Monthly Archives: October 2012

No disruption to services as Council transitions out of school-age care


October 12, 2012

Redland City Council will transition out of school-age care to allow specialist providers to deliver the service flexibly and more efficiently.

There will be no disruption to services at the 19 schools that currently have council-operated school-age care.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was moving out of school-age care provision as the market was now able to support itself, with many excellent organisations able to offer the service more efficiently than Council.

“Most school-age care services around the state are provided by community-based not-for-profit organisations, not local councils,” Cr Williams said.

“Our own reviews over the years have shown that Council should move out of school-age care once the market matures and there are a sufficient number of providers who can deliver these services.

“That time has well and truly come. There are many organisations, including those that run programs across Queensland and Australia that are able to deliver a more efficient service, as well as provide more opportunities and flexibility for staff.

“Some of these already operate out of school-age care services in the Redlands.

“With Council approvals to deliver the services in state schools now expiring – and a more competitive tender process required by Education Queensland – Council has made the decision to leave this to others in the market.”

Cr Williams said Council would also be working with Catholic and independent school principals to ensure service continuity by another provider.

“Council plans to transition out of school age care in a staged approach over the upcoming Christmas holiday period,” she said.

“We will continue to run our service until new providers take over in the schools.They are all likely to be in place by the first day of school next year.”

Council currently operates school-age care at:

  • Alexandra Hills State School Ormiston College
  • Redland Bay State School Ormiston State School
  • Birkdale State School St Anthony’s, Alexandra Hills
  • Birkdale South State School St Luke’s, Capalaba
  • Capalaba State School St Rita’s, Victoria Point
  • Cleveland State School Thornlands State School
  • Coolnwynpin State School Victoria Point State School
  • Hilliard State School Vienna Woods State School
  • Mary Mackillop, Birkdale Wellington Point State School
  • Mount Cotton State School

 

Redlitzer Gala shines light on Redlands authors


October 10, 2012

The Annual Redlitzer Gala, held Saturday 6 October, was a great success with local authors coming out in force to celebrate new talent.

‘Redlitzer’ is a short story competition sponsored by Redland City Libraries and is designed to help emerging local writers.

Authors of shortlisted entries are mentored through a workshop with well-known Australian writers, and have their work published in an anthology edited by author M.K Hume.

The Redlitzer Gala at Victoria Point Library launched this year’s anthology and also announced the winners of the Editor’s Choice Award.

Columnist and author Frances Whiting was guest speaker on the evening.

Australian authors MK Hume, Louise Cusack, Marianne de Pierres and Rowena Cory Daniells, who were involved in the Redlitzer mentoring process, also attended.

The 2012 Editor’s choice award-winners, who were presented with a stunning floral arrangement, were:

Adult writer’s category:
Winner: Robbie Kirk – On the Edge
Runner up: Helen Von Schrottky – Rosemary and Thyme

Teen writer’s category:
Winner: Amber Messenger- Look at me
Runner up: Sascha Beck-Harris- Fleeting Glances

All shortlisted entrants previously received a $100 book voucher, a copy of The Australian Writer’s Marketplace 2012/13, and a place at the Redlitzer Writers’ Day to workshop their manuscripts for publication with Louise Cusack, Marianne de Pierre, Rowena Cory Daniells and MK Hume.

Copies of the 2012 Redlitzer anthology will be available for loan through all Redland Libraries.

For literary-lovers, Redland Libraries also run a series of highly popular authors talks, giving fans and budding writers the chance to hear from some of Australia’s best known authors.

To learn more about the Authors in Action series, visit Council’s website at www.redland.qld.gov.au.

Spot a koala on 20-21 October


October 8, 2012

The countdown has begun to the annual Redlands’ koala count-a-thon survey weekend to be held 20 and 21 October.

Redland City Council, in partnership with the local Koala Action Group, encourages the community to participate in the thrill of koala spotting to provide valuable information for koala conservation.

