Wildlife Queensland is now taking bookings for the summer season of its popular Brisbane’s Batty Boat Cruises, where you can find out all about flying-foxes. The cruises run up the Brisbane River on a classic timber cruiser where a history talk about the river is followed by a bat commentary as thousands of flying-foxes spectacularly take to the skies above Indooroopilly Island.
Our community is increasingly losing touch with nature and the Batty Boat Cruises are designed to educate people why flying-foxes are so essential to our environment. It’s a great opportunity for your family to meet our urban wildlife neighbours and learn why we need to live together in harmony. Watch the sun set on the Brisbane River and enjoy a drink and snack from the bar. Why not bring a group of friends and have a great night out? If you’re lucky you might even meet some orphaned baby bats on board and really see why some people fall in love with bats.
It’s one of Brisbane’s most inspiring natural events, and all proceeds go to protecting wildlife.
This summer’s Batty Boat Cruise dates are all on Sundays – 16 and 30 October, 20 November and 4 December. Ticket prices: $32 adult; $24 concession; $16 child (3-15 years); $85 family (2 adults, 2 children). Book and pay online at www.wildlife.org.au or phone 3221 0194.
Picture: Joanne Towsey
Brisbane residents and visitors will have longer to tap into the dots and dash history of the electric telegraph and its Morse code origins with Museum of Brisbane’s (MoB) free exhibition Send: From telegraph to text set to remain open until 10 July.
Presented in partnership with Telstra Museum, Send, which had been scheduled to close on 1 May, traces the history of messaging from the original pay-by-word telegrams to modern day speedy texts, tweeting, emailing and instant messaging. MoB is located on the ground floor of 157 Ann Street. MoB is open 10am-5pm, seven days a week. For further information about MoB visit www.museumofbrisbane.com.au or phone Council on (07) 3403 8888.
The Sewell family made their presence felt at a family reunion in New Farm on 20 March. The gathering at the Brisbane Powerhouse included family members from as far away as Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the Darling Downs.
Many new faces were introduced to one another and a family tree was displayed along with some photo albums and descriptions of family history. A summary of the project of gathering all the names, photos, addresses and records of a huge range of family was given by Ingrid and Peter Sewell.
Ingrid was the driving force behind the project and has spent many hours and kilometres of travel to collect it all together. Other members of the family spoke of their family’s part in the network and everyone listened intently to how the family had developed.
Ingrid also organised a decorated cake that had the photos of the earliest ancestors printed on the top (below). A digital record in the form of a USB was distributed to members of the family to share around to those that could not get there. Brisbane was selected for the gathering because it was the area that the earliest ancestors resided. Later family members move to other parts of Australia.
Information by George Cowin
In the leadup to Queensland Wills Week (3-7 May) State Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace has urged Queenslanders to ensure that they have a valid will.
“Every Queenslander over 18 needs a valid will, regardless of their age or the value of their estate,” Ms Grace (pictured) said. And there was no better time than Wills Week to have one made.
“Making your will lets you specify how you would like your assets distributed, nominate guardians for your children, set up trusts and donate money to charity.” Ms Grace said The Public Trustee had been making free wills for Queenslanders since 1916, a tradition the Bligh Government was proud to continue supporting.
“This is about the Toward Q2 vision of a fairer Queensland where everyone can access a free will,” she said.
“There’s no better time than Wills Week to think about the importance of having a will made, and the benefit it could have for your family.” Ms Grace said a will was a living document that required updating as life changes.
“The birth of a child, marriage, going overseas, natural disasters, retirement, separation and divorce and entering a de facto relationship are all times to make sure your will is up to date,” she said. The Public Trustee of Queensland Peter Carne said the majority of Queenslanders wouldn’t have to travel too far to have a will made for free by The Public Trustee.
“We have offices in 16 regions across Queensland that employ local staff who understand their local communities,” Mr Carne said. “There’s also outreach service of courthouses, Centrelink officers and QGAP agents to assist with will making for those who don’t live near an office.”
