Christmas in the Garden – Rochedale Community Garden

Rochedale Community Garden invites one and all to their Christmas in the Garden on Sunday 25 November 2012.

Bring along the family and enjoy a Garden tours and: 

Sausage Sizzle

Cold Drinks

Plant Sales

Christmas Gifts

Home-baked Goodies

Herbal Tea Café

Scarecrow Making

Look forward to seeing you all at

160 Rochedale Rd Rochedale

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Medicare Local Forum – Wynnum

Tam Shepherd, CEO, Greater Metro South Brisbane Medicare Local (GMSBML) invites you to a forum to discuss the health care needs of you and your family.

Medicare Local would like to hear about your experiences with non-hospital related health services and programs in the Wynnum area.

Date: Friday 16 November, 2012

Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm

Address: Shangri-La Gardens,

969 Wynnum Road,

Wynnum West Qld 4178

(a light lunch will be provided)

 

Reservations: to make a reservation please call

Greater Metro South Brisbane Medicare Local on

1300 467 265

or email: events@gmsbml.org.au



 

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Christmas for the Troops 2012

The Christmas period is when most of us get to spend that little bit of extra time with our families and loved ones and to catch up with old friends. It is also a time to reflect on those who won’t be able to spend Christmas with their families and friends, such as the thousands of Australian troops who are serving on operations far from home.

This holiday season, I encourage everyone in the electorate of Bonner to show their support for our troops by sending them a care package, a letter or donating to one of the many organisations that support our serving men and women.

To show your support for the troops this Christmas you can send them a care package, free of charge, through Australia Post. Australia Post allows free delivery for packages weighing no more than 2kg (cubed) to our soldiers on the front line.

When sending your parcel don’t forget to include a letter of support to the troops and include a stamped self addressed envelope so they can send a letter back to you. Parcels should be addressed to An Australian Defence Member and the mailing address and further details, including what to send and what not to send, can be found below.

Another option you may like to consider is donating money to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund. The RSL provides care packages to Australian troops as well as Australian Federal Police personnel biannually, and your support would contribute to this valuable programme. Please see my website for further details regarding the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund.

Alternatively donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) to support those personnel who have been wounded on operations and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.

Last Christmas approximately 10 tonnes worth of care packages were distributed to personnel deployed overseas and I urge all Australians to again dig deep and support our serving men and women.

Merry Christmas.


How to send a parcel to Troops:

Defence has amended its guidance since 2011 with relation to the sending of care packages, including what can be sent, so please be sure to read the following information carefully.

A care package can be sent free of charge to the below AFPO address so long as it strictly complies with Australia Post guidelines.

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubed) and should be packaged within a “BM” size box, which is available from Australia Post for approximately two dollars. You will also be required to present photographic identification, fill in some customs forms and it is suggested that you use a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.

In order to ensure parcels reach the widest possible number of personnel, please ensure they are gender neutral and address all parcels to “An Australian Defence Member” and not to a specific job title, trade or unit.

Additionally, please note that Defence is no longer able to accept care packages for Military Working Dogs or Explosive Detection Dogs due to their strict diet and training requirements.

The unique Australian Forces Post Office (AFPO) box will be open from 22 October until 7 December 2012. In order to ensure the packages reach the troops by Christmas, all packages should be lodged with Australia Post no later than 7 December 2012.

Address Details

To send a care package or letter of support to an ADF member posted overseas, address the package or letter to:

An Australian Defence Member

AFPO 60

ADF  NSW  2890

What can be included in Care Packages

Be creative with donations while being mindful of Australia Post’s guidelines for the free delivery of care packages. Some suggestions are listed below, as are the general restrictions.

