weekenderSaturday 12 September 2020

Monsoon Aquatics leads the way in coral Pool plan makes a splash Share thoughts on Walla Street Skate Park design Less waste going to landfill, more recycling Aussie Bundy Big Bash going ahead contents

Cover story Monsoon Aquatics 3 leads the way in coral

Pool plan 4 makes a splash What’s on in the Bundaberg 6 Region Drag your friends to the drive-in 7 movie Share thoughts on Walla Street Skate 8 Park design New look Gallery shop made from 9 recycled materials Millions of bees on their way to Photo of the week 10 Bundaberg Less waste going to landfill,more 12 recylcling TAFE students showcase 14 hospitality skills New owners redecorate 17 River Cruz Cafe In our Garden: Rustic and rambling 18 - a garden to soothe Aussie Bundy Big Bash 21 going ahead BUSINESS

Daniel Kimberley says the site at Burnett Heads allows unrestricted access to salt water. Monsoon Aquatics leads the way in coral

Derek Schlennstedt

The Burnett Heads Monsoon Aquatics Burnett Heads ideal for coral success facility is on its way to becoming the Monsoon Aquatics harvest coral across the northern coastline from Queensland to Western preeminent coral aquaculture hub in Australia. Australia. Unlike other locations, the site at Burnett Heads provides vital unrestricted access to salt water. The leading Australian exporter of live coral and fish, which already has facilities in Darwin “The site we have here is really conducive to and Cairns, opened its Burnett Heads Facility what we do,” Daniel said. in September 2019 with hopes to expand into “It’s about having the access to saltwater. We’re coral aquaculture. using water from the river which isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough to filter and use, whereas Those hopes have been realised and company in Cairns and Darwin we have to truck the director Daniel Kimberley said Bundaberg has saltwater in.” quickly become the base for the rest of the Daniel said the Burnett Heads site is being organisation. replicated elsewhere, employing Bundaberg “Bundaberg is actually our biggest facility in the Region contractors. business,” he said. “We’ve done it properly and created a template that works and our new Darwin facility is being “We have one in Darwin, one in Cairns and one set up in the next three months,” he said. in Bundaberg, and Bundaberg has grown very “We’ve got 20 fibreglass tanks that are being quickly to be the biggest.” built in Bundaberg and sent to Darwin by a Despite being established in other areas, Daniel Bundaberg removalist company because the said the Burnett Heads facility was the current tanks are so good. focus. “Arne who makes them at Leisure Build does great quality work.” “We’ve started our coral propagation program and we just got our aquaculture licence for the Local support follows growth whole property, so now we can move to coral Education is part of the organisation’s core spawning which is going to be our next big values, with Monsoon Aquatics being awarded project here,” he said. Reef Guardian status. Daniel said Monsoon Aquatics had strict “The aquaculture licence means we can look at guidelines and rules in place to ensure the sexual reproduction of coral, clams and fish sustainable practices, and that the team rotates on site. harvest areas and uses the coral it collectes to “Ideally, I can see the base here in Bundaberg grow more. becoming a hub for the business for aquaculture, “Community support has been great, and we’ve and one day being involved in reef restoration had had some school groups come through,” he too. said. “Producing corals here that can then be put “While we work on the reef, it’s everyone’s reef back into the wild, that’s a great endgame for not just ours. We have access and a licence, but us.” it is a shared resource and we’re very aware of that.” 3 COUNCIL

Bundaberg Aquatic Centre proposed arcitechtual design (shown with roof removed for visual purposes). Pool plan makes a splash

