Focus March 2019 by Vink Publishing

MARCH

www.banana.qld.gov.au

Australia Day

CEO’s Column 2019/20 Budget

Mural Projects – Loved by Locals & Travellers

page 4

Suicide Prevention Support

Celebrations

Rehoming Animals in the Banana Shire

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Biloela I Moura I Taroom I Banana I Baralaba I Dululu I Goovigen I Jambin I Thangool I Theodore I Wowan I Cracow

CEO’s Column WITH THE NEW YEAR IN FULL SWING, COUNCIL PREPARATIONS FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE 2019/20 BUDGET IN JUNE ARE WELL ADVANCED. CONTACT COUNCIL P (07) 4992 9500 | F (07) 4992 3493 E enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au Postal Address: PO Box 412, Biloela Q 4715

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES Biloela Shire Chambers 62 Valentine Plains Road Biloela QLD Australia 4715 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri Moura Administration Office Gillespie Street Moura QLD Australia 4718 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri Taroom Administration Office Yaldwyn Street Taroom QLD Australia 4420 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri For after hours emergencies visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/contact-us

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Contact Michael at Interactivink 07 3334 8000 michael@interactivink.com.au

t is a massive challenge distributing the limited revenue to the large number of projects Council would like to deliver to the community and a lot of it would not be possible without government funding and assistance. One such funding program is the State Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) project from which Council has secured $1.67 million for 2019-2021. Works for Queensland is grant money given to Council to stimulate jobs in regional Queensland, without the requirement for Council to co-fund. The 2019-21 Works for Queensland program supports regional councils, such as the Banana Shire Council, to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects. Banana Shire Council has identified a number of priority projects for the Shire. Council has focused on spreading this funding throughout the whole Shire. The projects undertaken with these funds will be staged and completed over the next two years. Council would like to thank the State Government for the Works for Queensland funding received in this round. This funding also enables us to bring forward and complete a range of projects that

Contact your Councillor

Mayor Nev Ferrier

0448 011 814

Division 1 | Cr David Snell

0427 922 176

Division 2 | Cr Warren Middleton

0488 410 275

Division 3 | Cr Pat Brennan

0419 156 958

Division 4 | Cr Colin Semple

0437 740 189

Division 5 | Cr Brooke Leo

0438 110 325

Division 6 | Cr Terri Boyce

0427 283 202

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Banana Shire Council CEO Ray Geraghty

would otherwise be delayed for several years due to budgetary constraints. This is the third round of W4Q funding and previously Council has been able to deliver important projects like the Automated Water Meter Reading Technology (Moura and Biloela); On Street Carpark (Baralaba Hospital); Bikeways and Walkways (Theodore and Taroom); Skate Park Pads (Goovigen, Jambin and Baralaba); Solar Installation at Sewerage Treatment Plant (Moura); Public Art Murals – Stage 1 (Moura Water Tower and Lawgi Hall). In November some of our neighbouring Shires were severely impacted by bushfires which resulted from unprecedented weather conditions. As warnings came through that the fire threat to our Shire had escalated to extreme, the Local Disaster Management Group moved to lean-forward and the disaster coordination centre was set-up and staff placed on stand-by. We are grateful that only a limited number of small fires affected pockets of the Banana Shire and were able to be contained and managed, while feeling deeply for those living in the Agnes Water and Gracemere affected areas. We empathise with the people of Townsville and north-west Queensland as they recover from the floods and continue with the massive undertaking of cleaning up their homes and communities. Many urban and rural residents of Banana Shire know only too well the traumatic experiences they have gone through and the battles they face ahead, and we wish them all the best. The year started off on a terrific celebratory note with the Australia Day ceremony at Thangool. A good crowd turned out making it a hugely successful event. Thanks to Council staff and volunteers from the Thangool community for their efforts in making it a wonderful and memorable occasion.

MARCH 2019

Mural Projects loved by Locals and Travellers ‘IT’S LIKE A WARM, FRIENDLY FACE WELCOMING YOU HOME.’

hat’s how one local described the sunset and bottle tree mural repainted onto Lawgi Hall.

