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Big Turnout for the Public Memorial of Beloved The Gap Resident Wendy Smith

A public memorial for beloved The Gap resident Wendy Smith, who went missing in February 2023, had a big turnout as family and friends showed their support and love for the deceased and the family she left behind.

Locals gathered at the Walton Bridge Park Lions Shelter Shed on Saturday, the 25th of March 2023, for a barbecue to celebrate Wendy’s life.

Suzette Robinson, Ms Smith’s daughter, and her husband, Mark Robinson, expressed their thanks to the members of The Gap community who helped with their mother’s search, or donated money to cover the funeral cost, and temporarily looked after Ross Smith, Wendy’s husband with dementia. They also extended their gratitude to all those who reached out, consoled and offered whatever the family needed in their time of grief.

Wendy was last seen leaving her house on foot at 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd of February 2023 and did not bring her mobile phone, bank cards or personal items. While she had no physical ailments or mental health concerns, police treated her disappearance as out of character.

Two weeks after she disappeared, the police confirmed Wendy’s death. The circumstances surrounding her death were not treated as suspicious. Wendy apparently left a note saying she was leaving but did not elaborate on what she planned to do.

Wendy and her husband have been residents of The Gap for over four decades and raised three children. She was a member of The Gap Gardening Club and volunteered with Ashgrove/The Gap Lions. The elderly woman was familiar to a lot of local families because she used to work at Avant Shoes, the popular source of school shoes. Reports cited that no one had a clue that she was having financial troubles and was struggling to care for her ailing husband.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a personal crisis, phone Lifeline at 13 11 14.

Published 28 March 2023

Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek Returns in Support of Trek2Health

Photo credit: Caleb Buse from Pixabay

The Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek returns in 2023, commencing at Anzac Square and passing through several landmarks before concluding at the official dawn service at Anzac Memorial Park in The Gap.

Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek 2023 will be a 20-kilometre night trek from Anzac Square and will run through Brisbane Botanic Gardens into Mt Coot-tha Forest then will ascend to Mt Coot-tha Lookout before concluding at the Anzac Memorial Park for the official dawn service.

The event will start at 11:00 p.m. on 24 April 2023. All funds raised will go towards Trek2Health, an organisation supporting the physical and mental health of local frontline workers and veterans.

Everyone is invited to join this fundraising event and supercharge your mental and physical resilience whilst invoking the ANZAC spirit of service, endurance, mateship, courage and sacrifice.

Registration for Midnight to Dawn Anzac Service Trek 2023 is free and each participant must fundraise a minimum of $250.00 to enter the walk.

Participants will receive an online fundraising page to collect donations and will be provided support to achieve their goal. To reach one’s fundraising goal, a participant needs to find 5 sponsors to each donate $50. Or create your own fundraiser, e.g. hold a BBQ for 10 friends requesting a $25 donation each.

Fundraiser Rewards

Individual fundraisers earn rewards when they reach the following targets.
Fundraise $250 for a Trek2Health GET RESILIENCE endurance shirt
Fundraise $500 for an official Trek2Health Wilderness Jacket
Fundraise $1000 for an official Trek2Health Wilderness Jacket, shirt and cap

Note: All participants will be provided with a trek handbook with the registration confirmation email that will explain all aspects of what to bring for this overnight trek.

Published 26-March-2023

The Gap Tops List of Worst Rat-Infested Suburbs

Photo Credit: Skitter Photo/Pixabay

The Council rodent detection squad has gotten busier than ever after the average calls for rat removal ballooned from 600 to nearly 1,000 a year and The Gap tops the list of the worst rat-infested suburbs with 17 calls in the previous year.

A report also cited that Sunnybank Hills emerged second on the list of worst rat-infested suburbs with 12 calls whilst Bracken Ridge closely followed with 11 calls. Moorooka, Carindale and Wavell Heights had nine calls each.

Cr Kim Marx said that homeowners may be contributing to the rat infestation if they make it a habit to leave food outdoors, especially for their pets. Rodents bring diseases but also cause physical damage to properties, especially electrical wirings in vehicles, according to Kris Kozera, a Council rodent control officer. Mr Kozera has been training fox terriers for the rodent detection squad and recently brought in Molly, a five-month-old pup for a hunt.

