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Highfields’ Kratzke Oval Set To Host Cardinal Cup


Last years AFL Grand-Finalists, the South Toowoomba Bombers will host a pre-season tournament known as the Cardinal Cup at the home of the Highfields Lions, Kratzke Oval.

Fellow AFL Darling Downs clubs, the Goondiwindi Hawks, Warwick Redbacks and Toowoomba Tigers along with Park Ridge AFC (Jimboomba) from the South East, will converge on Kratzke Oval across the two days to prepare for the season ahead. South Toowoomba Bombers President, Keith Neumann said it was a great opportunity to prepare for the new season.

“It’s been a long pre-season and this is another opportunity for us to blow out the cobwebs and look ahead to a massive year in the newly restructured AFL Darling Downs men’s competition. Not only is it a great preparation on-field, but off-field, it gives us an opportunity to fund raise and prepare as volunteers for the regular season.”

“Both our men’s and women’s teams are looking forward to the hit out, we believe 2017 the Bombers will be producing something special,” President Keith Neumann added.

The South Toowoomba Bombers women’s team will also take to the field on Sunday afternoon as they come up against the reigning premiers, the Toowoomba Tigers.

All the action kicks off from 1:00pm Saturday, when the Goondiwindi Hawks play the Toowoomba Tigers. Day one runs from 1:00pm through to 7:00pm, with Day two action kicking off from 8:30am and running up until the last game between the Bombers and Tigers women’s teams finishing at 4:00pm.

Footy is back!

Submitted by:
Jeff Neumann
Regional Manager
AFL Queensland

“Killing Time” Comes To Toowoomba

“It’s the story of the business of killing and it needs to be told.”

Guest speaker Josh Agland is an ex-industry insider who worked in an abattoir for three years. Josh will be in Toowoomba on Friday 17 February 2017 at 6:30pm at the Uni Bar USQ, R Block, West Street, Toowoomba, to share his story with us.

Agland’s insider knowledge makes him uniquely qualified to talk to us about the realities of a modern slaughterhouse and the effects they have on animals, workers and the surrounding community. He’ll also address some of the issues of exploitation, greed and power that the industry uses to further disconnect society at the expense of nonhuman and human victims.

“Josh is an engaging speaker with an important story to tell.  He will move you to tears and inspire you to make kinder choices in your everyday life.” says Mo Orr, Vegans In Toowoomba.

It took time for Josh to be ready to talk about his years spent in the slaughterhouse. But he realised that it’s not his story—it’s the story of the animals in the slaughter lines, and of the workers who perform the dangerous, soul-destroying work. It’s the story of the business of killing and it needs to be told.

“The key is to unlock that individual trigger of empathy in people.” Agland says, and that we need to be aware of what’s happening to animals and to fight for them.

Please join us for this important event:

Date: Friday 17 February 2016 at 6:30pm
Venue: Uni Bar USQ, R Block, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba
Cost: $10 p/p includes Tortilla Wraps
Bookings: phone/text 0412 775 678 to confirm your booking

Payment at the door on the night.

Submitted by:
Mo Orr: 0407 900 019
Renata Halpin: 0412 775 678
Vegans in Toowoomba

 

Royal Bull’s Head Inn Open Day

The February Open Day on Sunday, 5th February at the Royal Bulls Head Inn is based around Valentines Day, with Jewellery Displays on show.  There will be both old and new styles to view,  some of which will be available to purchase on the day.  Other stalls will also be set up where visitors will be able to purchase items.  We will also have our usual Morning Tea of Home Baked Treats made by one of our dedicated volunteers.

To keep up to date on what’s happening at the Royal Bulls Head Inn like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram.  If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like to make a private booking, contact the Trust on toowoomba@nationaltrustqld.org or phone Debby on 0402 138 751.

Additional Details: The Royal Bull’s Head Inn is also available for private bookings, High Tea’s, Afternoon Tea’s etc.

To make bookings or further enquiries, contact Debby on 0402 138 751 or email: Toowoomba@nationaltrustqld.org

 

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Toowoomba Region Australia Day Award Winners

Australia Day Regional Citizen of the Year †Luke Terry

The world is a better place due to the influence and compassion shown by people like Luke Terry. He has a passion for social enterprise and the drive to see his big-picture ideas come to fruition.

Luke leads the Toowoomba Clubhouse as Executive Director. The Clubhouse is a social innovation centre that works to support people living with a mental illness in the Toowoomba Region. The Clubhouse is a space that allows members to gain the skills and confidence to gain employment, housing and education and assist with the recovery from mental illness.

