Contents
Surfing Scientist helps region Eat, Breathe, Move
Rising star Lucy claims first international wicket
January roads and drainage wrap
Western Attic throws open its door in Bundaberg
Blooming Cosmetic Tattoo in honour of dad
Bingo gives $1M back to local community
What's On Bundaberg
Colleen Helmore’s Wonder goes to Italy
An Evening of Classical Guitar with Adrian Roll
Who's who in the zoo
In Our Group with Hinkler QCWA
How to: take part in YDAT
Gallery: 2023 Bundaberg Cup
Surfing Scientist helps region Eat, Breathe, Move
Megan Dean
Ruben Meerman is the scientist behind the Bundaberg Region’s newest health and lifestyle program which recognises the connection between metabolism, breathing and movement.
Aptly named Eat, Breathe, Move, the Building a Healthy Bundaberg Alliance program is funded by Bundaberg Regional Council along with the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Health and Wellbeing Queensland under Round 2 of the ActiveKIT program.
Eat, Breathe, Move addresses a critical gap in health literacy: understanding that the food we eat becomes the carbon dioxide we exhale (carbon in, carbon out).
After growing up in the Bundaberg Region, Ruben became well known throughout the country as the ABC’s Surfing Scientist.
Now, he’s bringing his inspiring blend of scientific knowledge delivered with fun and entertainment to the Bundaberg Region through the Eat, Breathe, Move program.
Ruben’s interest in the science of human metabolism was sparked by his own weight loss experience, having previously lost 16 kilograms.
Research undertaken by Ruben revealed that 84 per cent of the mass people lose during weight loss is converted to carbon dioxide and exhaled.
The remaining 16 per cent turns into water.
His calculations were published in the British Medical Journal and his TEDx talks about breathing and weight loss have been viewed more than 13 million times.
“The reason you breathe more during physical activity is because you’re converting more food into carbon dioxide,” Ruben said.
“Simply going for a walk can make you breathe four or five times more than sitting still.
“Understanding this can do wonders for your motivation.”
Ruben said he was excited to share his knowledge with the Bundaberg Region and he hoped to motivate the community to move more.
“I’ll be using liquid nitrogen to freeze people's breath so they can see the frozen carbon dioxide they just exhaled,” he said.
“The medical benefits of physical activity are almost magical, and you can get them by simply going for a walk.
“You'll feel better and it’s free so let’s go!”
Eat, Breathe, Move will be delivered through exciting, targeted initiatives:
Primary and secondary schools, specifically Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers:
Professional development and training will be delivered on the “carbon in, carbon out” concept and how these ideas can be integrated into everyday teaching practice..
Regional network of sporting clubs and the active industry to facilitate “Skills and Drills” events for youth:
“Skills and Drills” events target students to engage with local sporting clubs, practice basic skills, and introduce youth to various sports and physical activities.
Locally-based GPs and Allied Health professionals engaging adult cohorts through “Walk with a Doc” events:
A network of locally based GPs will lead these walks, while “Just Walk” events will be led by non-doctorate healthcare professionals. Walks begin with a brief discussion on a relevant health topic and are followed by a healthy walk with engaging conversation.
The general public:
Through a series of public lectures that cover the “carbon in, carbon out” concept, its linkage to physical activity, and the impact on overall health and wellbeing, including the 2023 Move It Expo.
Dates of Eat, Breathe, Move activities, workshops and public lectures are currently being developed.
Visit the Eat, Breathe, Move project page to get involved and to subscribe for future updates.
Rising star Lucy claims first international wicket
Emma Turnbull
Bundaberg’s cricket prodigy Lucy Hamilton has returned home after competing in the first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Putting on the Australian uniform to play for her country was a dream come true for the 16-year-old rising star.
Known as the Queensland-contracted left-arm quick, Lucy has fast proven her worth on the pitch, being one of only two Queensland players to enter the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Lucy spent the end of her summer school holidays competing in the 16-team inaugural tournament which ran from January 14 to January 29, playing matches against Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, India, England, USA and Sri Lanka.
The year 11 Shalom College student played an integral role in the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, helping to secure the Australian team a spot in the semi-finals against England.
“It was a great experience to play for my country and one I will always remember,” Lucy said.
“It was absolutely amazing to play in the semi-finals in the World Cup.
“I played eight games, including six tournament games and two warm-ups.
