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Career Boost For Eight Tablelanders

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Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) has filled seven new traineeships and one new apprenticeship position.

“We are committed to finding ways to provide skill development, training and career opportunities in the community,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew.

These positions were made possible by funding from the Queensland Government’s First Start Program.

“We received over 250 applications and were able to narrow the list down to about 50 passionate and enthusiastic candidates.

‘After a rigorous selection process, we found our final eight and have welcomed Keifhar Rosas (Apprentice Plumber), Aidan Herbert (Horticulture Trainee), Rebekah Sellwood (Horticulture Trainee), Nick Cifuentes (Civil Maintenance Trainee), Jack Simmonds (Civil Maintenance Trainee), Derani Zealand (Business Trainee for Libraries), Karlia Wicks (Business Trainee for Community Services and Tourism) and Heloise Fouche (Business Trainee for Finance and Systems and Information) to our workplace,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

Karlia wants to achieve and complete a Certificate III in Business Administration.

‘I am trying to get as much personal and professional development as I can.

‘I hope to get the experience and confidence going forward with my career,’ said Karlia.

Rebekah has found the traineeship challenging and rewarding and is loving every minute of it.

‘It’s an opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up and hopefully there’s a fulltime job at the end of it either in the field I’m in now or another field,’ Rebekah said.

“The trainees have all hit the ground running and we are enjoying contributing to their growth and professional development.

‘Hopefully they will end up being equipped with the skills and experience needed to pursue their chosen careers,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew.

This training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its First Start program under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Karlia Wicks — Business Trainee for Community Services and Tourism

Rebekah Sellwood — Horticulture Trainee

Blast Off!

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It’s all about Rocket Science on the Tablelands!

‘Our libraries are running free Rocket Science sessions in Atherton, Malanda, Ravenshoe and Yungaburra on 29 and 30 September.

‘The kids will get hands-on experience building their very own water-propelled rocket from recycled materials,’ said Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew.

‘The best part is they will also get to launch their new rockets into outer space … or in that general direction!

‘The program is aimed at 5–12 year olds and places are limited so bookings are essential,’ he said.

Covid-19 physical distancing and hygiene requirements will apply at this event.

This project is supported by an Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant provided by the Queensland Government.

 

Get Gardening

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Don your gloves and head for the garden because the much anticipated and eagerly contested Tablelands Garden Competition is back for 2020.

‘The competition is open to all gardens in the Tablelands Regional Council area,’ said Deputy Mayor and member of the judging panel Kevin Cardew.

‘We have categories for home gardens, new home gardens, rural gardens, edible gardens, community gardens, commercial gardens and for young gardeners.

‘Eligibility details and criteria are available on our website and several of the categories are also eligible for the garden of the year award.

‘You can nominate online or pop in to one of our customer service centres for a form, and they need to be submitted by 4.30pm on Friday 11 September to be eligible.

‘We’ll judge the gardens between Thursday 17 and Tuesday 22 September, and hold the presentations on Thursday 25 September.

‘There are prizes for first and second place in each category,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

Get Fit For Free!

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Tablelands Regional Council’s Live Life Get Active program has been extended to Malanda.

‘A regular fitness regime is important for physical and mental wellbeing and these ‘camps’ are a great way to get into a routine,’ said Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew.

‘The weekly program of cross training helps develop cardio capacity and improve strength, toning, balance and flexibility.

‘The camps are delivered by local, accredited trainers and participants also receive access to an online fitness platform and a free nutritional program with easy-to-follow recipes, videos and blogs.

‘The free 45min sessions begin at 6.30am at the Malanda State Primary School oval, and will run Monday to Friday for 20 weeks during the school terms.

‘Registration is essential so head to livelifegetactive.com to lock in your place,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

A Covid Safe plan is in place for this activity.

 

Summary of 27 August Council Meeting

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Queensland Climate Resilient Councils (QCRC) Program

The QCRC program is a five-year program that involves Queensland local governments to build capacity and strengthen decision-making capabilities to plan for and respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change. Council endorsed participation in the program, limited to the briefing and governance assessment.

Covid-19 Recovery Status Update

Council noted the report detailing progress made with Covid-19 recovery in the region and adopted the Local Disaster Management Group Community Support Subgroup terms of reference.

Delegation of Statutory Powers

Under Section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009, Council delegated to the CEO the identified powers contained in the Land Act 1994 and Mineral Resource Act 1989.

Annual Local Disaster Coordination Centre Exercise

A disaster exercise will be conducted on 11 and 12 November 2020 to test components of the Local Disaster Management Plan and associated subplans, with a focus on response and recovery.

Audit Risk & Improvement Committee Chair

Independent member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Michael Wenzel was appointed to the position of independent chair of the committee for a further two years from 1 July 2020.

Financial Report

Revenue is under budget by $133,000 for the period ending 31 July 2020. This early in the financial year   variances are primarily due to budget phasing and actual results will align with the budget as the year progresses.

Disposal of Refuse from Atherton Landfill

Council endorsed a five-year extension of tender T-TRC2015-09 Disposal of Refuse from Atherton Landfill with Remondis Australia Pty Ltd & FGF Developments Pty Ltd trading as Springmount Waste Management Facility to 31 October 2025, subject to conditions. The estimated annual contract value is $1,237,005 (including GST) plus annual consumer price index (CPI) increases.

