ON THE BANANA SHIRE

DECEMBER 2017

INSIDE 3 6 8 10

Pioneers captured All roads lead to Half yearly water meter Horse riding in best light Goovigen on readings coming up therapy for students Australia Day COVER MAYOR’S MESSAGE The Banana Shire recently made campaigns. The combined dedication headlines around the country, and around of Councils’ staff, tourism experiences the world, with Council’s approach to and Visitor Information Centres is feral cat control; the Feral Cat Bounty elevating tourism numbers each year. An Bonus Payment Scheme. Banana Shire opportunity to participate in this ‘Best of Council has taken a proactive approach Experiences Program’ would to the problem throughout the region. be a major benefit to any Council. Unfortunately, some metropolitan and rural areas do not understand Last financial year the Banana Shire how serious the problem of feral cats Council was granted $1.73 million from is, resulting in negative publicity and Works for Queensland program funding. ill-informed comments. Thankfully, our These funds have contributed to many residents are aware of the issue and are projects including the construction mostly supportive of Council’s actions to of the Moura Miners’ Memorial, in address it. remembrance of the three mining tragedies in the town, the completion of a Grace, Lottie and Amie McDougall with Trixie all looked fabulous in pink for the inaugural Dog Walk Planning has commenced for next playground at the Callide Dam Recreation for Breast Cancer in . The event raised year’s Industry Summit. The theme for Area and the renovation of the Biloela $1440 for breast cancer research and promoted 2018 will be “Future Energy Solutions, SES headquarters. responsible dog ownership at the same time. Powering Ahead in Banana Shire - Story page 5. Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Council acknowledges the State Energy”. Government’s support for the Works FOCUS NEWSLETTER for Queensland program funding, which Welcome to our Banana Focus newsletter, I, along with Frank Smallwood, Manager enables regional and rural areas to fast- aimed at bringing you the latest news and information about Banana Shire Council and Administration and Community Services, track community projects for the region’s its facilities. This publication has been printed recently attended the 2017 Outback benefit as well as generating employment on 100 per cent recycled paper, is certified Queensland Tourism Symposium opportunities. It is a great initiative and carbon neutral and FSC 100 per cent recycled and Awards in Cloncurry. This was has enabled us to bring forward several certified. Its manufacturing process is chlorine an interesting three days where we important projects. free (PCF) by an ISO 14001 certified mill. attended several valuable symposium For advertising enquiries phone 0418 588 693. presentations. A highlight for me was Many new projects have been CONTACT COUNCIL learning about the launch of the ‘Best of undertaken recently and, as a result, Phone: (07) 4992 9500 Queensland Experiences Program’. This the 12 towns in the Shire are reaping Fax: (07) 4992 3493 program is criteria based giving Councils, the benefits. Even the local shopping Email: [email protected] centre in Biloela, Biloela Shoppingworld, Postal Address: tourism experiences and small businesses PO Box 412, BILOELA QLD 4715 in the tourism industry the opportunity has an expansion underway which will undoubtedly be a positive development CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES to be featured in Tourism and Events Queensland’s many advertising for both shoppers and retailers alike. Biloela Shire Chambers As the year draws to a close, I would like 62 Road to wish all residents, on behalf of Council, Biloela, QLD Australia 4715 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous Cr Nev Ferrier New Year. Please remember to stay safe Moura Administration Office MAYOR throughout the festive season and we Gillespie Street Banana Shire Council look forward to seeing you all next year. Moura, QLD Australia 4718 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri Administration Office Yaldwyn Street Taroom, QLD Australia 4420 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri For after hours emergency contacts, visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/contact-us Waste transfer station ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Banana Shire Council accepts no responsibility for the content of hours change advertisements placed in this newsletter, nor does the carrying of an advertisement or article imply Opening hours for the Biloela and Moura waste only. Commercial waste must be endorsement by Council as a body, nor its individual Waste Transfer Stations have changed. disposed of at Council’s Trap Gully Landfill. members. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of advertising content, Council accepts no The new hours will be 7:00am to 5:30pm, A wide range of recyclable materials are responsibility for any errors contained within. Council seven days a week. accepted at these facilities. To find out more reserves the right to edit or not publish any advertising visit Council’s website www.banana.qld. submissions. Please note these facilities are for the gov.au/waste1 disposal of non-commercial and recyclable