In 2016, Luke won the Social Enterprise Award, which acknowledges projects that increase awareness of the role and diversity of social enterprises in Australia. He has helped businesses and government agencies to see the value in social procurement and support job seekers across the Toowoomba Region.

Luke also was successful in securing funding from a number of sources for a new laundry service, Vanguard Laundry Services. The new venture that was opened by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently is Toowoomba’s only social enterprise commercial laundry service. Its tagline, ‘we change lives one wash at a time’ is most fitting.

Luke continues to be a driving force in the Toowoomba Region’s future as a social enterprise and procurement hub.

Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year for 2017 †Adelayde McKellar

Fifteen-year-old Adelayde has offered amazing support to the Oakey community in recent years. She is passionate about the community and has been involved in supporting events from a young age.

In 2012, Adelayde was named Miss Junior Show Princess at the Toowoomba Royal Show. In 2015 she received the most improved dancer award for her commitment to dance at the Oakey studio. She added to her individual honours when she was judged Oakey Teen Showgirl runner-up.

She has been an active fundraiser and was acknowledged as Miss Fundraiser for 2016 at the Heritage Bank Royal Toowoomba Show. Adelayde also entered the Miss Teen Queensland awards and was named as a finalist for Queensland in Mackay. The experience gave her added confidence and opened a number of exciting new avenues.

She is a member of the CWA young women’s group and passes on the importance of networking and leadership to the younger women. Her community work extends to a passionate involvement in the campaign to prevent domestic violence and support for events like the Butterfly Ball. Adelayde actively encourages other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to become active and find the confidence to succeed in anything they want to do.

She has successfully performed Welcome to Country openings at community events including Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day.

Regional Young Citizen of the Year for 2017 †Sophie Ryan

Sophie Ryan’s academic career recently received a tremendous boost when she was awarded a scholarship through the New Colombo Plan 2017. She has a keen interest in peace and conflict studies.

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government. The scholarship will allow Sophie to complete internships in Singapore and Cambodia. Sophie will live and study in Singapore from mid-2017. The opportunity will directly expose her to key areas in her studies around Indo-Pacific relations, the law, languages, international relations and diplomacy.

Sophie is a fine role model for all young people who are looking to further their careers and find their place in the world. She displays many admirable qualities that are an extension of her broad areas of study.

Sophie is passionate about righting wrongs and always standing up for what she believes in.


Complete List of Toowoomba Region Awardees

 

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Come And Enjoy Australia Day 2017 At DownsSteam

There will be something for everyone at DownsSteam, including Live music in the “Piano Bar” coach and the Toowoomba Municipal Band will be be playing in “The Shed”. .
Gates Open At 10am.

There is an amazing line up of activities for the day with Site Tours (Incl. The Dreamtime Carriage),  view the latest former QR “Sunlander” Carriages, ex. TGR “Gatsby Flyer” Rail motor Restoration, “Pride of Toowoomba” Steam Engine 106 Restoration, Kidzmix Face Painting And Balloons, Section Car Rides and live steam displays. At 11am we will hold the Flag Raising Ceremony, with an Australia Day Speech by DownsSteam chaiman Ros Scotney.

All this for a gold coin donation entry!

Australian Of The Year More Important Than Ever

Robbie Sefton, Deputy Chair, NADC

The announcement of the 2017 Australian of the Year holds more significance than ever in a time  of global change and uncertainty, according to deputy chair of the National Australia Day Council, Robbie Sefton. The Tamworth businesswoman believes the leadership offered by this year’s winners of Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero will help the nation tackle the challenges it faces both at home and abroad.

“We can safely say †in my opinion †that we’re in a time of great political uncertainty as 2017 gets underway. The heat’s on †not just physically (with Sydney and other parts of NSW on course to recording the hottest January ever) †but politically and culturally. Public unrest and division over the election of Trump in the USA and Britain’s decision to leave the European Union are all contributing to a sense of global unease.

Which is why I believe that this week’s announcement of the 2017 Australian of the Year has more relevance than ever. The Awards choose four inspiring winners in the categories of Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Australia’s Local Hero. The nominees are the people who have won their state or territory awards in those categories.

I’ve been a member of the National Australia Day Council since 2010, Deputy Chair for the past two years, and have served on the Australia Day Council of NSW (a separate body) since 2006. Helping choose the winners is one of my favourite tasks. Because of this: I know the stories of what these incredible people are doing to make a positive difference in Australian life. I hear about their courage, tenacity, resilience, creativity and vision. I hear about people who won’t be stopped, no matter what †and who take others along on their journeys to improve Australian life.

