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Toowoomba’s 2014 Peak2Park Set To Go

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If the motivation behind your New Year’s resolution to lose weight is diminishing far quicker than your actual waistline, then all is not lost – registrations are now open for the 2014 Peak2Park charity event and organisers of the event, Healthy Active Lifestyles Toowoomba (HALT), are encouraging residents to dust off their walking shoes and get involved.
p2p participants
This year’s annual fun run/walk will be held on Sunday March 2nd, and will feature the traditional 4km and 10km courses as previous years. Both 4km, which starts at 7.30am and 10km (7am start) courses start at Picnic Point and finish at Lake Annand.

Peak2Park started nine years ago, initially as just a passing thought, but then a group of people, concerned by the obesity epidemic, created an event for people of all ages and fitness levels. “The focus of Peak2Park is to not only get people active during the fun run/walk on the day, but help positively change lifestyle habits,” HALT media liaison officer Neil Brown said.

“Over the years Peak2Park has become a real family event, but now we are finding schools and the corporate sector, as a means of team building, are getting heavily involved.  Whether you are a social walker, a competitive runner or just want a relaxing stroll on a Sunday morning, the event has everything you want.”

Mr Brown said  “We are again expecting several thousand participants this year and hope to raise in the vicinity of $40,000.” Funds raised in this year’s event will go to The Base Youth Service, Eva’s Place and Fresh Hope, a rehabilitation centre for mothers and their children.

To register go to www.peak2park.org.au Entries can also be lodged at Willows Health and Lifestyle Centre or sign up at one of the three sign-on days at Grand Central, outside Rebel Sport, from 9am to 4pm on Saturday February 15, February 22 and March 1.

P2P-logoFor more information contact
Neil Brown
Healthy Activity Lifestyles Toowoomba
Ph 0409 720462

 

Millmerran, Cecil Plains SES Personnel Thanked For Their Efforts

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Millmerran and Cecil Plains SES personnel were presented with certificates of appreciation by Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio for their efforts to help combat the grass fire west of Millmerran, over four days in late January.

Millmerran-Cecil Plains SES Certificate presentation
Millmerran-Cecil Plains SES Certificate presentation

SES Local Controller John Harrison joined Mayor Antonio to formally thank the SES volunteers †Steve Goulding, Viv Pedersen, Kathryn Slocombe and Paul Farrington of Millmerran group and Cecil Plains group members Alicia Flanagan, Patrick Fox, Rosemarie Ross and group leader Jim Ross.

Assistant Commissioner Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Tom Dawson and fellow officials added their thanks to the volunteers.

Mayor Antonio recounted his own efforts battling blazes over the years and said he knew he could count on the support of SES volunteers, “I appreciate the value of SES volunteers and understand the importance of your work backing the Rural Fire Service in these emergencies,” Cr Antonio said. “Thankfully no one was injured and there was minimal property loss. Thank you for stepping up and helping other people in the community.”

Assistant Commissioner Tom Dawson said the fire fighting response was a team effort. “SES volunteers are well trained and drilled for helping in these situations,” Assistant Commissioner Dawson said. “As well as looking after fire fighters they helped with communication, worked in a chainsaw squad and made the fire ground safe  SES volunteers stay until the job is done and merge well with bigger teams.”

Photo: Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio (back left) and SES Local Controller John Harrison (back right) present certificates of appreciation to Cecil Plains group leader Jim Ross (back) and (front from left) Steve Goulding, Viv Pedersen, Rosemarie Ross and Patrick Fox. Absent: Kathryn Slocombe, Paul Farrington and Alicia Flanagan.

Submitted by:
Angus Moffatt
Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Toowoomba Regional Council

Council Connections With Darren Burton: Week 1, February 2014

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Toowoomba Regional Council Connections

The weekly program keeping you up to date with Toowoomba Regional Council’s facilities, activities and services.

