Our next tour of the Rose Garden is this Saturday 27th March, and you’re invited. Members will be heading roses in the garden as well.
We are also holding a Market Day on Saturday, 10th April. Anyone wishing to book a stall please ring Jenny on 0439 335 356. Tables are available for $15.00. For any queries contact Sandy Martin on 0408 753 602.
Submitted by:
Sandy Martin
President
Queensland State Rose Garden
Around $13.8 billion in Australians’ hard earned wages is waiting to be claimed, in the form of lost and unclaimed superannuation.
Data released by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for the financial year ending June 2020 shows that the Morrison Government’s reforms have had a big impact, reducing unclaimed super by $7 billion compared to 30 June 2019. But there is more to be done.
Workers may have lost or unclaimed super if they have:
•         Changed their name
•         Moved jobs or changed addresses
•         Forgotten to update details with their super fund in the last few years
Lost superannuation refers to inactive super fund accounts and ones that have lost contact with their fund member. By law, the fund is required to transfer certain accounts to the ATO, which then becomes ‘unclaimed super money’.
Unlike super funds, the ATO does not charge fees, and thanks to reforms passed by the Morrison Government, proactively consolidates any unclaimed super into an eligible, active super account where possible. Those reforms have seen $7 billion already sent back to workers.
There is $50 million unclaimed in Groom- money that workers may not even know they are missing.
Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said, You may have hard-earned money waiting to be claimed. By logging into MyGov, and checking for lost super with the ATO, in a few clicks you could boost your super balance.â€
Thanks to actions taken by the Morrison Government, $7 billion has already been reunited with workers, but with $13.8 billion still waiting it is worth taking the time to check.â€
The Government’s Protecting Your Super reforms have resulted in the ATO proactively reuniting more Australians with their lost and unclaimed super. Since November 2019 almost 3.3 million accounts worth almost $4.3 billion has been proactively reunited and paid out to their rightful owners.
Further information about lost and unclaimed superannuation is available on the ATO website at https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Research-and-statistics/In-detail/Super-statistics/Super-accounts-data/Lost-and-unclaimed-super-by-postcode/
After establishing the ATSIAC in the last term of Council, TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee Chair, and ATSIAC Chair, Cr Geoff McDonald said it was important the Committee continued the progress made since 2018.
We first began this Committee with the purpose of providing leadership and direction on the interests of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,†Cr McDonald said
We realised there was a missing link in our community and set the group up to open communication lines further.
I’ve seen a number of ways we’ve helped bridge this gap already but this is something we need to continue to progress which is why it’s exciting to have members chosen for this Committee.
With these new members we will continue to offer advice around fostering leadership and direction on Indigenous issues to Council.â€
The following persons were appointed as community members on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee: Deb Anderson, Noeleen Dempsey, Amee Hetherington, Shandell Washington, Kay Blades, Caitlin Easton, Judy Hobson, Adam Wenitong, Kieren Gibbs and Roger Robinson.
The following persons were appointed as Aboriginal representatives on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee: Regina Munn (Bigamul Peoples), Averil Dillon (Barunggam Peoples), Tracy McLeod (Western Wakka Peoples) and Margaret McCarthy (Yuggera Ugarapul Peoples).
Council will have two representatives on the Committee with Cr McDonald as Chair and Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan as the Deputy Chair.
More information regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee can be found at www.tr.qld.gov.au/atsiac or by contacting Council on 131 872.
Submitted by:
Brendan Steinhardt
Principal Media and Strategic Relations
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council
More than 1,000 General Practices, including those in Groom, will join the COVID-19 vaccination program from next week, further strengthening the Commonwealth’s capacity, and ensuring efficient and equitable distribution of vaccines across the country.
Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said services will come online from 22 March. We all know the invaluable work our local GP’s do for our community,†Mr. Hamilton said. Now we will see them play a vital role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.â€
Phase 1B of the rollout will see 1,000 GP’s across Australia delivering COVID-19 vaccines for our elderly and immunocompromised, progressively increasing in number to more than 4,000 by the end of April.â€
Australians eligible for Phase 1B will be able to find a vaccination provider through the new national vaccination information and location service, at the Department of Health website.â€
This will enable people to locate their nearest general practice providing General Practice Respiratory Clinic vaccinations and link through to their online booking system or phone number to make the appointment.â€
Vaccines are the game-changer in our fight against the COVID-19 virus and I urge everyone in Australia to come forward and get vaccinated when they are able to. It will protect themselves, their family, and their community.â€
In making the announcement, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP, said the rollout would continue to grow in the coming weeks. This staged scale-up will align with the supply of the locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine, and as more vaccine becomes available more services will come online,†Minister Hunt said.
