Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor today accepted $1.819 million on behalf of council from the Federal Government at the inaugural Australian Council of Local Government in Canberra.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced details of a $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program to representatives from Australia’s 565 councils in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

The government said the $300 million would be split into a $250 million one-off payment pool for local community infrastructure and a $50 million Strategic Projects Fund for larger scale infrastructure projects.

The money is to be spent by September 30, 2009.

While always a winner in the eyes of its organisers, the Australian Camp Oven Festival at Millmerran was officially acknowledged in Mackay last Saturday night.

The Festival was recognised for its social and cultural success and contribution to regional community in winning the MacAir Airlines Events and Tourism Award at the Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Phones ran hot from the special gala awards presentation dinner where Festival representative, and Millmerran Service Centre's Tourism and Events officer, Katrina Grundon said it was overwhelming to have won and she looked forward to ‘bringing it home’ to share with fellow organisers.

Festival president, Ms Kingston, attributes the success of the Festival to its loyal patrons; the thousands of man-hours worked by previous and current committee members, sponsors, in particular Heritage Building Society and Regional Events, and the spirit of the Millmerran community.

While it's two years until it comes around again, Ms Kingston and committee are looking ahead to finetune wherever possible.

“It’s a work in progress with current focus on improving infrastructure, amenities and introducing new features without losing the spirit of the Festival. So join us again in 2010”, Ms Kingston said.

These Christmas holidays will be a little more ‘stash’ and a little less ‘splash’ for residents relying on Toowoomba’s water supply.

As dam levels nudge 9 percent, residents are reminded stringent Level 5 water restrictions apply, under which all outside watering is banned.

Water Services portfolio chair Cr Paul Antonio appealed to residents to observe the ban on outside watering.

“Some residents may be confused because water restrictions in Brisbane have been eased.

The Mayor’s annual Over 80s Christmas Party proves you’re never too old to party.

Seniors from across the region are invited to join Mayor Peter Taylor for a morning of fun and frivolity from 10am to noon on Thursday, November 27 at Rumours.

With the theme ‘A Country Christmas’, participants are urged to don appropriate costume and get into the spirit of Christmas.

A free morning tea, entertainment by local artists and the singing of Christmas carols will ensure a lively morning.

This year, for the first time the Over 80s Christmas Party will be an opportunity to meet and mingle with others from the new Toowoomba Regional Council area.

If you would like to attend or have any enquiries, please contact the Mayor’s office on 4688 6631 by close of business Wednesday, November 19.