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Mayor’s Thunder Stolen By Storms

Cr Geoff McDonald and Joy Heylen
Cr Geoff McDonald (left) and lighting designer, Joy Heylen with CBD Christmas Tree at Cnr Ruthven & Margaret Sts

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Cr Paul Antonio’s thunder in switching on the lighting of the CBD Christmas tree and City Hall Christmas lights was  supplanted by the real thing. He conceded to a ‘soft” opening as Nature took over and thunderstorms rolled across the city late Thursday afternoon, December 4th.

Santa and his sleigh had to be diverted, the street parade led by the Harlaxton RSL Brass Band called off, and markets in St Luke’s church grounds and entertainment curtailed. Tourism and Events portfolio chair, Cr Geoff McDonald said it was decided to turn on the Christmas tree lights without ceremony whilst the City Hall lights would be activated by time switch on the Friday night.

However, the storms did bring welcome rain to a limited section of the Darling Downs.

Other events to come include Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland of Lights to officially open to the public on the evening of Saturday, 6th of December, the Mayoral Christmas Carols to be held  on Sunday evening, 7th December in Queens Park, and Toowoomba’s Christmas Tree Festival at Middle Ridge Uniting Church at 264  Stenner Street to officially open at 7pm on Wednesday, 10th December.


CBD Christmas Tree
Margaret & Ruthven Streetscape
Nativity Scene at Toowoomba City Hall2
Nativity Scene at Toowoomba City Hall

 

 

 

 

 

Junior Tennis Anyone? Schools Invited To Participate In Club Challenge

On Saturday, 29th November from 8.30am to 1.00pm Range Tennis Club will be running the AO Blitz Ultimate Club Challenge in Toowoomba.
AO Blitz
The aim is to increase tennis participation in Toowoomba and grow the Club Membership base.
This is part of the AO Blitz Australiawide Competition that has tennis clubs all over the country pitted against each other to host the best Club Challenge ever.

The winning Qld regional club and then the Australia wide winner will receive major funding for their
club/region, to events such as the Australian Open and the Brisbane International next year.

All Toowoomba Primary Schools (public and private) are  invited to attend and compete for major prizes by participating in what’s called a 3 on 3 Team Challenge, never before seen in Queensland.

The competition involves 3 man teams playing on a mini court set up and using mini paddle bats plus
low compression balls.  Range Tennis Club’s head coach, Adolfio Garcia says that this is something he would like to see hosted annually.

 The AO Blitz Club Challenge is a fully free and volunteered event so no charges will be made to
any school participant on the day.  For sporting groups that join us on the day have the opportunity of putting up their branded shade/sales tents around the courts for spectators and participants to sit under during the course of the day.

Range Tennis Club’s Courts are on the corner of Lindsay and Hawthorn Streets, Toowoomba East (part of the Clive Berghofer Sports Stadium precinct).

Submitted by:
Adolfo Garcia
ProTenn Australia
Tennis Coach at Range Tennis Club Inc.
E: adolfo.garciapro@gmail.com

 

Inaugural ‘Friendly Games’ Being Held In Toowoomba

The Friendly Games is a chance for Pacific Island Communities; Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Samoa to firstly, know that there are other Pacific Island Community members in the area, interact with other Pacific Island Communities in a shared lunch (also open and FREE to all other Community Friends who will be present).  This is a time where Pacific Islanders want to be Known, to be Seen, to be Remembered.
Its a great way for those who would like to know more about the Pacific Islanders to interact and see some of the friendly smiles and love that will be on display.
Community Leaders and all 300 plus Pacific Islanders will be there. Toowoomba Regional Council members will be present along with other Co-Sponsors.
friendly_games_flyer
Come and see the Island Style March at 9:30am as the morning lights up with colour and singing.  Novelty games will be run by the Island Nations and will go until Lunch.  LUNCH IS ABSOLUTELY FREE to anyone who would love to come and try an island cuisine along with Steak and Salads (hehehe)
Then after Lunch, Touch Rugby and Volleyball for the seniors will go until the end of the day.  A Haka competition will end proceedings before Prize giving.
With the hot weather here, Water is FREE all day to those who will be there.  All Six Nations will provide Water and Food.
Again, its all for FREE.  So come on down and watch our talented Pacific Island Nations go head to head in the First of many FRIENDLY GAMES.
Submitted by:
Rev Eddie Dean
M: 0402 169 021

End Of Year Performance At Empire Theatre

kiyua_logo
Friends,

A gentle reminder that Kiyua Performing Arts is presenting its end of year concert – ‘Kiyua  Jungle’, at the Empire Theatre,, Toowoomba at 1.30pm Sunday 30th  November 2014.

