Blog

ComLink North Lakes is up, operational and ready to assist our community.

ComLink is a not-for-profit organisation and charity providing personalised transport services and care to the aged and disabled for social outings, shopping and medical appointments.

Thanks to federal Home and Community Care funding, the long established Sunshine Coast community transport organisation now provide these much needed services in the greater Moreton Bay and North Brisbane regions. They are also currently undertaking expansion into Bundaberg, Ipswich, Cairns, Townsville and satellite sites in Gympie, Childers and Gin Gin.

It is recognised that living a balanced and fulfilling life is intrinsic to our health and wellbeing, so ComLink’s transport services are not limited to medical appointments but also transport clients to shopping centres for social outings, hair appointments to maintain their social inclusion. They will even provide staff to assist with shopping requirements.

ComLink drivers have basic first aid skills, have undergone a police check and hold a blue card, as well as receiving training in policy, induction, driver fatigue and sometimes specialty areas such as caring for someone with dementia.

ComLink averages provides hundreds of trips per week in the Moreton Bay Region and due to a rising demand for our services in the North Lakes and surrounding areas, ComLink are in regular need of volunteer drivers to help transport clients and be involved in the community.

The North Lakes division drivers predominantly undertake medical transport services for Queensland Health including hospital transfers, admissions and discharges, as well as some trips for the transport disadvantaged.

If you would like to help people in need in your community you might consider becoming a ComLink volunteer. You should hold a current small or medium vehicle license, preferably for bus, but car license holders will be considered as well.

Steve Mason, a volunteer driver and long-term resident of North Lakes said the thing he enjoys most about volunteering is meeting people. “I have always believed in a sense of community and by volunteering, I personally get back a lot more than I give,” says Steve.

Many of ComLink’s 3,800+ clients rely on ComLink as their only means of transport. “Everyone working for ComLink is considered family. The level of commitment is completely up to them,” says Ms Adra, ComLink Chief Executive.

If you are interested in becoming a ComLink volunteer, please contact Mobility Manager Robyn Elkojje on 1300 761 011 or visit their website – ComLink Volunteers.

ComLink Drivers wanted in North Lakes

On Saturday 29th March, the second Mango Hill Markets was held with a wonderful turnout by both stallholders and patrons. 70+ stallholders were involved showing their wares, services, performances, rides and games.

The event was hosted in the grounds of St. Benedicts Primary School at St Benedicts Close, Mango Hill and was a credit to the organisers.

The market was under threat from rain as it has been a very wet week, but thankfully the sun was shining, if only for the duration of the markets. Well done to the organisers for diverting the stormclouds. We look forward to many more market days.

Stallholders and exhibitors included the Institute of Modern Tae Kwon Do, Lil Shimmeys Dance & Fitness, Grasshopper Soccer, GameOn Family Fun Centre, Berry Good Jam and Chutney, Lime Physical Therapy, Fitness Matters Gym, Vivace School of Music, Kerobi Crystals, Wray Organic Market and Cafe and Click With You Photography.

We have posted some pictures of the day below and we look forward to keeping you updated on future Mango Hill Markets.

Please view the Mango Hill Markets event page for the date and details of the next Mango Hill Markets.

Mango Hill Markets Train

After 10 years of continuous lobbying to the local council by the Mango Hill Progress Association for a “Welcome to Mango Hill Village” sign, the installation of this new sign on Thursday 20th March is  a tribute to the perseverance of a community.

Located on Kinsellas Road West, just along from Light Horse Court, this new sign reflects the semi-rural history and bush setting of this small village with it’s own bush belt, defining it’s character and community values amidst the rapidly developing satellite city of North Lakes.

Your comments on the sign and the chosen design are welcome.

A crane has lifted into place the steel bridge over Wywurri Creek to complete the section of the new cycleway/walking path linking the St. Benedicts School side of Anzac Avenue to Capestone Boulevard. This will provide safe cycle and foot access for students and families.

With the Capestone development ramping up, as evidenced by the current clearing of Kinsellas Heights, there is a real need for a co-ordinated pathways program in both Mango Hill and North Lakes.

It is hoped that these pathways will not only connect adjacent areas but will also link into the new Moreton Bay Rail corridor, which will extend from Petrie to Kippa-Ring and will include it’s own dedicated shared pathway (cycle / walk-way) the 12km length of of the corridor.

Federal and State Members Luke Howarth and Reg Gulley addressed over 50 residents at the Mango Hill Progress Associations AGM last night.

Reg Gulley presented lifetime membership plaques each to Gail Christie and Bronwyn Ninness for their service over many years and wished farewell to Yvonne Mackenzie after 23 years of devoted service to the Mango Hill Progress Association.

Both Luke and Reg took questions from the audience and topics raised were issues such as the need for more Australia Post post boxes in North Lakes and a request for additional signage on the Bruce Highway southbound to include “Mango Hill”.  This will help southbound drivers not to miss the turn off to Mango Hill, which results in a journey all the way to Bald Hills before one can legally turn around and go back.  (14 km journey).

One local resident raised a large disparity in the speed of internet connections from house to house in the same street with some achieving above 5MBPS, with others such as himself unable to get more than 2MBPS regardless of numerous efforts with Telstra and to make matters worse, the new estate just meters away all have NBN connections.

It is certainly good to see the members attend community meetings as it provides them with real examples of community concern. Reg Gulley has already attended an number of Mango Hill Progress Association meetings this year and the Association also thanks Luke for his attendance last night.

Mango Hill Progress Association meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at the Mango Hill Community Hall adjacent to Danzy Buchanan Park. For more information, please visit the Mango Hill Progress Association website.