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Community Spirit: Ninth Edition (Winter 2007)

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Welcome to Community Spirit
I am often disappointed by the negative image that many people have of today’s youth. I’m not denying that there are some young people who cause problems in their community, but there are many others who make a fantastic contribution to society.

Small towns right for big business
Prosperity for rural Queensland is one of the four main themes of the Blueprint for the Bush — a 10-year plan to work with rural and remote communities to secure a sustainable future. The success of Dalby-based company, Dingo Australia, is a reminder that businesses looking for reliable suppliers and a skilled and loyal workforce should consider operating from a rural town.

Babinda’s theatre is picture perfect
Although the Babinda Munro theatre that operates today is different to what it was before Cyclone Larry, it has certainly retained its character.
Communities taking action
Devastated by Tropical Cyclone Larry on 20 March 2006, residents have faced a massive task of cleanup, rebuilding and dealing with the emotional fallout from the event.

Government agencies including the Department of Communities have been there to assist, but today, some 15 months on from the disaster, it is the community members who are taking charge of their future.
Remembering Larry DVD — an important historical resource
As people in Far North Queensland affected by Tropical Cyclone Larry went about rebuilding their devastated communities, local historian and radio producer Suzanne Gibson was behind the scenes recording their stories.
Life after Larry
More than one year since the cyclone struck on 20 March 2006, the communities and the locals who live in the region are still finding their feet.

Nominate now for Workforce Development Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2007 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development.
NAIDOC Week turns 50
NAIDOC Week reaches its 50th anniversary this year and a range of activities are planned across the state to celebrate this milestone.
Premier’s Awards for Queensland Seniors now open
Nominations are now open for the 2007 Premier’s Awards for Queensland Seniors which recognise people aged over 50 whose outstanding voluntary work has had a significant impact on their community.
Wellness on the web
The magazine, Eat Well Be Active – Healthy Kids for Life is now available on the web. This online magazine is written for parents and carers to encourage children, from babies to teens, to develop healthy lifestyle habits.
Seniors prepare to celebrate
This year’s Seniors Week is set to be another success with the Department of Communities providing more than $126 000 to 125 community organisations around the state to help them stage activities celebrating older people.
Books help teach children about life on the land
Young children living in urban areas are set to learn more about life on the land through a series of colourful picture books by North Queensland author Jacque Duffy.

Greenvale finds its grass roots
The grass keeps getting greener for the residents of a former mining town who have discovered a sense of community — and each other — after getting involved in a program that has helped reduce their sense of social isolation.
Not just a men’s club
What do older men do when they retire and have time on their hands? Many spend time with family and friends, some stay at home, whereas others go fishing. But for some, the social and emotional isolation that can come with retirement is too much to bear.
Seniors support superior service
The Seniors Card Business Excellence Awards, which started in 1995, is the only Queensland award to reward businesses offering outstanding customer service to seniors.

Ravenshoe leads training trends in community services sector
Workers at Ravenshoe’s two community organisations have been quick to take up opportunities for skills recognition and training offered through the Queensland Government’s Strengthening Non-Government Organisations strategy.

Leading the way for Indigenous youth
Known for her outspoken opinions and strong youth advocacy, Young Australian of the Year Tania Major talks about her experience in participating in the first Young Indigenous Leaders Forum and being a young leader.
Steps towards a safer Brisbane CBD
In a bid to promote central business district (CBD) premises as safe, vibrant and enjoyable, licensees are banding together to address safety and security issues. A new Brisbane CBD Liquor Partnership has been established between the city council, state government, police and business to promote the wellbeing of patrons and the local community.

Big Feat program puts the ball in the court of young people
Andre Moore inspires young people at Brisbane’s Youth Detention Centre to shoot for their own goals.
Crime and compassion
Youth justice conferencing has been around for nearly 10 years and since its inception has been a constructive and powerful alternative to the courts for young offenders.
Outstanding young volunteers recognised for their effort
The 2007 Queensland Young Volunteers Awards is testament to the significant — yet often unrecognised — contribution many young people make to the community.