The rodent detection squad usually visits 1,500 homes a year for inspections and calls. The inspections are free but dealing with an infestation, once discovered, may be a costly but needed investment.

Brisbane City Council has had a rodent detection squad since the 1900s when the city was plagued with rats.

Rat catcher 1900s — Photo Credit: Rat Catcher ad from 1925/National Library of Australia

Rat Catcher brisbane — Photo Credit: Rat Detection Squad in the 1940s/Brisbane City Council

Meanwhile, Council advises homeowners to rat-proof their homes and properties by keeping things tidy. Bins must be secured well outside whilst leftover foods must be kept and stored properly indoors.

Holes and any blockages at home should be regularly checked and repaired if needed as rats can squeeze into these areas. Better yet, place metal gauze on exposed pipe openings to restrict the rats from going in.

If there are overhanging tree branches on the roof of a house, these should be trimmed as soon as possible so that rats can’t enter the roof cavity.

For additional rat-proofing tips, visit the Council’s official site.

Published 23 March 2023

NBN Full-Fibre Upgrade Program Rolls Out: Check Out the List of Additional Eligible Areas

Photo credit: StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay

The National Broadband Network is rolling out its full-fibre upgrade program that will see one million additional homes and businesses across the country, including areas in The Gap.

According to an announcement made in mid-February 2023, a massive rollout involving homes and businesses is underway, offering an upgrade to full-fibre broadband connection to eligible subscribers.

A full-fibre broadband connection means access to higher speed tiers allowing a better and more reliable internet experience including faster downloads and uploads, faster game upgrades, and faster streaming.

The latest list of suburbs and towns are part of NBN’s fibre upgrade programs which just got a boost from the Australian Government’s announcement of an additional $2.4 billion investment.

Up to 10 million premises across Australia or about 90 per cent are targeted to get access to NBN Home Ultrafast with wholesale download speeds of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gps by the end of 2025.

To find out if you’re eligible for an upgrade register at nbn.com.au/FTTPupgrade.

To trigger an upgrade, customers at eligible premises need to place an order with a retailer which is based on one of NBN’s three highest residential wholesale speed tiers.

Queensland suburbs and towns where additional homes and businesses will be eligible for full fibre:

Agnes Water, Airlie Beach*, Allenstown, Atherton, Avenell Heights, Ayr
Bahrs Scrub, Barlows Hill, Beaudesert*, Beerwah*, Bellbowrie*, Belvedere, Berserker*, Bilinga, Birtinya, Black River, Blackwater, Bongaree*, Bonogin, Bowen, Boyne Island, Bray Park, Brendale, Bucasia*, Buderim*, Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg East, Bundaberg North, Bundaberg South, Bundaberg West, Burleigh Heads*, Burleigh Waters*, Burpengary*, Burpengary East*, Burrum Heads
Caboolture*, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Camira, Cannon Hill, Cannonvale*, Capalaba, Carseldine, Chinchilla, Clermont, Clinton*, Collingwood Park, Condon*, Cooee Bay, Coolum Beach*, Cooroy, Cooya Beach, Cornubia, Crestmead, Currumbin Waters*, Dalby, Darling Heights*, Darra, Deception Bay*, Deeragun*, Dicky Beach, Diddillibah, Doolandella*, Drayton, Dundowran Beach, Durack, Dysart, Eatons Hill,
Emerald*, Everton Hills
Flagstone, Frenchville*
Gatton*, Gladstone Central, Glass House Mountains, Gleneagle, Glenvale*, Goondi Bend, Gordonvale, Greenbank, Gympie*
Harristown*, Highfields
Ingham, Innisfail
Jacobs Well, Jensen, Jimboomba, Jones Hill, Jubilee Pocket
Karalee, Karana Downs, Kawana, Kawungan*, Kearneys Spring, Kedron, Kelso, Kepnock, Kin Kora, Kingaroy, Koongal
Labrador, Laidley*, Landsborough, Lawnton*, Logan Reserve, Logan Village, Loganholme, Lowood
Machans Beach, Main Beach*, Maleny, Mareeba, Marian, Maroochydore*, Maryborough, Millbank, Mirani, Moffat Beach, Moranbah*, Morayfield*, Mossman, Mount Cotton, Mount Warren Park, Mudgeeraba*
Nambour*, Narangba*, Newtown*, Noosaville*, Norman Gardens*, North Ipswich, North Mackay*, Norville
Oakey*, Oxley*
Paradise Point, Park Avenue, Petrie, Pialba*, Pimpama*, Pine Mountain, Point Vernon
Rainbow Beach, Rasmussen*, Redbank, Redlynch*, Reedy Creek*, Robertson, Rockhampton City*, Rockville, Roma, Rosewood, Rosslyn, Rural View
Sarina, Scarness, Shelly Beach, Slacks Creek, Slade Point, Smithfield*, South Gladstone, South Toowoomba, Southport*, Southside, Springfield, Steiglitz, Sunnybank, Svensson Heights
Tamborine Mountain, Tannum Sands, Tewantin*, Thabeban, The Gap, The Range, Tin Can Bay, Torquay, Trinity Park, Tully
Upper Caboolture, Upper Coomera*, Urangan*, Urraween*
Wakerley, Walkerston, Walkervale, Wandal, Wangan, Warner*, Warwick, Waterford, Whitfield, Wilsonton*, Wilsonton Heights*, Wondunna, Woodgate, Woorim, Wulguru
Yamanto, Yaroomba, Yeppoon, Zilzie

