Blog

BPW North Lakes’ Inaugural Awards Night a Huge Success!

Jillian-Standsfield-BPW-North-Lakes-Youth-Award

Business and Professional Women North Lakes inaugural Awards Night recognises outstanding women in the Moreton Bay Region.

The BPW awards night, held at the new North Lakes Hotel, saw winners chosen from five categories by a judging panel of members from the community including local Labor MP, Chris Whiting (Member for Bancroft).

BPW Awards Night Coordinator, Kylie Stretton, who chaired the ceremony, said, “It was an extraordinary night with many inspirational women.”

Women from the region were nominated across a variety of categories including Youth, Student Bursary, Sports Achievement, Humanitarian, and Inspirational with judges also awarding a Recognition Award on the night due to the high standard of the nominees.

All winners received an exquisite bunch of roses, etched glass vase commemorating their category win, and a certificate in recognition of their achievement.

BPW North Lakes are proud to announce their winners:

BPW North Lakes Youth Award – Lauren Plaistow
Smile Home Loans Student Bursary Award – Jillian Stansfield
BPW North Lakes Sports Achievement Award – Tianah Potter
Century 21 North Lakes Humanitarian Award – Rochelle Courtenay
Bright Training & Employment Partners Inspirational Woman Award – Trish Springsteen
Judge’s Recognition Award – Kylie Burford

Nominees were required to write about their future aspirations and goals, achievements and interests as well as share one aspect about BPW that resonates with them. This information was provided to the panel of judges who interviewed each nominee and had the tough decision of choosing one winner in each category.

BPW North Lakes has gone from strength to strength since its charter in 2015. President Beck Parry and members welcome you to their monthly luncheon. BPW North Lakes meet on the third Thursday of each month at the North Lakes Hotel at 11:30am.

30/06/2018 | mandah

Body Corporates Behaving Badly: Building Maintenance Part 2

Body-corporates-behaving-badly-building-maintenance-Zande-Law

Last month, we discussed how maintenance obligations are divided between the Body Corporate (BC) and individual Lot owners according to the definition of “common property”.

In this part we cover the rules that govern how and when a BC may authorise repair/maintenance work, the difference between maintenance and improvements and the consequences for maintenance neglect.

The rules: Generally, the BC committee has the power to authorise any building maintenance up to a limit of the total number of Lots in the complex (“Qty/Lots”) multiplied by $200.00. Each individual BC has the power to increase the spend limit but otherwise, any maintenance cost in excess of the limit must be approved at a general BC meeting. If the work will cost in excess of Qty/Lots x $1100.00 (or $10,000.00 whichever is less) then a minimum of two quotes must be obtained. Any committee for a BC covered by the Commercial Module has no spend-limits except for the universal rule that it must always act reasonably. Any maintenance falling outside these rules must be approved by a BCCM Adjudicator.

Is it maintenance or an improvement: The basic rule is that anything which repairs or replaces a pre-existing item in the BC complex will be considered to be “maintenance” and therefore capable of action by the BC committee in the usual way. Any work which stands to create something new will be classified as an “improvement” and as such can only be authorised at a
general BC meeting.

The consequences of neglect: A BC that fails to properly maintain any part of the common property, usually becomes directly liable to compensate any Lot owner or visitor who suffers financial loss as a consequence of the building defect. Compensation will be for repair/replacement of damaged property or medical bills but can also extend to cover economic loss such as the loss of rental income. Where the neglect is extreme, the BC risks having its insurance voided and the BC committee members can even be sued personally for payment of compensation out of their own money. Where the maintenance neglect is by an individual Lot owner of their own unit, the BC has the right to enter and perform the work inside the relevant Lot and then bill the Lot owner for it. This may seem brutal but a BC that fails to take action, again, becomes exposed to pay compensation to any other effected lot owner or visitor.

If any readers of this article have questions relating to their personal BC situation then we at Zande Law are presently offering a free initial consultation service. Just give us a call and we would be happy to book you in for an appointment. Michael Zande is the principal at Zande Law Solicitors and has over 25 years’ experience. To contact Michael for advice, phone 3385 0999, Suite 7, Norwinn Centre, 15 Discovery Drive, North Lakes.

