Residents and organisations seeking funding and assistance for their not-for-profit ventures are encouraged to apply now for Toowoomba Regional Council’s Community Grant Programs. These programs provide opportunities to gain funding or in-kind support for various initiatives.
New for this year is the Sports Tourism Event Grant Program, which supports eligible organisations to develop and deliver successful sport tourism events that make a positive and ongoing contribution to the region’s economic prosperity, community wellbeing and diverse lifestyle.
The Cultural and Arts Support Grant (CAS) supports aspiring artists, regional grassroots community arts and cultural activities. Applications will be accepted until August 1.
The Community Support Grant Program seeks to achieve a safe, healthy and equitable community, enjoying a quality lifestyle by providing support for projects that:
demonstrate collaboration and partnerships between community organisations,
encourage and assist community interaction and inclusiveness,
foster indigenous, multicultural and inter-generational understanding and equity,
support innovation, forward thinking and learning opportunities,
upgrade facilities to meet standards, regulations and community expectations,meet changing community needs and/or increase facility usage.
Applications close on August 1.
Other available programs include Events, Environmental and Sport and Recreation. Further details on each of these programs can be found here.
The 2014 McGregor Winter School winter program wrapped up on Thursday 12 July, and Flagstone Creek resident Martin Stemmler said he learnt a lot in just a single week. There was rarely a dull moment Mr Stemmler said.
“This was my first McGregor School experience and I had a great time. There was a lot of work involved but it meant there was always something to do. I would definitely consider coming back.â€Â
Mr Stemmler said he learnt a lot of new skills in the Introduction to Precious Metal Jewellery class. “I’ve always had an interest in sculpting and craft but I’ve never made jewellery before,†he said. “I thought I’d give it a go and this week I’ve crafted rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings. He wnt on to say “I could even see myself doing it as a career, although if that doesn’t happen at least it’s a fun way to make gifts for people.â€Â
Program administrator for USQ Artsworx Christine Matthews said the McGregor Schools were a greatly received part of the USQ calendar. “We’ve had another great week at the McGregor Winter School, everyone is in very good spirits,†she said. “We’ve had a lot of compliments this week and people have really seemed to enjoy the program.
“Our next McGregor School program will be the Spring Schools which will start at the end of September this year.
The 2014 McGregor Winter School has seen more than 150 students taking part in 16 different classes, honing their skills in painting, photography, millinery, upholstery, jewellery, hand-forging, marquetry and more.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says motorists travelling on the New England Highway north of Toowoomba are now benefiting from extra safety thanks to the completion of a new $10 million concrete bridge at Bum Bum Creek.
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“Safety has been improved for more than 1000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily and has increased the standards of the road network in the region,†Mrs Frecklington said. “The new two-lane concrete bridge is located 25km north of Crows Nest and provides improved economic efficiency and effectiveness for the region.
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“Replacing the old timber bridge, the new bridge is positioned on a straighter alignment for improved safety.The bridge includes two 3.5m lanes and two 1m shoulders.â€Â
Mrs Frecklington said the bridge building included the road realignment, 1250m of pavement works, linemarking and traffic installation. “By keeping the old timber bridge in use during the building phase, we were able to minimise disruption to the local community and motorists as much as possible,†Mrs Frecklington said.
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“The old bridge will be demolished at a later date and materials will be re-used as much as possible on other important projects. We thank the public for their patience during the building of this important project.â€Â
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Building commenced at the worksite in October last year with work undertaken by FK Gardner & Sons, The new Bum Bum Creek Bridge will be officially commissioned in a plaque unveiling event at the Bridge on Thursday 10th July at 9am.
Queensland Police Service, Toowoomba will be holding a Naidoc recognition flag raising at the station at 10.00am on Wednesday 9th July.
In keeping with this year’s theme of recognising Indigenous people who have served in the military, there will be a serving Aboriginal officer from 7 Signals section, a Cadet from 13 Army Cadet Unit and Police Liaison Officer Glen Waters, a former full time and now reservist Army officer.
This will be followed by a morning tea with a display of artefacts both of Aboriginal Culture and some local Aboriginal people who served meritoriously in both WW1 & WW2.
So come and join us.
Submitted by: Tony Rehn
Crime Prevention Officer Darling Downs District Queensland Police Service Ph 07 4631 6755 Fax 07 4615 3200
The Queensland Police Service Fraud and Cyber Crime Group (FCCG) are warning members of the public about an abusive email currently circulating.
 The email contains obscene abuse directed to the recipient and alleges they have posted private photographs onto the internet. A link is embedded into the email designed to be activated by the reader. It is believed this email contains malicious software executed once the link is clicked.
“As disgusting and offensive as this email is, it is a clever and manipulative way to garner an emotional response, peeking the curiosity of the reader into clicking the link which will ultimately infect your computer. It is imperative you delete this email as soon as it is received and always remember to never click on links embedded in emails,†Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said.
