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Free Music in the Blooms With Summer Tunes

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Free Music in the Blooms With Summer Tunes

Enjoy lazy summer Sundays with an outing to Toowoomba Regional Council’s free Summer Tunes in the Blooms program across January and February starting this Sunday (January 8).

Sunday’s music program starts near the children’s play area in Queens Park for the Children’s Capers segments from 10am to noon. An added feature in Queens Park is free face painting for children of all ages.

Other themes are The Big Bands at Picnic Point, Picnic Pleasures in Laurel Bank Park and Music in the Roses at Newtown Park. These sessions run from noon to 3pm.

The opening week line-ups include The Alison Bryant Quartet at Queens Park with a selection of jazz, swing jazz and rock and roll songs along with Whisky Mac at Newtown Park.

Swing Magic will play a selection of old time swing, jazz, gospel and traditional songs at Laurel Bank Park.

Pack your dancing shoes for Picnic Point where two dance floors will be positioned to take advantage of the Big Bands theme, starting with the aptly named Let’s Dance Band who will perform melodies from the 1960s and 1970s.

The following seven weeks will see performers across pop, rock, Celtic, country, jazz, and big band genres.

Enjoy performances by Yakety Saxes, JEDDY (Jazz Education for Darling Downs Youth Society), Toowoomba Municipal Band, High Altitude Harmony, Women in Harmony, Paul Edwards Quartet, the Jim Miller Big Band, Slow Train Coming, Timeless, Topp Gear, Undercover, Flashback, Jungle Detour, Around the Corner, Blue Room Blues, Garden City Country Music Club, the Damian Black Band, Killin Time, the Broxburn Music Club of Pittsworth, The Darlington String Trio, 2 Timing, The Screaming Chokos and Kelly’s Armour among others.

The Regional Summer Tunes program starts at Oakey on January 29 in Arthur Shooter Park featuring Tux. 10.30am-1pm. It continues on following weeks at:

Crows Nest:  February 5, Centenary Park, Slow Train Coming. Noon-3pm.

Millmerran: February 12, Anzac Park, 2 Timing. 10am-1.30pm.

Pittsworth: February 19, Pittsworth Pioneer Village and Museum, Black Velvet Quartet. Noon-3pm.

Goombungee: February 26, Mocatta St near war memorial, Jazzy Chatz. noon-3pm.

The full program can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/summertunes

Darling Downs Residents Urged To Party Safe This New Year’s Eve

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Darling Downs Residents Urged To Party Safe This New Year’s Eve

Darling Downs Police are urging party-goers to plan ahead and use common sense as preparations get underway for New Year’s Eve celebrations across the area.

District Officer Superintendent Mark Kelly said police were well-prepared for celebrations  †traditionally one of the busiest for crews across the Downs. “The key to a great New Year’s Eve is to plan ahead †this includes thinking about how much alcohol you’re going to drink and how you’re getting home,” he said.

“Of course, if you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Use public transport, or ride sharing services where possible or plan a designated driver. As well, if you are hosting a New Year’s celebration, be sure to register your party with local police. Registering your party provides police the opportunity to supply you with advice and resources. And if things do go wrong on the night, police have the information necessary to quickly and effectively deal with any issues. “

People will see a significant police presence across the district and those police will be focusing on road safety and good order.

“It is critical that everyone remains vigilant and if you do see anything suspicious, report it immediately,” he said. “Police won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour from party-goers. If you or anyone you’re out with engages in violent or anti-social behaviour, we will not hesitate to take action.

“Unfortunately from time to time, we do see individuals engaging in anti-social behaviour on New Year’s Eve. If you do see that happen, walk away, don’t get involved and if necessary, contact police as soon as possible. New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate with family and friends and we want to see residents having a good time, safely and responsibly. Look out for your mates, keep your cool and see 2017 in with a good start.”

New Year’s Eve safety tips:

  • Use public transport or ride sharing services where possible and be patient with other commuters waiting for these services;
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you feel threatened or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave immediately and go to a place where you feel safe;
  • Trust your instincts and recognise warning signs;
  • Develop a network of people who will assist you in an emergency and let them know where you are going and when you are likely to return;
  • Look after your friends;
  • Consider the necessity of the items you are carrying in your handbag or wallet, and try to keep valuables to a minimum.

Safety tips for those planning on drinking on New Year’s Eve:

  • Plan ahead as to how many drinks you will have and stick to the plan by monitoring your drinking;
  • Book a ride home with a taxi or ride sharing service or designate a driver to ensure you and your friends get home safely;
  • Eat before and during drinking;
  • Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a sensible pace;
  • Avoid mixing drinks and finish each drink before you have another;
  • Get involved in other activities, for example playing pool or dancing;
  • Do not leave drinks unattended;
  • Only accept drinks from people you trust. Watch the staff members as they make your drink; and
  • If someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with that person and accept the drink there.

