Lauded for its efforts to provide a lifeline to women who have faced a spectrum of challenges such as domestic violence, addiction, and mental health issues, theLovewell Foundation in Mt Gravatt has been recognised for its outstanding work with a significant grant from the Future2 Foundation.
The Lovewell Foundation stands among 15 other recipients, each playing a crucial role in their respective communities.
The foundation’s Better Futures program, deeply rooted in Mt Gravatt, has become a symbol of resilience and renewal, providing much-needed support to women from diverse and challenging backgrounds.
Empowerment Through Support
The grant awarded to the Lovewell Foundation marks a pivotal moment, allowing the organisation to extend its reach to an additional 50 to 60 women.
Annie Stonehouse from the Lovewell Foundation expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to expand their transformative program.
“In 2024, thanks to the Future 2 generous grant, we are excited to be able to extend our reach and assist another 50-60 remarkable women in embarking on their journey towards Better Futures,” she said. “Working with Future 2, we get to walk this inspiring journey with inspiring women whose potential is not just realized but celebrated as they develop a Better Future for themselves and their children.”
This grant not only acknowledges the foundation’s past efforts but also lays the groundwork for future endeavours, further solidifying their role in empowering women to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
A Collective Effort for a Better Tomorrow
The Future2 Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to addressing social, financial, and physical hardships across Australia, has awarded $148,500 in grants to various recipients through its annual Make the Difference program.
Supporting a myriad of causes from mental health initiatives to youth empowerment programs, these grants represent a beacon of hope and a step towards a more inclusive and supportive society.
The Future2 Foundation’s Make the Difference program, in partnership with strategic supporters like AIA Australia and Tangelo Advice Consulting, is more than just a funding initiative.
This year’s program saw an unprecedented number of over 100 applications, reflecting the growing need for community-based support and intervention.
As these programs continue to grow and impact lives, they remind us of the inherent strength and resilience within our communities, particularly in places like Mt Gravatt, where organisations like the Lovewell Foundation are making a real difference.
For more details, follow the Lovewell Foundation on Facebook.
Nada French, an elderly Mt Gravatt widow, faced the unimaginable when thieves broke into her home. Utilising a crowbar to gain access, the culprits not only took valuable items including her engagement and eternity rings, but also a blue plastic container holding a priceless treasure: the ashes of her late husband, Neal French.
Mrs French, 87, had hoped to be interred alongside her husband of 60 years in the family plot at Nudgee Cemetery. Her daughter, Joan Hyams, expressed the family’s profound distress, likening the theft to “losing dad twice,” as Mr French’s memory was profoundly cherished by the family since his passing in 2016.
A Community’s Response and a Sudden Turn
In response to this despicable act, the family issued a public plea, which was amplified by local media coverage. The family’s appeal and the subsequent media attention resulted in a surprising turn of events.
Miraculously, Neal’s ashes were found abandoned on the steps of the Anglican Church of the Annunciation in Camp Hill. A member of the church’s gardening club, upon recognizing the significance of the container from the news, played a crucial role in their safe return. The police promptly returned the ashes to Mrs French, who was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude.
The return of the ashes brought immense solace to the family. Ms Hyams expressed her joy, stating that her father was back, “where he belongs.”
Photo Credit: A Current Affair/YouTube
The fact that the ashes were found at a church resonated deeply with the family, considering Mr French’s devout faith. The family’s ordeal, whilst harrowing, ended with a sense of peace and closure, as they could once again fulfil Mr French’s wish to be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife.
The Aftermath and Security Concerns
Despite the happy conclusion, the theft incident, which happened on 9 Nov 2023, left a lasting impact on the Mt Gravatt widow. The burglary, occurring in broad daylight, shattered her sense of security. The family is now considering measures to enhance the security of their home, with Mrs French’s son taking an active role in this endeavour.
The incident has highlighted the importance of community vigilance and support. The family expressed their heartfelt thanks to the police and the church community for their roles in the return of their beloved’s ashes.
Twenty members of the Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed gathered for a Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) session to equip grandparents with skills to support their grandchildren in managing anxiety and building emotional resilience.
