Latest News & Updates

Community champions celebrated at Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards

Three outstanding individuals and a local event which brought the community together in the spirit of inclusion have been celebrated at the 2023 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards today.

The awards, presented at The Centre Beaudesert before a citizenship ceremony which welcomed the Scenic Rim’s 23 newest Australians, honoured the contribution of grassroots groups and quiet achievers who are at the heart of their local communities.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said each of the nominees should be proud of their achievements and the high regard in which they are clearly held by others.

“Whether through local service organisations or sporting groups, or simply by being ready to lend a helping hand to others in need, their example of selfless service should be an inspiration to us all,” he said.

“I am grateful to all those who took the time to nominate someone they felt well worthy of recognition because it is the contribution of these community champions, year-round and often over many decades, that makes our region such a great place to live and raise a family.

“Scenic Rim Regional Council is proud to present these Australia Day awards, recognising that those who give so much to their community also contribute in their own way to our uniquely Australian way of life.

“As the panel of judges reflected on the diverse nominations and the year that was 2022, they were inspired by the devotion and compassion that is affirmed through the efforts of all nominees.”

Nominations for the 2023 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards were received in three categories, Community Event of the Year, Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) and Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (65+ years).

The Mayor’s Award, chosen from all nominees, acknowledged the achievement of an exceptional individual across all categories.

“This award recognises someone who has made a significant contribution to their community over many years, without any thought of personal gain, and provides an example we should all aspire to,” Mayor Christensen said.

“While all nominees have shown character and commitment to give back to their communities without any expectation of reward or recognition, this year one individual stood out for his quiet dignity and selfless service through some challenging times, inspiring community members of all ages.”

The award winners in each category are as follows:

Community Event of the Year – Dancing with Celebrities
The culmination of more than six months of planning, this inaugural event at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre in October 2022 aimed to increase interaction between all community members, whatever their strengths and abilities. Since 2018, the Lions Club of Tamborine Mountain’s Mountain Mates program, for young adults with a disability and their families, has focused on creating opportunities for friendship, socialising, and skills development. More than 180 people attended the first Dancing With Celebrities evening which was so successful, spreading the Mountain Mates’ message of social inclusion, that it is set to become a regular event on the community calendar. Dancing With Celebrities highlighted the importance of inclusion for people with a disability, in line with the Mountain Mates’ aim of creating a kinder, happier, more openhearted and accepting community.

Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) – Justin O’Leary
Since moving to Beaudesert some 17 years ago, Justin has become a role model to many through his community service and his work with people with disabilities as an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider. Justin was nominated for an award for his extraordinary contribution to the youth of Beaudesert and the wider Scenic Rim community. He provides training and discipline through the sport of boxing, and has provided shelter, support and lessons in self-respect to numerous young men and women whose lives have been at the point of unravelling. Justin has been a key figure in the promotion of a Police Citizen Youth Club for the local community and inspired others by his generosity, his capacity to reach out to others, and his ability to treat everyone with equality and respect.

Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (65+ years) – Adrian Sandell
Adrian established the Kooralbyn Men’s Shed after moving into the area some four years ago and seeing a need to help to men who were experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness. He has since become a mainstay of the local community and, as the current President of the Kooralbyn Community Group, oversees not only the running of the Men’s Shed but also the Op shop, Community Garden and a Crop Swap. He has supported numerous local events by organising volunteers and been involved with the Kokoda Youth Foundation, hosting a group of young members at the Men’s Shed. As a member of the local Men’s Group, Adrian has arranged group outings and guest speakers and, although retired, spends most days of the week and at weekends working in his volunteer roles for which he is regarded as an unsung local hero.

Mayor’s Award – Gary Hamblyn
As President of the Tamborine Memorial Hall Management Committee, Vice President of the Tamborine Village Lions Club, Past President of the Tamborine and District Citizens Association, and a member of the Tamborine Cenotaph Committee, Gary was nominated for his community involvement across many local groups including the Scenic Rim Regional Cadets. Gary has been involved actively with numerous local groups since 1995, either as a member or executive officer, and is a respected community member known for his readiness to lend a hand or offer advice. The Mayor’s Award recognises Gary’s quiet dignity and selfless service through some challenging times, which have inspired community members of all ages.

Eat Local Month dishes up an even larger serving of paddock-to-plate experiences

The stellar success of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week will see the region’s annual event mushroom to become a month-long celebration of paddock-to-plate experiences throughout June 2023.

From its inception in 2011, when 10 events attracted just 900 people, the Scenic Rim’s celebration of its farmers, growers, producers, artisans, chefs and quality food and beverages had grown to 125 events regionwide attended by almost 35,000 visitors in 2022, adding almost $2 million to the local economy.

