Weekender - Adventure awaits as Escape Grid opens to public - Cheeky Tiki rides craft cider popularity wave - Bundaberg ...
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weekender Saturday 13 March 2021
Cheeky Tiki
rides craft cider
popularity wave
Popular picnic
returns for Taste
Festival 2021
Adventure awaits Free chemical
waste disposal
as Escape Grid service offered
opens to public by Council
contents
3 Popular picnic
returns for Taste
Festival 2021
4
Cover story
Adventure awaits
as Escape Grid
opens to public
6
What’s on in
the Bundaberg
Region
7
Free chemical waste
disposal service
offered by Council
8
Drum Corps return
to Brisbane Anzac
Day Parade Escape Grid opens thi
s weekend.
Photo of the week
9
J&A Metal Roofing
pair love the Photo by @andrew_buesnel
Bundy lifestyle
10
Cheeky Tiki rides
craft cider
popularity wave
12
Pursuing a
passion for
theatre
14
Johnson’s riverside
garden a backyard
getaway
16
Bargara a beautiful
backdrop for Bundy
Brass concert
17
ASP Taekwondo
team wins big at
Sunshine Coast open
NEWS
Attendees enjoy the popular Farm Flavours Picnic in 2019.
Popular picnic returns
for Taste Festival 2021
Megan Dean
Taste Bundaberg Festival is back to 250 this year, to ensure more people can
in 2021 delivering unique culinary enjoy this wonderful experience.”
experiences that celebrate the region’s The major sponsor for the Farm Flavours Picnic
food bowl status, including the popular in 2021 will once again be Macadamias Australia
Farm Flavours Picnic. and director Janelle Gerry said the company
was pleased to support the event.
While the festival may have taken a brief “Macadamias Australia is proud to again be
intermission during the COVID-19 pandemic, sponsoring the Farm Flavours Picnic, a charity
the region’s agricultural and culinary industries event bringing together our community and
didn’t miss a beat. visitors to the region,” Janelle said.
Opportunities to experience farm fresh produce “Macadamias Australia is looking forward to
and dining delights have continued to expand opening its doors to the new tourism experience
in the region, all of which will take centre stage and local provenance café to coincide with the
during this 10-day festival. Taste Festival 2021.”
Bundaberg Regional Council events portfolio Cr Learmonth said Council was thrilled to once
spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the again have the support of Macadamias Australia
much-anticipated festival would tantalise the and to hold the picnic on its picturesque
tastebuds while promoting all that the region property.
had to offer as the nation’s food bowl.
Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid said
“The 2021 program for Taste Bundaberg Festival the region’s reputation as a foodie paradise was
is set to be the most impressive yet, with growing fast.
celebrity and local chefs and Bundaberg Region
producers combining to showcase our culinary “We live in one of Australia’s most prolific
credentials,” Cr Learmonth said. food bowls, growing 25% of Australia’s fresh
produce, and are world-famous as the home of
“While we are not releasing all of the details just Queensland iconic flavours, such as Bundaberg
yet, we can reveal that the incredibly popular Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks,” Katherine
Farm Flavours Picnic will be back. said.
“This unique event, where picnickers are “Taste Bundaberg Festival will harness the
treated to a locally sourced meal nestled in the strong brand already established by Bundaberg
macadamia orchard, usually sells out within culinary icons, and will showcase our chefs,
minutes. our producers and our whole community to
“Having missed out on this special event last Australia’s foodies who are fast discovering that
year as a result of the global pandemic, we know great grows in the Bundaberg Region.”
everyone will be looking forward to its return. The Taste Bundaberg Festival 2021 program and
3
“That is why we have increased ticket numbers ticket sales will be launched on March 29, 2021.
BUSINESS
Beth Scott at the new Escape Grid opening in Bundaberg.
Adventure awaits as Escape
Grid opens to public
Ashley Schipper
Intrigue, excitement and plenty of Beth said teams would have to search high and
surprises are just behind the doors of low for clues and use them to progress through
the room, one puzzle at a time.
Escape Grid, which will open to the
public from today.
