Newsroom Archives | Archive 1 | Archive 2
Councillor Reports are now Online - View the section for Councillor Reports Here
MCJV donates $20,000 towards Council’s flood relief efforts
Gladstone Regional Council’s flood relief efforts received a welcome boost this week with MCJV donating $20,000 to assist with the Calliope River Camping Grounds (South Bank) Safety Bollards initiative
Opening of the BER at West Gladstone State School on 10th March
Senator John Hogg did the opening and Member for Flynn Mr Ken O'Dowd was
present along with many of the previous Presidents of the P & C's over the
years. Principal Mr Peter Turich and Deputy Mr Jeff Dagleish were delighted
with the end result of the funding received from the Federal Government in
the Building Education Revolution Project.
Photos from Saiki Children’s Day
Over 400 children attended the Saiki Children’s Day celebrations held at the Art Gallery and Museum on Friday June 3rd.
Strategic Airlines Launch
Gladstone Regional Council is delighted with the launch of the second carrier. Strategic Airlines will commence flights into Gladstone on the 18th April 2011
Photo's from Left -
Owner of Strategic Airlines Michael James
Gail tries out the new seats in Business Class
CEO Graeme Kanofski, Councillor Clyde Cameron and Mayor Gail Sellers showing their appreciation of the decision by Strategic Airlines to fly into the Gladstone Area
Gail Sellers and two flight attendants from Stategic
Gladstone Regional Council
- Photo By Craig Chapman
Gail at the Tug Christening on Thursday 24th March. It was the most wonderful day and I christened my first ship,
the tug SMIT KOONGO - champagne and all. There were 6 tugs christened on the day.
All councillors with the Basketball team from Vanuatu - in town with Nick Cooper to play brother Raymond's team |
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| Councillors Sellers and Burnett give Business cards to the players to take home for the Mayor. Council presented the players with caps and a GRC tie was given to Coach Nick to take back for the Mayor. |
Gail and Tom celebrate St Patrick's Day at morning tea with everyone enjoying green food. 
What's My Trade is a wonderful project run by GAGAL and I was delighted
to attend the launch in March 2011.
Photo by Leanne Richter
Today, 12th December the Awoonga Dam overflowed - a very significent and historic occasion.
This is the first time the dam has gone over since 1996 when it was 30m. In 2002, the height was increased to 40metres and the storage capacity went from 283 000 ml to 777 000 ml.
12.12.2010 - The attached photo was received from one of our team at the Dam.
I note the forecast of more rain to come this afternoon (supported by the radar).
November 24, 2010
Council backs CQUniversity disaster resilience scholarships
Gladstone Regional Council has joined forces with CQUniversity Australia’s Gladstone Campus to fund two scholarships that are aimed at enhancing natural disaster resilience within the region. The two $12,500 scholarships for final year students in any faculty or course will be open for nomination early in the new year. The scholarships came as a result of a commitment Council made as part of the funding received for the $1.65 million Tigalee Creek flood mitigation project at Sun Valley in Gladstone. The Tigalee Project at Kathleen Shanahan Park is equally funded between Council and the Federal and State Governments and part of our brief is a commitment to enhance natural disaster resilience within our community. We only have to look at natural disasters of recent years in Queensland, such as Cyclone Larry at Innisfail and the tropical cyclones of the past two years that hovered off the coast here, to realise just how important it is for us to ensure we are prepared and know what to do when a natural disaster of any kind occurs.
 Photograph: Mayor-elect Councillor Gail Sellers and CQUniversity Australia Gladstone Head of Campus and Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Chad Hewitt at the scholarship signing with Council’s Chief Executive Officer Graeme Kanofski.
Cr Gail Sellers had an on-line chat with the children of the West Gladstone State School Year 4.
" They asked me questions about Local Government." |
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Local artists dominated the Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards again this year with award recipients announced to a crowd of almost 400 art enthusiasts and supporters last Saturday evening.
Well-known local artist Josh Cleary took the coveted Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial overall art award, a whopping $10,000 prize, for his aerosol artwork titled 'Ostbahnhof'.
The Monto art teacher is a frequent winner at the annual art awards, taking the South Gladstone Rotary Multitrade Youth Emergent Artist Award last year, and the Queensland Energy Resources Easel Paintings Award in 2008.
Cleary was originally awarded the Easel Paintings Award at the announcements, but was soon declared the overall winner when the initial recipient was deemed ineligible.
Cleary was one of seven local artists who excelled in a competition that received over 350 entries from around the nation. |
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Toolooa State High School student Nikki Aitkenhead won the Youth Emergent Artist prize at the tender age of just 15 for a work the judge described as a sensitive approach to portraiture.
Local artists excelled in the three-dimensional and fibre-works section with Rosemary Anderson taking the Trevor McMaster Refrigeration prize of $750 for 'Washed Up on our Shores' and Tracey Smith's 'The Vessel' securing the Gladstone Printing Services award of $500.
Juliri and Melody Ingra won the Murri Artist Award for their collective artwork 'Travelling Country - Yallarm Thoud and Goongu', a vibrant trio of hand-dyed and printed scarves.
Taking home a title for the second year running was Boyne Tannum artist Denise Cobb who was presented the Wide Bay Australia Local Artist Award for 'A Piece of Africa'.
The exhibition of entries is on display now until December 9 at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. |
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Remembrance Day – wonderful to see the different ages of the people attending – from the very young to the veterans.
