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In the month of October police will perform an extensive traffic enforcement blitz of the Darling Downs police district which will include all roads not just the major highways in the major communities of the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, Warwick and Goondiwindi.

Last week has unfortunately seen the number of lives lost due to road incidents in the Darling Downs police district increasing to twenty eight. The impact has been felt by the families, community, police and emergency services officers.

Acting Superintendent Joe Whyte said: We find this loss of life unacceptable and traumatic to say the least as these fatalities involve the deaths of valued members of our community.”

In response to this figure, police give fair warning of the large overt operation involving numerous members of the Road Policing Unit from Brisbane and the Darling Downs.

It is a worrying trend that the demographic is male above the age of 30 years, and primarily above the age of 40 years. Further the fatal incidents are not just peculiar to our major highways and have often occurred on country roads,” Acting Superintendent Whyte said:

This is a community problem which can be fixed if people follow the road rules, show consideration and patience for other road users, be attentive at all times whilst driving a vehicle and drive to road conditions.”

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

Issued by Crime Prevention
Darling Downs District
Phone – 07 4631 6733
www.police.qld.gov.au

Ever wondered what the Freemasons’ secret handshake is or why they wear aprons?

It’s that mystique that is expected to attract big visitor numbers when the Neil Street Masonic Centre throws open its doors for the inaugural Toowoomba Open House. The Masonic Centre will be one of 17 historic buildings taking part in the city’s first Open House event on Sunday, October 6.

Built in 1886, the Neil Street Masonic Centre is one of Toowoomba’s most significant heritage sites and older than the well-known adjoining Empire Theatre, which was constructed in 1911. The Neil Street Masonic Centre was built by James Renwick on a one-acre site in the centre of town, which was reportedly purchased for $900.

Local Freemason Roger Turnbull said the Southern Cross Lodge was looking forward to sharing the colourful history of its headquarters. “We’ve had a few information nights here before, but this is the first time we’ve opened the whole building to the general public for a full day,” he said.

“When people come inside the Neil Street Masonic Centre they are often quite surprised by the building’s historic features.

“Visitors will be able to walk through the main lodge room with its impressive curved ceiling, organ loft, and Grand Master’s chair. The downstairs hall and supper room will also be open.” The public will have the opportunity to meet local Freemasons and Grand Lodge officers, as well as ask any questions they may have about Freemasonry.

“There’s still quite a bit of mystique surrounding our organisation, but Freemasonry has moved with the times and is now more open about its activities,” Mr Turnbull said. “Freemasonry welcomes men from all walks of life and the average age of new members in Queensland is 38.

“Our core values are mateship, caring and integrity and our main aim is to help good men live better lives.”

During the Second World War, the lower floor of the building was occupied by the Australian army from 1943 until 1945. Today the centre is home to four local Lodges and the building is one of Toowoomba’s most significant heritage sites.

Submitted by:
Michelle Cull
Big Splash Communications
P: 07 3399 4000

 

Now in its 64th year, the iconic Grand Central Floral Parade will once again wend its way through the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD to Queens Park on Saturday, September 21.

The Parade starts at the new time of 3pm and the theme is “A Storybook of Colour”.

Toowoomba Regional Council Tourism and Events Chair, Cr Geoff McDonald, said 37 incredible floats will take to the streets this year, with each one telling a fascinating and unique story that could win you a share in $5000 worth of prizes. “Each float will have a number to identify it, so Parade-goers are being asked to write down the ‘theme’ of each individual float (next to the corresponding number on their official entry form),” Cr McDonald said.

“Then all they have to do is submit their entry at any of the public address points along the Parade route.

A firm family favourite, the Grand Central Floral Parade promises to deliver a spectacular line-up of fresh floral floats, street performers, carnival characters, stilt walkers, walking groups and live bands all led by the Grand Central float carrying this year’s celebrity Grand Marshall – Alex the Lion from Madagascar!

Cr McDonald said even the smallest of crowd members can make their artistic mark on the Parade route (before it starts) with free pavement chalk distributed by volunteers. “This much-loved event attracts many tens of thousands of people annually, so remember to arrive early in order to secure the best spot and your complimentary parade cheering stick.

“And don’t forget that 3pm starting time.”

The fun continues at the Godsall Street Oval at the conculsion of the Parade, with floats on display for a closer viewing and entrants selling the potted colour, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables straight off their floats.

For more information on all Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events, please go to www.tcof.com.au or call the team on 131 872.

Submitted by:
Madeleine Tiller
Online Communities Officer
Toowoomba Regional Council

Calling all car lovers!

Witness the history of motoring unravel before your eyes, as car enthusiasts compete for the coveted Carnival Classic Car Awards.

Toowoomba Regional Council Tourism and Events Chair Cr Geoff McDonald says the awards will take place Saturday, September 21 at the Godsall St Oval, Queens Park, Toowoomba.

This is one to really get car lovers licking their lips,” Cr McDonald said. With 12 trophies up for grabs, the free event is one of the region’s most popular car show & shines, showcasing some of the chic-est chassis to ever grace our highways.

In addition to the classic beauties, there is a wild chapter of hot rods, street machines and motor bikes on display. Competitors will be judged from 11am with winners announced shortly after 2pm.

For more information on all Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events please go to www.tcof.com.au or call the team on 131 872.

Submitted by:
Darren Burton
Media Relations Officer
Toowoomba Regional Council

Looking for a Carnival bargain?

Toowoomba Regional Council Tourism and Events Chair, Cr Geoff McDonald, says there’s no better value than the special price of $6 entry (from 10am until 3pm) on Friday, September 20 to the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival.

“This is the one for the early Carnival visitors,” he said.

“Even more so for parents with kids, it gives you a great day’s entertainment which includes our Play Space with Kids in the Kitchen workshop, Farmer Rob, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and a host of other activities.

“Whether you come for the day or want to stick around and make a night of it, it’s our way of letting families enjoy the afternoon.  But if you can’t make it until after work, then there’s still exceptional value, with tickets just $25 for an adult ($20 concession), $12 for a child pass and $60 for a family for the evening program including the Heritage Live Concert performances”

For more information on all Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events, please go to www.tcof.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/CarnivalFlowers call the team on 131 872.

Submitted by:
Madeleine Tiller
Online Communities Officer
Toowoomba Regional Council

 

The Darling Downs District – Toowoomba Crime Prevention Unit would like to remind residents of the importance of securing and removing property in their vehicles.

It can be tempting for motorists to leave vehicles unsecured even for short periods of time. Vehicles that have been locked but have property visible have been targeted by opportunistic offenders.

Police have identified a trend in property being left visible in vehicles,” said District Crime Prevention Coordinator, Sergeant Scott McGrath. An offender will usually act on easy or tempting opportunities, and when the risk of being caught is low.

One of the easiest forms of security is simply to lock and remove items of property from your vehicle. This should apply regardless of whether the vehicle is parked on streets, in carparks, or at home. Most offenders are usually looking for cash, handbags, wallets or small valuable items such as jewellery, DVD players, mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players and other electrical items.”

Police and Volunteers in Policing will be conducting security audits of vehicles in many areas of  Toowoomba in the coming weeks to raise awareness and remind motorists to ‘Remove It’!

For more information about property security, go to: www.police.qld.gov.au and follow the links to crime prevention.

Issued by Toowoomba Crime Prevention Unit
Phone – 07 4631 6 733