“We lost our first game, but then won the rest of the pool games and we got through to the super six stage, then onto the semi.
“We ended up losing the semi, but what a great experience!
“It’s crazy to think that when I was 10-years-old playing cricket in the backyard with my brothers that only six years later I would be playing for Australia.”
Lucy said a highlight of the World Cup was during the first stage of the tournament when she took an impressive two wickets without conceding a single run (2/0) in one over against Sri Lanka.
“We already had a few wickets and needed two to finish the game,” she said.
“When I did that – it was definitely a wonderful feeling!”
During the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Lucy took five wickets at an average of 11 with an economy of 4.15.
The Australian team finished in the top four out of the 16 competing countries in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Lucy said competing in the World Cup was an experience of a lifetime and she was grateful for the support given to her from family, friends and the community.
“All together I was away for just under a month,” she said.
“My grandparents, who love watching me play cricket here in Bundaberg, were able to come over with my dad, and my mum joined us for a bit too.
“Knowing how much female sport has grown, even in small communities like Bundaberg female sport has grown so much, it makes me proud.
“There’s definitely a lot more opportunities to come – huge things ahead.
“I’m glad I was a part of the first Under-19 female ICC World Cup team.
“It was a dream come true and I loved every minute of it!”
In October, at just 16 years of age, the Shalom College student was signed by the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after making her debut as the second youngest player ever for the Queensland Fire Open Women’s Cricket team in March last year.
Now Lucy’s ready to get back into premier cricket in Brisbane.
January roads and drainage wrap
Ashley Schipper
New bus stops, pathway construction and landscaping were just some of the works undertaken by Bundaberg Regional Council in January.
In Bundaberg two major pathways were constructed, one in Barolin Street and one on Gahans Road, while new bus stops were created in Davidson Street and Whalley Street, Bargara.
Landscaping in the East Bundaberg Tourism Precinct was completed with a number of trees and shrubs planted in the park section.
In Childers, a resheeting program on Dowlings Road was finished while maintenance grading and pavement repairs on Butchers Road were completed.
A Gin Gin State School footpath renewal was undertaken in May Street and Milden Street.
Bundaberg Regional Council's bridge crew also commenced the replacement of floodway on Stone Stevens Road, Wallaville.
January roads and drainage summary
A range of other minor and maintenance works were also completed, including:
Bundaberg
Minor works:
- River Road – repair culvert
- Grahams Road – repair culvert
- Hills Road – repair culvert
- Sharon Road – installation of headwall
Ghost Gum Road – clean table drain
Ten Mile Road – clean earth drain
Reseal preparation works:
- Zinks Road – in-situ patch and cut shoulders
- Reid Crescent – in-situ patch and cut shoulders
- Tara Street – cut high shoulders
- Kleins Road – cut high shoulders and 3x in-situ patches
- Chards Road – cut high shoulders
- Chards Road – commenced cutting high shoulders and in-situ patches
Grading works completed:
- Back Windermere Road, Bargara
- Three Chain Road, Calavos
- Hummock Road, Qunaba
- Woodward Road, Kensington
- Phillips Road, Promisedland
Childers
Grading:
- Abington – Sims Road, Bootharh Road
- Booyal – Svenssons Road
- Buxton – Pioneer Road, Postmans Crossing Road
- Isis River – Broadhurst Homestead Road, Lambs Road
Resheeting:
- Abington – Sims Road – 582 m
- Apple Tree Creek – Jones Lane – 348 m
- North Isis – Dowlings Road – 300 m
Gin Gin
Resheeting:
- Monduran Road
- Gayndah Road
- Dalysford Road
Road grading:
- Booyal Crossing Road, Nielsons Road, Goodnight
- Monduran Road, Waterloo
Western Attic throws open its door in Bundaberg
Emma Turnbull
From cowhide rugs to leather bags, The Western Attic has opened its doors in Bundaberg selling a range of country-inspired gifts and homewares.
Owner and Gin Gin resident Maxine Ralph decided to set up shop in Bundaberg North after a successful stint with a pop-up stall in the local shopping centres.
Growing up in the rodeo business in North Queensland, Maxine said her life revolved around everything to do with horses and country.
“I was breakaway roping title holder and a barrel racer when I was young, I then went on to show horses – I love everything rodeo,” Maxine said.
“I have been in business for a very long time, I owned the same businesses in Townsville, and it was very successful.