Located on Mary Street in Bundaberg East,
Escape Grid specialises in immersive and Escape rooms are
interactive escape games for the whole family
to participate in. interactive games in
Owner Beth Scott said she came up with her which players are “locked”
Escape Grid business plan in 2018 and was
now excited to finally open the doors to the in a themed room and
community.
presented with one
“When I understood what escape rooms were
I thought, well what an amazing thing to have mission: to escape.
here in Bundaberg, so I set out plans way back
in 2018,” she said.
“We have three rooms here at Escape Grid, we
Escape rooms are interactive games in which are opening with two on Saturday and our third
players are “locked” in a themed room and room should be available in a few weeks time,”
presented with one mission: to escape. she said.
4
“When participants arrrive for thier booking,
we immerse them in the story of the game they
have been chosen to be part of.
“The game master takes them to the room and
they have one hour to go through the game Discover more
than books
where there are lots of surprises, problem
solving and clues to work out.”
Each of the rooms
has a specified
with the new
age limit.
Escape Grid has something for everyone
Bundaberg
Beth said each of the rooms had a specified age
limit. Regional
“One of our games, Where’s Billy?, is open to
everybody,” she said.
“Old Bob’s Gold Mine is open from age 12 years
Libraries
and up and our third room, which is not yet
open, is for ages 18 years and up.” app
Beth said Escape Grid was best played in a
group setting, with eight people the maximum.
“It is a wonderful team-building activity, you
feed off each other and everyone uses their
own skills and abilities to approach different
problems,” she said.
“Everyone has something different to
contribute.”
Escape Grid will be open to the public from this
Saturday, with bookings to be made online at
escapegrid.com.au.
Beth said the first 40 groups to book would
receive a ticket for one complimentary game,
for one person to use on their next visit.
Escape Grid opens on Saturday March 13,
2021. To find out more about Escape Grid,
visit the Facebook page or the website.
5
KATIE STENZEL + ALEX RAINERI PRESENT
WONDERLAND
T
SOLD-OU
SEASON
&
AT QPAC
BANE
THE BRIS
MUSIC
FESTIVAL
artsbundaberg.com.au
SA T U RD A Y 1 3 MA RC H
13 Mar Exhibition Opening:
Reef Gems & Coral Roses
14 Mar An Evening with John Butler
15 Mar Tai Chi for Health - FREE
Gin Gin Youth Centre, 9.30 -11.30am
Lifeline Crisis Supporter Training -
Information Night
16 Mar Harmony Week Culture Display
17 Mar Balanced Bodies - FREE
Gin Gin Youth Centre, 2 - 3 pm
18 Mar Soft Pastel Basics Workshop
19 Mar Melinda Schneider
A Farewell to Doris
1 Mar
Toad vs Beetle touring exhibition
- 30 Apr
13 Mar National Photographic Portrait
Be the - 28 Mar Prize 2020 Exhibition
first to know David Graham
Photogruzzi 13 Feb - 28 Mar
whatsonbundaberg.com.au
9.30am - 5pm
6
NEWS
Free chemical
waste disposal
service offered
by Council
Ashley Schipper
Unwanted household chemicals can
be disposed of free-of-charge through
Bundaberg Regional Council’s waste
facility on University Drive.
Waste and Recycling portfolio spokesperson
Cr Tanya McLoughlin said as Covid-19 saw
many people staying at home and working on
renovations and projects, there was a surplus in The safe disposal of chemicals is important.
chemical waste such as paint, garden products
and more being utilised throughout the region. of with general waste in the green and yellow
She said it was important for residents to be bins in the Bundaberg Region,” he said.
aware of the correct way to dispose of such “Inappropriate chemical disposal can cause fires
waste. or explosions in garbage trucks and resource
“Chemicals in landfill can harm our community recovery centres, endangering truck drivers, the
and the environment, but there’s an easy community and the environment.”
solution that some residents may not be aware Mark said once chemicals were disposed of
of,” she said. at Council’s waste facility, Cleanaway then
“Containers up to 5 litres can be delivered collected the chemicals for transportation to
for free at Council’s University Drive Waste Brisbane for treatment and safe disposal.
