Contents
New Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre approved
Taste flavours of Water Street for festival
Footpath, crossing works planned for Hughes Road
Brenda's passion for PCS recycling 24 years strong
Tanya bringing passion for dried flower art to Bundaberg
Students given the opportunity to Eat Up at lunchtime
Bundaberg hosts Living Well Health & Wellbeing Expo
Turtles make a splash in Moore Park Beach Motel mural
Celebrate Childers Festival with Kate Ceberano
Tracey’s bathhouse home to a hidden succulent garden
Recipe: Water Street smoked mackerel salad
Sheer determination in every step for Hallee
New Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre approved
Megan Dean
Construction of the state-of-the-art Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre, capable of hosting international standard events, will start next year after funding was announced today.
The FINA-standard complex will feature a 50-metre, heated, undercover competition pool, cafe and grassed spectator area.
Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd and Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith joined Mayor Jack Dempsey to confirm the State Government had approved Bundaberg Regional Council’s request to allocate the latest round of Works for Queensland funding to the project.
The announcement will see the State Government contribute over $13 million towards the more than $45 million project.
Mayor Dempsey said it was an important day for the region’s future, with the state’s funding commitment coming just weeks away from the Council’s budget.
“The Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre is a once-in-a-generation project and will be a gamechanger for our region,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“It will be a training ground for world-class local athletes, it will attract a high level of competition with all of the media coverage and visitors that come along with that.
“The economic, social and health benefits of this facility will be felt for many, many years to come.
“I’ve been advocating for the Bundaberg Region to host training and competition for the 2032 Olympics if Queensland’s bid is successful – this new aquatic centre would be suitable as an Olympics training base.”
Mayor Dempsey thanked the State Government for its support and said he hoped the Federal Government will also provide assistance.
“Council made an application to the Federal Government under its Building Better Regions Fund,” he said.
“We’ve missed out on grants through this program over recent years and hope for a successful outcome this time.
“Our intention is to deliver all stages of this project in the next three years.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the centre was a “jobs generator”, supporting local work throughout every aspect of the build and into the future.
“This facility will support over 126 jobs throughout construction and 40 ongoing jobs,” she said.
“It's absolutely a job creating project but also invests in the liveability of the city as well.
“This project is about attracting people to come and work in regional areas like Bundaberg and to stay in regional areas.”
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the funding was going towards “building something big” for the region.
“When you build the best facilities you give young athletes the best opportunity to go and achieve their dreams,” he said.
“This Olympic-sized swimming pool is really going to kickstart something for our young swimmers.”
Mayor Dempsey said the commitment to the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre was also a catalyst for the redevelopment of Anzac Park.
“The Anzac Park redevelopment will activate the riverfront and make it a vibrant and sought-after community space.”
He reiterated that Anzac Pool would remain operational during construction until a transition timeline to the new aquatic facility could be finalised.
Anyone who wants to share their memories of Anzac Pool can participate in a Council project to share their stories of the facility.
Taste flavours of Water Street for festival
Megan Dean
A passion for working with local ingredients has driven the success of husband and wife team Jen and Alex Cameron’s Water Street Kitchen.
And it’s that special mix of passion and local produce that is set to be served up as part of two popular Taste Bundaberg Festival events.
The Bundaberg Region is home for Jen which is why the pair decided to raise their family here.
For acclaimed Gold Coast chef Alex, it turned out to be a positive career move too, leaving him with the ability to offer a unique dining experience.
“I’d say that the experience they get in Bundaberg, I doubt they’d be able to recreate anywhere else, definitely not in the capitals,” Alex said.
“The connection that you can get in Bundaberg and the relationships you can form - even from a tourist point of view - you’ll create connections with producers and farmers and restauranteurs.”
The region has also presented an unexpected opportunity for Alex to expand his skillset.
“I have a very strong beef and steak background and when I first came here I didn’t really know what to do because it’s lots of vegetables,” Alex laughed.
“But I’ve learnt to hero them and let them shine on the plate, just keep it simple and let those ingredients speak for themselves.”
In just a few short years Water Street Kitchen has become an icon of the Bundaberg food scene.