Entry is by gold coin donation.

Kiyua Performing Arts Inc. is a non-profit group of Volunteers who give young people the chance to learn dance, drama and meet new friends in a safe environment for free.
For further information please contact the Empire  Theatre on 07 4698 9900, or Sheriden 0412 135 925.

Submitted by:
Tony Rehn
Rehn.AnthonyP@police.qld.gov.au

 

Toowoomba Fusion Festival Social Inclusion Week Highlight

Toowoomba Fusion Festival 2014 on Saturday 29th November is celebrating Social Inclusion Week.

Social Inclusion Week is about encouraging communities to reconnect and be inclusive of all cultures, age groups, nationalities and the disadvantaged.

The Week’s aim is to help Australians feel valued and to give people the opportunity to participate fully in society.  It’s about connecting with local communities, work mates, family and friends to build relationships and networks, addressing isolation and exclusion by supporting people who may be unable help themselves.
social inclusion event
If you would like a FREE stall for your organisation on the day in Bell Street Mall, please email Trish MacFarlane at macfarlane.family@bigpond.com with your request.

Submitted by:
Amanda Robinson
MENTAL WELLNESS & SUPPORT CENTRE
Depression Support Network Toowoomba Inc.

You’re Invited To Toowoomba Hospice 2014 Christmas Carols.

Come along and enjoy this year’s Christmas Carols at the Toowoomba Hospice Car Park on the corner of O’Quinn Street & Fifth Avenue. The evening starts at 5pm on Sunday 30 November, 2014 .

Bring the family and a blanket or chair and join in the fun. There will be a huge Christmas craft and food stall, food and drink on sale, and a special visit from Santa. The evening will feature Toowoomba’s Municipal Band and High Altitude Harmony.

Entry is by Gold  Coin Donation .
toowoomba hospice xmas14-1

Dalby Sportsman’s Evening Fundraiser

From Peter Rookas,
CEO,
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

Hi

Little Braxton Rayner is having the ‘fight of his life’ and a couple of Rugby League mates of mine, Chris Walker & Kev Campion, are ‘digging in to help’ with a Sportsman’s Night in Dalby.
Sportsman's Evening Dalby
As many of you will know, Braxton is just 2 ½ years old and was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2013.  Since this time, he and his parents have been travelling from Dalby to Brisbane, and now Sydney to visit to leading specialist, Dr Teo.  Not only has this been very mentally draining on Braxton and his family, but it is also very financially draining. Currently raffles are being run and chocolates sold to help financially support the family but the money raised in this regard is very limited.

Dalby and surrounding community is a very tight knit community and a Sportsman’s Dinner at the Criterion Hotel in Dalby on 29 November 2014, which will raise more significant funds for the family. As stated, former Bronco & Queensland players, Kevin Campion and Chris Walker will be in attendance. Tickets are just $50 with complimentary XXXX and wine from 7 to 11,  as well as a live band & sporting memorabilia will be auctioned with all monies raised going to the family.

Would you please help by sharing this information with the community to help raise money for Braxton’s cause? Any support provided would be greatly appreciated & help assist Braxton & his family in this tremendous battle for life.

Toowoomba Residents Urged To Kick Off Storm Season Clean Up

Is your home and yard ready to withstand storm season? State Emergency Service (SES) are urging residents to check roofs and gutters and clean up backyards before severe weather hits.

SES South Western Regional Manager Robert Bundy said there were measures residents could take to prepare their homes for heavy rain and severe weather. “There are a number of things residents can do to prepare their homes to minimise damage during severe weather activity,” he said. “Many SES call outs are to leaking roofs which is often a result of an existing problem or due to full gutters, so residents should look at checking their roofs and eaves, and cleaning gutters now to avoid a problem occurring amidst a storm.”

Toowoomba Local Controller John Harrison said most call outs in the Toowoomba area during storm season were to leaking roofs or damage caused by branches and debris. “It’s important that residents start cleaning up backyards, trimming overhanging branches and securing loose objects outside,” he said. “Everyday items could become a projectile in heavy wind, including outdoor furniture, dog kennels and trampolines. Even the occasional garden shed has been known to be caught in severe wind in the Toowoomba area, so it’s important to ensure all outdoor objects are tied down if severe weather is forecast.”

The Toowoomba SES group have been continuing their own storm season preparation, completing training in chainsaw use and maintenance and working at heights, skills that are often called upon in storm season. “We are ready to respond, but are asking residents to do what they can now to prepare themselves, their homes and families for storm season,” Mr Harrison said.

For further information on storm and severe weather preparation, visit
www.getready.qld.gov.au/be-prepared