L-R Lionel Armistead of the Mt Gravatt Mens Shed and Dr Michael Herd from the Triple P Positive Parenting Program Photo Credit: Supplied
Dr. Michael Herd of Triple P led the one-hour seminar held on October 16, offering insights from the “Fear-Less” program, generously funded and accessible to all Australian parents and caregivers.
L-R Mt Gravatt Mens Shed members Baska Desha and Peter Lindsay participating in the Triple P Fear-Less seminar at the shed on 16 October 2023 Photo Credit: Supplied
With Grandparents Day on October 29th, Triple P experts highlight the unique challenges grandparents caring for Generation Alpha kids face. They stress the importance of grandparents trusting their own wisdom.
Dr. Alan Ralph, Head of Training at Triple P International, noted the growing role of grandparents in childcare but highlighted their unfamiliarity with discussing mental health and anxiety.
Dr. Ralph stated, “Australia’s grandparents now provide the most informal child care for children at a time when children are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and stress. Additionally, grandparents may struggle with new technology and ever-changing social media platforms, leaving them feeling ill-prepared to support their grandchildren during challenging times.”
In response, Triple P offers three critical tips for helping anxious grandchildren:
Recognise, understand, and accept a child’s feelings.
Teach children how to express their feelings.
Help children develop an optimistic outlook.
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is a government-supported resource, accessible at www.triplep-parenting.net.au.
The Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed event showcases the importance of community support in addressing grandparenting challenges and nurturing future generations’ well-being.
It’s a David vs Goliath story you couldn’t make up. But it’s true. “Dumb Money” launches on October 26 at Event Cinemas Mt Gravatt and it’s fantastic.
The story hit the news headlines in 2021 when Wall Street was smashed by a group of short-sellers of the stock, Gamestop. They had joined together through the social media site, Reddit, to form a short squeeze3 that at the time felt like a seismic earthquake to the world stock markets.
Paul Dano plays a lead role as Keith Gill, one of the instigators of the Gamestop position. Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio and America Ferrera along with Seth Rogen deliver great character performances in the movie based on a book called “The Antisocial Network” by Ben Mezrich. (Mezrich also wrote the book that was adapted into the movie “The Social Network”)
The story focuses on a few of the Reddit protagonists and how their lives were impacted by the adventure that unfolded, with some good comedic elements.
Superbly directed by Craig Gillespie, “Dumb Money” gets an 83% review from the movie website Rotten Tomatoes.
An outpouring of community support has emerged for Joshua Ditchmen of Wishart, who remains hospitalised after suffering a devastating stroke and being involved in an ATV accident earlier this month.
The 17-year-old football player was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition following the incident, which occurred on private property on Kavanaghs Road in Buaraba on October 1. Police confirmed they responded to reports of an ATV crash around 12:45 p.m. that day.
The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, Joshua remains hospitalised as of Oct 10.
Photo credit: Sonja Ditchmen/Facebook
According to his mother, Sonja Ditchmen, Joshua suffered a stroke which caused him to fall off the quad bike he was riding. The fall resulted in additional head injuries.
Joshua’s mum said he had multiple bleeds in his brain and was placed in a medically-induced coma to help him breathe. However, he developed a chest infection during his time in the coma.
More than a week since the crash, Joshua has made significant improvements, according to his mother. He has opened his eyes, can say his name, gives a thumbs up response, and has mostly been taken off his breathing tube.
In an online post, Mrs Ditchmen pleaded for prayers and support for her son’s recovery.
The Carina Junior Rugby League Football Club, where Joshua plays on the U17 team, will be collecting donations to help aid his recovery. The 17-year-old has played for the club for 12 years and is also a referee. His twin brother and older brother also play for Carina.
“As GoFundMe takes a percentage of each donation and we know all families are struggling we have decided the best way to rally together and to get all monies to Joshua and to do this via Carina where people are not pressured to contribute with names and messages being posted,” the club said in a social media post.
