Help! What to do for New Year? - Toowoomba Chronicle

POPULAR EVENT: Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year’s Eve party. Contributed

Fireworks will light up the sky in Queens Park this New Year's Eve. Kevin Farmer

Free family activities

MAGIC and circus acts will be part of the entertainment at the Toowoomba Regional Council's free family New Year's Eve celebrations at Frog's Hollow, Queens Park. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm with fireworks from 7.45pm. For more information visit toowoombarc.qld.gov.au.

Night at the races

TOAST to the New Year at the races. The Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve Party is sure to be popular this year featuring entertainment by Mental as Anything and Dozzi. Pre-purchased tickets are $25 and can be bought online at toowoombaturfclub.com.au or tickets are available at the gate for $35. Phone 4634 6066.

Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve party. Picasa

Bush dance at Jondaryan

SEE in the New Year with the family at the Jondaryan Woolshed's New Year's Eve Bush Dance. There will be a fully licensed bar, a delicious hot and cold dinner buffet, a big brekky on New Year's Day and dinner and snacks available for purchase. Gates open at 5pm with the band starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for both camping and non-camping admission. Call 4692 2229 to secure your place.

Indulge at The Spotted Cow

CELEBRATE in style before your resolutions kick in at The Spotted Cow's New Year's Eve Indulgence Party, from 8pm to 1am. An all inclusive package is available for $99 and includes selected spirits, craft beer, seafood, savouries, sliders, desert stations, cocktails and more. A DJ will keep you dancing all night. Tickets are still available. Phone Phil on 0409 349 889 or Nicole on 4639 3264.

Fun at Woodford

FEELING adventurous? FOR a muddy start to 2015 head to the Woodford Folk Festival and get in touch with your inner flower child. The festival in full swing with tickets still available for New Year. For more information visit the website at woodfordfolkfestival.com.

Dance to jazz bands

JAZZ up your night at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club this New Year's Eve. Local bands Connect the Dots and the Alison Bryant Trio will feature at the Toowoomba Jazz Society's end-of-year celebrations. There may even be some gypsy tap or barn dancing. The theme for the evening is black and white attire. Entry is $25 and people are welcome to bring snacks. The music starts at 8pm and bookings can be made by phoning 4635 5728. For more information go to toowoombajazz.com.

Toowoomba, let's talk rubbish - Toowoomba Chronicle

WE all know what it's like to deal with rubbish around Christmas time: Jamming crinkled wrapping paper into the recycling bin and cringing at the sound of glass bottles smashing together while emptying the trash.

During the previous Christmas holiday period the Toowoomba region produced about an extra 128 tonnes of recycling compared to an ordinary month of the year.

That is the equivalent of about three humpback whales or 19 adult male elephants.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste projects portfolio leader Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said they always had an increase in mixed paper, glass and plastics around Christmas and New Year.

"This is the main recyclable material that people use and dispose of at this time of the year due to wrapping, packaging and catering activities," she said.

While she said they could not predict figures for this holiday season, council had planned for an increase in recycling tonnages.

Despite an increase in tonnages during the holidays, Cr Sommerfield does not believe recycling was especially important during Christmas and New Year. She said it should be a priority all year round.

"We need to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill by rethinking before buying items," she said.

"Reduce what you buy, reuse what you can, recycle everything possible and use disposal as the last resort."

These holidays council's message is "think before you bin it".

The same goes for plastic bags.

Cr Sommerfield said plastic bags were among the items that most commonly contaminate recycling loads.

- APN NEWSDESK

Christmas recycling tips:

What you can and can't recycle depends on where you live and your local waste facility. Here are some tips from the Toowoomba council:

 1. Remember, foil wrapping and ribbons are not recyclable. Neither are plastic shopping bags. Theses should go in your general waste bin.

 2. Separate packaging from presents. Children's toys are often packaged using items that both can and can't be recycled. For example, from a Barbie packaging, cardboard can go into a recycling bin while wire twist ties and plastic wrap should go into regular waste.

 3. Wrap-up prawn heads and place in the freezer until collection day, and then place it in the general waste bin.

 4. Some plastic bottles and containers can be recycled. Check for the recycling logo - anything with a number one to seven on it, including cartons, can be recycled.

 5. Try and save Christmas wrapping paper for next year. Also use ribbon and wrapping for craft activities during the school holidays.

 6. Also think about food wastage. About three million tonnes of food - or about one fifth of all produce purchased for Christmas - is thrown away. Plan menus.

Toowoomba families struggle to make ends meet - Toowoomba Chronicle

ALMOST 40% of Toowoomba's householders are struggling to make ends meet as high rents and rising utility bills hit hard.

A special APN investigation found 59,589, or 37% of families in the Toowoomba council area were unable to raise $2000 cash in a week to cover a crisis.

Of the area's 160,251 residents, 26,688 have had cash flow problems in the past 12 months.

University of Adelaide figures reveal 36,968 people relied on government incomes to survive over the past two years.

Toowoomba Salvation Army Major Kevin Holland said the statistics didn't surprise him and seemed consistent with what he'd seen.

He said there were all sorts of reasons why people found themselves in hard times

"Some professional people may have had a downturn in financial arrangements and lost income, or the breadwinner in the family may have died," Major Holland said.

"Other people struggling actually have jobs but are just under-employed."

Major Holland said sections of the community had an attitude of resignation and had given up on Christmas.

He said people reacted in three general ways to financial stress, categorising them as victims, survivors and enterprising people.

"Victims can never see their way forward and they will move into a lifestyle of blaming because they don't know how to get out of it," Major Holland said.

"Then you have your survivor, who gets very streetwise and takes a bit of responsibility for things.

"They will get stuck into their problems and make the most of it.

"Survivors live from week to week, but it's not hard for them to go into the victim world if something goes wrong.

"Finally you have enterprising people who have developed skills of saving and scrimping.

"They will eat baked beans every day to make sure they have a bank balance and will use all the resources available to get through."

Simple solutions to help save money

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council chief Dr John Falzon said some residents were taking drastic measures to cut costs.

"We've recently seen huge increases in the costs of gas so many of the homes our members visit have people huddled together freezing in the dead winter, unable to afford heating, and we find people going to bed early so as to conserve electricity," Dr Falzon said.

"People are even reducing the number of times they'll use the stove top because they're worried about the cost."

