Desert Yarns - Diamantina Shire Council

Diamantina Shire Council
Desert Yarns
February, 2011
Upcoming Community Events
Distributed free to all residents.
Message from the Mayor
 Tourism Development Plan Public
Consultation - February 7 Birdsville
- February 8 Bedourie
 Ordinary Council Meeting - Feb 20
 State Elections - March 24
Volume 4 Issue 48
I would like to welcome everybody back into Diamantina Shire for 2012. I hope
whatever you do within the shire, that this year turns out the way you wish.
I would like to welcome Rob Gibb and his wife from Orrooroo who will be taking on
the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, with Council. Congratulations!
 Local Government Election - April 28 CEO Scott Mason, Barcoo Mayor Bruce Scott, Mr Ray Heffernan RAPAD Board
Executive Manager for Strategy and Innovation and I, met with Telstra executives in
 Easter Week-end - April 6-9
Brisbane on January 23. This meeting was to receive the quote for fibre-optic to be
 Betoota Gymkhana - April 14 and 15 delivered to the Barcoo and Diamantina Shires.
Initially, we had included for fibre to connect Quilpie to Birdsville via Windorah, but at
$30,000/km we had to drop this 645k.
We have been handed a quote for $21.4m, $5.6m of which we have secured. Our
next move is to work with Bruce Scott MP to gain meetings with The Hon Simon
Crean MP, these meetings will be regarding a RDA (Regional Development Australia)
submission, Minister Stephen Conroy (communications) and a couple of other
associated colleagues are yet to be organised, then meet with Mike Quigley (NBN
CEO).
Message from the Mayor
1
Writings from the CEO
2
Works
Report
Mayors
Message
1
4-6
Council News
Housing News
4
Library News
4
The Arts
Health News
Positions Vacant
4
7
8-11
12
World‟s Greatest Shave
Community
NewsWalk from Gulf
Fundraising
3
13-14
to News
Gulf
Police
5
15
Health News
Birdsville Hotel
6
16
Community Notice Board
Betoota Gymkhana Flyer
Diamantina Shire Events 2012
7
I would like to take this opportunity to ask community members to consider the Local
Government elections coming up on April 28, 2012.
We need the best, motivated people that we can to put your hand up and have a go!
It is not rocket science and council does supply training. It needs some time though
especially the mayors job, as I am not standing.
To make life a bit easier there has been a fair pay rise granted by the State
Government enquiry, beginning January 1, 2012. CEO will display amounts in his
report.
The election date April 28, will be on the same date as my eldest son Ben‟s birthday.
Ben was born when I was fixing a windmill and cementing a tank at Four Mile for Bill
and David Brook in 1981. Peewee Clark, who was managing Glengyle Station at the
time. landed in the station plane and gave me the message that Del had a boy in
Townsville Hospital - bit of history.
Mayor Cr Rob Dare
17
18
Diamantina Shire Council
07 4746 1202
17 Herbert Street
07 4746 1272
BEDOURIE QLD 4829
 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au
 admin@diamantina.qld.gov.au
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Writings from the CEO
The 2012 Quadrennial Local Government Election has been postponed one month. The key dates are as follows.
January 31
Voters roll closed at 5pm
March 10
Caretaker period commencement
March 10
Nominations open
March 27
Nominations close at 12 noon
April 28
Election Day
The Returning Officer for this election is Mrs Robyn Webster of Bedourie. It‟s important to note that the election is
being conducted by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ). If you are interested in contesting the election
in a mayoral or councillor capacity, there are sources of information available to you. These include the Department
of Local Government and Planning, the LGAQ (Local Government Association of Queensland) and ECQ. Also, our
current councillors could answer any questions of what it is like to be an elected member for Diamantina Shire
Council, as can I.
On a similar note, the Remuneration Tribunal has handed down a remuneration increase effective January 1,
2012. The pay rate for elected members has been significantly increased. Amounts are per annum and are
displayed in the table below.
Mayor
$72,003
Deputy Mayor
$30,859
Councillor
$17,144
With regard to housing in the communities of Birdsville and Bedourie, it is true that some homes are vacant. Council
maintains a list of „key‟ housing for select positions to ensure that there is a vacant home when an appointment is
made to that particular position. The community housing stock that Council manages are only available to applicants
that meet criteria set by the State. In some circumstances, a “hard to let” label is assigned to a particular home
allowing Council to use its discretion to tenant the property while no one is on a waiting list for a community
house. Some homes in Birdsville and Bedourie have been set up for aged, mobility impaired or infirmed