The survey is an important event in our local calendar as it helps to provide critical information about the number, location and health of our local koalas.

Koala spotting is a fun activity that brings delight to people of all ages. Whether you turn this event into a fun weekend activity or you simply spot or hear a koala as part of your regular weekend routine, please report all koala activity.

The survey weekend is a rewarding way to help protect our local koalas and explore the great outdoors.

This year Council has developed a new digital survey tool available on our Koala Central Facebook page to support the initiative. It will provide easier access for residents to take part using their smart phones while out and about.

Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing said October was an ideal time to conduct the survey to coincide with koala breeding season, when koalas were most active.

“Community participation is paramount to the success of the survey and participants will be asked for the exact location of the koala, its health status, the type of tree it is in (eucalypt or other) and whether they can identify the sex,” Ms Pointing said.

Successful koala spotting starts with learning more about a koala’s favourite type of eucalypt trees, by keeping an eye out for scratching on tree trunks and noticing droppings on the ground around tree bases.

Koala sightings between 20 and 21 October can be registered by:
Phone: 3820 1103 between 8am and 5pm daily.
Online: www.koalacentral.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/koalacentral

To learn more about how to spot a koala, how to identify koalas for reporting or how to get involved in the survey weekend visit www.koalacentral.com.au

State roadside maintenance


October 5, 2012

Redland City Council has advised the State Government it will not continue to maintain state owned roadsides, following the cessation of Queensland Government funding in the recent State budget.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that under the previous funding agreement, Council carried out roadside maintenance on behalf of the state government for state controlled roads within the Redlands.

“This included roadside mowing, litter collection and vegetation control, including tree and shrub trimming, as well as mulching, weed and pest control,” Cr Williams said.

“While Redland City Council will still maintain landscaping on median strips, future roadside mowing, herbicide treatment, litter collection and pruning of trees for state controlled roads will be carried out by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR).

“Council has called on the State Government to ensure public safety is maintained through the future maintenance program on affected roads,” Cr Williams said.

The roads most affected in the Redlands are;

  • Cleveland Redland Bay Rd from South St Cleveland through to Serpentine Creek Rd Old Cleveland Rd through to Finucane Rd from Capalaba to Cleveland
  • Redland Bay Rd from Ney Rd Capalaba through to Cleveland
  • Redland Bay Rd via Boundary Rd Colburn Ave, Victoria Point
  • Old Cleveland Rd East through Birkdale Rd from Finucane Rd to Main Rd Wellington Pt
  • East Coast Rd, North Stradbroke Island.

To minimise misdirected public inquiries, Redland City Council has sought Department of Transport and Main Roads approval to erect advisory signage on the roads that are owned and maintained by the State Government.

Members of the public wanting to obtain information on state owned road works, traffic conditions, or to report a road incident should call 13 19 40 or visit www.131940.qld.gov.au.

Local Sporting Stars at Olympic/Paralympic event


October 4, 2012

The Redlands Olympian and Paralympian Community Celebration on 11 October will be a great chance for people to learn more about our local sporting stars.

The event, to be held 5.30pm-7pm at the Plaza, Norm Price Park- Redland Showgrounds at Long Street, Cleveland will acknowledge the achievements of the local sportsmen and women who competed at the 2012 London games.

Already confirmed to attend are Olympians Arnie Dickins (Judo), Larrissa Miller (Gymnastics) and retiring local gymnast Thomas Pichler (1st reserve, Gymastics), and Paralympians Cameron Carr (Wheelchair Rugby), Bradley Mark (Shooting) and Daniel Fox (Swimming).

Cameron Carr, whose wheelchair rugby team won gold at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, will also give a short speech at the event.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event would be a wonderful opportunity for our junior athletes to see their sporting idols.

“Redland City Council, through our Sport Redlands initiative, is committed to supporting the growth of sports in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“The achievements of these sportsmen and women are amazing, and I hope this community celebration will inspire our junior sportspeople to continue training, growing and developing in their chosen sports.”