The information in this article is merely a guide and is not a full explanation of the law. This firm cannot take responsibility for any action readers take based on this information. When making decisions that could affect your legal rights, please contact us for professional advice.

30/06/2018 | mandah

Last chance to WIN your Water and Sewerage Bills Paid for a Year!

What would you do with a spare $1500?

June Henderson, of Golden Beach, put it towards some maintenance work on her house. Mt Mellum’s Graham and Ella Reeks donated a portion to charity. Strathpine locals Margaret and Graham Neilson visited their grandchildren in Melbourne. And Andrew and Miranda van Veen of Nambour used it to help with their children’s education.

They’re all previous winners of Unitywater’s Go Paperless to Win competition, which encourages customers to sign up to receive their bill by email or SMS.

The prize is water and sewerage bills paid for a year, up to a value of $1500, and the competition is closing soon.

There are three more prizes up for grabs – one in each of the Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions.

Those who already receive their bill electronically are automatically entered into the draw.

Ms Henderson said she signed up to receive her bill by email as it was convenient.

“You never have to worry about forgetting to pay the account and incurring late fees, and you can keep an eye on your water usage,” Ms Henderson said.

Ella Reeks agreed. “Everything comes to me electronically these days, so it makes sense to manage bills online,” she said.

“It’s convenient and hassle-free, and you might win a year’s bills! Why wouldn’t you sign up?”

Mrs Neilson said she was thrilled to win the prize. “It makes the difference between seeing our grandchildren in Melbourne and just speaking to them on the phone,” she said.

Unitywater Executive Manager, Customer and Community, Judy Bailey, said going paperless allowed customers to access their account online, receive their bills by email or SMS, and choose convenient payment options.

“It’s secure, convenient and mobile”, Ms Bailey said. “It is also environmentally-friendly and more efficient, enabling us to keep our costs as low as possible.

“For those who are worried they might forget to pay their bill, we have a reminder service which is activated on the date the bill is due, if it hasn’t already been paid.”

The competition closes on 15 July. For more information and to sign up, visit www.unitywater.com/win

30/06/2018 | mandah

Healthy Future for New North Lakes’ Trainees

Two high school students have kick started their health careers at the North Lakes Health Precinct.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, Steven Miles said it was great to provide real opportunities for young adults so that they can grow their skills and pursue rewarding careers.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to not only bettering the health of Queenslanders, but to supporting and developing the next generation of healthcare workers and emerging leaders,” Mr Miles said.

As part of the Metro North Hospital and Health Service School-based Traineeship Program, the two trainees will attend school four days a week and work one day a week at North Lakes Health Precinct, while completing their Certificate III in Business Support.

“This comprehensive program gives students the chance to join and learn from our great team of healthcare professionals in North Brisbane,” Mr Miles said.

“The two trainees are part of a broader group of 32 school-based trainees beginning traineeships at Caboolture, Redcliffe and Kilcoy Hospitals, Brighton Health Campus and GP Oral Health Services during 2018.

“The traineeship program has increased from 19 students in 2017, to 32 in 2018.”

For school-based Trainee, Bethany Edwards, who is in Grade 11 at Kilcoy State High School, the opportunity to work at North Lakes was too good an opportunity to pass up.

“I have always wanted to do something in business and felt that the traineeship would be great hands on experience,” she said.

“The traineeship will give me an idea of what career pathway I would like to explore after high school.”

Community, Indigenous and Subacute Service (CISS) acting Executive Director, Tami Photinos said CISS was pleased to be involved in the community-based program, which would build our future workforce while giving these trainees some invaluable experience.

“Since 2005, 208 students have enrolled in the Metro North Hospital and Health Service School-based Traineeship Program,” she said.

“After 12 years in operation, nearly 70 per cent of graduates from the traineeship program are still employed across our service.”

One of those graduates was Nataya O’Reilly, who is currently working at the North Lakes Health Precinct as an Administrative Officer following completion of her traineeship.

