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Articles by Grace Crichton
New venue for garden fair
By Grace Crichton The Laidley Spring Garden Fair has a new home this year, but will still offer everything a gardener’s heart could desire. Held in conjunction with the Laidley Spring Festival in September, the fair will take place at the Laidley Recreation Grounds on the corner of Edward and Patrick Streets.
Next to represent Gatton
By Grace Crichton and Jesse Hamilton Forest Hill’s Caffe Sorella was home to The Gatton Show’s Showgirl and Rural Ambassador competition on 22 June as entrants geared up to vie for the opportunity to represent their region for the upcoming show season.
Internet from space
By Grace Crichton Reliable home internet is more essential than ever. Whether it’s work, school, entertainment, or keeping on top of your life admin, a fast and reliable home internet connection is a must-have in many people’s homes. In great news for remote and rural locations, Telstra is offering a new way to connect with the world wide web. Telstra recently launched Telstra Satellite Home Internet, powered by Starlink.
Hair today, gone tomorrow
By Grace Crichton This Marburg Show, bring some change to support Kendra-Lee Loveday as she participates in the World’s Greatest Shave. The Tallegalla teen is lopping her locks to raise awareness and funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and donating her hair. Fortunately, she doesn’t have first-hand experience with cancer, but she understands the impact both the disease and hair loss has on many people. Cutting and donating her hair is one way she can help.
Step up for sick kids
By Grace Crichton This May, lace up your joggers and make a big difference in sick kids’ lives. The Starlight Children’s Foundation has launched the Super Steps Challenge, a new fundraising initiative to deliver happiness to nearly 18,000 sick kids through Starlight’s vital hospital services. Ipswich parents Maree and Jon Smith know intimately the impact Captain Starlight has on children and their families. Captain Starlight was there from Thea Smith’s first admission to hospital.
Raffle to raise funds for koala rescue
By Grace Crichton On International Wild Koala Day, an Esk wildlife group is launching a raffle to raise vital funds for their koala protection and rescue efforts. Local mosaic artist Rosie O’Brien has donated a bespoke, limited edition bowl to Care4esK in support of their cause. Care4esK president Darren Bate said money raised from the raffle would go toward their ongoing rescue costs, or ideally a wildlife camera.
Finest orchids on show
By Grace Crichton The finest orchids of the Lockyer Valley will be on full display on May 10 and 11. The Lockyer Valley Orchid Society will hold its annual Autumn Show at the Gatton Anglican Church Hall just in time for Mother’s Day. Society president Des Reinke said visitors could expect some of the best orchids grown in the district, both in quality and quantity. Entrants will submit plants to be judged across several categories for coveted blue ribbons.
Defib in Gatton
By Grace Crichton A publically accessible defibrillator is now installed in Gatton, giving locals peace of mind and potentially saving a life. It is located inside the IGA mall, toward the Railway St end. The defib was purchased by Gatton Lions Club with assistance from landlords John Hisslop and Val Vaughan. Gatton Lions Club treasurer Lawrie Johansen said the club was eager to install the device. “We’ve had some good barbecues over the last 12 months and our funds were pretty healthy,” he said.
On the right track
By Grace Crichton Lockyer Valley’s newest and youngest councillor is eager to see the region continue on the right track. Anthony Wilson had a unique insight into council’s last two terms and was eager to put his hand up to see legacy projects fulfilled. Brother to Deputy Mayor Chris Wilson, he is no stranger to the role council plays. “When Chris got elected eight years ago, I had a front row seat to all things council,” Cr Wilson said. “It got me interested.
Councillors take up roles
By Grace Crichton Lockyer Valley’s new councillors were assigned their portfolios in council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday 24 April. The portfolio model allocates strategic and functional areas of responsibility to the elected councillors and has been Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s model since 2008. Mayor Tanya Milligan retains the Civic Leadership and Regional Development portfolio, encompassing civic leadership and advocacy, disaster management, and economic development.
Bowls day to aid DV charity
By Grace Crichton Get your team together and hit the green for a worthy cause. Argyle Masonic Lodge, Forest Hill, is holding its Charity Bowls Day at the Laidley Bowls Club on 5 May. This year, the beneficiary is the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. Argyle Masonic Lodge secretary Corey Dornan said the Lodge selected a different charity for the bowls day each year and this foundation aligned closely with their values.
Passionate for second term
By Grace Crichton As a returning councillor, Kylee Isidro is motivated to continue her commitment to the Somerset region. Cr Isidro was first elected in 2020 after plenty of career and life experience, including working within the Somerset Regional Council’s customer service team. Now, she’s eager to continue working on projects she was involved with during her first term. “I think it’s given me that drive and accelerated that passion even more, to give ten-fold again,” she said.
