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National Bird Week and Aussie Backyard Bird Count

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National Bird Week and Aussie Backyard Bird Count

We need your help to make every bird count.

From 17-23 October 2016, during National Bird Week, thousands of Australians will be found in backyards of all shapes and sizes counting their local birds and discovering how they are coping in the spaces we share.

During National Bird Week 2016 there are a range of local and national activities: • The Aussie Backyard Bird Count †anytime, anywhere • Schoolyard Twitches and local council activities • Bird walks in cities and towns and Breakfast with the Birds events • Displays and information at local tourist centres, libraries and community centres.

More than 800 species of birds have been recorded in Australia (and counting). This includes 151 seldom-seen visitors, and 27 which have become extinct since European settlement.

To help Australians count 1.5 million birds in seven days, BirdLife Australia has updated its #AussieBirdCount app. It’s easy to use and only takes 20 minutes. You’ll be able to step your way through the bird identification process. The app also allows users to search for bird sightings in their area, and view state and national statistics.

Download the app at aussiebirdcount.org.au  The app can be used on both iPhone and android.

Diamond Anniversary For College

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Diamond Anniversary For College

St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba was established in 1956 and celebrated its 60th Year
on Saturday 15th October 2016.

The structure of the day was a Mass at 10am followed by a relaxed family fun day including barbecue and entertainment……

From the Acting Principal Mr Peter Keightley….
On Saturday 15th October the community of St Joseph’s College gathered to celebrate its 60th birthday. The day was a resounding success allowing staff, students and parents, past and present, to reminisce and enjoy each other’ company. Visitors included four of the College’s past Principals, several ‘first day’ students from 1956 and some first female students from when the college became co-educational in 1984. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment whilst sharing in the barbecue lunch and the past students showed that they still had it when they narrowly beat the current netball team. It was wonderful day with a great sense of community.

Teachers Madel;eine Minns and Gerard Saide with Courtney Dukes andAbbey-Rose Condon
Teachers Madeleine Minns (performance) and Gerard Saide (Humanities) with Courtney Dukes and Abbey-Rose Condon

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Submitted by:
Madeleine Minns
Head of Performance
St Joseph’s College
Toowoomba
Phone: 4631 8500

Celebrate Flavour And Fire At Murphy’s Creek

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Celebrate Flavour And Fire At Murphy’s Creek

murpys-creek-chilli-festival
FREE to attend
Jessie Lane, Murphy’s Creek, Qld. 4532
10-5pm. Sunday 16.10.16
An easy day trip from Brissy and  a must for Highfields/Toowoomba locals.
Charity event.
Bar opens 11am serving loaded slushies & ice cold beer
Chilli Chocolate Challenge at 2pm, DEATH WARRANTi NEEDS TO BE SIGNED. $20 to enter
Raffles all day and free entertainment
Lots of chilli vendors & plated food and non spicy options.
Come along, shop, stroll and be seduced by the chilli!
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National Spotlight Shines On SES Volunteers

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National Spotlight Shines On SES Volunteers
ses-week-promo
Saturday, October 15 marks the start of national State Emergency Service (SES) Week, and there’s at least half a million reasons to say thank you to our valuable volunteers.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said there were more than 6,000 active SES volunteers across Queensland who dedicated thousands of hours to their communities. “Last financial year alone, SES volunteers from around the state contributed over 500,000 hours of their time to help Queenslanders,” Ms Carroll said.
ses-clearing-debris
“Our dedicated SES volunteers provide much-appreciated assistance to communities across the state every time they are called upon. They help communities during and after severe weather events, they search for the missing, rescue the stranded, and also support other agencies with road crash rescues and traffic management.”

“This week we wholeheartedly thank our volunteers for their selfless contribution to communities, and we’re urging everyone in Queensland to do the same.”

QFES Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Services Volunteers Mike Wassing said SES volunteers would be recognised officially during award ceremonies across the state.  “As a symbol of appreciation, outstanding SES volunteers will be presented with an award during one state ceremony, and several regional ceremonies,” Mr Wassing said. “The volunteers recognised during these ceremonies have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service to their communities and deserve our congratulations.
“Every single one of our volunteers plays an integral role in our state, and we are grateful to have such amazing individuals bolstering the SES.”
For more information on what an SES volunteer’s role entails, or to become a member visit www.ses.qld.gov.au. 

 

Emergency Services Day – Toowoomba

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Emergency Services Day – Toowoomba

Sunday 16th October, an event is being held in East Creek Park, Kitchener Street, from 10am-2pm for Toowoomba Emergency Services Day. This is an opportunity for you to meet the people who go above and beyond to ensure your safety in the event of an emergency. There’ll be a BBQ and information on preparing you and your family for disasters and emergency situations
emergency-services-day-swr
Thank you to all those who attended. Toowoomba Emergency Services Day has been such a success that it’s being considered as an annual event.