“A worse case scenario and one that we have seen happen, is your computer becoming part of an international network of compromised computers and your identity and financial information being compromised. Any person who has received this email and has clicked on it should immediately scan their computer for malware and change all their passwords. It is imperative people maintain a modern operating system and up to date ant-virus software,†Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said.
Contact the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group by phone if you wish to discuss your circumstances on 3364 6622.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter 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.
Toowoomba and district residents are invited to escape the winter chill and warm up at the newly re-opened Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre. The heated, indoor-pool complex is located within the grounds of Baillie Henderson Hospital and is operated privately by local couple Troy and Jodie Chandler of TJ’s Swim.
The family fun day will be held on Sunday, July 13 from 10am to 2pm, and will include free entry to the pool complex, tours of the site, exercise demonstrations and a sausage sizzle, as well as a jumping castle and face painting for children.
“Members of the public, as well as local community groups, are invited to come along and see what is on offer at this newly refurbished pool,†Mr Chandler said. “This is a great complex which offers not only a variety of group exercise classes, but also a hydrotherapy pool and gymnasium studio.â€Â
Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre owners (front) Troy and Jodie Chandler with staff members (back, from left) Sam Sonter, Terrie Heming, Tayla Donovan, Beck Heinemann and Kara Lindsay-Holley.
Signs will be in place on the day to direct visitors to the pool complex. Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board Chairman Mr Mike Horan will also officially open the complex at noon. “The facilities have been extensively refurbished to create a modern, first-class indoor pool and gymnasium,†Mr Horan said.
The pool is back in use after extensive repairs were completed on the complex costing $807,000. Work included replacing the roof over the main pool, hydrotherapy pool and the amenities building; reinstating the mechanical plant to the main pool; resealing and re-painting of the main pool surface; upgrading parts of the water treatment plant and upgrading the fire detection system throughout the recreation centre where the pool is located.
The repairs were made possible through a $150,000 grant from the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
What: Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre opening and family fun day Where: Baillie Henderson Hospital, Corner of Tor and Hogg Sts When: Sunday, July 13 from 10am to 2pm Cost: Gold coin donation which will go towards the Toowoomba Hospital Children’s Appeal
The facilities are open to the public weekdays from 8.00am to 6.00pm
The area features heated Olympic sized pool with Disabled access… A Rehabilitation Pool.. Exercise and learn-to-swim plus squad & lap swimming lanes…
FAMILY FUN DAY PROGRAM
10.00 am Face Painting, Jumping Castle, BBQ Sausage Sizzle begins & runs to 2.00pm
10.30 am Aqua Zumba * anyone can join in
11.00 am Aqua Aerobics and Aqua Spin Class * anyone can join in
11.30 am QFES Swift Water Demonstration
12.00 pm Official opening, and TJ’s Swim Lifeguards versus QFES relay
1.00 pm Aqua Zumba * anyone can join in
1.30 pm H2o Bootcamp Demonstration
2.00 pm Close
TJ’s Swim School (Baillie Splash Lifestyles) will be running free tours and assessment lessons all day for those who are interested.
Three years ago this June two local families were shattered. Two women lost their lives to domestic violence. Both were mothers and both were adored by their families & friends. The 2014 Butterfly Ball & Charity Auction in Oakey, organised by Oakey resident Emma Ziebell, is aiming to prevent and ultimately eliminate domestic violence in the local community by raising funds for local violence prevention services and relationship education programs.
Emma made the decision to create this event after the murder of her aunt Noelene Beutel, and the death of Delarece McKellar, who died in June 2011. Noelene’s murderer was found guilty just after the 2013 Butterfly Ball, and is now serving a life sentence. Delarece’s case is still in front of the courts today.
The ball is named Butterfly Ball because it signifies beauty, new beginnings and freedom. It is also in honour of Noelene’s love of butterflies. This year, there is a competition for the “best butterfly maskâ€Â, which is being judged by Mrs Judy Antonio. “It is amazing to have the continued support of our Mayor, Cr Paul Antonio, his wife Mrs Judy Antonio and Senator Claire Moore who is also the keynote speaker for the Butterfly Ball this year,†Emma said.
Funds raised this year will go to Toowoomba Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Service and the NAPCAN “Love Bites†program, a positive relationships education program that is run in high schools throughout the Darling Downs, including Oakey State High School. “We also want to promote the amazing work of White Ribbon and the QLD Homicide Victims Support Group, who have been a constant support for our family throughout the last three years.†Emma said.
Since its humble beginnings in 2012, the Butterfly Ball has raised over $20,000 for the elimination and prevention of domestic violence.
The Toowoomba Philharmonic Society will be presenting a “Night* of Laughs!” (*late hour not included) on Sunday afternoon, 20th July.