Further information and personal safety tips can be located on the Queensland Police Service website at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/default.htm

Submitted by:
QPS Media

The Bishop’s Christmas Message 2016

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The Bishop’s Christmas Message 2016


The Most Reverend Robert McGuckin DD MLC JLC, Bishop of the Diocese of Toowoomba with this year’s Christmas Message…

A Happy Birthday To Toowoomba’s Thursday Farmer’s Market

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A Happy Birthday To Toowoomba’s Thursday Farmer’s Market

My Local Feast Farmers’ Market celebrates 1 year

As we near Christmas celebrations, the My Local Feast Farmers’ Market gets ready to blow out its first birthday candle. The brainchild of Josie Townsend, the weekly farmers’ market is designed to attract regular shoppers and tourists alike, looking to genuinely support local farmers by directly buying locally.

The numbers at the markets have been a bit of a rollercoaster as Toowoombians adjust to a weekly mid-week farmers’ market and the organisers contend with a statistically high number of wet and bad weather days hitting on Thursdays in the Toowoomba CBD.

Josie Townsend, founder said, ”Farmers’ markets and buying direct from farmers or local grocers or butchers who buy direct from farmers creates an opportunity to build strong foundations in local communities, especially rural and regional areas. They also help us build friendships, build community capacity and increase our health, ie they get us off our couches and walking in the fresh air.”

Ben and Carolyn Hunter of Ben & Co at the Market

Notwithstanding the many barriers to a new business starting, the market has become a breeding ground for new ventures. Recently, the social enterprise Ben & Co worked with the organisers to launch their new baking business at the markets and this week they welcome the first ever sourdough baker who grinds his own flour from locally grown grains.

The birthday celebrations will include a Treasure Hunt for the kids with a farmers’ market gift at the end, face-painting, a birthday cake celebration (and maybe a bottle or two of celebration bubbly) and also our regular weekly draw for a Christmas Ham or regional produce box. Our birthday cake will be cut at 5pm.

The markets start from 3pm every Thursday and go until 7pm. There are fruit and vegetable producers, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken, pasta, baked goods, olives, jams and kitchen garden suppliers.

“Some people think our market is solely an organic one. It’s not. We support all farmers, but we find our farmers understand that people want as few chemicals as possible sprayed on what they will consume. We also find that produce in season is a lot cheaper than other places.”

The treasure hunt for children will commence at 3.30pm and finish at 4.30pm this week.


Photo Roundup:

The last slice – the delicious Ben & Co birthday cake was shared with visitors and stallholders (It didn’t last long).
Rosie pouring the bubbly for Josie
Andrew Passfield and Enya Hetherington entertained visitors
Svetlana (Oreshke Russian biscuits) celebrating with champagne

Roadworks Warrego Highway (Toowoomba Range)

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Roadworks Warrego Highway (Toowoomba Range)

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be undertaking resurfacing works on sections of the westbound
lane of the Toowoomba Range on Sunday, 11 December 2016, weather permitting.

Contractor Boral will be undertaking works over a 24 hour period in order to minimise the impact on traffic and maximise
safety for the travelling public and road workers.

While works are underway, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place. One lane will remain open at all times and
traffic controllers will be in place to minimise traffic delays, however minor delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.

The safety of motorists and road workers is our top priority and we ask that motorists drive to changed traffic conditions
and obey all signage and instructions from traffic controllers during the course of the works.

We thank you in anticipation for your patience and understanding during the delivery of these important works and
apologise for any inconvenience they may cause. For further information on these works, please contact TMR on
4639 0777 or email downsSWR@tmr.qld.gov.au

For up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, visit the 13 19 40 Traffic and Travel Information website at
www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

“Tasting Success” – 30 days until NDIS

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“Tasting Success” – 30 days until NDIS

On Friday 2 December 2016 Warrina Services will host an inclusive event to coincide with International Day of People with a Disability.

Ms Laura Scurr
Ms Laura Scurr

Local business people, community members and people with a disability, their families and carers are  invited to hear an inspirational speaker, Ms Laura Scurr and enjoy a shared barbeque lunch (from 11am to 1pm) in the grounds of 172 Bridge Street, Toowoomba . Our event will celebrate the achievements of people with a disability and encourage collaboration and positive actions to build a more inclusive community for all.