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 2 A Tribute to Modern Pioneers

David Trevilyan: Myles Breitkreutz: Fiona Hayward: Landowner Auda Maclean: Visual Arts and Agricultural Machinery Recreational Flying Rights & Local History Cultural Heritage Conservation Preservation

Burnett & Louise Joyce: Cattle Genetics, Sustainable Property Debbie Elliott: Rural and Hazel Mann: Jane Parker & Management and Distance Education Regional Healthcare Visual Arts Community Local Herb Farmers: Organic Herb Industry The Banana Shire is a diverse and plentiful used to highlight the ongoing innovative From building international businesses place, filled with beautiful expansive and trail-blazing work being undertaken to maintaining local heritage sites, the landscapes and rich in resources. But its throughout regional Queensland to commonality with these pioneers is that most valuable asset are the people who continually build the area and its industries, of ongoing legacy. They all have the desire call this place home; a hard-working, ensuring their relevancy in today’s world. to make a positive mark on the world out warm and generous community dedicated of genuine interest, passion and with a to making this small spot on earth a Photographer Rachael Baskerville was constant drive for improvement. wonderful place to live. tasked with travelling around the Shire to meet the pioneers and to capture A Tribute to Modern Pioneers is on display There is no shortage of brilliant stories, lists them in their own environment. By at Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery until of achievements and positive contributions January 20, 2018. by people of all ages and upbringings listening intently and taking in their throughout the Banana Shire. A Tribute stories, combined with her photographic A Tribute to Modern Pioneers is supported to Modern Pioneers aims to highlight just perspective, she has captured an honest by the Regional Arts Development Fund a handful of these people, to share their and everyday snapshot of each pioneer in (RADF). RADF is a partnership between stories and promote the achievements their element. The images hold Rachael’s the and Banana of regional Queenslanders beyond our signature warmth, light and appreciation Shire Council to support local arts and community. The term Modern has been for everyday moments. culture in regional Queensland.

used cars in stock 4x4’s Utes’s

| Wagon’s | Sedan’s & more

All with: • Minimum Trade Guarantee over | SUV’s • 3 year mechanical protection plan • Roadside assist

ANDERSONSAUTOCITY.COM.AU 56 YARROON ST, GLADSTONE 4973 1300

Banana60 Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 3 Magpie breeding season closing The magpie breeding season is now drawing to a close. During recent months, Council relocated one magpie with assistance from ProPest. The bird, which had injured people, was in an area with no alternative travelling route. We would like to thank the community for taking care during the magpie breeding season to avoid areas where they were swooping.