The striking image comes into sight for visitors travelling north along the Lawgi plateau just before they descend down into the Callide Valley. In mid-January, six volunteers helped artist Gary Latcham paint the mural onto the eastern wall of the hall also featuring a famous Australian on the adjacent rainwater tank – the iconic kangaroo. The sunset vista was originally applied to the hall’s wall back in 2003, but was sadly lost when the weatherboard exterior was covered by cladding. Mr Latcham was one of the original artists and was excited when invited back to reapply the mural. Mr Latcham and his band of volunteers battled the heat and the odd shower of rain to finish the mural within the one week timeframe. The final coat of paint, a clear protective layer, was completed on Saturday,

Biloela Skate Park Upgrades MARCH 2019

12 January, just in time for the community celebration and unveiling at the hall that evening. The Lawgi Hall sunset and bottle tree mural was part of a joint project which included the beautiful galah mural painted on Moura’s water tower. The eye-catching giant galah and rural scene has become a talking point for locals and focal point for travellers. In October 2018, a Queensland Weekender facebook post of the artwork received 8611 shares. Planning is underway for further work to be completed at the Moura site. This project aims to strengthen local pride and bring energy and colour to our landscapes. The artworks capture the character of our people, places, and the stories that are unique to our communities, resulting in cultural tourism assets for our community and visitors to enjoy. This project was supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Banana Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Assistance was

pgrading of the Biloela Skate Park continues with free Wi-Fi now available throughout the park.

Additionally, the new junior skate equipment arrived on 20 February and will be installed and ready for use by the end of the month.

also provided by Flexihire Biloela and Helloworld Travel Biloela. The Moura Water Tank Public Artwork was also funded by the Queensland Government’s $200 million Works for Queensland program.

This project was made possible by the Queensland Government providing $150,000 to Banana Shire Council to upgrade the Biloela Skate Park. This upgrade will enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreational activities.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

Australia Day CELEBRATIONS DEBBIE ELLIOTT, THE MOURA RESIDENT WHO PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SAVING THE TOWN’S HOSPITAL SERVICE, IS BANANA SHIRE’S 2019 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier with Citizen of the Year Winner – Debra Elliott

Elmo – Dog High Jump Record Breaking Height

rs Elliott was named as the recipient at the Australia Day celebrations held at the Thangool race track. Debbie has been a long standing advocate for the Moura community. She worked tirelessly to stop the Moura Hospital from closing down and in the planning and development of a new hospital facility for the town. Debbie was also an important contributor to the development of the current kindergarten and served as the president of the State School P&C for over ten years. Debbie was named as the recipient narrowly ahead of four other nominees: ■■ Brian Hanna who was nominated for his support and fundraising for many events held in Theodore ■■ Angela Fredericks who was nominated for campaigning to help a Biloelabased Tamil asylum-seeking family

■■ John Walker who was nominated for work with the Moura Coal and Country Historical Society, Moura Community Progress Association and for being the driving force behind the establishment of the Moura Miners’ Memorial ■■ Robert Price who was nominated for 30 years’ volunteer work with the Baralaba Fish Stocking Group and 33 years with the Baralaba Fire Brigade. Over 300 people attended the Australia Day ceremony, making it a hugely successful event. In addition to the Australia Day Awards ceremony, a morning full of activities was held on the race course lawns before the racing commenced on the turf track. There was plenty to keep people entertained including a jumping castle, lolly drop, face painting and train rides for the kids, a demonstration by the 5th Light Horse Troop of Mt Morgan, the Dog High Jump and a photography competition.

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Community Event of the Year Nominees

Entry into the event was free of charge, with patrons encouraged to make a gold coin donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and in a wonderful demonstration of true Aussie spirit, over $2100 was raised on the day. Other Australia Day Award winners and nominees were: ■■ Young Citizen of the Year – Caitlyn Donohoe (winner); Ameliija SwafferSelff (nominee) ■■ Cultural Award – Sarah Larsen (winner) ■■ Junior Cultural Award – Katelyn Ninness (winner); Caitlyn Donohoe (nominee) ■■ Senior Sportsperson – Ryan Yanko (winner); Marina Wright (nominee) ■■ Junior Sportsperson – Samuel Atwell (winner); Paige Millett (nominee)