Researchers at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt have received continued funding for their AI-powered ‘facial recognition’ camera system to monitor koala crossings in South East Queensland.
The project, now in its third year, uses cameras with artificial intelligence software to identify individual koalas using wildlife crossings. The data provides insights into koala movement to support conservation efforts for the vulnerable species.
Led by Professor Jun Zhou from Griffith’s School of Information and Communication Technology, the project recently received a $100,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science. This follows previous funding of $90,000 in 2021 and $100,000 last June.
Photo credit: Griffith University
“This project extends our innovative AI-powered koala monitoring system to cover wider areas of koala habitat in South East Queensland, and engage with 14 local community groups across 10 local government areas to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the camera network,” Professor Zhou said.
Since 2021, the team has set up cameras at 24 locations in Redland City. The AI analyses the footage to recognise individual koalas and track their crossing activity.
Frank Mikula from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary said the technology is valuable for koala conservation.
Photo credit: Griffith University
“We’re all about sharing information and it’s really good to be able to put people in contact and create that conduit between researchers so that everyone can get to the same goal faster,” Mikula said.
“The technology does the heavy lifting for us, and that’s really important moving forward.
“With increased knowledge about how koalas are crossing roads, we can better inform mitigation and management so that we can ensure a better long-term future for koalas.”
The project engages with 14 community groups across 10 local council areas. The aim is to facilitate data-driven planning to protect declining koala populations in the region.
How did you learn your times tables? Many adults today, recall having learnt all of them ‘off by heart’, through rote memorization, but there is a strong argument to support that a more ‘meaningful’ approach will have greater long-term benefits.
Rote learning is simply a way for the brain to store data short-term and does not require a deep understanding of a concept. In order to commit all 144 times tables to long-term memory, they must be accessed, repeated, and tested frequently.
What we have learnt over the years, is that learning in meaningful ways, is far more effective.
At NumberWorks’nWords, we know that true mastery of a concept (the times tables in this instance), requires a higher order thinking, which in turn leads to the formation of new neural pathways. The brain’s ability to make connections in this way is referred to as neuroplasticity.
A highly effective approach to the teaching
of mathematics is called Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI). Like Bloom’s
Taxomony (Benjamin Bloom 1956), it focuses on ‘conceptual understanding’ over
‘process’ and suggests learning without understanding, limits a child’s ability
to problem solve and apply what they have learnt to new situations.
So let’s return to the task of learning the
Times Tables and explain how, at NumberWorks’nWords, we do this in a more
meaningful way.
Our program incorporates a range of
strategies when learning the times tables, so children are afforded the
opportunities to make connections in their understanding of number and number
properties, patterns, place value, operations and more.
Our comprehensive visual and interactive resources, used in conjunction with concrete materials, written representations and most importantly, explicit teaching, empower our students to make connections in real and relevant ways.
When something ’clicks’ for a child, it is like it is locked in. Suddenly, the steps make sense and the new piece of information is literally attached or connected to something permanent in the brain.
Recalling and using this information becomes fluid and purposeful, and enables the child to understand the concept, rather than simply following a process that has no meaning.
When teaching the Times Tables, we always
start with the easiest patterns (x1, x2, x10, x5) then move onto the
progressively more difficult (x3, x4, x9, x11, x6, x7, x8, x12). The accepted
standard of fluid recall is to be able to solve each table in 3 seconds or
less.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Below are some strategies that you may find
helpful, as your child masters each of the times tables.
1X
The number always stays the same. Explaining this as ‘one group of’ something, helps the child to see that there is a conservation of number and that the ‘one group’ does not change.
2X
Some children may not initially see that the 2 times table is the same as the addition doubles strategy. Once this connection is made, the 2x process is often understood in a different perspective and it alters the way the brain arranges the numbers.
Using visualisation also helps, eg 2×3 or 2 groups of 3 is like an insect’s legs (3 on each side), 2×4 is a spider’s legs, 2×6 is a carton of 12 eggs in 2 rows.
