The Crossing October 21 2020

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WESTERN DOWNS KINDERGARTEN’S RATINGS ZOE BELL zoe@thechinwag.com.au The latest review of childcare providers has revealed how Western Downs centres stack up compared to the rest of the nation. Data released by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority ranked every childcare centre in the state based on their performance to the national quality standards (NQS). The centres are assessed on seven criteria - education, health and safety, physical environment, staffing, relationships with children, partnerships with families and communities and governance and leadership. The schools are then categorised on whether they're working towards national quality standards (NQS), meeting NQS, or exceeding NQS. NCC early learners, Busy Bees and the Christian College Kindergarten in Chinchilla all received a working towards National Quality Standard rating. Chinchilla Community Kindergarten was the best ranked kindy after they got an exceeding National Quality Standard rating. A staff member at the kindergarten said they were proud of achieving such a high rating. "Kindy staff pride themselves on planning and implementation of the best teaching practises that ensure provided with every opportunity to develop and grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically," they said. "Staff recognise that the physical environments and the overall atmosphere of our service supports and enhances each child's learning, enabling positive relationships and effective communication. "The Kindy acknowledges the importance and value of giving children the power of influence and determine the direction of their own learning." In the rest of the Western Downs, the majority of the Miles kindergartens proved to be adequate with the Murilla Family Day Care, Outside School Hours Care and Kindergarten were all meeting the National Quality Standard. The Murilla Long Day Care Centre was working towards it. In Dalby, there were two centres which were exceeding the National Quality Standard. They were the Stuart Street Kindergarten and Preschool and the Dalby Beck Street Kindergarten. The Dalby Day Nursery and Preschool, Goodstart Early Learning Dalby, Kath Dickson Kindergarten Dalby South, PCYC Dalby School Age Care, Dalby Christian College Early Learning Centre and the Milestones Early Learning Dalby kindies all received a meeting NQS rating. Both the Kids Club Dalby and Hall-Thorpe Sports OSHC Dalby were working towards NQS. The C&K Tara Childcare Centre and Jandowae Kindergarten were the other two centres to be rated in the region, and both were seen to be meeting NQS. COMPETITION BRINGS MUCH NEEDED TRAFFIC FOR LOCAL ACCOMMODATION OWNERS ZOE BELL zoe@thechinwag.com.au Many major industries have been hit by the global pandemic including the accommodation providers whose properties which are usually bursting at the seams, filled with caravans and kids playing, were left empty as restrictions forced people to stay home. However, as restrictions start to ease, and tourists begin to venture out to explore their own backyard, local accommodation providers rooms are beginning to fill again. To help encourage tourists to head west, boost the economy and assist accommodation business affected by travel restrictions to recover, a competition to ‘Win a Long Weekend on the Western Downs’ this month was held. Organised by Business Navigator Western Downs and supported by Shell’s QGC business, the competition attracted over 6,000 entries from Queenslanders keen to explore. From those, 45 lucky entrants won a 3-night stay at any hotel, motel, caravan park or retreat in the Western Downs. The Business Navigator Western Downs team were impressed with the level of interest shown by Queenslanders in taking a trip to the region. Business Coach, Ariane de Rooy said the funding boost has not only helped accommodation providers but has also resulted in tourist dollars being spent with hospitality venues and retailers. “The message is spreading that the Western Downs is a great place for a long weekend,” she said. “The high response rate to this competition is a real positive for the Western Downs and should encourage more Queenslanders to travel and experience a holiday close to home, boosting jobs in our region and showcasing the beauty and history we have to offer.” The Laurels of Chinchilla proved to be a prevalent choice for the winners, with owner Shara Fuller delighted to welcome visitors to our region. “It’s exciting to see the bookings coming in, and it’s such a beautiful time of year to visit the Western Downs,” she said. “It’s a great destination being only a three-hour drive from Brisbane. “We are ready to welcome guests.” Pictured right: ‘The Laurels’ of Chinchilla chosen by winners of the ‘Win a Long Weekend on the Western Downs’ competition. Advertise in The Chin Wag NOW - Call 0411 896 004 THE CHIN WAG - WEDNESDAY October 21, 2020 - Page 3
