Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland said council was pleased to be able to support Gailes Community House and help the centre realise its goal of establishing this social group.

"A need was identified in the Gailes community to provide some specific structured activities for people with disabilities and their carers," Cr Ireland said. 

"It is important for a group to be established to help disabled people enjoy some interesting activities.

"About 20% of Queenslanders have some kind of disability which affects the lives of everyone in some way through the encounters they have with family and friends and in the community.  

"A number of community members with disabilities rely on the services provided at Gailes Community House which is specifically funded to provide support to families and seniors. 

"Support to the centre will allow them to address an important gap by providing an ongoing program for people with disabilities. 

"The program will be in the form of a monthly social group where people with disabilities and their carers can have a safe and friendly environment to participate in a variety of structured activities and learn some valuable life skills. 

"It will offer physical activities such as ball games as well as a craft and tactile activity and include music and some morning tea. 

"Currently there are no similar programs running in the Gailes areas so this means the Gailes Community House will be the sole provider of this initiative."

Cr Ireland said council was pleased to be able to support the establishment of this group.

"We are committed to enhancing the lives of Ipswich residents and encouraging them to be contributing members of our community."

Further plans for the new group are still being finalised but it is expected to meet monthly at the centre from May.

All are welcome to attend.

Inquiries about the new group can be directed to Gailes Community House on 3879 3004.

The post Activities for disabled to be established at Gailes appeared first on The Swich.

Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland said council was pleased to be able to support Gailes Community House and help the centre realise its goal of establishing this social group.

"A need was identified in the Gailes community to provide some specific structured activities for people with disabilities and their carers," Cr Ireland said. 

"It is important for a group to be established to help disabled people enjoy some interesting activities.

"About 20% of Queenslanders have some kind of disability which affects the lives of everyone in some way through the encounters they have with family and friends and in the community.  

"A number of community members with disabilities rely on the services provided at Gailes Community House which is specifically funded to provide support to families and seniors. 

"Support to the centre will allow them to address an important gap by providing an ongoing program for people with disabilities. 

"The program will be in the form of a monthly social group where people with disabilities and their carers can have a safe and friendly environment to participate in a variety of structured activities and learn some valuable life skills. 

"It will offer physical activities such as ball games as well as a craft and tactile activity and include music and some morning tea. 

"Currently there are no similar programs running in the Gailes areas so this means the Gailes Community House will be the sole provider of this initiative."

Cr Ireland said council was pleased to be able to support the establishment of this group.

"We are committed to enhancing the lives of Ipswich residents and encouraging them to be contributing members of our community."

Further plans for the new group are still being finalised but it is expected to meet monthly at the centre from May.

All are welcome to attend.

Inquiries about the new group can be directed to Gailes Community House on 3879 3004.

The post Activities for disabled to be established at Gailes appeared first on The Swich.

Ipswich City Council Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Charlie Pisasale said these programs were selected for their contribution to community participation in the arts.

"Ipswich is home to some incredible arts programs and creative workers who engage the community in creative endeavours and provide Ipswich residents with an outlet for creating stories that reflect our shared lives," Cr Pisasale said.

"This funding is shared evenly between Ipswich City Council and Arts Queensland who work together to award funds to community projects that will produce high quality artworks that the entire community will benefit from."

• Ipswich District Teacher Librarian Network will receive $9,900 towards the costs of employing "That Production Company" to develop a drama script based on Pat Flynn's junior novel "The Tuckshop Kid" for Ipswich audiences.
• Sharon Harper-Greentree will receive $8,000 towards community and scientific referenced research, workshops and an exhibition of illustrations of the geographical and environmental factors affecting the health and vulnerability of the Black Snake Creek, Marburg,
• Leichhardt Community Group will receive $7997 towards workshops that focus on the creation and development of communities' cultural capacity at Leichhardt One-Mile, Goodna Neighbourhood and Riverview Community Centres.

"These programs are ambitious and will directly engage residents with the works; I commend the successful applicants on their work and wish them all the best.