MARCH 2019

■■ Community Event of the Year – Nu Tank presents Broncos v Capras Rugby League Day (winner); Moura Miners’ Memorial Official Opening (nominee); Baralaba Saratoga Classic Fishing Competition (nominee); Baralaba State School Centenary (nominee); Thangool Cup Race Day (nominee); 2018 Banana Shire Australia Day Celebrations (nominee); 2018 Autofeste (nominee) ■■ Volunteer Award – Allan Tappin (winner); Edwina Devine (nominee); Jessica Stevens (nominee); John Walker (nominee); Gregory Shearer (nominee); Kevin Brackley (nominee); Dorothy Vernon (nominee); Robert Price (nominee) ■■ Community Group or Team – Biloela Rotary Club (winner); Moura Community Progress Inc (nominee); Biloela Junior Cricket Association (nominee); Biloela Bandits Men’s Fours Team (nominee); Theodore Sports and Recreation Association (nominee); Team Biloela – Tour de Cure & Cycling for a Cure (nominee).

Junior Sportsperson Nominees

Biloela Courthouse and Government Agent Corner of Grevillea and Melton streets Biloela

• Vehicle, trailer and marine registration • Photo identification cards

• Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal • Births, deaths and marriages

• Traffic fine payments

• State Penalties Enforcement Registry Payments

• Court Services

• Housing Services

MARCH 2019

Volunteer of the Year Nominees

Kath Moller cutting the cake

13 23 80 Enquiries about registration and licensing, feedback, compliments and complaints.

13 23 90 Book a driving test or vehicle

Services available: • Driver and marine licensing

Community Group or Team Nominees

inspection, payment options and online services.

13 19 40 Traffic and travel information. 13QGOV (13 74 68) Government enquiries other than registration and licensing, including SPER and TransLink.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

Council Project UPDATE ■■ Fairy lights installed in trees in Moura’s Lions Park.

■■ NDIS - Services are continuing to grow and as such administration time required to support this is significant.

■■ Urban Construction - Callide Lane reconstruction complete

■■ Solar lights installed along the river bank in Theodore.

■■ CRC Extension Project - Marketing and fundraising project is underway.

■■ Rural Construction

COUNCIL SERVICES Cemeteries

Community Development

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Current Project Status

• Theodore Aerodrome upgrade complete, open to all flights on 16 January. • Theodore-Moura Road, complete. • Banana Baralaba Rd, rehab and widening - complete. • Kokotungo Don River Road, rehab complete, additional reseal still outstanding. • Defence Road Bridge Replacement complete. • Hornet Bank Road Gravel Resheet complete. • Deearne Road currently underway.

■■ Construction & Drainage - Palm Tree Creek Bridge replacement complete. ■■ Urban Drainage - Shirley Street drainage and pathway construction - complete except for fence still outstanding; Nobbs Street Drainage Upgrade currently underway. ■■ Sport and Rec - Biloela Skate Park complete with irrigation installed. ■■ Parks - Moura Streetscaping complete. ■■ TMR Funding - Edan Park Pathway stage 1 complete, except some outstanding landscaping. ■■ The Dodsons Road Betterment project has been completed. The claim for this work with QRA is to be lodged. Council’s contribution to this project is $11,242.63.

Works ■■ Graders completed work on H Playfields Rd, Dingles Rd, Pidgee Rd, Lanigans Rd, Bunerba School Rd, Alma Vale Rd, Hamiltons Rd, Hutchinsons Rd, Crowsdale Camboon Rd, Redhill Bypass Rd, Newton Rd, Lawries Rd, Malakoffs Rd, Columbo Rd, Glenbah Rd, Flagstaff Rd, Mahnals Rd, Austins Rd, Davies Rd, Haildays Rd, Gunns Rd, Brownlies Rd, Woolthorpe Rd, Goolara Heinekes Rd, Watsons Rd, Gibbs Rd, Partridge Dr, McKennas Rd, Frenches Rd, Stockyard Creek Rd, Pope Rd, Legallez Rd, Terrencvale Rd, Holmes Rd, Youngers Rd, Gralows Rd, Letchfords Rd, Forestry Rd, Deearne Rd Project.

Parks, Gardens & Open Spaces ■■ A number of trees being trimmed or removed from around Biloela and Moura. ■■ The lights, CCTV and wifi are all up and running and the shades installed at the Biloela Skate Park. ■■ New gardens and steel bollards installed in the traffic islands at the intersection of Kariboe and Melton Sts.

– Posture and Seating expo for schools and therapists held on 5 February.

■■ Jambin Cemetery Earthworks - Council planning to repair eroded ground around graves, beams and paths to a standard suitable for maintenance and pedestrian traffic.