Lions kick off season
By Grace Crichton Laidley Lions Junior Rugby League Club started the season with home games on 20 April. The dozen junior teams went up against Redbank at Laidley Recreation Grounds. U12s coach Shaun Brown said the team came together well despite a rocky start to training. “We were a bit worried at training because they didn’t get the few little drills they were meant to do, but they showed up today and did what they had to do,” he said.
Shows seek next leaders
By Grace Crichton Show societies are calling for young people to participate in the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador programs. The leadership programs develop public speaking and networking skills, which are invaluable for young adults beginning their working lives. The Showgirl program is an excellent opportunity for young women aged 18 to 28 to become more involved in their community, develop leadership skills, and work on their personal development.
Seeking hall’s 100yr history
By Grace Crichton This year, the Mulgowie Hall is 100 years old and the committee are looking for locals to share its history. Mulgowie Hall Committee chairman John Emerick said they were planning to hold an event on 19 October and are seeking histories and old photos to display on the day. “We’re not fully planned yet but we hope to get in touch with some of the older ones to get some information on CWA and Rural Youth,” he said.
Honk! The Musical offers humour and heart
By Grace Crichton Get ready for a fun filled night as Lockyer Regional Performing Arts presents ‘Honk!’ The Musical on 2-4 May. You might not know the name, but you are sure to love the story. Honk! is based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Ugly Duckling. In this upbeat, fun-filled musical, Ugly goes on a journey of self-discovery, meets a host of colourful characters, and learns it’s ok to be different.
Dedicated support for small businesses
By Grace Crichton In a rapidly changing digital world, it is more important than ever for small business owners to work smarter not harder. Between maintaining an online presence, managing IT services, and keeping on top of electronic payments, there’s a lot to handle on top of core businesses operations. Telstra has a suite of services specifically for businesses of any size to help manage your digital life, so you can focus on growing your business and serving your customers.
Sacred music fills the air
By Grace Crichton Laidley was treated to an evening of sacred music at the Anglican Church on 6 April. Something to Sing About Choir was joined by professional Brisbane singers, Lucem Vitae, for a rendition of John Stainer’s ‘The Crucifixion’. Lucem Vitae singers Hainian and Naomi Yu led four workshops with the Laidley choir leading up to the performance to learn the piece.
All about the kids
By Grace Crichton and Jesse Hamilton Young people were front and centre at Youth Week events from 7-13 April. Lockyer Valley Regional Council hosted several events, including a Youth Expo in Laidley’s Ferrari Park on 10 April and a Skateboarding Jam Session on 12 April There was something for all young people at the expo, as children had the opportunity to engage in virtual reality games, play laser tag, compete in inflatable games, create art with coloured sand, and have their faces painted.
Karen is always willing to help
By Grace Crichton We are all given the same number of hours in a day, it’s what you do with them that counts. One person who makes the most of the hours she is given is Karen Nawratzki. A dedicated volunteer, public servant, and all-round bundle of positive energy, Karen has always given of herself freely. “My mum always said ‘give back’,” she said. “It does make you feel that you’ve done something for the community, and I think that’s what it’s all about.
Forest seeks more friends
By Grace Crichton For five years, a dedicated team of volunteers have steadily been rejuvenating a small swath of rainforest near Linville. What they have witnesses is a steady return of biodiversity to the critically endangered forest. Friends of the Forest president Carolita Fuentes said although Greenhide Reserve’s ecology has attracted environmentalists and scientists, they would like more Somerset residents to come and take part in the project.
Decades in real estate recognised
By Grace Crichton In recognition of more than three decades in business, Gatton Real Estate’s Rhonda McLucas was admitted as a Fellow Member to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland on 2 February. The REIQ grants fellow membership to practicing member of at least 15 years. With 32 years in the industry under her belt, Mrs McLucas was thrilled to receive the acknowledgement from the state’s peak body for the real estate industry.
Helidon roll call
By Grace Crichton Calling past students and staff of Helidon State School, it’s time to celebrate. Saturday 11 May marks the school’s 150th anniversary and the P and C have been busy putting together a fantastic celebration for the community. Helidon State School principal Mark Robertson said they were seeking as many past students and staff as possible.