To contact The Public Trustee, phone 1300 360 044 or visit www.willsweek.pt.qld.gov.au.
The 150th anniversary of the opening of Fortitude Valley State School has just been reached, with local state MP Grace Grace and past pupils (above)?joining in to celebrate the milestone.
“It is a wonderful thing that we have such real, living history right here in the centre of Fortitude Valley,” Ms Grace said.
“While computers and the internet have replaced chalk and slate, the school is still helping our young Queenslanders get a flying start in life.
“These days it is known as the small school with a big heart but that’s just a small part of its rich history.
“At one point it comprised a boys’ school, girls’ school, infants’ school and opportunity school with more than 10 times the number of students attending the school today.
“The school has produced its fair share of notable Queenslanders including former Australian wicketkeeper Wally Grout, former captain of the Australian hockey team Doug Siggs, pioneering watercolourist Jesse Hilder and Major General Thomas Dodds. “This school is such an important part of our community,” Ms Grace added.
The Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 1999 and aims to reach its biggest audience ever in 2011. Celebrating Youth Week, the first BPO concert for the year kicks off its 2011 concert season with a “Might and Majesty” performance this Sunday (3 April) at the Old Museum Concert Hall in Bowen Hills.
This concert launches the new emerging artist program that provides young performers the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals. Guest conductor John Curro will be joined by violinist Glenn Christensen (above) and the 90-piece BPO orchestra to perform Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Mahler’s great Titan Symphony No 1.
Purchase tickets through 4MBS Classic FM by phoning 3847 1717 (9am to 5pm seven days a week)
For more information on BPO and full details of all performances this year, its regional education programs and other emerging artists visit the BPO website at www.bpo.org.au
Historic Newstead House in Newstead Park, Cnr Breakfast Creek Rd and Newstead Ave, Newstead, will celebrate Australian Heritage Week on Sunday 17 April 2011. Meet mounted troopers of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) on the eastern lawn 1pm to 2pm.
There’s also an historical display of war memorabilia on loan from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Museum, Gallipoli Barracks and a ‘Then and Now’ photographic display showing how Newstead House looked in the early 1940s when an American photographic unit was living at Newstead House during World War II and how the house looks today, 69 years later.
And from 2pm, relax on the western lawns and listen to Anzac memories with the South Brisbane Federal Band featuring music that pays tribute to the great swing music of the 1940s and the tunes made famous by the wartime years. Sing along to favourites like Colonel Bogey March, Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. And enjoy a devonshire tea on the verandahs of the house overlooking Breakfast Creek and the Brisbane River from 2pm to 4.30pm, with last orders at 4pm. Newstead House will also be open for inspection from 12noon to 5pm.
Guest speaker Frances Clark, historian for her family, will give a talk on her grandmother Flora Harris whose diary shows she spoke at endless women’s meetings as she fought for the betterment of women and children.
It’s at the Queensland Women’s Historical Association headquarters, Miegunyah House Museum 35 Jordan Terrace, Bowen Hills on Thursday, 14 April at 10.30am for an 11am start for the talk. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members, which includes morning tea. For further information and bookings, ring 3252 2979. The association’s email address is qwha@miegunyah.org and their website is at www.miegunyah.org
Many recovering addicts have found that it is possible to live without the use of drugs with the help of Narcotics Anonymous (NA). If you are still using and can’t stop ,we can help. Narcotics Anonymous is a non profit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regulary to help each other stay clean. The Narcotics Anonymous message is "that an addict,any addict,can stop using drugs,lose the desire to use and find a new way to live". For information about meeting times and locations call our 24hr help line on 3391 5045 or visit our website at www.na.org.au
Demand for carers is on the increase. State wildlife coordinator Janet Gamble says wildlife carers are finding themselves swamped with too many patients to look after and too much compassion to say no.
“In the last 12 months, in south-east Queensland alone, the big wildlife hospitals have seen over 20,000 sick, injured and orphaned wildlife patients. We are using the same people and they are burning out."
Chairperson of QWRC Ms Annie Saunders is urging people across the State to get involved.