3X
Children learn to skip count in 3s and also learn an addition strategy called ‘count on’ which means you put the large number in your head and count on up to 3 steps forward, eg if you know 3×3 =9, then 4×3= 9 count on 3 more, hence 9 (big number in your head) count on 10…11…12 (the answer).
4X
Once a child masters the 2X tables, then the 4X is simply double the 2X. eg. 2×7=14, so 4×7= double 14 which is 28. This is particularly easy when there is no need to bridge the tens.
If the child does need to bridge the tens, the connection to place value and partitioning become important eg 2×8 can be considered as 5+3+5+3 which the child could then put the ‘friendly’ numbers together and mentally arrange them as 5+5+3+3 = 10+6.
5X
Children learn to skip count in 5s orally because they can quickly learn the pattern of the words. Reciting the pattern is actually a quick and efficient way to get an answer to a 5X table, so this is an easy connection for children to make.
Photo Credit: Pebels/Ida Bagus Anggarama
X6, X7, and X8
I group these together because it allows children to see that they are not as difficult as they may have first thought. Once the child masters the earlier tables (x1, x2, x3, x4, x5, x9, x10, x11), it means they can turn them all around to solve any table that includes a 6, a 7 or an 8.
Making this connection straight away, means children will more readily apply the learnt strategy, now in a meaningful way to the more ‘difficult’ tables.
I often explain to students who are learning their tables with us, that there is a useful strategy, or pattern to almost all of them.
However, there is a small list of specific tables that I recommend they do commit to memory. When children realise that the list is so small, it makes the overwhelming task of learning (memorising) ‘all’ of the tables, seem very easy indeed.
6×6=36
6×7=42
6×8=48
7×7=49
7×8=56
8×8=64
9X
Not everyone is aware of the many strategies and patterns that exist in the 9 time tables. Firstly, the 2 digit answers in every instance (1-10) always appear as the same combinations of digits ie 2 and 7 go together to make 3×9=27 as well as 8×9=72, 3and 6 go together as 36 and 63 etc. The added clue is that the 2 digit combinations actually add to make 9, so this helps the child to remember which ones go together.
When presented with a 9 times table, eg 9×8 the child can think that 10 x 8 would be 80, so 9×8 will start with a 7 and the number that goes together with 7 is 2. The answer is 72.
Then of course there is always the ‘using the fingers’ strategy. By counting off the 10 fingers 1 to 10, simply curl over the finger represented in the 9x fact. (See image below)
10X
It is important for children to understand why the zero goes on the end of any number that is being multiplied by 10. The pattern of simply ‘adding’ a zero is easy, but again the risk is that children will simply follow a process without really attaching any meaning to it. Using language like ‘adding’ can actually confuse many children with the process of addition and of course that is not what is happening here.
When children make the connection to the changing place value of the digits, they will realise that the original number is now 10 times bigger! When learning to multiply by ten, children need opportunities to manipulate and arrange concrete materials and to see the process visually, before they can understand what is happening.
The learning of concepts such as fractions, decimals will be so much easier once children have this fundamental understanding of the 10 times tables.
Photo Credit: Pexels/August de Richelieu
11X
The obvious pattern in the repeated digit makes the 11s easy to recall, but again, it is important to develop this understanding through cognitive guided instruction (so the child knows the answer is the combination of the already learnt 10x fact plus the 1x fact)
12X
Like the 11s, the 12 times tables are the combination of the already learnt 10x fact and 2x fact.
At NumberWorks’nWords we know that mastery
of the Times Tables is a fundamental core skill. We focus on core skills and
the teaching of meaningful strategies, because it is proven that the more
connections children make as they learn each table, the more readily they will
be able to apply their understanding to each new mathematical problem in the
future.
This competition is proudly sponsored by NumberWorksnWords in Mount Gravatt. Every entrant will receive a free evaluation and a free lesson. All entrants will go into a draw, the winner will receive a whole term’s tuition, worth $650.
TO ENTER: Simply pass the problem below onto your child and ask them to solve it. Then complete the entry form below it. Competition closes on October 8, 2023.