Principal retired after 40 years
By Grace Crichton After four decades in education, school principal Richard Amos retired at the end on term one. Coominya State School students, staff, and families said farewell to their principal on 27 March. The small Somerset school was his final stop on a career which took him around the Lockyer Valley. He began teaching at Gatton State School in 1985 and moved to Laidley Central in 1987. He was appointed principal of Ma Ma Creek State School in 1996 before moving to Coominya in 2010.
Best bonnets on parade
By Grace Crichton Coominya State School students donned their finest Easter bonnets to finish the term on 27 March. They showed of their talents with their decorated and handmade hats for an Easter Bonnet parade in front of parents. The playgroup also took part. Prep and Year 1 students added to the morning’s entertainment with a couple of songs. Afterwards, they roamed the school grounds searching for Easter eggs and were thrilled to have a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Dedicated teacher aide reaches 30 years
By Grace Crichton Beverley Sutton thought she was marking the end of the school term with a cup of tea in the staff room. What greeted her at Ma Ma Creek State School was a surprise party to celebrate her 30 years as a teacher aide on 22 March. Mrs Sutton was greeted by past principals, staff, former students, friends, family, and community members, who all came to the school to celebrate this milestone with her.
Wilson named Deputy Mayor
By Grace Crichton The Lockyer Valley’s new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Chris Wilson. Cr Wilson was voted in by his peers at Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Special Meeting on 5 April. “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to be the new Deputy Mayor of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council,” Cr Wilson said. With the retirement of former Deputy Mayor Jason Cook, it was up to the newly formed councillor vote for a new deputy.
Young gun takes home the Cup
By Grace Crichton Lockyer Valley Turf Club hosted a spectacular day of country racing at the One Response Laidley Cup on 30 March. Six-year-old gelding Avenue of Stars barrelled to the post, trained by Jonny Field, and ridden by Jace McMurray. At 17 years old, it was McMurray’s first race meet and although he placed 5th and 6th in his first two races of the day, he came through to with the Cup. McMurray’s mentor Robbie Fradd said he was very proud of his performance.
Looking for Lions history
By Grace Crichton This year the Laidley Lions Club celebrates half a century, and they are looking for community input to fill some of the gaps in their history. The club is 50 years old and members are seeking any records, honour boards, photos, or other club history, potentially stored away in homes. Club secretary Leanne Robinson said their records were limited. “Even if they said ‘grandpa used to be in Lions club’, what was his name, we can write his name down,” she said.
Water users push back against mandatory meters
By Grace Crichton Lockyer irrigators are prepared to push back against the state government’s ‘one size fits all’ approach to water management. The Lockyer Water Users Forum (LWUF) met with irrigators for the fourth time on 19 March to present their draft submission plan in response to the proposed new Moreton water plan.
Kitchen open to all
By Grace Crichton People living rough can find a bit of comfort in a hot meal and warm drink at the Lockyer Community Centre’s new camp kitchen. ‘Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen’ is a small shed with a kettle, sandwich press, toaster, microwave, and fridge for people who are homeless to come and make themselves a hot meal or drink.
Kids get messy for Harmony Day
By Grace Crichton Families came together to connect and play at Together4Lockyer’s Messy Play on Harmony Day on 21 March. Held in the green space next to the Laidley library, the morning of fun had little ones aged 0 to 5 experimenting with finger painting, bubbles, foam, and lots of messy fun activities. Together4Lockyer, a collaborative group focused on early childhood, held the event to bring together multiple services available to families with young children in the region.
Councillors say their farewells
By Grace Crichton Three retiring councillors were farewelled by their colleagues in Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s ordinary meeting on 13 March. Janice Holstein, Jason Cook, and Rick Vela did not run in the 2024 local government election, instead choosing to step back from local politics. Mrs Holstein wrapped up 24 years in elected government and intends to spend more time with her grandchildren.
BBQ theft low blow for Lions
By Grace Crichton A club dedicated to the community was left shattered after the theft of their fundraising equipment. Lowood Lions Club’s box trailer, containing their barbecue, gas bottles, eskies, and utensils was stolen from a member’s private property at Tarampa in mid February. President Yvonne Hawkins said the loss has cut off their ability to raise money for the community. “We can’t fundraise,” she said. “We’re disheartened. It’s really hard.
Wendt wins election
By Grace Crichton After two decades under the leadership of Graeme Lehmann, Jason Wendt will take over as Somerset Regional Council’s new mayor. Sitting councillors Cr Wendt and Sean Choat both threw their hat in the ring, receiving 60.6 per cent and 39.4 per cent of the vote respectively, as of 4pm on 17 March. Cr Wendt said he was humbled by the result which was greater than he expected. His first priority is to establish good communication between the council and the people.
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