Toowoomba Municipal Band will present this year’s Toowoomba Hospice Concert “Our Australia” at the USQ Arts Theatre on Saturday 23 June at 7.30pm, and again on Sunday 24 June at 2pm.  Wine and cheese will be available from 6.30pm at Saturday evening’s performance.
Compered by ABC Radio’s David Iliffe the show will feature the Toowoomba Municipal Band, Brendon Walmsley, Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir and the John Penny Singers, Toowoomba Philharmonic Society Choir, The Glennie School Choral Group, Dance Central’s “Velocity” and The Accidentals.  An indigenous dance group will also contribute.
This year’s show follows an annual tradition of quality variety productions from TMB and invited guest artists from the regions music community.   Patrons will enjoy an entertaining portrayal of the uniqueness that is Australia and Australians using music song and dance and poetry.
Bookings for this ninth annual Concert are open at USQ Artsworx Phone 4631 1111 orartsworx.usq.edu.au
This year, the Toowoomba Branch of the National Trust will hold a Free Community Day at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn. Along with this, we will also be hosting the Benjamin Glennie celebrations. These are being held to commemorate the achievements of Reverend Glennie, not only for the church, but also for the Darling Downs. The Drayton Primary School will be putting together some entertainment during the day as well as a refreshments stall, a church service will be held as well as a history talk on Reverend Glennie. Submitted by:Tina Mundt Publicity & Media Toowoomba Branch of the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) 59 Brisbane Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 E: royalbullsheadinn@gmail.com W: www.nationaltrust.org.au/qld/
To protect, conserve and celebrate Queensland’s environmental, built and cultural heritage.
The much anticipated Toowoomba Camellia Show and Garden Expo was launched Friday, 15th June at “The Windmills†in the Cobb and Co/TAFE South-West precinct, corner of Lindsay and Campbell Streets.
Toowoomba Hospice Chair Graham Barron and VIP’s jointly cut a spectacular camellia garland, thus triggering off a series of events to culminate in Queensland’s biggest Camellia Show and Garden Expo on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 July.
Cr Carol Taylor, Hospice chair Graham Barron OAM, Greg Johnson, Camellia Show chair Kevin Cotterell and Jan Johnson (Heritage Bank)
Those events include the much-awaited naming of this year’s Toowoomba Winter Garden and the official Queensland re-launch of a heritage camellia. President Kevin Cotterell said, “The Camellia Show Committee is over the moon with the way in which the show has grown in reputation across the nation”.
“Toowoomba is internationally renowned as “The Garden City†and that’s why more and more visitors come here. There is nothing more fulfilling than taking in our abundant gardens and attractions, plus the goodwill of our community over a beautiful Toowoomba winter weekend.â€Â
As well as a spectacular display of beautiful camellias, the event will boast an expansive Garden Expo with over 40 exhibitors showing a range of plants and products. There’ll be non-stop entertainment; combined car club displays and art, craft and local produce.
Inspirational speakers on camellias, gardening and horticulture include award-wining Dr Stephen Utick, “Gardening for the Good Life’s†Clare Bickle and the “Garden Guru†Phil Dudman, from ABC Gardening Australia.
Kevin Cotterell, Greg Johnson and Lyn Shailer
Committee member Greg Johnson, who is no stranger to colourful outfits, was again at his “floral best†for the launch. He said, “I just love being involved with this event †happy people from near and far, garden lovers all and proceeds to our beloved Toowoomba Hospice. Everyone wins!â€Â
Toowoomba Hospice Promotions and Fundraising Manager, Mark Munro added, “We’re very excited about the 2018 event. Staging Queensland’s largest camellia show in Toowoomba is great for our dedicated gardeners, for tourism and our economy.â€Â
Australia’s most-loved Bavarian restaurant reveals Toowoomba launch plan
The Bavarian makes its highly anticipated debut in Toowoomba next week, bringing family-friendly dining, an unrivalled range of Bavarian food and beers and sports-centric entertainment to Grand Central shopping centre.
First in the Queue were the Balarezo family, Eddie, Rosie and Melanie of Highfields
The Bavarian Toowoomba opened its doors at 11am on Thursday, 14 June with 500 free hot dogs distributed from midday to 3pm.
The newest addition to The Bavarian portfolio seats 350 guests, including 50 outdoors, and boasts stunning restaurant views north toward  Mt Kynoch and Toowoomba’s surrounding mountains. Forty-five full-time and casual positions have been created.
Guests can experience a true taste of Bavarian hospitality, from hearty signature dishes, to those with a contemporary Bavarian twist. There are
17 fabulous beers on tap including imported favourites Löwenbräu, Franziskaner, Stiegl and Hofbräu and a large range of house craft beers supplied by Urban Craft Brewing Co, all of which can be enjoyed from one of the restaurant’s renowned 1-litre glass steins.
The restaurant features a long, timber bar with the group’s signature stein chandelier hanging above. Two features walls, one sprawling with greenery and the other showcasing rustic beer barrels, add to the restaurant’s friendly charm. Natural light streams through ceiling-high glass windows and an expansive, heated outdoor terrace, provides views overlooking Toowoomba’s leafy northern suburbs and out towards the Blue Mountain Heights region. Several large-screen TVs promise an exciting schedule of live sports games.