 

Food

·         Anzac biscuits

·         Salted peanuts

·         Muesli bars

·         Instant Noodles

·         Lollies

·         Small tinned consumables

·         Other commercially manufactured and packaged foods that are non-perishable

Other ideas

·         Magazines – from Vogue and
         Women’s Weekly to Men’s
         Health  and Wheels

·         Puzzle books

·         DVDs

·         Socks

·         Letters of support

·         Posters and letters from school
         children

·         Stamped, self addressed     
          envelope – this way personnel   
          can thank you for the package

 

Toiletries

·         Deodorant (non aerosol)

·         Shaving cream (non aerosol)

·         Small bottle of talcum powder

·         Disposable razors

·         Shower Gel

·         Lip Balm

 

 

What not to include

·         Pornographic material

·         Alcoholic beverages

·         Any food prepared or cooked at
           home, including cakes and 
           biscuits

·         Clothing (except socks)

·         Pork products

·         Cigarettes

·         Perfumery products

 

 

Other Ways to Support the Troops this Christmas

Sending a care package to our troops is a great way to show support, but it may not always be practicable to do so. There are a number of other ways constituents may like to show their support for our troops and their families this Christmas.

Messages for the troops

For those constituents who would like to express their support through a simple letter, you may like to email your message to:

messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au

Please ensure you include your name, suburb and state at the top of the email message. Defence may publish your letter on Defence websites and social media sites so the message reaches more ADF members and their families. Personal details of the sender are not published.

For those who would prefer to send a message in the traditional way, there is the option of sending a postcard. The address details are:

Messages to the Troops
Media Section
39 Personnel Support Battalion
Building 217
Randwick Barracks  NSW  2031

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Rememberance Day Services – Sunnybank

You are cordially invited to attend one of the following Remembrance Day Services being held in the Sunnybank District on Sunday 11th November 2012: District Memorial 19 Gager Street Sunnybank; or Sunnybank Plaza Shopping Centre; or Westfield Garden City Shopping Centre.
 
All services will commence at 10.30am and persons attending are asked to be at their preferred location no later than 10.15am. All services will conclude by 11.15am.
 
A Morning Tea follows the Service at the District Memorial.

Please RSVP location attending to: Des Broom Senior Vice President Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch Inc. P O Box 1245 Sunnybank Hills Qld 4109 or Email: Sunnybank.rsl@bigpond.com (Attn: Des Broom) brushes1@bigpond.com

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WIshart Neighbourhood Watch (UMG22)

Wishart NHW (UMG22)  will be hosting a community sausage sizzle.
Location: Delavan Street Park, Wishart (pathway near the bus stop).
Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

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Condolence Motion


It is with the greatest honour that I rise today to extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of six people killed in a plane crash near Borumba Dam in Queensland on Monday, 1 October. The group of six friends, all Bonner locals, were flying back to the plane’s home base in Caboolture after spending the long weekend raising money for charity by conducting joy flights at the Monto Fly-In when the horrific accident occurred. My most sincere sympathy goes out to the family members and friends of Des and Kathleen Porter, Les and Jan D’Evlin and John and Carol Dawson-all valued members of the Bonner community who will be sorely missed.

Des, the owner of an automotive shop, and his wife, Kathleen, were Wynnum locals who loved being out and about in the community almost as much as Des loved his prized 1930s biplane. Des was a man of incredible character and had a great love of life. I met him many times at various community events. I wish to extend my sincere condolences to their children, Scott, Gavin, David, Elizabeth and Vicki, and the rest of the family following this tragic loss of life.

I would also like to express my deep regret to the Dawson family. Carol and John were an intrinsic part of the Tingalpa family, with John operating a smash repairs business with his brother Ian. I wish to pass on my sincerest sympathies to Margaret, Patrick, Ian and the rest of the family.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to convey my deep condolences to the D’Evlin family for the loss of Jan and Les. I wish to share my condolences with Mr and Mrs Petty, Shane and the rest of the D’Evlin family. The couple passed away doing something they loved. Les had over the years built speed cars to race but was always very safe and methodical. Jan will be remembered as a very caring, vibrant person who would do anything for anyone.

It is in this House that I would also like to acknowledge the people who worked tirelessly over many days in the desperate search operation. Emergency services were joined in the search by a number of private aviation companies and local residents who gave up their time to search for the plane and its passengers. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre Australia coordinated a search for the plane over an area of 1,500 square kilometres in hilly and forested terrain. The Wynnum, Manly and Tingalpa communities in my electorate of Bonner keenly feel the loss of these six wonderful people who helped to brighten the lives of everyone who they came across.

