High Country News 14 April 2015
Transcription
High Country News 14 April 2015
TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor are always welcome. Please include full name, address and daytime phone number. Letters are accepted on the understanding they could be edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, repetition, verbosity, legal considerations, etc. The Herald policy is to maintain the writer’s intent in all correspondence, subject to the conditions above. Letters are treated confidentially. Under no circumstances are they referred to third parties before publication. The editor may accept or reject letters without further reference to the writer. Preference is given to shorter letters, fewer than 200 words, published with the writer’s name. Pen names are subject to individual consideration. Acland ANZAC Day A hundred years ago young men were signing up to fight for the mother country. If Britain was at war, so was Australia. Men would sign up in droves. So many boys lied about their age so they could join the great adventure and see the world. So many were farmers and used to working outdoors in the Australian heat. But they were to find out that the cold of Turkey would be unbearable, especially without the right clothing. Life was not as they imagined. Back home, their brothers and sisters were still going to school. We all get stuck in our own time frame and it is hard to picture what the life of our parents, grandparents and beyond, was like. There were no iPads or internet or Google and books were important and treated with respect and care. The annual expenditure on education in Queensland was 574,195 pounds 12 shillings and 1 pence in 1914. Queensland had a great record in relation to other States with more children between 5 and 14 years able to read and write. If a child was unable to get to a school there were 17 roaming teachers who visited these children. They were supplied with four to six horses for transport. Then schools had to be no more than five miles from the child most far away as the children had to walk, ride a horse or maybe a bike. In this district from Oakey there was Greenwood, Acland , Muldu, Rosalie Plains , Kulpi, Evergreen , Peranga and Evergreen schools Only Kulpi remains open and in August they will celebrate the opening a hundred years ago. From these schools many wonderful people have gone on to serve in many wars so that we might still have the opportunity to go to school and learn all the joys of this beautiful country. I hope you can attend Acland Anzac Day celebrations and pause to remember why we can celebrate our freedom. 10am in the park with smoko to follow under the trees. Merilyn Plant. Plea to keep Mates Who Open Gates I am calling on the State Government to continue funding for the vital Mates Who Open Gates counselling support service for farmers. This innovative program provides on-farm counselling support for farming families, but is at risk of folding due to a lack of State Government funding. I am very concerned that this successful and unique program will stop if the Labor Government chooses not to re-fund the service. More than 70 per cent of the State is still in the grip of a terrible drought. Our farmers need all the support they can get, yet it seems that Labor doesn’t even realise that some of our primary producers are in real trouble. Mates Who Open Gates was created and co-ordinated by Toowoomba group, Ag Assist, led by Mr Rod Saal. The program trains volunteers who, at the invitation of the producer, visit on-farm and lend an ear. This may lead to a referral for further support, or may just open up a good opportunity to speak with someone about their situation. The LNP recognised the value of this program and funded the pilot project. More than 80 volunteers received training and more than double the expected number of farmers requested assistance through the program. I fully support Mr Saal’s efforts to extend the program for at least another two years, because I know there is a need. The pilot project supported many farmers in my own electorate of Nanango, throughout the Toowoomba and South Burnett Regional Council areas. I know local volunteers were crucial in supporting local farming families. I would like to see this program continue and grow so even more families can benefit. I’m calling on the State Government to see how important this program is in helping to prevent suicide in our regional areas. They must consider re-funding the Mates Who Open Gates program. - Deb Frecklington, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Voter ID abandoned Days before the Easter break, our new Queensland Labor government quietly introduced legislation that would remove the requirement for voters to provide ID before voting in State and Local Government elections. The Queensland media have not reported it. I have only just found out about this disturbing move. FamilyVoice Australia has strongly supported the ID requirement, to prevent voter fraud. Without ID, it would be easy for someone to cast a vote in the name of another person. The fraudster cannot be traced. These days, providing ID is often routine. A driver’s licence, rates notice, electricity bill or some other identifying document is needed to open a bank account, withdraw money, join a library, travel by plane or post an overseas parcel. So why is removing the voter ID requirement such a priority for the new Labor state government? I cannot help wondering. The Queensland parliamentary Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee is investigating the Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015. The deadline for submissions was 4 pm, Friday, April 10. Queenslanders can send a brief email to lacsc@parliament.qld.gov.au