Low income support specialist Maree O'Halloran said people in areas like Toowoomba went without fresh food and medications just to pay the rent.

"What we see is a lot of debt," the National Welfare Rights Network president said.

"It certainly needs all levels of government to be looking at their policies."

The figures come on the back of national consumer advocate Choice's latest Pulse Report, which says nine out of 10 householders have higher bills compared to last year.

- APN NEWSDESK

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6. Burning bacon leads to drug bust


7. Police investigating death of 71-year-old at Goodna


8. How to stick to your New Year's diet


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10. Inquiry reveals disturbing trend as self-harm cases increase

Peter Greste family remain hopeful - Toowoomba Chronicle

THE family of jailed Australian journalist Peter Greste today marked a year of him being behind bars, talking of a "trying and lonely" Christmas.

Mr Greste's brothers Andrew and Mike told a Brisbane press conference their parents had visited Peter in prison. He will challenge his conviction on January 1.

He was arrested and jailed for seven years on charges of spreading false news via news outlet Al Jazeera on December 29 last year.

Andrew said it had been a tough year for the family, but they remained hopeful of a happier 2015.

"Mum and dad went and visited him on Christmas Day. It was a fairly sombre occasion," Andrew said.

The Grestes expect Peter will remain in Mazraa Prison on Thursday because only lawyers and judges will be present at the closed hearing.

Mike said a thawing of relations between Qatar, where Mr Greste's employer Al Jazeera is based, and Egypt was a positive development for the case.

"I think it's a pivotal moment in the whole process. The warming of relations between Qatar and Egypt I think is an important step for us. I'd like to think it's removed the political aspect of the reason Peter was arrested," Mike said.

Andrew thanked what he said was ongoing overwhelming community support for Peter.

Help! What to do for New Year? - Toowoomba Chronicle

POPULAR EVENT: Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year’s Eve party. Contributed

Fireworks will light up the sky in Queens Park this New Year's Eve. Kevin Farmer

Free family activities

MAGIC and circus acts will be part of the entertainment at the Toowoomba Regional Council's free family New Year's Eve celebrations at Frog's Hollow, Queens Park. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm with fireworks from 7.45pm. For more information visit toowoombarc.qld.gov.au.

Night at the races

TOAST to the New Year at the races. The Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve Party is sure to be popular this year featuring entertainment by Mental as Anything and Dozzi. Pre-purchased tickets are $25 and can be bought online at toowoombaturfclub.com.au or tickets are available at the gate for $35. Phone 4634 6066.

Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve party. Picasa

Bush dance at Jondaryan

SEE in the New Year with the family at the Jondaryan Woolshed's New Year's Eve Bush Dance. There will be a fully licensed bar, a delicious hot and cold dinner buffet, a big brekky on New Year's Day and dinner and snacks available for purchase. Gates open at 5pm with the band starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for both camping and non-camping admission. Call 4692 2229 to secure your place.

Indulge at The Spotted Cow

CELEBRATE in style before your resolutions kick in at The Spotted Cow's New Year's Eve Indulgence Party, from 8pm to 1am. An all inclusive package is available for $99 and includes selected spirits, craft beer, seafood, savouries, sliders, desert stations, cocktails and more. A DJ will keep you dancing all night. Tickets are still available. Phone Phil on 0409 349 889 or Nicole on 4639 3264.

Fun at Woodford

FEELING adventurous? FOR a muddy start to 2015 head to the Woodford Folk Festival and get in touch with your inner flower child. The festival in full swing with tickets still available for New Year. For more information visit the website at woodfordfolkfestival.com.

Dance to jazz bands

JAZZ up your night at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club this New Year's Eve. Local bands Connect the Dots and the Alison Bryant Trio will feature at the Toowoomba Jazz Society's end-of-year celebrations. There may even be some gypsy tap or barn dancing. The theme for the evening is black and white attire. Entry is $25 and people are welcome to bring snacks. The music starts at 8pm and bookings can be made by phoning 4635 5728. For more information go to toowoombajazz.com.

Toowoomba, let's talk rubbish - Toowoomba Chronicle

WE all know what it's like to deal with rubbish around Christmas time: Jamming crinkled wrapping paper into the recycling bin and cringing at the sound of glass bottles smashing together while emptying the trash.

During the previous Christmas holiday period the Toowoomba region produced about an extra 128 tonnes of recycling compared to an ordinary month of the year.

That is the equivalent of about three humpback whales or 19 adult male elephants.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste projects portfolio leader Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said they always had an increase in mixed paper, glass and plastics around Christmas and New Year.

"This is the main recyclable material that people use and dispose of at this time of the year due to wrapping, packaging and catering activities," she said.

While she said they could not predict figures for this holiday season, council had planned for an increase in recycling tonnages.

Despite an increase in tonnages during the holidays, Cr Sommerfield does not believe recycling was especially important during Christmas and New Year. She said it should be a priority all year round.

"We need to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill by rethinking before buying items," she said.

"Reduce what you buy, reuse what you can, recycle everything possible and use disposal as the last resort."

These holidays council's message is "think before you bin it".

The same goes for plastic bags.

Cr Sommerfield said plastic bags were among the items that most commonly contaminate recycling loads.

- APN NEWSDESK

Christmas recycling tips:

What you can and can't recycle depends on where you live and your local waste facility. Here are some tips from the Toowoomba council:

 1. Remember, foil wrapping and ribbons are not recyclable. Neither are plastic shopping bags. Theses should go in your general waste bin.

 2. Separate packaging from presents. Children's toys are often packaged using items that both can and can't be recycled. For example, from a Barbie packaging, cardboard can go into a recycling bin while wire twist ties and plastic wrap should go into regular waste.

 3. Wrap-up prawn heads and place in the freezer until collection day, and then place it in the general waste bin.

 4. Some plastic bottles and containers can be recycled. Check for the recycling logo - anything with a number one to seven on it, including cartons, can be recycled.

 5. Try and save Christmas wrapping paper for next year. Also use ribbon and wrapping for craft activities during the school holidays.

 6. Also think about food wastage. About three million tonnes of food - or about one fifth of all produce purchased for Christmas - is thrown away. Plan menus.

Toowoomba families struggle to make ends meet - Toowoomba Chronicle

ALMOST 40% of Toowoomba's householders are struggling to make ends meet as high rents and rising utility bills hit hard.