Pools ■■ Taroom Pool - Pool blanket has arrived and has been installed. ■■ Moura Pool - Start blocks have arrived and will be installed on the 25m Pool on 5 March.

Waste ■■ Waste levy commencement date postponed to 1 July 2019 and levy fee increased by $5/tonne. Funding application for waste levy supporting infrastructure at Trap Gully Landfill successful, and procurement of funded infrastructure underway. BSC Waste Levy Working Group ongoing.

Building Services ■■ Council is working with Evolution Mining for the creation of the Cracow Caravan Parking Area. Cultural heritage checks have been completed and work is expected to start soon.

Water & Sewerage General ■■ Commenced trade waste inspections at commercial premises connected to Council’s sewerage systems (commencing at Taroom, issues at Sewerage Treatment Plant attributed to high levels of grease/fat discharged to sewers).

Biloela ■■ Dee Street Rising Main Design to Sewerage Treatment Plant - Design is being reviewed to include a septage receival point on proposed rising main close to truck wash.

Moura ■■ Moura Water Treatment Plant Filters - Replacement filter media has been ordered. Emergency repairs to electricals/ genset following storm damage.

Thangool ■■ Thangool Booster Pump & Chlorination – Work progressing on this project.

Community Resource Centre (CRC) – CRC has secured $1,272,000 (over three years) to provide allied health services and specialised equipment to support eligible students in state and non-state schools.

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

■■ Festival of Small Halls - final cost to Council as underwriters to bring the event to Banana Shire was $368. The Goovigen State School P&C were able to make $3,300 from the event which has helped them to secure their new e-Kindy Pod. ■■ 15 applications received in the January round of the Community Grants Program. Assessment has commenced. Next round closes Tuesday 30 April.

HACC ■■ Service Footprint – Taroom and district 60kms radius ■■ The local doctor and hospital have been informed the service as at 15 February is now 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.

Aerodromes/Airports ■■ Significant storm damage at Taroom Aerodrome in October; fencing currently being repaired and damage to the old Gliding Club building being assessed by insurer. ■■ Council is required to purchase upgraded light fitting for some runway lights at Taroom Aerodrome. Currently seeking quotes for the hardware. Council will install the lighting during 2019. ■■ The Moura Aerodrome fence will be repaired in areas to prevent kangaroos from entering the airside area. These areas are around the Moura Gliding Club building and in one gully running through aerodrome land. Currently assessing requirements and will then discuss with fencing contractor. ■■ The Moura Aerodrome runway lights need to be realigned and cleaned, and the lighting switchboard needs a thorough clean. Currently assessing requirements and will then discuss with electrical contractor. ■■ Council is currently seeking quotes for the purchase and installation of security cameras for Thangool Aerodrome. Cameras will focus on terminal activity and gate access. ■■ Theodore Aerodrome was officially certified on 14 January. Evolution Mine commenced flights into Theodore Aerodrome on 21 January.

FLEET ■■ Next Auction Nasco – 7 March 2019.

MARCH 2019

Locals show Support for Suicide Prevention A BANANA SHIRE SUICIDE PREVENTION LEADERSHIP GROUP MEETS MONTHLY TO WORK TOGETHER TO LOOK AT WAYS TO HELP REDUCE SUICIDE IN OUR AREA.

he group was formed after workshops were held last year to identify strategies using the Black Dog Institute’s LifeSpan system approach to suicide prevention. LifeSpan combines nine strategies that have strong evidence for suicide prevention into one communityled approach to build a safety net for the community by connecting and coordinating new and existing interventions and programs, and building the capacity of the community to better support people facing a suicide crisis.

a trainer of CALM, a one day Australian suicide prevention intervention program. Completing suicide prevention training is one way of ensuring as many people as possible can recognise and respond to suicidality. The six hour CALM workshop will increase community confidence to respond to people in pain and help them to stay safe. It will provide participants with the skills, knowledge and resources to help recognise the subtle warning signs somebody may be at risk, open up a

A key focus of the group is to have more people attend training in suicide intervention and awareness.

