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Police Issue Warning Over Abusive email Circulating

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Police Issue Warning Over Abusive email Circulating

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.

brian-hay“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 Winter Oasis Goes On Show For Pool Open Day

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Toowoomba Winter Oasis Goes On Show For Pool Open 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.”

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.
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.

More information: tjsswim.com

Butterfly Ball & Charity Auction Raising Funds For Violence Prevention

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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.
Butterfly Ball FlyerThis year, there is a competition for the “best butterfly mask”, 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.

ATO Tax Refund Scam Warning

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ATO Tax Refund Scam Warning

The Queensland Police Service Fraud and Cyber Crime Group (FCCG) has been receiving regular complaints from members of the public alleging that they have been receiving emails from the Australian Taxation Office purporting to offer a tax refund of $286.22.

The reader is asked to select a link to their Banking provider (the names of the five major banks are provided). This link will then seek to harvest identity and financial information.

Det Supt Brian Hay “As we approach the end of the financial year and tax time nears, fraudsters will seek to dupe members of the public into surrendering their identity and financial information under the guise of representing the Australian Taxation Office”, says Detective Superintendent Brian Hay.

To provide an air of legitimacy to their criminal operations the fraudsters have included an “authentic” 1300 number used by the ATO for their Publications Distribution Service.

“Any person who receives this email should delete it immediately and not click any link embedded in the email”, says Detective Superintendent Brian Hay. He says, “We can expect these types of emails to continue during the current period and it is imperative people remain alert for these types of frauds.”

Contact the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group if you wish to discuss your circumstances by phoning 07 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.

Dealing With Prostate Cancer And The Role Of Hope

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Dealing With Prostate Cancer And The Role Of Hope

A team of University of Southern Queensland (USQ) researchers is looking into how men with localised prostate cancer and their loved ones find hope during their ordeal. The research team includes Dr Laurie Lepherd (Centre for Health Sciences Research) and Dr Coralie Graham (School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery).

Drs. CoralieGraham and Laurie LepherdDr Lepherd said prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and the fifth most common cancer diagnosed overall. “While the rate of prostate cancer in the population is increasing, the mortality rate is decreasing – men will live longer and may need greater access to the development and use of their coping strategies,” Dr Lepherd said.

“While the journey with prostate cancer can be very difficult for men, it can also be difficult for their partners. Two aspects of life that can assist men and women in these difficult times are lift (the way they are able to rise above their day-to-day troubles) and hope (the quality that provides expectation of comfort for them).”

Dr Lepherd said the study was designed to answer a number of questions about how men and their families cope during their prostate cancer journey. “We want to hear the stories (by telephone) of men who have had or currently have localised prostate cancer, and partners of men in these circumstances,” he said.

“Did they find lift and hope? What lifts them above the illness? Is it a connection they have with other people? Is it a religious belief? Is it a connection with the land? Is it a sense of purpose?  We would particularly welcome potential participants from rural and remote areas of Australia,” he said.

Once completed, the (anonymous) results will be made available so other men and women in similar circumstances, carers and health professionals have a greater understanding of the way people can be given even more support.

For more information, contact Dr Lepherd via phone on 07 4687 5820 or email lepherd@usq.edu.au.
Submitted by:
Rhianwen Whitney
USQ, Toowoomba
rhianwen.whitney@usq.edu.au

 

2014 Mayoral Skateboarding Competition

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2014 Mayoral Skateboarding Competition

The call is out for the region’s top skateboarders to carve it up at the 2014 Mayoral Skateboarding Competition at Crows Nest. Join in the action and demonstrations at the Crow’s Nest skate park in Recreation Terrace on Saturday, June 14.

Hosted by Toowoomba Regional Council’s Youth Connect and Skateboarding Australia, the day includes a packed program from 10am-3pm. A best tricks competition is a highlight on the program with all contests open to skateboarders from 12 to 25. Prizes and giveaways will be on offer with a street art workshop, a barbecue and drinks available. Nominate on the day and test your skill against the region’s best.

If you’re not ready to show off your moves in a competitive arena, Youth Connect and Skateboarding Australia are teaming up to deliver SbA †Street Wise, a free learn to skate program across the region. A team works with young people of all abilities to encourage beginners to step on a board and to guide and develop the skills of more experienced riders. Skateboards and helmets are provided.

