January 2012 Echo Now Online

Posted on January 24, 2012 by roger

The January 2012 edition of the Hills Echo Now Online at www.hillsecho.com.

This month features the 2012 winter junior sports sign on.

Posted in School Noticeboard |

Libraries are ‘amazing’

Posted on December 15, 2011 by roger

Summer holiday reading programs are in full swing at the Moreton Bay Regional Council libraries.

 “The Amazing Read” program was proving popular with parties, games, magic shows and competitions and it would continue to run until January 22.

The program is open to everyone aged up to 17. There are some amazing prizes to be won like iPads, iPod touches, Nintendo DSi bundles and V-tech toys for readers and it’s not too late to get on board.

It’s easy. Just join the library to be a club member and read or listen to books. There are reading logs to complete and entries to place in the draw for major prizes”

If you join on-line you can also play games, find reading ideas and submit reviews from home or at any Moreton Bay regional library.

Participants can also visit the State Library of Queensland’s Summer Reading Club website to chat with famous authors and create e-cards.

If you don’t have a computer, that’s not a problem either. Offline members can get paper sign-up forms, reading logs and an entry form at any regional library.

In addition library computers are free when used for The Amazing Read program.

There’s no need to be bored this summer holidays when libraries have got so much to offer.

Visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/readon for more information.

Posted in Council Information |

Kick start a healthier life

Posted on December 15, 2011 by roger

Kick start a healthier life

 

Moreton Bay Regional Council will help people lead a healthier lifestyle with its Healthy Eating Activity and Lifestyle programs.

 

Programs  focused on improving nutrition and physical activity and would be particularly useful to people at risk of developing diabetes, heart diseases or other conditions.

 

With Australian Government funding assistance, council will offer programs at Brendale, Caboolture and Redcliffe beginning in February, April, July and October and incorporating two-hour weekly sessions over eight weeks.

 

If people don’t know where to start when it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle then council can point them in the right direction.

 

The sessions involve one hour of group-based exercise and one hour of education.

 

The program is free to residents 18 years and over, however places are limited and participants are required to undertake an initial health assessment before beginning to identify their suitability.

 

For further information or bookings please contact council’s program providers Merendi Health & Wellness on 1300 881 536 or see www.merendi.com.au

Posted in Council Information |

New Moreton Bay Council Pay Rates

Posted on December 15, 2011 by roger

From 1st. Jan.,2011 Moreton Bay Regional Councillors will receive : 

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor ….$192,009 ………plus  $4,350

Regional Council Deputy Mayor …. …….$133,035 ………plus  $3,010

Councillor ……………………………………$116,577……….plus  $2,650

Posted in Council Information |

Kids activities for holidays

Posted on December 15, 2011 by roger

Active kids are healthy kids

The region’s parks will come alive with the sounds of active kids next month.

11 different venues throughout the region would play host to more than 30 free exercise and game sessions for kids aged from two to 12.

“The sessions are designed to introduce children and parents to new skills and activities in a supportive atmosphere.

They will be held in the cool of the morning and delivered by experienced and qualified taff.

“They can choose from a variety of activities including games, music and singing, running, jumping, catching, kicking, bouncing and general gymnastics – there’s really something for all ages.”

Council had organised separate sessions for toddlers aged between two and four and their parents or carers.

Other sessions have been organised for primary school children from five and 12 years old and a fun time is guaranteed for all.

“All the youngsters are required to wear enclosed shoes and a hat, sunscreen and drink bottle is advised.

All activities are free and will take place from 9am to 10am from Monday January 9 to Friday January 20.

Full information on venues and session times can be obtained from www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/activekids or e-mail sportrecreation@moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Posted in Council Information |

House Full Sign Out for Forum

Posted on October 31, 2011 by roger

The forum called yesterday to discuss a possible cessession movement for the Hills District to Brisbane City Council attracted a crowd of over 400 rate payers.

The Community Centre filled quickly and it was standing room only. More than 150 simply returned home as the centre filled to capacity and nearby car parks over flowed.

The Forum heard from many disgruntled locals and asked the RAG Committee to further investigate the procedure to move The Hills District to BCC juristiction.

Posted in Community Noticeboard |

BCC or MBRC? Should we move??

Posted on October 31, 2011 by roger

Download the Power Point presentation of the Rate Payers Action Group outlining reasons why many residents are unhappy with the Moreton Bay Regional Council and the manner in which it treats Hills District rate payers

Posted in Community Noticeboard |

October 2011 Issue

Posted on October 18, 2011 by roger

The October issue of The Hills Echo is now available online. View all the pages in Flash format at

http://www.hillsecho.com

Posted in Uncategorized |

Adventurers welcome

Posted on October 13, 2011 by roger

If you’d like to take your kids horse riding, fishing, orienteering or maybe even abseiling, Moreton Bay Regional Council has adventures waiting.

Council’s lifestyle and amenity spokesperson and division seven councillor, David Dwyer, said the Outdoor Adventure Families program was back with even more activities this November, following its successful debut in February.

“Activities also include field archery, mountain biking, stand up paddle surfing, kayaking, bushwalks and koala spotting,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Most activities are $2 per person and some are free, so this is a great opportunity for families to do something active together at a relatively low cost and to meet other families at the same time.”

The council-organised and subsidised program is aimed at children living in the region aged 7 to 12 and their parents or carers.

“A parent or carer needs to be actively involved in the program because the idea is to show families how they can have adventures together in Moreton Bay Region,” Cr Dwyer said.

A full program of activities, running from Saturday October 29 to Sunday December 4, is available on council’s website at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/adventurefamilies

Bookings can be made online or by phone on 5433 2052 from 9am on Monday, October 17 until 5pm on Friday, October 28.

“Bookings were very strong last time, so I’d encourage families to get in early,” Cr Dwyer said.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Finance to help

Posted on October 13, 2011 by roger 
Microfinance schemes are on offer through the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre for people on low incomes. These schemes are great for pensioners, concession card holders, FTB A&B recipients as well as general low income earners.
N.I.L.S (No Interest Loans Scheme)
Loans up to $1200 for essential household items for low income earners.  We are predominately servicing the Pine Rivers area – however are fairly flexible with our boundaries as there’s no other local NILS schemes just outside our borders.  Essential items include whitegoods, furniture, electrical & computer goods, heating/cooling, education costs and car tires/essential car repairs.  It does not include bills, rent, debt repayment and emergency relief. 
Low Income criteria is:
· Receiving any Centrelink benefit
· $30 000 (single)
· $50 000 (couple)
· $52 000 (single/couple with child—$2210 per year  each additional child) 
AddsUP
After clients finish paying off a NILS Loan they are eligible for the AddsUP savings scheme (if they are holders of a concession card).  In this scheme, clients can open up a concession card account with NAB.  If they save between $300-$500 over a 6mth to 12mth period, NAB will match the amount dollar for dollar. That’s $500 savings + $500 from NAB = $1000.   
StepUP Loan
Logan East Community Centre have outreach workers and can meet with clients at PRNC for a StepUP Loan.  StepUP has the same eligibility requirements as NILS, however the maximum loan amount is $3000 and interest is charged at 3.99% which is extremely low.  Call Pine Rivers NILS on 3205 2955 or email nils@prnc.org.au to apply. A few video clips on the scheme are available at http://www.youtube.com/prnctv
Posted in Uncategorized |