Walking into the boutique restaurant Jen welcomes guests “with open arms” and Alex said it was like inviting extended family into their own dining room.
“We create the menus together, the wine lists, the cocktails.
“Everything we do we do together as a team.”
Fresh ingredients from the Bundaberg Region and surrounds hero in every creation the pair presents, from the food on the plate to the syrups and garnishes in the cocktails.
Alex said Taste Bundaberg Festival’s Water Street Kitchen Long Lunch had become a trademark of the region’s culinary calendar.
“Each year has a different spin however, we are most excited about continuing to hero our local farmers, producers and suppliers,” he said.
“We work very closely with a number of local growers, producers and suppliers all year round, and we look forward to showcasing their seasonal produce in this year’s festival.
“Having produce arrive from passionate growers and farmers makes our job incredibly easy when they too share your enthusiasm and love for the food industry.”
Recently welcoming their second child into the world, it is fitting that Alex and Jen will this year cater one of Taste Bundaberg Festival’s most popular events for all ages.
“We are thrilled to be this year’s caterer for Farm Flavours Picnic,” Alex said.
“This is a different style of event for us and we are excited to bring our local produce to a more family orientated event.”
Footpath, crossing works planned for Hughes Road
Ashley Schipper
Multiple projects will be undertaken along Hughes Road, Bargara in the coming weeks to enhance connectivity and road safety in the area.
Included in the Bundaberg Regional Council works is an upgrade to Hughes Road crossing at Moneys Creek to provide safety improvements to the busy area.
Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said the road was often inundated with water during heavy rain events.
“This section of road services more than 4000 vehicles every day and when overflowing with water, can cause quite a disruption to traffic as well as creating a safety hazard,” he said.
“To alleviate this problem, the existing pipe culvert structure will be upgraded to box culverts and the inclusion of a 2.5 metre pathway and a left turn lane into Causeway Drive will be implemented.
“This will provide improved immunity in the area, catering for larger rainfall events.”
Work is planned to commence late June and will be undertaken weekdays, during the hours of 6am and 5pm.
Weather permitting, work will be completed by September 2021.
During construction, a small section of Hughes Road (highlighted in red in the above image) will be closed with appropriate signage to detour motorists around the site.
Cr Trevor said Council would also be completing the missing pathway link along Hughes Road from next week.
“Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed within four weeks,” he said.
“During construction sections of the road will be subject to traffic management measures.”
The projects are jointly funded by Council and the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
Divisional representative Cr Greg Barnes said both projects would be welcomed by the community.
“Hughes Road Crossing is such an essential piece of infrastructure within the area and I welcome the improvements to make it safer for all road users,” he said.
“Likewise, completing the missing pathway link along Hughes Road will be a benefit to the community, providing residents with greater connectivity and more opportunities to walk, run or ride within our fantastic region.”
Cr Barnes said Council apologised for the temporary inconvenience that would be experienced by motorists during the construction.
“We encourage drivers to plan their trips using alternative routes,” he said.
“Access to local businesses to the north of the Hughes Road causeway via Bargara Road and Blain Street will remain open and I encourage the community to use these routes to support those businesses.”
Hughes Road Crossing at Moneys Creek.
Hughes Road Crossing at Moneys Creek.
Brenda's passion for PCS recycling 24 years strong
Ashley Schipper
Local woman Brenda Cobb established PCS in Bundaberg 24 years ago, helping customers to save money and the environment by offering her printer cartridge refill service.
For more than two decades Brenda has been a driving force in the recycling game and said her passion came with many benefits.
“I established PCS not long after inkjet printing created a quieter printing option over the noisy dot matrix printers,” she said.
“We refill inkjet and toner cartridges and also stock a large range of new original and generic cartridges.
“Refilling cartridges saves our customers many dollars over buying new and saves tonnes of plastic and metal going into landfill.”
Brenda said as part of her business recycling initiative, PCS also reused all of the packaging each customer returned along with their empty toner cartridges.
“This includes cardboard boxes, packaging air bags and cartridge shipping protectors,” she said.
“This year alone we have refilled 576 toner cartridges.”
Brenda said overall, the amount of cartridges PCS had refilled over 24 years in operation was now at 504, 231.