A lineup of the free Bavarian Hot Dogs awaiting those in the 200 metre queue at the entrance
The diverse menu offers something for everyone, including hearty Bavarian favourites such as the famous crispy pork knuckle, crackling pork belly, a range of classic German and gourmet sausages, generous shared platters and an assortment of schnitzels, including The Schnitzelmeister that weighs in at a whopping 1kg.
The Bavarians’ new range of “loaded schnitzels†are exceptional value for money at $29 each, with the Mexican Schnitty generously topped
with corn chips, chilli con carne, Jack cheese, guacamole and sour cream; The Australian Schnitty loaded with Cheddar cheese,
bacon and egg; and The American Schnitty bursting with bacon, maple and waffle. Hawaiian and Canadian loaded schnitties are also available.
The Bavarian brings some of the best value daily deals to Toowoomba, which are available Monday to Thursday, from 6pm. Guests can try to beat their personal best every Monday with the legendary All You Can Eat Meat Platter ($39 per person), which is refilled with sausages, pork belly, schnitzels and more. On Tuesdays guests can enjoy a hearty schnitzel dish and $300ml beer for just $20. Wednesdays celebrate hump day with a warming $20 sausage and beer combination.
The Bavarian offers a choice of 17 different Beers on Tap featuring German and Craft Beers
A range of lighter bites, including salted pretzels, chicken wings, haus-made pickles and dips, spicy squid and healthy build-your-own salads and wraps offers something for all different tastes. A $15 lunch special combines an über schnitzel with a 300ml beer Monday to Thursday from 11am to 4pm.
Sundays are all about children, with those under 12 eating for free from the kids’ menu. Face painting, entertainment and other kids’ activities are also available and combine to create a fabulous family day out.
Rockpool Dining Group Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pash said The Bavarian Toowoomba was a natural next step for the group’s expansion throughout Queensland.
“Our Bavarian restaurants are a solid restaurant favourite with Queensland diners,†Mr Pash said. “We believe a menu filled with affordable deals and Bavarian classics, as well as local and international draught beers, will be happily welcomed by Toowoomba locals.â€Â
Dining at The Bavarian Toowoomba
The Bavarian Toowoomba joins a growing portfolio of Rockpool Dining Group Bavarian brands in Queensland, which includes Munich Brauhaus South Bank, The Bavarian Chermside, The Bavarian Eagle Street Pier, and most recently The Bavarian Beerhaüs at Bowen Hills.
The Bavarian Toowoomba: Level 2, Grand Central, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350. For more information: thebavarians.com.
Police Minister Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart attended the naming ceremony of Polair 2 at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields.
The Minister and Commissioner joined the late Senior Constable Brett Forte’s wife Susie Forte and Brett’s children, parents and family for the ceremony.
The QPS helicopter, Polair 2, based out of Brisbane, has been formally named ‘Brett A Forte’ in honour of Senior Constable Forte. On May 29, 2017, Senior Constable Brett Forte was shot and killed on duty by an armed offender while executing his duties with the Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad.
On this date and the subsequent day, Polair 2 provided aerial overview enhancing the situational awareness of the siege incident which enhanced the safety of all officers on scene. Polair 2 was the initial helicopter which responded to the incident and is now named in Brett’s honour.
Commissioner Stewart said the ceremony on June 8th was a testament to the courage and sacrifice that Senior Constable Brett Forte gave to our service. “Polair Queensland is an asset to the QPS and it is a great honour that Polair 2 is now named after an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,†Commissioner Stewart said.
“I would like to acknowledge Brett’s wife Susie and family members for their ongoing support throughout this naming process.â€Â
Polair Queensland was established in August 2012 and in July 2014, a second helicopter was engaged to service the greater Brisbane area. This section provides support to areas covering south-east Queensland, which ranges from the border of New South Wales to the Moreton District encompassing Redcliffe and Caboolture.
Polair also supports the Southern Region, including Ipswich and Toowoomba.
Police Minister Mark Ryan acknowledged Brett’s family, particularly his wife Susie, thanking them for their continued support of the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland community.
“Today we recognise the bravery and sacrifice Senior Constable Brett Forte gave to the QPS and the Queensland community,†He said. “The Queensland community can be assured that Polair Queensland are protecting us from above and providing support to police officers on the ground.â€Â
Hundreds of people attended a community information expo for aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The expo, organised by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS) in conjunction with the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network (DDWMPHN), was held at HumeRidge Church of Christ, Toowoomba on Friday 1st June, and featured information booths, NDIS and aged care displays and health and wellness stalls.
DDHHS NDIS Transition Officer Joanne Gilbert with DDHHS Consumer and Community Engagement Officer Donna Lucas at the Expo
DDHHS consumer and community engagement officer DonnaLucas said the expo provided an opportunity for the community to access a vast array of information supporting healthy lifestyles. “We had 66 exhibitors in attendance, giving people the opportunity to connect with local NDIS service providers, aged care service providers and health and wellbeing suppliers,†Ms Lucas said. “The expo provided access to the latest information and the opportunity to explore and connect with care choices, all under the one roof, helping people to find the most suitable options for their particular circumstances,†she said.