Michael Gorey

Concept plans have been unveiled for Concept plans have also been released for the the proposed Bundaberg Regional $19 million redevelopment of Anzac Park. Aquatic Centre, which aims to deliver The project will create new recreational areas, a flexible outdoor event space and a memorial a state-of-the-art heated pool to avenue commemorating the region’s service promote sports, health and recreation. personnel. Council has identified the Multiplex precinct as the preferred site for a FINA-standard complex “These two exciting with a retractable roof, cafe and grassed spectator area. projects will leave a Mayor Jack Dempsey said the project will deliver one of the most significant sports and recreation generational legacy facilities in the modern history of Bundaberg. “It will provide year-round fitness, health and through important social leisure activities, and has the ability to attract regional and state events,” he said. infrastructure” “We’ve listened to the community and want to ensure a smooth transition from the historic A Council fact sheet says the new 50-metre, Anzac Park Pool to a new and improved aquatic heated competition pool at the Multiplex will centre. support regional and state level events and “The riverside precinct will be opened up training camps. to create a vibrant community space which “Subsequent stages of the project will include 4 connects to the CBD.” additional indoor pools as well as fitness, teaching and therapy rooms, creating a facility “These two exciting projects will leave a able to offer comprehensive fitness and health generational legacy through important social services,” the fact sheet says. infrastructure,” he said. “Co-locating the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic “The Anzac Park redevelopment will unlock Facility with the Bundaberg Multiplex, which the riverside precinct as community space includes a large modern conference centre and for recreation and entertainment including a the Bundaberg PCYC, will leverage previous sound shell, water play feature and adventure investment and create a defined, branded high playground. performance-based precinct.”

Economic modelling suggests 126 full-time jobs during construction and 13 directly when operating. Proposed Anzac Park adventure playground. “A new state-of-the-art regional aquatic centre near the Multiplex will provide a modern swimming facility for competitive events and Stage one of the regional aquatic centre is deliver year-round health benefits.” estimated to cost $23.8 million and contribute $22.5 million to gross regional product, including Mr Artup said the Anzac tradition would $7.8 million directly. continue to be integral at Anzac Park and the pool’s heritage would be respected. Economic modelling suggests 126 full-time jobs during construction and 13 directly when “It’s important to note that Council will operating. coordinate the closure of the old pool with the opening of the new aquatic centre to minimise Council’s Executive Director Strategic Projects disruption,” he said. and Economic Development, Ben Artup, said funding applications will be submitted to state “Timeframes for construction will depend on the and federal governments for both projects. success of funding applications.”

Proposed Anzac Park amphitheatre design. 5 2020 Gin Gin Families Playgroup 16 Returning every 2nd Wednesday of the Sept month with lots of activities for your little one at the Gin Gin Youth Centre.

A Bridge Through Time 29 Aug A Brief History of Bundaberg’s Iconic - 18 Oct Bridges by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

FOUND! Studio Dog Exhibition 29 Aug Local artist Adrienne Williams has - 18 Oct curated the works of 40 artists in Gallery One & Vault spaces.

29 Aug Art as an Act of Optimism A retrospective of the #artsbundyathome - 9 Nov initiative and the artworks created during shutdown due to COVID-19.

16 2020 Council’s Community Grants Childers Workshop Sept Find out more about Council’s Financial Be the Assistance Programs available in 2020. Bookings essential. first to know 17 Innovate Queensland’s Money Magnet Online Workshop whatsonbundaberg.com.au Sept Virtual workshop provides you with practical advice on capital raising from existing high-growth businesses. 6 COMMUNITY

Lisa Douglas and Trevor Green in Drag at the Recreational Precinct. Drag your friends to enjoy drive-in movie

Megan Dean

Bundaberg Regional Council is Precinct, with moviegoers able to access the delivering just what this country needs: audio through an FM frequency on their car another faaabulous Bundaberg drive- radios. in movie weekend featuring Priscilla “We’ve had to get creative to organise COVID Queen of the Desert and Oddball. safe events and it’s been wonderful to see how the community has embraced the traditional Following the success of recent drive-in drive-in movie once again.” movie nights Council will once again host film Tickets will be $25 per vehicle, with a maximum buffs at the Bundaberg Recreation Precinct, of five people. screening Oddball on Friday 25 September and Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Food and drink packs will once again be Saturday 26 September available thanks to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre and can be ordered at the time of ticket Council events portfolio spokesperson Cr John purchase. Learmonth said the movies, which this time had an Australian theme, were popular choices for “Don’t delay in securing your ticket,” Cr audiences young and old. Learmonth said. “We know from the success of our drive-in movie “Our limit is 100 vehicles per session and, given nights that this is a great way for families and the increasing popularity, we’re sure tickets will friends to enjoy a safe night out,” Cr Learmonth sell out quite quickly.” said. Gates will open at 5.30pm and all movies will “On Friday we’ll have a popular and heart- screen at 6.30pm. warming family film with Oddball and adults Tickets are on sale now through the can get ready for side-splitting laughter when we screen Priscilla the following night.” Moncrieff Entertainment Centre and are available by calling Starry Nights Outdoor Movies will erect its giant 4130 4100 or online here. inflatable movie screen at the Recreational 7 COUNCIL