A special APN investigation found 59,589, or 37% of families in the Toowoomba council area were unable to raise $2000 cash in a week to cover a crisis.

Of the area's 160,251 residents, 26,688 have had cash flow problems in the past 12 months.

University of Adelaide figures reveal 36,968 people relied on government incomes to survive over the past two years.

Toowoomba Salvation Army Major Kevin Holland said the statistics didn't surprise him and seemed consistent with what he'd seen.

He said there were all sorts of reasons why people found themselves in hard times

"Some professional people may have had a downturn in financial arrangements and lost income, or the breadwinner in the family may have died," Major Holland said.

"Other people struggling actually have jobs but are just under-employed."

Major Holland said sections of the community had an attitude of resignation and had given up on Christmas.

He said people reacted in three general ways to financial stress, categorising them as victims, survivors and enterprising people.

"Victims can never see their way forward and they will move into a lifestyle of blaming because they don't know how to get out of it," Major Holland said.

"Then you have your survivor, who gets very streetwise and takes a bit of responsibility for things.

"They will get stuck into their problems and make the most of it.

"Survivors live from week to week, but it's not hard for them to go into the victim world if something goes wrong.

"Finally you have enterprising people who have developed skills of saving and scrimping.

"They will eat baked beans every day to make sure they have a bank balance and will use all the resources available to get through."

Simple solutions to help save money

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council chief Dr John Falzon said some residents were taking drastic measures to cut costs.

"We've recently seen huge increases in the costs of gas so many of the homes our members visit have people huddled together freezing in the dead winter, unable to afford heating, and we find people going to bed early so as to conserve electricity," Dr Falzon said.

"People are even reducing the number of times they'll use the stove top because they're worried about the cost."

Low income support specialist Maree O'Halloran said people in areas like Toowoomba went without fresh food and medications just to pay the rent.

"What we see is a lot of debt," the National Welfare Rights Network president said.

"It certainly needs all levels of government to be looking at their policies."

The figures come on the back of national consumer advocate Choice's latest Pulse Report, which says nine out of 10 householders have higher bills compared to last year.

- APN NEWSDESK

TOP STORIES ONLINE

1. Mother watches as her son is shot dead in front of her


2. Officials say objects spotted in search for flight QZ8501


3. Greek ferry fire: One dead, hundreds trapped


4. Doctor Who and BBC accused of promoting gay lifestyle


5. Rain, glorious rain, saves family's crop


6. Burning bacon leads to drug bust


7. Police investigating death of 71-year-old at Goodna


8. How to stick to your New Year's diet


9. Baby sharks thriving in Qld rivers


10. Inquiry reveals disturbing trend as self-harm cases increase

Teens take life-changing trip - Toowoomba Chronicle

TWO Toowoomba teens have just returned from a life-changing trip teaching English in Thailand.

Topcamp resident Abigail Stewart, 18 and her friend Jenna Hartland from Highfields,18, volunteered to teach at a remote school in northern Thailand.

The school, Piyamart, is run by Ursuline nuns and is free to local children in the area.

At the school the Toowoomba teenagers assisted in teaching English to students ranging from kindergarten to Grade 6.

On school days they assisted in classrooms and on the weekends they toured the country.

The duo took some time out to visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai known locally as Wat Rong Khun, a Buddhist style temple.

Ms Stewart said she was hoping to teach English overseas after finishing university.

"When I found out that my friend was going to Thailand to teach English I thought it would be a good way to find out if I liked teaching. It was like a trial," she said.

She said the most memorable part of the trip was the strange questions the children asked.

"One asked, 'will you fight with me?' which led to a number of arm wrestles.

"Another said, 'why is your skin white?' and I wasn't quite sure how to respond."

Both said teaching at the school was a worthwhile experience.

VOLUNTEERING: Jenna Hartland (third from left) and Abigail Stewart (third from right) in Chiang Rai pictured with Ursuline nuns, teachers and a student.

Ms Hartland said on the first day of class, one of the English teachers didn't show up so the girls were asked to take over.

"We had never taught English before and didn't know the level the students were at so it was a challenge.

"It was an almost frightening experience, but we managed to handle it and ended up playing hangman.

"There was a moment of awkwardness but it worked out in the end."

PLACE TO VISIT: The Wat Rong Khun, known to foreigners as the "White Temple" is a privately owned, art-exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Ms Hartland said she enjoyed haggling at the local market.

"It was so crowded, there were clothes stores next to food, next to knives."

Ms Stewart said there were so many varieties of food.

"You'd never go hungry. I really liked the sticky rice," she said.

Ms Hartland also experimented with local delicacies.

"Some nights there was strange food and I sort of 'poked at it' to see what it was."

Ms Stewart said it was a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Thailand.

TOP STORIES ONLINE

1. Mother watches as her son is shot dead in front of her


2. Officials say objects spotted in search for flight QZ8501


3. Greek ferry fire: One dead, hundreds trapped


4. Doctor Who and BBC accused of promoting gay lifestyle


5. Rain, glorious rain, saves family's crop


6. Burning bacon leads to drug bust


7. Police investigating death of 71-year-old at Goodna


8. How to stick to your New Year's diet


9. Baby sharks thriving in Qld rivers


10. Inquiry reveals disturbing trend as self-harm cases increase

Online initiative helps in search for stolen cars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA police are hoping a new drive will help recover stolen cars.

They have started a new crime awareness program and will publish a list of vehicles stolen in the last seven days within the district that have not been recovered

Sgt Tony Rehn from the Crime Prevention Unit said the police intelligence section kept a list of the last 25 days worth of vehicles that had been stolen in the Darling Downs district.

"We decided to share the most current information with the general public because it increases the number of eyes that are looking for the stolen vehicles," Sgt Rehn said.

"What we've discovered over the years is that a lot of stolen vehicles are left on the side of the road.

"And people don't realise that they are missing and we're looking for them.

"So if we release our list via our myPolice Blog, Darling Downs, they can have a look and see what we're looking for."

STOLEN CARS: Sgt Tony Rehn, Crime Prevention Unit talks about stolen cars in Toowoomba. Monday, Dec 29, 2014 . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

Sgt Rehn said the idea was borrowed from other parts of the state where police were getting good results.

"I spoke to my counterparts up north and they realised that people know the streets better than we do and it's a great way to engage the public."

