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Babies, Books and Rhymes
Fridays 9.30
Corinda Library

Toddler Time
Wednesdays 9.30
Corinda Library

Children's Storytime
Thursdays 9.30am and Saturday 9.30am
Corinda Library

CORINDA LIBRARY

Roald Dahl Day*
3:30-4:30pm, Thursday, 14 September
Join the fun with games and activities based on some of this much loved author's most famous books. Ideal for children aged 6-11 years.

Computer skills two*
11am-12:30pm, Wednesday, 20 September
Build on your skills by learning how to create basic Word documents, find useful programs, and manage files and folders on a Windows computer.

Maker space*
2-4pm, Friday, 22 September
Drop into the libray to try your hand at crafts using picture book covers. Ideal for children aged 5-12 years.

Meet Ruth Bonetti*
10:30-11:30am, Tuesday, 26 September
Join Ruth Bonetti as she discusses her second instalment of the Back family saga Midnight Sun to Southern Cross.

Library e-books for Androids and iPads*
11am-12:30pm, Wednesday, 27 September
Basic device skills required.

Maker space*
2-4pm, Friday, 29 September
Try your hand at crafts using picture book covers. Ideal for children aged 5-12 years.

Facebook basics*
11am-12:30pm, Wednesday, 4 October
Basic computer skills, internet skills and an email account are required.

First Friday craft group
1:30-3pm, Friday, 6 October
Drop into our First Friday craft group and bring your favourite craft to work on and share.

Simple photo editing*
11am-12:30pm, Wednesday, 11 October
Learn how to organise your photos, make simple changes to digital photos before printing and create photobooks. Bring your own photos or use sample images provided. Basic computer and internet skills required.

Urban native gardening*
1-2:30pm, Saturday, 14 October
Join horticulturalist Claire Bickle as she shares a lifelong love of native gardens during this session for the Brisbane urban gardener.

Second Saturday book club*
2-3pm, Saturday, 14 October
Please contact the library for further information.

iPad skills one*
11am-12:30pm, Wednesday, 18 October
Learn how to use the basic features of an iPad. Perfect for the first time user. Bring your own iPad.

Drop in and meet NAO*
10-11am, Thursday, 19 October
See how this amazing humanoid robot can sense its environment and interact with people using surprisingly lifelike gestures and movement. Ideal for all ages.

Literary event: 25 years of Looking for Alibrandi*
2-3pm, Saturday, 21 October
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the story of Josie, Jacob, John and many other much loved characters, join us for a literary event to discuss this incredible novel.

Tai Chi
8-9am, Tuesdays
Sherwood Arboretum

Aqua Aerobics
11-11:45am, Saturdays
From 7 October
Dunlop Park Pool, Corinda

Beginner Swimming Program for Adults*
11:45-12:45am, Saturdays
From 7 October
Dunlop Park Pool, Corinda

Aqua Yoga
9:30-10:30am, Fridays
From 6 October
Dunlope Park Pool, Corinda

Dance2BFit
9:30-10:30am, Tuesdays
From 3 October
Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Deep Water Running
9:30-10:30am, Sundays
From 8 October
Dunlop Park Pool, Corinda

Fitness 4 Me
9:30-10:30am, Wednesdays
From 4 October
Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

GOLD

Swiss Ball and Pilates*
9:30-10:30am, Mondays
(not on school or public holidays)
Low intensity, easy workout. Contact Jenny on 0410 010 316 to book.
Chelmer Community Centre

NIA Dance*
1:30-2:30pm, Wednesdays
23 Aug to 13 Sep
Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre

FOR THE KIDS

ACT-ivate Children's Club (Junior 3-4 years)*
3:30-4:30pm, Wednesdays
From 11 October
Using balls, hoops, parachutes, tunnels, jumping sacks, puppets, storybooks, costumes and music, participants will explore all the different ways their growing bodies can move.
Sherwood Arboretum

ACT-ivate Children's Club (Senior 5-10 years)
3:30-4:30pm, Wednesdays
From 11 October
Bookings essential. Come and play ball games, brave the obstacle courses and relays, enjoy sack and egg and spoon races, participate in drama based interactive games and much more!
Sherwood Arboretum

Kindy Dance
9:30-10:30am, Tuesdays
From 3 October
Ken Fletcher Park

All items marked with * require bookings. Please visit Council's website here to view event information and requirements.

GOLD

Tai Chi
9-10am, Thursdays
Brisbane Corso Park, Yeronga

FOR THE KIDS

Fitness Bootcamp*
9-10am, 16 and 22 Sep
Fehlberg Park, Yeronga

Revolutions Skateboarding Clinic
10:30am-12pm, 20 and 27 Sep
Learn to skateboard in a fun, safe and easy environment.
J.F. O'Grady Park, Fairfield

All items marked with * require bookings. Please visit Council's website here to view event information and requirements.