“All you need to do to help is calculate how much time you can spare. Could you help with young birds, or injured birds or perhaps pre-release birds, mammals or reptiles? Can you offer your local group assistance to free a trained carer from food collecting, cage building, daily maintenance and fundraising?”"
Anyone caring for native wildlife must hold a permit issued by the Department of Environment and Resource Management). Membership of your local group may offer this permit or training to assist persons to apply. At www.qwrc.org.au/grouplist.html you can find a contact list of registered wildlife groups in Qld. These groups can provide you with support and training, as these are essential tools for meeting patient welfare needs.
Wildlife caring is on a volunteer basis and receives no government funding.
If you can't help personally then local wildlife carers and RSPCA Qld are always in need of aviaries and other assistance.
Ricoh state manager Andrew Hopper and his staff present 139 Club Inc club manager Rod Kelly with a very generous donation to support the homeless community of Brisbane. Mr Kelly said donations from community minded businesses such as Ricoh kept homeless and marginalised people alive.
The Metropolitan Senior Citizens' Centre in Church Street, the Valley, is a dynamic organisation that provides a variety of services for frail older persons and younger persons with disabilities living in the local community. The MSCC also self-funds an Activities for Seniors Program which offers a diverse rage of programs for all seniors. It also offers additional respite services based in its Bryce House Respite Centre. For more information about the MSCC and its services, contact centre coordinator Marion Dwyer on 3252 2731.
Social contract bridge players are welcome at the 50+ Social Club that meets on the third floor, 157 Ann Street, City on Mondays and Thursdays from 8.30am Contact 3279 1201 or 3356 7084 for more information.
The Queensland Begonia Society meets at the Uniting Church complex at 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm, at 1pm on the third Saturday of each month. Visitors are welcome to look over plant displays, a trade table and listen to speakers as they talk about the many types of begonias suitable for balconies, small courtyards or gardens. Contact Secretary Peter Henderson on 3359 4319.
Looking for some peace and quiet?
Take an hour out of your busy schedule for quiet group meditation. Sessions begin with a small amount of skills/spiritual input but are mostly in silence. We meet at 6 pm on Wednesdays at Merthyr Road Uniting Church. Everyone welcome. No fee.
Contact Atholl on 0410 565 081 for more information.
Every day of the year hundreds of dedicated Red Cross Telecross volunteers make an early morning phone call to an elderly or frail person, just to make sure they are safe and well.
Greg Goebel, executive director for Red Cross in Queensland, says the daily phone calls from Telecross help provide peace of mind to older people and their families.
“It breaks down the sense of isolation many elderly people feel and allows them to maintain their independence for as long as possible. “
“Becoming a volunteer is an opportunity to make a difference in your community, by providing vital support for some of our most vulnerable citizens” Mr Goebe said.
To register as a Telecross client or volunteer, ring the toll free number 1300 885 698 or email qldagedcare@redcross.org.au.
Telecross volunteersare provided with ongoing training and support.
Do you want to know more about living longer and healthier: have you ever wondered how to do something about it - and in the process change your lifestyle for the better? Heart, stroke and blood vessel disease is the major public health problem in Australia, causing more then 35 per cent of all deaths annually. The Heart Foundation has a network of local volunteer speakers available to visit your club, community group or organisation to speak about general heart health focusing on the benefits of lifestyle change and practical information on how to go about it. To invite a volunteer speaker to your organisation to help raise awareness of heart health throughout the community, or if you would like to volunteer as such a speaker, please contact Margaret Richards at the Heart Foundation on (07) 3872 2507.
Brisbane Seniors OnLine (BSOL) provides affordable computer training for over 50s in the Brisbane area and is seeking new learners who would like to receive one-on-one lessons in their own homes or in our city training centre. By arrangement, we can also provide training in other venues such as community centres or public libraries. BSOL teaches both Windows and Apple Mac. New volunteer mentors are always welcome. The cost to learners is $40 a year plus a one-off $20 joining fee. For this, learners receive approximately 12 one-hour lessons and ongoing support for the balance of the membership year. Membership is free to mentors. Contact BSOL on 3210 6983 or at www.bsol.asn.au
The St Vinnies store on the corner of Brunswick and Alfred streets in the Valley urgently needs plastic bags to pop those great bargain buys into.