“I moved here because I like the weather and climate here, and I have been involved with horses all my life, so now I have both.”
At 60 years of age, Maxine said riding horses may not happen as much now, but her passion for country and rodeo will never fade.
“I actually have a horse rug manufacturing business and this new shop is just my hobby because I love it and horses so much,” she said.
“This is the horse lovers gift shop – anyone who likes horses in any way will love this shop.”
Stocking everything from crafted leather wallets, jewellery, keychains and belts, with boots arriving soon, The Western Attic has something for every western fan or Yellowstone buff.
“(I) specialise in handbags with many I design myself, I am also a horse rug manufacturer which I make in store, I offer mainly western products as that’s what I’m interested in,” Maxine said.
“I come from a very horsey family, with history in rodeo as a previous title winner many, many years ago.
“I have just had a very popular two-month pop-up shop in Hinkler Central and (I) decided a store like mine is much needed in this area.”
The Western Attic is now open Monday to Saturday at 68 Gavin Street, Bundaberg North.
Blooming Cosmetic Tattoo in honour of dad
Emma Turnbull
Haylee Johnson has opened new business Blooming Cosmetic Tattoo in honour of her father and others who suffer hair loss through illness and treatment.
Watching her father, Stephen Bloom, go through cancer treatment inspired Haylee to help people who suffer hair loss from chemotherapy and cancer treatments.
“My dad passed away from cancer,” she said.
“But when he was going through treatment, I would be with him, I watched women who were going through cancer losing their eyebrows and eyelashes along with their hair.
“It put a fire in my belly to start something that can help them.”
As a trained beautician Haylee said she buckled down with a year of study and learned the science behind cosmetic tattoo.
“I started out dyeing eyebrows in the front room of my house, while my young kids slept and I trained,” she said.
“It was always my goal to move onto tattooing in honour of my dad, Stephen Bloom and that’s why I named my business Blooming Cosmetic Tattoo.
“Once people have been cleared from chemo, this helps to give them a little normality again.
“I want to change people’s lives making it better for them.”
For those who aren’t familiar with cosmetic tattoo, Haylee said it had changed significantly over the decades.
“I have found cosmetic tattoo is starting to ramp up now and become very popular,” she said.
“It’s totally different than the eyebrows and lips of the 1980s-90s.
“Natural pigment is used now, and the design is unique to the person.”
Haylee said cosmetic tattoo was a semi-permanent makeup, and she offered lip, brow and eyeliner tattooing.
“It’s all measured using the bone structure of your face,” she said.
“Making them symmetrical and mapping them out is the longest part.
“I work alongside my client to create the desire look.
“It is semi-permanent makeup, so there’s no need to wear makeup.”
Blooming Cosmetic Tattoo is now open at shop 2/17 Barolin Street Bundaberg.
Bingo gives $1M back to local community
Emma Turnbull
The Bundaberg Bingo Centre has donated $1 million dollars to local groups in the past 10 years, including its most recent handout of $105,000 to organisations such as Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels and the Renal Unit at Bundaberg Hospital.
Bundaberg Bingo Centre promoter Dianne Griffiths said all of the money raised through bingo stayed in the region to aid the community.
Dianne has been involved in giving back through the organisation for a decade and she said it was a nice feeling to support those in need.
“Every year our committee and patrons have a say in who should receive the donations,” Dianne said.
“These recipients are non-profit organisations in the local area.
“We don’t actually tell the groups what is happening or about the donation they will receive, we just ask them to come along.
“It’s actually really nice to see their faces when we tell each of the groups about the donation – they are dumbfounded, and we know it will go a long way to help.”
Decades of bingo dedication
For Dianne bingo is a passion she shares with 92-year-old Verlie Climpson, both dedicating decades to helping others through the Bundaberg Bingo Centre.
“We have a great bunch of people here; Verlie has been here longer than I have, and she was volunteering for a long time – there’s a lot of dedication,” Dianne said.
“I had retired but got bored, so I returned about 14 years ago and we’ve been making donations to community groups for 10 years now, so that’s $1 million in the decade.”
Bundaberg Meals On Wheels service manager Brendon Searle thanked Bundaberg Bingo Centre for last year's generous donation of $15,000.
“It was a total surprise to be considered and to receive such a large donation, greatly appreciated,” Brendon said.
“Donations received will be going towards a much-needed extension of our kitchen.