LETTERS, COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS CALLS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES TO COMMIT TO CHILD PROTECTION IN SCHOOLS There is growing concerns that protective behaviour programs in schools remain “hit and miss” across Queensland, leaving vulnerable children exposed, without the confidence to seek help. Act for Kids is calling on the political leaders contesting the election to commit to mandating evidence-based programs in Queensland schools. Recent research conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast confirmed family homes were the most “risky place” for child sexual abuse. This research indicated between 70 to 80 per cent of child sexual abuse occurs in domestic settings. There were more than 5000 reports of children being sexually abused by family members in Australia over the past year. Sadly, this is not a true representation of the abuse happening in homes with many cases going unreported. “To keep Queensland children safe from sexual, physical and emotional abuse and neglect, Act for Kids wants an elected Government to commit to a minimum evidence based standard for compulsory programs in schools,” Doctor Katrina Lines, Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer said. Act for Kids has developed the only protective behaviours program in Australia, which underwent a world-class, multi-site, goldstandard randomised controlled trial. “Our Learn to be safe with Emmy and friends program has now been delivered to more than 54 thousand children across the country, giving each child more confidence to identify when they don’t feel safe,” explained Dr Lines. Act for Kids believes every child deserves the opportunity to access such programs, ensuring they can gain the confidence to seek help when they need it the most. SKIN CANCER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD IN DESPERATE NEED OF MASS MEDIA PREVENTION CAMPAIGN Cancer Council Queensland is calling on the next state Government to commit to funding a skin cancer prevention mass media campaign to reduce the growing burden of skin cancer in Queensland. Melanoma is still the most common form of cancer in Queensland with over 4,000 people diagnosed each year. In addition, over 360,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are treated each year - even though both forms of skin cancer are almost entirely preventable. Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Ms Chris McMillan said this investment will both protect the health of Queenslanders and reduce the burden on the health system. “Skin cancer has a substantial social and economic impact on Queensland - it costs the public health system an estimated $175 million annually, and this does not include the costs associated with loss of productivity or any social impacts” said Ms McMillan. “Ensuring there is sufficient and effective investment in preventative health is essential now more than ever, to keep Queenslanders healthy and reduce further strain on the healthcare system, especially given the continuing challenges facing our health system due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Cancer Connect Talk to someone who’s been there Last year 1 in 5 Queenslanders did not received any information on sun protection, highlighting room for improvement in the sunshine state. Fortunately, Queenslanders want to improve their sun safety habits, with 95% of Queenslanders in favour of a mass media campaign on sun protection and early detection. “Skin cancer prevention is also cost-effective - for every $1 invested in a mass media skin cancer prevention campaign, a $3.85 return on investment is achieved,” said Ms McMillan. “We urge the next Queensland government to invest $3 million per annum into a mass media skin cancer prevention campaign. This initiative will ultimately result in significant economic benefits and have a positive impact for Queenslanders and their families. “Our mission at Cancer Council Queensland is to reduce burden of cancer, but this cannot be done alone. We know that preventing cancer is the most effective way of creating a cancerfree future, and look forward to working with the next Queensland government to reduce the burden of cancer across our community.” The Queensland state election is due to be held on 31 October. If you or a loved one is affected by cancer, our 13 11 20 team is available for support and information. To find out more call the The No.1 Newspaper in Chinchilla & surrounds! CONTACT US Email: news@thechinwag.com.au Office: 0411 896 004 Post: P.O. Box 226, Toogoolawah Q 4313 PAID ADVERTISING Email: advertise@thechinwag.com.au Call: 0413 22 52 01 ADVERTISING: Dugald Strachan EDITOR: Scott Strachan SUB-EDITOR: Xanthe Strachan JOURNALIST: Zoe Bell BUSINESS MANAGER: Melissa Strachan ACCOUNTS: Leanne King WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA: Savanah Aylward A publication of... This year I pledge to ... 1. Shop Local 2. Use Local 3. Eat Local 4. Enjoy Local ... and support the local businesses that support me and my community Penalties Apply Advertise in The Chin Wag NOW - Call 0411 896 004 THE CHIN WAG - WEDNESDAY October 21, 2020 - Page 4
Page 1 and 2: GOT STUFF TO SELL? USE THE FREE CLA
Page 3 and 4: PARK UPGRADES CONTINUE TO BRANCH OU
Page 5 and 6: AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW
Page 7 and 8: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21 7MATE 8:00 Bar
Page 9: WESTERN DOWNS HIGH SCHOOLS COULD SE
Page 13 and 14: ADVERTISE YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICE IN
Page 15 and 16: FAMILY FUN FAIR TO PUT SMILES BACK

The Crossing October 21 2020

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