The Queensland branch of the Huntington's Disease Association is seeking bottle corks as part of its fundraising efforts. The association sells disused corks to a recycler. Corks can be dropped off at the association's office at 385 Ipswich Road, Annerley. For details ring 3391 8833.
The New Farm Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the HADS unit of the Royal Brisbane Hospital on Mondays at 7pm. It also meets every Thursday and Friday from 7pm to 8.30pm and on Saturdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at 505 Bowen Terrace New Farm. The 24-hour helpline number is 3255 9162.
Emotions Anonymous (EA) is a non-profit 12-step organisation that has helped many people learn to live with unsolved problems as diverse as depression, anger, acrophobia, broken or strained relationships, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, panic, abnormal fears, resentment, jealousy, guilt, despair, fatigue, tension, boredom, loneliness, withdrawal, obsessive and negative thinking, worry, compulsive behaviour and a variety of other emotional issues. Emotions Anonymous meets on Saturdays at 10:45am at the Community Health Centre, Biala, Level 3, 270 Roma Street, Brisbane (opposite the Fire and Rescue Station). No membership fee is required, only a desire to get well. For further information go to their website: www.emotionsanonymous.org
The Society for Growing Potted Plants hold meeting on the second Saturday of each month in the Uniting Church Hall at 52 Merthyr Road, New Farm, commencing at 1.15pm. There are interesting guest speakers and plants for sale. Visitors are most welcome at a friendly and informative afternoon. Contact Ann on 3276 7223.
A small group of non-profit quilters who meet at 10am on the first Saturday of each month at Trinity Place, Church Street, Fortitude Valley, is are looking for new members. Experienced or beginners are welcome. For more information contact Barbara on 5496 1195.
Jigsaw Queensland, a non-profit, post-adoption resource service, holds support meetings as follows: Open support group: Anyone touched by adoption is welcome - first Tuesday of each month (except January) 7pm to 9pm; adoptee support group: for adoptees only - third Wednesday of each month 7pm to 9pm; birthmother support group: for Birthmothers only - third Saturday of each month 1.30pm to 4pm except for December. All meetings are held at SANDS House, 505 Bowen Terrace, New Farm. Further information is available online at: www.jigsawqueensland.com
Volunteering Queensland is looking for people aged 50 and over with business skills to join its Golden Gurus initiative. The group wants the gurus to help pass on their skills and experience to others. People interested in becoming a Golden Guru can register by contacting Volunteering Queensland on 3002 7600 or by visiting www.volqld.org.au
The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is asking people to check if they are entitled to unclaimed rental bonds. The RTA is holding $4.5million in unclaimed bonds from 22,000 people and businesses. Bonds can be checked on the RTA website www.rta.qld.gov.au
Red Cross might be better known for its tea and scone making skills, but Red Cross Training Services in Brisbane is now running one-day courses on how to prepare and serve the perfect cup of coffee. A recent course in barista and coffee making at Bowen Hills included a brief history on coffee, how to prepare espresso coffees, cappuccinos and café lattes, how to texture milk, how to present coffee, and the cleaning and maintenance of espresso machines.
Red Cross trainer David Charles said: “Having the skills to make various coffees is almost a pre-requisite these days for any hospitality job. Our course is primarily designed for people looking to gain basic skills in coffee making such as café attendants, restaurant staff, and bar and gaming workers; but is also caters for home entertainers.”
Coffee making courses are run by Red Cross throughout the year and funds raised are used to support Red Cross services in Queensland such as personal support during disasters and emergencies, aged care, hospital visits and daily phone calls to the elderly. Bookings are essential. To inquire about next year’s training dates or to request a registration form contact Red Cross Training Services on 3620 7000 or email dcharles@redcross.org.au
Ben Campbell of Cashmere and Leah Holmes of Annerley learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
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