Social Group
10am-12pm, Mondays
$3 per session
Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre

Graceville Social Soccer
Friday mornings from 6am to 7am
Graceville Memorial Oval
Players of all standards welcome for an easy going kick around (no hard tackles!).
Contact Paul if you would like more information: 0414 228 736

Nature Babes
9:30am - 11:30am Wednesdays
0-5yrs Playgroup
Benarrawa CDA
79 Waratah Ave, Graceville
Ph: 3379 9925 or email

Oxley Chelmer History Group Meeting Dates
20 October
1 December (at another venue)
Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL, Corinda

English Classes
Advanced: 10am -11:30am Tuesdays
Beginner: 10am - 11:30am Thursday
Acacia Ridge Community Centre

Parenting Conversation Corners
1:30 - 2:30pm Thursdays
Indooroopilly Uniting Church

Western Suburbs Asperger Support Group
7pm on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month
Jane 0448 909 863
St Matthews Church Hall, Sherwood

Chelmer Speakers Group
Learn to speak in public and enjoy it
Sherwood AFL Club
41 Chelmer Street East, Chelmer Brisbane Qld 4075

Ukulele Community Group
2pm - 4pm Sundays
Ph: Ian on 0439 715 144
Corinda State School

Sherwood Senior Citizens' Club
9am-12pm Every Thursday
Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Sherwood Rd and Thallon St, Sherwood

Morning tea at 9am followed by group meeting and activities
For more information ph: Margaret 0407 075 446

Rotary Club Taylor Bridge
Tuesdays 6:30pm
Corinda State High School
Ph: 3379 2002 for more details.

Chelmer and District Probus Club
9.45am Every fourth Tuesday of month
Corinda Bowls Club, Hall Avenue
Kathy - 3379 7237 for more details

Sherwood Probus Club
Every 3rd Friday of month
Magpies AFL Club
Chelmer St E, Chelmer
3372 7525 for more details

Oxley Creek Common Carers
Tuesdays 7-9am
Volunteer weeding group
Meet at the red shed
Sherwood Rd, Rocklea
Ph 0429 911 555

Gardening Club
10am every second Tuesday
Acacia Ridge Community Centre

Sherwood Arboretum Working Bee
8am - 10am every third Sunday of the month
Joseph Street Garden Shed, Sherwood

Graceville Community Garden
Sundays 7am
Benarrawa Community Centre
79 Waratah Ave, Graceville
Ph: 3379 9925

Centenery Theatre Group Performance Dates

Good Grief
9-30 September

There Goes the Bride
4-25 November

Items marked with * require bookings if not stated otherwise.

Contact the relevant library or
3403 8888.

Yesterday the High Court approved the commencement of the postal plebiscite for marriage equality. Over the next month, you will be sent a letter from the Federal Government asking you to vote yes or no to the following question "should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?".

I encourage everyone to have their say in the plebiscite and consider voting yes. I strongly believe that human rights should not be restricted by a person's gender, race, age or sexual orientation. Everyone should be equal before the law and the fact that two people of the same gender who love each other can't marry because a Federal Government law, the Marriage Act, says they can't in my view is wrong. I will be voting yes and I hope you do to.  

25 countries around the world have recognised marriage equality, including our nearest neighbour New Zealand and conservative nations, like Ireland. Brisbane City Council, is one of more than 40 Council's around Australia that also supports marriage equality, giving real meaning to one of our Council's core values, inclusivity.  

I would much rather our Federal parliament simply voted, as they have done more than 20 times since the Marriage Act was introduced in 1961 and saved taxpayers the $122m cost of the survey, but it's going ahead and it's now time to speak up.

On a much sadder note, I am sorry to say there was a vicious dog attack at Graceville two weeks ago involving two wandering dogs with no collars. I am sure the owners of these dogs, who killed another resident's beloved family pet would never have thought such a thing could happen. These dogs have now been identified and impounded. Please remember, dogs are required to be on leads at all times unless in a designated dog-off leash area. Council does conduct patrols from time to time and you can be fined. Please also take the time to check your fence and ensure that your dogs cannot get out of your yard. I thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Regards, Nicole

P.S. Recently Scott Emerson sent a letter to Chelmer residents indicating that Council had purchased the old Neilson Home in Rosebery St, Chelmer for a new Walter Taylor Bridge. This is not true. I've had quite a few enquiries about this and I have confirmed via Council's rates records and a question on notice that the land is still owned by the Church. I put it down to State election fever. 

Council have now begun rolling out its $3.2 million road safety initiative at traffic and accident hotspots. The solar powered, LED signs will be installed at fixed locations on local roads projecting flashing illuminated safety and warning messages. 

Two signs will be installed in both directions on approach to the pedestrian crossing outside Graceville Uniting Church. The sign will display a warning of the approaching pedestrian crossing as well as a flashing 'Slow Down' message.