The event will also see a demonstration by the Cleveland Air Magic Skipping Team, who with fellow Redlands club the Hot Shots Skipping Team, had great success at the World Skipping Championships in August. The results of members of both teams will be acknowledged as part of the celebrations.

Redlands was well-represented in the 2012 London Games with the following local or formerly local sportspeople taking part (the list below does not reflect attendance at the community celebration):

  • James Connor: diving
  • Arnie Dickins: judo
  • Larrissa Miller: gymnastics
  • Thomas Pichler: gymnastics (first reserve)
  • Cameron Carr: wheelchair rugby
  • Meica Christensen: goalball
  • Daniel Fox: swimming
  • Bradley Mark: shooting
  • Alicia Coutts: swimming
  • Nathan Deakes: race walking
  • Sharleen Stratton: diving

A fundraising sausage sizzle by Capalaba Lions will be available for sale on the night.

Representatives from Redlands sporting groups are encouraged to bring their sign-up information to form part of the ‘Sport Redlands’ Information Stand at the event.

For more information, contact Council’s Events Team on 3829 8648

Internationally acclaimed stars to shine on Redlands


October 4, 2012

Tickets are now on sale for the 2012 Redlands on Stage variety performance at Redlands Performing Arts Complex (RPAC) on Saturday 3 November.

Internationally acclaimed Opera singers Shaun Brown and Sarah Crane, who will next appear in Opera Queensland’s Carmen, headline this year’s annual concert.

Redlands on Stage is collaboration between RedArts – Redlands Arts Council, Redlands Eisteddfod, RPAC and Redland City Council and shines the spotlight on talented local artists to raise funds for Redland community arts and our young emerging artists.

Audience members will be treated to a two-hour variety showcase, with acts ranging from song and dance, to instrumental and poetry performances.

Redland City Mayor Cr Karen Williams said Redlands on Stage showed the depth and diversity of talent in the Redlands.

“Each year, this concert attracts the highest calibre of local and visiting talent, and 2012 is no exception, with some outstanding acts,” Cr Williams said.

“Redlands on Stage is a great chance to celebrate the strength of our performing arts community and the important role they play in making Redlands a great place to live.

“The money from all ticket sales is invested back into supporting and enriching the Redlands’ arts community, so I encourage everyone to come along and have a great day out.”

Master of Ceremonies Craig Martin will lead the audience through a spectacular array of entertainment, including appearances by the Conservatorium Musical theatre students, the Ormiston College Jazz Band, violinist Camille Barry, Shane Calderbank on piano, and the Strictly Ballet Senior Classical Ballet Group.

Performance details
2pm Saturday 3 November
2 hours – including 20 minute interval

Prices range from $10 for children to $27 for adults, with pensioner and student discounts available. You can book your tickets: in person at RPAC Box Office, 2–16 Middle Street, Cleveland by phone – 3829 8131 online 24/7 using the Buy Now link below (a $2 booking fee applies to online purchases)

If you require mobility assistance please contact Redland Performing Arts Centre Ticketing so that they can accommodate your needs.

For more information on the Redlands on Stage performance concert program, or to
book tickets online, visit www.rpac.com.au.

October exhibitions highlight local talent


October 3, 2012

Exhibitions at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland in October will showcase the talent of two prominent local art groups.

From 14 – 28 October, ‘Art in the Golden Age’ will showcase artists from the Donald Simpson Centre art groups, while ‘Pigments of the Imagination’ will display works of the Coochie Art Group Inc.

Pigments of the Imagination features new representational and abstract work by The Coochie Art Group Inc members in oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, drawing and open media.

Art in the Golden Age features artworks by members of The Donald Simpson Over 50’s Leisure Centre located in Cleveland, who meet weekly to learn new techniques and receive encouragement to develop a style of their own.