Flying fox colonies being monitored Banana Shire Council is currently warned to be careful and never touch Stop monitoring several flying fox colonies. flying foxes (dead or alive). mosquitoes Flying foxes are pollinators, like bees, and For more information about health impacts critical to the health and reproduction of of bats visit Queensland Health’s website: breeding flowering tree species. As a result, they are www.health.qld.gov.au As much as the recent rain has been protected under the Native Conservation welcome, it’s also meant more Act 1992. If a sick or injured flying fox is found call mosquitoes. RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL but do not However, due to habitat loss, human touch it. Here are a few tips to reduce them interactions with flying foxes are increasing around your home: If a dead flying fox is found do not touch and living near roosts can be difficult. • Mosquitoes need water to the animal. Use a shovel to scoop the breed. Check your yard for items Little Red Flying Fox roosts tend to have animal into a plastic bag and put it in a holding water and empty them the greatest impact within the Shire, but wheelie bin. out; it’s generally short lived as these are a nomadic species and will move on once Residents should not attempt to chase • Empty out pot plant bases weekly their food source reduces. away flying foxes, unless you have or fill with sand to absorb water; obtained a permit from the Department • Wash out bromeliads and other Please keep clear of roost areas as of Environment and Heritage Protection water holding plants weekly; disturbance or harassment of flying (EHP). Harassment or attempts at dispersal foxes may cause them to move to a less without a permit are an offence under the • Wash out birdbaths and desirable location such as residential yards Native Conservation Act 1992, and can ornamental pools or water or scatter throughout the town. This can lead to heavy penalties. features weekly; also lead to more encounters with humans • Ensure rainwater tanks are Council will continue monitoring roost and increased noise, smell and general screened at inlets and outlets; nuisance. areas and liaising with EHP Wildlife Officers. A Statement of Management • Clean gutters regularly; Flying Foxes may carry bacteria and viruses Intent and Management Plan to provide • Maintain swimming pools; and that can affect humans, but the risk of guidance on Council's role are available • Stock ponds with suitable native infection is low. at www.banana.qld.gov.au/health#Flying fish. Foxes The main health concern affecting people Is there a potential mosquito breeding is the possible transmission of Lyssavirus For further information about flying foxes, ground you’re concerned about? Let from untreated bites or scratches. If contact EHP on 1300 130 372 or visit Council know on 4992 9500 or email scratched, report immediately to the EHP website: www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ [email protected] Queensland Health. Children should be wildlife/livingwith/flyingfoxes/

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 4 Sport and recreation clubs database update Sport and recreation clubs across Banana Shire are encouraged to contact Council’s Community Development Advisor to ensure their contact details are up to date in the database. Advisor Melinda Petty said Council regularly received information about Obstacle Course Winners opportunities for funding, training and - Bronwyn Piahana, Prue Clem, Estelle McGauley and Debbie Polley general tips relevant for the region’s sport and recreation clubs. “As part of my role as Community Development Advisor, I try to ensure our clubs are well informed and have access to this information where possible. Dog Walk for Breast Cancer Council raised more than $1440 for breast Statistics show breast cancer will affect one “An email database is the best way to do cancer research when it held the inaugural in eight women in their lifetime and that one this, so I’m asking clubs to contact me Dog Walk for Breast Cancer on Sunday, to make sure I have the most up to date in eight women die every day in Australia contact information on file,” Melinda said. October 29. from this disease. For efficiency, it is recommended all clubs The event was also designed to promote Funds raised through events like our Dog have a generic, central email address the and encourage responsible dog ownership Walk for Breast Cancer go towards reducing club executive can access. in our Shire. these figures and contributing to the This replaces using members private A good crowd supported the walk while National Breast Cancer Foundation’s goal of email addresses which then require our families were well catered for with activities finding a cure through advances in research. database (and many other contact listings including jumping castle, face painting, The day would not have been a success for the club) to be updated each year as competitions, an obstacle course and a committees change. without the support and sponsorship of photo booth. A much sought after prize of the following businesses: Allan Bowen, You can create a general email address a wheelbarrow full of goodies helped to Biloela Quality Meats, CSG Photographics, quickly and easily for your club using a boost the final fundraising amount. CQUniversity, Drakes Biloela, Eukenuba, variety of free providers such as Yahoo, Gmail, Outlook or iCloud. There are While families were occupied there was Faces by Frankie, Food Works Biloela, also options through your phone service plenty of time for their pets to socialise and Home Hardware Biloela, Landmark Biloela, provider for clubs with a land line. exercise with other pooches. Odd Spot Café, Pets to You, Mobile Vet Sandy Smith, Callide Valley Vet Clinic and To contact Melinda please phone The day provided Council and the Saxophonic. Council’s Customer Service on 4992 community with an opportunity to show 9500 or email [email protected]. their support for a cause that touches the Keep your eye out for next year’s event gov.au and mark it for the attention of lives of so many Australians. which will be bigger and better! Community Development.