“We are enclosing an existing drive-through area, allowing additional kitchen floor space, extra room for our dedicated staff and volunteers for prepping meals, sandwiches, breakfast boxes as well as much needed storage.”
Brendon said there had been an increase of community members needing the Meals On Wheels service.
“Our service has seen a huge increase for meals, where we need to expand our service,” he said.
“Donations received will go towards this expansion to see Bundaberg Meals On Wheels continue to supply nutritious meals for residents into the future.”
Dianne said bingo was a game enjoyed thoroughly in the Bundaberg Region, with community members taking the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.
“We are our own entity and run five bingo sessions per week out of the Bundaberg Services Club: Monday night, Tuesday morning, Thursday morning, Friday morning and Sunday afternoon,” she said.
“The ages of our bingo patrons range from school-aged children to 100 years.
“Children are allowed to play bingo in Queensland.”
Local groups supported by Bundaberg Bingo Centre in 2022
- Make a Wish – $20,000
- RACQ Lifeflight Rescue $10,000
- The Endeavour Foundation $10,000
- Angels Community Group $15,000
- Renal unit at Bundaberg Base Hospital $15,000
- Meals on Wheels $15,000
- Phoenix House $10,000
- Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre $10,000
Find out more about the Bundaberg Bingo Centre here.
Colleen Helmore’s Wonder goes to Italy
Emma Turnbull
It was 35 years ago when Colleen decided to learn the ways of watercolour and her practice has now paid off as the grandmother of three is one of 35 Australian artists to have artwork exhibited in the famed international Fabriano in Acquerello.
Colleen’s artwork Wonder will be showcased in the Italian watercolour museum in April.
Capturing the wonder in every brush stroke painted of her granddaughter Charlie, Colleen said she was excited to travel for the exhibition and participate in the workshops that followed.
“I never did art at school; I really should have been doing it (painting) years and years ago, and I’m sure I would be better at it by now!” Colleen laughed.
“I’ve always painted in watercolours.
“I have tried other mediums, but I really enjoy watercolour.
“Once you are confident, watercolour is a great medium – it’s very practical once you know what you are doing.
“To paint a watercolour like Wonder it took about half a day, but 30 years of work and experience to get to that stage.”
Colleen said her artwork, Wonder, was inspired by her grandchildren.
“I don’t see my grandchildren very often as Charlie lives in Perth and the other two live in Toowoomba,” Colleen said.
“So I painted Wonder because when I see them, I am left in wonder.
“I wonder how much intent they can have, how they can flick from something one minute to something else the next.
“I wonder how they can suck in so much information.
“I wonder how they have changed and how they grow between me seeing them.
“All of that has gone into Wonder.”
Fabriano in Acquerello renowned watercolour convention
The Fabriano in Acquerello is a renowned watercolour convention where artists from around the world exhibit their work and participant in workshops.
It will be the first time Colleen has had artwork showcased in an international exhibition.
“There will be workshops and sessions throughout my time in Italy, I just hope to suck up as much information as I can,” she said.
“I’m going over with my husband John who has always been such a big supporter.”
Born in Gin Gin, Colleen said painting in watercolour was a hobby she’d grown fond of and when she’s not cooking at The Railway Hotel you’ll find her back behind the art easel either painting or sharing her passion with others.
“Bundaberg has a great art community,” she said.
“I teach watercolour at Bundaberg Art Society every Monday, and I hold workshops at Art Plus.
“I love being able to share my passion with others in the community.”
An Evening of Classical Guitar with Adrian Roll
Emma Turnbull
Classical guitarist Adrian Roll is looking forward to sharing his passion for music as he returns to his roots in Bundaberg.
The musician will return to the region on 18 February for the Evening of Classical Guitar at the Brothers Sports Club.
Growing up at Burnett Heads, it was during his primary school years when Adrian found his musical calling as he was guided by local music teacher Marlene Morris.
“Marlene was more than just a guitar teacher for me, she has been and continues to be a mentor, an inspiration and a dear friend,” he said.
“I began guitar lessons with Marlene when I was eight years old.
“The story goes, my parents stumbled upon an advertisement in the Burnett Heads primary school newsletter promoting guitar and piano lessons. We made contact with Marlene through that fateful advert and the rest was history.”
Adrian said although Marlene was primarily a piano teacher, she was also an exceptional musician.
“She made teaching the guitar seem second nature,” he said.