He said cars were stolen for a number of reasons including for joy rides, people who couldn't afford a taxi home and for criminal activities.

Sgt Rehn said it was important that residents always kept their cars locked.

All outstanding stolen vehicles

1995 Holden Commodore utility, black, 953TNI stolen December 21

2005 Husqvarna TE510 motorcycle, blue, 223IW stolen December 19

2002 Yamaha TTR230 motorcycle, blue, stolen December 19

2003 Holden Crewman dual cab, white, 790VFR, stolen December 23

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 domestic/box trailer, AT9408, stolen December 16

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 off-road motorcycle, Green, stolen December 16

Holden Commodore sedan, white, XLF669, stolen December 18

Toowoomba, let's talk rubbish - Toowoomba Chronicle

WE all know what it's like to deal with rubbish around Christmas time: Jamming crinkled wrapping paper into the recycling bin and cringing at the sound of glass bottles smashing together while emptying the trash.

During the previous Christmas holiday period the Toowoomba region produced about an extra 128 tonnes of recycling compared to an ordinary month of the year.

That is the equivalent of about three humpback whales or 19 adult male elephants.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste projects portfolio leader Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said they always had an increase in mixed paper, glass and plastics around Christmas and New Year.

"This is the main recyclable material that people use and dispose of at this time of the year due to wrapping, packaging and catering activities," she said.

While she said they could not predict figures for this holiday season, council had planned for an increase in recycling tonnages.

Despite an increase in tonnages during the holidays, Cr Sommerfield does not believe recycling was especially important during Christmas and New Year. She said it should be a priority all year round.

"We need to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill by rethinking before buying items," she said.

"Reduce what you buy, reuse what you can, recycle everything possible and use disposal as the last resort."

These holidays council's message is "think before you bin it".

The same goes for plastic bags.

Cr Sommerfield said plastic bags were among the items that most commonly contaminate recycling loads.

- APN NEWSDESK

Christmas recycling tips:

What you can and can't recycle depends on where you live and your local waste facility. Here are some tips from the Toowoomba council:

 1. Remember, foil wrapping and ribbons are not recyclable. Neither are plastic shopping bags. Theses should go in your general waste bin.

 2. Separate packaging from presents. Children's toys are often packaged using items that both can and can't be recycled. For example, from a Barbie packaging, cardboard can go into a recycling bin while wire twist ties and plastic wrap should go into regular waste.

 3. Wrap-up prawn heads and place in the freezer until collection day, and then place it in the general waste bin.

 4. Some plastic bottles and containers can be recycled. Check for the recycling logo - anything with a number one to seven on it, including cartons, can be recycled.

 5. Try and save Christmas wrapping paper for next year. Also use ribbon and wrapping for craft activities during the school holidays.

 6. Also think about food wastage. About three million tonnes of food - or about one fifth of all produce purchased for Christmas - is thrown away. Plan menus.

Toowoomba families struggle to make ends meet - Toowoomba Chronicle

ALMOST 40% of Toowoomba's householders are struggling to make ends meet as high rents and rising utility bills hit hard.

A special APN investigation found 59,589, or 37% of families in the Toowoomba council area were unable to raise $2000 cash in a week to cover a crisis.

Of the area's 160,251 residents, 26,688 have had cash flow problems in the past 12 months.

University of Adelaide figures reveal 36,968 people relied on government incomes to survive over the past two years.

Toowoomba Salvation Army Major Kevin Holland said the statistics didn't surprise him and seemed consistent with what he'd seen.

He said there were all sorts of reasons why people found themselves in hard times

"Some professional people may have had a downturn in financial arrangements and lost income, or the breadwinner in the family may have died," Major Holland said.

"Other people struggling actually have jobs but are just under-employed."

Major Holland said sections of the community had an attitude of resignation and had given up on Christmas.

He said people reacted in three general ways to financial stress, categorising them as victims, survivors and enterprising people.

"Victims can never see their way forward and they will move into a lifestyle of blaming because they don't know how to get out of it," Major Holland said.

"Then you have your survivor, who gets very streetwise and takes a bit of responsibility for things.

"They will get stuck into their problems and make the most of it.

"Survivors live from week to week, but it's not hard for them to go into the victim world if something goes wrong.

"Finally you have enterprising people who have developed skills of saving and scrimping.

"They will eat baked beans every day to make sure they have a bank balance and will use all the resources available to get through."

Simple solutions to help save money

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council chief Dr John Falzon said some residents were taking drastic measures to cut costs.

"We've recently seen huge increases in the costs of gas so many of the homes our members visit have people huddled together freezing in the dead winter, unable to afford heating, and we find people going to bed early so as to conserve electricity," Dr Falzon said.

"People are even reducing the number of times they'll use the stove top because they're worried about the cost."

Low income support specialist Maree O'Halloran said people in areas like Toowoomba went without fresh food and medications just to pay the rent.

"What we see is a lot of debt," the National Welfare Rights Network president said.

"It certainly needs all levels of government to be looking at their policies."

The figures come on the back of national consumer advocate Choice's latest Pulse Report, which says nine out of 10 householders have higher bills compared to last year.

- APN NEWSDESK

TOP STORIES ONLINE

1. Mother watches as her son is shot dead in front of her


2. Officials say objects spotted in search for flight QZ8501


3. Greek ferry fire: One dead, hundreds trapped


4. Doctor Who and BBC accused of promoting gay lifestyle


5. Rain, glorious rain, saves family's crop


6. Burning bacon leads to drug bust


7. Police investigating death of 71-year-old at Goodna


8. How to stick to your New Year's diet


9. Baby sharks thriving in Qld rivers


10. Inquiry reveals disturbing trend as self-harm cases increase

Online initiative helps in search for stolen cars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA police are hoping a new drive will help recover stolen cars.

They have started a new crime awareness program and will publish a list of vehicles stolen in the last seven days within the district that have not been recovered

Sgt Tony Rehn from the Crime Prevention Unit said the police intelligence section kept a list of the last 25 days worth of vehicles that had been stolen in the Darling Downs district.

"We decided to share the most current information with the general public because it increases the number of eyes that are looking for the stolen vehicles," Sgt Rehn said.

"What we've discovered over the years is that a lot of stolen vehicles are left on the side of the road.

"And people don't realise that they are missing and we're looking for them.

