School support dog Kiwi learns the ropes

Emma Turnbull

Kiwi was born with the ability to comfort those around him and now, the eight-month-old pup is putting his skills into practice as he becomes Bundaberg State High School's first-ever support dog.

Born in Red Collar Rescue’s foster care, Kiwi was taken in by Bundaberg State High School’s guidance officer Sally Freeman and her family.

Eight months later, he has graduated from training organisation Dog Matters and is the first support dog to put his paws on the pavement at the local high school.

The mini foxy, maltese and poodle mixed breed will be an asset for both students and teachers as he is trained to add comfort and support to those around him.

“Kiwi was just different from the start,” Sally said.

“Even as a pup he searched people out and gave so much love.

“He just innately knew to sit, or play.

“He would pull on his lead towards people of all ages.

“I bought him to school and the students and staff gravitated to him and as mentioned him to them.

“Even to this day when we arrive at school his tail is like a windscreen wiper, he is just so happy!”

Sally said after the initial encounters, she enquired about putting Kiwi to the test to become the first therapy dog at Bundaberg State High School.

“I then did some research on what we needed to do [for Kiwi] to become a school support dog,” she said.

“I put a proposal forward and the school supported me 100 per cent.”

Students see the benefit in having a support dog

Bundaberg State High School students Hayley Asnicar, Karlea Law and Eli Thomas all agreed that having a companion like Kiwi the support dog at school made every day better.

Hayley said Kiwi supported students emotionally.

“Kiwi provides great emotional support and just makes us feel a lot better,” Hayley said.

“Having little cuddles from him is enough to put you in a better mood.”

Karlea agreed saying the little pooch had the ability to brighten each school day.

Eli said all the students and teachers had benefitted from having a support dog at the school.

“Kiwi offers a pretty good atmosphere for any kids who are feeling down and he helps them get back to work and focus better.

“He is a fun, playful, cute little dog and just makes us happy.

“I like his goofy little underbite too!”

Dogs truly are man's best friends

Professional trainer Tenille Williams worked with Kiwi who she said now has the skills to be able to help students when they are in need of time out from daily stresses.

“Now, I know what you're thinking ‘a dog in school? That sounds barking mad!’,” Tenille said.

“But trust me, having a furry friend around can bring a whole lot of benefits that you may not have even considered.

“First and foremost, having a school support dog can do wonders for the mental health of students and staff alike.

“Dogs are natural stressbusters, and just petting them can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine in our brains.

“So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or just having a bad day, spending some quality time with a dog can really lift your spirits.”

Tenille said dogs were also amazing listeners and having a school support dog could also promote socialisation and empathy among students.

She said animals were great at bringing people together and having a dog in the classroom could encourage students to interact with each other and form friendships.

“Sometimes, all we need is someone to talk to who won't judge us or interrupt us mid-sentence,” she said.

“Dogs are perfect for that, they'll sit there and listen to you talk through your problems for as long as you need, without ever complaining or telling you to stop. They're the best secret-keepers too!

“And let's not forget about the sheer joy and fun that a dog can bring to a school.

“Having a school support dog benefits everyone in the school community in so many ways.

“From improving mental health to promoting socialisation and just bringing some happiness and laughter into our lives, a dog is truly a human's best friend.”

Two decades of delights for Nana's Pantry

Emma Turnbull

Fond childhood memories inspired Leisa Storey's business Nana's Pantry which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

Established on 10 March 2003 by Leisa and her husband Darryl, Nana’s Pantry is a local, family-owned business which continues to provide the community with a unique mix of healthy options and indulgent treats, including delicious gelato.

Named in honour of grandmothers from both sides of the family, Nana Edna and Nana Shirley, Darryl and Leisa continue to share the joy of food passed down through the generations with their customers.

“We wanted to create a unique store that reminded people of homemade treats and goodness,” Leisa said.

“For me walking into my Nana's house was just a joy, the smells coming from the kitchen were always delightful and homely. 

“Food was just one way to show love. 

“My Nana could make the most decadent foods out of the simplest ingredients, and that is what I wanted to bring to Bundaberg.

“A place to get all the ingredients to make those delicious treats for your family.”

Gelato a favourite at Nana's Pantry

For 20 years Nana's Pantry has grown into a household name in the Bundaberg community, with what started as a one-man store with Darryl running the business to now operating two bustling stores – the second in Hervey Bay – and more than 30 staff.

“We have had three moves in our 20 years, Woongarra Street, Barolin Street and currently Electra Street,” Leisa said.

“On our move to Electra Street we introduced Bundaberg to gelato.

“We make the gelato onsite daily from the finest ingredients, using the best Italian equipment and techniques, we use local milk and cream and where possible local ingredients.”

Darryl said Nana’s Pantry originally opened as a bulk food store, but after the couple visited a food fair and stumbled across gelato, they knew they had to share it with their hometown.

“We originally had a store with bulk wholefoods, and we ran out of space and when we saw this building become available and it was a lot bigger, we knew we could expand,” he said.

“We’d been to a food fair and tried gelato for ourselves for the first time and we were blown away by how good it was and knew we had to share it with the community.

“We were the first ones to do gelato in Bundaberg and we do it all onsite.

“We supply a number of local businesses with gelato, including Macadamias Australia, Water Street and even a big gelato shop up in 1770.”

Darryl said they had always focused on quality over quantity.

Leisa agreed saying they were proud of their staff and the service they offered.

“I think Nana's supplies a unique mix of naughty and healthy and we have the largest variety of wholefood products in Bundaberg,” Leisa said.

