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Happy National Dog Day!

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Happy National Dog Day!

Despite the fact that tick season is here, many Aussie dog owners aren’t aware of the serious harm these deadly parasites – especially Paralysis Ticks – can cause to their four-legged friends.

To help drive even more awareness of paralysis ticks, NexGard has proudly partnered with Guide Dogs Australia to help all dog owners understand the importance of protecting their pets. NexGard supplies Guide Dog handlers all over the country with its tasty, once-a-month chews which protects these special animals from ticks and fleas.

But because today is National Dog Day, and in recognition that all dogs are special, NexGard is highlighting its continued partnership with Guide Dogs Australia.  Both NexGard and Guide Dogs Australia want all humans to become more aware of, and check for, Paralysis Ticks.

Dr Lisa Chimes, emergency veterinarian and Aussie presenter of television’s Bondi Vet and Dr Lisa To The Rescue, says we need to be vigilant about these deadly parasites.“Maybe it’s not just a coincidence that National Dog Day falls at the same time as the start of tick season. Today is the perfect reminder for us to check our dogs and stay on top of tick protection by using a great product like NexGard.”

Dr Caroline Moeser, Veterinary and Breeding Services Manager, Guide Dogs Australia, agrees: “Here at Guide Dogs Australia the health of our dogs is vital and that’s why we highlight preventative medicine. We have puppies placed all over Australia †from Metropolitan to regional areas †who are looked after by our dedicated puppy raisers. Therefore, it’s really important that we use an effective preventative product for fleas and ticks. That’s why we use NexGard for our puppies and adult Guide Dogs.”

In a first for Australia, NexGard has also created a Paralysis Tick Advisory Panel. Comprised of 14 veterinary experts in tick paralysis, the panel has created guidelines and materials designed to help dog owners look for and treat their pets against these potentially deadly parasites.

“The Tick Advisory Panel Guidelines explain that it’s important you search your pets daily for ticks and remove any you find immediately, followed by seeking veterinary attention,” says Dr Chimes.  “It’s important to check every aspect of your pet. Start at the head and neck, including the mouth and ears. Continue to the front legs and paws, check between and underneath the toes and then search the chest, belly, back, tail and back legs and toes.”

For more information on paralysis ticks and techniques for checking pets, contact your vet for a copy of the “Deadly Paralysis Ticks, How to protect your pet” brochure developed by the Australian Paralysis Tick Advisory Panel.

NexGard is a tasty once-a-month chew that can be given with or without food and is suitable for puppies from eight weeks of age, weighing 2kgs or greater.  It is available in Australia at leading veterinary clinics and pet speciality stores.

For more information on how to protect dogs from ticks and fleas using NexGard, visit www.nexgard.com.au.

 

 

75th Anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay

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75th Anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan MP has encouraged Australians to pause and reflect on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay.

The Battle of Milne Bay, from 25th August to 7th September 1942, saw a Japanese amphibious landing defeated for the first time in the Second World War, and marked a turning point during the Papuan campaign.

Of some 7,000 Australians who served in Milne Bay, more than 370 became casualties, of whom more than 160 were killed or listed as missing.

Veterans of the Battle of Milne Bay will today attend a private service in Canberra, followed by a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The Darling Downs remembrance ceremony took place at the Mothers’ Memorial in Toowoomba on Sunday, 2oth August.

“The Government is honoured to support the travel of seven Australian veterans of the Battle of Milne Bay to attend commemorations in Canberra,” Mr Tehan said “All Australians owe a great debt to the veterans of Milne Bay and to every man and woman who serves or has served in defence of our nation.

“Today we honour the courage and sacrifice of Australians during the Second World War, and we take this opportunity to reflect on that time in our history and to thank our veterans for their service.”

Milne Bay, on the south-eastern tip of Papua, was a strategically significant Allied base with three airstrips in close proximity to Port Moresby. Allied air and ground forces, including Australian infantrymen (some from the Darling Downs) and RAAF Kittyhawk fighters, repelled some 2000 Japanese troops, helping to halt the Japanese attempt on Port Moresby.

 

 

 

 

 

“Australian troops had, at Milne Bay, inflicted on the Japanese their first undoubted defeat on land.  Some of us may forget that, of all the allies, it was the Australians who first broke the invincibility of the Japanese army”.

Field-marshal Sir William Slim, Defeat Into Victory

 

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Celebrate National Science Week With A Night At The Museum.

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Celebrate National Science Week With A Night At The Museum.