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 5 Christmas closures and Council contacts Banana Shire Council’s Biloela, Moura and during the holiday period, between 7am and Taroom offices will close from 2pm Friday, 5:30pm, seven days a week. December 22 and re-open at 8am Tuesday, Trap Gully Landfill will close on all public January 2. holidays and weekends. Community Resource Centre will close from Moura Transfer Station will be open between 5pm Friday, December 8 and re-open at 7am and 5:30pm, seven days a week, but 9amTuesday, January 2. closed Christmas Day. Emergency phone numbers Shire Libraries Dangerous Dog Biloela Library closes at 2pm on Friday, Whole Shire:...... 0448 701 140 December 22 and reopens at 9am on Environmental Incident Tuesday, January 2. Whole Shire:...... 1300 130 372 Moura Library closes at 5:30pm on Road Maintenance Thursday, December 21 and reopens at Whole Shire:...... 0408 067 196 9:30am on Tuesday, January 2. Stock Route and Straying Stock Taroom Library closes at 2pm on Friday, Whole Shire:...... 0427 148 783 December 22 and reopens at 9.30am on Water Supply and Sewerage Tuesday, January 2. Biloela, Goovigen, , Wowan, Theodore Library closes at 5pm on Banana and Baralaba:...... 0417 641 994 Thursday, December 21 and reopens at Theodore:...... 0418 986 107 1pm on Thursday, January 4. Taroom:...... 0409 376 344 The Mobile Library will spend its last day in Cracow on Thursday, December 21 and Reports of dangerous dogs will recommence on Tuesday, January 23 For reports of dangerous dogs during in Banana. A revised schedule of townships Council’s holiday closure, contact the only (no schools) will operate during the Compliance Officer on 0448 701 140. December/January school holiday period Animal neglect and welfare (see website for further information). No mobile service will be available from For animal neglect, cruelty complaints and Saturday Dec 23 to Sunday January 7 welfare please contact RSPCA on 1300 inclusive. ANIMAL (1300 264 625) Library return chutes will be open so items Garbage collections can be returned. Fines will not accrue over Rubbish collections during the Christmas and the days the libraries are closed. New Year period, including public holidays, Swimming pool opening hours will continue on the normal day. Times may vary, so please ensure bins are on the Public pool opening hours are kerb by 6am. This applies to residences and subject to change over the businesses. Christmas/New Year period. Details of opening hours are Transfer stations available on Council’s website Biloela Transfer Station on Calvale Road will at www.banana.qld.gov. close on Christmas Day but will remain open au/swimming-pools1

Banana Shire Libraries' activities The Banana Shire Libraries will be busy, Biloela - Monday, December 11 and fun places again over the school holidays Monday, January 15 with plenty to keep children entertained. Taroom - Tuesday, December 12 and As well as running craft sessions (no Tuesday, January 16 bookings required), we’ll be touring Theodore - Wednesday, December 13 the Shire with our robots, including and Wednesday, January 17 Beebots, Ozobots and Lego Mindstorms! Bookings for the robotic sessions are Moura - Friday, December 15 and Friday, essential and will be accepted by the January 19 Biloela branch from Monday December If you have any questions please phone 4. Watch Banana Shire Council Central Biloela Library on 4992 7362. News Facebook page for details of times, dates, location, age suitability etc. Banana Shire Libraries staff wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and hope you Robotics Tour schedule (bookings have the joy of spending time with loved essential): ones.