people. Again these properties at times are tenanted to able-bodied persons under the covenant that they move
should a person require that particular type of accommodation. The matter of housing is quite complex and from the
„outside looking in‟ it‟s impossible to gain an appreciation of just how complex it can be. On a positive note, Council
is presently addressing the maintenance backlog by upgrading and updating homes. If you have any concerns
about your home or how Council manages the housing stock, please contact me directly or my Property Officer, Mrs
Maggie Den Ronden.
Mayor Rob Dare has included an update in his article regarding fibre optic telecommunications. It‟s quite exciting to
be this close to an improvement that will transform lives for all in western Queensland. The benefits are incalculable
to areas of policing, education, health, grazing, business, tourism and overall quality of life. This technology will
bring changes we cannot comprehend now. Council, through RAPAD (Central Western Remote Area Planning and
Development Board) has been working on a digital readiness project called “The Digital Revolution”. Its purpose is
to create an awareness for the types of technology and communicative means that surround us, many of which have
never been available to Diamantina‟s population, and to stimulate creative ideas for how this technology can be used
for all sorts of purposes. There is a guest speaker coming to Bedourie and Birdsville to talk on these things and I
encourage everyone to attend if they can. The Bedourie Workshop is on March 20, 2012 from 8am to 1pm and the
Birdsville Workshop is on March 21, 2012 from 8am to 1pm.
I‟ll sign off for now wishing everyone a safe and prosperous 2012. We‟ve got a huge amount of work on our plate
this year and could do without a major flood. That said, some rain right now would be good.
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Works Report
Work is back in full swing after the Christmas break. All Crews
are progressing well.
CONSTRUCTION CREW
This Crew has returned to Carcoory to Stony Crossing Road
doing flood damage works for re-sheeting.
The 4 mile re-alignment has most of the heavy formation works
and drainage completed and should be ready for re-sheeting as
soon as the Crew completes the Carcoory to Stoney Crossing
Road.
Checking work out at Carcoory
GRAVEL CREW
The Gravel Crew have completed the Betoota Bypass re-alignment,
and have moved on to complete flood repairs and total re-sheeting of
the Betoota to Mooraberree Road.
D10 AND CRUSHER PLANT
The D10 is stockpiling at the Roseberth pit, once this is completed it
will move to the Cluny Pit to effect the same.
CONTRACTORS CREW
This Crew has completed re-sheeting the Diamantina Lakes to
Springvale Road. They are now working on the Springvale to Boulia
Road doing heavy formation work.
Another Multi-skilled Contractor Crew is continuing on with flood
repairs on the Kamaran and Sandringham Roads.
MULTI SKILLED CREW
This Crew is progressing with repair works on the Bedourie to Boulia
Road doing washouts. They will then move to the Industrial Estate
Levee pipe and installation of northern town entry Levee Sluice gate.
PATROL GRADER CREW
This Crew re-commenced work on the flood damage to Griffith Tank on the Coorabulka Road.
Welcome to David Beardmore to the new Construction Crew Foremen role. His experience will be
resourceful for this new role.
On January 18 and 19, Diamantina Shire Council organised a Traffic Management Training Level I and
II by Civil Train. Thanks to the Contractors and the workforce for making the effort and attending the
training.
Harin Karra
Assistant Works
Manager
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Business Information
Local Business Information Maps
Tourist Information maps have been installed in
Birdsville and Bedourie. These maps have A4 holders
designed to promote local businesses, coming events
and activities.
Council is providing these spaces free of charge to
assist local operators. If you would like to display
information on the signs please contact the Bedourie
or Birdsville Visitor Centres call (0477) 680 700 or
email steven.baldwin@diamantina.qld.gov.au
COMMUNITY EVENTS – Website Listings
The Diamantina Shire Council Website has
undergone a facelift and Community Event
Organisers now have the capacity to add their
own information to our website.
Adding Community Events to the Diamantina
Shire Council Website:
Step 1
Visit www.diamantina.qld.gov.au
Step 2
Click the Add Event Tab which drops down
under Events in the Top Menu.
Step 3
Enter your event details and click SAVE.
Step 4
COUNCIL MEETING DATES
Check the website after a week to see if your
event has been uploaded and that the details are
correct. If not please contact the Bedourie
Visitor Information Centre staff on 07 47461202
or email visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au.

