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A Queensland Green Army project that gave six recruits the skills and experience they need to find jobs in recycling or waste management wrapped up in Toowoomba recently after 23 weeks.

Lifeline received funding of $228,000 under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to help 12 people through two intakes to get the skills they needed to find jobs.  Three people from the previous intake that graduated in February have now found full-time work.

The six recruits were split into two groups so that they would all get the chance to learn all about recycling and waste management at Lifeline’s Distribution Centre and at the Smart Tip Shop.

Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the project had helped the wider community while offering the participants an excellent chance to sharpen their workplace skills. He said that the Lifeline Green Army Recycling project was just one of numerous Queensland’s Green Army projects currently underway throughout the state.

Lifeline Business and Community Workplace Project Coordinator Angela Klein said that a few of the participants were keen to obtain the forklift qualification and this was completed during their work placement. We’ve also helped each person to improve their resume and we will keep supporting them as they start searching for their next jobs.”

If you are interested in participating in a Green Army Work Placement please register on the Green Army website www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au.

Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine is encouraging Toowoomba residents to think about their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes this National Diabetes Week (11 -17 July 2010).

Mr Shine said diabetes was the fastest growing chronic disease in the state, with more than 250,000 Queenslanders living with the disease. In 2007 it was estimated 50 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in our state each day, but if current trends persist, by 2031 this number is expected to have tripled to about 160 new diagnoses each day.” Mr Shine said.

According to Diabetes Australia Queensland, it is estimated there are currently 7800 Toowoomba residents who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes – however, research suggests that for every person diagnosed, there could be another person living with the disease unaware that they have it.

This year’s National Diabetes Week theme is Don’t be the type to leave it too late which highlights the serious complications of diabetes and what can be done to prevent it.  Associated complications include chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, blindness and lower limb amputation.

Mr Shine said  it is never too late to engage in healthy eating patterns and physical activity to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. I encourage residents to log on to the Diabetes Australia Queensland ‘Are you at risk’ website www.areyouatrisk.com.au and do a simple risk assessment to find out if they are at low, intermediate or high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Kerry Shine MP

State Member for Toowoomba North
Phone: 4638 5755  Fax: 4638 4056

Email: toowoomba.north@parliament.qld.gov.au

A talented new eight-member ensemble will bring their fanciful musical style to the Jondaryan Woolshed for the Big Country Sunday Brunch on 18 July.

With two guitarists, three vocalists, a pianist, a drummer, and a jack-of-all-instruments, Hopney Moffett create unique interpretations of jazz, funk, rock, pop and folk hits, as well as their own original music.

With so much talent to draw on, the result is often surprising, occasionally eclectic but always enjoyable, and the band’s aim is to bring joy to their audience.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor says the Jondaryan Woolshed plays an important role in supporting and publicising regional  musical talent.

The Woolshed provides a monthly stage for local artists and entertainers and has helped many of them to establish and maintain successful careers”

Since the band was formed only two years ago, Hopney Moffett has developed a reputation for being a fun all-0ccasion band and has played at the recent Hampton High Country Food & Arts Festival, the Helidon Jazz Festival in 2009 and at the Breaking Free Concerts in 2008 and 2009.

Hopney Moffett released their first CD “I’m Just So Excited About Myself” in June 2009.

The Big Country Sunday Brunch provides outstanding value for money with a homestyle cooked breakfast, entertainment and access to the Jondaryan Woolshed’s attractions – including guided tours and sheep shearing demonstrations – for only $25 for adults and $12 for children.

Bookings are essential.

Call (07) 4692 2229 or visit www.jondaryanwoolshed.com

John Osborne

Chief Executive Officer,  Jondaryan Woolshed

Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) is seeking expressions of interest from home owners in the Toowoomba Regional Council area to participate in this year’s Sustainable House Day in September.

We are seeking local owners of sustainable houses willing to open their houses to the public between the hours of 10am and 4pm on Sustainable House Day, Sunday 12 September 2010” HOPE President Frank Ondrus says.

Houses need to display a variety of sustainable features, including energy and water efficient products and practises, sustainable building and design features, and can either be a new, renovated or retrofitted dwelling”.