Scientific innovations will be in the spotlight on Friday 18 August when National Science Week celebrations come to Cobb+Co Museum.

After Dark: Science Fusion is a ticketed all ages event which will run from 5:30pm to 9pm and include talks from scientists, hands-on science activities and live music set in the surrounds of the iconic Cobb+Co Museum. Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, National Science Week aims to encourage people to be interested in science and fascinated by the world in which we live.

The After Dark event will give Toowoomba audiences the chance to learn more about the latest science innovations shaping our world while enjoying the atmosphere of the Museum at night. Guests can explore the Museum and get a better insight into how technology is impacting science and creating major advancements in this field.

The event offers something for everyone with a variety of activities including robot battles, holograms, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, live spider displays, taxidermy demonstrations and a science show.

The event is on Friday 18 August 2017 from 5:30pm until 9pm. This is a ticketed event for those over the age of 18 years. Tickets are $15 each and bookings are essential. To book please visit www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au

After Dark: National Science Week is proudly supported by Inspiring Australia.

August 15th – Victory in the Pacific Day

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August 15th – Victory in the Pacific Day

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today encouraged Australians to pause and reflect on the 72nd anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day, marking the end of the Second World War.

“Victory in the Pacific Day marks Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies after more than three years of war,” Mr Tehan said.

“During the Second World War almost one million Australian men and women served, almost 40,000 Australians lost their lives, many more were wounded and more than 30,000 were taken prisoner of war—of those taken prisoner, more than 8,000 died in captivity.

“On Victory in the Pacific Day we recognise those who served our nation, honour those veterans who remain and remember those who are no longer with us. Today we reflect on our country’s experience of all wars, the values our service men and women fought to protect and the price they paid for doing so.

“We owe those men and women a great debt of gratitude and we will never forget.

“In the coming months the Australian Government will hold national services for the 75th anniversaries of the battles of Milne Bay, El Alamein, and Kokoda and the Beachheads. I encourage all Australians to attend these services, hear the stories of Australians who served, and honour the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the Second World War.”

Last Post ceremonies for these important Second World War anniversaries will take place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on the following dates:

  • 25 August 2017 – 75th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay,
  • 23 October 2017 – 75th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein and the culmination of the North Africa campaigns,
  • 2 November 2017 – 75th anniversary of Kokoda and the Beachheads.

Historically Significant Trees To Be Preserved During Warrego Roadworks

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Historically Significant Trees To Be Preserved During Warrego Roadworks

Two culturally and historically significant trees will be preserved during upcoming clearing works along the Warrego Highway on the western edge of Dalby.

Transport and Main Roads District Director Dereck Sanderson said the trees, known as scarred trees, had been recognised as a remnant of traditional Aboriginal activities and they would be protected during upcoming clearing works, despite being located within the Warrego Highway road corridor.

“The trees have been identified as being at least 50 years old and are clear evidence of Aboriginal occupation in what is now a very different residential and agricultural landscape,” Mr Sanderson said. “The bark taken from the trees was a versatile material that could be used for a number of tasks including the construction of shelters and household items.

“Representatives from the traditional owners will monitor the site during works and our Senior Cultural Heritage Officer will be on-site when any tree clearing takes place to ensure that these culturally significant trees are not harmed. At the end of the project, a plaque will be placed next to one of the trees providing a brief explanation of the history and the significance of the trees to the Barrangum people.”

Mr Sanderson said in addition to the scarred trees, Transport and Main Roads’ environmental officers had also identified mature trees in the area with hollows that are suitable for various birds and mammals to nest in.

“The contractor, FKG McIlwain Joint Venture, will be organising the installation of 60 new nesting boxes in the remaining trees within two kilometres of the project to accommodate local wildlife from the road corridor,” Mr Sanderson said. “A licensed fauna spotter-catcher will be on-site when clearing commences to ensure any wildlife is carefully removed and relocated to a safer area”.

“If any endangered, vulnerable or near-threatened species are sighted at any stage during construction, all work will stop immediately to allow further investigations to be carried out.”

The new nesting boxes are expected to be installed in time for the spring breeding season. A European wild bee hive in the area will also be relocated prior to clearing.

Background
The works are being completed as part of the $59 million Dalby Western Access Upgrade. This upgrade is one of 15 projects in the $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 funding split.

Stay Alert For Scammers

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Stay Alert For Scammers

Darling Downs residents have been targeted by scammers and it’s a timely reminder to be vigilant about a quick fix to financial pressures. If it is too good to be true then it probably is.

How do these scammers work?