Council Meeting - February 20

Council Meeting - March 19
IT’S THAT EASY!

Council Meeting - April 16

Council Meeting - May 21

Council Meeting - June 18
If you have any questions be sure to ask
the friendly staff at the Visitor Information
Centre for assistance.

Council Meeting - July 16

Council Meeting - August 20

Council Meeting - September 17

Council Meeting - October 15

Council Meeting - November 19

Council Meeting - December 14
Craig’s Safety Tip/Quote of the Month
“WHEN YOU BET WITH SAFETY,
YOU BET YOUR LIFE.”
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The Australian Red Cross presents:
FOODcents journey
A nutrition and food budgeting presentation
including health benefits of the 5 food
groups plus learning to read food labels so
you can make healthier choices.
FREE EVENT
Time: 6:00pm start
Venue: Birdsville Shire Hall
Date: Monday 21th February, 2012
Bushfire
Enrol to vote
To enrol to vote for the first time or to
re-enrol, follow these three easy steps:

Start your enrolment at australia.gov.au

Complete, print and sign the online form

Return your form to the AEC
Birdsville had a scrub fire on Thursday, January 26,
Australia Day. The fire was caused by lightning strikes
which occurred five kilometres North of Birdsville, it
eventually burnt itself out.
All Australian citizens over 18 are
required by law to enrol and vote.
Remember, it is a legal requirement to update your
enrolment when your details change. If you don't, you
could be removed from the electoral roll and be unable to
vote.
Courtesy of Jeff Smith
You can enrol if you are 16 or over but you can't vote until
you turn 18.
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RADF
FUNDING AVAILABLE
The RADF (Regional Arts Development Fund)
Program was established in 1991, is
a highly successful State and Local Government
partnership that supports professional
artists and arts practitioners living in regional
Queensland. The Program focuses on
the development of quality art and arts practice
for, and with, regional communities.
To be eligible to receive a RADF grant you
may for example engage the services of a
professional artist to run developmental
workshops for the general public. This can
range from professional singers/ bands,
clowns, painters, wood workers, circus acts,
indigenous artists and the list goes on –
keeping in mind they MUST be professionals
in their field. The funding may go toward
this person’s accommodation and expenses,
travel costs, hourly rates and material costs.
Should you wish to obtain funding please
submit “applications for assistance” to
Council by the above deadline.
Please contact the RADF Liaison Officer
Jo Lewington on telephone 4746 1202 for further
information or an application kit.
We can also assist you with filling out the
application.
Flood & Cyclone Mosaic Project
Diamantina Shire residents are being asked to contribute
their own photos from the state‟s 2010-2011 summer of
disasters to the State Library of Queensland‟s Flood &
Cyclone Mosaic project. The aim is to collect photos from
people and communities affected by disaster to form a
digital Queensland memory of these events, viewed online
and as a part of Floodlines, a major State Library exhibition
in 2012. The dynamic and interactive mosaic will be a
visual record of what happened through the eyes of our
community - to share with current and future generations,
as a way of remembering, learning, understanding and
healing.
Visit www.mosaic.slq.qld.gov.au or contact Alex Clowes
on 4746 1202 or visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au for
further information.
Bedourie Playgroup
Hours
Tuesday - 9am to 12 noon
Wednesday - 9am to 12 noon
Thursday - 9am to 12 noon
Friday - 9am to 12 noon
Birdsville Playgroup
Hours
Monday - 8am to 12.30pm
Wednesday - 8am to 12.30pm
Thursday - 8am to 12.30pm
*** Children from 0-12 years are invited
to attend. It is compulsory that all
children are accompanied by a
responsible person.
ALL WELCOME!
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Clinic 2012 Update
BEDOURIE IMPORTANT DATES
RFDS GP Clinic Friday 10/2/12
RFDS GP Clinic Friday 24/2/12
RFDS GP Clinic Friday 9/3/12
RFDS GP Clinic Friday 23/3/12
Physiotherapist
Monday 13/2/12
To assist recovery of damaged tissue, muscles and joints.
Podiatrist
Monday 13/2/12
The foot specialist!
Personal trainer
Monday 13/2/12
To plan how to accomplish that New Year’s resolution!
Diabetic educator
Monday 13/2/12
For diagnosed diabetics and their families.
SUMMER OPENING HOURS
Both clinics will be working slightly reduced hours until after Easter weekend. Weekday hours remain unchanged. Access available for