Nataya, who completed her studies last year while at Clontarf Beach State High School, said the program gave her great experience, and the confidence and competence to take the next step in her career.

The Metro North Hospital and Health Service School-based Traineeship Program will see school-based trainees participating from Pine Rivers, North Lakes, Bray Park, Caboolture, Kilcoy, Narangba, Redcliffe, Glasshouse, Bribie Island and Albany Creek High Schools.

The 32 trainees will be pursuing a range of qualifications across aged care, allied health, nursing, dental assistance, kitchen operations, horticulture or information technology.
The trainees are employed through the Australian Training Company, a not-for profit group training organisation while completing their Grade 11 and 12 studies at private and public high schools.

30/06/2018 | mandah

3 Qualities to Look for in Your Perfect Agent

A common question asked by those who have never dealt in the Real Estate market is, ‘How do I choose the right agent to sell my home?’ Troy Merker has the answers!

Local Knowledge
Real estate is a local game. Not only should your agent know all the price trends and recent sales in the market, they should have local knowledge about schools and their catchment areas, shops and public transport. They should know the development history of the area and to what extent local infrastructure such as train lines, affects neighbouring home prices.

Honest & Personable
First impressions always count! Keep in mind that you are going to have a working relationship for a while. Ask friends, family or neighbours for their recommendations. Balancing honesty with good credentials and sales skills, as well as being a good listener is required. Ask your agent for an honest opinion on the presentation of your home. Is there anything they could perhaps suggest that may make the property more appealing?

Motivated & Transparent
Your agent should offer you a very competitive marketing package that is value for money, with marketing strategies to promote your home on several platforms. Done properly, this will save you a lot of time and money. Their objective should be to get you the best possible price in the shortest timeframe. Ask if there are any additional fees not already mentioned. You want to get the best sale price at the end of the day, without spending a fortune!

My advice: Interview at least three agents and choose one who shows professional and personal skills and a depth of local market knowledge. Ensure your prospective agent is licensed and ask for a list of their referral clients to get their personal experience in dealing with them, just to be sure. Happy selling!

I am a local Real Estate Agent who has been working in the real estate market for almost ten years. If you are looking for a professional, no-nonsense approach to the sale of your home, please feel free to give me a call on 0406 532 821.

30/06/2018 | mandah

Avoid the Holiday Breakdown

During the school holidays do you ever feel like you’re having a breakdown?

Let car trouble be the least of your worries these school holidays with these top tips from the experts at Lakes Hyundai. Whether you’re travelling great distances or just running around greater Brisbane in adventure mode with the family, by taking your vehicle for a health check at Lakes Hyundai, this will ensure that your holiday time is a fun time!

Before setting off on your adventure, the key areas to keep an eye on are:
– Handle the pressure! Making sure that your tyre pressure is at the recommended PSI and your tyres are in acceptable condition. The acceptable depth within your tyre depth should be no less than 1.5mm.
– Keep it cool! You must ensure that your engine oil & coolant levels are high, especially on long road trips in Queensland’s extreme weather conditions. The last thing you need is to be 300km out of Brisbane and stranded with your car overheating.
– Stay lit! For optimal safe driving, particularly at night, make sure you check your entire lighting system is working, including break lights.
– Top it up! Last but not least, making sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and the windscreen washers topped up. There’s nothing worse than bug build up on a long drive due to no windscreen washers.

The safest thing you can do for your family is bring your vehicle in for a cost effective Hyundai health check to put your mind at ease before you embark on your family holiday and drive safe!

30/06/2018 | mandah

You Can’t Cut Down Our Mango Trees

Learning that eleven mature, heritage mango trees on Anzac Ave will be cut down, if a proposed eighty-five allotment development proceeds on Anzac Ave without amendment, has galvanized the Mango Hill Progress Association to mount an immediate campaign.

These eleven trees are a healthy section of the seven hundred metre length of the eastern carriageway of the longest Memorial Avenue in Queensland. They are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register and give Mango Hill its name and identity.