Practice Manager of Wiltshire Health Physiotherapy & Psychology, Melinda Stewart, at the ExpoKevin, Camilla and Christine of in-home carers, Right At Home Darling Downs Ph 4692 8204
“We had a lot of great feedback from attendees saying the event was very helpful and well organised and they hope to attend the event again next year.†Exhibitors were from government, government-funded and private sectors, and included the local area co-ordinator for NDIS, AusCare, St Vincent’s Care Services, Mercy Community Services, Toowoomba Transport Services, BlueCare, Big Dog Support Services, Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Australia, Carers Queensland, Lifetec, Right at Home, Anglicare, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health organisations.
Mary-Ellen Dwan, Kim McNair and Jo Bartetzko on the OzCare standPHN’s Martin Ridge and Renata Danisevski promoting Digital Health records
An opening ceremony featured guest speakers Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki, Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio, and DDWMPHN Chief Executive Officer Merrilyn Strohfeldt. The expo was officially opened by Darling Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Mr Mike Horan.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio was a speaker during the official openingChair of Darling Downs Hospital & Health Service, Mike Horan officially opens the Expo
Other Speakers:
Merrilyn Strohfeldt, CEO Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health NetworkDavid Janetzke, Member for Toowoomba South at the Aged Care & NDIS ExpoLyn Campbell delivering a ‘Welcome to Country’ watched on by MC Michelle (Ruby) Schneider
Submitted by:
Michelle Hartnett
Media, Communications and Engagement Unit
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Unit
The Toowoomba Region has a maroon glow from with city landmarks lit up to celebrate Queensland Week through to Sunday, June 10.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio is encouraging the community to wear maroon to show how much we love our state.
“Queensland celebrates its birthday this week and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate our State with maroon mates at events being held across the region,†Mayor Antonio said.
“This year TRC’s Queensland Week events will allow you to get active for your state, wave a flag, wear maroon and even blow out the candles on a lamington sponge birthday cake.
“Toowoomba’s celebrations start at 10am on Queensland Day, Wednesday, June 6 at the Village Green with a flag raising ceremony.
“This will be a perfect lead up to the first rugby league State of Origin match that night.
“Oakey’s celebrations will be at 1.30pm on Saturday, June 9 at the Oakey Historical Museum where participants will be treated to a proclamation of the State and a flag raising ceremony.
“Pittsworth will cap the week with festivities at the Pittsworth Pioneer Village on Sunday, June 10 at 10am featuring entertainment, displays, demonstrations and a flag raising ceremony during the day.
“Throughout the week Toowoomba’s CBD will be awash with a maroon glow with the coloured lights on City Hall, the Outer Circulating Road and the Margaret Street up-lights adjoining Queens Park being changed to honour our state.
Annette Thurgood (St Vincent’s Care Services) and Donna Lucas (Darling Downs Hospital & Health Service) with an invitation to the 2018 Aged Care & NDIS Expo.
A community information expo for aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will be held by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS) in conjunction with the Darling Downs and West Moreton Public Health Network (DDWMPHN) on Friday, 1 June, 2018.
The expo will be from 10am to 2pm at HumeRidge Church of Christ, 461 Hume Street, Toowoomba and will feature information booths, NDIS and aged care displays and health and wellness stalls.
DDHHS consumer and community engagement officer Donna Lucas said the expo provides an opportunity for the community to access a vast array of information supporting healthy lifestyles.
“We have more than 60 exhibitors booked in, giving people the opportunity to connect with local NDIS service providers, aged care service providers and health and wellbeing suppliers,†Ms Lucas said. “Whether you would like to talk to someone about your own care of the care of a loved one, the range of options can seem overwhelming,†she said.
“The expo will provide access to the latest information and the opportunity to explore and connect with care choices, all under the one roof, helping you to find the most suitable options for your particular circumstances.â€Â
Donna Lucas and Debbie from Lourdes talk about the Expo with Gordon Patterson:ÂÂ
Exhibitors will be from the government, government-funded and private sectors, and include the local area co-ordinator for NDIS, AusCare, St Vincent’s Care Services, Mercy Community Services, Toowoomba Transport Services, BlueCare, Big Dog Support Services, Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Australia, Carers Queensland, Lifetec, Right at Home, Anglicare, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health organisations.
An opening ceremony will start at 10.15am featuring guest speakers including Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts, Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki, Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Paul Antonio, and DDWMPHN chief executive officer Merrilyn Strohfeldt. The expo will be officially opened by Darling Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Mr Mike Horan AM.
Anyone wanting to connect with aged care providers or interested in learning more about the NDIS or healthy living options is encouraged to attend. Entry is free and there will be light refreshments.
Two mini buses will be transporting people from retirement villages and aged care facilities who wish to attend the expo †to organise pick up and drop off please phone 0472 863 658.