Councillors Burnett and Sellers lay the wreath at the Gladstone Remembrance Day Service |
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Photo from left - Jo Tansey - Coordinator Creative Generation Central Region, Pamela Whitlock - Manager Arts and Heritage, Gladstone Regional Council, Liz Cunningham - State Member for Gladstone, David Gravino - Whitsundays Anglican School, Jo Williams - guest speaker and artist,
Cr Gail Sellers - Deputy Mayor Gladstone Regional Council
Official Opening of unleashed at the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum.
It is the importance of design to the Queensland lifestyle and economy is celebrated through the
Design Australia exhibition, exploring design disciplines and innovations. During the exhibition,
workshops were held at the Gladstone State High School.
Round 1 National Green Jobs Corp – Care from Creek to Coast. - 21st JULY 2010
The National Green Jobs Corps is Australian Government youth development and environmental training program for people aged between 17 and 24. Round 1 was launched in January of this year and has given young unemployed people an opportunity to contribute to the community and build their skills and this program will continue into Round 3. This will be in partnership with the Gladstone Regional Council will be continue for a further 6 months and allow our current participants to complete their training and further their great environmental achievements.
The “Care from Creek to Coast” project aims to increase the resilience of our regions waterways, wetlands and coastal ecosystems from the effects of climate change by tackling erosion issues and increasing biodiversity. |
Activities undertaken by our participants have included;
- 300kg of rubbish collected from the Wapentake Wetlands.
- Weekly Marine Debris beach survey and rubbish collection with CQ Uni – remove approximately 5 x 20 kg bags.
- Weed removal from Canoe Pt including 52 x 20kg bags of MOM and Coral Berry
- Approximately 5 kg of native seed collected.
- 260 of these have then been propagated at the community nursery.
- 116 tree have been planting at Canoe Pt
- Track repair - 1 km
- Signage repair and erection – 7 signs
- Assisted BE team with erosion control @ Stowe Park 300 hay bales and 300 plants.
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| Meanwhile the Team has also under gone training including; |
- Senior 1st aid
- Occupational Health and Safety
- And a range of modules towards their Certificate 2 in Conservation and Land Management.
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July 2010
Kirkwood Road Stage 3 is on schedule even following the rain delays. This photo gives clear indication that Benaraby Road is not too far away.
This will be a wonderful asset for the road network of the Gladstone Region when it is completed.
Special Funding Round 09/10
RADF CHEQUE PRESENTATION NOTES
10.00am
Friday 25 June 10
Sassy's Cafe,
Bloomfield St,
Miriam Vale
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a project developed by
Arts Queensland and administered
by the Gladstone Regional Council
providing funding for arts and cultural development activities throughout the Gladstone region. |
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Applicant |
Category |
Purpose of Grant |
Approved Amount |
Ms Margaret Worthington
Accepted by Di Paddick |
Developing Regional Skills |
Attend Junction 2010 |
$1358.00 |
Discovery Coast Historical Society Inc.
Accepted by Jenny Taylor and Joan Williams |
Building Community Cultural Capacity |
Develop Statement of Significance for Society's collection |
$3850.00 |
Beryl Wood, Bunbury Players.
Accepted by Beryl Wood |
Regional Partnerships |
Develop partnership with Mt Tambourine Little Theatre |
$1603.00 |
(Jessica Simpson, auspiced by)
Gladstone Arts Council
Accepted by Di Paddick |
Developing Regional Skills |
Attend Junction 2010 |
$1300.00 |
Lorna McGrath
Accepted by Lorna McGrath |
Developing Regional Skills |
Attend Junction 2010 |
$1452.00 |
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$9563.00 |
Airport night work ceases, end to runway work in sight
A major milestone in the $65 million Gladstone Airport Runway Reconstruction Project has been achieved with stage four evening works finalised last Saturday. No further night works are planned during the remainder of the project, but day works associated with the current final stage four were expected to continue until mid to late August. The continuing day works component of stage four involves earthworks, placement of the new pavement and construction of a major box culvert to alleviate long-term flooding problems. The work is generally completed; the major culvert work is well advanced and the back-filling over the culvert almost complete. The pavement paver is now placing final layers of gravel on this section. The final program of runway works will be the asphalting of the remaining section of runway in August.
Work to the Callemondah overpass access road was on schedule for completion about mid to late August as well. When complete, the overpass will divert traffic from Callemondah Industrial Estate to the Dawson Highway roundabout at Police Creek.
There is still some work to be done on the runway side of the railway line and lighting has yet to be installed, but it is progressing well. We are also continuing with the airport terminal extension works, with the foundations almost complete and the forming up of columns for the first floor level under way. Residents will soon see the upper level taking shape. Council would also install a temporary baggage handling system at the terminal to ensure passengers were not affected by terminal works at the rear section of the building. Also, plans for the terminal include the installation of a new fire fighting service to boost fire fighting capability.
Japanese Garden completes Sister City project
The unique and enduring Sister City partnership between Gladstone and Saiki will be present for all to witness at the official opening ceremony of the traditional Japanese Tea Garden at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens on July 11. Themed 'stillness in movement,' the Japanese Garden marks the completion of the final stage of the long-term project, which has involved the construction of an authentic tea house, pond and rockery, extensive plantings and all important pathway.
The concept of the gardens was originally suggested when Gladstone cemented the relationship with Saiki that was forged some 14 years earlier. The friendship that has endured between Gladstone and Saiki is indicative of the wonderful community partnership that exists between the two cultures.