“Marlene gave me a solid grounding in guitar technique, music theory, notation reading and general musicianship.
“I studied with Marlene for about 10 years, I vividly remember when I was in my senior years of high school, Marlene regularly driving me down to Brisbane to get me to specialist guitar lessons with a wonderful teacher named Angelina Ellis.
“Marlene is responsible for getting me to where I am today, I couldn't have wished for a better teacher, I owe her a great debt.”
Adrian said a large part of what he had achieved in his musical career was in the education industry.
“I have taught guitar for the past 18-plus years in schools around the Brisbane area,” he said.
“I have been lucky enough to see some students pursue a music career themselves taking them to the international stage, most notably Hamish Strathdee.
“I have had the privilege to be able to perform all over Australia from Melbourne to far North Queensland, Broome to Perth.”
Adrian said he was excited to return to Bundaberg for his Evening of Classical Guitar performance at the Brothers Sports Club.
“I very much enjoyed my time growing up in Bundaberg, I had a fantastic childhood,” he said.
“My parents owned a house on the Burnett River near the port.
“If I wasn't practising the guitar, I was spending time in the outdoors, gallivanting along the river with my brothers, fishing, crabbing, boating etc.
“It's funny, when I was younger, I could not wait to get out of Bundaberg, as the culture, food and musical opportunities were too inviting to resist the big smoke, now that I am older, I cannot wait to get back to my roots in Bundaberg.”
The Evening of Classical Guitar with Adrian will provide the audience with a concert program that contains a mix of early 20th century Spanish classical guitar and a South American repertoire.
“I've gone for pieces that I think the listener will like and I hope the audience enjoys the choice of pieces as much as I enjoy performing them,” he said.
“My aim for performances like these, which I hope to continue in Bundaberg, is to bring music to an audience that rarely gets the opportunity to see this type of live performance.
“The reality is if you don't live near or in a capital city, performances like this are an uncommon occurrence in regional towns, and I'm doing my part to change this.”
To find out more about Adrian's Evening of Classical Guitar show click here.
In Our Group with Hinkler QCWA
Emma Turnbull
Hinkler Branch QCWA Secretary Cheryl Parton says there is a lot more to the community group than just tea and scones, as she shares the dedication behind the local group.
Tell us about Hinkler QCWA?
Hinkler Branch is a branch of the QCWA (Queensland Country Women's Association) which is an association that advocates for rural women and children.
We are often known for our tea and scones but there is a lot more to us than that.
Hinkler Branch run monthly hoy and cent sale events to support fundraising which is then able to support local charities.
When needed, CWA also support the community in disasters, the latest being when the backpackers hostel burnt down.
At that time, we helped the backpackers with food, clothing, personal toiletries and even phone cards to contact their families.
CWA and the Hinkler Branch bring like-minded community-spirited women together in friendship and community connection.
What’s the history of Hinkler QCWA?
Hinkler Branch was formed on November 19, 1976 and the group sought and was granted permission from Bert Hinkler’s sister to name the branch, Hinkler.
The branch had a long history of entering and winning at state competitions including cookery, craft and floral art.
We have a foundation member, Rhonda Dawson, who is very active within the branch and division and several long-time members.
A few newer members complete our merry band.
Why is your group important to the Bundaberg Region?
CWA is very important in every community, but in the Bundaberg Region, Hinkler provided donations to a homeless shelter and domestic violence safe house.
As usual we also help local community groups when needed.
CWA also have state projects which we support.
What significant events do you hold throughout the year?
HInker’s main event planned for this year is a mega hoy and cent sale to be held on Saturday, 25 November.
Funds raised from this event will be donated to local charities.
This is a well-attended annual event, with a lot of fun, prizes and not to forget a delicious afternoon tea.
How can community members join?
Hinkler Branch is a small branch of the QCWA and would love to see an increase in our membership.
We are a group of friendly ladies who would love to meet like -minded, community-spirited ladies in a safe, welcoming environment.
When and where do you meet?
Hinkler Branch meet at the Bundaberg CWA rooms, Quay Street, (next to the RSL) on the third Monday of the month at 2 pm.
The next meeting is Monday 20 February.
All are very welcome.
2023 Bundaberg Cup
It was a weekend full of fun competition as one thousand touch football players and their families crowded Greg Duncan Touch Football Fields for the annual Bundaberg Cup.
Photos: Queensland Touch Football
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