​​The Internet provides a medium whereby unscrupulous operators can target consumers, with the marketing of illegal schemes and scams. Some of the more common scams include:

  • Get rich quick schemes
  • Miracle health products
  • Competitions & lotteries
  • Pyramid/referring selling/multi-level marketing
  • Nigerian loan/investment scams
  • Work at home schemes

With the advancement of technology, email has become a fast and efficient method of forwarding unsolicited scam information to bulk recipients. Your address could have been obtained from various sources, including a virus affected address book that automatically sends or forwards mail without the knowledge of the user, or from online databases.

Be sceptical of individuals representing themselves as Nigerian or foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts. Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.

The dollar signs $$$ may look appealing but don’t let it inhibit your ability to think logically. Scammers are convincing but before you hand over any money do a little more research. A simple tip to remember, if you did not initiate it then think about it.

There is ample information available on the internet in relation to scams currently marketed worldwide and the precautions to follow. Some of the following offer advice on spotting cyber scams and methods to protect you from becoming a victim:

www.scamwatch.gov.au
www.accc.gov.au/consumers/online-shopping
www.staysmartonline.gov.au
www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/internet_fraud

by Sergeant Tony Rehn

To subscribe to updates of scams, go to the Scamwatch website here.

To report Cyber Crime, visit the ACORN website here.

Wanna Hang Ya Boss Out To Dry?

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Wanna Hang Ya Boss Out To Dry?

Courtney Gleeson from CLO Lawyers waves good-bye as she is raised up in the Cherry Picker for the 2016 Hang Ya Boss Out To Dry. (the other photo is when the Cherry Picker was raised up!)

Toowoomba Hospice Administration and Fundraising Manager, Mark Munro, wants to encourage staff to hang their boss out on Friday 11th August all for a good cause – The Toowoomba Hospice.

 “We are asking businesses on the Darling Downs to “Hang their boss out to dry” by placing him or her in a scissor lift/cherry picker and raising it to the top. The Boss must raise a minimum of $2,000 from up  in the air to be let back down.  They can contact anyone they like to raise their money, so hopefully no-one will be left hanging!”

 The Hospice has cared for over 1,220 clients with the highest standard of care being afforded to all, however to maintain this level of support, they are forced to rely heavily on the financial assistance of the community to fund an operating budget of at least $1.7 million dollars this financial year. 

 Just over $217,000. has been raised over the last 4 years – “This year we hope to raise at $60,000. from this fun event and as an extra incentive, the Boss who raises the most money gets to host the 2018 Hang Ya Boss Out To Dry at their work place next year PLUS all those who get hung out to dry go into a draw to win a weekend away said Mr Munro

 The event will be held on 11 August 2017 from 6am onwards at The Toowoomba Hospice (57B O’Quinn Street) with a live outside broadcast. The Lions Club of Wilsonton will have a BBQ Breakfast cooking and the Coffee Cruiser will also be there sell their hot beverages to help keep participants and spectators warm.

 Mr Munro said you can be guaranteed that your time and money will is going to a great cause †The Toowoomba Hospice. If you are interested, please contact admin.toowoombahospice@bigpond.com  or 07 4659 8500 

 

Korean War Veterans Remembered

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Korean War Veterans Remembered

On the 27th July, 2017  the nation remembers those Australians who served in the Korean War, on the 64th anniversary of the 1953 Armistice agreement.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Dan Tehan, said that of the more than 17,000 who served, 340 Australians lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded. 21 Nations provided military personnel, medical support or other assets to the United Nations effort in Korea, despite most still recovering from the impact of the Second World War.

“Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses made an important contribution to this international endeavour, serving both during the conflict and in the post-armistice period which continued until 1957,” Mr Tehan said. “In Korea Australian service personnel earned international respect for their courage and endurance in battle. Today we pause to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and the debt of gratitude owed to them by all Australians.”

Among the many actions in which Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen were involved in Korea, two in particular, the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San, have become the focus of commemorations. At Kapyong, 32 Australians died in fierce fighting, and the Battle of Maryang San, where 20 Australians died, was described by Official Historian, Robert O’Neill as the greatest single feat of the Australian Army in Korea.

In October last year, eight Australian veterans of the Korean War returned to Korea for the 65th anniversary commemorations of the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San. Minister Tehan said,  “I had the pleasure of meeting this group of men both on that mission to the Republic of Korea and at services in Canberra last March to honour their service and sacrifice.”

“Australia owes the men and women who served in Korea our ongoing thanks and gratitude”

Photo: Royal Australian Regiment Korea 1950

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.

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