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Humble Onion May Improve Quality of Life

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An onion a day may keep a cold at bay but also it has the potential to combat obesity, diabetes and an increased blood pressure, according to a new study by University of Southern Queensland (USQ) biomedical scientists.

The study showed that rutin extracted from onions reversed fat stores in laboratory rats, lowered blood pressure, reversed glucose problems and improved liver damage. The USQ research was conducted by Professor Lindsay Brown, Sunil K Panchal, Hemant Poudyal and Thiruma Arumugam and will be published in next month’s prestigious Journal of Nutrition.

Rutin is a non-nutritive component of many foods such as onions, apples, tea and red wine, and has shown health-improving effects in different animal studies but this is the first study concentrating on diet-induced health problems.

USQ Professor Lindsay Brown has studied the effects of rutin on obese laboratory rats.

The study, led by Professor Brown, involved feeding rats a high carbohydrate, high fat diet for eight weeks until they developed signs of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hypertension, fatty liver and cardiac stiffness.

The rats given rutin for a further eight weeks improved the structure and function of the heart and liver, together with improved metabolic signs and less abdominal fat compared with rats given the high carbohydrate, high fat diet.

Professor Brown said that anti-inflammatory responses were the key to the positive responses with rutin. Inflammation can induce weight gain as well as damage to the heart and liver,’ he said. ‘We now have scientific evidence that the adverse effects of the high fat diet in these rats were completely reversed by rutin.”

Professor Brown said he hoped to work with local producers in further research, as well as secure funding for human trials to be conducted What we have found in our rats tells us that rutin could improve the quality and quantity of life in people, with no known side effects,’ he said. ‘While there is still a long way to go with this research, we are encouraged by our findings so far.”

Professor Brown works in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at USQ.

Submitted by
Madeleine.Tiller@usq.edu.au

Mysteries Of Jazz Unveiled

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Mysteries Of Jazz Unveiled

Ever wondered how Ella scats; how Sarah phrases so beautifully; or how Billie can break your heart with her storytelling? These are just some of the mysteries that will be revealed at the MCGREGOR IN THE VINES JAZZ WORKSHOP on 7 and 8 May in Stanthorpe.

Stylish vocalist, MELISSA FORBES, together with renowned Brisbane jazz guitarist, BRUCE WOODWARD will combine forces to help ‘lift the veil’ on the mysterious and often intimidating world of jazz singing and performance. Bruce is a very experienced jazz guitarist and teacher, and has also supported such artists as Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum, George Benson and Sting so anyone interested in jazz guitar would also get a lot out of the weekend,” said Mrs Forbes.

The weekend workshop has been designed to appeal to a range of levels; from amateurs to more experienced musicians. Amateurs can expect to have fun, listen to some experts strut their stuff and  learn in a supportive atmosphere, while others with more experience can expect to deepen their understanding of the art form as well as experimenting with the ideas presented.”

Melissa Forbes

In 2000, Melissa stepped away from her life as a corporate lawyer to begin jazz and contemporary voice studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

I have always loved singing, but didn’t start singing lessons until I was 28.”

Now, much sought-after, Melissa has a successful singing career – having sung alongside Michael Buble, Naturally 7 and more recently David Hobson; her own record label; a reputation as a leading contemporary voice coach; and a position as Lecturer in Voice at USQ.

When I first embarked on formal voice training, it was in the context of a jazz course, and I knew nothing about jazz as a genre. The world of jazz can be intimidating to the uninitiated as it appears as if the musicians are speaking an entirely different language – which in effect they are. But once you grasp that concept, and start to learn the vocabulary of that language, it all becomes far more accessible.”

It is this love and appreciation of the world of jazz that Melissa hopes to pass on to others during the two-day workshop. Participants will learn the essentials of jazz performance including how to learn songs properly and aspects of jazz rhythm, phrasing, storytelling and improvisation, how to communicate with other musicians on the bandstand and the basics of good contemporary vocal technique.

Each day we will cover a mix of theory and practice in jazz, including fun group exercises, ensemble singing and, for those wishing to, opportunities to sing solo and workshop with other performers,” Melissa says.

Part of the USQ McGregor in the Vines series, this weekend getaway combines a love of the Arts with an appreciation of fine food and wine and set in the heart of the Granite Belt at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe. This will be ideal setting to create a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on learning through fun, rather than hard work!”

For further information  call 07 4631 2755 or visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor

Submitted by:
Michelle Fox
USQ Artsworx

Coal Mine Action Group Community Information Evening April 8th

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This evening is  organised by the Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group to up-date residents about the status of mining exploration across outer suburbs of Toowoomba and to share information regarding our group’s progress since our original community meeting. Speakers will share information regarding the  group’s plans for future action.

Speakers approached to address the group include: politicians, mining reps, Qld Govt Mining Registrar, and local residents . John Gordon (Musician) will perform his mining ballad that recently received Australia-wide media attention following it’s ban from ABC radio despite other states giving it air-time. The media will also be in attendance.

DATE: Friday 8th April
TIME: 7pm
WHERE: Gowrie Community Hall- Old Homebush Road Gowrie Junction

Please bring your pens and paper to jot down info as needed. For further information please join our FACEBOOK page- Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group.