Offering a taste of what is in store during Eat Local Month 2023, Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the full program, to be announced in April, would include long lunches showcasing local produce, flavour-filled dinners, farm gate experiences, food walks, tastings, tours, talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages culminating in the signature event, the Winter Harvest Festival, on 1 July.

“The exponential growth of Eat Local Week meant that nine days, with just two weekends, was no longer enough to celebrate all our region has to offer,” he said.

“Eat Local Month will place our farmers, growers and producers at centre stage and shine a spotlight on our outstanding local and seasonal produce against the backdrop of our spectacular Scenic Rim.

“The evolution of Eat Local Week to Eat Local Month reflects the success flowing from the hard work by many in our community during the past 12 years as well as the support of visitors from around Australia who appreciate authentic food experiences.”

With authentic food experiences contributing to the Scenic Rim’s inclusion in The Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 regions in the world to visit in 2022, the Scenic Rim was also named by delicious magazine as one of the top five places to visit in 2023.

Eat Local Week has not only put the Scenic Rim on the map, it has also been the catalyst for growth and diversification across the region, inspiring collaboration between producers who have developed new lines including carrot beer, milk stout featuring milk from local sheep and cows, beef and vegetable sausages, beetroot and carrot bread, and camel milk vodka.

“Connecting our farmers and growers with chefs to create fabulous food experiences has been a game-changer for the Scenic Rim and created truly memorable moments for thousands of visitors who have been welcomed at farms and events across our region during the past 12 years,” Mayor Christensen said.

“The concept of ‘paddock-to-plate’ has become something of a culinary cliché, but here in the Scenic Rim it’s something we embrace not only during Eat Local Month but also year-round.

“Eat Local Month in winter celebrates our most abundant time of the year for our region and is the perfect time to enjoy local produce at its finest and connect with those who put food on our tables.”

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said the expansion of the event was great news for both locals and visitors.

“The Scenic Rim is rapidly building its reputation as a foodie’s paradise and the expansion of Eat Local Week to a month-long event brings huge benefits to local accommodation providers, retailers and of course restaurants, cafes and other food experiences in the region,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, has supported this event for the past seven years, elevating it to ‘significant’ status with a three-year deal from 2022–2024.

“That’s because we are backing its growth as it brings increasing visitors to the region and an estimated $2 million economic boost, which in turns supports good local jobs.

“I encourage visitors from around Australia and the world to put the Scenic Rim on their ‘must do’ list this June for a literal taste of this amazing region.”

Eat Local Month is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland’s Queensland Destination Events Program and has the highly sought-after Queensland Significant Event status.  

Need help to start or grow your business in 2023?

Y(E)P Entrepreneurship Facilitators is a service with the objective of encouraging entrepreneurship in the Ipswich and surrounding region.

They aim to inspire, educate, and connect future entrepreneurs to help them start or build sustainable and rewarding self employment.

Their passion is supporting people 45 and older, however, our services are available to anyone who would benefit from working with us, or from attending our events.

Entrepreneurship Facilitators promote and encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship. They help people to start and develop their business. They also help existing micro-business owners to keep their small business open.

 

Check out the resources or get in touch via their website.

Follow their Facebook Page for regular courses and training, usually free.

Business Breakfast with new council CEO David Keenan

Scenic Rim Regional Council presents a business breakfast with special guest speaker DAVID KEENAN, Council’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Wednesday 7 December

6.30am for a 7.00am start
The Centre, Beaudesert

To reserve your seat, please register here.

Find out what attracted David to taking on this important role, and what he sees as opportunities for the Scenic Rim over the next decade.

Hear David’s views on how Council can support a prosperous business sector through productive partnerships with all levels of government, proactively assisting local businesses to expand, and attracting new business to the region.

Discover opportunities to engage with Council’s recently adopted strategies and programs to drive business success in 2023 and beyond.

David brings to the Scenic Rim a wealth of experience in local government through previous Chief Executive Officer roles with Mitchell Shire Council, Hume City Council, Tweed Shire Council, Southern Downs Regional Council and Mount Isa City Council.

Throughout his career David has managed every aspect of economic development – from planning large-scale industrial estates to building business incubators/accelerators to accommodate small and micro businesses – as well as working with peak bodies representing the agribusiness sector.

David is looking forward to meeting members of the business community at this breakfast event and working with local businesses to ensure a sustainable future for our region.

To reserve your seat, please register here.

For group bookings please email [email protected] or call 07 5540 5111

Business Basics Grant Update

Opening soon: Business Basics Grants program – Round 4 

The Queensland Government is continuing to show its support for the small business sector with the launch of Round 4 of the $5 million Business Basics Grant program.

