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As the Queensland Government prepares to launch a new campaign in the war against soaring obesity rates, the 2013 Toowoomba Telegraph Peak2Park has again reiterated their original charter. Obesity rates in Queensland have doubled in less than a decade with one-third of this State’s adults measured as obese in 2011-12, making the Sunshine State the obesity capital of the nation. And more than one-quarter of Queensland children are overweight or obese.

The original 2005 charter of Healthy Active Lifestyles Toowoomba (HALT), organisers of the annual Peak2Park event, was to address the growing obesity epidemic sweeping Australia, and particularly as it affects children. And to this end, HALT organisers this year have made contact with 26 Catholic and Private schools and 58 state schools throughout the region.

“Studies have shown that once children become obese they are more than likely to stay that way through to adulthood,” HALT media spokesperson Neil Brown said. “And that brings with it an increased risk of developing both short and long-term health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We want to encourage people, especially youngsters, to get active, participate in exercise and eat healthy, but not just for one day but to make a positive change in their overall lifestyle habits.”
This year’s event, including the 4km and 10km journeys, will be held on Sunday, March 3, with more than 3000 people expected to take part. Both courses, the 4km, which starts at 7.30am and 10km (7am start) are from Picnic Point and finishing at Lake Annand.

Funds raised in this year’s event will go to the Toowoomba Hospice, Teen Challenge and Fresh Hope, a rehabilitation centre for mothers and their children.

To register go to www.peak2park.org.au Entries can also lodged at Willows Health and Lifestyle Centre, Kitchener Street, Toowoomba, or sign up at one of the two sign-on days at Grand Central, outside Rebel Sport, from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, February 23 and March 2.

Arts and racing enthusiasts alike are in for a treat at the USQ Artsworx ‘Tracking the Arts Race Day’ in March. A popular favourite in the Artsworx season, Race Day is not only a great day out, but also an important fundraising event for the University’s production house.

Artsworx Manager, Rebecca Scollen said, a flourishing arts scene is the sign of a healthy community. We strive to deliver accessible arts experiences to the local and wider community and in doing so, contribute to the fibre of our community’s cultural well-being.”

Community engagement is a vital aspect of our core business – and it is the support of our audiences, participants, sponsors and partners which in-turn plays a key role in enabling us to continue to deliver into the future. Race Day is our only fundraiser for the year and we put a lot of effort into making it a real showcase for our products and students.”

Billed as an ‘arty day at the races’, the program will show-off the skills and wares of USQ Creative Arts staff and students. Guests will be serenaded by USQ singers and musicians; a fabulous range of artworks by USQ Visual Arts Lecturers feature in the silent auctions; and Australian artist and McGregor School tutor, Don Milner will paint a masterpiece throughout the afternoon, with the final piece included in the live auction.
Also on the program will be a live auction of collectable items including a stylish armchair reupholstered by local artisan, Laurens Otto. Laurens is a wonderful craftsman who is one of our most popular tutors at the McGregor Summer School – and we are especially pleased to be able to share his extraordinary skills.

He has taken a tired old armchair and transformed it into a stylish, one-off piece of furniture which is sure to be much admired and sought after.”

True to race day tradition, the event will include a full afternoon of racing; fashions on the field with prizes awarded to best-dressed lady, best dressed man and best hat; and a fashion parade featuring garments, hats and fascinators by local emerging designers.

And to finish the evening, we have a DJ to spin some retro vinyl to get our guests up and dancing.  Proceeds from the day will go directly towards the 2013 season assisting in the production of events that involve USQ Creative Arts students, such as the Shakespeare in the Park Festival, Children’s Theatre Week, concerts and visual art exhibitions.”

The ‘Tracking the Arts Race Day’ commences at 4pm on Saturday 9 March in the Grand Marquee at Clifford Park. Tickets are $65 each (with tables of ten available) and include complimentary drink on arrival, delicious 2-course meal and a ticket in the lucky door prize.

Bookings close on 1 March and can be made through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111 or online at www.usq.edu.au/artsworx

Submitted by:
Michelle Fox
USQ Artsworx

Doctors’ concerns for the mental health of residents following devastating storms and floods have prompted AMA Queensland to reactivate its highly successful ‘See the Signs’ campaign urging friends and family to look out for each other.