Management Facility. “Cleanaway has a network of treatment facilities
“This includes all domestic cleaning products, strategically located across Australia that can
garden chemicals, pool chemicals and oils.” collect and recover any type of hazardous
waste,” he said.
Cr McLoughlin said through a partnership with
Cleanaway, chemicals were collected from the “Some chemicals recovered in Bundaberg are
waste facility to be disposed or reused in a safe used as an alternate fuel to coal, keeping them
and efficient manner. out of landfill and helping to create a sustainable
future for all communities.”
She said there were stringent processes in place
when it came to chemical disposal.
“These processes include labelling containers, To dispose of chemicals firstly
making sure chemicals are not leaking or stored make sure to:
in broken containers and never throwing away Visit first Council’s website for a
chemical waste into Council bins,” Cr McLoughlin complete guide on what is accepted
said. prior to leaving home
“Put into landfills untreated, chemicals can If it’s not in the original container,
pollute the environment and affect ground make sure you label it
water. Never store chemicals in food or drink
“Sent to recycling centres they are a safety containers
hazard for our staff who hand-sort recycling and Make sure your chemicals are safe
may cause recyclables to be sent to landfill as a before you drop them off – leaking
result of the contamination.” or broken containers will not be
Cleanaway Regional Manager Mark Smith said accepted until they have been made
correctly managing the disposal of hazardous safe for our staff to handle
waste was a top priority for the company. On arrival always declare your
“Chemical waste can be flammable, corrosive, chemicals at the Gatehouse
7
explosive and toxic and should not be disposed
COMMUNITY
It was 2013 when Bundaberg Drum Corps first took centre stage in front of thousands of onlookers during the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade.
Drum Corps return to Brisbane
Anzac Day Parade
Emma Reid
“We will return again this year as the only non-
military band to take part, so it is very special
for us.”
For more than six decades Bundaberg Trevor said ANZAC Day this year would be
Drum Corps has proudly marched on different from previous occasions due to
ANZAC Day, this year they will be the COVID-19 regulations, and it would be the first
only non-military band to perform in time it was held in Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds
instead of the city streets.
the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade.
“Ex-diggers always like marching behind us,
Band Master Trevor Ballantyne said years ago they find it easy to keep to the beat,” he said.
members watched the Brisbane Anzac Day “It is special for us, as we will be honouring the
parade broadcast on television and they thought military and we love tradition.
they should be involved in the significant event.
“We are very similar to military bands with
It was 2013 when Bundaberg Drum Corps regimental type drumming. It will be our senior
first took centre stage in front of thousands members who play and so the sound will be
of onlookers on the streets of Brisbane to superb!
commemorate the landing at Anzac Cove. “You learn drumming from a young age, as we
The momentous occasion will live long into the are trained as children and we know every beat
memory of many members, and Trevor said it – I guess it’s like riding a bike and every beat is
was always a privilege for Bundaberg Drum logged in the brain, and the crowds always love
Corps to return year-after-year. it.”
Trevor said no matter where the Brisbane Anzac
“The Drum Corps has been part of the local
Day Parade was held, he was always excited
ANZAC Day, with the dawn parade and march
when it came to performing.
in the main street, since 1957,” Trevor said.
“With my sons in the army, I have a connection
“It was when we were sitting at home watching to the armed forces and it’s always a big buzz,”
Brisbane’s Anzac Day Parade on television when he said.
we thought we should be there.
With the bands long drumming history, they will
“We put out a call for a 20-piece band, and celebrate their 65th anniversary this year and
we ended up with a 30-piece band instead – Trevor said there were big plans in place for the
8
everyone was very excited. reunion in June.
BUSINESS
Ash and Jack Rahaley, pictured at work on a Bundaberg North re-roofing project this week, are the owners of new roofing company J&A Metal Roofing.