“Today’s announcement is good news for customers living and working in more than one million homes and businesses across Australia because they will soon be able to access the fastest residential speeds available on the nbn network,” Kathrine Dyer, Chief Operating Officer at NBN, said.

“We are unlocking social and economic benefits across Australia by pushing fibre deeper into communities. Fibre is inherently more capable of delivering faster upload and download speeds, is generally more reliable than copper connections and reduces our ongoing maintenance and operating costs.”

“So far, we have identified the suburbs and towns across Australia where customers living and working in around 3 million premises currently served by nbn Fibre to the Node will be able to access full fibre upgrades by the end of 2025.”

“In just six years data use has tripled on the nbn network – and that exponential growth is expected to continue as customer demands increase to meet new technology.”

*Indicates identification of additional footprint in suburbs and towns previously announced in NBN Co’s series of footprint announcements comprising the original 2 million FTTN to FTTP Fibre Connect upgrade program.

Published 13-March-2023

Man Almost Lost Motorcycle After A Kerbside Collection Service ‘Misunderstanding’

As the kerbside collection service rolled out for The Gap and other West Brisbane suburbs, the public is being reminded that not everything in the front yard is for kerbside pickup.

Read: Brisbane’s Lowest Number of Vehicle Thefts Found in The Gap

This comes after a local from The Gap almost lost his motorcycle to another man who assumed that it’s up for grabs during the kerbside collection service for The Gap earlier in 2023.

In a Facebook group, the local described the man in a silver falcon ute with a trailer, which already had ‘several’ bikes in it, along with other common kerbside items.

Picture shown is for representation purpose only (Photo credit: Dan Monteggia/Pexels)

Whilst it could be a misunderstanding, the local doubted the intention of the man, adding that it’s common sense to know that a registered motorcycle wouldn’t be for kerbside pickup. Besides the fact that the bike sits within his property, it also has a number plate.

Because of the incident, the local was forced to stick a handwritten note on his bike, which reads that it’s “Not for Curbside Cleanup.”

Getting Items from the Kerbside

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

Technically, there are no laws that prohibits anyone from getting items left for kerbside collection. Brisbane City Council did not impose any regulations that prevent people from scavenging off other people’s rubbish.

In fact, several councils throughout Australia encourage salvaging items, which include donating and upcycling to prevent them from ending up in landfills.

Still, it’s common knowledge that a registered vehicle is not something one could get during a kerbside collection service.