Council Connections with Darren Burton

This week Darren talks about February’s Council meetings, the refurbishment of the Neil St Bus Interchange, the next welcome to Toowoomba function, construction work on the Outer Circulating Road, February’s month of sport and Council’s after hours emergency number.

Follow Toowoomba Regional Council on Twitter @ToowoombaRC

$1.7 Billion Committment To Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

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Toowoomba Regional Mayor Paul Antonio couldn’t be happier the Toowoomba Bypass has taken another significant step forward.  Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss and Queensland Deputy Premier Geoff Seeney visited the Garden City to announce that an agreement on the full-funding of the project had been reached and construction is expected to start midway through 2015.
Toowoomba Bypass GroupThe Federal Government will contribute $1.3 billion, an 80 per cent stake,  and the Newman Government will fund the additional 20 per cent.The project has also moved to the next phase with private companies being asked to register their interest in constructing the $1.7 billion toll road project.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chairman Cr Graham Quirk said SEQ Mayors have been pushing long and hard to achieve the financial commitment to the project. “The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing has been on political agendas for decades and it is wonderful to see that it is finally going to become a reality.”

Cr Quirk went on to say “The Second Range Crossing is important to both maintain and grow employment opportunities in Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs and across the South East, but its benefits will be felt across the country.”

According to Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor “The Bypass will change Toowoomba’s economic and social landscape forever.” An independent economic study has estimated direct economic benefits for the Toowoomba region of between $15.3 and $23.9 billion when the road is operational. This could mean an average increase of around 14% in turnover to some local businesses as well as additional productivity savings.

“The jobs created during the construction phase of the road will provide a remarkable boost to this region.” Cr Antonio said an independent economic study has estimated direct economic benefits for the Toowoomba region of between $15.3 and $23.9 billion when the road is operational. This could mean an average increase of around 14% in turnover to some local businesses as well as additional productivity savings.

“The stars are well and truly aligning for the Toowoomba region.” Cr Antonio said in his view “with the construction of the Wellcamp airport, a planned inland rail route passing through Toowoomba, and now the Bypass becoming reality, Toowoomba’s future has never looked brighter.”

Cr Antonio  also paid tribute to his mayoral predecessors who were instrumental in ensuring the case for a Second Range Crossing was never forgotten.

Submitted by:
Chris Leslight
Communications Officer
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Toowoomba Regional Council
&
Lisa O Donnell
Council of Mayors
South East Queensland

Young People Invited To Apply For Youth Parliament

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Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, is encouraging young people to apply for a position in the upcoming 2014 Queensland Youth Parliament. Mrs Frecklington said this year’s youth parliament would kick off with a forum from 4-6 April in Brisbane, including a formal launch at Parliament House.

“More than 90 young people aged 15 to 25 will be selected to discuss the issues facing our youth and develop legislation that they will debate later in the year,” Mrs Frecklington said. “These young parliamentarians are selected to represent the 89 Queensland electorates based on their enthusiasm, ability to represent their communities and interest and passion for issues affecting Queensland. Four Indigenous members will also be selected to participate.

Deb Frecklington with Rachel Murray Kingaroy YMCA Youth Parliament representative
Deb Frecklington with Rachel Murray Kingaroy YMCA Youth Parliament representative

“Last year Rachel attended and has told me she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I also had the chance to meet her when she visited Parliament,” she said. “All Youth Members will be involved in committee meetings, mentoring, training and research to help produce the Bills to be debated at Parliament House during the residential week from 28 September to October 4.”

“Applications for the 2014 program close on 21 February 2014, so I would encourage anyone interested to get in quick,” she said. “Youth Parliament teaches young people about the government decision-making process, while providing an excellent leadership opportunity for those who may one day become our future decision makers,” Mrs Frecklington said.

Submitted by:
Belinda Pennell
Electorate Officer for
Deb Frecklington MP †Member for Nanango

Can’t Sleep †Try Counting Sheep!!

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Young theatre goers from across the region will be treated to some world class theatre when the enchanting and hilarious show Lily Can’t Sleep is performed at the University of Southern Queensland as part of the annual Children’s Theatre Week in February.