See you there,
Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group

Submitted by Lucinda and Dean Paynter
lbo79326@bigpond.net.au

Murphy’s Creek Debris Cleanup & Restoration Project

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The Helidon Hills/Murphy’s Creek Landcare Group in conjunction with SEQ Catchments, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and the Queensland and Australian Governments are hosting a BBQ on Friday 8th April, 2011 to formally launch the Murphy’s Creek Debris Cleanup and Restoration Project.

Representatives from the Helidon Hills /Murphy’s Landcare Group including President, Henk Hagedoorn, and Project Community Coordinator, Snow Manners will be in attendance at the Recovery Centre, Murphy’s Creek Grounds, Jessie’s Lane, Murphy’s Creek, together with representatives from SEQCatchment and Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

This 3 month project will involve the clean-up and limited creek restoration of 24 kilometres of Murphy’s Creek extending from Ballard in the west to where the Fifteen Mile Creek enters, east of Murphy’s Creek township. Its focus is to restore the environmental integrity of the creek.

Cleanup activities will centre on removing the remaining rubbish/litter that accumulated along the creek during the January 10 flood not already removed, as well as removing or moving selected fallen trees that threaten the stability of the creek bank.

Following cleanup efforts some limited restoration activities will occur which will include weed control, revegetation and riparian fencing. On ground activities will commence Monday 11 April 2011.

Submitted by:
Nigel Kimball
nigel@yarramine.com.au

RSPCA Awards Sarbi the Purple Cross

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Sarbi the Explosive Detection Dog has received RSPCA’s most prestigious animal bravery award, the Purple Cross, at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

Sarbi was awarded the Purple Cross by The National President of RSPCA Australia, Mrs Lynne Bradshaw.
It recognises the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding service to humans, particularly if they’ve shown exceptional courage,” Mrs Bradshaw said. I think there’s no doubt that Sarbi has shown an incredible resilience and strength that should be recognised.”

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AC, DSC, CSM, also attended the ceremony. I am very proud of the professional and dedicated work of our combat engineers and dog handlers, and the vital role they play in keeping our soldiers safe on deployment,” said Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie.

I am thrilled that the RSPCA has chosen to honour Sarbi, and by extension, all of Army’s working dogs and their handlers with this award.”

Sarbi went missing in Afghanistan in September 2008 following Coalition contact with Insurgents. During the engagement, nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi’s handler, were wounded.

Sarbi was returned to Tarin Kot in October 2009, after being missing in action for 13 months.

Battered But Not Beaten*

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Writers@Work are collecting oral histories by way of anecdotal short stories experienced by the people of Toowoomba during and after the recent floods. These may include bush ballads, poems, the unusual, and the bizarre.

While we acknowledge the heartbreak and suffering of those who lost loved ones, animals, homes and effects, this compilation is intended to pay tribute to the Aussie Battler spirit that will rise above it.

The finished product is neither for profit or a fund-raising exercise. It is intended to merely assemble this ledger so that it may be lodged in the local libraries as a community memory of this historic, and hopefully, once in a lifetime event.

If you would like to contribute something that fits the criteria listed above, please contact:

Convenor,
toowoombastories@gmail.com
Subject: Battered but not Beaten.

*The uplifting catch phrase used by Premier Anna Bligh throughout the ordeal.

 

Lockyer Valley Flood Recovery Program Enriched with a Drop In Centre at Laidley

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The Drop In Centre in the Lockyer Valley township of Laidley is now operating on each Friday from 9am to 3pm.

The Centre is conveniently situated in Shop 10 in the Laidley Mall opposite IGA. People are invited to visit the Centre and enjoy a cuppa and some homemade refreshments. The aim of the volunteers at the Centre is to provide an atmosphere where people meet and share their friendship. Help is available for anyone not able to cope with their day to day activities.

The Lockyer Valley Regional Council has published newsletters to all the residents of the Lockyer Valley.The important information in the newsletter states that Nobody needs to do this alone”

Everyone is urged to make certain they take advantage of the help that is on offer. It is also important for people to talk and listen to each other – family members, friends and neighbours.  If the situation is still unresolved then it is essential to seek professional help.

Information is available at the Centre for the following agencies –

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Help Line [1300 005 872]
Laidley Crisis Care and Accommodation at 45 Patrick Street Laidley. [Telephone 5465 3302]
Laidley Community Centre 13 Mary Street Laidley.[Telephone 5465 1889]
Lifeline [free phone call for assistance 13 11 14]
Department of Communities [Telephone 1800 173 349]
Red Cross [Telephone 1800 733 111]
Salvo Care Line [Telephone 1300 363 622]
Relationships Australia [Telephone 1300 364 277]
Beyondblue [Telephone 1300 224 636]
Centrelink [Telephone 180 22 66]

Submitted by
Graham Welden.
Laidley Uniting Church
Mobile 0409 610 114

Call for Visual Artists

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Firefly Café is a new and exciting café opening early June 2011 in the heart of Toowoomba.

The café is calling for emerging and professional Visual Artists to be a part of the Group Exhibition titled Brand New Day which will run from 1-29 June and will coincide with the café’s official launch.

The entry fee for artists is $30 each allowing the participants to exhibit 2 works, no larger than 100cm x 100cm. A people’s choice award is up for grabs, proudly sponsored by Immortal Progression Productions.

Applications can be forwarded to interested artists by emailing Chantel at fireflyartsapp@hotmail.com.

Closing date for exhibitors is Monday 23 May at 5pm.

 

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