"So if we release our list via our myPolice Blog, Darling Downs, they can have a look and see what we're looking for."

STOLEN CARS: Sgt Tony Rehn, Crime Prevention Unit talks about stolen cars in Toowoomba. Monday, Dec 29, 2014 . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

Sgt Rehn said the idea was borrowed from other parts of the state where police were getting good results.

"I spoke to my counterparts up north and they realised that people know the streets better than we do and it's a great way to engage the public."

He said cars were stolen for a number of reasons including for joy rides, people who couldn't afford a taxi home and for criminal activities.

Sgt Rehn said it was important that residents always kept their cars locked.

All outstanding stolen vehicles

1995 Holden Commodore utility, black, 953TNI stolen December 21

2005 Husqvarna TE510 motorcycle, blue, 223IW stolen December 19

2002 Yamaha TTR230 motorcycle, blue, stolen December 19

2003 Holden Crewman dual cab, white, 790VFR, stolen December 23

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 domestic/box trailer, AT9408, stolen December 16

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 off-road motorcycle, Green, stolen December 16

Holden Commodore sedan, white, XLF669, stolen December 18

Melbourne United just misses out in overtime loss - Toowoomba Chronicle

IN THE NBL's 6275-game history only one team - Melbourne United - has played three successive overtime games.

That happened against Perth in Melbourne yesterday, but United could not register more history by winning all three of them, falling just short 81-80 to the defending champions.

Stephen Dennis' jumper with two seconds left in OT rebounded off the glass, for the Wildcats to open up a two-game lead over Melbourne in third place.

It was an unfortunate ending for Dennis (pictured), top-scoring for the game with 20 points and picking up five rebounds.

DeAndre Daniels excelled for Perth, with 18 points.It was a Dennis bounce assist for Daniel Kickert to score with three seconds left in regulation which brought the score to 71-all, taking the game to overtime.

Results: New Zealand Breakers 97 Sydney Kings 85; Cairns Taipans 100 Wollongong Hawks 93; Adelaide 36ers 91 Townsville Crocodiles 84

Help! What to do for New Year? - Toowoomba Chronicle

POPULAR EVENT: Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year’s Eve party. Contributed

Fireworks will light up the sky in Queens Park this New Year's Eve. Kevin Farmer

Free family activities

MAGIC and circus acts will be part of the entertainment at the Toowoomba Regional Council's free family New Year's Eve celebrations at Frog's Hollow, Queens Park. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm with fireworks from 7.45pm. For more information visit toowoombarc.qld.gov.au.

Night at the races

TOAST to the New Year at the races. The Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve Party is sure to be popular this year featuring entertainment by Mental as Anything and Dozzi. Pre-purchased tickets are $25 and can be bought online at toowoombaturfclub.com.au or tickets are available at the gate for $35. Phone 4634 6066.

Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve party. Picasa

Bush dance at Jondaryan

SEE in the New Year with the family at the Jondaryan Woolshed's New Year's Eve Bush Dance. There will be a fully licensed bar, a delicious hot and cold dinner buffet, a big brekky on New Year's Day and dinner and snacks available for purchase. Gates open at 5pm with the band starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for both camping and non-camping admission. Call 4692 2229 to secure your place.

Indulge at The Spotted Cow

CELEBRATE in style before your resolutions kick in at The Spotted Cow's New Year's Eve Indulgence Party, from 8pm to 1am. An all inclusive package is available for $99 and includes selected spirits, craft beer, seafood, savouries, sliders, desert stations, cocktails and more. A DJ will keep you dancing all night. Tickets are still available. Phone Phil on 0409 349 889 or Nicole on 4639 3264.

Fun at Woodford

FEELING adventurous? FOR a muddy start to 2015 head to the Woodford Folk Festival and get in touch with your inner flower child. The festival in full swing with tickets still available for New Year. For more information visit the website at woodfordfolkfestival.com.

Dance to jazz bands

JAZZ up your night at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club this New Year's Eve. Local bands Connect the Dots and the Alison Bryant Trio will feature at the Toowoomba Jazz Society's end-of-year celebrations. There may even be some gypsy tap or barn dancing. The theme for the evening is black and white attire. Entry is $25 and people are welcome to bring snacks. The music starts at 8pm and bookings can be made by phoning 4635 5728. For more information go to toowoombajazz.com.

Toowoomba, let's talk rubbish - Toowoomba Chronicle

WE all know what it's like to deal with rubbish around Christmas time: Jamming crinkled wrapping paper into the recycling bin and cringing at the sound of glass bottles smashing together while emptying the trash.

During the previous Christmas holiday period the Toowoomba region produced about an extra 128 tonnes of recycling compared to an ordinary month of the year.

That is the equivalent of about three humpback whales or 19 adult male elephants.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste projects portfolio leader Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said they always had an increase in mixed paper, glass and plastics around Christmas and New Year.

"This is the main recyclable material that people use and dispose of at this time of the year due to wrapping, packaging and catering activities," she said.

While she said they could not predict figures for this holiday season, council had planned for an increase in recycling tonnages.

Despite an increase in tonnages during the holidays, Cr Sommerfield does not believe recycling was especially important during Christmas and New Year. She said it should be a priority all year round.

"We need to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill by rethinking before buying items," she said.

"Reduce what you buy, reuse what you can, recycle everything possible and use disposal as the last resort."

These holidays council's message is "think before you bin it".

The same goes for plastic bags.

Cr Sommerfield said plastic bags were among the items that most commonly contaminate recycling loads.

- APN NEWSDESK

Christmas recycling tips:

What you can and can't recycle depends on where you live and your local waste facility. Here are some tips from the Toowoomba council:

 1. Remember, foil wrapping and ribbons are not recyclable. Neither are plastic shopping bags. Theses should go in your general waste bin.

 2. Separate packaging from presents. Children's toys are often packaged using items that both can and can't be recycled. For example, from a Barbie packaging, cardboard can go into a recycling bin while wire twist ties and plastic wrap should go into regular waste.

 3. Wrap-up prawn heads and place in the freezer until collection day, and then place it in the general waste bin.

 4. Some plastic bottles and containers can be recycled. Check for the recycling logo - anything with a number one to seven on it, including cartons, can be recycled.

 5. Try and save Christmas wrapping paper for next year. Also use ribbon and wrapping for craft activities during the school holidays.