THE NEW BRIDGE ON JAMBIN DAKENBA ROAD CROSSING CALLIDE CREEK IS NOW OPEN TO TRAFFIC AS OF SUNDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2019.

ork on the bridge commenced in May of 2016 with both contractors and Council working to ensure that the bridge and new road alignment would maximise the improvement to the safety of road users and the increase the flood immunity of the road. The construction of the bridge will also allow for the use of this road by heavy vehicles thereby improving access and transport for surrounding businesses and farming.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL OR EVENT TO ADVERTISE IN ‘FOCUS’ NEWSLETTER CONTACT MICHAEL (INTERACTIVINK) P: 07 3334 8000 E: michael@interactivink.com.au

MARCH 2019

If you would like to find out more about being involved with the group or would like to attend training or organise training for your work or a community group you are involved with, please contact Deirdre from Central Queensland Rural Health: E: Deirdre.fagan-pagliano@cqrdgp.com.au P: 4992 1040

FOR HELP OR INFORMATION CALL: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

At the end of last year local residents were funded to attend a course to become

Callide Creek Bridge UPDATE

conversation in a comfortable and safe manner, help the person reconnect with their strengths and hold their hope, and lastly to identify referral pathways and develop a meaningful safety plan.

Work on the improvement of Jambin Dakenba Road and Shepherdsons Road will continue for the next six months with minimal interruptions to the flow of traffic in this area. This project has been made possible by funding from Banana Shire Council, the Australian Federal Government, through their Bridge Renewal Funding program, and the Queensland Government, through their Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

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www.banana.qld.gov.au

Rehoming Animals in the Banana Shire

THE BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL IS AN ADVOCATE OF RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP AND TRIES TO ENCOURAGE LIFELONG COMMITMENTS FROM OWNERS TOWARDS THEIR PETS.

n accordance with community expectations, Local Laws and Animal Management practices within the Shire have undergone some dramatic changes in recent years. Council has established a rehoming program that ensures unwanted animals that become Council property are provided with vet treatment, desexed, vaccinated and rehomed to suitable and responsible owners.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

PETS ARE LIKE CHILDREN AND SHOULD BE THOUGHT OF AS FAMILY MEMBERS. THEY REQUIRE A COMMITMENT OF TIME AND FINANCES FOR THE DURATION OF THEIR LIFE WHICH COULD SPAN UP TO 16 YEARS IN SOME CASES.

In 2014 80% of animals that were impounded were not collected by their owners and 46% of those were subsequently put down. In 2018, a total of 395 animals were impounded; 194 of those animals were returned to their owners and 142 were rehomed. The Banana Shire Council has made it a priority to rescue happy, healthy, sound and suitable animals and our success rate increases every year.

This dramatic increase is due to the proactive work of Council’s Compliance Team who has developed a network of supporting Animal Rescue Organisations that work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every animal gets the love and care they deserve. From Biloela, to all corners of Australia, our impounded animals have been given a second chance and found their way to new homes sometimes across state lines and thousands of kilometres away. In saying this, the most ideal outcome for companion animals is to remain with their family. Rescue should only be a last resort for those owners that are unable to keep their pets. To maintain a happy and healthy community there must be regulations in regard to the keeping of animals. Your cooperation in ensuring that you comply with these requirements is a basic and simple way to be a responsible pet owner.

Biloela Pool Upgrade BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL’S BILOELA AQUATIC CENTRE’S 25-METRE POOL HAS RECENTLY BEEN UPGRADED. The upgrade work included: ■■ Design/construction of a disability ramp ■■ New aluminium grandstand ■■ New electric heater

Council would like to encourage allied health professionals in the region to consider using the heated 25m pool for rehabilitation and other activities, especially for mobility impaired residents of our Shire who may not have had the opportunity to use the pool in the past. Time in a swimming pool can provide numerous physical and mental wellbeing benefits.

The upgrade project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Building our Regions Program in association with Banana Shire Council.

The new sloped entry ramp has been built with a slip-resistant material which allows for safe access into the pool. Handrails have also been installed to assist those with limited mobility in entering the pool.

Council is pleased to advise this project was successfully finalised in February 2019. As the project has been completed in stages, many residents have been enjoying aspects of these upgrades since September 2018.

‘This upgrade has been a great improvement to the facility for all patrons, however, these upgrades have been designed to allow access to the pool for people who have difficulty using stairs or ladders, and to enable all members of our

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

community equitable access to utilise the facility,’ said Mayor Neville Ferrier. Council welcomes feedback on the new ramp and the improved facility. Any feedback can be emailed to: enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au. If you have any questions in regards to making full use of the improved facility please do not hesitate to contact Council Services via email or phone on 4992 9500.