“We pride ourselves on great customer service and the best quality and grades of foods and products.

“Plus, you can buy as little or much as you like of most products.

“We do want to thank all our amazing customers for their support over the last two decades.”

Mosaic for Afghan Women displayed at CQU

Emma Turnbull

International project Hanging by a Thread: Mosaic for Afghan Women, involving 47 countries, is proudly on display in Bundaberg.

Hanging by a Thread: Mosaic for Afghan Women is an artwork that comprises of 91 individual pieces of glass-mosaic made by mosaic artists across Queensland.

It will be displayed around Queensland after opening in Brisbane for the United Nations International Day of Peace last year, with the first stop on the tour at Bundaberg CQUniversity.

Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand (MAANZ) Queensland representative, and Bundaberg artist, Paul Perry said the giant handmade glass mosaic scarf was the Queensland contribution to the international project.

Paul said each piece was a reminder of how 20 years of hard-won freedoms could, in a matter of one year, come to be hanging by a thread.

He said it was an honour for Bundaberg to showcase the artwork after its initial stop in Brisbane last year.

“We would like to thank the Bundaberg campus of CQU for their generous support in hosting this display,” he said.

“As a member of MAANZ I was made aware of the project, its message, and the opportunity to participate.

“As this was something I strongly supported, I decided to make a number of pieces for the project.

“Within a few weeks I became one of the new Queensland representatives for MAANZ and took on the role of co-ordinating the project in Queensland, making the substrate for the display and arranging the touring exhibition of the finished mosaic within the state.”

He said mosaic artists had been working since September 2021 to gain the world’s attention to the erosion of the human rights of Afghan women and girls following the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.

More than 1200 participants from 47 countries have created individual glass-mosaic panels to be assembled as mosaic scarves.

Participating artists and community members have drew inspiration from the colours and designs of the now banned colourful traditional Afghan costumes.

Inspiration from Afghan traditions

The scarves in the artwork represent the resilience of Afghan culture beyond its own borders.

“The artwork is a made up of 91 glass mosaics, each one based on or inspired by designs of Afghanistan clothing,” Paul said.

“While each one is a beautiful piece of art in itself, they have been curated together into a scarf form – 3.6m wide and 1.2m high, which adds another dimension to its beauty and draws attention to the message of the project.

“I made six of the mosaic pieces using Italian, Mexican and Chinese smalti and glass tiles – international materials for an international project.”

Paul believes its important to create artwork that connects with its audience.

“A project like this has many layers and dimensions,” he said.

“Firstly, it’s a community project, connecting people with a common interest in a project.

“But beyond this, the project has a real and current message, drawing attention to the plight of Afghan women and girls under the Taliban regime.

“It is also a great opportunity to share the diverse beauty of mosaics as an art form, and especially one that can be used to carry a powerful narrative.”

Excitement of artwork in Bundaberg

Hanging by a Thread: Mosaic for Afghan Women will be displayed at CQUniversity in Bundaberg until the end of June.

“I’m excited to see the MFAW exhibition here in Bundaberg and to be able to share it up close and personal with friends, colleagues and other art lovers,” Paul said.

“While the 91 individual mosaics that make up the display are beautiful in their own right, the message of the exhibition in terms of continuing to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls under the Taliban regime, is equally important for Bundaberg. 

“It is something I personally feel strongly about and share with the mosaic community internationally.

“It’s also exciting for this exhibition to be opening during International Women’s Week.

“It’s great to have Dr Rita Anwari be part of the opening event here, albeit via video link, as the Hanging by a Thread project has a strong synergy with her Women Empowerment and Leadership organisation.

In Our Group with Childers and Isis District Orchid Society

Emma Turnbull

The Childers and Isis District Orchid Society Inc has a proud 40-year history of blooming beautiful flowers while creating social connection for members.

Publicity Officer Fay Partridge shares the workings of the local community group.

Tell us about the Childers and Isis District Orchid Society Inc?

The Society is open to anyone that is interested in learning about orchids or joining our club for the social side of it.

Even better it they know a lot about orchids.

The community is involved by visiting our shows, cent sales and purchasing raffle tickets.

A small amount of money raised goes to having speakers come and give us a talk so we can learn more about orchids.

What significant events do you hold during the year?

We will be holding our Autumn Charity Orchid Show on 24 and 25 March at the Isis Culture Centre Churchill Street Childers.

Doors open at 8 am to 4 pm Friday and 8 am to 1 pm Saturday, when trophies will be presented.

This year the beneficiary is Forest View Aged Care Inc. in Childers. 

At our show there will be a potting demonstration at 10 am each day.

You can also buy orchid potting mix and orchid supplies.

Orchid members will be selling orchids, as well as vendors selling everything from baby orchids to flowering ones.

Entry is $2, refreshments are available andt there will be raffles to be won.

See the beautiful display of orchids from Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, and Childers and the Isis District Orchid Societies.

We also have a cent sale on Easter Saturday at the Woodgate Hall.

On 1 and 2 September we have a Spring Orchid Show at the Childers Culture Centre.

What’s the history of Childers and Isis District Orchid Society Inc?

Our society has been operating for 40 years.

The club had a special 25th year anniversary dinner where medallions were presented.

We have around 65 members with the oldest in their 90s.

New members are always welcome.

Why is the group important to the Bundaberg Region?

We freely share our friendship and give charities in the area, such as RACQ LifeFlight, donations from our previous shows.

How can the community become involved?

Meetings are held at Church Hall, McIlwraith Street, Childers with a 2 pm start every second Saturday of the month.

To find out more about the club, join their Facebook group.