The program includes the following sessions:
June 28, 10am-noon: Oakey skate park, Rotary Park, Campbell St, Oakey
July 5, 10am-noon: Westbrook skate park, Progress Ave, Westbrook
July 19, 10am-noon: Pittsworth skate park, Yandilla St, Pittsworth
July 26, 10am-noon: Goombungee skate park, Pioneer Park, Goombungee
August 2, 10am-noon: Meringandan skate park, William St, Meringandan West
August 16, 10am-noon: Highfields Fitness & Recreation Centre, O’Brien Rd, Highfields
August 30, 10am-noon: Quinalow skate park, Pechey-Maclagan Rd, Quinalow
September 13, 10am-noon: Harlaxton skate park, Flynn St, Harlaxton, Toowoomba

To learn more about Youth Connect and the dates, times and venues for all coming activities, please visit www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/youthconnect

A Warning To Protect Your Personal Information

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A Warning To Protect Your Personal Information

Friends,

Consider this… a gentle reminder to protect/care for your personal information.  Last night a resident in a retirement village was phoned by people purporting to be from ‘Telstra” and telling them there was a problem with their computer connection. Unfortunately they followed instructions and this morning found their computer to be compromised and they received some inappropriate images.

So:

  • Don’t give out your personal information to anyone either via email or over the phone if they are not someone you regularly deal with.

Consider this, if a stranger arrived at your door and asked you for the same information would you give it to them?

  • If you do get hit with some form of computer challenge like this,

o   immediately contact your internet provider and let them know

o   get your system checked by a reputable local computer company who can ‘clean’ it for you.

o   Change your passwords on every system you use

  • Be aware that you may have been unwittingly attacked, via a friends computer, so if you see something unusual, your system is running more slowly than usual or you are using way more data than normal, get it checked by an expert.

Look after yourselves and if in doubt get it checked.

To keep up with what’s happening around the district you can also subscribe to the myPolice blog. Its free and gives Police the opportunity to inform the community about a range of policing issues, good news stories and in some instances seek your assistance to solve crime.

You can find the blog at http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/  Feel free to get on and have a swim around to get a feel for the information we are sharing and types of  reports that will be posted. You can subscribe to receive the posts using the tab in the right hand top corner and get the information as soon as it’s published.

There is also further information on scams/frauds and personal safety on the the Queensland Police Internet site; http://www.police.qld.gov.au/

And if in doubt there are the more traditional contact methods by phone:

Emergency                                           000

For non †urgent police attendance        131 444

Crimestoppers                                      1800 333 000

Submitted by:
Tony Rehn
Crime Prevention Officer
Darling Downs DistrictQueensland Police Service
Ph 07 4631 6755  Fax 07 4615 3200

 

 

Toowoomba’s Harristown High Students Deal With Personal Safety

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Toowoomba’s Harristown High Students Deal With Personal Safety

Members of the Toowoomba Child Protection and Investigation Unit have instigated a dual-agency project to help improve the personal safety and awareness of students at Harristown State High School. Partnering with staff from the high school, and with the assistance of the school based police officer, Senior Constable Rebekah Naumann, a 10 week program has been developed to assist students in developing strategies to deal with a variety of confrontational situations.
Harristown High Students
Whether it’s bullying, acts of violence or any other situation that threatens the safety of the students, the program participants are being taught how to identify, neutralise and safely escape from such situations.

‘The school were eager to engage with us to come up with an innovative way to educate their students in how to be confident, resilient and able to protect themselves. The Personal Safety and Self Defence Project teaches the students how to defuse situations and quickly move to a safer environment where they no longer feel threatened’, said project co-ordinator Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Hart. ‘We are teaching the students to identify potentially dangerous situations and maintain clarity and awareness as they take steps to ensure they can protect themselves and others if they need to do so. We also educate the students about the legal parameters they should be aware of if confronted with a dangerous situation, and just what they can and can’t do if they do need to defend themselves’.

The officers say they have really enjoyed working with the group of 30 students each Wednesday afternoon. Feedback from the students has also been very positive and  it seems as though everyone is enjoying the program.

Photograph and article content by Senior Sergeant Paul Hart

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