emergencies only outside of these hours, weekends and public holidays.
SCRIPTS
The clinics cannot fill scripts as there is no licensed Pharmacist on location. The clinic only stocks a limited amount of pharmacy, and this is
reserved for emergency clinic use. Individuals are responsible for their own scripts. To have a script filled, you can contact Mt Isa
„Pharmacy First‟ 47433773, Quilpie Pharmacy 46562254 or Charleville Pharmacy 46541672.
RFDS GP CLINICS
Please be aware that RFDS requires an appointment list prior to clinic. Only urgent appointments can be added to the list the day
of, or the day before clinic. Maternal and Child Health nurse appointments are also necessary for immunizations and antenatal
consultations.
BIRDSVILLE IMPORTANT DATES
RFDS GP Clinic Wednesday 22/2/12
RFDS GP Clinic Wednesday 7/3/12
RFDS GP Clinic Wednesday 21/3/12
Physiotherapist
Tuesday 14/2/12
To assist recovery of damaged tissue, muscles and joints.
Podiatrist
Tuesday 14/2/12
The foot specialist!
Personal trainer
Tuesday 14/2/12
To plan how to accomplish that New Year’s resolution!
Diabetic educator
Tuesday 14/2/12
For diagnosed diabetics and their families.
Women‟s Health Medical Doctor Dr Simone Peacock
Cardiac team
Wednesday 7/3/12 Appointments filling fast!
Wednesday 18/4/12 Appointment and referral necessary. Patients are responsible for organizing a referral from GP
clinic.
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MEDIA RELEASE
19 January 2012
Health groups unite to tackle obesity
A group of Queensland‟s peak non-government health organisations are working together to reduce lifestyle diseases that are
killing people before their time.
Led by Diabetes Queensland, the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council Queensland and Nutrition Australia Qld are collaborating in
support of the national Swap It, Don‟t Stop It campaign to draw attention to the links between obesity and chronic diseases and
urge people to take steps for better health.
Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said obesity had reached epidemic proportions in Queensland, putting a high
proportion of the population at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
“Our expanding waistlines are the common risk factor for developing these diseases,” she said.
“More than half the adult population now weighs more than recommended for good health – one in three adults is overweight and
one in four is obese.”
Heart Foundation CEO Cameron Prout said obesity was a major cause of premature death and disability in the state.
“Largely preventable chronic diseases cause more than 22,000 deaths in Queensland each year – that‟s almost double the
national road toll,” he said.
“Although higher numbers of people are at risk in larger metropolitan populations, statistics show those in regional and remote
communities of the state are 15 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese than those living in cities.”
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn said the campaign would focus on community awareness and action.
“We know that one in three cancers can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes, including eating healthily, moving more and
maintaining a healthy weight.” he said.
“That is why we are combining our resources in support of the Swap It, Don‟t Stop It campaign to urge individuals at risk, and
those who already have chronic diseases, to take action.”
Although the message is relevant to everyone, Nutrition Australia Qld Nutrition Program Manager Aloysa Hourigan said the group
effort was being directed at 25-50 year olds throughout the state.
“The beauty of the Swap It campaign is the practical way it encourages people to make simple, incremental changes in their
everyday lives, in their own way and their own time,” she said.
“It‟s about small actions that can make a big difference to your overall health - swapping big meal portions for small, eating fewer
treats and being more physically active by moving rather than sitting and playing instead of watching.”
If current trends continue, Ms Trute said diabetes rates were likely to double and about 65 per cent of Queenslanders would be
overweight or obese by 2020.
“Unless action is taken now to eat healthily, move more and lose weight, we face being the first generation of Queenslanders not
to outlive our parents. Collectively we are saying enough is enough before chronic disease becomes an even greater burden on
the community, our home lives, work productivity and economic prosperity,” she said.
“It‟s time for all of us to take responsibility for our own health by becoming community of swappers rather than statistics.”