This currawong was a curious onlooker
This currawong was a curious onlooker
Vince Little from the Highfields Pioneer Village Ambulance Museum with Shelley Cameron
Vince Little from the Highfields Pioneer Village Ambulance Museum with Shelley Cameron
emergency-services-cadets-manning-their-tent
Emergency Services cadets at their tent

toowoomba-emergency-services-day-1

Gowrie Little Plain volunteer firefighter Bruce Finlayson describing bushfire characteristics
Gowrie Little Plain volunteer firefighter Bruce Finlayson describing bushfire characteristics
Bushfire fireground simulation
Bushfire fireground simulation
kitchen-fire-simulation
Anzac Avenue Station firefighters Michael Rule (left) and Greg Lukes with the kitchen fire simulation showing what happens when you put water on a fat fire

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H.E.L.P Police By Locking Your Car

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H.E.L.P Police By Locking Your Car

Toowoomba Police are urging the public to consider the acronym H.E.L.P when parking their vehicles:

H: Home †when you get there, think vehicle security,
E: Empty your car of valuable property,
L: Lock up your vehicle, and
P: Put your keys in a safe place.

The number of unlawful entries of motor vehicles have continued to increase in the Toowoomba area and police are urging the public to remain vigilant with securing their vehicle.remove-it-or-lose-itAnyone with information which could assist in these matters should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Submitted by:
Senior Constable Joanne Bailey
QPS website: www.police.qld.gov.au
Darling Downs “Mypolice” blog – http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/
131 444 Policelink †the number to report non urgent incidents
Crimestoppers 1800 333 000
Website: www.crimestoppers.com.au
Victims Assist Scheme 1300 546 587 1300linkup

USQ Vice-Chancellor To Take Up New Role

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USQ Vice-Chancellor To Take Up New Role

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas will leave the University in December 2016 to take up a new position as head of Massey University in New Zealand.

Prof. Jan Thomas
Prof. Jan Thomas

Chancellor Mr John Dornbusch said he announced Professor Thomas’s resignation with sadness, but also with optimism about the future of the University.  “Since her appointment in 2012, Jan has made an indelible mark on our University,” he said.

“She has developed a long-term view for our future which now shapes our strategic discussions. She has focused on improving our teaching and learning performance and the quality of our programs and research degrees. Professor Thomas has overseen a raft of changes which have enhanced the University’s reputation both nationally and internationally.”

“She has overseen a major increase in our research performance and more importantly nurtured deeper appreciation of the characteristics of international-standard research practice and performance. Her passion for excellence is matched by a deep commitment to equity and social justice and a determination to improve access to university studies to those who might not have the opportunity to go on to post school education.”

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Jan since I became Chancellor in 2014. She leaves our University in great shape and I wish her the very best for the future.”

Mr Dornbusch said USQ is now one of Australia’s leading universities with the highest graduate employability in the nation and one of the highest graduate starting salaries.

“The search for a new Vice-Chancellor will begin soon, and experience shows us that the good work of a departing Vice-Chancellor allows us to attract a new one with the skills to take USQ to the next level of performance.  I look forward to a bright future for this great institution,” he said.

“I know the whole University community, both locally and around the world, will join me in thanking Jan for her service and wishing her success in her future endeavours.”

 

Cathay Pacific To Commence Weekly 747 Freighter Service From Wellcamp Airport

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Cathay Pacific To Commence Weekly 747 Freighter Service From Wellcamp Airport

Almost one year to the day from its trial flight, Cathay Pacific Airways will commence freighter flights into Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport from 22 November, 2016 with a weekly scheduled service, subject to government approval. It will be the only dedicated freighter service for this part of Queensland and will utilise a Boeing 747-8F.

The decision comes after an extensive evaluation of the airport operations as well as demand for air freight services from businesses in southern Queensland. This included a successful trial flight on 23 November 2015.

Nelson Chin, general manager, Cathay Pacific Airways Southwest Pacific said he was thrilled to see the realisation of the efforts of many to introduce this new service, and in particular the management of Brisbane West Wellcamp, Queensland and Federal governments, freight forwarders, local businesses and the Cathay Pacific Cargo teams in Australia and Hong Kong.

“We were enormously encouraged by the enthusiasm and support of everyone involved in this venture,” he said.

“The combination of primary producers in the Darling Downs area exporting beef, dairy and fresh produce, as well as significant mining and manufacturing businesses in southern Queensland makes it a truly dynamic part of Australia.

“China buys more of Australia’s agricultural products than any other country and we are confident our new service will provide these businesses with a competitive advantage as the benefits of the new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement increase,” he added.

Cathay Pacific Airways operates two dedicated freighter flights a week from Australia to Hong Kong. The flight serving Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport will be CX022. It will operate on Tuesdays Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane West Wellcamp, arriving into Queensland at 16:45 and departing at 18:15.

The Boeing 747-8F has a cargo capacity of approximately 135,000 tonnes carrying 34 pallets on the main deck and 12 on the lower deck. It also features a cargo door in the nose of the aircraft which enables more efficient loading and unloading of cargo.

The flight will arrive into Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong at 00:45 on Wednesdays enabling, for example, fresh produce to be delivered to the markets and restaurants in China later that morning as well as onto a vast number of destinations around the world. This facility is one of the biggest and most sophisticated cargo terminals in the world and it was built to set new standards in operational efficiency, environmental design and service levels.

Cathay Pacific Airways also carries a significant amount of cargo in the bellies of its passenger flights which number more than 70 per week from Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

 

 

 

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