Saiki has constructed an Australian garden, named Kangaroo Park, to honour the unique relationship, with both providing a place to relax and reflect on each other's country. The park is complete with shady eucalyptus, a life-sized, bronze kangaroo by Gladstone sculptor Paul Adamson and a group of painted poles by Aboriginal artists Coral and Allen Craigie. Painted in traditional fashion, one pole depicts terrestrial and the second aquatic animals, while the third was painted by residents at a workshop during the artists' visit to Saiki City
 19th July
I had the pleasure of presenting the medals to the Red Cross Blood Bank donors at a special function at the Chambers on Monday morning. The 100 donor medal recipients were Stephen Lewis, Doug Stephan and Sharon Stephan. While the 150 donations were Roy Jones, Janice Fortier and Jon Holmes.
This is a magnificent achievement as you are able to donate only 4 or 5 times a year.
Well done everyone
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Gail Sellers spent a day at Toolooa State High School taking on the role as Principal
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| Healthy Active Gladstone Region Summit
Community members were focused on getting and staying healthy and active following the Healthy Active Summit held on Thursday, May 13 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at the Rex Metcalf Theatre at CQUniversity's Gladstone campus.
Summit organisers are pleased with the interest in the forum and a wide range of government departments, community organisations, business, school students, representatives of sporting clubs and sports people attended.
Summit coordinator, Crystal McGregor said interest in the forum had been high and the outcomes of the summit will guide the direction of the Healthy Active Gladstone Region strategy to support the community to create a coordinated approach to encouraging Gladstone residents to get healthy and active as well as developing programs specifically for target groups."
Participants were treated to free healthy lunch, followed by an afternoon of keynote speakers including Dr Peter Reaburn, talking on how to motivate a community and Kathryn Massey talking about using the mind to change behaviours. |
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| There were discussions by summit members on what can be done to achieve a healthier and more active region.
Gladstone Regional Council Deputy Mayor and HAGR Committee chairperson Gail Sellers said outcomes from the summit would provide the Gladstone community with a range of strategies to develop plans for the future direction of the programme. As well as the obvious physical benefits, eating well and increasing physical activity are proven methods of combating mental health issues such as depression. Families who exercise together are also healthier, happier and more stable," she said.
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I am delighted to be welcoming you here today to the Region of Choice Summit organised and hosted by the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited. Over the next two days, you will come to understand why people who live in the Gladstone Region are so passionate about our area and the opportunities available here.
We consider ours the true, Region of Choice because no matter where you are in this diverse region, you are rarely more than 90 minutes away from a completely different style of life but still within our boundaries.
The region offers choices: of city living in a modern, urban setting; picturesque rural hinterlands; and idyllic beaches at Tannum Sands, Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy or the famous Heron Island. You can choose to work, live and invest in all of these settings right here in the Gladstone Region.
Long known as an economic powerhouse with a strong industrial focus the Gladstone Region has transformed over the years into a real community, a great place to have a home and raise a family.
With a mix of urban and rural living we have also been able to foster a sense of ‘country’ for many of our residents, whilst ensuring they have ease of access to the facilities and services enjoyed by our “big city cousins”.
Back in the 60’s I was at Gladstone State High School with a girl called
Lesley Wenck – later in life she wrote a long poem entitled
“ when the Americans came to town” which describes the first industry to arrive in Gladstone
Truth is
whole town’s getting’ mighty restless.
Whole town’s bustin’s with the boom.
but ain’t no doubt ‘bout it, those American men
with their slice of one of one world’s finest harbours
they working’ miracles out there!
They git the plant built ahead of schedule
They git workers zippin’ this way an’ that
They git ships an’ trains comin’ an’ goin’
They git conveyor belts runnin’ to an’ fro |
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This was a reflection on life in Gladstone, from the eyes of a school girl and today 50 years later, we stand poised for a similar experience which may be recorded in some genre, by a student who is in Year 9 today.
And at the same time it is interesting to reflect on the poem written as a tribute to Gladstone and delivered on the night the lights were turned on for the first time in Victoria Park on the top of Auckland Hill on Friday 22 March 1935. Alderman Walter James Prizeman was the poet and this is but a small but significant part.
Nature has nobly played her part
The rest remains with you.
To awaken from your slumber ….
There’s much more for you to do.
The potentials are great:
There’s harvest rich in store
For a large industrial city
To be built upon your shore.
And now today, seventy-five years on his words ring true - with two of the world’s largest alumina refineries and Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, Gladstone is already recognised as an industrial hub of national significance and the region stands on the cusp of another wave of major development, with some $65 billion worth of projects earmarked in and around the Port of Gladstone.
Recently Council has been lobbying the State Government hard
to ensure that the much-welcomed economic benefit
from prospective industrial development
ear-marked for the Gladstone Region is “not at any price”,
and that the balance of community, industry and our enviable natural environment remains intact.
The theme for this Summit is leading the way, and it couldn’t be more appropriate. Present here today are leaders in various fields from government industry and community, and it is essential that information shared today, and in following summits, forums and workshops, is used to make sure we lead the way in ensuring the Gladstone Region remains the ‘region of choice’ for years to come.
To do so we must extend a welcoming hand of friendship to current and prospective industrial developers, whilst ensuring strong environmental management practices are in place
along with a solid commitment to investment in social infrastructure and community development.
On behalf of the Gladstone Region I welcome the many visitors to our area. I hope everyone finds this summit both educational and informative, and that you gather new ideas to take back to your respective communities.
It is my pleasure to officially open the inaugural Gladstone Region of Choice Summit. |
Out n About
Families enjoyed a kaleidoscope of exciting arts activities on Saturday 16 January,
at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum.
Kids' APT on Tour was a free event offering interactivie activities created by artists from
the Asia Pacific Region.
The event was hosted simultaneously with other regional galleries and libraries across
the state as part of the Queensland Art Gallery's Kids' APT Summer Spectacular Festival.
Almost 400 attended on the day to enjoy the seven arts activities, three films and
a multi-media activity on offer.