to explain their concerns. Full details are available at http:// www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/LACSC/inquiries/current-inquiries/01-ElectoralOLAB15. Geoffrey Bullock, State Director FamilyVoice Australia, 1300 365 965 (national office) email gmb@fava.org.au, www.fava.org.au. Donate your pony tail Last week, Annaliese Crowe, Brittany Rodda, Ellie McInerney, Anna Beil and I, have had our hair cut for Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths charity. This charity makes it possible for cancer patients, who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, to have a real hair wig made at no cost. The only requirements are that your hair is 20cm or more in length that has no chemicals or dye in it, donating is then easy. You can also go check out their website: Cut your hair off in a pony tail, put it in a plastic zip lock bag and send it to: Pantene http://www.beautifullengths.co.nz/ I challenge you to donate your ponytail. Beautiful Lengths Promotion, P.O. Box 6331, Jasmine Zuyderwyk Frenchs Forest NSW 2086. APOLOGY: Last week the Herald incorrectly reported Teeghan Taylor of Styles@Escape, Highfields, had been the manager of the previous salon where she worked. We apologise for this error. - Editor. 2 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 Oakey abattoir biogas plant is a first for Australia Oakey Beef Exports abattoir has just added to its reputation of being the most efficient and sophisticated abattoir in Australia, by adding a waste water treatment plant that will reduce equivalent carbon dioxide emissions by 12,000 tonnes. The new biogas plant, the first of its type in Australia, will produce methane from the waste which, when combusted by the abattoir boiler, will save 40 percent of the plant’s usage of natural gas. Beef Exports general manager Pat Gleeson said these savings were expected to repay the cost of construction of the biogas plant within five years. Mr Gleeson said that in addition to converting waste to energy, the biogas plant would improve the quality of waste water, reduce odour from the abattoir, and reduce greenhouse emissions. The expected reduction of 12,000 tonnes of cabon dioxide equates to removing 2700 cars from the road, as the plant produces an expected 183 gigajoules of energy a day. Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane who, as Resources Minister, is currently battling with renewable energy targets in Canberra, opened the plant and said what was happening at Oakey Beef Exports was “fantastic”. Mr Macfarlane said the parent company Nippon Ham showed fantastic vision in what it was doing. “Not $1 in taxpayers’ money was spent on the project,” Mr Macfarlane said. The company had applied for a renewable energy grant with the previous Federal Government just weeks before the current Coalition Government came to power and, because of the changes, the application did not proceed. “But the company decided to go ahead with the project anyway,” Mr Macfarlane said. “It’s a great project and a sign of confidence in the industry and in Australia.” He said Japan and Australia were past the point of just having a government to government level relationship. Japan and Australia were now old friends and Australia appreciated the investment support from Japan. Mr Macfarlane said the biogas plant contained elements of renewable energy, reduction of greenhouse emissions, it treated effluent, it benefited the environment, and it showed that waste could be turned into something beneficial. The biogas plant was built by CST Wastewater Solutions using innovative technology. Local firms Dalby Rural Supplies and Dalziel Earthworks and Construction of Goombungee worked with CST on the project. The advanced system contains a high rate anaerobic lagoon which is said to have lower capital and running costs than conventional covered anaerobic lagoons. The biogas is stored in a large “bubble” which has a double wall for containing the methane before being used in the abattoir process. Nippon Ham is planning to double its workforce at Oakey Beef Exports in a $50 million project over the next two years. Oakey Beef Exports general manager Pat Gleeson said the 750 staff at Oakey Abattoir could be increased to 1400 as cold storage and chilling capacity is increased for a construction cost of $50 million. He said te plant currently processes 1300 head of cattle a day, and the additional capacity will allow Oakey Beef to process 1650 a day over seven days a week. Currently the plant operates five days a week. Mr Gleeson said that would increase production from 298,000 head a year to 560,000 head a year. Oakey beef currently processes 500 head a day from its Wyalla Feedlot at Texas with the remainder coming from across Queensland. Mr Gleeson said the company is in discussions with the State and Federal Governments to revitalise the western railway line so a weekly stock train could pick up cattle from Quilpie, Charleville, Morven and Roma. Oakey Beef also wants rail infrastructure improvements to Brisbane so it can rail containers to the Port. Currently it transports more than 100 containers a week to the Port of Brisbane by truck and, with the company’s proposed production increase, this will exceed 200 containers a week. Gowrie Junction ANZAC Day arrangements The Gowrie Junction ANZAC day Dawn Service will start at 5.45am. Please note the time as it have been incorrectly reported in some press in previous years. The service will be held at the cenotaph, Gowrie State School, Old Homebush Road, Gowrie Junction, followed by breakfast at the Gowrie Junction Community Federation Hall provided by the Gowrie Junction Progress Association. Everyone is welcome to join us after the service. Mr O’CONNOR All welcome This event is