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 6 Christmas and your pets Don’t let Owning a pet can be a rewarding If your dog or cat goes missing don’t experience but it is also a full time forget to check with Council’s pound. You food poisoning responsibility and takes money and life can also report found animals to Council long commitment. by calling 4992 9500 during business ruin Christmas hours. Hot weather, large gatherings and the If you’re giving a pet as a gift please think holiday season rush create perfect carefully and ensure it can be suitably For information about pet ownership conditions for food poisoning, so don’t housed and cared for. responsibilities contact Council’s forget the food safety basics this summer. Compliance Section on 4992 9500 or If you cannot take your pet on holiday visit our website www.banana.qld.gov.au. • Wash hands well and regularly. make sure it is well looked after. Failing to make adequate provision for your pets to • Keep food chilled in your refrigerator. be provided with food, water and shade It should be set at 5oc or below and while you are away is irresponsible and avoid overloading. can result in heavy penalties from the • Keep food covered to protect it from RSPCA. dust, insects, sneezes, etc. Always use a Many dogs are frightened by clean cover and never re-use plastic or thunderstorms or fireworks and have aluminium wrap. been known to break through or climb • Arrange food in your fridge so cold high fences or chew through rope to air can easily circulate around it. Never get away. Ensure your dog is in a secure overstock your fridge. Fridges work area or chained up in a place where it better and are more economical to run will feel secure whenever fireworks or if they are defrosted regularly. thunderstorms are likely to occur. • Separate raw meats and poultry from Microchipping is an effective way of cooked meats and food that won’t be reuniting lost dogs or cats with their cooked, such as salad and vegetables. owners, and is required for all dogs and cats. • Cook food thoroughly making sure large items such as turkeys are cooked right through. • Refrigerate leftovers as soon as Goovigen to host Australia Day possible. The Goovigen community will host the activities, entertainment, markets, raffle • Plan your shopping trip so perishable 2018 Banana Shire Australia Day event at prizes and much more. foods are purchased last. the community hall. On Australia Day, we come together as a Celebrations will start at 8:30am with nation to celebrate what’s great about our the award presentations commencing at country and being an Australian. 9:00am. It’s the biggest day of national celebration There will be something for everyone on to recognise the things that make our the day including a photo competition with country great: the people, the land, our the theme ‘What Living in Banana Shire diversity, our sense of a fair go, our lifestyle Means to Me’. and our freedoms. We reflect on our national journey and commit to making Bring your dog along to participate in the our country even better in the future. dog high jump competition with over $1000 worth of prizes up for grabs. For more information about the Australia Day celebrations visit www.banana.qld. There’ll be a ‘Best Decorated Aussie Ute’ gov.au/australia-day or call Council’s competition, an old Aussie-made working Community Development Advisor on tractor display, thong decorating, kids’ 4992 9500.