 6. Also think about food wastage. About three million tonnes of food - or about one fifth of all produce purchased for Christmas - is thrown away. Plan menus.

Toowoomba families struggle to make ends meet - Toowoomba Chronicle

ALMOST 40% of Toowoomba's householders are struggling to make ends meet as high rents and rising utility bills hit hard.

A special APN investigation found 59,589, or 37% of families in the Toowoomba council area were unable to raise $2000 cash in a week to cover a crisis.

Of the area's 160,251 residents, 26,688 have had cash flow problems in the past 12 months.

University of Adelaide figures reveal 36,968 people relied on government incomes to survive over the past two years.

Toowoomba Salvation Army Major Kevin Holland said the statistics didn't surprise him and seemed consistent with what he'd seen.

He said there were all sorts of reasons why people found themselves in hard times

"Some professional people may have had a downturn in financial arrangements and lost income, or the breadwinner in the family may have died," Major Holland said.

"Other people struggling actually have jobs but are just under-employed."

Major Holland said sections of the community had an attitude of resignation and had given up on Christmas.

He said people reacted in three general ways to financial stress, categorising them as victims, survivors and enterprising people.

"Victims can never see their way forward and they will move into a lifestyle of blaming because they don't know how to get out of it," Major Holland said.

"Then you have your survivor, who gets very streetwise and takes a bit of responsibility for things.

"They will get stuck into their problems and make the most of it.

"Survivors live from week to week, but it's not hard for them to go into the victim world if something goes wrong.

"Finally you have enterprising people who have developed skills of saving and scrimping.

"They will eat baked beans every day to make sure they have a bank balance and will use all the resources available to get through."

Simple solutions to help save money

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council chief Dr John Falzon said some residents were taking drastic measures to cut costs.

"We've recently seen huge increases in the costs of gas so many of the homes our members visit have people huddled together freezing in the dead winter, unable to afford heating, and we find people going to bed early so as to conserve electricity," Dr Falzon said.

"People are even reducing the number of times they'll use the stove top because they're worried about the cost."

Low income support specialist Maree O'Halloran said people in areas like Toowoomba went without fresh food and medications just to pay the rent.

"What we see is a lot of debt," the National Welfare Rights Network president said.

"It certainly needs all levels of government to be looking at their policies."

The figures come on the back of national consumer advocate Choice's latest Pulse Report, which says nine out of 10 householders have higher bills compared to last year.

- APN NEWSDESK

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Online initiative helps in search for stolen cars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA police are hoping a new drive will help recover stolen cars.

They have started a new crime awareness program and will publish a list of vehicles stolen in the last seven days within the district that have not been recovered

Sgt Tony Rehn from the Crime Prevention Unit said the police intelligence section kept a list of the last 25 days worth of vehicles that had been stolen in the Darling Downs district.

"We decided to share the most current information with the general public because it increases the number of eyes that are looking for the stolen vehicles," Sgt Rehn said.

"What we've discovered over the years is that a lot of stolen vehicles are left on the side of the road.

"And people don't realise that they are missing and we're looking for them.

"So if we release our list via our myPolice Blog, Darling Downs, they can have a look and see what we're looking for."

STOLEN CARS: Sgt Tony Rehn, Crime Prevention Unit talks about stolen cars in Toowoomba. Monday, Dec 29, 2014 . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

Sgt Rehn said the idea was borrowed from other parts of the state where police were getting good results.

"I spoke to my counterparts up north and they realised that people know the streets better than we do and it's a great way to engage the public."

He said cars were stolen for a number of reasons including for joy rides, people who couldn't afford a taxi home and for criminal activities.

Sgt Rehn said it was important that residents always kept their cars locked.

All outstanding stolen vehicles

1995 Holden Commodore utility, black, 953TNI stolen December 21

2005 Husqvarna TE510 motorcycle, blue, 223IW stolen December 19

2002 Yamaha TTR230 motorcycle, blue, stolen December 19

2003 Holden Crewman dual cab, white, 790VFR, stolen December 23

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 domestic/box trailer, AT9408, stolen December 16

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 off-road motorcycle, Green, stolen December 16

Holden Commodore sedan, white, XLF669, stolen December 18

Melbourne United just misses out in overtime loss - Toowoomba Chronicle

IN THE NBL's 6275-game history only one team - Melbourne United - has played three successive overtime games.

That happened against Perth in Melbourne yesterday, but United could not register more history by winning all three of them, falling just short 81-80 to the defending champions.

Stephen Dennis' jumper with two seconds left in OT rebounded off the glass, for the Wildcats to open up a two-game lead over Melbourne in third place.

It was an unfortunate ending for Dennis (pictured), top-scoring for the game with 20 points and picking up five rebounds.

DeAndre Daniels excelled for Perth, with 18 points.It was a Dennis bounce assist for Daniel Kickert to score with three seconds left in regulation which brought the score to 71-all, taking the game to overtime.

Results: New Zealand Breakers 97 Sydney Kings 85; Cairns Taipans 100 Wollongong Hawks 93; Adelaide 36ers 91 Townsville Crocodiles 84

Help! What to do for New Year? - Toowoomba Chronicle

POPULAR EVENT: Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year’s Eve party. Contributed

Fireworks will light up the sky in Queens Park this New Year's Eve. Kevin Farmer

Free family activities

MAGIC and circus acts will be part of the entertainment at the Toowoomba Regional Council's free family New Year's Eve celebrations at Frog's Hollow, Queens Park. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm with fireworks from 7.45pm. For more information visit toowoombarc.qld.gov.au.

Night at the races

TOAST to the New Year at the races. The Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve Party is sure to be popular this year featuring entertainment by Mental as Anything and Dozzi. Pre-purchased tickets are $25 and can be bought online at toowoombaturfclub.com.au or tickets are available at the gate for $35. Phone 4634 6066.

Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve party. Picasa

Bush dance at Jondaryan

SEE in the New Year with the family at the Jondaryan Woolshed's New Year's Eve Bush Dance. There will be a fully licensed bar, a delicious hot and cold dinner buffet, a big brekky on New Year's Day and dinner and snacks available for purchase. Gates open at 5pm with the band starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for both camping and non-camping admission. Call 4692 2229 to secure your place.