Conceptual designs for the Walla Street Skate Park have been released for public feedback. Share thoughts on Walla Street Skate Park design Have your say on the conceptual designs for the Walla Street Skate Park

Megan Dean

Artist impressions showing what the In addition to the bowl upgrades, supporting upgraded Walla Street Skate Park infrastructure has been proposed that addresses safety and connectivity concerns. could look like have been released and “Stairs into the park will be connected to existing skate park users are being encouraged pathways and will be skateable, so suitable for to share their thoughts. competitions and demos,” the video said. The conceptual design has been developed “Sports level lighting will be included to allow following community consultation sessions with for safe use at night. skaters and park users in February. “We’ve included plenty of shade and seating to Feedback received in those sessions has been allow users to take a break and spectators to incorporated into the initial design which watch the action.” took into consideration a number of elements Walla Street Skate Park users can watch the including safety, catering to different skill levels video and provide their feedback here. and supporting infrastructure like pathways. The responses received as part of this process Convic, which is collaborating on the design with will be used to feed into finalising the concept LA3 Pty Ltd, has developed a video “fly through” design of the skate park. of the conceptual design which park users can watch before completing a brief survey. The survey is open until The video explains that the draft conceptual Sunday, September 20. design has incorporated three key skate areas with an intermediate bowl, street section and The Central Park upgrade is supported by beginner bowl which will cater for all users from the Queensland Government’s Works for experienced riders to beginners. Queensland program. 8 LIFESTYLE New look Gallery Shop made from recycled materials

Megan Dean

Recycled materials with special meaning to the Bundaberg Region are Council Gallery Director Rebecca McDuff is encouraging residents to explore the new featured in the new Gallery Shop which Gallery Shop offers unique gift ideas created by local and visiting artists. “There’s been a huge focus on recycling and as Located within the recently reopened you look around the room, you will see pieces Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Gallery Director of display furniture and props connected to our Rebecca McDuff said the shop was no longer a local history.” “gift store” but a destination in itself for one-of- Rebecca said it was fantastic during the gallery’s a-kind gift ideas. closure period to work with other departments “We wanted to renovate it to make it a space we within Council to make their vision for Gallery thought showcased the products of artists in a Shop a reality. more contemporary and exciting way,” Rebecca “The carpenters built the backing for the iron said. lettering in the Gallery Shop sign and met the challenge of doing this on a curved wall. “The look of the shop “Our electricians backlit the sign and installed feature lighting that hangs from an old tells its own story about carpenter’s ladder in the centre of the room. “We also collaborated with the waste and Bundaberg’s history” recycling team to identify items that could be salvaged from landfill and upcycled to create a fantastic and authentic atmosphere that you feel as soon as you enter Gallery Shop.” “The products are created by artists who are from our region or who may have ties to our Following the success of this renovation region. Rebecca said the team was now looking forward to replicating the concept at Childers Art Space. “The response so far from customers has been incredible with sales on our opening day setting new records.” The use of recycled and vintage materials was inspired by new exhibition being developed called Handmade Hive and Rebecca said plenty of the items used in the shop had special meaning for the Bundaberg Region. “The look of the shop tells its own story about Bundaberg’s history,” she said. “We have shelving on the back wall made from galvanised boxes that were old Council ballot boxes. “Some of the items were sourced from local families, such as an original display cupboard from Buss & Turner, and others were found at Council’s Waste Management facilities. The BRAG Gallery Shop is full of unique and one of a kind gift ideas 9 NEWS

Alloway Macadamias farm manager, Johan Oosthuizen uses around 460- 500 beehives on the Macadamia orchards to help cross pollination.