She said the massive number brought with it some pretty impressive figures.
“The breakdown of savings for our customers is more $19,580,930 over the 24 year period,” she said.
“I'm really proud of that.
“I love serving our many loyal customers, some of whom have supported us for 24 years.”
Brenda said over the years, the printer cartridge recycling process had slowly changed and manufacturers were now becoming more savvy with their products.
“Unfortunately we are no longer able to refill all inkjet and toner cartridges and have had to resort to selling generic cartridges,” she said.
“Many of the printer manufacturers now use software or chips to ensure refilled cartridges are not accepted in their printers.”
This hasn't deterred Brenda, who said she was working with suppliers to find other solution to benefit her customers and the environment.
“While our ink and toner suppliers work tirelessly to find a work around method and attempt to source chip resetters or replacement chips, we encourage those that wish to refill to contact us for advice on which printer to purchase,” she said.
Visit PCS Bundaberg's Facebook page here.
Tanya bringing passion for dried flower art to Bundaberg
Ashley Schipper
A former Bundaberg woman turned dried flower artist is coming back to the region to display her arrangements at a special pop-up shop this month.
Tanya Bensley is the creator of The F.lower Artist, which she established in April 2020 after her wedding florist and stylist business was impacted by Covid.
“At the beginning of 2020 I went from my busiest year yet to no work at all within weeks of the first Covid lockdown in March,” Tanya said.
“In need of a way to keep an income I established The F.lower Artist, a small business providing dried flower arrangements and wall pieces for homes and shopfronts.”
Tanya said her floral art pieces were different to the standard dried flower arrangements that had become popular in recent times.
“My pieces have a modern twist to them,” she said.
“I push the boundaries with colours and shapes.
“As an artist I have become well-known for big wall installations created from dried and preserved flowers and leaves.”
Originally trained as a fresh flower wedding and event florist, Tanya said dried floral art had given her a new creative outlet.
“I adore fresh flowers and with my other wedding business (Sugared Style) I still work a lot with fresh flowers, they are elegant and traditional,” she said.
“However, when the dried flower trend came along a few years ago my curiosity had me exploring this new medium.
“Dried flowers captured my heart just as much as the fresh flowers did.”
Tanya said dried flowers gave a completely different look and feel to an arrangement and could also transform a blank wall into a beautiful work of art.
“I feel dried flowers are more modern in style and when it comes to creating long lasting architecturally shaped arrangements, the dried are perfect,” she said.
“Wall arrangements can take me anywhere from three hours up to 30 hours to create.
“At a fashion and homewares store in Redcliffe I created a three metre long wall art piece and this took me just shy of 30 hours to complete.
“The large wall art arrangements are my absolute favourite thing to create and is where my passion lies.”
Tanya said she was excited to bring her art to Bundaberg at a pop up shop in Hinkler Central soon after she received plenty of praise from locals in the area.
“My sister had me create some flower arrangements for her and her friends that all reside in Bundaberg and the reaction I got was incredible,” she said.
“They all loved my dried flower pieces and said that the area did not have anything like this that they had seen.
“This sparked my interest and I began investigating the idea of bringing my collection to the area for others to buy.”
Tanya's F.lower Artist pop-up shop will feature 60 vase arrangements and three wall arrangements when she comes to Bundaberg.
“I will also be able to pre-make five custom wall pieces for residents of Bundaberg who want to have specific colours or a specific size,” she said.
The F.lower Artist pop-up shop will be at Hinkler Central from Monday, 28 June to Sunday, 4 June.
Find out more on the F.lower Artist Instagram, Facebook page or website.
Students given the opportunity to Eat Up at lunchtime
Georgia Neville
In an effort to combat hunger in the classroom, Kepnock State High School has partnered with Australian not-for-profit organisation Eat Up to provide lunches for those in need.
Students have offered a helping hand in the initiative, making upwards of 2000 sandwiches since the program was implemented at the beginning of Term 2 this year.
The sandwiches are accessed by fellow students at Kepnock as well as distributed to students at Bundaberg North State High School and Bundaberg State High School.
Eat Up Australia Founder Lyndon Galea said Kepnock State High School was the first school in the region to be involved in the program after applying for a grant through the Feed Appeal.