Activities included creating paper models of fruits and aeroplanes from recycled materials. |
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MEDIA RELEASE
Gail Sellers, Chris Trevor Federal Member for Flynn, Neville Gersch (St Stephens College Council) and Terry Schuster Head of College pictured following the opening of the new Library and Multi-Purpose Hall.
Councillors Paton, Brushe and Sellers attended on Thursday 18th Feb.
This was the first of the Federal Government's Building the Education Revolution initiative and was opened by the Federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor. |
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MEDIA RELEASE
Council welcomes $5.5m Federal funding
The $5.5 million in funding announced today by the Federal Government for the Gladstone Terminal Upgrade Project has been warmly welcomed by Gladstone Regional Council.
Mayor George Creed said the funding commitment made by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese at Gladstone Airport today recognised the significance the Federal Government placed on the Gladstone Airport to the future prosperity of the Gladstone Region.
“On behalf of a grateful Gladstone Regional community, I must congratulate and thank the Rudd Federal Government, Minister Albanese and Federal Member for Flynn Chris Trevor for their foresight in investing in critical infrastructure in regional Australia,” Cr Creed said. |
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| “With the Gladstone region standing on the verge of another wave of industrial development, with some $65 billion worth of projects earmarked for the region, there is no doubt that governments at all levels need to invest in visionary infrastructure.”
Cr Creed said the Gladstone Airport Terminal Upgrade Project would cost $5.5 million and be additional to the $65 million already committed by Council for the Gladstone Airport Runway Project.
“These airport terminal improvements are critical to the overall reconstruction project as they will enable larger aircraft to bring more passengers to a growing Gladstone industrial centre.”
He said the work involved upgrading and expanding the terminal facility to accommodate increased passenger numbers safely and efficiently.
“The redeveloped terminal building will offer passengers the type of facility now expected of a modern, regional airport.”
The project is expected to create between 70 and 80 jobs and be completed by November this year. |
MEDIA RELEASE
Chris Trevor MP
Federal Member for Flynn
17 February 2010
New hearing centre opens in Gladstone
Mr Chris Trevor MP, Member for Flynn officially opened the Australian Hearing’s new centre at Gladstone today.
Mr Trevor said that the centre has upgraded to bigger and more conveniently located premises to meet the increasing need for hearing services in the area as a result of the ageing population.
“More than 60 per cent of people aged over 60 have some sort of hearing loss,” he said. “Australian Hearing’s modern new facility provides improved accessibility to hearing services for mature-aged residents in the Gladstone region.”
According to Sandra Howard, Area Manager at Australian Hearing Gladstone, hearing loss is usually gradual and people learn to live with it. She is hoping the new facilities will encourage more people to get regular hearing checks. |
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“Hearing services are fully subsidised for many Australian pensioners and veterans. We recommend that once you reach your 60s, you get a hearing check every two years and discuss the options available for managing a hearing loss,” she said.
Australian Hearing offers excellent solutions for hearing loss to eligible Australians including fully subsidised and top up hearing devices that use the very latest in technology, such as Bluetooth to connect the hearing device to mobile phones, telephones, MP3 players, a television or stereo.
Australian Hearing Gladstone is located at The Palms, 172 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. To book a free screening call 131 797.
Ends.
Visit www.hearing.com.au for information about eligibility.
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17th December I opened 3 exhibitions at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum, they are:
National Photographic Portraits
Recycled Library
Altered books in recent Australian Art
Through the Looking Glass – Melanie Jai |
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Saturday 5th Dec was the annual Calliope Novice Swim Meet which is open to all Central Queensland Swimmers. The children all swam well but most of all enjoying their day. Some of the swimmers were swimming at a competitive meet for the very first time and even attempted distances they have never swam before. There were a great number of personal bests on the day.
Children received ribbons, medals and A Grade Certificates, which now means they have swum fast enough to compete at A Grade Meets. Its was fantastic to see everyone cheering on club members, and other members who didn’t compete turning up to support their team mates.
 Gail Sellers presents Madeline O'Sullivan with her medal during the swimming Carnival Saturday 5th Dec |
 Jake Holmes Boys 8yr Age Champion |
The following is a list of Age Champion and Runner up Champions from Western Suburbs Club.
Clara Furness Girls 6yr Age Champion
Natasha Bahnish Girls 6yr Runner Up
Peyton Craig Boys 6yr Age Champion
Owen Fortier 6yr Runner Up
Thomas Crossley Boys 7yr Age Champion
Ally Ware and Bianca Aird, tied for Girls 9yr Age Champion
Dean Baade Boys 10yr Age Champion
Dominic Walters Boys 11yr Runner Up
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Joseph McAlister Boys 13yr Age Champion | Madeline O’Sullivan Girls 12yr Age Champion | Sarah Baade 13yr Age Champion.
Well Done everyone!
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CONTRACT AWARDED FOR STAGE 3 OF KIRKWOOD ROAD
Construction of Kirkwood Road (Stage 3) is expected to start early in the new year following the awarding of the contract to Golding Contractors.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor George Creed said the new road will not only provide direct benefits to the Gladstone Region and its major industries, but also to the broader Queensland economy.
“Once completed in late 2010, the new road will provide a safer, more direct access to the expanding Port of Gladstone and the Aldoga industrial development areas,” said Cr Creed.
The third and final stage will connect with Stage 2 which opened to traffic in February, completing the strategic ring road and providing access to several major industrial areas as well as linking Port Curtis Way with the Bruce Highway.
Federal MP for Flynn, Chris Trevor, said he was pleased the Federal Government is working with the Gladstone Regional Council to support local jobs and to deliver this important election commitment for the people of Gladstone.