The non government health organisations‟ collaborative Swap It project is funded by Queensland Health to June 2013 under the
National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health, as part of a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative.
For information on how to become a swapper, visit www.swapit.gov.au.
Media contacts:
Diabetes Australia Queensland Ph: 07 3506 0944, Mb: 0404 772 352.
Heart Foundation: Ph: 07 3872 2541, Mb: 0421 911 116
Cancer Council Queensland Ph: 07 3634 5372, Mb: 0409 001 171
Nutrition Australia Qld Ph: 07 3257 4393, Mb: 0417 078 956
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MEDIA RELEASE
1 February 2012
What:
Time to register for World’s Greatest Shave 2012!
Where:
Nationwide
When:
15-17 March 2012
Why:
Be brave and shave! Register at worldsgreatestshave.com to raise
much-needed funds for leukaemia and blood cancer patients.
Sign up to shave!
It‟s time to take a holiday from haircuts and start growing some long locks for the Leukaemia
Foundation‟s biggest annual fundraising event - World’s Greatest Shave to be held 15 – 17 March
2012.
The Foundation is seeking the long haired, the dreadlocked and the unshaven to sign up now at
worldsgreatestshave.com to commit to losing their locks for the leukaemia cause. The 2012
World’s Greatest Shave aims to raise $4 million towards medical research and vital support services
for blood cancer patients and their families.
It‟s easy and fun to take part and you can nominate to shave, colour or wax. There‟s plenty of
advice at worldsgreatestshave.com on how to start planning your individual, workplace or club
shave event. Schools are invited to involve their whole community by holding a Crazy Hair Day
where kids and teachers colour their hair or wear „crazy‟ hairstyles in return for a donation.
Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland acting Chief Executive Officer, Keiran Mylrea said World’s
Greatest Shave 2012 was more important than ever as the Foundation continues its investment in
critical medical research and extends its accommodation facilities to cater for increasing demand.
“The Leukaemia Foundation will have more home-away-from-home style apartments available to
patients in Townsville and Brisbane from mid 2012, reducing the need to place patients undergoing
intensive medical treatment in motel rooms; a situation that is far from ideal,” Mr Mylrea said.
“Support and care of patients is our number one priority and this can only be achieved with the
generosity of individuals, businesses and community organisations contributing to fundraising
events like World’s Greatest Shave.”
The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation and receives no on-going
government funding. Free practical care and emotional support is available to patients and their
families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. The Foundation
also funds medical research into cures and improved treatments for leukaemia and related blood
disorders.
BE BRAVE AND SHAVE!
worldsgreatestshave.com 1800 500 088
Media contact: Lindsay Marshall, Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland P: 3318 4422 E: lmarshall@leukaemia.org.au
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It’s a Boy...
Bedourie State School welcomed
two new Prep students, Ben Farran and Cassidy Bell, Both were
excited on the commencement of
their first day.
The six year seven students that have recently commenced their
secondary education, seem to have adjusted well to their new
environment. From below going clockwise is Isiah coulthard,
(Spinifex College Mount Isa) Cassandra Kath, (The Cathedral
School Townsville) Clara Jansen - left (St Peters Brisbane) Tearnee
Lewington, (The Glennie School Toowoomba) Kiara McIntyre,
(Mitchell State High School) and Kurtis Farran (Downlands
Toowoomba) Good luck to you all for 2012.
Congratulations to Steve,
Jeena, Cody, Bridie and
Beau on the arrival of
“Jack Maxwell” Cramer.
Jack was born in
Longreach at 10:30am,
January 22, weighing 7
pounds, 3 ounces and was
53cm long.
Photograph above taken of Jack at one day old and below
with his brother and sisters at his christening at two days
old.
Another Baby Girl...
Kerri-Ann & Robbie Pollock, along with Molly & Ben
welcomed the safe arrival of Claudia Margaret into their
family on the 7th November, 2011. Her weight was 9lb
(4.090k) and she was 53cm long. Molly & Ben are
having lots of fun with their new baby sister and Barry
& Narelle, the proud grandparents, have one more baby
to spoil much to their delight.
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Did you know......