For reasons unknown, the Mango Hill Progress Association was not advised by the authorities that these trees were highlighted for removal in a development application submitted to the council in late 2016.

They are now under serious threat if the State Government Minister of Environment and Heritage Protection (LeeAnne Enoch) and Transport and Main Roads Minister (Mark Bailey), do not step in to prevent Moreton Bay Regional Council from approving the current application without amendment. The loss of these trees would not only break the hearts of the local Mango Hill community, but also destroy the confidence of all Queenslanders that the remainder of the one hundred and thirty two trees in Mango Hill are safe, nor in fact, any heritage listed site in Queensland.

A well-attended meeting of the Progress Association on 20th of June, heard Steven Miles, MP for Murrumba, advise residents that the development process was under suspension whilst his Office was seeking a solution. Mr Miles further stated that he would welcome participation by the Progress Association in future discussions. The Progress Association has accepted this invitation.

Whilst this may be positive news for residents, it is no guarantee of success and the Progress Association will continue its campaign and keep the community informed. As stated by Secretary, Mark Kelly, “It beggars belief that they [the planners] sic would consider that the Mango Hill Community would be OK with this!” It will not be OK.

Written by Laurence Christie, President of the Mango Hill Progress Association.

30/06/2018 | mandah

Destination Holiday: Bunya Mountains

Keen to get the kids outdoors and off their screens these Winter holidays? The Bunya Mountains is the ideal location to do so!

The Bunya Mountains are an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range. They rise suddenly from the surrounding plains to an average elevation of 975m; however, two of the mountains (Mount Kiangarow and Mount Mowbullan) tower above sea level at 1100 metres! They’re situated about 150km from the coast and lie almost centrally between Kingaroy and Dalby. Bunya Mountains National Park covers approximately 22,000 hectares of dense subtropical rainforest, eucalypt forests, woodlands and of course, the majestic Bunya pines. The air is so sparkling clean, you can actually taste the freshness, tinged with just a hint of wood smoke.

The location is steeped in rich history. For many thousands of years, Aboriginal people from across the region gathered roughly every three years on the mountains for the Bonye Bonye festival, a celebration of the bountiful harvest of the Bunya Pines. This was a time of feasting, ceremony, dispute settlement, marriage and trade.

With over one hundred holiday houses and cabins to choose from at Bunya Mountains, you are spoilt for choice. Most are situated on spacious blocks with freely roaming red-necked wallabies and abundant parrots, rosellas and kookaburras. The self-contained cabin accommodation is within walking distance to the National Park walking tracks and local amenities. You just need to decide on price, how many to sleep and which view you prefer, straight into the rainforest, over the top of the rainforest or panoramic views over the South Burnett region all the way to the coast!

This ethereal place is absolutely magical in Winter and there’s no shortage of things to do on the mountains. The Bunya Mountains Horse Drawn Tours are an absolute favourite! Feel the power of the Clydesdale draft horses as they pull the cart up the steep incline in the mountain village, while tour operator Allan, expounds on all of the local flora and fauna. He was running a little late, due to a costume problem, he explained (new horse shoes required). You can take part in the daily feeding of the Australian King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas. Remain calm, you may end up with a bird or two on your head!

Be sure to visit Cedarvale, the slab hut museum made from hand-sawn, century old cypress pine logs! Inside is a collection of memorabilia from the settler history of the Bunya Mountains area which was formerly a major timber-logging area. At the base of the mountain, on Dalby Road, lies Gertrude’s Grave. It’s located on private property. Royce doesn’t mind visitors to the grave site but don’t forget to shut the gate, he might get cranky if his cows get out! The plaque tells the story of how Gertrude and her children came to be buried in this pretty spot!
The forest walking trails are of course a must do, as well as some downtime curled up in front of your log fire.