“The Rudd Labor Government has provided the Council with $25.3 million to construct Stage 3, a new 2.3 kilometre road connecting Gladstone with Benaraby Road and the Dawson Highway,” said Mr Trevor.
“It will allow trucks to bypass inner city roads, providing a safer traffic environment for the local community. In addition it will take congestion off the Kin Kora roundabout and provide shorter travelling times between Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Gladstone,” Mr Trevor said.
“This project is part of $8.6 billion we’re investing under our Nation Building Program towards the construction and upgrade of Queensland’s road and rail infrastructure.”
15 December 2009
Chris Trevor’s office (Kyal Butler) 4972 5465
Gladstone Regional Council (Cale Dendle) 4970 0770 |
Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards
Saturday evening saw the opening of the 2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards.
A large crowd of over 400 saw Mike Dunstan, General Manager Operations Yarwun Alumina Refinery open the exhibition.
The judge, Emeritus Professor David Williams AM, of ANU's Research School of Humanities announced the winners.
This year there were 442 entries which was a 30% increase on the previous event.
Another interesting point is the total prize money this year was an unprecedented $21,450, and the overall prize sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan was $10,000.
Attendances on Saturday 7 November:
10am – 1:30pm, including Judge’s Floor Talk:
225 visitors
1:30 – 5pm, including Illustrated lecture:
140 attendances
5pm – 9:30pm,
Official Opening and Awards Presentations: 492
The TOTAL Number of VISITORS on opening day was 857.
Right Photo - Gail Sellers & the Judge |
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WINNERS LIST
Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Award $10,000.00
Vessel, JOHANNES KUHNEN
Wide Bay Australia Ltd. Local Artist Award $1,200.00
Trilogy, GEOFFREY HEAD
South Gladstone Rotary Multitrade Youth Artist Award $750.00
Ganesh, JOSH CLEARY
Murri Artist Award $750.00
UPUNTILNOW, BELYNDA WAUGH
Just Frame It Local Photography Award $500.00
His Lines, KATRINA ELLIOTT
SECTION ONE: EASEL PAINTINGS
Queensland Energy Resources Ltd. Award $1,500.00
Far North No 41, CLAUDINE MARZIK
Christian Thomsen Award $750.00
Fly Away, DANIELLE MATE
Gladstone Picture Framing Award $500.00
Catching a Taxi, DENISE COBB
SECTION TWO: WORKS ON PAPER
Queensland Alumina Ltd. Award $1,500.00
Slip, 2008, LOUISE RIPPERT
The LauraLou Jay Memorial Award $750.00
Tobias and the Angel, RON McBURNIE
Gladstone Bunbury Players Award $500.00
Me, Myself and I, CATHERINE McCUE BOES
Highly Commended
Dryland - Base 3, PAMELA KOUWENHOVEN
SECTION THREE: THREE DIMENSIONAL & FIBRE WORKS
Gladstone Ports Corporation Award $1,500.00
Southerly, PENNY GRAINGER
Trevor McMaster Refrigeration Award $750.00
Tripod Vase Glaze-on-Glaze with Gold & Silver Leaf, GREG DALY
Gladstone Printing Services Award $500.00
Caucus Race Cup & Saucer, STEPHEN BOWERS
Highly Commended
Searching for Waters, VAL GILL
The Camel, NELL VEENHOVEN
Ten Decades, SUYEE CLIFFORD |
 Awards Night
 Geoff Head
 Danielle Mate
 Josh Cleary
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 At a time when women rarely held leadership positions, playwright and journalist, Marian de Forest conceived the idea of a strong network of women in executive positions who would work to take their rightful place in the professions next to men. On 8 November 1919 Bylaws and a Constitution were adopted and the name Zonta was selected
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The Zonta Club of Gladstone is holding a Birthday Breakfast at the Yacht Club on Sunday 8 November to celebrate Zonta’s achievements and to honour those women who had the foresight, dedication and tenacity to form such an organization, which, for 90 years, has been tirelessly working to improve the legal, political, economic, education and health status of women worldwide through service and advocacy |
Gail Sellers Serves a Funding ACE!
The funding, provided under Council’s 2009 Facility Assistance Grant Program (FAGP), will be matched by the association and used to demolish two existing “humpbacked” or uneven courts, and build four new tennis courts including fencing.
Council’s Parks & Recreation Portfolio spokesperson Councillor Gail Sellers said Council was pleased to be able to work with the association to improve the club’s facilities to allow for increased local participation in the game of tennis.
“With only five courts available, two of which are unsuitable for competition tennis, the club has been severely limited in the past with regards to the number of fixtures it can hold, social play it allows and importantly its coaching capacity,” Cr Sellers said.
“Council had previously identified the need for these works to cater for the increased demands of a growing region, and we’re happy to be able to support this worthwhile project which will no doubt benefit the entire community for many years to come.”
Tannum Sands Tennis Association President Ollie Else said the grant would allow the club to commence construction on the much-needed expansion project in February next year.“
Club members and the community will now able to look forward to playing even more tennis on high quality courts, which will hopefully lead to a higher standard and more a more enjoyable game for both social and competitive players,” Mr Else said.“ |
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This grant has really helped to secure the future of our club and we couldn’t be more grateful to Gladstone Regional Council for their support.”
Under the 2009 FAGP eight organisations were funded a total of $180,000 to put towards infrastructure additions and upgrades, or the purchase of significant items of equipment that relate to improving the capacity of their facilities.
The following is a breakdown of the grants:
Cr Sellers urged unsuccessful clubs, or those organisations who have not yet applied for a Facility Assistance Grant, to submit an application under the program’s next round scheduled to open in September 2010.