The day also marks 30 days until the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Toowoomba and surrounding communities. If you would like to attend or wish more information about “Tasting Success” please call Glenice (07) 4638 0399.

Celebrating 30 years

In December 2016 Warrina Services celebrate our 30th birthday. We are proud to be a local service, supporting local people. Our success has been realised because of the support we have received from our local community; our friends, families, partner agencies, local businesses and funding from the State and Federal Government.

To mark our 30th year as a disability service provider in the Darling Downs we will be sharing stories, pictures and milestones with you via our newsletters and website.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Information Sessions

Our NDIS workshops for parents, carers, clients and interested community members are scheduled for:

  • Friday 19 February 2016          10.30am – 12.00pm
  • Wednesday 23 March 2016     10.30am – 12.00pm
  • Thursday 21 April 2016               1.00pm – 2.30pm
  • Tuesday 24 May 2016                 1.00pm – 2.30pm
  • Monday 13 June 2016              10.30am – 12.00pm

We will have guest speakers and provide you with the most up to date information about the NDIS.

Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions.

Advice For Residents To “Stay Cool” In Hot Conditions

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Advice For Residents To “Stay Cool” In Hot Conditions

Healthcare workers are reminding residents to be mindful of their health as the region braces for a possible heatwave at the end of this week. Darling Downs Public Health Unit Director Dr Penny Hutchinson said hot weather could lead to dehydration, sunburn and other more serious heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke.

“Heat stroke occurs when a person’s core body temperature becomes high and doesn’t cool down,” Dr Hutchinson said. The condition can be caused by not drinking enough water, spending too much time in the sun and not being able to cool down quickly.

Pixabay Image 100343“All Queenslanders are at risk during periods of hot or prolonged high temperatures, but some people are at a higher risk of harm, such as the elderly, especially those who live alone, babies and very young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as well as those who are physically active, such as manual workers or people who play sport.

“Some of the symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, headaches, bright or dark urine which indicates possible dehydration, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.”
In extreme cases, heat stroke can lead to confusion or slurred speech, a rapid pulse, vomiting and diarrhoea, and a loss of consciousness. “If this occurs, it is important to call triple zero (000) as soon as possible.”

Dr Hutchinson also believes it is important to remember sun safety messages in the summer months. “It’s important to wear a hat, keep out of the sun between 10am and 2pm, wear long sleeves and light clothing and apply sunscreen. “In times of high temperatures it is also important to keep an eye on family, friends and neighbours, especially those who may be more susceptible to the various forms of heat-related illness,” she said.

How to prevent a heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids; cool water is best. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink, but
instead drink regularly throughout the day.
• Urine colour is a good guide to hydration. It should be clear to light straw-coloured, not
dark or gold.
• Stay indoors in very hot weather, preferably in an air-conditioned building, or ensure
there is good airflow with fans and open windows.
• Public venues, such as air-conditioned shopping centres and pools, can provide refuge
from the heat.
• People can also stay cool by taking cool showers or baths, soaking their feet in a basin of
water or wetting a bandana or washer and wrapping it around their neck.
• Take time to adjust to the environment, pace yourself and limit strenuous outdoor activity
where possible.

Submitted by:
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service

Temperatures On The Rise With Severe Heatwave Conditions For Queensland

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Temperatures On The Rise With Severe Heatwave Conditions For Queensland

Temperatures are forecast to peak in inland areas towards the end of the week with widespread temperatures in the low 40s, and gusty winds contributing to elevated fire danger across Queensland.

Severe to extreme conditions are forecast for much of southern and central Queensland from Thursday, and forecast to continue into early next week with temperatures up to 10 degrees above the December average.

temperature-risingHot conditions will combine with gusty winds, driving high fire dangers †particularly in inland areas. Stay tuned for specific Fire Weather Warnings in the days ahead.

Storms are also forecast to affect much of the state †particularly in the northern and eastern districts, and some of these storms may be severe.

The public are urged to check the Bureau of Meteorology website for the latest forecasts and warnings, and follow us on Twitter @BOM_Qld.

When temperatures are unusually hot over a period of time, with continuously high night-time and day-time temperatures, heat stress becomes a critical factor in human survival and infrastructure resilience. Further information on the Bureau’s Heatwave Service for Australia can also be found on our website: www.bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave

Issued: Tuesday, 29 November 2016

Hot weather can affect anybody, may make existing medical conditions worse and can cause heat-related illness. In some cases heat effects may be fatal. Heatwaves may also affect community infrastructure such as power supply and other support services.

Find out who is at risk and how you can prepare for and cope during a heat event and stay healthy in the heat by checking the Queensland Health website:

www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/heat

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