The former is found in India, pasts of Asia and the Pacific islands whilst the latter is indigenous to northern and eastern Queensland and the northern part of the Northern Territory and Western Australia where it grows in grasslands, open woodlands and on rocky hillsides.
This attractive, low bushy shrub has deeply lobed, soft, hairy leaves and produces prolific pink/red hibiscus-like flowers from spring to autumn. The shrub invariably dies back over winter but re-shoots from its tuber in spring. Related to the okra (A. esculentus), tubers, leaves and shoots were a food source for indigenous Australians. The seeds have been used to make a variety of products – breath freshener, insecticide, itch reliever, to relieve anxiety, help gastric digestion and even as an aphrodisiac – while the bark was made into a paste to treat wounds and sprains. Fibre from the stem bark is used to make rope. This frost-hardy, water-wise plant excels in well-drained, moist soil in filtered sun. Only growing to a height of 2 m, it makes an ideal fillin plant in a cottage garden or as a specimen in a pot. As an added bonus, the musk mallow attracts butterflies and birds.
Reservoir Frogs Theatre Company
Reservoir Frogs will be bringing some Pantomime Magic to The Gap this Christmas season, with the classic rags to riches story, Cinderella! The third production by this local fledgling group is an adaptation by TLC Creative and is full of fun characters, songs, and lots of comic mayhem for all the family to enjoy.
Cinderella lives a life of drudgery, bullied by her horrible Ugly Stepsisters, Salmonella and Listeria.
Her muddled and confused father, Baron Hardup is powerless to intervene (he's more scared of them than she is!) and her only comfort is her pal Buttons!
For the Love Of Books
At the point of writing this, I have read 117 books in 2024. I thought I’d share three of my many favourites so far…
Firstly, “All The Colours of the Dark” by Chris Whittaker. A thriller, but a thriller with heart and depth. It tells the story of Patch and Saint, best friends from childhood, and the traumatic event that occur when they are younger and how this ricochets throughout the rest of their lives. This is a twisty thriller with a serial killer, but also a love story. My husband also really enjoyed it (great Christmas gift idea!).
Secondly, “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney. The story of two brothers grieving the loss of their father, and their relationships with each other and the three major women in their life. It’s very ‘Rooneyesque’, with no dialogue quotation marks, and multiple points of view. It took me longer to read than I expected but completely blew me away. The writing is smart and the tone of each character is so distinct. I feel like I got to know them better than lots of the real people in my life, and I shed a tear having to leave them at the end.
Lastly, a non-fiction, “Cactus Pear for My Beloved” by Samah Sabawi. Starting out in 2018 in the Logan Shopping Centre, we meet Samah, an Australian-Palestinian Author and her father “George”. Samah is asking her father, real name Abdul Karim, to write his story. His history, his family’s history and the history of his people. He agrees, and we are taken on a journey beginning in the 1940’s and filled with so much love, intellect, sorrow, and loss, that I get goosebumps just remembering. I was captivated from start to finish.
Happy Reading!
Author & photographer: Sarah Krause @sarahsbookchat
Prince Charming is holding a ball to meet his bride to be. Can this be the chance that Cinders has been waiting for?
Will Cinderella make it to meet her Prince Charming with the help of her magical fairy Godmother, or will her efforts be thwarted by her Ugly Stepsisters?
Find out when Cinderella hits the stage at the GPS Rugby Club in Yoku Road, Ashgrove, from 6 -15 December.
Auditions were held in October and the large cast have been hard at work rehearsing to bring this wonderful production to the residents of The Gap and surrounds.
Tickets are available through Try Booking at: https://www.trybooking.com/CWIVO
FURTHER ENQUIRIES regarding the show or to learn about some magical discounts for groups or fundraising please email: gapcommunitytheatregroup@gmail.com
AshgroveRangers
Running Tips
With spring well and truly with here, it is gratifying to see the increased number of people out and about. Many are walking or running in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. Presumably, they are either there before or after work or when it’s not so hot outside.
Any exercise is good exercise. You get far more benefit from rising early and going out for a jog or doing an exercise routine than grabbing an extra hour in bed. However, you get even better results if you exercise well.
One of the most common problems I see is arm movement when running. Too many people swing their arms across their body. If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘That’s not me!’ then watch yourself when you’re next out and about. It’s quite possible, but you just don’t realise it because that’s how you’ve always run.
Swinging your arms across your body has two related effects. Firstly, it stops the ribs from expanding to their fullest capacity. Secondly, it stops the diaphragm from working through its maximum range. Both these factors mean that your lungs are not filling up with air. That limits your oxygen intake. You might not notice the effect, but it means your body is not working at full efficiency.
Making a change will not happen overnight. You will need to concentrate on changing the way your arm and shoulder muscles operate, but the change will be worth it.
Check out the Ashgrove Rangers website for more details and events:
Rangers
NorthsHockeyClub
Eagles fly to new high
Northern Suburbs Hockey Club in Ashgrove has celebrated a landmark year – but the season isn’t over for some players.