MARCH 2019

PLEASE CONTACT

BANANA SHIRE

Council rates and property officers on 07 4992 9500 if you have not received your notice

RATES

COUNCIL’S RATES AND CHARGES FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE 2018/2019 PERIOD WERE ISSUED ON 12 FEBRUARY 2019. DUE DATE FOR PAYMENT OF NOTICES FOR THIS PERIOD IS 14 MARCH 2019. THE RATE NOTICES ISSUED WILL ALSO INCLUDE WATER CONSUMPTION CHARGES FOR WATER USED IN THE PERIOD 30 JUNE 2018 THROUGH TO 31 DECEMBER 2018. I HAVE CHANGED MY MAILING ADDRESS; HOW DO I UPDATE THIS WITH COUNCIL? If you have changed your mailing address please notify Council in writing of your new address, so your details can be updated. Residents who have changed their mailing address and have failed to notify Council run the risk of not receiving their rates notice and possibly missing out on any discount offered.

PENSIONER REMISSION The State Pensioner Subsidy of 20 per cent (to a maximum of $200 per annum) and a Council Pensioner Remission of 20 per cent (to a maximum of $305 per annum) will be allowed on all current Council rates and charges as levied (except the Taroom Rural Water Connection Special Charge). Eligibility requirements include: ■■ Must be a holder of a Queensland Pension Concession Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card (Senior Card holders are not eligible). ■■ Subsidies can only be granted on the principal place of residence. ■■ Must be the owner or life tenant of the property and legally responsible for paying local government rates and charges levied.

All changes MUST be received in writing and MUST be signed by at least one owner. Address changes cannot be accepted over the phone.

Pensioner Remission application forms can be obtained from Banana Shire Council. The State Fire and Emergency Services also allows a 20 per cent discount on the State Emergency Management Levy on eligible properties.

Having issues with the mail getting to you? Are you travelling within Australia or abroad? Council can now send your rates notice to you electronically – anytime, anywhere – to your email account. Application forms can be obtained from Banana Shire Council.

Take control of your bills with BPAY View. With BPAY View, you can have your Banana Shire Council rates notice delivered directly to your online banking on the issue date – so you can view, pay automatically, or with a single click, know the bill will be securely stored in one place. ■■ Once you’ve signed up with BPAY View, you’ll receive a convenient email, SMS or bank message* when it’s time to pay your bill.

RECEIVE YOUR RATES NOTICE BY EMAIL

IMPORTANT NOTES: *Reminder options may differ between financial institutions. ^The process may vary slightly between financial institutions. **Scheduled payments are subject to systems and funds availability. Visit www.bpay.com.au/Personal/Receive-bills.aspx for more information on how to register for this service.

■■ You can then pay the bill with one click^, schedule a later payment and even set up automatic payment for future bills**. How easy is that!

PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT WHEN REGISTERING WITH BPAY VIEW, COUNCIL WILL NOT ISSUE A PAPER COPY OF YOUR RATES NOTICE

MARCH 2019

www.banana.qld.gov.au

EXHIBITIONS

BANANA SHIRE

REGIONAL ART GALLERY Like us on facebook Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery Follow us on Instagram bananashireregionalartgallery

VISIT THE GALLERY | FREE ENTRY 62 Valentine Plains Road, Biloela Open weekdays 9:30am – 4pm

CONTACT THE GALLERY Shanna Muston | Arts and Cultural Officer P: 4992 9500 | E: enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au www.banana.qld.gov.au/artgallery

FROM THE HEART: DAWSON RIVER ART GROUP [MAIN GALLERY] 25 March 2019 – 3 May 2019 The Dawson River Art Group meet each Wednesday in Baralaba, for a day of fellowship, cups of tea and art making. Conversation revolves around the weather, families and art materials – sharing with like-minded people the joy of a new pastel purchase. The group has fostered a genuine love for the process of creating and how it brings them together each week. Each artist observes the land, people and objects around them, challenging themselves to draw or paint their world in a new light. From the Heart presents a genuine and heartfelt collection of works exploring what each artist finds meaningful and inspirational to them.