Principal Cycle Network Priority Route

Council endorsed the updated Department of Transport and Main Roads Tablelands Regional Council Priority Route Maps, which form an addendum to the Far North Queensland Principal Cycling Network Plan (FNQPCNP). The plan provides a vision for the principal cycle network in Far North Queensland to support, guide and inform the planning, design and construction of the transport network. The plan will be available on Department of Transport and Main Roads’ website.

Ravenshoe Toilet Blocks

New toilets have been constructed in the Kuradilla Street Park in Ravenshoe to replace the Ascham and Grigg Street blocks, which have reached their end of useful life. The new toilets are fully accessible for people with disabilities, align with the Community Facilities Strategy principles, and provide the same number of pedestals as the Ascham Street and Grigg Street toilet blocks combined. Council agreed to the demolition of the toilet blocks on Ascham Street and Grigg Street as they are now surplus to requirements.

Lease & Operation of Atherton Pool

Tender T-TRC2020-13 for the lease and operation of the Atherton Pool was awarded to Bajada Pty Ltd trading as Marlin Coast Swimming and Fitness for five years at $190,000/year (excluding GST) subject to CPI increases.

Creditor Payments

Payment terms to creditors will be temporarily reduced to 14 days pending a report to Council detailing the implications of making a permanent change to payment terms from 30 to 14 days.

Atherton RSL Rate Deferment Request

Council declined Atherton RSL’s request to credit rates paid and exempt future rates and charges for their property at 7–11 Railway Lane in Atherton. TRC supports the work of the Atherton RSL but believes this request is not in the interests of the wider community.

Proposed Trustee Lease

Council resolved to enter into a new trustee lease and renew a second lease over sections of the Atherton Aerodrome, subject to conditions.

Next meeting

The next ordinary Council meeting is at 9am Thursday 24 September in the Coordination Centre on Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting will be open to the public but limited to a maximum of 15 people to adhere to Covid-19 physical distancing requirements. It will also be live streamed and recorded.

Council meeting agendas and minutes.

Grants Supporting The Community

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Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) has contributed more than $130,000 in the form of community, business and arts grants and Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew is pleased with the support they have been able to provide.

‘Last financial year we provided 117 grants to assist organisations and individuals with their community events, activities, sporting and other endeavours and opportunities.

‘We’ve injected more than $55k into the community in the form of cash grants, in-kind assistance and fee relief’ he said.

Gina Raccanello, coordinator of the ‘Brain Wave, Empowering You and Your Health’ event, was a recipient of a community grant.

‘Our event was a huge success, partly thanks to TRC’s in-kind grant for facility hire,’ Ms Raccanello said.

Brain Wave, Empowering You and Your Health event coordinator Gina Raccanello and volunteer Michele Creecy. © Rebel Warren.

Riley Vallance also appreciated the donation towards travel expenses to attend the Order of Australia Association’s Student Citizenship Awards.

‘It was such an honour to be presented with the award in person by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, and the grant from TRC helped make the trip to Brisbane possible,’ Mr Vallance said.

Riley Vallance with His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC.

‘Our Economic Development Fund provides grants up to $5000 for eligible parties to undertake activities that will help grow business, investment and employment in the region,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

‘Supporting local businesses is important to us and these grants are one way that we can do this.

‘Last financial year we provided $20,000 to four businesses and associations,’ he said.

Paul Chiari from Tablelands IT Pty LTD received $5000 for his Digital Currency Adoption project that helped local businesses tap into digital currencies via a simple point of sale system.

‘The grant provided by TRC enabled us to implement the TravelByBit digital currency merchant system free of charge for a number of local businesses, and to hold an information night for the community.

‘The marketing reach of TravelByBit (now part of Travala) showcases the region to a growing number of travellers looking to spend digital currencies on their next holiday,’ said Mr Chiari.

CEO of TravelByBit Caleb Yeoh agreed, saying, ‘Covid has highlighted the need to reimagine how the tourism industry operates and how digital contactless payments are going to play a bigger part of the future.

It is amazing that TRC and the local community have proactively explored new technologies with us to reach new markets.’

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) provided nearly $45,000 to assist professional and emerging artists and art practitioners with their training, professional development and community projects.

The fund is a Queensland Government partnership, through Arts Queensland and TRC.

‘It’s great to see several cultural and historical projects, across 16 projects and development opportunities, receiving funding this year,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

Bella Capella Community Choir director Christina Bahrdt spoke of the benefit of the RADF grant the choir received.

‘During the weeks of physical distancing the Bella Capella Community Choir stayed connected through digital media while learning, singing and recording a specially arranged piece of music.

‘A RADF grant from TRC made it possible to engage a professional video editor at various stages of the process and the result was a final video that is a treasured memento of our singing in lockdown,’ Ms Bahrdt said.

Members of Bella Capella Community Choir during a virtual rehearsal. © Lezel Snyman.

The Community Grants Program for 2020–21 is taking applications now and the next round of RADF opens next month.

‘These grant programs are a great chance for the community to further their experiences, provide support and development, and make the best of available opportunities, and I encourage you to apply,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

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Tablelands Regional Council

Atherton Service Centre
45 Mabel Street
Atherton 4883
Phone: 1300 362 242
Email: info@trc.qld.gov.au

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