Eligible small businesses (including non-employing and micro businesses, and new and emerging businesses with less than 20 employees and a turnover of less than $300,000 for the last financial year) will be able register their interest to apply for a $5,000 grant from 9am, 24 November.

The program guidelines, eligibility criteria and FAQs for the Business Basics Grants program are now available online.

Funds are to be used for a project to increase core skills and adopt best practice — think website development and upgrades, strategic marketing, training and coaching, and business planning for continuity and succession.

This round has a $5 million funding pool, of that $1.5 million has been allocated for regional businesses outside of South East Queensland. The program is extremely popular, and we receive many more applications than can be funded. We are committed to best practice and listened to feedback from small businesses to make the application process easier.

Grants will be awarded through a two-stage process starting with businesses registering their interest to apply by completing an online form that collects basic business information. Then businesses will be selected by a ballot process to complete their applications.

This process ensures all small businesses have equal and fair opportunity to register their interest at any time once registrations open and have an equal chance of being selected to apply. Please note that not all businesses that complete a registration of interest or a full application will be successful.

Registrations of Interest will be open from 9am, 24 November and will close at 11.59pm on 5 December 2022.

To learn more visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/business-basics
Got questions? Call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 or email [email protected]

Y(E)P Ipswich – Understanding Meta Business Suite

From Y(E)P Ipswich:

We understand how important it is to use social media for our business, but finding the time to create content and post it can be a challenge.

Once you have content, how do you know if it’s working?

Meta Business Suite is a professional platform designed to assist you in understanding the types of content your clients want to see from you on your social media accounts.

With an inbuilt scheduling tool and analytics, it pays to understand and use Business Suite.

This is an introductory workshop to show you around the page and help you figure out all the tools available to you.

Date and time

Tue 15th Nov 2022, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm AEST

 

Online Event

This online workshop will be held on Zoom. The link will be emailed upon registration.

Register here – https://events.humanitix.com/understanding-meta-business-suite

 

Understanding Manufacturing Support Webinar

The Understanding Manufacturing Support Webinar will be hosted by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning SEQ South Regional Office run in partnership with Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and is aimed at providing Queensland manufacturers valuable information on Queensland Government grants and support for manufacturers.

 

In the 45 minute webinar session Queensland Manufacturers will understand:

 

  • DRDMW in delivering the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan
  • The assistance provided by the Regional Manufacturing Hubs including the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program – (relevant to Gold Coast suburbs only).
  • The Made in Queensland (MIQ) Grant for the opening of Round 5 and application instructions on how to apply
  • How DSDILGP can help your manufacturing business.

 

 

Register here via the Eventbrite link:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/understanding-manufacturing-support-tickets-448734546107

ASPIRE Workshops

Empowering businesses to exchange waste as a resource

Scenic Rim Regional Council has partnered with ASPIRE, a digital business tool that brings businesses together to exchange value.

♻️ ASPIRE helps businesses reduce costs associated with waste disposal and inputs, and support the environment by saving on carbon dioxide emissions.

ASPIRE’s online matchmaking tool uses innovative software to help you recognise how waste can be used as a resource and realise the value of exchanging these resources.

Council and ASPIRE are looking to work with local Scenic Rim businesses to assist in creating a circular economy.

Businesses with under 100 full time employees can join ASPIRE for FREE. Businesses with 100+ full time employees also get a 20% discount to join the marketplace.

📍 A series of in-person workshops will be held during National Recycling Week (7 – 13 November) at Boonah, Beaudesert, Canungra and Tamborine Mountain.

For venue details and times, and to book your FREE spot, click here.

Read about the array of benefits for your business on Council’s website.

Boonah Christmas Festival Parade Registrations are OPEN!

The Boonah District Chamber of Commerce in partnership with sponsoring businesses will present the Boonah Street Festival on Thursday evening December 15, 2022.

We would welcome the involvement of businesses and clubs in the Festival Parade as we know it would not be possible without community support.

This year the theme is ‘Let’s Celebrate’ so this is your chance to decorate with all the sparkle of Christmas.

Again, we would appreciate your support and ask that you complete the PARADE REGISTRATION FORM to enable us to plan the process to flow as smoothly as possible.

Details for the Festival Parade

Venue: Register with steward at the Boonah Showground where formation will be determined and parade numbers will be allocated
Date: Thursday 15th December 2022
Time: Please assemble at 5.00pm – floats are to be positioned and ready for a 5.30pm start from the Boonah Showgrounds

Please send any other enquiries to Victoria Corner

[email protected]

or  call 0428 454 213

Register Here