“Council’s Sports & Recreation Officers are here to help organisations with the application process to maximise their chances of receiving funding,” Cr Sellers said.
“Officers are more than happy to meet with clubs to give advice on how they can best put forward their case for a grant, so I urge organisations to take advantage of their expertise and submit an application next year.” |
Meet & Greet
On Thursday 5th November, Liz Cunningham Member for Gladstone and the Mayor
and Councillors of the Gladstone Regional Council met with the Gladstone
Regional Christian Leaders Network.
The afternoon function was held at the
Star of the Sea Parish Hall and was well attended.
The distict Chaplains
were also present and it gave the Councillors the opportunity to speak to
them about their work. |
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28th October 2009
Our Place Our Plan session was held to encourage residents across the region to have their say on the Regions New Land Use Planning Scheme.
The GRC is in the process of preparing a new planning scheme to replace the three existing planning schemes that applied to the former Gladstone City,
Miriam Vale Shire and Calliope Shire Councils.
As part of the initial planning process Council is inviting the community to have their say on how they
believe Council should manage future development and growth in the Gladstone Region.
Planning Hotline: 1300 621 922
Time Line
30th November 2009 Have your say! |
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December 2009 Engagement period
February 2010 Prepare the Statement of Proposals SoP
2012 Council’s Goal to have a new planning scheme during this term of council |
24th October 2009
The local Builyan Hall is set to receive an extensive makeover with Federal Member for Flynn Chris Trevor today welcoming a $892,000 investment in the much loved community asset by the Rudd Government.
“Not only is this a great investment in the Builyan community but it is also a great investment in creating local jobs and training opportunities for our kids,” Mr Trevor said.
“The work will be carried out by local organisation Gladstone Area Group Apprentices (GAGAL) and is expected to create 25 local jobs, 5 traineeships and a further 25 work experience positions,” Mr Trevor said. |
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General Manager of GAGAL Kerry Whitaker said “this is a wonderful opportunity to not only reinvigorate this historic community hall but also to provide much needed training and employment opportunities for apprentices in the region”. |
14th October 2009
Blue Care Edenvale Aged Care Facility unveiled an interactive and colourful textured wall painting on Wednesday (October 14) for people with dementia.
Blue Care Edenvale Service Manager Shirlee Tennant said they wanted to add some colour to the dementia wing and the painting was made possible due to a successful grant application through the Regional Arts Development Fund.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Gladstone Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.
“The painting depicts a typical Australiana scene with a big old gum tree, creek and lots of colourful bush animals,” Shirlee said.
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“The best part about the painting is that the residents were able to get involved and make it their own by hand painting all of the animals or creating them by collage. “The animals were then made into 3D objects. The interactive painting utilised different textures such as canvas or cork and some of the animals were attached to magnets so they can be rearranged on the wall and taken off to play with.
“Local artist Jo Williams did a great job – the residents love it and all want to be facing the painting now,” Shirlee said.
“Blue Care is very grateful for the support through this grant and the residents have received a lot of enjoyment from the painting already.” |
14th October 2009
Rental Affordability
Gladstone Big Winner from Affordable Rental Homes Program
Federal Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek and Federal Member for Flynn Chris Trevor today announced that 46 new affordable rental homes would be built in Gladstone under the second round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme.
Ms Plibersek and Mr Trevor made the announcement at a function with the Gladstone Central Committee on the Ageing, which has won 21 incentives to deliver affordable rental homes for seniors.
These 21 new two bedroom homes are expected to be available for rent in June 2010 and will be especially suitable for local seniors with health and mobility concerns. |
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The properties will include 3,000 litre rainwater tanks, roof insulation, solar block glass and additional shading to those parts of the home that face the western sun.
Ms Plibersek said that this development in Gladstone shows that great results can be achieved when all three levels of government work together with local industry to provide affordable housing.
“The construction work also provides jobs for local builders and tradespeople, as each dwelling will be newly constructed,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Earlier this week I launched the third round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme, which will deliver more affordable rental homes in the future.”
Mr Trevor said that he was delighted that the National Rental Affordability Scheme was allowing the Gladstone Central Committee for the Ageing to deliver 21 affordable rental homes for local seniors.
“It is terrific that the Rudd Government is investing in affordable housing for seniors in Gladstone,” Mr Trevor said.
“I am also pleased that two other National Rental Affordability Scheme projects in my electorate will deliver 25 affordable rental properties – 10 in Emerald and 15 in Calliope.
“Affordable housing, including for our seniors, has been a major problem in Gladstone for many years and I am grateful that my Government has moved to address the problem.
“This announcement today will bring a sigh of relief to many low income earners, seniors and battlers.
“This is a great result for Gladstone. I am very proud to be part of it and to be making a positive difference to the lives of people in my home town of Gladstone.”
The Australian Government is investing more than $1 billion in the National Rental Affordability Scheme over the next four years. |
15th August 2009
Chris Trevor Member for Flynn and Gail Sellers turned the first sod on Saturday 15th August for the construction on Stage One of the much anticipated Agnes Water Community Centre Complex. Last week, Gladstone Regional Council last week awarded the contract to local construction company Finecorp Industries.
Council's Parks & Recreation Portfolio spokesperson, Councillor Gail Sellers said a total of ten tenders were received for the project, all of which were considered under a comprehensive tender assessment process taking some weeks.
"Finecorp Industries were ultimately decided upon as Council felt they best met the tender selection criteria, and are importantly a local company who have been involved in the housing and construction industry for many years," Cr Sellers said. |
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"They represented the best value outcome for Council for this very exciting project."