What to bring:

– Pack plenty of warm clothing (beanies, scarves and gloves.) Temperatures are 7-10 degrees colder than the surrounding plains and snow falls approximately once every ten years!
– Fire starters and matches/lighter for your log fire. Cabins are stocked with firewood.
– Insect repellent. Use before heading out on bushwalks. Native wildlife do carry bush ticks.
– Make sure you fuel up, as there is no petrol on the mountain.
– Most accommodation requires you to bring linen, this includes towels, sheets and pillow cases.
– Bring some DVD’s for night time entertainment as the internet service is not great.
– Garbage bags for rubbish.
– First aid kit.

There is a general store (which also sells alcohol), two coffee shops, restaurants and bar. You can also hire linen, if required.
Winter is considered high season, especially the school holidays, so secure your accommodation today! To find out more, make an enquiry or booking, visit www.bunyamountains.com

30/06/2018 | mandah

Community News

New TRYP Hotel for North Lakes

Wyndham Hotel Group announced its second TRYP by Wyndham property in Australia – TRYP North Lakes – following the success of the iconic TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel in Brisbane, opened in 2014.

The 138-room TRYP North Lakes will be part of the AU$250 million, 1.7 hectare Laguna North Lakes development. Laguna North Lakes is set to become an iconic destination thanks to the combined expertise of The George Group, the team behind the highly successful James Street lifestyle precinct in Fortitude Valley, and local company Pointcorp, developers of a series of visionary premium apartment projects in inner-city Brisbane.

“Located in Queensland’s Moreton Bay region, 25km north of Brisbane, Laguna North Lakes has been designed to be a vibrant and active destination offering its visitors access to cafes, restaurants, event spaces, retail offerings and a family friendly pool throughout the day and into the night. “It is an ideal new location for TRYP as we expand into destinations travellers want to discover”, said Matt Taplin, Senior Vice President, Hotel and Resort Operations & Property Development, Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim.

“TRYP Fortitude Valley, with its iconic street art murals and unique personality, has quickly become one of the most iconic places to stay in Brisbane. Likewise, TRYP North Lakes will have its own distinctive character and a vibrant, stylish allure that will attract guests from near and far to experience its contemporary take on hospitality,” he added.

Site works on the hotel are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and it is slated to open by mid to late 2021. It will be managed by Resort Management by Wyndham, which currently operates multiple properties in Australia, including TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel, Brisbane.

All Wyndham Hotel Group properties in South East Asia, participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary new loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group that offers members a generous points earning structure. To find out more about the Wyndham brand, visit www.wyndham.com and for more information about Wyndham Rewards, go to www.wyndhamrewards.com

30/06/2018 | mandah

Operation Cold Snap for the School Holidays

Police are urging drivers heading out these winter school holidays to take care on the roads as Operation Cold Snap kicks off for 2018.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating and Police Minister Mark Ryan launched the operation in Moreton today, which will run from June 29 to July 20.

Cold Snap will focus on the ‘Fatal Five’, the most common killers on Queensland roads:

speeding
drink and drug driving
fatigue
inattention
incorrect seat belt use, or not wearing a seat belt

Assistant Commissioner Keating said extra officers would target the Fatal Five over the school holiday period with a high visibility presence on the roads.

“There will be an increased police presence on the state’s road networks over the next three weeks, with officers maintaining high visibility in order to discourage the contributing factors of road trauma,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

“Drivers should be aware of these risk factors to avoid endangering their own life, those of other people in the vehicle and the lives of other road users.”

Minister Ryan said the winter school holiday period was one of the busiest times on Queensland roads, with people often travelling long distances to and from destinations in relatively short time frames.

“Road safety is everyone’s issue and responsibility, whether you are driving a car, riding a motorcycle or bicycle, a pedestrian or a passenger,” Minister Ryan said.

“We have already seen too many deaths on our roads, so please remember to take your time, plan ahead, put your phone away when you’re behind the wheel, wear your seatbelt, and don’t drive if you’re under the influence.

Tragically, 116 people have lost their lives in traffic crashes on Queensland’s roads so far this year, showing how vital these road safety messages are.

29/06/2018 | mandah

Community News

Local Projects Acknowledging 100th Anniversary of Armistice Receive Funding

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, has commended St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School on receiving Federal Government funding to develop their project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War.