Indulge at The Spotted Cow

CELEBRATE in style before your resolutions kick in at The Spotted Cow's New Year's Eve Indulgence Party, from 8pm to 1am. An all inclusive package is available for $99 and includes selected spirits, craft beer, seafood, savouries, sliders, desert stations, cocktails and more. A DJ will keep you dancing all night. Tickets are still available. Phone Phil on 0409 349 889 or Nicole on 4639 3264.

Fun at Woodford

FEELING adventurous? FOR a muddy start to 2015 head to the Woodford Folk Festival and get in touch with your inner flower child. The festival in full swing with tickets still available for New Year. For more information visit the website at woodfordfolkfestival.com.

Dance to jazz bands

JAZZ up your night at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club this New Year's Eve. Local bands Connect the Dots and the Alison Bryant Trio will feature at the Toowoomba Jazz Society's end-of-year celebrations. There may even be some gypsy tap or barn dancing. The theme for the evening is black and white attire. Entry is $25 and people are welcome to bring snacks. The music starts at 8pm and bookings can be made by phoning 4635 5728. For more information go to toowoombajazz.com.

Toowoomba, let's talk rubbish - Toowoomba Chronicle

WE all know what it's like to deal with rubbish around Christmas time: Jamming crinkled wrapping paper into the recycling bin and cringing at the sound of glass bottles smashing together while emptying the trash.

During the previous Christmas holiday period the Toowoomba region produced about an extra 128 tonnes of recycling compared to an ordinary month of the year.

That is the equivalent of about three humpback whales or 19 adult male elephants.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste projects portfolio leader Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said they always had an increase in mixed paper, glass and plastics around Christmas and New Year.

"This is the main recyclable material that people use and dispose of at this time of the year due to wrapping, packaging and catering activities," she said.

While she said they could not predict figures for this holiday season, council had planned for an increase in recycling tonnages.

Despite an increase in tonnages during the holidays, Cr Sommerfield does not believe recycling was especially important during Christmas and New Year. She said it should be a priority all year round.

"We need to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill by rethinking before buying items," she said.

"Reduce what you buy, reuse what you can, recycle everything possible and use disposal as the last resort."

These holidays council's message is "think before you bin it".

The same goes for plastic bags.

Cr Sommerfield said plastic bags were among the items that most commonly contaminate recycling loads.

- APN NEWSDESK

Christmas recycling tips:

What you can and can't recycle depends on where you live and your local waste facility. Here are some tips from the Toowoomba council:

 1. Remember, foil wrapping and ribbons are not recyclable. Neither are plastic shopping bags. Theses should go in your general waste bin.

 2. Separate packaging from presents. Children's toys are often packaged using items that both can and can't be recycled. For example, from a Barbie packaging, cardboard can go into a recycling bin while wire twist ties and plastic wrap should go into regular waste.

 3. Wrap-up prawn heads and place in the freezer until collection day, and then place it in the general waste bin.

 4. Some plastic bottles and containers can be recycled. Check for the recycling logo - anything with a number one to seven on it, including cartons, can be recycled.

 5. Try and save Christmas wrapping paper for next year. Also use ribbon and wrapping for craft activities during the school holidays.

 6. Also think about food wastage. About three million tonnes of food - or about one fifth of all produce purchased for Christmas - is thrown away. Plan menus.

Toowoomba families struggle to make ends meet - Toowoomba Chronicle

ALMOST 40% of Toowoomba's householders are struggling to make ends meet as high rents and rising utility bills hit hard.

A special APN investigation found 59,589, or 37% of families in the Toowoomba council area were unable to raise $2000 cash in a week to cover a crisis.

Of the area's 160,251 residents, 26,688 have had cash flow problems in the past 12 months.

University of Adelaide figures reveal 36,968 people relied on government incomes to survive over the past two years.

Toowoomba Salvation Army Major Kevin Holland said the statistics didn't surprise him and seemed consistent with what he'd seen.

He said there were all sorts of reasons why people found themselves in hard times

"Some professional people may have had a downturn in financial arrangements and lost income, or the breadwinner in the family may have died," Major Holland said.

"Other people struggling actually have jobs but are just under-employed."

Major Holland said sections of the community had an attitude of resignation and had given up on Christmas.

He said people reacted in three general ways to financial stress, categorising them as victims, survivors and enterprising people.

"Victims can never see their way forward and they will move into a lifestyle of blaming because they don't know how to get out of it," Major Holland said.

"Then you have your survivor, who gets very streetwise and takes a bit of responsibility for things.

"They will get stuck into their problems and make the most of it.

"Survivors live from week to week, but it's not hard for them to go into the victim world if something goes wrong.

"Finally you have enterprising people who have developed skills of saving and scrimping.

"They will eat baked beans every day to make sure they have a bank balance and will use all the resources available to get through."

Simple solutions to help save money

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council chief Dr John Falzon said some residents were taking drastic measures to cut costs.

"We've recently seen huge increases in the costs of gas so many of the homes our members visit have people huddled together freezing in the dead winter, unable to afford heating, and we find people going to bed early so as to conserve electricity," Dr Falzon said.

"People are even reducing the number of times they'll use the stove top because they're worried about the cost."

Low income support specialist Maree O'Halloran said people in areas like Toowoomba went without fresh food and medications just to pay the rent.

"What we see is a lot of debt," the National Welfare Rights Network president said.

"It certainly needs all levels of government to be looking at their policies."

The figures come on the back of national consumer advocate Choice's latest Pulse Report, which says nine out of 10 householders have higher bills compared to last year.

- APN NEWSDESK

TOP STORIES ONLINE

1. AirAsia flight QZ8501: expert says little chance of survivors


2. Greek ferry fire: One dead, hundreds trapped


3. Doctor Who and BBC accused of promoting gay lifestyle


4. Rain, glorious rain, saves family's crop


5. Burning bacon leads to drug bust


6. Police investigating death of 71-year-old at Goodna


7. How to stick to your New Year's diet


8. Baby sharks thriving in Qld rivers


9. Inquiry reveals disturbing trend as self-harm cases increase


10. Simple solutions to help you save money in 2015

Online initiative helps in search for stolen cars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA police are hoping a new drive will help recover stolen cars.

They have started a new crime awareness program and will publish a list of vehicles stolen in the last seven days within the district that have not been recovered

Sgt Tony Rehn from the Crime Prevention Unit said the police intelligence section kept a list of the last 25 days worth of vehicles that had been stolen in the Darling Downs district.