"This funding is allocated by the RADF committee which includes representatives from the Ipswich community and is currently seeking five people to join the body.

"Nominations are sought from interested residents with experience in music, literature, multimedia, creative arts, and museums and cultural heritage."

For more information about the RADF committee or to nominate your interest visit http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/.

The post Over $25,000 in funding to support the arts in Ipswich appeared first on The Swich.

Ipswich City Council Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Charlie Pisasale said these programs were selected for their contribution to community participation in the arts.

"Ipswich is home to some incredible arts programs and creative workers who engage the community in creative endeavours and provide Ipswich residents with an outlet for creating stories that reflect our shared lives," Cr Pisasale said.

"This funding is shared evenly between Ipswich City Council and Arts Queensland who work together to award funds to community projects that will produce high quality artworks that the entire community will benefit from."

• Ipswich District Teacher Librarian Network will receive $9,900 towards the costs of employing "That Production Company" to develop a drama script based on Pat Flynn's junior novel "The Tuckshop Kid" for Ipswich audiences.
• Sharon Harper-Greentree will receive $8,000 towards community and scientific referenced research, workshops and an exhibition of illustrations of the geographical and environmental factors affecting the health and vulnerability of the Black Snake Creek, Marburg,
• Leichhardt Community Group will receive $7997 towards workshops that focus on the creation and development of communities' cultural capacity at Leichhardt One-Mile, Goodna Neighbourhood and Riverview Community Centres.

"These programs are ambitious and will directly engage residents with the works; I commend the successful applicants on their work and wish them all the best.

"This funding is allocated by the RADF committee which includes representatives from the Ipswich community and is currently seeking five people to join the body.

"Nominations are sought from interested residents with experience in music, literature, multimedia, creative arts, and museums and cultural heritage."

For more information about the RADF committee or to nominate your interest visit http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/.

The post Over $25,000 in funding to support the arts in Ipswich appeared first on The Swich.

Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Charlie Pisasale said these grants reward a diverse range of activities that make Ipswich such a dynamic city.

"These three organisations work hard every day to provide services to the Ipswich community that are unique, worthwhile and meaningful," Cr Pisasale said.

"Whether they promote recreational sports or offer support to culturally diverse groups, Ipswich City Council is delighted to be able to assist those groups who give so much to their community."

• Harmony Support Links will receive $2,000 towards The Resilience Project which supports recently arrived refugees to settle into the Ipswich community.
• Brisbane Bulldogs Tug of War Team will receive $2,000 towards costs of competing in the Australian Tug of War Championships on 25 May at the upcoming Rise and Shine Community Fun Day.
• The Flower Project will receive $2,000 towards providing gifts of bouquets to the elderly, isolated community members, and members of the community suffering serious health issues, carers and local volunteers.

"Ipswich is fortunate to be home to such vibrant community organisations carrying out such important work in the community."

"I wish them all the best with these programs."

The post $6000 in funding to support Ipswich community groups appeared first on The Swich.

Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Charlie Pisasale said these grants reward a diverse range of activities that make Ipswich such a dynamic city.

"These three organisations work hard every day to provide services to the Ipswich community that are unique, worthwhile and meaningful," Cr Pisasale said.

"Whether they promote recreational sports or offer support to culturally diverse groups, Ipswich City Council is delighted to be able to assist those groups who give so much to their community."

• Harmony Support Links will receive $2,000 towards The Resilience Project which supports recently arrived refugees to settle into the Ipswich community.
• Brisbane Bulldogs Tug of War Team will receive $2,000 towards costs of competing in the Australian Tug of War Championships on 25 May at the upcoming Rise and Shine Community Fun Day.
• The Flower Project will receive $2,000 towards providing gifts of bouquets to the elderly, isolated community members, and members of the community suffering serious health issues, carers and local volunteers.

"Ipswich is fortunate to be home to such vibrant community organisations carrying out such important work in the community."

"I wish them all the best with these programs."