J&A Metal Roofing pair love
the Bundy lifestyle
Craig Ross
Humidity aside, the move to the “We were taking on roofs that were about
Bundaberg Region has been perfect for 17,500m2 and, as a comparison, the average
house in Bundaberg is 160m2. But we also did
Jack and Ash Rahaley, owners of J&A a lot of residential houses in Sydney where it’s
Metal Roofing. mainly new roofs and not as many re-roofing
The former Sydneysiders settled in Calavos four jobs as here.”
years ago with Jack working for local roofing Jack said he and Ash had adapted to the
companies on the tools and in sales before he different roofing requirements in Bundaberg
and Ashley struck out on their own last July. with specific requirements, including the use
Jack said he and Ashley made the lifestyle of additional battens, screws, tie-downs, and
change to provide a better environment for scribing, required to meet cyclone and strong
their three children to grow up in. wind standards.
“We love it up here, the kids are in good schools “We get all our jobs certified by the local
and doing well at school and at home they’ve certifiers and if homeowners get a new roof,
got plenty of space to ride motorbikes and we they can take that certificate to their insurance
can go four-wheel-driving down the beach,” he companies and reduce their premiums,” he said.
said. Jack said J&A Metal Roofing used only Australian
“We try to keep the weekend to ourselves. It’s made products, including BlueScope steel for
good to be able to do the things we want to do the roofing.
and that’s why we moved here.” “We buy our materials locally as well,” he said.
Adding to Jack’s delight with the move north “Everything is sourced from local companies in
is the fact that work has been busy for he and Bundaberg.
Ashley since going into business for themselves “If people spend money on us, we like to spend
a second time. our money in Bundaberg as well.”
“There’s just the two of us, so everything I do Ash For more information about J&A Metal
does as well. It means we have low overheads as Roofing visit Jack and Ash’s website,
well. Facebook page, phone Ash on 0455 667 728
“In Sydney, we did a lot of commercial work. We or Jack on 0474 306 046,
9
worked for ourselves and had 12 employees. or email admin@jandametalroofing.com.
BUSINESS
Ohana Winery and Cheeky Tiki Cider co-owner Zoe Young says the company has experienced a 20 per cent growth in cider sales over the past year.
Cheeky Tiki rides craft cider
popularity wave
Craig Ross
Increased cellar door visits, online (and) Australian consumers have never had
purchases, and the backing of liquor more opportunity to support smaller producers
such as ourselves.
giant Dan Murphy’s has Bundaberg’s
Cheeky Tiki ciders bubbling along
nicely post-COVID-19.
In the lead up to Australian Cider Day on March “It’s really cool for
13, Dan Murphy’s has announced that sales of
craft cider have increased during the past 12
people to come and
months, reflecting a wider trend of customers
wanting to support independent, locally made
visit the cellar door
and grown products. because they can
This trend is reflected at Ohana Winery and
Cheeky Tiki Cider where co-owner Zoe Young
taste any or all of
says craft cider sales have increased by 20 per
cent over the past 12 months.
our products”
Zoe attributed the rise to an increase in the
number of cellar door visitors at Ohana, driven by “It’s really cool for people to come and visit the
the increase in domestic travel to the Bundaberg cellar door because they can taste any or all of
Region, and the backing of Dan Murphy’s. our products that we make here and, once they
“More people at the cellar door means more know what they like, they can purchase online
people are tasting more products, which means and have repeat orders sent out.”
more sales,” Zoe said. Zoe said another reason people were falling in
“Add to that the support of bottle shops like love with craft ciders was that many, including
Dan Murphy’s promoting real Australian cider Ohana’s creations, are made using real fruit.
10She said it had become apparent at weekend
guided tours of the venue that many people
did not realise that only 10 to 15 per cent of
Australian ciders were made using Australian-
grown apples, and they were often impressed
that a natural option was available.
“Eighty-five to 90 per cent of Australian apple
ciders are made with foreign concentrates and
powders, and syrups and some pretty nasty
stuff all brewed up as a chemical concoction,”
Zoe said.
“Some of them even have apple aromas added
to them to make them smell like apples.”
She said visitors were able to taste a significant
difference when presented with a cider created
with real apples.
Starting out in Childers in 2015, Zoe and her
husband Josh, who is co-owner and cider
and wine maker at Ohana, created fruit wines
before broadening their scope to create ciders,
relocating to Bundaberg in August 2018 to
secure greater shed space to meet increased
production demand.
