Div9May15

Councillor News - Cr Glenn Tozer - Division 9

delivers a real sense of place to the area and emphasises the cenotaph to drivers travelling along Railway Street. I’m really proud of the way the RSL worked so closely with contractors and my office to design and build the improved features, and attract funding from multiple levels of government. Karen Andrews MP

ANZAC Day is one of my favourite community days of the year. Regardless of our political persuasion, or what we think about the environment, sport or even government, it is a day when we tend to put aside topics we differ on, so we can focus on the sacrifice of individuals, families and remember the collective community loss due to war, and the freedom and community spirit gained. Far from wanting to make any sort of contentious statement about war or conflicts past, I was encouraged at services I attended that the focus was on ‘community spirit’ among the speakers I heard address the crowds. In Beechmont, the local school was heavily involved in the service, which was delightful, and in the weeks preceding the ceremony members of the community had completed a project that saw over a thousand knitted and crocheted poppies. Older members of the community taught younger members to sew, crochet and knit and had worked together on what was a lovely art installation. It was excellent to meet and chat with Cr Virginia West of Scenic Rim Council, and Scott Buchholz MP who had been to several services that morning with his wife throughout his vast electorate. In Springbrook, I dropped in to the community hall between services and had a quick chat to Mrs Beasley, who was tidying up happily after a busy but successful gunfire breakfast. I also had a chance to lay a wreath with a few of the Springbrook State School students who were involved in the early service and breakfast activities. I’m told that at the later service the Springbrook organising committee invited former Councillor, Ted Shepherd, who spoke about the project to have the Springbrook Cenotaph installed. It’s great when communities work collaboratively to deliver projects that everyone can appreciate. In Mudgeeraba, the Mudgeeraba-Robina Sub-Branch of the RSL organised beautiful ceremonies at dawn and dusk, and managed to optimise the renovated park to its best use. Many commented on how the enhanced park entry now

made a contribution, as well as the RSL itself, and Council covered the remaining cost. Ros Bates MP influence in the state government streamlined some of the state approvals necessary for the project to progress on time. “Stage Two” is in planning phase now, with the RSL offering named commemorative pavers for sale to the community to help with the cost of a community pathway. Pavers start from $50 and please contact my office or the RSL if you’d like to get involved in this part of the project. The next community events of interest include the Mudgeeraba Skatepark expansion open day on 23 May, the QLD State Age Netball Carnival from 6-8 June and the Redbacks (Rugby League) Annual Mudgee Day and Moo Poo Raffle on 13 June. Coming into winter you’ll see Firth Park busy most weekends as the rugby league, netball and baseball thrives down on the fields. I hope you take time to drop in and watch our local sporting teams compete. The families down there are all very friendly and I’m sure they’ll make you feel a part of their family (as long as you’re cheering for the right team!). As always, please contact my office on 5581 1883 if you have any Council queries, drop in to our Swan Lane office with open sessions on a Tuesday morning, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter to keep up-to-date on local events and issues.

For information, contact City of Gold Coast on 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326) or visit us online at cityofgoldcoast.com.au.

7