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 7 Half yearly water meter readings coming up Banana Shire Council will carry out rates notice and possibly missing out on a systematic inspection program, in any discount offered. accordance with the Local Government Note address changes cannot be accepted Act 2009, of all metered premises over the telephone. Changes must connected to the water supply schemes be received in writing or via email or in Banana, Baralaba, Biloela, Callide Dam, Council’s Rates Change of Address Form. Cracow, Goovigen, Moura, Taroom, Thangool, Theodore and Wowan, to Receive your rates notice by email record water meter readings. Having issues with the mail getting to The program, running from Monday, you? Are you travelling within Australia or 2018 December 18 till Sunday, January 14, abroad? will be conducted between 6.00am and 5.00pm daily. Council can now send your Rates Notice meeting dates to your email account. Application forms Banana Shire Council meetings are Council officers and/or appointed persons can be obtained from Banana Shire open to the public and are held in the with appropriate identification will be Council. Council Chambers at 62 Valentine entering properties to gain access to and Plains Road, Biloela, starting at 9.00am. read the water meters. Residents are Pensioner Remission asked to restrain their dogs during this The State Pensioner Subsidy of 20 per cent In 2018, meetings will be held on period and check garden vegetation does (to a maximum of $200 per annum) and the following dates which fall on a not obstruct access to the water meters. a Council Pensioner Remission of 20 per Wednesday (except for April). cent (to a maximum of $305 per annum) January 24 Rates & Charges will be allowed on all current Council February 28 rates and charges as levied (excluding the March 28 Rates notices for the second half rating Taroom Rural Water Connection Special April 26 (Thursday) period will be issued on February 12, 2018 Charge). Eligibility requirements include:- May 23 and payment is due on March 15, 2018. • Applicants must be a holder of a June 27 Can I pay my rates in advance? Queensland Pension Concession July 25 Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card August 22 Yes, for your convenience rates can be (Senior Card holders are not eligible); September 26 paid in advance by using any of Council’s October 24 recommended payment methods. • Applicants must be the owner November 21 or life tenant of the property and December 12 Council will accept payment in person legally responsible for paying local by cash, cheque, money order, Visa government rates and charges levied; Card, MasterCard and EFTPOS. If using BPAY, Pay by Phone or Pay Online • Subsidies can only be granted on the please quote Biller Code 7278 and the principal place of residence. payment reference on your rates notice. Application forms can be obtained from Daryl Barron All payments received prior to the rates Banana Shire Council. The State Fire and billing will appear on the notice as a credit Emergency Services also allow a 20 per balance brought forward and will be cent discount on the State Emergency retires deducted off the total rates for that period. Management Levy. Change of address Rates enquiries Have you recently changed your mailing Phone: 4992 9500 | Facsimile: 4992 3493 address? Have you advised Council of this Email: [email protected] | change? Web: www.banana.qld.gov.au Ratepayers who have changed their mailing address and have failed to notify Council run the risk of not receiving their

Daryl receiving his retirement gift from Mayor Neville Ferrier

Daryl started working with Council on December 1,1998 as a labourer and continued in this role until his retirement on June 3. Council thanks Daryl for his service and wishes him well in his retirement.

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 8 Rural Management Challenge Five Banana Shire Council staff attended the Rural Management Challenge conducted by the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) Queensland in Gladstone on Thursday November 9. The team representing Council included Asset and Maintenance Management Advisor, James Mergard, Senior Compliance and Reporting Officer, Mark Caon, Project and Quality Systems Officer, Dee-anne Radke and Communications, Marketing and Media Officer, Amy Pointing. Personal Assistant Director Council Services, Vicki Phelan, was also in Artiz Public attendance as the Team Mentor. During the second week of the Term The theme for the artwork was equality. All team members agreed the challenge Three holidays, I had an amazing After a few hours of brainstorming and opportunity to take part in a street art was a great professional development and sketching, the nine of us, along with the workshop in Toowoomba organised by learning experience. two professional artists, had come up with Flying Arts. The workshop, held at the the final design. “We learnt more about our team University of Southern Queensland, gave members, our Council and, most myself and eight other young artists the Before we got to attack the wall we were importantly, ourselves,” Amy Pointing said. facilities and equipment to learn the skills shown how to use a spray can and, I can and techniques of street art. tell you, it’s a lot harder than it looks. The team members were required to undertake roles as Directors of various Over the course of the workshop we Distance and speed of your motions are Departments of the mythical Council looked at street art around Toowoomba, all factors that determine the quality of “Herdinkatz Shire” and were given various and I was impressed with the number of your line. After many hours in the hot sun scenarios and tasks to complete in a set international artists that have gravitated spraying and painting, we all managed to timeframe. towards the city. It really is becoming a complete the mural and it looks great! well known place for contemporary street Team members stepped outside their art. This experience was a once in a life time operational areas to develop and enhance opportunity. I learnt skills I’m sure I will their skills to achieve a shared group Two days were dedicated to completing take further, met people and saw first hand outcome. a new mural. To my surprise, it was a lot professional artists working. bigger than anticipated, stretching about 20 The Challenge provided networking metres long and four metres high. Rebecca Capon opportunities while competing against teams from various Councils and encouraged personal and professional development. Focus Profile Manager of of professionals “Our team really enjoyed the experience Infrastructure Technology undertaking a wide of working outside of our comfort zones, range of engineering Banana Shire Council welcomed Allan and thinking hard about delivering familiar projects including Heit to the Infrastructure Department as services to our communities in new road design, storm Manager of Infrastructure Technology in ways,” Team Leader, Mark Caon said. water design, March this year. floodway and Allan has lived nearly all his life in the Banana culvert designs, Shire. He grew up and attended Biloela bridge inspections and heavy vehicle State Primary School then Biloela State High permits. School before going on to university. He also works on Council budgeting Allan worked in several technical and and scheduling as well as many other production roles at Callide Mine during the engineering related tasks. He has a passion past two decades and decided to make for safety and is keen to ensure this is a a career change earlier this year. He has major consideration when completing extensive experience as a Surveyor and infrastructure designs within the Shire. Engineer and has worked as a team leader Allan lives with his family just outside Biloela Team Member Mark Caon being in a variety of roles. and is actively involved in the community interviewed as part of a challenge task Allan is enthusiastic about his role at through Cricket, Soccer, Jujitsu and the and Team Members Council which involves leading a team Baptist Church.

