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Toowoomba is celebrating the incredible creative talent of the outback at the Bush Christmas Exhibition, showcasing the works of 110 leading rural and remote artisans from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 November.

The exciting collection of handmade gifts, stunning artworks and gourmet delights is like nothing else around, and the quality of workmanship in each piece will ensure the perfect addition to any Christmas list.

Organiser Liz McClymont said Bush Christmas has been celebrating the incredible talent we have in rural and remote areas by recognising and promoting the unique and innovative work and providing each exhibitor with an avenue to promote and sell their work to a wider audience.

Affordability, quality and innovation are the characteristics that make this event unique and the diverse range and degree of excellence in every piece has helped to promote and support the artisans,” Mrs McClymont said.

With new exhibitors and some of the old favourites on display, you are sure to find something you love that is unique and generally not available in stores.” An extensive range of exciting products is for sale with everything from exquisite jewellery, textile creations and works of art, to beautiful homewares, soaps, books and cards.

The imaginative culinary creations of the bush will be on display with a multitude of gourmet delights and hampers which arecharacteristic of the heartwarming tastes of the country kitchen. And the kids have not been forgotten with inspiring handcrafted toys, clothes, accessories and books to enjoy.
The exhibition is set up as a gallery style sale of works, so it is easy to explore and find what you are looking for. With stocks replenished daily, there will always be something new and exciting to see no matter what day you attend.

Get a taste for some of the beautiful creations that are available for sale by visiting www.bushchristmas.com

15th Annual Bush Christmas Exhibition
Friday 18 November to Sunday 27 November 2011
9.00am to 6.00pm daily (Free admission)
58 Neil Street Toowoomba (Masonic Centre next to Empire Theatre)

Rosalie Gallery, Mocatta Street Goombungee is currently exhibiting Country Couture” an extraordinary exhibition of 50 years of frocks and accessories owned by Mrs Dulcie Mason of Oakey, formerly of Acland.

While milking cows and tending her chickens, Dulcie, a farmer’s wife dreamed of dancing. She sold over 1000 eggs per week in Toowoomba in order to afford the very best of fabrics and trims for her gowns. Dulcie now 88 years old designed one new dress a year and her friend the late Thelma Beutel an expert local seamstress sewed them.

It is a story of true friendship, heart warming memories and frocks fit for a country princess. Frocks, numerous handbags, hats, gloves, stories and memories are all on show at the gallery.

A crowd of over 150 people of all ages attended the official opening of Country Couture” on Friday 18th November at 7.00 p.m by Prue Acton O.B.E. In her address, Ms Acton said  The choice of clothes we wear on important occasions mark these rites of passage forever in our hearts. I hear these stories everywhere I go – the first job, the first ball gown, 21st birthdays, weddings and christenings.”

“I also want to highlight, while I can,  that they are part of a story where towns and enterprises die through lack of big picture thinking. The price of so called “progress” can just be too high,” said Ms Acton.

Special guests were Mrs. Dulcie Mason, Prue Acton O.B.E. and the Mason & Beutel families.   A country style supper was served after the opening.
Rosalie Gallery opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The exhibition continues until 4th December.

Story and Photos by Jenny Gersekowski

Toowoomba and Darling Downs residents will be treated to an afternoon of high fashion when former Toowoomba woman and couturier to the stars, Jacqueline Buck arrives this weekend.

Iconic family business, Wagners, is sponsoring the event for the Endeavour Foundation South West Committee in conjunction with the Downs Club, Cracker Print and Paper, Toni Ross Hair, Kate-e-h and Zazi Mineral Cosmetics.

Designer Jacqueline Buck with two of her creations modelled by Rachael Parker.

The former “Glennie Girl ‘ said she was excited to travel back to her hometown to present her latest collection which will feature items shown at the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival. I am really looking forward to coming home to present some of my designs and I hope to bring something new to Toowoomba,” Ms Buck said. I have always supported the Endeavour Foundation so I jumped at the opportunity to get involved and help raise much needed money for them.”

With her genuine, down to earth nature Ms Buck identifies with the needs of each client, working meticulously to create their dream dress. Whether it’s a unique outfit for the races, a cocktail party, black tie event or for the most special day of all, your wedding day, Ms Buck will delight you with her creativity and impeccable standard of craftsmanship.