The post $6000 in funding to support Ipswich community groups appeared first on The Swich.

Community and Customer Service Committee Chairperson Councillor Bruce Casos said the tournament would be held at Sandy Gallop Golf Club on July 11 and 12.

"For the past 17 years PGA Legends professionals tour Queensland during the winter months playing various events as part of their annual calendar," Cr Casos said.

"The Legends Pro-Am events provide an opportunity for amateur golfers to play alongside professionals with almost 1000 members at Sandy Gallop and more than 4000 golfers registered with Golf Australia in the Moreton District."

Cr Casos said council was pleased to be able to support the event as a silver sponsor.

"This event has been well supported by the community and golfers in the past and council is pleased that the event is returning again to Ipswich.

"The 2011 event featured 50 PGA professionals competing alongside 70 amateurs with 150 spectators and volunteers also involved."

Cr Casos said up to 600 visitors, including players, their caddies and families as well as spectators, were expected to require accommodation in Ipswich.

"This event will have an effect on Ipswich's economy as these visitors will require accommodation in the city during the tournament.

"We look forward to welcoming all those associated with the Pro AM to our city in July and witnessing the participating golfers in action."

The post Council to welcome PGA Legends in July appeared first on The Swich.

Community and Customer Service Committee Chairperson Councillor Bruce Casos said the tournament would be held at Sandy Gallop Golf Club on July 11 and 12.

"For the past 17 years PGA Legends professionals tour Queensland during the winter months playing various events as part of their annual calendar," Cr Casos said.

"The Legends Pro-Am events provide an opportunity for amateur golfers to play alongside professionals with almost 1000 members at Sandy Gallop and more than 4000 golfers registered with Golf Australia in the Moreton District."

Cr Casos said council was pleased to be able to support the event as a silver sponsor.

"This event has been well supported by the community and golfers in the past and council is pleased that the event is returning again to Ipswich.

"The 2011 event featured 50 PGA professionals competing alongside 70 amateurs with 150 spectators and volunteers also involved."

Cr Casos said up to 600 visitors, including players, their caddies and families as well as spectators, were expected to require accommodation in Ipswich.

"This event will have an effect on Ipswich's economy as these visitors will require accommodation in the city during the tournament.

"We look forward to welcoming all those associated with the Pro AM to our city in July and witnessing the participating golfers in action."

The post Council to welcome PGA Legends in July appeared first on The Swich.

Ipswich City Council Tourism and Libraries Committee Chairperson and Ipswich Poetry Feast Committee Chairperson Councillor David Pahlke said 10 competitors from throughout Queensland had been shortlisted by a panel of judges to take part in this new competition.

"This competition is a live performance poetry competition which adds a new element to the annual Ipswich Poetry Feast program," Cr Pahlke said.

"We are excited to see the way in which From Page to Stage has been supported."

The final judging night will be held in the Cunningham Room, Ipswich Civic Centre on the corner of Limestone and Nicholas Streets, Ipswich from 6.30pm.

Cr Pahlke said the Ipswich community was invited to come along and be part of the audience.

Entry to the night costs $15 per person which includes a light three course meal. 

Drinks are available for purchase from the bar.

Bookings for the night are essential and can be made by calling 3810 6761 or emailing ipswichpoetryfeast@ipswich.qld.gov.au before next Tuesday (April 16).

Cr Pahlke said the competition entrants were sure to provide a wonderful night of entertainment.

"Anyone with an interest in poetry is sure to be highly entertained by the entrant's performances."

The competition was open to all poetry genres and all age groups.

Cr Pahlke said two prizes were on offer.

"The first prize winner will receive $1000 cash and a Babies of Walloon statuette, while the second place getter will receive $500 cash."

The winners will be announced on the night.

From Page to Stage is part of the 2013 Ipswich Poetry Feast which is an initiative of Ipswich City Council, co-ordinated by the Ipswich Libraries and supported by the Ipswich community.