Millions of bees on their way to Bundaberg

Derek Schlennstedt

Millions of bees are on the move bee keepers like to do, and one of their favourite around Australia, with many being places to take them after almonds is Bundaberg trucked to the Bundaberg region for for the macadamia season,” Jolyon said. the macadamia season. While State borders may be closed, the COVID “Macadamias have a pandemic certainly hasn’t stopped the mass migration of beehives as they make their way, lot of pollen and nectar first to Victoria and then to Bundaberg to pollinate macadamia trees. and it helps restore With the Macadamia harvest coming to an end, the bees health but it locals will now be witnessing the spectacular blossoming of the Bundaberg region’s also produces lovely macadamia trees, which Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) CEO Jolyon Burnett said signals macadamia honey.” the start of the new macadamia season and the start of bee pollination. “Macadamias have a lot of pollen and nectar and it “A lot of apiarists or beekeepers in South East helps restore the bees health but it also produces Queensland and further North will truck their lovely macadamia honey.”that has been offered bees down to Almond Orchards in Victoria, but to the pair in their journey so far, including local there’s not a lot of honey from almonds so what businesses and the arts community. 10 Orchards become a hive of activity “We really need the bees for cross pollination Millions of bees wil be trucked into Bundaberg and it’s a win win situation as beekeepers throughout September for the critical job of generally get good honey form it, and we get pollinating macadamia trees. the pollination,” he said. Orchards become a hive of activity as growers Chinchilla Apiarist Glen Hasenkam provides implement more and more beehives in search of bees to Alloway Macadamias and said his own higher yields. 500 beehives were trucked all around the state. “From now on in if you stand in any macadamia orchard you can hear the bees buzzing, there’s that many of them,” Jolyon said. On average inside One of those farms where bees can be heard audibly buzzing in the background is Alloway each beehive is Macadamias, where Farm Manager Johan Oosthuizen said they use around 460-500 50,000 to 60,000 beehives. “Our bees come in from Chinchilla, we’ve been bees. using the same beekeeper for a couple of years now and we’ve got around 460-500 beehives here,” Johan said. “We use them for around five to six weeks or On average inside each beehive is 50,000 to so and while the native bees are the pick of 60,000 bees. the pollinators they can’t be used in the sheer “Those bees in Bundaberg have gone from numbers of European bees.” Chinchilla out to Eromanga during the winter, A win-win for beekeepers and growers which is about nine hour west of chinchilla, and then they go down to Victoria for the Bundaberg is Australia’s largest producer of almonds, and then from the almonds back up to macadamias, accounting for more than 40 per Bundaberg for the macadamias,” Glen said. cent of the Australian macadamia crop. “With almonds we don’t get much honey, but According to previous studies macadamias are with the macadamias we normally get a bit of extremely responsive to cross-pollination, but honey off of it and it’s good pollen. the honey produced is also sweeter. “Macadamias are definitely one of the prominent Johan said the use of honey bees for pollination reasons beekeepers move their hives to was very important to the industry but the Bundaberg and we regularly go there to assist benefits also crossed over to the beekeepers. with the macadamia flowering season.”

Millions of bees will be trucked into Bundaberg throughout September for the critical job of pollinating the Bundaberg macadamia trees. 11 COUNCIL

Bundaberg Regional Council waste and recycling portfolio spokesperson Cr Tanya McLoughlin is encouraging residents to Recycle Right. Less waste going to landfill, more recycling