It is expected that construction on Stage One of the community centre will commence in the next four weeks, and the clearing of the building footprint by Council's tree crew has already been done. Our Infrastructure Services will undertake the bulk earthworks for the centre's new car parks, which will include bitumen sealing and kerbing.
Once commenced the two staged construction project will take 12 months to complete.
Chris Trevor Member for Flynn said that the $1.026 million Stage One of the project, funded through the Commonwealth Government Regional and Local Communities Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) in an effort to stimulate additional growth and economic activity in Australia as part of the government's contribution to address the effects of the global economic crisis, will involve the relocation and expansion of the Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre and the Tourist Information Centre.
Stage Two works on the centre, funded by Council with some support from the Federal Government, will include the construction of a multi-function community facility and library to adjoin the Stage One relocated Rural Transaction Centre.
Cr Sellers urged local residents and visitors to follow any advisory signage once Stage One construction commenced, as "access may be limited in the vicinity of these works at certain times do ensure the safety of the public, construction workers and Council staff".
The completed centre will also include a main hall for large community functions, a large fully equipped kitchen, toilet and change facilities, and smaller meeting rooms.
It will act as a Disaster Recovery centre in times of emergencies, allow for limited sporting activity such as basketball, and the existing facilities may also be utilised and be converted into a youth drop in centre at a later date. |
On Friday 3rd July the CEO Graeme Kanofski and I visited the USNS Amelia Earhart.
We were welcomed aboard by Captain John Pope who gave us a tour of the ship. She is brand new and on her first overseas visit. The Amelia Earhart is manned by 8 Navy Personnel and the remainder of the crew is civilian. The ship is massive and has many unique features.
The main cargo is food for the troops involved in the Military exercises here. It is customary for the Mayor and the Captain to exchange plaques but as the Gladstone Region is relatively new, we have not as yet ordered any. A photo of Auckland inlet replaced the plaque and as you can see this proved most appropriate as we were presented with a view of the ship in return. |
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Q150 Descendants Dinner
Old Town Hall 06/06/09
About 200 descendants of our region's pioneering families partied like it was 1859 at the Old Town Hall on June 6, as part of the Gladstone Regional Council's ongoing Q150 celebrations.
After being officially welcomed by Mayor George Creed and his wife Leonie, Deputy Mayor Gail Sellers and her husband Tony, who were all dressed in period costume, and invited guests were seated in a banquet style setting in the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum's O'Connell Space.
They were welcomed to the country, in both English and native language, by Goreng Goreng elders (and siblings) Jacqueline and Richard Johnson.
Read this article in OLD ENGLISH FONT |
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Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Director Pamela Whitlock said the highlight of the Descendants Dinner for her had been "seeing the guests come in, some in period dress, mingling and greeting one another, their enjoyment was palpable".
"All who attended on the night seemed to take much pleasure in the significance of the occasion, and the opportunity to reflect and honour their ancestors by remembering their contribution as pioneers, and how they
helped shape the Gladstone region," she said.
"It was a fantastic way to celebrate the state's 150th birthday, especially as it coincided with Queensland Day." While being entertained by Noel and Wendy Wootton on Piano and Richard Clegg on Violin, guests dined on a three course meal, comprised of shrimp cocktail for starters, roast meat and vegetables for main and ice-cream and fruit for desert, which was
reminiscent of what was served in the Town Hall in 1954 to celebrate the century of the town.
Local historian Paulette Flint regaled guests with a brief history of Gladstone's earliest years, and Councillor Clyde Cameron was on hand to act as master of ceremonies for the much-enjoyed evening.
Special thanks must go to all the Council staff and volunteers who helped make the evening a huge success, including the students from Gladstone State and Toolooa High schools, who welcomed guests to the gallery/ museum at the start of the evening, helped usher them to their seats and acted as wait staff. |
Seventeen Seventy Foreshore Opening 23rd May 2009
SEVENTEEN Seventy was the place to be over the weekend, with the official opening of the revitalised foreshore, which coincided with the opening of the Captain Cook 1770 Festival, bringing the small coastal community to life.
Gladstone Regional Council Acting Mayor Gail Sellers described the redevelopment project, made possible with help from the Queensland Government's Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program, as a "huge success, beyond my expectations".
"The aim of the project was to upgrade the existing coastal foreshore providing a modern open space which attracts visitors to the area as well as providing the existing residents an enhanced area to enjoy the vistas and activities available along the beautiful stretch of Seventeen Seventy coastline," Cr Sellers said. |
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"And I think, with the response we got from the public on the day, who were overwhelmed by the redevelopment and how it makes the most of the area's natural beauty, we can safely say that the project aims were met and totally surpassed.
"We've managed to showcase the rich heritage values of the area using signage to provide an interpretative insight into Captain Cook's Endeavour visit to Seventeen Seventy, as well as presenting the heritage values of the area."
Cr Sellers said she would like to thank everyone who attended the official opening on the weekend, including Member for Burnett Rob Messenger and local builder Kieran Gibson, "whose team at Gibson Building did a fantastic job on the redevelopment project and took an immense amount of pride in their work".
Premier Anna Bligh, who could not attend the opening personally, said it was a credit to the Council that "they had the foresight to revitalise the foreshore so that it is at the same time accessible and preserved…"
"The interconnecting pathways, decks and viewing platforms with play equipment for children and interpretative signage add to the experience and help make sure the foreshore remains in tact for the enjoyment of people now and in the years ahead," Premier Bligh said.
Redevelopment to the foreshore area includes revegetation of Bank's Bank, the steep embankment along captain Cook Drive, with plants which were identified by Joseph Banks, to create a natural arbour.