The event was created after Ipswich author Judith Baker revealed the town's local connection to literary legend Henry Lawson in 1999.

In 1891, Lawson was so captivated by the sad but true tale of young sisters Bridget Kate and Mary Jane Broderick who drowned in a waterhole at Walloon, that he immortalised them in his poem The Babies of Walloon.

It is from this that the Ipswich Poetry Feast was born.

The major focus is an international poetry writing competition with student and open age categories; however other events include a poets' breakfast, writing workshops for adults and the awards presentation.

Cr Pahlke said the Ipswich Poetry Feast had expanded from a national to an international competition and the prize money on offer has increased from approximately $2320 in 2003 to $7800 this year.

He said the competition attracted an average of 1000 entries per year from throughout Australia.

"Poems for the 2012 competition were received from every State in Australia and even from overseas and we are looking forward to a similar level of entries in 2013."

Entries for the 2013 Ipswich Poetry Feast will close on July 26 this year.

Further information about the Page to Stage competition and other Ipswich Poetry Feast events is available by visiting the Ipswich Poetry Feast website at http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com/ or from the Ipswich Libraries on (07) 3810 6755.

The post New live performance poetry event to be held in Ipswich appeared first on The Swich.

Ipswich City Council Tourism and Libraries Committee Chairperson and Ipswich Poetry Feast Committee Chairperson Councillor David Pahlke said 10 competitors from throughout Queensland had been shortlisted by a panel of judges to take part in this new competition.

"This competition is a live performance poetry competition which adds a new element to the annual Ipswich Poetry Feast program," Cr Pahlke said.

"We are excited to see the way in which From Page to Stage has been supported."

The final judging night will be held in the Cunningham Room, Ipswich Civic Centre on the corner of Limestone and Nicholas Streets, Ipswich from 6.30pm.

Cr Pahlke said the Ipswich community was invited to come along and be part of the audience.

Entry to the night costs $15 per person which includes a light three course meal. 

Drinks are available for purchase from the bar.

Bookings for the night are essential and can be made by calling 3810 6761 or emailing ipswichpoetryfeast@ipswich.qld.gov.au before next Tuesday (April 16).

Cr Pahlke said the competition entrants were sure to provide a wonderful night of entertainment.

"Anyone with an interest in poetry is sure to be highly entertained by the entrant's performances."

The competition was open to all poetry genres and all age groups.

Cr Pahlke said two prizes were on offer.

"The first prize winner will receive $1000 cash and a Babies of Walloon statuette, while the second place getter will receive $500 cash."

The winners will be announced on the night.

From Page to Stage is part of the 2013 Ipswich Poetry Feast which is an initiative of Ipswich City Council, co-ordinated by the Ipswich Libraries and supported by the Ipswich community.

The event was created after Ipswich author Judith Baker revealed the town's local connection to literary legend Henry Lawson in 1999.

In 1891, Lawson was so captivated by the sad but true tale of young sisters Bridget Kate and Mary Jane Broderick who drowned in a waterhole at Walloon, that he immortalised them in his poem The Babies of Walloon.

It is from this that the Ipswich Poetry Feast was born.

The major focus is an international poetry writing competition with student and open age categories; however other events include a poets' breakfast, writing workshops for adults and the awards presentation.

Cr Pahlke said the Ipswich Poetry Feast had expanded from a national to an international competition and the prize money on offer has increased from approximately $2320 in 2003 to $7800 this year.

He said the competition attracted an average of 1000 entries per year from throughout Australia.

"Poems for the 2012 competition were received from every State in Australia and even from overseas and we are looking forward to a similar level of entries in 2013."

Entries for the 2013 Ipswich Poetry Feast will close on July 26 this year.

Further information about the Page to Stage competition and other Ipswich Poetry Feast events is available by visiting the Ipswich Poetry Feast website at http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com/ or from the Ipswich Libraries on (07) 3810 6755.

The post New live performance poetry event to be held in Ipswich appeared first on The Swich.