This is a very busy pedestrian crossing, leading to two nearby schools, Christ the King and Graceville State School, so it will help to warn motorists about children crossing. In addition, the crossing is used by residents heading to the Rail Station and recreational walkers and cyclists. 

The sign is scheduled to be installed from November, with four signs a year to be rolled out in each ward.

Work is due to begin in October on Council's $43,000 refurbishment of the netball toilets in Faulkner Park, Graceville. Work includes:

• clean, repair and paint exterior;
• clean, repair and paint interior;
• re-surface interior floor;
• replace all toilet pans, cisterns and sinks; and
• mirrors in female and male toilets.

I will continue to lobby for further funding in future budgets for Graceville Memorial Oval toilets.

Sherwood Arboretum Maintenance

Over coming months, Council will begin tree and river boardwalk works in Sherwood Arboretum.

Council has allocated $108,000 to protect and preserve the Kauri Pines, and $95,000 to maintain the boardwalk.

I am also pleased to have personally supported FOSAA's tree naming project with a $10,000 grant from the local parks trust fund.

Join Friends of Sherwood Arboretum for their working bee at 8am, every third Sunday of the month. Contact 3278 6525 for more info.

Graceville Memorial Park Basketball Court Complete

Work is complete and the basketball court is now open at Graceville Memorial Park. 

The upgrade included:

• old surface cleaned and diamond ground;
• cracks filled with a seal and flex filler;
• fibre glass scrim tape applied to the entire court;
• two coats of an acrylic sports surface; and
• line markings refreshed.

The new court looks great and I can't wait to see families and children enjoying the new area. 

Council provides a range of grant programmes providing funding to help local not-for-profit organisations to develop and improve facilities and services in Brisbane. The folllowing Council Grants are now open:

• Men's Shed Grants Program: Supports the establishment and development of Men's Sheds in Brisbane. $2000 to $20,000 Open until 9 October, 2017.

• Community Development and Capacity Building Program: Funds to local non-for-profit groups to improve and develop services that respond to local and city-wide issues in Brisbane. $2000 to $10,000. Open until 9 October, 2017.

• Building Stronger Communities Grants Program: Funds local not-for-profit community groups to upgrade and maintain facilities and improve their management and planning skills. Up to $100,000 for community facility maintenance and development. Up to $7500 for organisational development. Open until 23 October, 2017.

• Lord Mayor's Helen Taylor Research Award for Local History: Supports history students and independent researchers undertaking history or heritage projects. One award of $20,000. Open until 16 October, 2017.

• Brisbane History Grants: Supports projects that increase the community's access and appreciation of Brisbane's history and heritage. Open to community history groups and historians. $5000 to $20,000. Until 16 October, 2017.

• Seniors Celebration Donation: Supports senior citizen groups towards the cost of activities, such as social outings and Christmas parties. $100 to $300. Open until 3 October, 2017.

Of course, I would be more than happy to provide a letter of support for any local group applying for a grant. If you require one, please let me know by emailing my office here or by phoning on 3403 8605.

Between July and December some of Brisbane's native bird species, particularly Magpies, may become defensive and swoop people who venture too close to their nesting site.

Most magpies and other swooping bird species will accept the presence of people within their territories, however when attacks do occur, they usually take place within a one hundred metre radius around the tree containing the nest.

While Magpies are a nuisance, they are protected under the State Wildlife Legislation (Nature Conservation Act 1992) and therefore, cannot be moved or harmed by Council. If you notice a Magpie or other bird species is swooping, please let my office know and we can ask Council to erect warning signage at the location. My office can be contacted on 3403 8605 or, after hours, contact the Council Call Centre on 3403 8888. 

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to try and discourage magpies from nesting in your yard. Ensure you:

• do not feed magpies, ensure no scraps of food or rubbish are left lying around
• remove unnecessary sources of water from the backyard (if magpies are causing a nuisance)
• do not remove nests or eggs and never touch a young bird. If you are concerned for the safety of the young, phone Council's Native  Animal Ambulance on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
• do not disturb the birds when there are fledglings in the nest
• do not throw objects, at the bird or destroy the nest as this will increase their defence efforts

GRACEVILLE STATION ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADE 

The following construction activities were recently undertaken at Graceville Rail Station:

• reopening of Honour Avenue and Appel Street footpaths and street parking
• recommencement of train services from platform 1 following upgrade works
• lighting upgrades
• subway flooring upgrade and hoarding removal.

In the coming weeks, customers and the community can expect to see the following construction activities:

• CCTV upgrades
• lift testing

Residents and other stakeholders will be given advance notification of construction activities likely to cause impacts, including after hours work (nights and Sundays, as required).

The Graceville station accessibility upgrade is expected to be completed in late-2017, weather and construction conditions permitting.