Love Local News

In response to the recent flooding, Spring Street Christian Church in Toowoomba is making available its facilities as a rest area for anyone who needs some time out to relax and have a coffee or a cup of tea. We understand this may be a difficult time for many people and we have a care team available for anyone affected by the floods who may need some comfort and support.

Also available are Emergency Relief Packs for anyone who may need them that include toiletries, personal hygiene items, towels and other personal necessities. Our We Care Resource Centre is also open from 9.00am to 5.00pm all week and any person needing clothing, bedding or other items are welcome to come at any time and collect the goods they need at no cost.

If no transport is available we will do what we can to get items out to those who need it.

Please let those in need know to come to the church at any time or contact us if they have no transport.

Lastly, we are receiving donations of all sorts right now which will be distributed amongst those that need it most. If you are in a position to give and would like to do so, please bring your donation to Spring Street Christian Church, 285 Spring Street, Toowoomba or contact the office on 4617 6777.

If you have any questions about the services we have available or you have information you believe we should know, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Stay safe,

Matt Gregg (Pastor)

Voice Report with Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Ray Brown

Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown this morning has advised that the ongoing flood conditions in the Dalby area have not affected residents normal drinking water supply.

I am pleased to report that the town’s water supply is now operating pretty much as routine.

Residents who are connected to the local supply can rest assured that the drinking water supply has not been impacted and potable water is available as normal.

The Dalby bulk supply is currently maintaining its sufficient output to supply the town.”

Cr Brown however reminds residents that Level Six restrictions remain in place.

Residents need to restrict water consumption to 100 litres per person per day which means essential uses such as drinking and showering only, no outside watering and unfortunately no flood clean up.”

For information or flood assistance, contact the Dalby Disaster Management Coordination Centre on 4662 6666.

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Melbourne has disrupted a pirate attack on a tanker in the Arabian Sea.

HMAS Melbourne steamed to the aid of the UK-flagged chemical tanker MV CPO China, which had been boarded by pirates in the Arabian Sea at approximately 1.45pm Bahrain time on Monday, 3 January.
When initially alerted to the incident HMAS Melbourne was approximately 267kms north of the MV CPO China but was able to cover that distance in just over six hours.

The crew of MV CPO China had successfully secured themselves in the ship’s citadel (an anti-pirate stronghold) from where they could maintain satellite communications and control the ship. The engine controls and steering equipment for the tanker are located in the citadel.

While steaming to the aid of the MV CPO China, HMAS Melbourne’s helicopter launched and on arrival in the vicinity of MV CPO China was able to deter the pirates from attempting to take control of the ship. As a result the pirates aborted the attack and left the vessel when HMAS Melbourne arrived on the scene.

HMAS Melbourne’s boarding party embarked on Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), and conducted a boarding of tanker CPO China to secure the vessel.

This is a terrific example of how Australia’s maritime contribution to the Middle East Area of Operations provides another layer of security for the region and to the conduct of trade and suppression of criminal activities,” said the Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General John Cantwell.

One of our objectives for operations in the Middle East is to assist the efforts of the international community in reducing acts of piracy. Our men and women aboard HMAS Melbourne deserve recognition for their role in providing maritime security and countering piracy in the Arabian Sea.

This is one of those occasions where their efforts have become highly visible,” he said.

Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations and countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden.