COVID-19 UPDATE – New electronic contact tracing requirements

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A change to COVID safe practices in the hospitality industry (such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés) in Queensland, as outlined in the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction, came into effect from 1am 23 December 2020:

  • All businesses in the hospitality industry in Queensland including retail food services (cafes, restaurants, fast-food outlets), food courts, pubs, licensed clubs, RSL clubs, function centres, bars, wineries, distilleries, microbreweries, licensed premises in hotels and nightclubs must comply with the new electronic contact information collection requirements.
  • These businesses must move away from paper-based record keeping methods and will need to have an electronic form or other digital method to capture contact information (e.g. QR code, member card scanning, online fillable forms, online booking systems or a digital spreadsheet).

With the festive season upon us it is also a good time to remind businesses within all of our communities to ensure they maintain COVID safe practices including:

  • Businesses are required to record contact details of patrons and store them securely for not less than 30 days and not more than 56 days. This is vital for contact tracing purposes.
  • Have practices in place that encourage physical distancing (e.g. signage, floor markers and reminders from staff).
  • Maintain high hygiene standards including hand washing and staying home if unwell.

Queensland Health has strongly encouraged venues to have a designated COVID Marshall, or a member of staff whose role is to focus on ensuring people are signing-in correctly and patrons are generally following the rules.

Public Art Tells Our Local Stories

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Boonah’s streetscape has come to life with new public artworks and storyboards as part of the Boonah Town Centre Revitalisation Project capturing the unique stories, history and character of the region.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said it was a vision of the Boonah Town Centre Revitalisation Project to reinvigorate the space with art and history to help create a strong sense of place for the local community.

“It was important to collaborate with the local community to find out the stories that were important to them that could be brought to life through the project,” he said.

“Water and the natural environment are running themes for the community and these are reflected in the new public artworks.

“Council worked with local historians, writers, museums, Indigenous elders, artists and environmental groups to gather stories, and create artworks and history storyboards that run across Railway street, Park Street, Church street and High street.

“The seven commissioned public artworks includes intricate bronze artworks of native wildlife, seating designs inspired by local flora, and whimsical chook themed creations using a mix of discarded farm and domestic objects.

“The walkway connecting the forecourt to the rear car park features a 20-metre-long artwork designed by Ugurapul artists telling the story of the Warrajum.

“Two wayfinding sculptures, inspired by the iconic Blumbergville Clock have also been installed, creating a story trail throughout the High Street precinct.”

Cr Christensen said local heritage and storytelling featured prominently in the new town centre, with interpretive signage and history plaques installed along High Street, all part of the development of a new heritage focused Scenic Rim story trail.

“Storyboards outside the Boonah Cultural Centre talk about the advertising curtain from 1937 which was unearthed in an old works shed in Boonah removed in the town centre upgrade, and the historic advertising curtain can also be viewed along the story trail,” he said.

“Council is committed to creating places and spaces that promote the unique character of the Scenic Rim through the Vibrant and Active Towns and Villages initiative.

“Revitalisation of the Boonah Town Centre will promote positive economic and social outcomes and reflects the community’s diverse personality.”

The revitalised Boonah Town Centre was officially launched on Tuesday 15 December 2020. The revitalisation of the town centre was joint initiative and co-funded under the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, Queensland Government’s Building our Regions fund, and Scenic Rim Regional Council.

Public artworks and history storyboards installed as part of the revitalisation of Boonah Town Centre include:

Public artworks

 

  • Free Range – Chris Trotter
  • “Moombul Moombul Warrajum” – John Long, Teenie Wilton, Roberta Coolwell, Racheal Long
  • A Callistemon Stood Here – Sally Hart
  • Blumbergville Rail Signal – Chris Trotter
  • Steaming Noisy Minor Rail – Chris Trotter
  • Sharing Space-Fauna of the Scenic Rim – Cathy Anderson

History storyboards

  • Warrayum Stories – John Long Story, Teenie Wilton artwork
  • Water Storyboard – Templin Museum Story, Sally Hart illustrations
  • Moogerah Peaks and Sharing Space – Miriam Nyrene Stories, Scott Warner photography
  • Boonah Advertising Curtain – Original Artwork Harry Whitman 1934, Significance and Conservation John Waldron
  • Heritage plaques - Wendy Creighton

Source – https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/news/article/454/public-art-and-stories-at-the-centrepiece-in-the-revitalisation-of-boonah-s-town-centre

Boonah is ready for Christmas!

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Once again the main street of Boonah is decked out in Christmas decor and doesn’t it look charming?

This has been an ongoing project over the last 3 years and has involved many different community groups and individuals who have contributed their amazing talents as well as their valuable time and so we thought we’d share a bit of the backstory as to how the trees and street furniture of Boonah came to be draped in Christmas adornments.

Every year the Boonah Chamber of Commerce form a Christmas Committee in June to start planning Christmas festivities including the street festival. In 2018 one of our Christmas committee members, Janine Gibson, initiated the bunting. This was achieved by involving the community in social work groups at the Story Tree, Picnic Parlour and Carinity.

Last year we decided we would start decorating the trees as well as putting the bunting up. Chamber Members, plus members of the community, started working in January 2019 to wash, repair and make more bunting and to start working on the most prominent trees in High Street. This was aided by an enthusiastic group called the Treble Rebels who made most of the delightful coverings for the rails in Boonah and decorated the tree outside Sandie Lee’s. The Boonah Girl Guides made pom poms and there were women crocheting and knitting from March onwards.

The positive feedback from the community as we were installing in December and the obvious lift in the community spirit during a horrendous time of bushfire and continued drought was inspiring.

In 2020 Chamber Executive members Margaret Fry and Wendy Briner set a target of decorating every tree in High Street and to increase the number of people working on this project by involving community groups. The end result was participation by QCWA, Rotary, Lions, Boonah Visitor Information Centre, U3A Mah-jong Group, Treble Rebels and we were privileged to have Artist Sally Hart offer to decorate the tree in the SRRC forecourt. This work started once again in March with the washing, repairing of existing materials and then an action group for implementing Christmas 2020 in Boonah.

This year our Christmas street and business directory are themed around “Reflections On Fire” base around fire safety and preparedness and community connectedness based on funding we received from the State and Federal Governments.

Reflections on Fire from the community and community groups are currently being placed on the trees.

It is hoped that by decking Boonah out for Christmas we will give our community a lift and bring tourists into the town who will help to support our local community.

Once again, the feedback and appreciation from the community has been overwhelming and we are fortunate that we have had several more volunteers offer to help us in 2021. We are planning to hold monthly workshops for the community so that we can have an opportunity to meet and discuss our progress. Many of our volunteers prefer to work at home and are much appreciated silent contributors.

 

 

 

Grant Opportunity: Facade Improvement Scheme

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Scenic Rim commercial property owners looking to give their shopfront a facelift are eligible for grant funding under Council’s new Scenic Rim Façade Improvement Scheme.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the grants were part of Council’s second Economic Stimulus Package in response to COVID-19, which had impacted local businesses and the economy.

“The scheme is designed to help local property owners improve their building facades so they have a more engaging street appeal and in doing so, supporting economic outcomes.

“An attractive looking shopfront can entice new customers and increase sales, and support and inspire further business investment,” he said.

“A key element of the scheme is to support our local trades and businesses to encourage economic recovery across the region.

“We will be encouraging applicants to engage local contractors and suppliers of goods and services where they can to help support jobs for other local businesses,” Cr Christensen said.

“The scheme is not only open to commercial property owners, but also tenants, however they would need written support from their landlords to participate in the scheme.

“Council will contribute funding of 25% of total project costs, however this will be capped at a maximum of $3,000.”

Cr Christensen said the façade improvements are not just about a lick of paint or a new sign.

“There’s an array of restoration works that are eligible under the scheme including lighting, landscaping, awnings, windows and doors, so I encourage anyone considering applying to scheme to speak to Council about their plans.”

Applications open today, 8 September 2020 and close on 31 December 2020 or until funds are allocated.

More information about the Scenic Rim Façade Improvement Scheme is available on Council’s website www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/covid-19/for-businesses or call Council’s Regional Prosperity team on 07 5540 5111 or email [email protected]

Year in Review – The Challenges of 2020

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Our new Business Directory is now launched and in Boonah stores – which marks the coming close of 2020. The past year started off with drought in our region, which continues today, followed by bush fires and capped off with COVID-19, which continues to have an effect into the final weeks of the year.  With all the adversity and challenges that 2020 has brought to our local businesses, it was great to see our business community come together and support each other through the difficult times.  Once again, the resilience and determination of our region has shone through.

The events of this year have also had effects on our organisation in various ways restrictions affecting the ability of member’s meetings to occur. This meant that there were only four Member’s meetings this year.

For much of the year events were impacted and cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions including some very long-standing events such as the Boonah Show and other important events including the Centenary celebration of the Boonah War Memorial.  Despite this being a very unusual year, Boonah District Chamber of Commerce has continued to work with community groups, businesses, locals and our politicians to improve and promote our region.

We were able to have an impact by joining the community to save our airfield, and a five year extension has been granted to BAI to operate Boonah Airfield from September 2020.