Lily Can’t Sleep, a debase production written by Bridget Boyle and Liz Skitch with David Megarrity, has been especially created for 3 †8 year olds.

“We are thrilled to have Brisbane-based professional theatre company, debase, perform Lily Can’t Sleep at Toowoomba’s USQ Arts Theatre,” said Rebecca Scollen, Manager of USQ Artsworx. “This play appeals and will be entertaining for children and adults alike as it explores the theme that all of us will relate to – having trouble getting to sleep at night.”
Children's Theatre LilyIt’s the story of Lily who has moved to a new house and is about to start at a new school. Everything is changing for Lily and she is finding it hard to get to sleep. On her mother’s advice Lily attempts to count sheep which is a bit hard, what with one of them running amok in her bedroom. As in all good stories, and with the help of the woolly Baarbara, she learns to face her fears and sleeps happily ever after.

Full of laughs, surprises and music Lily Can’t Sleep is sure to keep audiences engaged for the one-hour long performance. This production was especially commissioned for the Out of the Box Festival of Early Childhood in 2006 and has since toured and delighted audiences from Melbourne to Singapore to Malaysia.

With morning and afternoon shows, Lily Can’t Sleep will be presented in the USQ Arts Theatre at 10am on 18 †21 February and 1pm on 17 †20, 22, 23 February 2014. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, $44 for a family, and $8 each for groups of twenty or more and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111 or online at www.usq.edu.au/artsworx.

Submitted by:
Wendy Johnson | Acting Marketing Manager
USQ Artsworx | University of Southern Queensland

Broncos Stars To Visit Dalby Fans

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Arrow Energy are bringing the Broncos to Dalby this Saturday [February 1] to meet Darling Downs supporters at the Arrow Energy-Brisbane Broncos Fan Day.

Fans will be able to get up close and personal with many of the players from the Brisbane National Rugby League (NRL) club at the Dalby Leagues Club (cnr of Orpen and Drayton Street), from 9am to 11am. This is the third time Arrow has made the free regional event possible through its ongoing partnership with the Broncos.

Broncos mascot Buck with a young fan at the 2012 Fan Day. Arrow Energy CEO Andrew Faulkner said the event was exclusive for fans in regional Queensland. “These fan days are always a hit because they allow community members to meet the players and there’s always a relaxed family atmosphere,” Mr Faulkner said. “Many people from Dalby and surrounds usually attend and we also invite Toowoomba fans and regional junior rugby league clubs, too.”
Broncos mascot Buck with a young fan at the 2012 Fan Day. Arrow Energy CEO Andrew Faulkner said the event was exclusive for fans in regional
Queensland.
“These fan days are always a hit because they allow community members to meet the
players and there’s always a relaxed family atmosphere,” Mr Faulkner said.
“Many people from Dalby and surrounds usually attend and we also invite Toowoomba
fans and regional junior rugby league clubs, too.”

Many players including new co-captains Corey Parker and Justin Hodges, former captain Sam Thaiday and local Dalby league star Andrew McCullough, will be there. Fans will be able to play touch football with the players, meet team mascot Buck, grab a photo or autograph from their favourite players, as well as enjoy live music and a sausage sizzle in support of Dalby Devils Junior Rugby League.

Brisbane co-captain Corey Parker said the Broncos players were again looking forward to the fan day and a big 2014 with several large signings. “It’s always good to visit Dalby and meet our regional supporters. It’s our chance to give something back but also to encourage everyone to support the Broncos this year so we can start the year strong and make the finals together,” he said.

“I think it’s important the team continue to visit regional Queensland and meet the people who cheer us on every week but can’t always get to games. “It’s a fun day for the whole family and I’d encourage all fans in Dalby, Toowoomba and surrounds to come along and say g’day.”

Arrow and the Broncos will have stalls on the day as well as displays from local community groups including the Dalby PCYC.

