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  • festiValley – Saturday 27 August

    festiValley – where creativity and entertainment meet!

    festiValley is coming to Samford again. The bushland grounds of Samford Valley Steiner School will be transformed into a bustling marketplace of stalls and activities from midday on Saturday 27 August.

    The afternoon fair offers a vibrant mix of teen and adult workshops, including fire twirling, yoga and didgeridoo playing. Visitors also have the chance to roll up their sleeves to tie-dye a t-shirt or sculpt a clay castle. For the young ones there will be puppet shows and story-telling, as well as a myriad of stalls to fire up the creative imagination: flower garland and candle-making, as well as felting and silk painting. Budding soccer stars can test their skills with Brisbane Roar FC before conquering the rock wall or strapping into the bungy-trampoline. Those looking for a less energetic afternoon can stroll around the art and crafts market before relaxing to enjoy wholesome food and drinks from a range of gourmet food stalls, offering everything from north Indian curries to gourmet pizza.
    As the light begins to fade, the focus will turn to the free twilight concert to be held in the school’s award-winning performance hall and amphitheatre.

    Entry to the fair (12 noon-5pm) and the twilight concert (5-7pm) on Saturday 27 August are free. For more information contact Samford Valley Steiner School on 3430 9600.

    Supporting those who support us
    A fair like ours can only be created with help and support from parents at our school, the board, administration and sponsors. This year we have had sponsors donate goods and services, discounted goods for us and donated prizes for the raffle and vouchers for the silent auction. Thank you so much to all of the following businesses!

    Alma Park Zoo
    Artcraft
    Artstore
    Black Cat Books and Cafe
    Bligh Graham Architects
    Blue Ridge Lavender Farm and Retreat
    Bushwacker Ecotours
    cathdotappleton
    Closeburn Nursery
    Creating Health
    Dayboro Cottages and Llama Walks
    Ebar Organics
    Elsegood Fabrics
    Feel Therapies and Crystals
    Flannerys Store – Taringa
    Flipside Circus
    Four Seasons Organics
    Holistic Bliss Magazine
    JoC Counselling
    John Urwin Imports
    Journey of Life Photography
    Kennards Hire Brendale
    Kids in the Kitchen
    Lifestyle Nursery Centre
    Lotus Lake Clinic
    MyGym Fitness
    Nimbin Candle Factory
    Northey Street City Farm
    Northside Flower Market
    Oceanview Estates Winery and Restaurant
    OzLX Electrician
    Pacific Edge Wellness
    Palace Cinemas
    Riverlife
    Samford Community Bank – Bendigo Branch
    Samford Hire
    Samford Homestead Restaurant
    Samford Village Greens
    Sattva Yoga Centre
    Slickers Horse Riding
    The Flying Nun Cafe
    The Grad Lab
    The Meat-ting Place
    Topiaries at Beaumont
    Urban Retreat Massage & Day Spa
    Vitale Natural Skincare
    Wendy Bailye Felt Workshops

  • The Samford show 2011

    Saturday 16th July & Sunday 17th July

    The Samford Show Society brings you the ultimate country show providing you with two days of non-stop family entertainment, a snapshot of country life and the very best the Samford region has
    to offer.
    Gates open 8:00am, Saturday & Sunday

    Admission Prices:
    Adult $12.00
    Concession/Pensioners $8.00
    High School Students 14-17 $8.00
    Children under 14 $5.00
    Children under 5 Free
    Family (2 Adults + 3 children) $30.00
    Attractions:

    Come and be part of the excitement!
    • Freestyle Motocross • Equestrian
    • Fireworks • Dogs
    • Sideshow Alley • Pony Club
    • Ashton’s Circus • Sheep Shearing
    • Live Bands • Great Samford Dog Jump
    • Woodchop • Pig Racing
    • Tent Pegging • Whip Cracking
    • Pet Parade • Ute Muster
    • Heavy Horses • Classic Cars
    • Miniature Horses • Antique Machinery
    • Pavillion Displays • Blacksmith

  • Why Use Professional Photography?

    According to these findings, a $600,000 home, sporting only one photo, could sell for as much as 3.8% LESS or a loss of over $22,000, just because there was only one photo accompanying the listing. More amazing is the fact that only 12% of agents posted 20 photos or more.Keep in mind that none of these reports/findings mention the quality of the photographs. If photos are the most important factor, it would follow that by having great, high quality photographs, you can be even further ahead of the game. In many cases, it is the agents themselves who are snapping the pictures and posting them on the agency website.