Derek Schlennstedt

Recent figures show that the “The Material Recovery Facility recycled Bundaberg Region’s waste to landfill approximately 7800 tonnes of paper, cardboard, glass and plastic bottles, jars, and aluminium has reduced drastically over the past and steel cans. 12 months since the introduction of the State Government waste levy. Council’s waste and recycling services manager “Tonnes of waste to Gavin Crawford said waste to landfill statistics reflected the community’s willingness to adapt. landfill has decreased “Tonnes of waste to landfill has decreased by by 15 percent, or 15 percent, or 15 semi-trailer loads per week,” Gavin said. 15 semi-trailer loads “The total amount of waste and other materials handled via Council’s waste facilities was per week,” approximately 257,100 tonnes, of which 72,000 tonnes went to landfill. “That’s a mammoth effort by local residents and “That’s a significant reduction on the previous actually equates to 82kg of recycled materials year’s figures which came in at 85,000 tonnes for every resident in the region over the last 12 of waste to landfill. months. 12 “To put it in visual terms, it’s enough to fill eight “This has reduced contamination and helped semi-trailers per week. our operations.” The State Government waste levy was Gavin said Council’s Cedars Road waste facility introduced across Queensland last year and is also now allowed some commercial front-lift part of a new strategy to increase recycling and trucks and more waste collection trucks direct resource recovery and therefore reduce waste access. to landfill. “This has increased efficiencies by avoiding a Gavin said the levy had completely changed 16km trip to University Drive and to some extent how Council’s waste facilities operated. has helped our carbon footprint.” “We have increased our focus on minimising any Waste and recycling portfolio spokesperson Cr waste that needs to go to landfill and are fully Tanya McLoughlin said statistics showed higher supportive of a circular waste economy,” he said. recycling rates in the commercial sector, which in turn helped reduce costs to ratepayers. “The cost to Council, as operators of local waste facilities, is dependent on the amount of waste “To put it in visual disposed of to landfill,” Cr McLoughlin said. terms, it’s enough to “The levy does not apply to recyclable materials which means the more people recycle, the more fill eight semi-trailers cost effective it is for Council to manage these facilities on behalf of the community. per week.” “These statistics show that Council’s waste management strategies and practices are not only conducive to reducing waste but have also resulted in positive outcomes for ratepayers.” Cr McLoughlin said Council was committed to reducing landfill waste and encouraged operators and ratepayers to continue recycling correctly. “The introduction of the State Government waste levy means knowing what you can and can’t recycle, which is not only highly beneficial for our environment but will result in major cost savings at our recycling facility,” she said.

“We’ve made use of our wheeled material handler to ensure we’re picking up recyclable items such as steel, concrete, wooden pallets, Find out what items trickle tape, plastics and items eligible for resale can be recycled at in the tip shop. “The introduction of the State Government bundaberg.qld.gov.au/recycle-right waste levy has also driven us to reorganise our facilities into specialised stockpile sites.

13 COMMUNITY

Students at TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg campus showcased their skills to hospitality industry leaders. TAFE students showcase hospitality skills Contributed

Students at TAFE Queensland’s opportunity to engage with industry and Bundaberg Campus showcased their showcase the quality of their students’ work, skills to hospitality industry leaders by trainers and facilities. designing and producing a six-course degustation lunch. “It was great to see such The industry showcase degustation lunch was strong interest from held last week the Bundaberg on-campus restaurant Echo’s. industry in seeing our Twenty-four local hospitality and training industry leaders were treated to a six-course kitchen, meeting our lunch designed by stage three cookery students, learning about apprentice, Liam Parsons, and served by hospitality students. our trainers’ experience.” Shell scallops, crispy skin salmon, apple and vanilla palate cleanser, confit duck, sous vide “Very few of the industry representatives who eye fillet and a “detonated” bombe Alaska drew were present at the luncheon had visited our appreciative comments from the guests. facilities or seen our commercial kitchen, so TAFE Queensland (East Coast region) faculty we saw this as a chance to strengthen our director Jo Charters said while the luncheon connections with them and provide them with a was held to enable students to complete real insight into the training we deliver right here their assessments, the event was a fantastic in Bundaberg,” Ms Charters said. 14 “It was great to see such strong interest from industry in seeing our kitchen, meeting our students, learning about our trainers’ experience.” As well as exceptional food and service, Ms Charters said the lunch was an opportunity for a discussion on the local hospitality industry’s training needs and for TAFE Queensland to update those present on the latest developments in their commercial cookery and hospitality training. “TAFE Queensland has always been committed to providing locals with the skills they need to succeed while fulfilling the training demands of communities, and this was an opportunity for Bundaberg chef and HSG at the TAFE Queensland to not only share the future Gardens owner Dion Taylor loves direction of our hospitality, tourism and cookery cooking with local produce and he said programs, but to hear from industry first-hand the abundance of zucchinis grown in the about what we can do to support them,” Ms Bundaberg Region, made the vegetable Charters said. the ideal hero for his vegan fritters. Zucchini and Sweet Corn Fritters gf, nf Recipe from HSG at the Gardens’ HSG at the Gardens’ vegan zucchini and sweet corn fritters are a gluten and nut free surprise and they are perfect for little kitchen helpers to give a go.

