On Saturday 29 August 2015, the Wynnum State School Parents & Citizens' Association is creating a 'Wonderland' for all to explore, experience and enjoy at the Wynnum State Fair.

Whether you're 3, 103 or somewhere in between, we want everyone to have the best day ever with family and friends. Local businesses and social entrepreneurs are invited to support this community event. Our Sponsorship Kit is now available for consideration and with prices starting from as little as $100, we're hoping you'll find the package that's right for you.

Because we're creating a 'Wonderland' for all to enjoy and we want you to be a part of it. – Contact Felicia Khoury, P&C President on 0414 151 448 or via email pandc@wynnumss.eq.edu.au.

I would like to commend a grassroots action group in Bonner for their dedication to protecting residents and wildlife in Gumdale and Wakerley. The No Telstra Tower near Gumdale School group was formed out of a concern over a proposed mobile phone tower site.

I have spoken previously in this chamber about the great work that the No Towers Near Guardian Angels group had made, and now the No Telstra Tower near Gumdale School group has also done an excellent job in raising awareness of this issue. They have encouraged more accountability from Telstra. Just recently they held a community meeting that was well attended despite short notice. This goes to show just how passionate people are in our electorate.

I share the group's uncertainty on the proposed tower's location. It is close to Gumdale State School, C&K Gumdale Community Kindergarten, Kindy Kapers Early Learning Centres at Wakerley and several private residences, as well as a protected koala habitat. I note that Telstra has shown it is willing to hear out concerns over its proposal. Telstra representatives have met with me recently to discuss the proposal at length. Tonight Telstra will also be holding a community information session for residents.

I recognise that measures to satisfy the concerns of a section of the community must be balanced with the wider community's need for improved mobile services. I am pleased that the actions of the No Telstra Tower near Gumdale School group have ensured a more balanced result for all involved. I applaud them for their commitment and hard work. I will continue to work with the group and with Telstra to achieve a desirable and practical outcome.

My office is currently taking donations to go toward farmers and their families affected by drought in South Western Queensland. The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association and other local groups are hoping to make their third delivery of non-perishable foods, toiletries, laundry products, cleaning items, and other much-needed items later this year. 

Help make this possible by dropping off a donation or volunteering to collect donations. 

Contact David Brewer on 3273 3721 or 0422 913 741 for more information.

When: Friday, 17th
April from 6.30pm.
Where: Shangri-La Gardens
Function Centre – 1969 Wynnum Rd, Wynnum West.
Cost: $55 per head (all
proceeds go to Mates4Mates).
RSVP: April 6.

As part of the ANZAC
Centenary, Shangri-La Gardens will be hosting the Century of Heroes dinner to
commemorate all of our defence personnel who have served in the last 100 years.
For more details and to make a booking call 3308 5100 or email reception@shangrilagardens.com.au.

Eastern District Orchid Society Inc. 49th Autumn Show is to be held on the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2015 at the Bayside Uniting Church Hall, 420 Wondall Road, Manly West (Brisbane) between the hours of 8.30 am to 4.00 pm (Saturday) and 10.00 am to 3.00 pm (Sunday).  There will be in excess of 350 benched flowering orchids on display; numerous orchid plant for sale (some flowering); purchases of (i) raffles; (ii) craft table; (iii) orchid accessories; (iv) floral art arrangements; and (v) light refreshments – tea; coffee; sandwiches & cakes etc.  Entry is $3.00.

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls RlfC Family Fun Day is on this Sunday, March 15. The day is also the first game for the season where the Seagulls take on Easts at BMD Kougari Oval. See the flyer above for further information.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today said businesses in the electorate can now apply for support to boost the skills of their workforce under the Abbott Government’s new $476 million Industry Skills Fund.

“Businesses in Bonner will be able to take advantage of the Industry Skills Fund to upskill or retrain their employees,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Fund will help Bonner businesses with training places and skills advice over the next four years. We want to offer real help and real solutions to our industrial sectors.”

“In contrast, Labor wasted billions of dollars on skills programmes that failed to deliver training that led to real jobs. The era of training for training’s sake is over.”

“Employers will receive support to decide what training is needed in their business, and which training provider they want to work with.”

The Industry Skills Fund is a key part of the Abbott Government’s ambitious program of vocational education and training (VET) reform to lift the quality of both training providers and their courses, enhancing the contribution VET makes to the employment prospects of students and the competitiveness of Australia's economy.

Businesses wanting support to train workers will be required to make a contribution between 25 and 75 per cent to the cost of training. The co-contribution rate depends on the number of employees, with smaller businesses receiving higher levels of support.

Guidelines and more information are available at www.business.gov.au/industryskillsfund.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

Bulimba Creek Catchment works to protect and restore Brisbane's second largest catchment through bushcare, education, rehabilitation and speaking out in defense of the natural environment. They engage in community education, school projects, bushcare group support and getting the community planting trees, weeding and working on waterways and bushlands. Every month they have a number of events on offer for local residents to get involved in.

March Events

Sat 7 March – Open Day at Sustainability Centre – COOPERATIVE ANTS (9 – 12)

Sat 7 March- Art Show at Sustainability Centre – viewing from 1 pm, official opening at 6 pm

Sun 8 March – Art Show – artist demonstrations and morning tea (9 – 11)

Sun 8 March – Walking with Life – Qld Naturalists and Mt Gravatt Environment Group’s Mike Fox (2.30 – 5 pm)

Mon 9 Mar – Catchment Meeting at the church (7.30 pm)

Sat 14 Mar – Myna Bird Workshop – findings, management and cage building (9 – 2.30 pm)

Tues 17 Mar – BCC Biodiversity Seminar “Birds, Bees and Backyards” (6 – 8.30 pm)

For further information regarding Bulimba Creek Catchments and their events please contact them either via Email- b4c@bulimbacreek.org.au , Phone- 3398 8003 or follow them on Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/BulimbaCreekCatchmentCoordinatingCommitteeb4c

As part of our commitment to reduce costs and red tape for small business, we have cooperated with the States and Territories to make the National Construction Code (NCC) available online for free from 1 February 2015.

Over 180,000 more tradespeople and businesses in the building, construction and plumbing industries will now have access to the NCC, bringing savings to Australian businesses of $4.8 million or more. Building, construction and plumping practitioners will no longer have to pay almost $400 for a copy of the document.

To register for free online access to the NCC, visit www.abcb.gov.au.