The couple now purchase their apples directly
from Nicoletti Orchards in Stanthorpe, all of
which are crushed onsite at Ohana.
“As we are winemakers, our cider style is made
very similar to a sparkling wine – very fruit
forward, crisp and refreshing as opposed to
more old school farmhouse cider styles which
have an element of funk to them,” Zoe said.
“Of course, we also make a range of apple-based
fruit ciders. This is our speciality – gathering local
Bundaberg fruit, combining it with Stanthorpe
apples and turning it into delicious all-natural
fruit ciders.”
Zoe said one of the advantages of operating
in Bundaberg was the access to Ohana had to
fresh fruit and produce.
She said Ohana used locally grown products,
including strawberries, passion fruit and ginger
to create their ciders and wines and added
that she and Josh enjoyed experimenting with
flavours.
Delivering free
“It’s always fun to experiment, especially here in
Bundaberg because there is so much beautiful,
good news
fresh produce grown here,” she said.
“We like to work with what’s in season. We’ve
online to the
just been chatting with a grower in Gayndah
about some lemons and citrus that are in full
Bundaberg
swing.
“We just love working with the local farmers
Region.
here. Everyone grows such great produce.”
In June 2019, Cider Australia launched the 100
per cent Australian Grown trust mark to help
consumers identify and buy local products, and
Download the
it is now displayed on hundreds of ciders across
Australia including Cheeky Tiki.
Bundaberg Now app.
Ohana Winery and Cheeky Tiki Cider is located
at 5 Alexandra Street, Bundaberg East, and is
open for tastings six days per week. Its ciders
are also available at Dan Murphy’s Bundaberg.
11PEOPLE
Rod Ainsworth reflects on his time as Council’s Arts and Cultural Services Manager.
Pursuing a passion for theatre
Maria McMahon
His love and passion for arts and “The Moncrieff has a revitalised energy about it
culture has driven Rod Ainsworth to a now,” said Rod.
life that revolves around theatre. “Certainly from a physical perspective since the
renovations, but also the business model has
As Council’s Arts and Cultural Services Manager completely changed.
for almost five years, Rod has contributed
greatly to lifting the standard of the Moncrieff “When I first came to Council, primarily it was a
Entertainment Centre and the Bundaberg cinema with the occasional touring commercial
Regional Galleries. show, a hall for hire so to speak.
Soon Rod will leave Council to pursue his passion
as Director of Programming at Queensland
Theatre in Brisbane. “We decided it wasn’t
For Rod, working for Australia’s third largest
theatre company will be a dream come true. viable to continue as a
“Bundaberg has had a long relationship with
Queensland Theatre through their shows and
commercial cinema and
the great work they’ve done in and with our left that to Readings
schools,” said Rod.
“To now have a role where I’ll be focusing on
who do it so well.”
producing their artistic programming, including
large scale productions at QPAC, is excellent.
“It’s a real privilege for me to be working with “We decided it wasn’t viable to continue as a
Artistic Director Lee Lewis and Executive commercial cinema and left that to Readings
Director Amanda Jolly.” who do it so well.
Reflecting on his achievements at Council, Rod “A shift to more live entertainment, which
is proud of the new arts and culture strategy includes a focus on First Nations artists, has
12
introduced at the Moncrieff and Galleries. proved we made the right decision.“Our figures before COVID-19 showed we had
an 82 percent increase in average ticket spend
and a 37 percent increase in audiences over the
three years prior.
“It’s been a massive change and certainly since
reopening, we are seeing the busiest time since
I started at Council.
“It’s absolutely phenomenal and the feedback
we’re receiving from customers is that the vast
menu of options in our programming means
they don’t need to travel to Brisbane.”
The Galleries have also seen a change in
programming and Rod said it’s a credit to the
team who are engaging unique and quality
national exhibitions as well as those from local
artists.
“Within my network
I’m being told that
artists love returning
to Bundaberg because
the experience is so
welcoming.”
Rod said his Arts and Cultural staff are a terrific
bunch of professionals who are outward focused
with an amazing attitude to service.
“It’s not just putting on a show, it’s an experience
for the community, our visitors, our audience as
well as our artists,” he said.