SNIPPETS FROM THE WESTERN FRONT: ROSS COULTER [PALM TREE ROOM] 25 March 2019 – 3 May 2019 Snippets from the Western Front by the late Ross Coulter (1946 – 2011) is a collection of water colours and drawings of the towns, cemeteries, battlefields and memorials of soldiers who served the British Empire. In 2003, Ross travelled around Europe for three months painting and sketching at various sites. The resulting works are from those sites that struck emotional impact, are of historical significance, or are where the artist saw beauty.

EVENTS: WEEKEND OPENING HOURS

Saturday 16 March 10am – 12 midday

FROM THE HEART EXHIBITION OPENING Friday 29 March from 6pm Pastel on paper by Auda Maclean, 2019. Image courtesy of the artist.

MEET THE DAWSON RIVER ART GROUP Saturday 30 March 10am – 12 midday

Emergency Medical Dispatcher sings the praises of new Life Saving app AFTER HAVING PERSONALLY WITNESSED HOW IT CAN SAVE A LIFE, ROBYN MILES IS URGING EVERYBODY TO DOWNLOAD THE EMERGENCY+ APP.

obyn, a former Biloela Local Ambulance Committee volunteer and Banana Shire Council

Community Development Officer, has recently stepped into the role of Emergency Medical Dispatcher with the Queensland Ambulance Service based out of Maroochydore. During her short time in the position she has seen the benefits of the Emergency+ app.

‘I have witnessed how it can literally save a life, as every second is precious in an emergency,’ Robyn explained. ‘If you have the app installed on your phone, you can put the phone on speaker whilst talking to the dispatcher, open the app which will show you the exact location and also the latitude and longitude coordinates, which you can then relay to the dispatcher.’

drowned and needed urgent help. These

Robyn said, ‘Imagine if you were away on holidays and didn’t know the exact address of where you were when you needed emergency assistance, or if you were driving and came across an accident or at the beach and someone nearly

industry partners.

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

are real life situations for which I have taken calls on multiple occasions and it is distressing for callers who are away from their normal surroundings to provide details of where they are located.’ The Emergency+ app is a free app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their Government and

The app uses GPS functionality built into smartphones to capture critical caller location details required to mobilise emergency crews.

MARCH 2019

Community MARCH 2019

APRIL 2019

M AY 2019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Biloela Markets

Jambin P&C Bullarama

Dawes Hall RCI Campdraft

Biloela Book Club

P: Susan 0407 336 700

P: Bec 0428 184 329

P: Julie 4995 1239

Thangool Races

Moura Muddy Water Family Fishing Classic

Biloela Markets

The Campbell Clan at War Kilburnie Open Day

P: Edwina 4995 8190

P: Zelma 0428 971 932

P: Susan 0407 336 700

P: Fiona 0438 093 019

Biloela Book Club

Taroom Show

Biloela Markets

Twilight Tours & Camp Oven Cooking Kilburnie

P: 4627 3505

P: Susan 0407 336 700

P: Fiona 0438 093 019

17-18

Christiansen Brokers Charity Ball

Baralaba Show & Campdraft

Theodore Show

Callide Valley Show

Biloela Speech & Drama Eisteddfod

P: 4993 2224

P: 4992 1225

P: Melissa 0488 923 624

P: Caitlin 0449 568 610

Thangool Races

Biloela Music Eisteddfod

P: Edwina 4995 8190

P: Melissa 0488 923 624

BANANA SHIRE LIBRARIES NEWS ■■ ‘Morning Melodies’ is being presented in various locations throughout the Shire, throughout the year. It is a First 5 Forever initiative (for the 5 & under age group) which encourages children and care providers to use action songs and rhymes to assist early language development.

MARCH 2019

JUNE 2019

7 Biloela Eisteddfod Concert P: Melissa 0488 923 624

ALL THE FOLLOWING EVENTS WILL BE PROMOTED IN-BRANCH AND ON COUNCIL’S FACEBOOK PAGE

■■ ‘Rural Seniors Communicating Digitally’ finishes in Taroom mid-March; commencing in Baralaba in April. A variety of topics are covered from how to add attachments to emails, genealogy, eResources and social media. Participants can attend all 10 sessions or just the few in which they are interested.

■■ ‘Hot Chocolate and Stories’ night will be held in the Biloela Branch, 5:30pm6:30pm, Thursday 4 April, 2019. ■■ All branches will host some Easter Holiday activities. Please see flyers inbranch and Council’s Facebook page for details.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

MARCH 2019