General practices will play a major role in ensuring all Australians who seek to be vaccinated have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. We are committed to making sure that every Australian that wants a vaccine will be able to be vaccinated,†Minister Hunt said.
Phase 1B includes vulnerable groups, such as older people and people with certain underlying medical conditions. No-one is better placed to support these people than our general practices.
Over 100 Aboriginal Health Services and 130 Commonwealth-operated GP-led Respiratory Clinics, who have been instrumental partners in the COVID-19 response to date will also be progressively added as additional vaccine providers.
Appointments on the service finder will increase as general practices establish their systems and vaccine supply. More appointments will become available as more clinics come on-board. People will still be able to book their vaccine appointments directly at a participating general practice – as they do now, for instance, to get a seasonal flu vaccine.
As the rollout moves into Phase two, additional general practices and selected community pharmacists will also participate in the program. No-one will miss out, whether they live in a city or country town or a very remote area.
There will be six million Australians in Phase 1B, and not all will be able to be vaccinated immediately. We recognise that every Australian will have the opportunity to be vaccinated over the coming months and we thank every Australian for their patience.
FAQ
Where do I go and how do I book in?
Go to the Department of Health website. Using the Eligibility Checker, you can find out which phase of the rollout you are in. If you are eligible, you will be able to view vaccination clinics and book an appointment online or via phone. If you are not yet eligible, you will be able to register your interest so that you can be notified when you are able to book.
If you prefer not to use the online option, you can call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.
Will I be able to choose where I can book?
You will be able to view and select clinic locations based on the postcode you enter.
What happens if there are no clinics or appointments in my area?
A list of Commonwealth vaccination clinics, participating General Practices, and state and territory vaccination clinics will be made available as they come online. Â
Do I have to use the Eligibility Checker in order to book?
The checker is a helpful tool to help you find out if you are currently eligible to book.
The checker will guide you through to a simple way to find and book vaccine appointments, or help you register to be notified if you are part of a later phase. If you prefer to book appointments directly at a participating general practice or Commonwealth state vaccination clinic, you can contact them directly to do so.
Submitted by:
Laura Cocks
Media Adviser
Office of Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
Ph. (07) 4632 4144
E. Garth.Hamilton.MP@aph.gov.au
Â
Toowoomba women will join thousands of people nationwide calling on the Prime Minister to act against gendered violence in Parliament and everywhere people live and work.
Event Spokesperson Louise Noble said Toowoomba’s march is one of 36 official ‘Women’s March 4 Justice’ events happening across Australia in response to continuous claims of misogyny, sexual harassment and sexual assault coming from Canberra.
More than 200 locals have registered their interest in attending to help us send the message that when it comes to ending gendered violence, changing harmful attitudes, building equality and stopping violent acts – action must start at the very top,†Ms Noble said.
In line with the apolitical, inclusive and respectful nature of this movement, we will have a diverse range
of speakers including First Nations leaders, Immigrant and Refugee community members, LGBTQI+ representatives and people with disabilities. We encourage participants of all genders and ages to attend,†she said.
Speakers include: Anna Jackson – Indigenous Activist, Janine Kelly – Yamatji (WA), DVAC Domestic Violence Action Centre, Genevieve Allpass, Lily Tombi (South Sudanese community), Emma (LGBTIQ community), Rojin Rash (Ezidi community), Alyce Nelligan (Disability Advocate).
Women’s March 4 Justice is CALLING FOR ACTION:
1. Full independent investigations into all cases of gendered violence and timely referrals to appropriate authorities. Full public accountability for findings.
2. Fully implement the 55 recommendations in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work report of the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces 2020.
3. Lift public funding for gendered violence prevention to world’s best practice.
4. The enactment of a federal Gender Equality Act to promote gender equality. It should include a gender equity audit of Parliamentary practices.
Link to petition March4Justice (nationbuilder.com)
Toowoomba Women’s March for Justice, Monday 15th March, 12 noon, assembling @ Queen’s Park, finishing at Art Gallery Park.
Submitted by:
Louise Noble
M 0415 974 313
Sip + Sketch
Friday 12 March, 6-8pm
BOOK NOW
Join us as the sun sets for a unique evening of life drawing at the museum, where we will celebrate our touring exhibition Ancient Rome: The Empire that Shaped the World.