organised by the Gowrie Junction Progress Association in conjunction with the Gowrie Junction State School. - Rod O’Connor, At the official opening of the biogas plant at Oakey Beef Exports - Member for Toowoomba South John McVeigh, Oakey Beef exports general manager Pat Gleeson and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, Member for Groom and Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane, and the Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard, representing Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Oakey Beef processes both grain and grass fed cattle and exports to 34 countries. Nippon Ham acquired Oakey Abattoir in 1987 and since then has spent $100 million growing its capacity from 300 head a day to 1300 head a day. A key to its productivity is a computerised boning room which alone requires 300 staff and offers complete trace back on each piece of beef. Mr Gleeson said the plant was audited recently by a European Union authority, and the auditors comment was that it was the best in the world. The new biogas plant has the capacity to meet the future production increases. RIGHT: Standing on the bank of one of the ponds at the biogas plant at Oakey Abattoir are Norio Itazaki, general manager of Nippon Ham in Japan, and Takeo Kudo, managing director of Nippon Ham Australia. - MILES NOLLER reporting To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 3 Toowoomba Concert Orchestra ANZAC Day tribute If it’s toe-tapping wartime reminiscing that you want, then the USQ Artsworx concert Tunes of the War Years presented by the Toowoomba Concert Orchestra will be right up your alley. But this show promises to be something much more than just that, according to TCO conductor Matthew Henry. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if audience members are heard singing along to the music during the show, but Tunes of the War Years will also allow them to experience something different,” he said. “The concert is actually in two different parts – one part focuses on art music pieces, while the other is old favourites and a couple of big band pieces. “Some of the music they won’t be as familiar with but together the program all helps to create a show which has an Australian nature and is very patriotic in keeping with the commemorations of Anzac Day.” • Saturday, April 18, at 6pm, and Sunday, April 19 at 2pm. Tickets cost $25 for adults ($20 concession and $17.50 members) and are available at artsworx.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 4631 1111. Development concerns Residents who met with the Chairman of Toowoomba Regional Council Planning committee on Friday came away with little satisfaction. More than 20 residents had sought a meeting with Cr Bill Cahill to express their concerns about clear felling of mature trees on land between Happy Valley Road and the Cabarlah cemetery and claims that plans for connecting roads to the development had been changed without notice to residents. Cr Cahill said the application came under the “self assessable clearing code” and was decided on by a bureaucrat in a process under State planning legislation. According to Cr Cahill, councillors had no say in the matter. He said he was unable to name the developer. An attendee said after the meeting if what Cr Cahill said was true, Toowoomba Regional Council should immediately take the matter up with the State Government and insist that all development applications are the responsibility of local councils with due regard to the concerns of residents. He described the existing process as arbitrary and wide open to abuse. ABOVE: Elizabeth Stuart, Sandi Gillot, Ray Carew, Cr Cahill and John Dakin. Cr Nancy’s rubbish tip In coming years councils across Quneenssland will have to reduce the amount of waste to landfill down to 45 per cent. This is significant and I am trying to educate residents about the dos and don’ts of waste. Everyone’s ongoing support of this initiative helps our planet earth – by promoting the messages you are doing your bit for the environment too. Cr Nancy says don’t be mean. Act green! Plastic wrap is a no no. Plastic lunch wrap, biscuit packet wrapping, chip packets, wrap from newspapers all go into your general waste bin. - Nancy Sommerfield. 4 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 Artisans show their wares in Brisbane Narelle Donald, Highfields and Gail Grunske, Crows Nest, will take part in the Autumn Activation campaign in Brisbane this weekend Southern Queensland Country Tourism and Tourism and Events Queensland will present a seasonal showcase at Eat Street Markets, Brisbane, to encourage visitors to the region during Autumn. The showcase will promote producers and artisans based in the region and give shoppers the chance to buy South Queensland Country products. It’s exciting that as two local artisans, we have been invited to participate in the Autumn Activation program in Brisbane. Gail and Narelle have items available for sale at Crows Nest Community Arts and Crafts. Gail is a textile artist who loves playing with fabrics, dye, felt and print to obtain a design that is fresh, bold and colourful. Her range of wearable art includes scarves, shawls, handbags and accessories. GAIL GRUNSKE Fabric art Narelle makes handcrafted jewellery, working with natural stones such as agates and jaspers. “I’m amazed at the natural colours of so many semiprecious stones. Every item is unique and one-of-a-kind. “My range of work includes bracelets, bangles, necklaces and pendants,” she said. SHOW SCHEDULES: Schedules for the Crows Nest Show which will be held on Saturday, May 9, are now available on-line at www.crowsnestshow.com.au. A limited number of hard copies will be available from local businesses or from the show