"We decided to share the most current information with the general public because it increases the number of eyes that are looking for the stolen vehicles," Sgt Rehn said.

"What we've discovered over the years is that a lot of stolen vehicles are left on the side of the road.

"And people don't realise that they are missing and we're looking for them.

"So if we release our list via our myPolice Blog, Darling Downs, they can have a look and see what we're looking for."

STOLEN CARS: Sgt Tony Rehn, Crime Prevention Unit talks about stolen cars in Toowoomba. Monday, Dec 29, 2014 . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

Sgt Rehn said the idea was borrowed from other parts of the state where police were getting good results.

"I spoke to my counterparts up north and they realised that people know the streets better than we do and it's a great way to engage the public."

He said cars were stolen for a number of reasons including for joy rides, people who couldn't afford a taxi home and for criminal activities.

Sgt Rehn said it was important that residents always kept their cars locked.

All outstanding stolen vehicles

1995 Holden Commodore utility, black, 953TNI stolen December 21

2005 Husqvarna TE510 motorcycle, blue, 223IW stolen December 19

2002 Yamaha TTR230 motorcycle, blue, stolen December 19

2003 Holden Crewman dual cab, white, 790VFR, stolen December 23

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 domestic/box trailer, AT9408, stolen December 16

2014 Kawasaki KXF250 off-road motorcycle, Green, stolen December 16

Holden Commodore sedan, white, XLF669, stolen December 18

Help! What to do for New Year? - Toowoomba Chronicle

POPULAR EVENT: Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year’s Eve party. Contributed

Fireworks will light up the sky in Queens Park this New Year's Eve. Kevin Farmer

Free family activities

MAGIC and circus acts will be part of the entertainment at the Toowoomba Regional Council's free family New Year's Eve celebrations at Frog's Hollow, Queens Park. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm with fireworks from 7.45pm. For more information visit toowoombarc.qld.gov.au.

Night at the races

TOAST to the New Year at the races. The Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve Party is sure to be popular this year featuring entertainment by Mental as Anything and Dozzi. Pre-purchased tickets are $25 and can be bought online at toowoombaturfclub.com.au or tickets are available at the gate for $35. Phone 4634 6066.

Dozzi will perform at the Toowoomba Turf Club New Year's Eve party. Picasa

Bush dance at Jondaryan

SEE in the New Year with the family at the Jondaryan Woolshed's New Year's Eve Bush Dance. There will be a fully licensed bar, a delicious hot and cold dinner buffet, a big brekky on New Year's Day and dinner and snacks available for purchase. Gates open at 5pm with the band starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for both camping and non-camping admission. Call 4692 2229 to secure your place.

Indulge at The Spotted Cow

CELEBRATE in style before your resolutions kick in at The Spotted Cow's New Year's Eve Indulgence Party, from 8pm to 1am. An all inclusive package is available for $99 and includes selected spirits, craft beer, seafood, savouries, sliders, desert stations, cocktails and more. A DJ will keep you dancing all night. Tickets are still available. Phone Phil on 0409 349 889 or Nicole on 4639 3264.

Fun at Woodford

FEELING adventurous? FOR a muddy start to 2015 head to the Woodford Folk Festival and get in touch with your inner flower child. The festival in full swing with tickets still available for New Year. For more information visit the website at woodfordfolkfestival.com.

Dance to jazz bands

JAZZ up your night at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club this New Year's Eve. Local bands Connect the Dots and the Alison Bryant Trio will feature at the Toowoomba Jazz Society's end-of-year celebrations. There may even be some gypsy tap or barn dancing. The theme for the evening is black and white attire. Entry is $25 and people are welcome to bring snacks. The music starts at 8pm and bookings can be made by phoning 4635 5728. For more information go to toowoombajazz.com.

Teens take life-changing trip - Toowoomba Chronicle

TWO Toowoomba teens have just returned from a life-changing trip teaching English in Thailand.

Topcamp resident Abigail Stewart, 18 and her friend Jenna Hartland from Highfields,18, volunteered to teach at a remote school in northern Thailand.

The school, Piyamart, is run by Ursuline nuns and is free to local children in the area.

At the school the Toowoomba teenagers assisted in teaching English to students ranging from kindergarten to Grade 6.

On school days they assisted in classrooms and on the weekends they toured the country.

The duo took some time out to visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai known locally as Wat Rong Khun, a Buddhist style temple.

Ms Stewart said she was hoping to teach English overseas after finishing university.

"When I found out that my friend was going to Thailand to teach English I thought it would be a good way to find out if I liked teaching. It was like a trial," she said.

She said the most memorable part of the trip was the strange questions the children asked.

"One asked, 'will you fight with me?' which led to a number of arm wrestles.

"Another said, 'why is your skin white?' and I wasn't quite sure how to respond."

Both said teaching at the school was a worthwhile experience.

VOLUNTEERING: Jenna Hartland (third from left) and Abigail Stewart (third from right) in Chiang Rai pictured with Ursuline nuns, teachers and a student.

Ms Hartland said on the first day of class, one of the English teachers didn't show up so the girls were asked to take over.

"We had never taught English before and didn't know the level the students were at so it was a challenge.

"It was an almost frightening experience, but we managed to handle it and ended up playing hangman.

"There was a moment of awkwardness but it worked out in the end."

PLACE TO VISIT: The Wat Rong Khun, known to foreigners as the "White Temple" is a privately owned, art-exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Ms Hartland said she enjoyed haggling at the local market.

"It was so crowded, there were clothes stores next to food, next to knives."

Ms Stewart said there were so many varieties of food.

"You'd never go hungry. I really liked the sticky rice," she said.

Ms Hartland also experimented with local delicacies.

"Some nights there was strange food and I sort of 'poked at it' to see what it was."

Ms Stewart said it was a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Thailand.

TOP STORIES ONLINE

1. AirAsia flight QZ8501: expert says little chance of survivors


2. Greek ferry fire: One dead, hundreds trapped


3. Doctor Who and BBC accused of promoting gay lifestyle


4. Rain, glorious rain, saves family's crop


5. Burning bacon leads to drug bust


6. Police investigating death of 71-year-old at Goodna


7. How to stick to your New Year's diet


8. Baby sharks thriving in Qld rivers


9. Inquiry reveals disturbing trend as self-harm cases increase


10. Simple solutions to help you save money in 2015