Sourcing beautiful fabrics and materials from around the world, Jacqueline uses only natural fibres, which ensures each and every piece she has designed reaches its full potential.

Last year Jacqueline announced the release of a new second label in addition to her established line of Couture, a ready to wear collection under the label ‘Jacqueline Buck’ which was launched at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival held at Brisbane’s Southbank in August 2010.

Tickets for the event are $80 which includes champagne, raffle tickets, canapes and entertainment. The event will be held on Saturday, 19th November from 4 to 7pm at the Downs Club, Mylne Street, Toowoomba. Tickets are available from the Endeavour Foundation office at 88 Russell Street or by phoning 4619 9300.

Endeavour Foundation was established in 1951 and supports over 3,500 Australians with a disability in over 200 locations. Endeavour has services in the following regional areas providing opportunities for people with a disability.

QLD Cairns, Mareeba, lnnisfail, lngham, Townsvilie , Ayr, Home Hill, Blloela, Bowen, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg , Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Gymple, Sunshine Coast, Metropolitan Brisbane, Gold Coast, lpswich, Gatton, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Roma,Stanthorpe, Warwick. NSW Castle Hill, Mt Druitt, Seven Hills.

The Lions Club of Toowoomba West will once again stage Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland throughout the month of December. Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland has now grown to be one of Queensland’s biggest light extravaganzas with over 50,000 people visiting the lights display each and every year since 2006.

However to run this event, there is a need for volunteers. Last year the community responded in grand fashion and there is a need for the same this year. Volunteers are needed each night & also during the day. The day work is simple. Just bring a good book, pull up a chair and keep on eye on the display. If any visitors pop in, just advise to come back at night.

If you would like to volunteer and join in the spirit of Christmas, please log on to www.christmaswonderland.com.au and go to the Volunteers Roster.

Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland will run 7.00pm – 10.00pm each night from the 3rd December to 24th December 2011 in the Botanical Gardens of Queens Park.

The Millmerran Historical Society is holding an Open Day on Sunday, 13th November from 10am – 3pm celebrating 100 yrs of rail to Millmerran.

Highlights of the day will be the launch of the book From Beauaraba to Back Creek” written by local author Grant Uebergang, and official opening of the relocated Yandilla Railway Cream Shed. The programme will commence with an Ecumenical Thanksgiving at the Railway Station.

Local Bush Poet Gary Fogarty will MC, and Town Crier Ralph Cockle willl introduce the formalities. Windy City Jazz Band will entertain throughout the day. Don’t miss the local Arts & Crafts Group’s Fashion Parade of 100 years of fashion. Vintage Cars and Trucks and Darling Downs Model Railway Club are some of the many displays. There will also be children’s activities, mini train rides and BBQ and light refreshments available.

Entry is by Gold Coin donation.

Sponsored by Toowoomba Regional Council and Heritage Building Society.

Submitted by:
Pat Walsh (Secretary/Treasurer
Millmerran Historical Society

Cancer Council Queensland has launched its new lodge for cancer patients, naming the Olive McMahon Lodge  after a local lady who left over $1 million to CCQ in her Will. CCQ also received a $3 million grant from the Queensland Government’s three-year $15 million Regional Patient Accommodation Scheme to purchase the former motel.

The premises at 2 Scott Street, East Toowoomba have been extensively remodelled and refurbished to provide a home away from home for cancer sufferers from across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland as they undergo therapy in Toowoomba. The Lodge offers 45 beds, an equivalent of 15,000 accommodation nights per annum.
Dignitaries attending the opening included CCQ’s chairman, the Hon. Justice Richard Chesterman AO RFD, CEO Professor Jeff Dunn and local State parliamentarians. Deputy Mayor, Cr Paul Antonio represented Toowoomba Regional Council. Representatives of the late Olive McMahon’s family, Olive’s sister Fran Donaldson and nephew Neil Donaldson assisted Justice Chesterman with the unveiling.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn said “Thousands of patients will benefit from this facility, enjoying a chance to recover from cancer treatment in a comfortable setting with all the support they need from the Cancer Council. This is a great achievement for regional cancer patients and a great outcome for the people of South West Queensland.”

Donations towards the $500,000 annual running costs are welcomed, and can be made online at www.cancerqld.org.au  or by phoning Cancer Council Queensland’s Toowoomba office on 4690 5800