I feel extremely honoured to be able to stand here in the house and say to the Porter, D’Evlin and Dawson families that this parliament is with you and thinking of you and the grief that you feel is felt by all of us.

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St Gabriel’s Carindale Annual Fete

The St Gabriel’s Carindale Annual Fete will be held on Sunday 28 OCtober 2012 from 10am at the Cnr Bridnorth St & Old Cleveland Road, Carindale.

Stalls include trash and treasure, pre-loved books and clothing, handicrafts, cakes and sweets, plants, devonshire teas, hamburgers, sausage sizzle and drinks.

Loads of free local entertainment plus activities for children – baby farm animals, pony rides, jumping castle, face painting, puppet show.
 
For more info please phone 3398 8069.

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Ross Vasta Champions Bonner Carers

 

Ross Vasta has today welcomed the start of Carers Week 2012 and thanked carers in Bonner for the enormous contribution they make.

 

Carers Week 2012 is being held between Sunday 14 October and Saturday 20 October.

 

There are over two million carers in Australia who are of all ages. Carers can be children, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours.

 

Carers often dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide love, care and support to family and friends. It is important that carers are aware of the support services available to them in the community, as the commitment can often affect their health and wellbeing. This is reflected in the theme of Carers Week, “Be Care Aware“.

 

Carers Week provides Australians with the opportunity to get to know more about our carers, who they are, what they do and how they can be supported.

 

Without the dedication of Australia’s unpaid carers who provide support to family and friends with a disability, an illness or chronic condition, many Australians would not be able to continue living at home or participate in the community.

 

 “Carers Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution that carers make to Bonner and to the people they care for,” Ross Vasta said.

 

“Carers make an invaluable contribution to our community. I encourage all Australians to recognise and support our fellow citizens, young and old, who care for a family member or friend.”

 

For further information on Carers Week 2012 visit http://carersaustralia.com.au/events/carers-week/


 

 

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The Coalition’s Plan For Safer Streets In Bonner


Ross Vasta, Member for Bonner said local communities in Bonner will be able to apply for crime prevention infrastructure such as better lighting, CCTVs and mobile CCTVs, under a major plan announced by the Coalition.

 

Ross Vasta said he welcomed the announcement that a Coalition Government will provide $50 million to tackle crime hotspots and help local communities deal with the problems of gangs, graffiti and alcohol fuelled violence.

 

“What I like about this policy is that the best place to tackle crime is at the local level and this policy seeks to involve residents, shop owners and chambers of commerce, state and local government in identifying local projects to make our streets safer”, said Ross Vasta

 

“The Howard Government had a very effective grants programme to tackle local crime and it is disappointing that the Labor government scrapped it.  Not only did they scrap it, but Labor cut $400 million from the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Crime Commission and Customs inspections.

 

“If we make our communities safer, we will make our country stronger.

 

“The best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening.  The prevention of crime means less senseless deaths and needless injuries, it means reduced costs in the justice system, and it means stronger communities.

 

Ross Vasta said he would be talking with local residents, police, community and business leaders in identifying clear projects that are needed throughout Bonner

 

“I am also pleased that the Coalition has committed itself to once again commandeering money used under Proceeds of Crime legislation to use on crime prevention projects.  The Labor Government has taken almost $60 million collected from the proceeds of criminal actions and used it to prop up their budget black hole. 

 

“As a matter of principle, I believe that money collected from criminals and their criminal activities should be used to fight crime.  The Coalition’s Plan for Safer Streets ensures it will happen again”.

 

Ross Vasta said the Coalition’s commitment is for the grants programme to start in the first year of a new government and he would work with the community to identify and assist local projects needing support.

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Brisbane Kite Festival 2012

The Brisbane Kite Festival will be held on Sunday 14 October at the Murarrie Recreation Grounds.

There will be Kites, Family Entertainment, Stalls and Fun Rides for the kids.

The Festival will be running from 10am-4pm with free entry for all.

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