AMA Queensland President Dr Alex Markwell said judging by experience from past disasters there is a marked increase in mental health issues. An AMA Queensland survey following the floods in 2011 found around 40% of Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba residents were very concerned about the mental health of family and friends,” Dr Markwell said. “Almost 60% of doctors had seen or expected to see a spike in mental health cases. This time round, even those who weren’t flooded still have to cope with the fear and upheaval.”

Dr Markwell said AMA Queensland had developed a pre-emptive strategy to help everyone recognise the symptoms of psychological distress and avert any further distress.

We urge everyone to be aware of the signs to help identify is someone isn’t coping,” she said. We are hoping that this time around people will take more notice of their own thoughts and behaviours, and that of family and friends. AMA Queensland, with the support of Queensland Health, is relaunching its poster and radio campaign to help people ‘See the Signs’.”

The Sevens Signs identified by AMA Queensland to help indicate whether a person is having difficulty:

Complaints of continued poor sleep with ongoing nightmares.

Observations a person is easily overwhelmed, tearful or fragile.

The use of drugs or alcohol to suppress intense emotions or to try and achieve sleep.

A pattern of withdrawing from family and friends and not engaging in day to day discussions that generally allow people to slowly debrief.

Problems performing at work such as struggling to concentrate on the job at hand.

Startling easily and declining invitations for social engagements and other usually pleasurable activities.

Increased or unreasonable irritability with family, workmates or friends.

Single parents and children between eight and 15 years of age are considered most at risk of a mental illness following a natural disaster. Elderly people are also at risk, especially in situations where family members or carers have been affected.

Girls, women, small business owners and ethnic minorities are at greater risk of developing post a traumatic stress disorder as are rescue workers, volunteers and those with a direct exposure to trauma.

To find your nearest GP visit www.findadoctor.com.au.

AMA Queensland is the state’s peak health organisation which exists to advance the professional interests of doctors and the health of the community. It is an independent organisation which represents 5,500 doctors – public and private specialists and general practitioners

Please come and support local Toowoomba girl, Ashleigh Ellem, who is an Australian Finalist in the
Miss Teen Galaxy Australia pageant.

PROCEEDS FROM THE NIGHT GO TO MAKE-A-WISH AUSTRALIA.

Event: Costume Gala Buffet

Date: Saturday 16th March, 2013

Time: 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Venue: Toowoomba City Golf Club, 254 South Street, Toowoomba

Cost: $100 per person or $95 per person when booking a table for 10

Entertainment included on the night will be: music, Photo Booth, wishing well, raffles throughout the night, lucky door prize, $100 money boards, best costume male/female. Auction of a day cruise on a $2,000,000 luxury boat for up to 20 people, on the Gold Coast, whip cracking by Patrick O’Leary, appearance by X Factor’s Adil Memon and much more!

RSVP:  By Wednesday 6 March, 2013 as tickets are limited. If buying tickets post to: P.O. Box 232 Southtown, QLD, 4350

Contact:  Ashleigh -  ashleighellem@gmail.com   0427 402 302    or Patsy – 0407 346 255

To forestall inclement weather, our event has been moved to the Lockyer District High School Hall, William Street Gatton. The movie we will be showing is ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2’. BBQ/Canteen will be available. Children under 12 to be supervised by a responsible adult.

Submitted by:
Wyatt Cook-Revell (Secretary)
On Behalf of the Lockyer Valley Regional
Youth Council Executive Team
Mob: 0477 932 984
E: wyattcookrevell@yahoo.com.au

As from Friday 15th February, Cressbrook Dam has reopened for all recreational use, following its closure due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald on the Australia Day long weekend.
Boating, day use and camping and land-based fishing are now permitted at the dam. The dam was closed to boating when water flowed over the spillway making it unsafe for this pursuit.
However, dam users are advised that any significant rainfall in the catchment area may result in the dam being closed under Council’s Emergency Action Plan.

Cooby Dam at Loveday Cove is now open for recreational uses including boating, however Cooby Dam wall remains closed.