Weekly News Briefs - 14 November 2024

Fire ants detected in Summerholm

Council crews have recently detected several fire ant nests along a stretch of road reserve on Long Gully Road.

Residents in the surrounding area are urged to be on the lookout for further nests and report any suspected sightings to the National Fire Ant Program on 13 25 23 or www.fireants.org.au within 24 hours.

If it is safe to do so, take a photo of the ant or nest to help with identification.

Free, fast-acting self-treatment kits are now available for Lockyer Valley residents who report suspected fire ants on their property.

To find out more about the kits and how you can identify fire ants and their nests, visit www.fireants.org.au

Kickstart the festive season by joining us at the 2024 Mayoral Christmas Carols!

Sing along to a mix of traditional and fun favourites performed by the much-loved Nathan Walmsley Band.

The Lions Club of Gatton, Salvation Army and Peace Lutheran Church will be there and ready with a fundraising BBQ, fresh donut stall and coffee cart. The night begins at 5.30pm with the stage program commencing at 6.30pm.

An Auslan interpreter will be present and there will be a dedicated craft area where kids can write their letters to Santa and enter the Christmas Carnival colouring competition.

Secure your seats by booking your free admission tickets today at www.lockyervalleytickets.com.au

Running Successful Art Workshops: A Guide for Artists

This professional development workshop with Alex Stalling is designed to equip artists with the essential skills and knowledge needed to plan and run successful art workshops.

Whether you're new to teaching or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will provide valuable insights into the fundamentals of workshop planning, budgeting, and marketing.

• Tuesday 26 November
• 5.30pm - 7.30pm
• Lockyer Valley Art Gallery
• $10 per person

Doors open at 5pm for networking, session commences at 5.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm with a light supper.

Bookings essential at: https://library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/Events

New tenant sought for former Laidley Gym building

Council is calling for tenders to utilise the former Laidley Gym building, with tenders that support or enhance the purpose and existing uses and users of the Laidley Recreational Reserve preferred, but not strictly required.
The facility, located at Whites Road (east), Laidley, has recently become vacant following its long-term use as a gym.
This is an exciting opportunity for the fresh use of a facility that is centrally located in Laidley that can support or complement the sporting or wider community.
The facility has a 193m2 open indoor area, large verandah, storerooms, kitchen suitable for a canteen and amenities.
Tenders close on Friday 15 November 2024 at 2pm.
For more information on the opportunity and tender process visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-council/tenders-and-public-notices.

RADF funding available

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Lockyer Valley Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

We have two RADF grant funding opportunities currently available:

• Round 1 for 2024-25
• Quick Response Professional Development grant

Apply here: https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/2425Round1

Get your Australia Day Award nominations in!

Less than a month remains to nominate that special someone for a 2025 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award.

Recognise a deserving local who has made a positive contribution to the community before nominations close on 9 December.

Categories include:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year
• Senior Sportsperson of the Year
• Community Organisation of the Year
• Event of the Year

Nominate now at https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/AustraliaDayAwards2025

Unblock and save the Emergency Alert number

If you receive an Emergency Alert text this severe weather season, don’t spend valuable time wondering if it’s real.

If it comes from +61 444 444 444, it’s an official Emergency Alert and you should heed the message immediately.

To save time and keep your family safe, add the number to your contacts list so you know it’s legitimate.

And if you blocked the number during the pandemic, please remove the blocked setting so you can receive these life-saving alerts during natural disasters.

Windowpanes exhibition

Applications for the upcoming ‘Windowpanes’ exhibition have now been extended to 9am, Monday 18 November 2024.

The theme ‘Windowpanes’ offers endless creative possibilities. It could be looking:

• from inside out
• outside in
• via a house, car, airplane
• into your heart or soul

For more details, email galleries@lvrc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 005 872.