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 9 Regional Arts Development Fund The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Banana Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Individual Professional Development Grants These grants support individual professional and emerging artists or arts and cultural workers living in the Banana Shire to undertake professional development activities located within Australia. These activities will support the participant to grow and excel in their chosen field of practice. Grant Amount: $500 or $1000 Application Due Dates: Final day of each month until June 30 2018, or until allocated funds are expended Community Project Grants Community Project Grants are available to eligible individuals, groups and organisations. Banana Shire students access The funding categories below outline the eligible activities and projects. animal assisted therapy 1. Supporting our Community Students with disabilities at several and focus on learning. Objective: To support and strengthen the schools in the Banana Shire have cultural capacity of our community. participated in a horse riding therapy They may also need support in program facilitated by the Banana Shire communication or social skills such 2. Local Storytelling Community Resource Centre (CRC). as turn taking, following instructions, Objective: To facilitate and support local understanding and following routines, storytelling and encourage the display The schools involved were Moura coping with challenges and confidence and celebration of the diversity within our State School, Moura State High School, building. community. Baralaba State School, Prospect Creek 3. Visible Cultural Life State School, Mt Murchison State Teachers then request therapy Objective: To showcase the creative spirit School and Biloela State High School. assistance from the CRC. Teachers and CRC therapists discuss ways students of our community and encourage cultural The program uses horse riding to teach can be supported, looking at flexible tourism. and practice social and communication solutions based on student need and 4. Small Towns, Big Ideas skills and makes direct links to therapist availability and skills. Objective: To foster significant arts and classroom curriculum. cultural ideas and help them move towards Baralaba State School’s Di Walton said reality. It is delivered weekly, both during and therapists’ commitment and interaction after school, and during CRC holiday with their students was invaluable. Grant Amount: up to $2000 programs. Head of Special Education Services at Application Due Dates: February 28 2018, The CRC accesses Department of Moura State School and Moura State June 30 2018 or until allocated funds are Education and Training funding (Non High School, Judy Galos, said the horse expended School Organisations Program) to riding program was very effective. More Information provide therapy support for students www.banana.qld.gov.au/regional-arts- “The students’ confidence increased with disabilities who must access the development-fund dramatically,” she said. education curriculum on the same basis or contact the RADF Liaison Officer (RLO) as their peers. The Occupational Therapist and Phone: (07) 4992 9500 Email [email protected] Teachers identify areas where students Speech Language Pathologist who need support such as gross motor skills worked with the program identified requiring balance, and the strength to students' strengths and weaknesses and be able to sit for longer periods in class the programs targeted the specific areas of need.