If you’re interested in picking up stuff left for kerbside collection, here are a few things to consider to make the adventure stress-free:

Leave things tidy. If you want to put back a certain item, perhaps because you decided that you no longer want to take it home, return it exactly to the place where you found it. To speed up the collection process, Council encourages keeping piles tidy on the kerb.

Be respectful. Technically, an item still belongs to the one who left it there until it’s collected by Council. Hence, as a way of showing courtesy, try to contact the person and ask if it’s okay to bring it home.

Read: Did You Know? Early European Settlers Established the Gap as a Major Food Producer

Don’t break anything. Be extra careful when handling breakable items such as electronic waste and small household appliances. If you feel like a certain part of an item will be good for your next DIY project, consider taking it as a whole rather than breaking it apart.

Published 6-March-2023

Venomous Snake Sends The Gap State High School on Short Lockdown

The Gap State High School briefly went on lockdown after a dangerous and venomous snake was seen on the grounds.

On Tuesday, 28th of February 2023, at around 10:55 a.m., the students were asked to stay put inside instead of going out on their first break to ensure their safety as a school staffer saw a slithering Eastern Brown Snake.

Professional snake handlers from Snake Out Brisbane Snake Catchers were then called to remove on the courtyard just outside of the classrooms.

Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident as the students and staff waited and watched while the pros got to work. Their lunch break, however, was cut short because of the 30 minute lockdown.

The Eastern Brown Snake is deemed as the second most venomous snake in the world but they are effective for pest control at farmlands.

“Because the Eastern Brown Snake can cope and even thrive in areas of human disturbance, and its natural range happens to include some of the most populated parts of the country, this species is probably encountered more than any other type of snake” per the Australian Museum.

“Being an alert, nervous species they often react defensively if surprised or cornered, putting on a fierce display and striking with little hesitation. However, if approached over a distance, they will usually choose to flee or else remain stationary, hoping to avoid detection.”

Experts say that the snake’s bites are easy to disregard because it might just feel like a scratch. These snakes have short but fine fangs that don’t actually hurt. However, within minutes of the bite, a victim could feel nauseous and vomit or collapse before bleeding to death.

The Gap SHS Alumn Shines as Next Origin Star

Did you know that Angus Hinchey, a graduate of The Gap SHS, is one of over two dozen shining young athletes being moulded as future Origin stars?

Angus and 29 other athletes converged in Brisbane in early February 2023 to start their training with a new coach, former Maroons hooker Matt Ballin. The emerging Origin stars are going to prepare for their games with New South Wales. According to QRL, the dates and venues for these matches have yet to be announced.

Angus, described as an understated but aggressive player who can play either back row, lock or centre, is the son of South Sydney’s James Hinchey, a former Redcliffe premiership winner. James is also the strategy chief of the NRL and was coaching his son when Angus was 12 years old.

Now 19, Angus was part Wests Mitchelton and Wests Panthers in Bardon and grew up a fan of Roosters thunderbolt forward Victory Radley. He told QRL that he takes a lot of inspiration from the way Radley “moves the ball and uses his forwards.” The impressionable teen also loves his idol’s fun-loving personality.

The young athlete currently belongs to the Melbourne Storm Academy, playing Second Row/Lock. He played with the Norths Devils U18 in 2022 and clinched a spot for the 2022 QLD U18 Emerging Squad. 

Local Environmental Groups Conduct Clean Up Across The Gap Ward Parks

Though composed of only a handful of people, a small group of locals from bush care groups across The Gap have been conducting clean-ups of parks across the ward, taking care of the beautiful greenery and the creek for the community.

Nicholas Park Gap Central Bushcare Group

In mid-January 2023, the amazing crew from the Nicholas Park Gap Central Bushcare Group woke up early to replant and regenerate the greenery on Riaweena St, Gymea St and Tandara St. The plants have been growing in perfect condition, especially with some light rains and moisture in the night.

The group finished off their work with morning tea and are eager to see more hands joining them for their next tasks. Follow the group on Facebook for updates.

the Gap Bushcare — Photo Credit: Nicholas Park Gap Central Bushcare/Facebook

Corbie Street Bushcare Group

The Corbie Street Bushcare Group worked on weeding out Singapore Daisy and other vines or weeds across the riparian zone on the Enoggera Creek in late January. They conduct clearing activities at least once a month and would also love more volunteers to join their activities for conserving nature. Those interested may email corbieparkbcg@gmail.com for more information.