“In this industry it’s about word of mouth and
relationships.
“Within my network I’m being told that artists
love returning to Bundaberg because the
experience is so welcoming.
“They love the fact that our staff provide them
with gift packs of Bundaberg products and
personally sign messages on a card. It’s the
personal touch that counts.
“They also have a great time because our
audiences are so supportive.”
Rod believes the increase in attendance at
the Moncrieff and Galleries has boosted the
economy for businesses within the CBD.
“it’s not just about the arts but the ripple effect
that has in our community, especially when
people make it a night out by combining dinner
with a show,” said Rod.
“If we want to be the best regional community
in Australia, ensuring there’s an energy and vibe
in the community through arts and culture is an
important part of attracting and keeping people
in our region.”
When Rod finishes on the 31 March it will be a
loss for Council but without a doubt, his positive
contribution and passion for the arts will benefit
13
theatre lovers across Queensland.LIFESTYLE
Val Johnson and her husband John have created a floral wonderland in their own backyard.
Johnson’s
riverside garden
a backyard
getaway
Morgan Everett
Since moving into their Sharon “We had kept all this vacant for many years so
property Val Johnson and her husband that we had a river view when we finally built
our home, where we could sit and look over the
John have created a floral wonderland river and our garden.”
in their own backyard. The Bundaberg green thumb said she loved
The couple have lived at their 12-acre block since working away in the garden as it was a place for
1981 but only started developing the garden tranquillity and relaxation.
after retirement in 2006. “I love it because it has gotten me through some
“It was a slow process from starting in about very sad, hard times.” Val said.
2004 and we planted a few big trees to get a “It’s like I go down in there and it’s therapy for
canopy,” Val said. me.
“It wasn’t until we retired in 2006 that we
were really able to get in and start building the
garden.” “I love it because
Val said developing her rainforest area was a
dream come true. it has gotten me
“We chose the property, so we had plenty of through some very
water because my goal was to have a rainforest
garden,” she said. sad, hard times.”
14“Different people say to me, gosh, it’s hard work.
Well, some of it is hard work, but I love what I do.
“I just lose myself in my own little thoughts when Sweet and delicious
I get down there in the garden.” locally grown
Val said she joined gardening clubs to expand
her knowledge, along with her plant collection,
which led to the need for two shade houses.
lemons add zest
Val’s husband John built two shade houses that
are now home to her plant collection and the
to meringue pie
plants she has for sale.
Ingredients
“The sale shade house started and then a bit
later, I said to him, I need another shade house 225g plain flour
because I haven’t got enough room for my 2 tablespoons pure icing sugar
plants that I want to keep.
125g salted butter, chilled, coarsely
“After a lot of whinging he built my second shade chopped
house that I’ve got my collection of plants in.”
2 1/2 tablespoons iced water
Val Johnson’s plant collection has grown
so much that two shade houses are just the Lemon filling
beginning, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. 50g cornflour
“The fellow that worked at the Wholesale Palms 125ml water
and Plants reckoned I had more plants in my
250ml fresh lemon juice
garden than the Botanic Gardens,” Val said.
430g caster sugar
60g butter, coarsely chopped
4 eggs, separated
Method
Sift the flour and icing sugar into a bowl. Use
your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour
mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the water and use a butter knife to stir until
a dough forms. Use your hands to bring the
dough together in the bowl.
Turn onto a sheet of non-stick baking paper and
roll out to a 5mm disc. Line a 23cm pie dish with
the pastry and trim the excess.
Cover the pastry with baking paper. Place in the
fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees and fill the lined
dish with pastry weights or rice. Bake in oven for
15 minutes then remove the paper and pastry
weights or rice.
Bake for a further 15-20 minutes or until crisp and
golden. Set aside to cool completely.
To make the lemon filling, combine the cornflour,
water, lemon juice and half the sugar in a
saucepan.
Use a whisk to stir over medium heat for 4
minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.
Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another
minute. Remove from heat and whisk in butter
and egg yolks.
Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap
and place in the fridge for 3 hours or until cooled
completely.