Interpretive signs have been positioned at points of interest along the way, and there are also new shaded sitting and picnic areas for families to come and enjoy the scenery.
Cr Sellers said she encouraged locals and visitors to make the trip to Seventeen Seventy to enjoy the area's calm waters and spectacular scenery.
"With this project I feel we've been able to protect the special qualities and provide for future needs without destroying the character which makes it culturally significant," Cr Sellers said.
"In addition we've created these wonderful public areas where families can come and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Seventeen Seventy foreshore, while having a barbeque with friends or taking a walk along the boardwalk."
The Seventeen Seventy Redevelopment Project was funded and supported by the Queensland Government's Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program on a dollar-for-dollar basis with Gladstone Regional Council.
Redevelopment work involved construction of a boardwalk, decks, platforms, interconnecting pathways, shelters, park furniture, revegetation, building beach accesses, and the installation of lighting, interpretative signage and improved storm water drainage along the Seventeen Seventy Foreshore area. |
7th April 2009
Today there were all smiles from the previous Gladstone City Councillors and Chris (CT) Trevor as they heard about an allocation of $25.3 million to finish Kirkwood Road. Stage 3 of the project is from Glenlyon Road to Benaraby Road and will complete the ring road around the city.
The completion of Kirkwood Road will:
- Ease congestion and time delays at the Phillip Street roundabout
- Provide vital linkages for outlying suburbs and their residents.
- Provide alternative and quicker access times for Boyne/Tannum residents.
- Provide vital infrastructure and jobs for our community
- Take the burden of funding this Council owned Road away from the ratepayers
- Take trucks out of the central business district
- Provide better access to the Port of Gladstone
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| Chris Trevor has honoured an election promise he made to the people of Gladstone in 2007 and he fought hard to deliver these funds. |
Monday March 16th 2009
Judy Spence the Minister for Police, Correctional Services and Sport met with Gladstone Community members and during the visit announced $3 million for an extension to the Police Station at Calliope.
You heard it first on the gailsellers.com.au website! |
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March 2009
On Tuesday afternoon, Gail met Deborah De Williams at the office of The Professionals in Barry Street.
Deborah is a breast cancer survivor and is running around Australia in an effort to raise $300 000. Deborah, her support team of her mother, father, husband, 3 dogs and two pink caravans were in Gladstone to raise awareness.
A team of Gladstone Roadrunners escorted Deborah into the city from Glen Eden and the Gladstone Breast buddies were waiting at the Professionals for Deborah to arrive. |
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February 2009
Mayor George Creed and his council team are signing up for the Healthy Active Gladstone project.
All councillors signed on and now the challenge is out there.
The Gladstone Regional Council departments, under the leadership of directors have been challenged to
gain 100% membership also.
Can they do it? |
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2009
On the 17th February during a meeting of the Gladstone Regional Council, the school captains from Gladstone South State School delivered morning tea to the Mayor and councillors.
The whole school was fundraising for the Victorian Fire Appeal. |
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2008
During a visit to the Wartburg State School Awards Night, I met up with
Sunirmalya Symons and Sabine Holt. They were wearing the newly created Friends of the Baffle Basin t-shirt, which proclaims
Keep the Baffle Flowing Free.
It is part of the campaign to legislatively protect Baffle Creek from any in-stream dam. Sunirmalya and Sabine tell us to attend public events, send emails and letters to politicians, and to wear promotional shirts as these are all ways the general public can get their voices heard.
These t-shirts and more information are available on http://fobb.enviro.org.au. |
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Clean & Healthy Air for Gladstone - Steering Committee
councillors Lyn Paton and Gail Sellers welcomed the public meetings on the
Review of the Health Data for Gladstone as part of the Clean and Healthy
Air
for Gladstone Project (C.H.A.G.)
Councillor Paton and Sellers are the
representative on the Project Steering Committee. On Wednesday 26th
November, the Steering Committee was privileged to view the first of
several
Presentations by Dr Margaret Young.
Photo L to R
councillors Lyn Paton and Gail Sellers together with Dr. Margaret Young
review the first information on the Review of the Health Data for
Gladstone |
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Friday 5th September 2008
The Gladstone and District Hockey Association have welcomed the Gladstone Regional Council’s $200,000 budget allocation towards the Club’s planned synthetic field at Rigby Park in Gladstone.
Club Vice President and fundraising committee member Shane Brodie said this grant is great news for the future of hockey in the Gladstone region.
“We have some of the best junior players in the State but they are not able to fairly compete against their capital city counterparts because of the lack of regional facilities available to them,” Mr Brodie said.
“Now the Council have committed funding we can go forward with confidence in our approach to the State Government,” he said. |
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The project has been in the pipe line for many years and in 2007 secured a $200,000 grant from the Rudd Labor Government.
Gladstone Regional Council funding of $200,000 was contingent on the club's successful application for a matching grant under the Queensland Government’s Sport and Recreation Major Facilities Program.
Council was happy to support the future of hockey in the region but before handing over the rate payers money we wanted to make sure the Club had the additional resources to complete the project.
Having said that I am confident the Club’s application to the State Government will be successful especially when they consider the project has the backing of both the local Council and the Federal Government.
Member for Flynn Chris Trevor also congratulated the Council for supporting the project.
“Now that both the Council and the Rudd Labor Government have committed funding the committee can take the next step and approach the State Government for matching funds and make this project a reality,” Mr Trevor said.
“The committee need to be congratulated on the hard work they have done in getting the project to this stage. It is great to see infrastructure projects like this gaining momentum and I wish the Club every success in their application to the State Government’s Major Facilities Program,” he said.
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Awards Night
Geoff Head
Danielle Mate
Josh Cleary