Birdsville
First prize - $120.00 Gift Voucher
Winner - Birdsville Caravan Park
Runner up - $80.00 Gift Voucher
Winner - Miranda Palmer & Quinton Parsons



Bedourie

First prize - $120.00 Gift Voucher

Winner - Farran Family
Runner up - $80.00 Gift Voucher

Winner - Tearnee & Yarryn Lewington

Congratulations to the winners and runner ups
and well done to all the people that made the


effort. Let’s hope next year will be bigger and

better!

Uses of Coca-Cola

You can use a can of coke...






To clean a toilet: Pour a
can of Coke into the toilet
bowl. Let the "real thing" sit
for one hour, then flush
clean. The citric acid in
Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
To remove rust spots from chrome car
bumpers: Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece
of aluminium foil dipped in Coke.
To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked
in Coke to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coke into
the baking pan; wrap the ham in aluminium foil, and
bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished,
remove the foil, allowing the rippings to mix with the
Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
To remove grease from garments: Empty a can
of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent,
and run through a regular cycle. The Coke will help
loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from
your windshield.
One of the most popular drink in the world!





That 90% of an iceberg sits under water.
The croissant was invented in Austria.
In eastern Africa you can buy beer
brewed from bananas.
African Grey Parrots have vocabularies
of over 200 words.
A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21
inch tongue.
Australia was originally called New
Holland.
'Lonely Planet' for travelers is based in
Melbourne Australia.
The sentence "the quick brown fox
jumps over the lazy dog" uses every
letter in the English alphabet.
The Grand Canyon can hold around 900
trillion footballs.
All the blinking in one day equates to
having your eyes closed for 30 minutes.
Your foot has 26 bones in it.
The average human brain contains
around 78% water.
Your brain uses between 20 - 25% of
the oxygen your breathe.
1 nautical knot equates to 1.852 Kph.
(1.150 mph)
If you add up all the numbers from 1 to
100 consecutively (1 + 2 + 3...) it totals
5050.
Sponges hold more cold water than hot.
Lightning strikes the Earth 6,000 times
every minute.
Fire usually moves faster uphill than
downhill.
Cats have over 100 vocal chords.
Camel's milk doesn't curdle.
He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much
more,
He who loses faith, loses all.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
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Police News
Bedourie
Welcome to 2012 everyone. I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Christmas
and New year. I would like to thank Andrew Cridland for relieving in my position whilst I was
away on holidays.
I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a
late flood again. With this in mind I would like to warn everyone about driving through
floodwaters and on closed roads.
Driving on a closed road is a $600 on the spot fine and you also leave yourself open for any
recovery and rescue costs. Insurance companies also do not pay out if you have an accident
on a closed road. Please be careful when driving through the floodways. If you know water is
on the road before you leave think about how urgent your trip is and if it can wait. The water
can damage your car, it gets in the wheel bearings and electrics. It could even wash you off the
road.
I think it is time to remind everyone again about their dirt bikes. Not everyone likes to listen to
your really cool noisy bike with the aftermarket pipe or the baffles ripped out. I, and many other
people find it bloody annoying especially when it is at 7am on a Sunday morning.
I have told everyone where they can ride. I am now going to remind you where you cannot ride.
1. Wodonga street Yes, it is dirt but this is a public road and will be enforced as such. Anyone
caught riding an unregistered bike on this road will be going to court for traffic offences.
BE WARNED! If you are caught you WILL lose your car licence as well.
2. In front of the stables There are thousands of acres to ride your bikes on, use it. We don‟t
want to listen to your bikes and have them kicking up dust into the town. Remember I can seize
motorbikes for excessive noise complaints. Do it enough times and your bike goes to the
Auctions.
3. The Roadhouse This is a place of business and a public place. Doug does not appreciate
dust in his shop. If you need fuel push your bike there or use a jerry can.
4. This is just plain common sense. WEAR A HELMET! Your noggin isn‟t designed to impact
with anything faster than running and they tend not to fare too well to people falling off bikes.
Till next month - stay safe!
Tim Farran
Officer in Charge
Bedourie Police Station
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RMLV & RSA course
14th & 15th February 2012
The ‘Responsible Management of Licensed
Venues’ (RMLV) course is a
legal requirement by the Queensland Liquor
Licensing Division for any
BIRDSVILLE HOTEL
CATERING
Should you wish the Birdsville
Hotel to cater for a function,
including birthdays.
person who is to become a licensee or a
nominee of a licensed
premises or an approved manager.
This course may be undertaken by any person
who wishes to enhance
their career path within the Hospitality
Industry. RMLV training may
also be required for permit holders under
certain circumstances.
Prices:
$660 (inc RMLV & RSA)
Please send details to
birdsville@theoutback.com.au so
we have it in writing.
A minimum of 7 days notice is
also required to fulfill your
request.
$550 (RMLV only)
$90 (RSA only)
Please contact Kate at the pub should
you wish to attend.
Many Thanks!
BIRDSVILLE HOTEL
P: 07 - 4656 3244 F: 07 - 4656 3262
E: birdsville@theoutback.com.au
W: www.theoutback.com.au
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Desert Yarns
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Desert Yarns
Diamantina Shire Events 2012
Betoota Gymkhana & Motorbike Event
Friday, April 13 - Sunday, April 15, 2012
For further information contact: Lorraine Kath (07) 4656 4949
Birdsville Bronco Branding
Friday, May 11 - Sunday, May 13, 2012
For further information contact: Don and Judy Rayment (07) 4656 3321 or the Wirrarri VIC (07) 4656 3300.
Birdsville Gymkhana, Rodeo & Bikekhana
Friday, June 22 – Sunday, June 24, 2012
For further information contact: Don and Judy Rayment (07) 4656 3321 or the Wirrarri VIC (07) 4656 3300.
Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo and Gymkhana
Saturday, June 30 - Sunday, July 1, 2012
For further information contact: Steve and Jeena Cramer (07) 4746 1236
Bedourie Camel Races
Saturday, July 7, 2012
For further information contact the Diamantina Visitors Centre 1300 794 257.
Betoota Races
Saturday, August 25, 2012
For further information contact: Bev & Geoff Morton (07) 4656 3250.
Birdsville Races
Friday, August 31 & Saturday, September 1, 2012
For further information contact: Diamantina Visitors Centre 1300 794 257
Bedourie Races
Friday, September 7 and Saturday, September 8, 2012
For further information contact: Garth and Kathi Tully (07) 4746 1219
Bedourie Outback Ute & Traveller’s Muster
Friday, September 7 and Saturday, September 8, 2012
For further information, contact the Diamantina Visitors Centre on 1300 794 257
or email visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au
Bedourie Bikekhana
Saturday, December 1, 2012
For more information contact Jo Lewington (07) 4746 1202
or email community@diamantina.qld.gov.au
BEDOURIE-BIRDSVILLE-BETOOTA
Contact details:
Name
Position
Business Hours
Contact
After Hours
Contact