Preheat oven to 190 degree. Use an electric
beater to beat the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl
until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1
tablespoonful at a time until the mixture is thick
and glossy.
Spread the filling over the base of the pastry
case. Spoon over the meringue mixture and
spread to the edge of the pastry.
Use the back of a spoon to create peaks. Bake in
oven for 5 minutes or until the meringue peaks
are light golden. Set the locally grown lemon
meringue pie aside to cool completely.
15LIFESTYLE
Bundaberg Municipal Band member Neil McCabe is ready to perform this Sunday.
Bargara a beautiful backdrop
for Bundy Brass concert
Ashley Schipper
The sounds of the brass band will Neil said member Tony Brown had taken over his
echo throughout Bargara on Sunday previous role as conductor, with the Bundaberg
musician now focused on just playing his horn.
afternoon when the local group hold
their first major concert in 12 months. “I really enjoy playing music and being part of
the band,” he said.
The Bundaberg Municipal Band’s Bundy Brass
“We are excited to hopefully get back into the
Concert at Bargara Foreshore will begin at 3pm
swing of things this year and hold more concerts
on Sunday at the Turtle Park.
throughout the region.”
Band member and horn player Neil McCabe said
Neil said 15 members were currently part of
the 15 members were thrilled to be playing again
Bundy Brass and the group were always looking
after a long hiatus in major performances.
for more people to join.
“This is a free concert that we usually do every
To inquire about joining the band,
year but what makes this particular performance
visit bundabergmunicipalband.com.au or their
special is that it will be our first major concert
Facebook page.
since Covid restrictions began this time last
year,” he said.
“The concert will go for about an hour and we
invite everyone to come along, pull up a spot on
the grass and enjoy the music.”
Neil said the band had a long-standing history in
the region, having first formed in 1935.
“The band was actually formed through a
merger of two bands,” he said.
“It was put on hold during the war as many
members went to play in military bands, but
then picked up again and has been going ever
16
since.”SPORT
ASP Taekwondo team (back l-r) Dayzi Jones, Damian Mealor, Thenuri Weerasinghe, Mitchell Archer, Eli Reed. (front l-r) Rubi Little and Bodhi Harris.
ASP Taekwondo team wins big
at Sunshine Coast open
Craig Ross
Dedicated training has paid off for Mitchell said he was proud of the way his
young students at Bundaberg’s ASP debutants handled the challenge of making
their first tournament appearances, particularly
Taekwondo martial arts school, netting as it came at a major event featuring strong
them a swag of medals at the Sunshine clubs from Queensland’s south-east corner.
Coast Open. “With your first tournament comes all the
All seven students who contested the open nerves and expectations (for participants), and
at Caloundra last weekend recorded a dais the things that are outside of your control as a
finish, snaring four gold and three silver medals coach,” he said.
between them. “You can’t tell them not to be nervous, you
ASP Taekwondo head instructor Mitchell Archer can’t tell them not to be anxious, so just getting
said the team had exceeded his expectations through that first tournament is a big deal.
and the results were a reward for the hard work “Taekwondo in Queensland is mainly centralised
his charges had put in at training this year. around Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and the Gold
“We are always happy with one or two gold Coast.
medals just because the calibre of competition “We’re the only club outside of those three hubs
is so high,” Mitchell said of contesting major so for us to take seven students was a pretty
events such as the Sunshine Coast Open. good effort because a lot of the massive clubs
“I think, because we started so strong with our down there had about 15.”
first two fighters won gold, that inspired the rest He hoped the young talent coming through
of them to push a bit more because, being kids, painted a bright future for the school which was
they want to keep up with their peers. founded by Mario Rejtano in 2000 and added
“All the hard training we’ve been doing paid off. that prospective members were welcome to
We’ve recently doubled our sparring classes visit Bundaberg’s only Olympic style, World
and doing a lot more rounds of fitness and that Taekwondo approved club.
really came across in everyone’s performances.” For more information about ASP Taekwondo
Adding more sheen to the performance was the visit the school’s Facebook page or visit the
fact that five of the young competitors were clubhouse at 90 Princess Street, Bundaberg,
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lining up in their first tournament. after 4pm Monday to Thursday.You can also read