Personally, I’m delighted that 11 of the 32 finalists hail from rural and regional Australia †my heartland. I’m always encouraging rural Australians to nominate the inspiring people they know †those who are doing extraordinary things in their local communities †and it’s wonderful to see such a strong showing this year. In a world dominated by political differences and conflicts, this is a group of people who are leaders, not politicians. They focus on bringing about much-needed change in their own worlds, where they have influence. Their focus is on how they can contribute, and how they can bring others along on the journey.

The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP Prime Minister of Australia officially announced our 2017 Australians of the Year, and the announcement ceremony was hosted by Jeremy Fernandez and Myf Warhurst.  For more details check out www.australianoftheyear.org.au

Oh †and don’t forget the electrifying Australia Day Address, made on Tuesday by Professor Michelle Simmons †an outstanding scientist who begins her story by describing her rough schooling in a southeast London comprehensive where one per cent of students passed their A-levels, and her surprising journey to the podium today. You can read or watch Professor Simmons at:
https://www.australiaday.com.au/events/australia-day-address/2017-speaker-professor-michelle-y-simmons/

I commend both the address and the awards to you as offering much-needed hope in a climate of fear and uncertainty.

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TRC Approves Appointment Of Town Crier

Oyez. Oyez. Toowoomba Regional Council today approved the appointment of Kevin Howarth as the Toowoomba Region Town Crier and Honorary Ambassador. Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said he was pleased to welcome Mr Howarth to the important ceremonial role.

Mayor Antonio said the Town Crier’s position added a unique touch to many civic and community events and played an important role as a regional ambassador, particularly when appearing at external events. “Council will forever be indebted to the late Ralph Cockle, who was a wonderful Town Crier. Mr Cockle was admired and loved by residents across this region and further afield and left a fine legacy for his successors,” Mayor Antonio said.

“I am delighted to welcome Kevin Howarth to the position and know he will bring his enthusiastic personality and passion for our region and people to his new duties. The Crier has an important role to reinforce our Rich Traditions, Bold Ambitions motto and will feature prominently at major civic events such as citizenship ceremonies and at other important public functions.”

TRC Tourism and Events portfolio leader Cr Geoff McDonald also welcomed the new Town Crier and said Mr Howarth would play a key role in welcoming residents and visitors to major tourist attractions such as the Carnival of Flowers.

“The Town Crier traditionally leads the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Grand Central parade and a host of other events at Carnival time,” Cr McDonald said. “The role also adds to the atmosphere at other events such as the Toowoomba CBD Christmas parade, Australia Day and Queensland Day activities and other major functions that involve visiting international or national dignitaries.”

Council approved the position to be a four-year term in concurrence with the term of the Council. While the role is voluntary, Council provides a $5000 honorarium to cover relevant expenses.

A formal function to officially welcome the new Town Crier will be advised in the near future.

Coming Back Into Australian Hands

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Vegemite’s  Future  Looks  ‘Bright As Bright Can Be’

The grandson of Vegemite’s inventor has welcomed Bega Cheese’s  acquisition of Australia’s iconic spread as ‘a perfect fit’.

Cyril Callister

Jamie Callister, the author of The Man Who Invented Vegemite (Allen and Unwin 2012),  said his grandfather was not only an acclaimed scientist and food chemist, but also a pioneer in cheese manufacturing.

“In the mid-1920’s my grandfather developed processed cheese, only to find the patent had been taken by a Canadian in Chicago, James Kraft,” Jamie said. “When the product reached Australia, it actually played a key early role in introducing Vegemite to millions of Australian kitchen tables.

“Vegemite wasn’t an overnight success and for years more jars were coming back to the factory than were going out.  The public just couldn’t stomach it and the head salesman didn’t help †he hated the stuff †so they came up with a brilliant idea to give a jar away with the cheese.”

The need for austerity in post-war Australia meant the public were loath to throw the free Vegemite away and it gradually became the beloved icon it is today.  Jamie said he felt his grandfather would also approve of the alignment with Bega Cheese.

“Vegemite is very much a part of the Australian cultural fabric and I think every Australian will be happy to see it come home in a sense,” Jamie said. “My grandfather, who came from humble beginnings and whose story is an inspiration, would also see Vegemite has a bright future with a company that has similar origins, vision and a rich cultural history.”