Life

It takes the members of the Westbrook Trauma Teddies Group one year to knit 500 trauma teddies, making a heartfelt difference in the lives of local children experiencing trauma. This year’s teddy making has been assisted by a grant of $824 from Toowoomba Regional Council, which will cover the cost of purchasing fibre filling for 500 trauma teddies.

Construction of the new Toowoomba Hospital at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus in Cranley is officially underway.The ceremonial sod turning event was held last Friday and was attended by politicians and health department figures.

The Leitchville Memorial Hall may be a far cry from the Sydney Opera House, but it rates highly as one of Eliza Hull’s top experiences. The musician, author, podcaster, writer and disability advocate performed to a full audience at Leitchville on Tuesday, April 30 as part of Leitchville LIVE – Presents.

In a fitting opening, two local residents cut the ribbon to declare the new $9m Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Care building officially opened. Shirely Evans and Ngearie Cattermole cut the ribbon and then the cake ... With the holistic concept of the centre, Maari Ma is providing culturally appropriate health services.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is adding value to the beef sector, turning red meat into a highly nutritious powder to give an allergen-free protein boost to snacks and beverages, targeting a $3.8 billion health and wellness market opportunity. Taste testings of the innovation are on offer at Beef 2024 in Rockhampton this week, as CSIRO unveils its Just Meat protein powder...

An emotional candlelight vigil was held at Hay Lions Park on Wednesday evening, bringing together a group of more than 30, who each took a stand against family violence. National vigils are held annual on the first Wednesday of May to remember and honour those who have been killed by domestic or family violence.  

Home grown movie aims its lens at suicide prevention in the bush. Farmer Leila McDougall is determined to raise awareness about farmer suicide after "losing too many people."

Joanna Tucker. Local artist and past winner of an Our Mob exhibition award Cedric Varcoe has been sharing his culture through creative avenues for decades, and you may have already seen examples of his work. Mr Varcoe, who grew up at Point Pearce, has been painting since he was a child, inspired by his family, the stories of the Narungga and Ngarrindjeri people...

Michelle Daw. Lessons learned on the footy field that can be applied for success in all facets of life are being shared by high-achieving former footy player and coach Michael Wanganeen. Now chair of Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association, Michael has released a book that draws on the lessons he learned through his illustrious football career, his trajectory from farmhand to agency manager, and the education he undertook to grow his skills and knowledge.

Jon Quill. Donald’s Red Gate Community Garden is currently experiencing something of a growth spurt with an influx of new members. But by far the greatest growth has been witnessed in their spectacular Sunflowers which peaked at just over 4 metres (14ft) before Christmas. Single seed head/flowers weighed in at a mighty 2kg.  

Sporting clubs have a unique platform to drive cultural change in our communities and on the weekend, four local sporting clubs showed their commitment to creating an Australia where all women and children can live in safety, free from violence and abuse ... The observation of 36 seconds of silence had a powerful impact ...

The world has witnessed a surge in interest surrounding superfood Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing tree known for its extraordinary nutritional benefits. Almost every part of the moringa tree, from its high-protein green leaves to its seed oil, is edible and packed with essential nutrients.

New research on how to treat people with PTSD brought on by the 2022 floods was announced at Southern Cross University in Lismore ... Leading the research is Professor James Bennett-Levy ... The research project has many ‘firsts’ in its approach.

Gleditsia triacanthos, AKA the bloody tree... Now, I love trees, there are so many shapes and sizes, colours, and there are several beautiful ones in the back yard planted by the previous owner, thank you Hayley ... they are lovely. Except one... I have an ongoing war with the Bloody Tree

National Alpaca Week kicks off on May 4th with a host of celebrations including open farm days, Mother’s Day picnics and educational programs for kids. The week serves to educate, entertain, and bring awareness to the alpaca industry, while promoting the production and use of high-quality alpaca fleece this winter season.

The weather gods were pleased with the sacrifices for Barham’s inaugural Feast! 21 degrees at 9pm in April is a miracle, and the patrons rejoiced, delighting in local produce and live music! Over 100 people filled the beautifully arranged setting from event company Mack and Mills on the boardwalk.

Serena Kirby. This year marks 100 years since the Country Women’s Association of WA was established and the Denmark branch held a special gathering to celebrate the occasion ... "more younger women are joining as they’re making it work for them by meeting in the evenings and weekends instead of during weekdays": CWA State treasurer, Carolyn Cover.

A small group of women gathered at 9.00 a.m. on Monday, 29th April, at Nhill Lake to participate in Walk the World, an annual event that celebrates the values of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). This global organisation is the largest international association for rural women, boasting a membership of nine million across 82 countries.

Meet John and Reina, as they prepare to open Lyrics Restaurant, and bring fine food to the Commercial Hotel, Kaniva. After fifty years of working all around the world in hospitality, John decided that "now was the time to run things his way" and create a new venture.

Natassia Soper. After years of delays due to the pandemic and its remote location, families are finally benefiting from the establishment of Lord Howe Island’s first preschool ... Director of the volunteer group and local mother Rachel McFayden spearheaded the push for a preschool, after seeing kids would start primary school without access to play-based early childhood education and care.