“Kepnock State High applied for a grant through the Feed Appeal to support students in need with lunch,” Mr Galea said.
“Eat Up began supporting schools in Bundaberg at the beginning of term two this year after we were elected as the lunch support program.”
While Eat Up provided the ingredients and equipment, Lyndon said that the students were the ones who put in the hard work to make all the sandwiches for their peers.
“The students at Kepnock State High volunteer their time and energy to make sandwiches for the local schools in need,” Mr Galea said.
“It's a great opportunity for the students to help other kids in need, in a very direct and hands-on way.”
Kepnock State High School teacher Benjamin Stranieri is coordinator of the program who works with the year 11 leaders.
“My year 11 leaders really wanted to be a part of the program to improve their community,” Mr Stranieri said.
“The students are really happy with the program so far.”
Through research it has been found that when students are hungry they cannot concentrate, and when they can’t concentrate they cannot learn.
Mr Stranieri said that the program was really important for the students to reach their full academical and nutritional potential.
“We were noticing a lot of kids who just needed that little bit of extra help and we wanted them to have access to something to eat before lessons or during lessons to help with their brain function,” Mr Stranieri said.
“We have noticed increased engagement with the kids who have utilised the program.
“They are coming up and discreetly getting the help that they need and the product they need to fuel their nutrition and improve their engagement in the classroom.”
The program is rolled out extensively across Kepnock State High School, with all students having the opportunity to access a sandwich when needed.
“We are rolling the program out as much as we can, so we have a lot of different distribution points so kids of all different ages and abilities can access it,” Mr Stranieri said.
“From the Home Economics rooms to the Indigenous Block, we also have it in the Breakfast Club and in X Block with our special education program, so it is a very wide roll-out for all our kids.
“We are working with eat up to discuss how we can continue to build the program from here but it is a very positive outlook.”
Kepnock State High School Year 11 student Molly said that the program had opened her eyes.
“The program has taught me that more people than I thought are unable to bring lunch to school and that I take something as simple as a sandwich for granted,” Molly said.
“I would recommend other students get involved in the program as it is a great initiative and we could always use more hands.”
Eat Up started in 2013 with a simple premise that no child should have to go to school hungry.
You can find more information on the not for profit here.
Bundaberg hosts Living Well Health & Wellbeing Expo
Georgia Neville
To mark Men’s Health Week, the Australian Men’s Shed Association will be hosting the Living Well Health & Wellbeing Expo in Bundaberg.
In partnership with the Queensland Government, the expo will take place on Friday 18 June and aims to ask the Men’s Shed community the important question of what it takes to keep living well.
There will be over 30 exhibitors in attendance who will put forward suggestions on how to live well, combining the nuts and bolts of some great resources to foster mental wellness.
Australian Mens Shed Association Executive Officer David Helmers said the expo was an important event with research showing everyone can do certain things to improve moods, reduce the risk of depression, strengthen relationships, keep healthy and even add up to seven years to their lives.
And it comes down to living well.
“Traditionally men don’t have a proactive approach to health and wellness,” he said.
“We simply don’t actively do things that are shown to makes us happier and healthier for longer.
“Together with Queensland Government as Mental Wellness Partner, we are proud to be helping more people do little things that lead to a greater sense of personal and community wellbeing.”
Entertainment from the local Caledonian Pipe Band along with beekeeping and cooking demonstrations will feature amongst masterclass woodturning and information sessions from an exercise physiologist and Planet Ark.
The event is free to attend and community members are welcomed, though registrations are encouraged.
Visit the Australian Men’s Shed Association Facebook page or email to register or find out more.
Visitors can enjoy a coffee and BBQ lunch for a gold coin donation and lots of great demonstrations and displays.
Men’s Health week is held from the 14-20 June 2021.
Event details:
What: Living Well Health & Wellbeing Expo –Bundaberg
When: Friday 18 June, 8.30am – 1.00pm
Where: Bundaberg Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre, Civic Ave, Bundaberg West QLD 4670
Turtles make a splash in Moore Park Beach Motel mural
Georgia Neville
A splash of colour has been added to the walls of the Moore Park Beach Motel which has become an attraction for locals and visitors alike.