Two Eastern European nationals have recently been found guilty and sentenced for their involvement in a “sophisticated” card-skimming racket that targeted ATM sites in Brisbane. One of the offenders was arrested at an Upper Mount Gravatt property.
Robert Marincat, a 34-year-old Romanian, and Hubert Krawczyk, a 22-year-old from Poland, were sentenced by Brisbane Magistrates Court for their roles in the ATM scam. The two were represented by Beavon Lawyers and faced charges related to card-skimming devices installed at ATM sites in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall and Browns Plains.
The gadgets used in the scheme were delivered to Australia camouflaged among electrical equipment, according to the court. These gadgets have pinhole cameras that film unsuspecting bank clients inputting their PINs and keep crucial information. Furthermore, the card skimmers put at the ATM locations had magnetic strips meant to collect the card numbers of clients.
CCTV footage revealed by Police prosecutor Jenny James show Krawczyk and a third individual, who will also face court at a later date, inserting the pinhole camera and skimmer at a National Australia Bank ATM in Queen Street Mall. Moreover, similar devices were also discovered at a NAB ATM in Browns Plains.
Surveillance then led the police to arrest the men at the mall as they attempted to leave. The following day, Robert Marincat was apprehended at an Upper Mount Gravatt property, where he was found in possession of identical devices.
Jenny James emphasised the organised nature of the operation, with custom-built devices being shipped in from other countries. She pointed out that these offences were committed shortly after both Krawczyk and Marincat arrived in Australia.
The scam carried significant potential consequences, Ms. James explained, since the defendants could have reaped substantial gains if the card skimmers at multiple ATM locations hadn’t been promptly intercepted by NAB staff and the police.
The offenders pled guilty to various counts, including having equipment for committing a crime and acquiring another’s identification information. Krawczyk also pleaded guilty to obstructing police.
Brendan Beavon of Beavon Lawyers argued for the release of his clients, highlighting that neither had a criminal history, and both had already spent over 40 days in custody. He went on to say that they were unlikely to profit financially from their acts and that they may risk deportation if they were released.
Magistrate Andrew Moloney said that whilst there is no proof that the perpetrators benefitted in any manner, they are nevertheless severe examples of this conduct. He emphasised that they strike at the heart of the financial system.
Both Marincat and Krawczyk received 12-month jail terms that were suspended after three months. They will be held for another six weeks before being released.
Husband-and-wife team Louise and Josh Daly left their careers as scientists to combine their shared passions for good food, coffee, and dogs, to open Little Black Pug Cafe in Mt Gravatt, a community-focused cafe whose name pays homage to their two pugs, Bowie and Mate.
Pet parents looking for a dog-friendly cafe will find that this unique cafe not only welcomes dogs with open arms, but also caters to them with their own special menu.
“Our backgrounds in science bring a different approach to our food and coffee. We love simple, tasty food, done with precision and care. We also care for the environment and aim to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can,” Louise shared.
Owners Louise and Josh with their pugs
The menu caters to different diets with many gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly options. It focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and caters to a variety of tastes and diets. For dogs, treats include grain-free beef and veggie meatballs, Peking duck wings, and chicken necks.
There are two dog-friendly dining areas – the Garden, accessible from the Berge St entrance, and the Front, accessible from Logan Rd. Your dog can even enjoy his own warm “puppyccino” made with frothy lactose-free milk.
For their human companions, menu options range from classic breakfast fare like croissants and eggs on toast to gourmet lunch and dinner choices. Burgers like the ‘Nicolas Cajun’ with housemade Cajun charcoal grilled chicken, fresh tomato, lettuce, and spicy aioli put a creative spin on cafe’s grub.
‘Mr Benedict Wafflebatch’ is an inventive take on eggs benedict, with a housemade savoury cheese waffle base topped with popcorn chicken, poached eggs, and hollandaise.
With its dog-friendly vibe, creative menu, and passionate owners, Little Black Pug Cafe looks like the perfect spot for pet parents and their four-legged friends to grab a bite in Mt Gravatt. Leashes ready Brisbane – this cafe should be next on your list for an enjoyable meal for both humans and hounds alike!