Relax with a prosecco in one hand and charcoal in the other as you settle in for an evening of muses, music and magnificent art.
Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to sketch three wonderful models and roam through three different museum gallery spaces.
Your ticket price for the evening will include:
A glass of prosecco (or alternative) on arrival and a tasting plate for one
Seating and a board or easel
Three fantastic local models dressed in traditional Roman costume who know how to strike a pose
Guidance and an introduction to the art of life drawing from local rotating artists Alice Rigby, Katie Whyte and Mike Grice.
Artists are invited to bring their own materials including paper and charcoal, however a limited amount will be available for use if needed.
Date:Â Friday 12 March 2021
Time:Â 6-8pm (arrive from 5.30pm)
Cost:Â $60 per person
Age:Â 18+
Book: Tickets are limited and available online until sold out.Â
Please note, this event is not a workshop and local artists will be here to provide guidance and suggestion only.
This is a COVID safe event with limited capacity. For more information contact the museum on (07) 4659 4900.Â
Submitted by:
Veronica Dawson
Marketing Coordinator
27 Lindsay Street | Toowoomba | Queensland 4350 | Australia
t. 07 4659 4914 |Â cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au
Â
Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP has welcomed the latest step to solve the car parking chaos at Glenvale State School.
Toowoomba Regional Council has opened a tender for the construction of a new one-way car park with 39 angled parking bays.
Mr Janetzki said the new car park would provide a safer, off-street pick-up and drop-off area for parents who have campaigned for a solution for years. I welcome this news as the Glenvale community has been crying out for a solution,†Mr Janetzki said.
It is pleasing that the community campaign has delivered a result and I look forward to construction beginning shortly,†he said.
Mother-of-four Melissa Greensill has worked alongside Mr Janetzki to highlight the dangers of the current situation. There are at least 2,200 vehicle movements along Glenvale Road per day with nearly 10% of those being trucks.
The car park will be located on state-owned land on the eastern boundary of the school. The entrance will be via Glenvale Road and the exit via Dawn Drive. The facility will operate during school drop-off and pick-up times.
The project also includes:
• Widening Dawn Drive to create a dedicated right-turn lane into McDougall Street at the intersection of McDougall Street and Dawn Drive.
• Installing two disability parking bays on Glenvale Road near the school office
• Installing gates at both ends of the car park to ensure the cars will only use the car park for the morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups.
This change will improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection, particularly during peak travel times. $1 million has been allocated to the project through the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program. The target completion date is mid-June 2021.
Submitted by:
Lacey Maguire
Media Adviser
Office of David Janetzki MP
Member for Toowoomba South
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Investment and Trade
Phone: (07) 4602 3100Â
Clean Up Australia Day, Australia’s largest community-based environmental event, are encouraging Aussie locals, schools, and businesses to Step Up to Clean Up this year to help protect and conserve our local environments.
Clean Up Australia Chairman, Pip Kiernan, says now is the time for all Australians to Step Up to Clean Up, to help protect and conserve local environments.This year has seen disruption to our lives, not least of all to our local environments which have been impacted by increased uptake of single-use, disposable items†said Ms Kiernan.
We know Australians everywhere are itching to get involved and now is their chance to officially register interest for Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday March 7th. Indeed, it’s never been more important to get involved and make a real difference.
Whether you are a first time volunteer looking for a more eco-conscious New Year’s resolution, or a more seasoned Clean Up Champion, now is the time for you to register your involvement
WHEN:
Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday 2 March 2021
Schools Clean Up Day – Friday 5 March 2021
Community Clean Up Day – Sunday 7 March 2021
WHERE:
In your local area. Register at cleanup.org.au
COST:
Free
SCHOOLS CLEAN UP DAY – Friday March 5th
A Schools Clean Up is a great way to inspire students to learn about the impact of rubbish on their local environment while playing an active role in their community.
It’s a day when students and teachers work together to clean up an area which is special to you. It can be the play ground, a local park, or maybe bushland near your school – it’s up to you.
Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 7 March 2021
As one of the country’s most recognised and trusted environmental organisations, Clean Up Australia has helped Australians take practical environmental action for over 30 years. In fact Clean Up Australia Day is now the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.
Australia’s waste challenges continue to grow. Now, more than ever, it’s time to Step Up and support solutions which move us towards a circular economy – where everything is a resource, and there is no such thing as waste.