The Eagles celebrated the most grand final victories of any Brisbane club for the 2024 season, with a record of eight premierships won by a Norths club.
Another four Norths teams finished as runner-up, while seven sides won Minor Premierships after finishing on top of the ladder.
The hockey action has continued with Norths players and coaches representing their state or country.
Susana Matus, Triston Parker, David Johnston, Russell Rendell and Daniel Goodwin (coach) are representing Australia at Masters Hockey
Ashgrove Bardon RSL Sub Branch
REMEMBRANCE DAY
11 November: A Service will be held at Stewart Place, cnr Waterworks Rd and Stewart Rd commencing at 10.30am commemorating the armistice of 11th hour of 11th day of 11th month 1918. All are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be offered after the service.
LEST WE FORGET
NURSES COMMEMORATION
The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt, Anglican Dean of Brisbane has invited The RSL South Eastern District Members to a Commemorative Service with Wreath Laying for “Nurses who have died in the Service of Others”, in the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD at St Johns Cathedral 373 Ann St, Brisbane on Sunday 10th November 2024, 2pm followed by refreshments. Honours, Medals Uniform and Academic Robes may be worn. Please RSVP to Lisa Clarke on email: lclarke@stjohnscathedral. com.au or phone: 3835 2239.
MONTHLY SUB BRANCH MEETINGS
Our next meeting will be at the Red Hill Community Sports Club 22 Fulcher Rd, Red Hill at 11.30am on Sunday 27th October. Light refreshment are provided after the meeting so we can all enjoy some informal chat and wives/ partners are most welcome. Please RSVP to either our President paul.prince@ashgrove. rslqld.net.au or Hon Secretary Ian Garfield ian. garfield@ashgrove.rslqld.net.au.
World Cups in South Africa and New Zealand.
Zelmari van Loggerenberg, Grace Petersen, Laura Thirgood, Al Schweitzer, Luke Keir and Kaelan Harvey represented Queensland at the Australian Under 14 Championships in Perth.
Diarmid Chappell, Max Harding, Kyle Jeffery-Prestwich and Darren Fowler (coach) are representing Brisbane Blaze in the Hockey One national league, with Holly Gilbar playing for Tassie Tigers.
The Hockey One competition, featuring Olympians from Australia, Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, India, New Zealand and Brazil, runs until December.
Norths is a community-based club with teams for Mens, Womens, Boys and Girls playing in the Brisbane-based competitions on turf and grass. We are based at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove where our teams practice throughout the week on either our artificial surface practice pitch (The Nest) or our grass fields.
Northern Suburbs Hockey Club welcomes new players for the 2025 Season.
Sign-on Day for new players for 2025 will be early Feb 2025 at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove. For more: www.northshockey.org.au
AIR CONDITIONING
Principal'sPoints... Principal'sPoints...
Hilder Road State School
Exciting Times at Hilder Road State School
Hilder Road State School is buzzing with activity, from welcoming our future Prep students to inspiring outdoor learning experiences for our Year 5 learners.
Each Wednesday morning, it's a delight to see so many Prep 2025 children participating in our "Chatting Children" pre-Prep transition program. Designed to nurture oral language skills, this program also helps familiarise children with the school's routines, sights, and sounds. Weekly reading resources are provided to spark a love of learning, while parents and children alike have the chance to connect, make new friends, and become part of the Hilder Road community.
Recently, our Year 5 students enjoyed an unforgettable excursion to the Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre, where they connected with nature through storytelling, inquiry, and performance. The highlight was a bushwalk, where students' senses were awakened by the rustling of wind through the trees, sparkling rain puddles, and the calls of birds and frogs. These moments of enchantment deepened their appreciation for the natural world, leaving them eager to learn more about nature and the ecosystems that thrive around us.
In other exciting news, our P&C has recently transformed the staffroom from a dull, uninspiring space into a colourful and inviting haven for staff. We are incredibly grateful for their efforts, which have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a wonderful reflection of the strong community spirit here at Hilder Road State School.
Payne Road State School
At Payne Road State School last week we acknowledged Queensland Mental Health Week with a full program of events. We also helped our staff and students connect with how as a state we support this important week. Various landmarks around Brisbane light up in purple and green to shine a spotlight on mental health and wellbeing. The 2024 focus is on 'Connection to Self, Community, Others and Nature’. Whether it's taking time to understand what activities boost your own mental wellbeing,
spending time with colleagues, reaching out to someone you have lost contact with or connecting with loved ones, we encourage you to pause and consider your wellbeing!
The Wellbeing Captains, Chappy K, Julie and the admin team developed a timetable of activities for staff and students to join in with, to highlight mental health and wellbeing matters. Julie and the Environment Club students and staff have been creating a Labyrinth Walk on the grass outside Admin. Don’t miss an opportunity to connect with nature and experience a peaceful, meditative meander through the labyrinth. This was made even more amazing done in the rain with the pitter patter on our umbrellas.