In August 2020 the Chamber conducted a survey of the local community regarding shopping facilities and visitors to seek their views on the region –  what experiences they were looking for, what would encourage them to stay longer. Also why did they visit, how Boonah can be more accommodating to them as a visitor.  The surveys have been collected, will be analysed and reported back to Members so that they can act on the findings.

The Christmas Street Festival will not be run this year as it has in previous years. Various options were considered by your Executive however due to the numbers of people who usually attend and the requirement of the State Government for COVID Event Planning, it was decided that we needed to compromise. Chamber has received a Grant from Federal & State Governments under the Bush Fire Recovery which will be used to part fund the Business Directory & COVID allowing a community celebration mid 2021.

To celebrate Christmas and bring some Christmas cheer to the main street of Boonah, there will be roving street entertainers on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December with 3 x 30 minute roves between 10am to 1pm.  Details here.

Thanks to our Executive Committee for their hard work and leadership during this difficult year:

  • President Bruce Trevena
  • Vice President Wendy Creighton
  • Secretary Margaret Fry
  • Treasurer John Stone
  • Member Wendy Briner
  • Member Vicky Maynard
  • Member Julie De Visser who retired to nominate as Councilor for Division 5

We were pleased to welcome two new Members to the Executive in July 2020

  • Member John Brent
  • Member Richard Stanfield

Christmas Roving Entertainment Coming to High Street!

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2020 might have thrown a few curveballs but we won’t let that stop us spreading some Christmas Cheer!  Boonah businesses are keeping the festive spirit alive despite the cancellation of our annual Christmas Street Parade.

The Boonah Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that High Street will come alive with Christmas Roving Entertainers who will delight locals and visitors alike with their merry antics in the days leading up to Christmas.  Come along to join in the fun on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December with 3 x 30 minute roves between 10am to 1pm.

 

Each day the program varies and throughout the three days we will have appearances from a Cheeky Elf Hula Hooper, a Candy Cane Roller Skater,  Reindeer musical performers, Elf Balloon Twisters, a Cheeky Elf Roller Skater, a Reindeer Caroller and a very tall Cheeky Elf Stilt Walker!

 

Help us spread the word by sharing on your business social media accounts and by telling all your clients and customers.

 

 

Here’s the Program:


Monday 21st Dec

10-1pm, 3 x 30 minute roves

1 x Cheeky Elf Hula Hooper

1 x Cheeky Elf Roller Skater

 

Tuesday 21st Dec

10-1pm, 3 x 30 minute roves

1 x Red Candy Cane Roller Skater

2 x musical performers in reindeer costumes (both sing carols, one also with guitar)

 

Wednesday 23rd Dec 

10-1pm, 3 x 30 minute roves

1 x Green and Gold Elf Balloon Twister

1 x Cheeky Elf Stilt Walker

Digital and E-Commerce Grant Applications Now Open – Scenic Rim Regional Council

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2020 has been a tough year for businesses in our region and around Australia so we encourage our members to apply for this grant from the Scenic Rim Regional Council in order to future-proof your business.  Here are the details:

Ready to take your online presence to the next level?

Sole traders and small- to medium-sized businesses are encouraged to access digital technologies and services to help them work smarter, engage with the global economy and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital disruption.

Improve your online and e-commerce activities by applying for matched funding, with a maximum Council contribution of up to $2,000. Total project costs may exceed $2,000, with businesses providing additional funding above Council’s contribution. Applications open 13 October 2020 and close on 31 December 2020, with approvals being progressively rolled out as applications are received.

The scheme may close earlier should all funding be allocated ahead of the closing date.

Applicants must complete all proposed work within four months of signing a letter of agreement with Council.

What can I apply for?

  • website design and development
  • e-commerce platforms
  • online content development
  • digital marketing and promotion
  • development of online marketing plan
  • supporting hardware and/or software, and
  • mentoring and/or training in online and e-commerce activities.

More information is available in the Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants brochure

The guidelines and application form are available in the attachments below:

Qld Small Business Month

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More details coming soon…

Meet the Candidates

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Your Chance to Meet your Candidates for the upcoming local Government elections on March 28th.

Voters are offered an opportunity to hear and compare the policies and priorities of candidates for Mayor and Division 5 & 6 for the Scenic Rim Regional Council at a “Meet the Candidates” evening on Wednesday 18th March at the Boonah Cultural Centre.

Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start.  Voters are encouraged to submit written questions into the question box on the night before 6.30pm.  Questions won’t be taken from the floor – written ones only.

Candidates will present a 3 minute speech each, followed by voters written questions, then a final 2 minute summing up.

Everyone is invited to attend on the night – entry is free. Expected to finish around 9pm.