Ingredients 2 grated zucchinis 1 cup sweet corn Olive oil for cooking

1/8 bunch chopped parsley

Crispy skin salmon and shell scallops were part of the six-course degustation lunch. 1 cup gluten-free SR flour 1 cup polenta “Having made these connections, we have 1 cup chickpea flour/ buck wheat flour committed to holding a regular industry forum to check-in on how we can assist in fulfilling 2 tsp baking powder industry demands, while many of the businesses Salt and pepper to taste present at the luncheon have already reached out and committed to providing work experience 1 litre soy or almond milk and, where possible, employment opportunities for students who have trained through TAFE Method Queensland. “All around, this event was a fantastic experience Step 1: and we very much look forward to working with Mix all ingredients into a mixing bowl these new connections to fulfil their training and gradually add the milk until a needs and help drive the local hospitality pancake batter forms. industry.” Step 2: Find out more about TAFE Spoon in quarter-cup amounts of Queensland’s cookery and hospitality batter in a fry pan or on your courses by visiting the website barbecue and cook. or calling 1300 308 233. 15

BUSINESS New owners redecorate River Cruz Cafe

Derek Schlennstedt

Bundaberg local Nerida Spoor is looking to build on the reputation and picturesque location of Bundaberg’s River Cruz Cafe. Nerida and husband Keverne bought the business on 1 August and Nerida said she looks forward to refurbishing parts of the popular riverfront cafe. She said the update will start with a new menu. Nerida Spoor is looking to build on the reputation and picturesque location of Bundaberg’s River Cruz Cafe. “I’ve got great plans for the shop and that will start with a new menu starting on Monday, 7 September,” she said. “That’s what River Cruz Cafe does. You can have a coffee, bring your dog down and then go for a “It’ll be a nice relaxed menu and on weekends walk along the boardwalk. It’s really something we’ll probably do a smorgasbord breakfast.” for everyone.” Nerida said a repaint was something she had Nerida and Keverne previously owned the wanted to get under way since buying the cafe, Brumby’s bakeries in Bundaberg, and their late but initially she’ll focus on some homely changes son Nathan was known for owning the popular to make the cafe more welcoming and inviting. ‘Rise the Bakehouse’. Having known the location and the business She said it’s been lovely to return to the previously, Nerida said the opportunity was too Bundaberg cafe scene and see familiar faces. good to let pass. “We’ve been here for 35 years and been in business in Bundaberg for quite some time,” she said. “You can have a “It’s been really lovely to come back and see coffee, bring your dog all the old customers and even see a lot of our friends from Biloela where we have another cafe down and then go come down. “Everyone has been so supportive too and it’s for a walk along the just so lovely to see our old customer base we had; they’re not only our customers, but our boardwalk. It’s really friends and we treat each customer as a friend.” something for everyone.” River Cruz Cafe is located at 3 Quay Street, Bundaberg. “I had already planned to do another cafe in the main street, but when this came on the market, Open 6am to 4pm, I said no we have to come to the river,” she said. 7 days a week. “It’s such a peaceful spot and I just think it’s so relaxing. To find our more, visit the “I was really after a cafe that I could make into River Cruz Cafe a relaxed atmosphere to come to work to, and for patrons to sit and forget about any worries Facebook page. they have. 17 LIFESTYLE

The rustic look achieved in the poolside pergola sets the tone for the adjacent gardens. Michael and Janine Tyler at one of the eye-catching installations in their garden at Alloway. Rustic and rambling - a garden to soothe the soul

Wayne Heidrich

Designing and establishing a garden is and bamboo providing a canopy that nurtures very much a personal adventure. a myriad of understory plants including philodendrons, birds nest ferns, crotons and The garden created on their Alloway property bromeliads. 12 years ago by Michael and Janine Tyler now provides a lush oasis around their home and reflects the effervescent personality of the couple. “We have aimed for Michael and Janine live in a renovated rustic and I think Queenslander which absolutely oozes its own quirky characteristics and blends perfectly with that is what we the eclectic collection of odds and ends that highlight the couple’s passion for collecting. have achieved.” “Building the garden came second,” says Janine. “We installed a swimming pool complete with rustic structures that gave us that laid-back Given its maturity it’s difficult to believe the country feel we were striving to achieve. garden has only been established for a dozen years. “Plenty of water and good fertiliser,” “The garden kind of meanders into and quipped Michael. complements the pool area,” she says. “To accentuate the rainforest feel we created a And what a garden it is. shallow depression – representative of a water The overarching statement is “rainforest green” course - that is now filled with moss covered – cool and quiet - with well-established palms rocks,” he said. 18 Colour is used sparingly throughout this section of the garden with the odd bougainvillea or potted geranium creating an effective splash amid the green. Rustic art abounds in the garden Everywhere throughout the garden are the reminders that you are walking through a patch created by people passionate about collecting the old, the unusual and the conversation starters. Janine is a noted local artist who specialises in creating rustic art from all manner of recycled materials. Many of these pieces find a home in their garden. The mini rainforest is just one section of what is a rather expansive collection of plants. Leave this green zone and you wander into open grassy areas dotted with shrubs, palms, natives and massive bromeliads and still more bamboo. “Bamboo is not for everyone but if you have the space it is such a beautiful addition to the garden,” Janine said. With the breeze gently swaying the elegant stalks of bamboo it’s easy to understand the relaxation the plant can evoke.