The week’s activities included: on Tuesday Chappy K ran a game of Capture the Flag on the Oval. Then staff concluded the day with some fun activities to boost wellbeing.
Wednesday was a staff V students handball tournament outside the hall – first break. At second break, Year 3-6 students were welcome to experience a mindful
walk through the Labyrinth. Assembly offered an opportunity for a whole school sing-a-long led by Katherine our music teacher. On Thursday (of course it rained) staff began their work day with a mindful walk through the Labyrinth, led by our amazing sustainability officer Julie. BASE Club in the GO room provided opportunities to connect over sensory toy making, puzzles and games.
Friday began with a Chappy Breakfast to officially welcome Kristen to her role at PRSS. There was music and games on the Green for P-2 at first break, along with Just Dance for Years 3 + 4 at second break.
A very busy week at PRSS with so many opportunities to connect to self, community, others and nature.
We are also into full swing of transition programs for our new incoming prep students and their families for 2025 and our Year 6 into year 7 transitions with The Gap State High School and various other high schools our students attend.
It’s an exciting time of year for many students who move into new learning phases and environments. We would welcome any new students and families who are looking for a great community school who value sustainability and the environment and all things green!!
St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School
As we dive into Term 4, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown since I began my journey as principal at St. Peter Chanel. From my perspective, Term 4 is both the most challenging and the most exciting time of the year. I find myself deeply engaged in planning for 2025 while still focusing on our current academic year. Organising staffing and
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year levels for next year, along with budgeting and enrolment forecasts, fills my desk. Each day involves shuffling papers and spending increasing hours behind the screen - like a James Bond franchise, where the next movie is already in the works before the current one concludes!
As we race toward the end of 2024, we have much to celebrate. Term 3 wrapped up with a fantastic Colour Run, an event that truly united our community. More recently, we celebrated Arbour Day, successfully planting 50 trees generously donated by the Brisbane City Council. These trees will beautify our school and reinforce our commitment to sustainability, teaching our students the vital importance of caring for our environment.
In an exciting entrepreneurial project, our Year 5/6 students created a business model to sell socks and Jibbitz as part of their economics unit. I’m proud to announce that they raised over $1,000 during our Socks
and Crocs Day! All proceeds will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact in our community.
This term, we also look forward to celebrating World Teachers' Day. I am incredibly grateful to work with such a dedicated and talented team of educators. Their hard work and passion profoundly impact our students’ lives every day, and this special day will provide an excellent opportunity to recognise their contributions.
The Gap State Primary School
Recently, 20 students from Years 5 and 6 represented The Gap State School at the annual G.R.I.P.P.S. music camp, supported by Ashgrove The Gap Rotary Club and hosted by The Gap State School and The Gap Uniting Church. Students were selected for the four-day program after an audition process and they worked together with approximately 30 professional musicians to improve their music skills. The program concludes each year with an evening concert made up of bands, string ensembles, an orchestra and a choir and it was a pleasure to attend the concert and witness the progress students have made during the week. Well done to all students selected: Year 6 - Jason, Madeline, Teipo, Ruby, Merrin, Sofia, Arlo, Emma, Ben, Toby, Gus, Fynn, Harrison, Jani, Miriam. Year 5 - Abigail, Ted, Nicholas, Eliza and Ben.
In Terms 2 and 3, students recorded the details of all the books they read for the 2024 Premier's Reading Challenge. All students who participated in the challenge receive a certificate for their effort. Congratulations to Felix in Year 1 and Emily in Year 4, who also receive a book prize for reading an outstanding number of books!
Congratulations Year 6 student, Ava, who was selected to
represent Metropolitan North Sport in the Years 10-12 Girls' Cricket team, at the state trials in October. We wish Ava continued success with her sporting achievements.
Planning for the 2025 school year is well underway and this term, we look forward to welcoming back our 2025 Prep enrolled students and parents to our 2025 Prep transition events. Should your child be eligible for enrolment in 2025 Prep at The Gap State School and not yet enrolled, please visit the school’s website to submit your enrolment expression of interest form.
The Gap State High School
Celebrating Student Achievements: Term 4 Highlights
As we enter Term 4, student achievements are at the forefront of our minds, culminating in the upcoming Senior Excellence Evening on 16 October and Junior Excellence Evening on 27 November. We extend heartfelt
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congratulations to all students receiving awards for their dedication and hard work in their everyday school lives.
Adding to our pride, students from our Elite Volleyball Program recently represented Australia at the 2024 Australian Youth Championships, bringing home an impressive array of medals. Notable medallists include:
• Boys U14 Maroon: SilverFletcher B and Jack
• Girls U14 Maroon: SilverAmelia O and Nicoletta K
• Girls U15 Maroon: GoldJuliet C
• Boys U18 Maroon: Gold, MVP of the gold medal match, Finals MVP - Harvey S
• Girls U18 Maroon: Gold, MVP of the gold medal matchCaitlin C
These achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of our students and coaches. We look forward to celebrating their successes and the accomplishments of all our students in the upcoming events!
in the fun!
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