Be there on the day for your free ticket into the draw to win:
ï‚· Gold Prize – Awesome Foursome 2014 family Broncos Membership Pack – 2 Adults and 2 Juniors
ï‚· Silver Prize 2041 Die Hard Fan Membership Pack – 1 Adult
ï‚· 2 x Bronze Prizes – a signed Broncos jersey.

The fan day will also be annual sign on for the Dalby Devils Junior Rugby League teams.

For more details on the event visit: arrowenergy.com.au/FanDay2014 , call Arrow on 1800 038 856.

Congratulations To The 2014 Western Downs Australia Day Award Winners.

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Regional Award Winners
Citizen of the Year Award – Bill Blackley
Bill is an active member of the Wandoan Community and has held numerous executive positions within a wide range of community organisations. Bill was a councillor in the former Taroom Shire Council and was a member of the committee overseeing the amalgamation to the Dalby Regional Council. Bill is a valued and respected member of the Wandoan Community devoting much of his time to the betterment of his community, and Bill is to be commended on his dedication to the Wandoan community over many years.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Christopher Bender
Christopher has a keen interest in politics and national affairs and enjoys public speaking and participating within the local community. He has been a member of the Chinchilla State High School Interact Club, winner of the Chinchilla Lions Club Youth of the Year and has achieved many academic and cultural awards whilst at school and in the community. Congratulations to Christopher on this wonderful achievement at such a young age.

Cultural Award – Jan Ferguson
Jan is a highly committed, active and skilled community. Jan’s initiative is meeting a significant need in our community — this being activities which enrich the lives of those most vulnerable in our region. Through her art classes, Jan brings joy, quality of life and a sense of achievement to the students she works with. Jan has on many occasions given up her time to run the art classes. Jan’s skills as an artist in addition to her care, time, positive reinforcement and adept teaching skills make her an absolute inspiration and someone who deserves recognition. Congratulations on this award.

Sports Achievement Award – Thomas Versace
Thomas has achieved at state, national and international level in the field of sport shooting. Thomas is currently ranked number 2 in the 50m rifle prone. Thomas has achieved a wealth of records and titles throughout his junior career and has now established his placing amongst the best in the world. Congratulatulations to Thomas on his remarkable achievements and all the best for his future shooting career.

Community Project/Event of the Year Award – Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races
Last year was the seventh running of the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel races. Local community groups and artisans are encouraged to participate and benefit financially, with the 2013 festival contributing $80,000 to 20 local community groups. In 2013 the festival drew 11,700 people to the district with wide ranging economic and community benefits, including an estimated visitor spend of $1.4 million.

Dalby and District Local Citizen of the Year Award - Elaine Fox
Elaine has been a volunteer at Pioneer Park Museum for 22 years. Elaine has also been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for 11 years and has volunteered at the Catholic Church for 22 years. Elaine has been an integral part of the Dalby volunteering community.

Dalby and District Local Junior Sports Award  – Dominique Holtkamp
Dominique competed as a member of the Our Lady of the Southern Cross College equestrian team at state level and as a member of the Queensland Interschool Equestrian team at the National Equestrian Championships in Perth last year. She competed in dressage, combined training, showman and showjumping with top 5 placings in all disciplines and was the team reserve champion in combined training.

Dalby and District Local Senior Sports Award – Cameron and Julie McEwan
Both Cameron and Julie have achieved highly in the sport of long range target shooting. Cameron commenced long range target shooting in 1979 at the Dalby-Tara Rifle Club and Julie commenced in 2005. High level competition led to both to being selected to represent Australia at the 2013 F Class World Championships in the USA. This team went on to win the coveted gold medal.

Dalby and District Local Community Project/Event of the Year Award – Cancer Council Dalby Relay for Life
The Dalby ‘Relay for Life’ is an incredible overnight event where the community celebrates cancer survivors, remembers loved ones lost to cancer, and fights back against a disease that takes too much. In 2013, the event raised $62,000 bringing the total funds raised over the past seven years to $380,000.

Information by courtesy of Western Downs Regional Council

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