Bringing the area to life, the mural that has been in place for three weeks showcases the turtles which call the Bundaberg Region home.
Owners Jan Alcock and Charlie Ikstrums hoped to brighten the motel walls, whilst creating a tourist attraction at the same time.
“We had a blank wall that looked awful and wanted to make it a bit brighter,” Jan said.
“We thought we would make it a bit of a tourist attraction to promote Moore Park Beach.
“We have had it completed for about three weeks and has created a lot of interest by locals and those who have visited the area.”
With the Bundaberg Region renowned for its turtles, it was a simple design decision for Jan and Charlie who knew it would have appeal.
“Turtles are iconic in this part of the world and we have turtles on our beach as well and we find that everyone is fascinated by them,” she said.
“The beach areas in Bundaberg are known as turtle places and we wanted something that stands out.”
Jan and Charlie got in touch with Dan from Street Art Concepts, a Brisbane based street and corporate art company, who mocked up the designs and had the murals completed in the space of three days.
“We told him that we wanted the life cycle of the turtle and he put up a few concepts together and we decided on the final design from there,” she said.
“He then came up and completed the painting of the mural in three days which was fantastic.”
The mural work continues into the pool area inside the motel to provide a seaside escape for those spending time in the pool.
The motel looks forward to welcoming many more visitors to the region, having seen steady business over the past few months.
“The motel has been busy over the past few months with people who would usually go overseas but now can’t so are instead exploring Queensland,” Jan said.
“Moore Park Beach is off the beaten track on the road to nowhere and undiscovered.”
You can find out more about the motel here.
Celebrate Childers Festival with Kate Ceberano
Ashley Schipper
The Paragon Theatre will come alive with good music and good food when Kate Ceberano takes to the stage as part of the 2021 Childers Festival.
The Australian pop singer's career spans almost four decades, with top hits such as ‘Pash' and ‘Trust Me' a favourite among fans.
Ceberano will be in the region for an intimate event with her band, performing on Friday, 23 July, and then again as part of the Childers Festival market day on Sunday, 25 July.
She said she was looking forward to bringing her sound to the region.
“I am really excited about coming up to the Childers Festival this year,” Cebrano said.
“I have got a cracker of a band, you are going to love it and I am going to love seeing you all out there.”
Kate Ceberano and her band rehearsing.
Event-goers will be treated to an unforgettable evening of music, paired with a two-course dinner and complementary drink as part of the Friday evening show.
A night at the Paragon with Kate Ceberano will be held on Friday, 23 July from 6pm.
Tickets for dinner and the show cost $95 and can be purchased here.
Tour Paragon for Childers Festival
Owner of the Paragon, Merissa Craft, said the heritage-listed theatre would also host a tour as part of the Childers Festival, to be held on Saturday, 24 July at 10.45am.
The building first opened to the public in 1927 and has been owned by Merissa and her grandparents for almost 60 years.
“On the tour we go behind the screen to see the dressing room, upstairs into the projection room and I have a slideshow of original photos that we watch,” she said.
“I will discuss the history of the building from as far back as 1896 as well as my family ties and different stories along the way.
“I also have a couple of little surprises for guests on the day.”
The tour also includes an iconic postcard and your choice between a beverage from the espresso bar or an award-winning Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream, which are handmade locally by Merissa’s parents.
Merissa said the Paragon Theatre was an iconic building steeped in history.
“Prior to it being converted to a theatre in 1927, it had a second level that was used for roller skating and ballroom dancing,” she said.
“The Prime Minister of Australia held a meeting in the theatre in the 1940s.
“There is not a single building the same as it in the world.”
Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased here.
Tracey’s bathhouse home to a hidden succulent garden
Morgan Everett
Tracey Harrold has created an upcycled bathhouse overflowing with creativity, featuring unique succulent arrangements, a bath and seating area to relax among the plants.
Tracey’s love for succulents accelerated during the Covid-19 lockdown period and said, as she suffers from chronic back pain, having the bath and plants in one space had been a dream come true.
“It’s one thing to have plants in your bathroom, it’s another to have a bath in your plant house,” Tracey said.