Cr Rob Dare
Mayor
(07) 4746 1291
(07) 4746 1205

Cr Barry Gaffney
Deputy Mayor
(07) 4656 3236
(07) 4656 3236

Cr Garth Tully
Councillor
(07) 4746 1219
(07) 4746 1219

Cr Joyce Crombie
Councillor
(07) 4746 1113
(07) 4746 1045

Cr Steve Cramer
Councillor
(07) 4746 1236
(07) 4746 1236

Scott Mason
Chief Executive Officer
(07) 4746 1202
(07) 4746 1009

Vacant
Deputy Chief Executive
Officer
(07) 4746 1202

Trevor Stewart
Works Manager
(07) 4746 1202

Vacant
Corporate Services Manager
(07) 4746 1202

Jenny Neale
Finance Manager
(07) 4746 1202
(07) 4746 1109

Steven Baldwin
Tourism and Community
Manager
(07) 4656 3300
(07) 4656 3331
(07) 4746 1021
0408 824 179

Paul Veal
Birdsville Town Services
Foreman
(07) 4656 3350
(07) 4656 3069

Jodie Girdler
Bedourie Town Services
Foreman
(07) 4746 1202
(07) 4746 1160
Shire Profile
The Diamantina Shire is the second largest shire in Queensland, with an area of approximately 95,000 square kilometres and a population of
350 people. The 95,000 square kilometres includes three towns – Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota. The shire is
predominantly a beef producing area containing some of the best contaminant-free natural fattening country in Australia.
The Diamantina Shire shares borders with the Northern Territory and South Australia and lies within the region known as the Channel
Country. The Diamantina and Georgina Rivers, Cooper and Eyre Creek are the main players in a network in western Queensland Rivers.
These three great river systems draw water from an area of 556,000 square kilometres. In the regular dry periods these systems contain
numerous waterholes that can vary in depth and length.
Points of Interests
Betoota
Birdsville
Bedourie

Deon‟s Lookout

Big Red Sandhill

Aquatic Centre

Betoota Hotel

Waddi Trees

Mud Hut

Browns Creek Camping Area

Simpson Desert National Park

Diamantina National Park

The Bilby Way

Cuttaburra Crossing

Carcoory Ruins

Historic Hotel

Burke & Wills Campsite
To add your name to the newsletter mailing/email list, or to change your contact details, please advise
Mrs Jo Lewington on 07 4746 1202 or email community@diamantina.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, you may elect
to remove your name from the mailing list and access the newsletter via the shire website at

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au