Men of the Trees Queensland

This environmental group worked on Keryn Place Park in Keppera by planting and propagating Ludwigia Octovalvis plants. In December 2022, Men of the Trees Queensland also weeded out Singapore Daisy around this bushland before it grows lush and cover drains, irrigation and footpaths along the creek. Learn more about this group by following their Facebook page or emailing info@mottqld.com.au.

Cultivating Friendships at the Yoorala Street Community Garden in The Gap

Check out the Yoorala Street Community Garden in The Gap, an organic garden that does not use any fertilisers, pesticides or fungicides, with green spaces divided into communal areas maintained by all of the members.

Opened in 2010, this garden space is such a welcoming site for people of all abilities to cultivate crops and develop friendships and skills. Members pay an annual fee to help with the facility’s upkeep and progress.

Regular work on the gardens happens on a Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the colder months of April to October and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the warmer months of November to March.

Photo Credit: Yoorala St Community Garden/Facebook

Children supervised by adults are welcome to join and learn gardening techniques or develop their love for nature at such a young age. Members with accessibility needs may work on the raised garden beds or in access-friendly areas with paths.

Members who have more to spare financially may also rent one of the 31 plots available to use for their own crops and materials. They are expected to work on their plots at least four times a year.

As this is a community garden, everyone is encouraged to swap and share what they have planted.

Yoorala Street Community Garden grows fruits and vegetables, as well as flourishing flowers. Members also come to play with the kids or their pets in the open spaces.

To learn more about becoming a member, renting a plot, or participating in the activities, email yscgsecretary@gmail.com for your enquiries.

“A well organised community garden. Well worth a visit on Sunday for a working bee to see if you’d like to join. Bring a plate, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and minds.”
Shionagh

“Great native and euro gardens. Nice friendly people who are always welcoming, happy to educate and accept your help.”
Hairy

“A well patronised community garden, a Men’s Shed and a great dog off leash park. What’s not to like?!”
Michael

Retrace Qld’s Gold Mining History at Golden Boulder Track

Photo credit: The State of Queensland / parks.des.qld.gov.au/

If you haven’t tried bushwalking, Golden Boulder Circuit situated within D’Aguilar National Park is a great place to start. Here you could follow the footsteps of gold miners that once worked on the mine shafts in Bellbird Grove.

Bellbird Grove is home to a number of bird species including cockatoos, whip birds and wedge-tailed eagles. There are also great picnic and barbecue spots here where the family could just hang out and for kids to run around and play.

And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are two walking tracks at the site, the Turrbal Circuit and the Golden Boulder Circuit.

Retrace Qld’s Gold Mining History at Golden Boulder Track — Wedge-tailed eagle soaring above Golden Boulder track | Photo credit: The State of Queensland / parks.des.qld.gov.au/

The gently sloping Golden Boulder track will take you on an educational tour as you pass the remains of the abandoned goldmines which date back to the 860s as well as a reconstructed shanty hut. Mining operations in this area lasted until 1946 when the last gold prospectors gave up ever finding any more gold.

Here, there are opportunities to watch sulphur-crested cockatoos, pardalotes, lace monitors, eastern whip birds and other wildlife that thrive in the area.

Got energy for some more walk? You can continue exploring the 1.7km Turrbal Circuit, named after the Turrbal tribe who once inhabited the area. This leisurely walk passes through a eucalypt forest and crosses Cedar Creek several times.

Do watch out because you might come across bird species including eastern yellow robin and white-browed scrubwren.

How to get there?

Bellbird Grove is situated in the South D’Aguilar section of D’Aguilar National Park. From The Gap, you take Mount Nebo Road to Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Then continue north-west along Mt Nebo Road (about 4 kilometres) before you take a turn into Bellbird Grove Road. From there will be another 1.6km ride before you reach the day-use area car park.

Published 17-January-2023