Mr. Ondrus said that this year’s Sustainable House Day, a national event presented by Solar Shop Australia and to be managed locally by HOPE, is expected to be the biggest yet as hundreds and thousands of Australians continue to embrace renewable energy, recycling and other practices to lesson our impact on the environment.

With homes scheduled to open around the country on Sunday 12 September, the event – in its ninth year – continues to grow in popularity as people seek more sustainable ways of living” Mr. Ondrus said.

Homes will be open to the public for free, and it is a fantastic opportunity for owners of sustainable homes to provide unbiased advice on working concepts, plans and ideas to people who want to make their homes more sustainable, but who are often confused about where to start”.

Interested home owners wanting further information and to express their interest in participating in Sustainable House Day asked to contact Mr. Frank Ondrus on (07) 4639 2135 by the 30^th July 2010.

A public lecture conducted by the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Toowoomba – 20 July 2010

Louise Schofield, an internationally recognized archaeological expert, will present a lecture on Ethiopian art and archaeology for the Toowoomba Group of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (ADFAS) on 20 July.

Following a career as Curator of Greek Bronze Age and Geometric Antiquities at the British Museum, Louise is now engaged in conducting archaeological projects in Ethiopia, Turkey and Greece.  Her latest book The Mycenaeans was published jointly by the British and Getty Museums.

Ethiopia is a mysterious and deeply atmospheric country steeped in history and legend. Its people live a life that is truly biblical and timeless surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Their ancient history features countless famous names including that of the Queen of Sheba who is reputed to have once ruled over large stretches of the north of the country. Drawing on her extensive background in the archaeology and art of Ethiopia, Louise will inform and entertain her listeners.

Louise Schofield’s lecture will be given in the Glennie Room, The Glennie School, Herries Street, Toowoomba on Tuesday 20 July starting at 6.45 pm and will be followed by supper. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The cost is $20 for persons who are not members of ADFAS and $10 for students.

For further information about Louise Schofield’s lecture and about membership of ADFAS contact the Secretary of ADFAS, Toowoomba on 07 4636 6164.

PROGRAM

Saturday 10^th July, 2010

HumeRidge Church of Christ Hall, 469 Hume Street, Toowoomba

8-30 -9-00am            Registration, Morning Tea and view Displays

MC: Alma Moore

9-00am -9-05am               Announcement by Town Crier Ralph Cockle

9-05am – 9-15am              Welcome Annette Buckley President T&DDDG

9-15am -10-00am             Official Opening – Dr  Doug Birrell (Physician

Specialising In Diabetes Management) The ‘How and Why” of taking control”

10-00am – 10-45 am       Dr Gilda Kert – Eye Specialist & Surgeon

Diabetic eye disease-the thief of sight”

10-45am – 11-30am          Julie Mathieson – Dietitian

Managing the Market. Taking control of food shopping”

11-30am -12-15pm            Dr. Andrew Cotterill– Juvenile Type 1

Type 1 Diabetes care for children in regional, rural and remote Queensland  – How to get the best for your kids”

12-15pm – 1-00pm              Lunch, View Displays and Raffle Draws

(A Donation towards Catering Costs would be appreciated )

1-00pm- 1-45 pm                Dr. Sheila Cook – Endocrinologist

“Diabetes Care when you are flying the nest”

1-45pm -2- 30pm                John Schuh – Fitness Personal Trainer

Diabetes Enemy = ‘Exercising With Weights’”

2-30pm – 3-15 pm             Lynne McCleary – Credentialed Diabetic Educator

Diabetes and Sexual Dysfunction”

3-15pm- 4-00pm                Lisa DeJong – Podiatrist

Get Smart – CONTROL stays one step ahead of KAOS”

4-00pm                      Close by Annette Buckley (President T & DDDG)

FREE ENTRY

Registration Essential phone 0427 306215 or 0428 487540

Trade displays for all to view

Thanks for all the help and support that you give our group.

Sincerely

Alma Moore, Secretary,

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Diabetic Group INC

PO Box 600, Annand Street,  Toowoomba  Q 4350

Fax/Ph: 07 4630 6215   Mob: 0427 306215