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 10 Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery News

EXHIBITIONS CALENDAR A Tribute to Modern Pioneers EVENTS MAIN GALLERY C o m m u n i ty A Tribute to Modern Pioneers is a Banana Shire Council project December celebrating the innovative people contributing to our community’s fabric and the region’s diverse industries. 2 Mixed Media Workshop Whimsy and Me The exhibition includes portraiture photography of nine local Phone Toni 0438 348 377 pioneers in their homes and workplaces. 2 Thangool Races Queensland based emerging photographer Rachael Baskerville was Phone Edwina 4995 8190 selected as project photographer through an artist call out. The project was funded by The Regional Arts Development Fund 2 Christmas Fair and Twilight Markets Thangool which is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Phone Christine 0409 277 921 Banana Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional 9 Biloela Markets in the Park Queensland. Phone Susan 0407 336 700 or Aileen 4995 7164 In Depth | Jo Bone 16 Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery Weekend Opening PALM TREE ROOM Jo Bone Purple Sand Dollar 2014 Hours. Ph Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery 4992 9500 In Depth features thirteen Blown glass, cold worked 8 x 38cm January beautifully crafted glass Photograph by pieces that reflect the Aaron S. Micallef sculptural forms, colours 26 Australia Day Celebrations in Goovigen and textures of our marine environment. Phone Council 4992 9500 This includes works inspired by shells, sand dollars, cephalopods 27 Thangool Races and molluscs, and an installation comprising 17 individual glass Phone Edwina 4995 8190 seagrass fronds. 30 Wahroonga Community Bingo In Depth is a touring exhibition in partnership with Jo Bone and Museums & Galleries Queensland. This Phone Ros or Amanda 4992 8330 project is supported by the Queensland Government February through Arts Queensland. Both exhibitions continue until January 20 2018 17 Biloela Markets in the Park Phone Susan 0407 336 700 or Aileen 4995 7164 EVENTS Weekend Opening Hours Saturday December 16 10am – 12 noon Saturday January 20 10am – 12 noon Banana Shire For up to date information on exhibition openings, workshops and special events check our website or social media. Libraries’ amnesty Contact the Gallery Shanna Muston, Arts and Cultural Officer Banana Shire Libraries are in the middle of an amnesty which began Phone: 4992 9500 Email: [email protected] on November 1 and runs until Friday December 22. Web: www.banana.qld.gov.au/artgallery Like us on Facebook ‘Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery’ The amnesty will waive overdue fines, Follow us on Instagram ‘bananashireregionalartgallery’ administrative fees and replacement costs accrued before this period. Christmas Closure The gallery will close at 2.00pm on December 22 2017, re-opening It will not include the cost of on January 2 2018. damaged items or overdue fees Banana Shire Art Collection: New Acquisitions accrued during November and December. The Library staff want to encourage members who have stayed away because they owe a Balancing Act 2016, Veronika Zeil. Charcoal, binders, synthetic fine, to return. polymer paint and cement This amnesty will also on plywood, 120 x 120 cm. allow staff to tidy up Purchased by Banana Shire Council the catalogue to better 2017 monitor the collection. Visit the gallery If you have any questions 62 Valentine Plains Road, Biloela please call the Biloela Open weekdays from 9:30am – 4pm Library on 4992 7362. Free entry

Banana Shire Council - Focus Newsletter December 2017 Page 11 Banana Shire AUSTRALIA DAY GOOVIGEN 2018 Celebrate Your Way! Friday 26th January 2018 Goovigen Community Hall 8.30am Official ceremony will commence at 9.00am followed by celebrations at the Goovigen Sport and Recreation Grounds

• photo competition 'What Living in • Banana Shire Means to Me' FREE ENTRY • dog high jump competition - $1000 in prizes • 'Best Decorated Aussie Ute' competition • licensed bar, food and drinks FUN FOR • markets • old Aussie-made working tractor display ALL AGES! • thong decorating competition • kids activities and games BYO CHAIR • entertainment • raffles and prizes • and much more! Proudly brought to you by the Goovigen Community For further information please contact the Banana Shire Council on 4992 9500 or [email protected]