The rainforest section of the garden is highlighted by mature palms and bamboo.

“And the leaves the plant drops make such an amazing mulch covering,” she said. The garden is not orderly and neat in its presentation and that is its underlying charm. Michael and Janine have not sought the manicured look. “We have aimed for rustic and I think that is what we have achieved. The garden is a place where, as an artist, I can be with my thoughts,” Janine said. “Gardens are many things to many people, but I think that everyone who gardens just gathers great delight from the work they put in and what the garden gives back.” 19 FRI 02 OCT

FREE MOVIE

bookings essential phone 4130 4100 or visit the box office SPORT

Bundaberg cricket enthusiasts can expect a great season of entertainment with nominations opening for this year’s Aussie Bundy Big Bash season. Aussie Bundy Big Bash going ahead

Derek Schlennstedt

Bundaberg cricket enthusiasts can to grow and expand the quality of competition expect a great season of entertainment it’ll make it more exciting for everyone,” he said. with nominations opening for this It’s proposed to start on 9 October with matches on Friday nights during October, November and year’s Aussie Bundy Big Bash season. early December before a break for Christmas. After another successful season, the Aussie Competition will then resume in January with Bundy Big Bash is back for 2020-21 with The finals in February. Pies, Heat, Vikings and Taipans all primed to contest the title. Shaun said the community has rallied to support the Big Bash, which relies on local franchises. This year’s season will be a bit different and Bundaberg Cricket Association treasurer Shaun “Nominations are now open with the auction Rose said COVID guidelines would be followed taking place on 25 September,” Shaun said. to ensure safety. “This competition is impossible without Bill “We’ve got a full COVID safe plan and we’ll be Moorhead, Dale from Takalvans, Bundaberg fully compliant,” Shaun said. Betta Home Living, and George from Aussie Home Loans. “There will be a few changes with QR codes and restrictions in standing and seating and socially “Those guys really make a significant difference distancing in the grandstands, and we’ll also be and they’re all really focused on trying to get a encouraging people to bring their own chairs. good outcome.” “We’re fortunate that Salter Oval is a large oval George Farmer, franchisee at Aussie Home and there’s plenty space to socially distance Loans, is a regular sponsor and said the return of but we’ve really spent the time to work through Aussie Big Bundy Bash gives people something everything step by step to ensure we comply to look forward to. with the new world. “The community support our business, so we want to give back and support the local “It’s been a disjointed six months but a lot of community too, particularly at times like this people are itching to get back to normal life.” with coming out of COVID where things have Shaun said nominations were already being been challenging for people,” George said. submitted with some coming from further afield. “Having something where people can go “There’s talk that a few players from Gladstone outside, get some fresh air and have some fun are looking at nominating and if we can continue while we’re at it, that’s got to be a good thing.”21 DRIVE IN MOVIES

FRI 25 SEPT Oddball SAT 26 SEPT Priscilla Book tickets online at whatsonbundaberg.com.au from 11 Sept Upcoming Taste of weekends Bundy Pack  23/24 OCT  Cha Cha Chocolate Bar MOVIES TBA Tickets available two weeks  Caramel popcorn prior to each weekend  Macadamia nuts  Bundy Juice, Bundaberg Ginger Beer or water SINGLE ...... $12 FAMILY 4 ...... $40 FAMILY 5 ...... $50

Packs only available for pre-purchase with tickets, no sales on the night. 1300 883 699 bundaberg.qld.gov.au