“I love being able to be creative with succulents.
“I also love that my succulents are now combined with my bathhouse, it is unique and relaxing.”
The Bundaberg green thumb said she loved reusing and recycling and many of her plants were housed in one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces.
“I'm a repurposer from way back,” Tracey said.
“I've made so many different things and most of it has been out of repurposed stuff.
“The less you have to work with, the better the project usually turns out to be.”
The bathhouse is home to creative floral projects like a succulent mannequin and the ‘Bums On Couches 2020 lockdown’ seat.
“When covid started and we all had to sit on our bums in lockdown so I created this piece,” she said.
“Looking closely, you will see little plants called lithops or living stones.
“They are also called bums, so I made a covid inspired piece called Bums on Couches 2020 Lockdown.
“The mannequin was actually bought in a sewing shop and if the lady only knew what I did to it, she’d have a coronary because she absolutely loved it.”
Tracey said she has been gardening since she was a little girl and continues to be creative in her garden.
“I love the challenge of finding the right piece,” she said.
“It's weird because sometimes I'll have a vision and go have a look to see what I can find and there it is and it’s uncanny that it should be there.”
Recipe: Water Street smoked mackerel salad
Enjoy this delicious recipe by Water Street Kitchen
Ingredients
Smoked mackerel salad:
Smoked Blue Mackerel
Rocket leaves
Fresh Herbs: dill, mint, parsley
Slivered almonds
Goats Cheese
Radish
Smoked mackerel salad dressing:
1tbs Dijon mustard
1tbs Apple cider vinegar
7 tbs Olive oil
Sheer determination in every step for Hallee
Emma Reid
With sheer determination in her eyes, Hallee McCoombes has the willpower to strive with every step she takes.
Born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, along with several other medical conditions, the chances of Hallee talking let alone walking, were very slim.
But the 9-year-old can’t be held down and she has big dreams to become an Australian Paralympian.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly – Hallee was born with her spine on the outside of her body.
Hydrocephalus is swelling due to excess fluid on the brain.
Along with spinal surgery Hallee has undergone multiple brain surgeries, and defied both the odds and her doctors' expectations.
Hallee is the youngest Para Athlete to hold Australian records in multiple events, and currently she holds five records.
In what could be described as a miracle, Hallee’s parents were told before she was born that their little girl would never walk.
Now here she is making records.
Starting athletics at six years of age, it didn’t take Hallee long to find her happy place within the sporting world.
Her mum Christine and her twin sister Jada are her biggest supporters, and Hallee says they inspire her to do her best every time she takes to the track.
The trio, along with Hallee’s dad Gavin and younger sister Tia, moved to the Bundaberg Region four years ago, because of the lifestyle it offered.
Living at Elliott Heads, Christine believes it was the sea change that has helped motivate the family to pursue all their athletic dreams, and support not only Hallee but also Jada as they both represent Wide Bay at a state level in athletics.
“We were living in Brisbane and we were delivered some pretty harsh news about Hallee, at that stage she was almost a vegetable,” she said.
“But since we have been up here, she’s only had one or two bad days in a wheelchair.
“It was her twin sister Jada who started doing running, and Hallee thought ‘well if you can do so can I’ and that’s when she started.
“Hallee is in pain after 10 metres of running, but she won’t stop – she doesn’t have feeling from knees down, she has limited feeling from knee to waist, and no feeling in her waist.
“I don’t know how she does it. I asked how she knew she was actually stepping, and she said, ‘it’s weird mum, it’s as if I can feel the vibration coming up my body and that’s how I know I am walking or running.”
On Saturday, the Kalkie State School student participated in Bundaberg’s I Can 2 day, in multiple events, including shotput, discus, long jump and track.
As she crossed the finish line of the 800 metres seamlessly, she said it wasn’t as difficult as the Wide Bay Cross Country, where she ran 2 kilometres earlier in the month and came 1st in the 10 Year Multiclass Girls.
“Hallee is proving all the surgeons wrong, and I think it’s the sport that really helps her,” Christine said.
To follow Hallee McCoombes’ journey as she conquers goals follow her Facebook page.
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