    Because of this, it is important that sellers choose an agent who will take professional looking photos or pay for a professional photographer.

    Good quality real estate photographs are difficult to achieve and it should be clear that a real estate agent can’t be expected to have professional photographic skills. Agents should, however be able to recognize the difference between good and poor photos and refrain from posting poor photos where perspective buyers will see them. With that in mind, it is amazing to find all the substandard photos, which agents and sellers seem to be willing to accept when it comes to posting photos of property on the website and into some of the advertising.

    “Location, location, location” is the common catch phrase when buying real estate. “Photography, photography, photography” will soon be the new advice when selling. When you look at the difference between photos taken by a professional and ones taken by brokers/agents with digital cameras, it’s not hard to see that you get what you pay for.

    Professional photographers use professional equipment, have the skills set to use it and they have a trained eye for making your home look its best.

    This is their job, they’re professionals. And paying to have professional real estate photographs, in comparison, is not really expensive when you consider the benefits.

    It stands to reason then, that it is very important to have photos that are professionally presented. Some agents use only pictures taken by professional photographers, because, as one agent put it, “if the photos look shoddy or unprofessional, not only are buyers going to find your property unappealing, they’re going to associate you with being shoddy and unprofessional.”

    What does all this mean? The Internet is the most powerful tool you can use when buying and/or selling a property. According to results, photography does sell real estate. And when you have high quality professional images for your marketing tools, you win by:

    . Generating more interest

    . Attracting more viewers/leads

    . Generating higher offers/selling price

    . Faster sale

  • Music in the Park

    Music by the Lake has always been one of my favorite Samford events, proudly organized by the Samford Rotary Club and every year was bigger and better. For the passed few years the event has changed shape and location and is now Music in the Park. Hosted in John Scott Park and supported by the Moreton Bay Regional Council, this years event seems to be another winner, with the local Samford community. Manjo Jam Big Band will be headlining this years entertainment.. So bring your chair, arrive early and enjoy. Music in the park is on Sunday the 19th June from 1-3pm. Contact MBRC for more info on 3205 0555.

  • The Samford Rodeo

    The Samford Rodeo is currently on hiatus. This is a great event that needs to come back soon.

  • Queensland in the Valley Festival

    Queensland in the valley festival is proudly put on by Samford State School and this year will be on the Saturday 4th June 2011. $30 for all day rides passes. And this year there will be more rides than ever before. Dodgem cars, laser skirmish, jumping castle, triple screamer slide, land train, giant cobra are a few of the favorites. With cakes stalls, sideshow alley, dance groups, face painting and more,this offers a great day out for the family and shows what the Samford community spirit is all about. Go to www.samfordstateschool.org for more festival details and early bird rates.

  • The Samford Valley Business Network

    The SVBN exists to help businesses in the Samford area help each other and to reach the local community more effectively.

    This site presents a directory of local businesses, local business news and events.

    If you would like to become a member and meet other like minded and enthusiastic business people, in a relaxed and casual atmosphere at The Samford Homestead Restaurant, feel free to come to the next meeting or contact us.

  • Samford Million Paws Walk

    Located at Samford Showgrounds, the Samford Million Paws Walk continues to be a favourite outdoor event for Samford animal lovers and their furry friends. Get involved on Sunday, 15 May 2011, by enjoying a 2km or 4km walk, mingle with other pet owners, enter fantastic competitions and enjoy the festival atmosphere of the day.

    Funds raised through walk registrations and online fundraising goes towards vital programs, services and campaigns undertaken by RSPCA Qld, as well as looking after the animals in our care.

