Love Local News

“Our Birds – feathers, food and fun” is the theme of the 2011 Digital Photographic Competition.

The competition is part of the Crow’s Nest Festival which takes place from 14 – 23 October. Birds play a significant part in our lives. We eat a wide range of domesticated birds and their eggs, we keep birds as pets, and we admire and feed wild birds in our backyards. There are five classes with a total of $3,000 worth of  prizes.

1. Australian Native Birds.
2. Birds as Food. (Subject might be a plate of eggs and bacon, or a roast turkey.)
3. Birds as Pets or Hobbies. (Subject might be a pet budgie, racing pigeons, bantams.)
4. Birds in Conservation. (Indicator species or threatened species are suitable subjects.)
5. Birds on the Web. (An image suitable for publication on the Internet.)

Prizes on offer include:
Two nights for two at O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat, and a day with Trekabout Photography Workshops is the reward for the Grand Champion Image (valued at $980).
Garden and wild bird products from Gardmans and Brunnings plus membership of Birds Australia is the prize for District Champion Image (valued at $825). The District Champion must live in the Crow’s Nest/Highfields District of the Toowoomba region.
$180 cash and membership of Birds Australia for the Junior Champion Image for entrants under 18.
First, Second & Third places and Commended will be awarded in each class at the discretion of the judges from all images other than those awarded a Special Prize.

The organiser of the competition, Grahame Rogers, said that some exciting entries have already been received from all over Australia. Most of the entries so far have come from bird watchers. There are some great photos of our native Australian birds, but very few of the birds we keep as pets or the birds we eat. There are no entries yet from the local district, and no junior entries. This is surprising, given the high quality of the entries each year in the Crows Nest Show, and the great prizes on offer.”

It is still not too late, he says. ”Entries close on Saturday, 1 October.

More information and entry forms are available from the Crow’s Nest Tourism website www.crowsnest.info, or by email to webmaster@crowsnest.info.

submitted by:
Grahame Rogers
Ph 07 4698 1727

As part of its inquiry into the operation of the insurance industry during disaster events, the House of Representatives Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hold public hearings in Toowoomba on Wednesday 28 September, 2011.

The Committee wants to meet people who have encountered difficulties related to their insurance claims after flooding in Toowoomba and surrounding areas.

The inquiry is examining how well insurance companies respond to claims arising from extreme weather events. The public is invited to share their experience relating to:

• accessibility of appropriate insurance and accurate information,
• claims processing and assessments, and
• internal and external dispute resolution processes.

The Committee cannot investigate or rule on particular insurance claims, but invites submissions which address the process of claims and dispute resolution.

 Public hearing – all welcome to attend – Wednesday 28 September, 2011

Laurel Bank Park Hall, 50 Hill Street, Toowoomba

9am to 1pm

Committee Chair Graham Perrett MP wants local residents to make their views known to the inquiry. We are travelling to many affected areas in Australia to hear first-hand experiences. We want to get an accurate picture to inform our recommendations. If people are unable to come they can complete an online survey at: www.aph.gov.au/insurance The survey is open to those who have made an insurance claim following a natural disaster in the last five years,” Mr Perrett said.

The inquiry’s full terms of reference and published submissions are at: www.aph.gov.au/insurance

2011 Young Ambassador Roxanne Parker is putting the finishing touches on floral decorations in preparation for the Ambassadors’ final celebration event this weekend.

The Young Ambassador Program journey will conclude for Ms Parker and 13 other entrants at the Fitton Insurance Charity Race Day at Clifford Park Racecourse on Saturday, September 24. The annual race event, which has been themed South Pacific – Younger Than Spring Time, will also incorporate the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Cup.

The ambassadors are busy with preparations to make this event the fitting conclusion to a whirlwind six-month professional and personal development program. It is also the last opportunity for the ambassadors to raise money for their chosen charity, RACQ Careflight.

Tickets are $75 per person which includes a three-course meal, fashion show and many prizes including a weekend for two in Melbourne to the Lightning Stakes all expenses paid, a premium one-night package at Spicers Peak Lodge and helicopter joy flights.

For tickets, phone Prue on 4638 4233 or email reception@fitton.com.au

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare  announced that A39-002 KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport has completed its first flight in RAAF service on September 16th.

The aircraft took off from RAAF Base Amberley at about 10.40am for a 2 hours and 45 minutes long flight over Roma and the Sunshine Coast, before returning to RAAF Base Amberley.

During the flight the eight personnel on board conducted a check of the aircraft’s systems and crew operating procedures.

Mr Clare said this flight was the next step towards the new air tanker entering service with the RAAF.

This is the most advanced tanker aircraft in the world. It’s an important piece of equipment for our Air Force,” Mr Clare said. It’s an Airbus aeroplane which has been converted into a flying petrol station, which will allow our Hornets, Super Hornets, C-17s and Wedgetail to be refuelled in the air.

It can carry more than 100 tonnes of fuel, and can itself be refuelled by another tanker mid-flight. This means these planes can fly further without having to return to base, making them more effective.”

Mr Clare said the aircraft is operated by Air Force’s No. 33 Squadron from RAAF Amberley. Personnel will now begin an intensive operational test and evaluation flying program for the aircraft. Initial operational capability is expected in late 2012.

Royal Australian  Air Force received two KC-30As during June 2011, with another two due to be handed over by the end of the year. Qantas Defence Services is currently converting the final A330-200 aircraft into a KC-30A tanker at its Brisbane Airport facility, for delivery in 2012.

One of a small fleet of electric vehicles being trialled by Ergon Energy will be taking part in the Grand Central Floral Parade and will be on display at the entry to the Ergon Energy Flower, Food & Wine Festival in Upper Queens Park on the 16th, 17th and 18th of September.

The vehicle is a Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and this may well be the first time an electric vehicle has traversed many of Toowoomba’s Streets.

Submitted by:
Rod Rehbein,
Corporate Communications Manager,
Ergon Energy,
Ph 4153 9813