Mr Howarth said St Benedict’s had received $5,300 under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program to support the creation of a memorial wall with commemorative art work and landscaping of monument area.

“This project will be a fitting tribute to appropriately acknowledge the end of the war 100 years ago,” Mr Howarth said.

St Benedict’s represents one of 50 successful applicants receiving funding for community projects to commemorate Australia’s wartime history and the 100th anniversary of the Armistice recently announced by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester.

“This round of grants has been designed to deliver local projects and activities to communities like ours to commemorate Australia’s role in the First World War and pay tribute to service men and women and the Armistice Centenary,” Mr Howarth said.

“The commitment of schools such as St Benedict’s Primary ensures communities like ours can preserve our local history for future generations,” Mr Howarth said.

Under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program every electorate in Australia will receive up to $50,000 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War.

This is the first announcement of projects under the grant program, with more successful recipients announced over the coming months.

28/06/2018 | mandah

New Radios on the way for Deception Bay SES

Deception Bay SES will be one of the first SES units in Qld to get new and improved radios that will overcome black spots in the local area.

The Deception Bay SES is one of the 79 units that will transition their radio communications to the Government Wireless Network (GWN) under a $15 million Palaszczuk Government Budget initiative.

Craig Crawford MP-Barry-Chris-Whiting-MP

Hon. Craig Crawford MP, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services with 81 year old Deception Bay SES member Barry and Chris Whiting MP.

“We ask a lot of the SES in Deception Bay and they have always been first in when we have dealt with floods in our local community,” said Chris Whiting.

“And now they will have the strong and reliable radio communications they need to get the job done, instead of relying on the mobile phone network.

“Firefighters, police and paramedics are already using the GWN, which is a secure digital communication network that allows multiple agencies to operate on a single channel,”

“We’ve seen the benefits of GWN-equipped radios due to increased coverage and reduced communication black spots, and I’m pleased to see the SES in my electorate will begin using the network.

“This substantial investment means the SES will be able to fully integrate with other agencies during incidents, ensuring all of our fire and emergency services are operating from a single communication network.

“We ask a lot of our SES in times of need, so it is only right the Palaszczuk Government provides the support they need to keep Queenslanders safe,” Mr Whiting said.

Mr Whiting said the funding was included in Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ (QFES) record $702 million 2018-19 budget.

SES groups from the border with New South Wales, out to Toowoomba and north to Gympie were due to transition to the GWN over the next two years.

28/06/2018 | mandah

Search Category

Or

Best of Local Magazine

Blog

Business and Professional Women North Lakes inaugural Awards Night recognises outstanding women in the Moreton Bay Region.

BPW North Lakes are proud to announce their winners:

Last month, we discussed how maintenance obligations are divided between the Body Corporate (BC) and individual Lot owners according to the definition of “common property”.

What would you do with a spare $1500?

Two high school students have kick started their health careers at the North Lakes Health Precinct.

A common question asked by those who have never dealt in the Real Estate market is, ‘How do I choose the right agent to sell my home?’ Troy Merker has the answers!

During the school holidays do you ever feel like you’re having a breakdown?

The safest thing you can do for your family is bring your vehicle in for a cost effective Hyundai health check to put your mind at ease before you embark on your family holiday and drive safe!

Learning that eleven mature, heritage mango trees on Anzac Ave will be cut down, if a proposed eighty-five allotment development proceeds on Anzac Ave without amendment, has galvanized the Mango Hill Progress Association to mount an immediate campaign.

Keen to get the kids outdoors and off their screens these Winter holidays? The Bunya Mountains is the ideal location to do so!

What to bring:

Wyndham Hotel Group announced its second TRYP by Wyndham property in Australia – TRYP North Lakes – following the success of the iconic TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel in Brisbane, opened in 2014.

Police are urging drivers heading out these winter school holidays to take care on the roads as Operation Cold Snap kicks off for 2018.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, has commended St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School on receiving Federal Government funding to develop their project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War.

Deception Bay SES will be one of the first SES units in Qld to get new and improved radios that will overcome black spots in the local area.

North Lakes Now Magazine