Retirement years are often referred to as ‘The Golden age’ from which this exhibition draws its title and artworks exhibited explore people and places, past encounters and memories.

To celebrate the opening of this event, an official opening will be held 11am Sunday 14 October 2012 at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP acceptances by Thursday 11 October 2012 to: (07) 3030 4163 or email: gallery@redland.qld.gov.au

A floor talk for both exhibitions will also be held 12 noon Wednesday 17 October 2012 with exhibiting artists.

The Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland is open Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm and Sunday 9am – 2pm.

Exhibition explores the beauty of botany through textiles


October 3, 2012

The latest exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba draws on the beauty of plants to create unique and inspiring textile and paper-based artworks.

On display from Monday 8 October – Wednesday 28 November 2012, Recollected Patterns: The botany of Walter Hill explores plants cultivated in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens during colonial botanical botanist Walter hill’s curatorship (1855–81) through artwork by KT Doyle.

KT Doyle is a successful artist and designer, whose pieces have featured in national magazines including Home Beautiful, Vogue Living and Madison.

Doyle has been awarded a number of arts grants and prizes, and was named one of Design Quarterly’s Top Ten Faces and Forces of Design 2011.

In this exhibition, Doyle chose plants that had potential for patternmaking and the artistic merit of the botanical studies, with the aim of creating a new visual language based on these plants.

A floor talk will be held on 12 noon Tuesday 23 October 2012 with exhibiting artist KT Doyle.

The Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba is located at Capalaba Place, Noeleen Street, Capalaba and is open:

Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Thursday 8.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday 9am – 4pm

For more information on this exhibition and other exciting exhibitions happening at Redland Art Gallery, please call 3829 8899 or visit www.more2redlands.com.au/ArtGallery

Mayor to host a community Olympic/Paralympic event


October 1, 2012

Redlanders are invited to a community celebration of our local London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic competitors at the Plaza, Norm Price Park- Redland Showgrounds on 11 October.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams is hosting the event, which will also acknowledge the success of the Cleveland Air Magic Skipping Team, who won 400 medals at the World Skipping Championships in August.

From 5.30pm-7pm, members of the public can come down to the showgrounds, learn more about our local Olympians and Paralympians and watch a demonstration of Cleveland Air Magic’s amazing skills.

Redland City Mayor, Cr Karen Williams said the event would honour and acknowledge our local Olympic and Paralympic competitors.

“Redland City Council, through our Sports Redlands initiative, is committed to supporting the growth of sports in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“This event celebrates sport at its highest level, as well as highlighting the strong grassroots sporting clubs and programs within our City.

“The determination required to compete in elite sports on a world stage is testament to the inner-strength of our Olympians and Paralympians, and is truly inspiring.

“These sportswomen and men are examples of what hard work, dreams, skill and self-belief can achieve and I hope we have lots of people, particularly our junior and future sporting stars, there to celebrate them on the day.

“While some of our sporting stars are already back in training and won’t be able to attend, this is a great opportunity acknowledge their achievements.”

A fundraising sausage sizzle by Capalaba Lions will be available for sale on the night.

Representatives from Redlands sporting groups are encouraged to bring their sign-up information to form part of the ‘Sport Redlands’ Information Stand at the event.

Redlands was well-represented in the 2012 London Games with the following local sportspeople taking part (athletes are yet to confirm their attendance at the community event, the list below is not actual attendance):

  • James Connor: diving
  • Arnie Dickins: judo
  • Larrissa Miller: gymnastics
  • Thomas Pichler: gymnastics
  • Cameron Carr: wheelchair rugby
  • Meica Christensen: goalball
  • Daniel Fox: swimming
  • Jon Horsburgh: goalball
  • Bradley Mark: shooting

Formerly from Redlands:

  • Alicia Coutts: swimming
  • Nathan Deakes: race walking
  • Sharleen Stratton: diving

For more information, contact Council’s Events Team on 3829 8648