    Activities scheduled on the day include:
    * Food and drink stalls
    * Competitions
    * Market stall
    * Sausage sizzle
    * Coffee cart
    * Hydrobathing
    * Balloon animals
    * Haunted house theme

    Walk Location: Samford Showgrounds
    Address: Samford
    Parking: On-street parking is available
    On Day Registration: From 7.30am
    Walk Commences: 9.00am
    Length of walk: 2km or 4km
    Last Updated on Saturday, 28 May 2011 10:37

    Living around Brisbane Forest Park – SAMFORD PDF Print E-mail
    Written by Whippy
    Friday, 03 December 2010 00:00

    On Brisbane’s city fringe is the beautiful “Samford Valley” – a country community only 20km to the CBD. Linked by Brisbane’s Forest Park and surrounded by a picturesque backdrop of mountain ranges consisting of 26,500ha enclosing 16 separate recreation areas. A 20-minute drive north-west of Brisbane you will find this the quiet little town offering a fascinating and rich diversity. Samford Village offers a selection of coffee shops, hotel, casual eateries and restaurants. Brisbane Forest Park and its surrounding ranges, Clear Mountain Forest Reserve, Bunyaville Forest Reserve, Samford Forest Reserve consisting of 26,500ha enclosing some 16 separate recreation areas.

  • Brisbane Forest Park

    Brisbane Forest Park is a huge, diverse park of scribbly gums and lush rainforest, sprawling over the hills at Brisbane’s back door. Enjoy great lookouts, walking tracks and picnic areas, also a remote secluded campsite for experienced walkers and navigators. At Jolly’s Lookout (wheelchair accessible), cook a barbecue while taking in the views over Samford Valley and listening to early morning birdsong. At Boombana, take a short rainforest walk among strangler figs and climbing vines. From the park’s information centre join in a fun and informative Go Bush activity, or explore displays featuring tawny frogmouths and other wildlife. On a scenic drive along Northbrook Parkway, take in views of the mighty Wivenhoe Dam. This huge park teeming with wildlife is a treasure trove close to Brisbane, offering a circuit drive of 90 minutes through a range of natural habitats.

  • New Pool Laws And How They Will Effect You.

    Do I need a Pool Safety Certificate in Brisbane?

    Yes. If you own or manage a pool in the Brisbane area you will be affected by the new Queensland Pool Laws, which take effect December 2010. Once certified, private residential pools will be required to renew their pool safety certificate every 2 years. This means you will be required to have your pool inspected every 2 years

    Question: If I do not sell or lease my property, how long do I have to obtain a Pool Safety Certificate?
    Answer: 5 years from the 1st of December 2010

    Question: If I am buying a property that is settling after 1st December 2010, is the seller required to
    provide me with a Pool Safety Certificate?

    Answer: No – The seller can fill in a Form 36 – Notice of no pool safety certificate and present this form to
    the buyers. The buyers will then be responsible for obtaining a pool safety certificate within 90 days
    of the contract settlement date. If the seller doesn’t provide the buyers with a Form 36, they must
    provide the buyer/s with a copy of a valid Pool Safety Certificate.

    Pool Check List

    Do all the pool gates open away from the pool?
    Is the top of the gate latch 1500mm from the ground?
    Is the top of the gate latch 1400mm from the highest of the bottom horizontal rails?
    When the gate is closed, is it securely locked or does it pull free easily?
    If a child of approx 25kg bounced on the bottom rail of the gate would it pop free?
    Does the gate self close from any position in its full arc of operation?
    Are the hinges 900mm apart? Or capped if less than 900mm apart?
    Is the gap under the fence less than 100mm?
    Is there a clear 300mm on the inside of the fence?
    Are there any sharp objects or entrapments on the gate or fence?
    (This includes sharp metal CPR signs & fence posts that are missing their caps).
    Are all components on the gate and fence tight and secure? (Including hinges, screws, latches & rails)
    Are there any gaps in the fence greater than 100mm?
    Can you create a gap in the fence greater than 100mm when you squeeze 2 rails together with 15kg of force?
    Are there any windows or louvers that provide access to the pool enclosure with gaps greater than 100mm?
    Is the fence a minimum 1200mm in height?
    Is there a non-climbable area vertically on the fence of at least 900mm?
    Are there any climbable tree branches or stumps within 900mm of the outside of the fence?
    Are there any pot plants or climbable objects against the fence on either side?
    are there any horizontal footholds on the fence greater than 10mm wide?
    If you pool fence intersects your boundary fence, is there a 900mm clear area on the outside?
    Are the rails on the boundary fence more then 900mm from the top of the pool fence?
    Is you balcony above the pool area more than 1800mm from the ground?
    Is the balcony more than 900mm away from the top of the fence?
    If No – Does your balcony comply with the fencing standards above?
    Do you have a current CPR sign displayed that is unobstructed, clearly visible & undamaged?

    Information provided by Brisbane Pool Inspections 1300 677 665