office which is open on Mondays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, and Wednesdays from 10.30am to 2pm. Contact Barry Miller 0409 874 147 or email bazza62@ bigpond.com. To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 5 Two new bridges under construction Two new bridges are under construction over Gowrie Creek just to the north and west of Toowoomba. Each bridge is due for completion by the end of June. Just to the north of Toowoomba at the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Wetalla Water Treatment plant, a new bridge is under construction. This bridge is being built to a Q100 standard, which means that it should be covered by floodwater in just one in every hundred years (or just one in every hundred flood events). The bridge connects the plant to Old Goombungee Road between Harlaxton and Gowrie Junction. It is used only by those who work at the plant or who have business at the plant, and Old Goombungee Road at this point is estimated to carry between 900 and 1500 vehicles a day, with fewer than 8% heavy vehicles. Downstream on Gowrie Creek at Kingsthorpe, another new bridge is also being built. Located between Kingsthorpe and Zimms Corner on the Warrego Highway, it is being built adjacent to the existing culvert type crossing, so that traffic can proceed with minimum disruption while construction is under way. The daily traffic count on this section of road is about 3300 with 8 per cent heavy vehicles. Toowoomba Council planned to build this bridge to a Q100 standard, but decided a week later to rescind this plan, and build it to just a Q20 standard, saving about $1.5 million in potential council contributions. The Kingsthorpe and Wetalla bridges were damaged in the 2011 and 2013 floods. The $2.5 million cost of the Wetalla bridge is being met by State and Federal flood reconstruction funding. The Kingsthorpe bridge is also being funded principally by State and Federal flood reconstruction funding. - Miles Noller. Work is proceeding on the new bridge over Gowrie Creek at Kingsthorpe. This picture was taken on February 28 at the start of works. Work on a new bridge over Gowrie Creek at the Wetalla Water treatment plant just north of Toowoomba. The existing bridge that is used by those who work at Wetalla is on the left. Work is well advanced on the Kingsthorpe Bridge. Flu immunisation clinic April 21 Protect the young and old – get immunised against flu. Health professionals have called on parents and workers to get immunized against influenza to protect the young and old from this year’s flu season. Highfields pharmacist Steven Richter said flu immunisation was the best protection for those seeking to avoid the flu and may be effective at minimizing the duration of influenza in those who succumb to the virus. “We are in many ways fortunate that the most vulnerable Australians are provided influenza vaccinations for free via their GPs and that goes some way towards ensuring Australia is better placed to handle a similar crisis,” Mr Richter said. “But it is the less vulnerable, those less likely to be eligible for the Australian Government’s free flu immunisation program, who are most likely to come into contact with more people and to therefore fuel the spread of the virus. It is the mobile, otherwise dren, the elderly and those healthy person who is likely whose health is already comto pass it on to their more promised,.” he said. vulnerable charges, their chil“Immunisation is the best An influenza immunisation Clinic for the 2015 flu season will be held at Terry White Chemists Highfields on Tuesday, April 21. Bookings are strongly encouraged and can be made either in store or online at terrywhitechemists. com.au/ flu A guide for parents. What can you do this flu season? Black Cockatoo census day • Get vaccinated yourself. • Keep young children away from people with cold and flu symptoms, especially if they under three months. • Focus on hand washing regularly, even taking disposable hand wipes when leaving home. way to protect against contracting seasonal influenza and while it is not fail-proof, it does seem to reduce the severity and duration of flu in that group that is immunised but unfortunately still catches flu. Often the best thing you Employing good hygiene practices, eating well and en- can do for your children is to suring adequate rest will also keep yourself as healthy as possible. assist.” The Glossy Black Cockatoo birding day is coming up on May 3, which is an opportunity for volunteers from right across the region to get out there and help spot for this beautiful and threatened bird in the wild. A number of ID workshops will be taking place between now and then. http://www.seqcatchments.com.au/news/spicersjoins-five-year-search-for-rare-glossy-black-cockatoos. - Sibel Korhaliller, Communication officer, SEQ Catchments, 3503 1425, mobile: 0488 713 340 6 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 USQ theatre screens classic war movie USQ Artsworx Theatre will screen the classic Austrlaian movie 40,000 Horsemen on Friday, April 17. USQ Lecturer in Communication and Media Studies Andrew Mason said it was exciting to screen such a classic film during the ANZAC centenary commemorations. “40,000 Horsemen has not waned in popularity or significance since its initial release in 1940, and is often screened to mark historical wartime landmarks. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the film which co-incides with the 100th anniversary of the battle of Gallipoli. “The landing at Gallipoli is one of the key elements of our national story which helped to forge Australia’s modern identity.” 40,000 Horsemen tells the story of the Australian Light Horse Cavalry doing battle in the desert at the Sinai and Palestine campaign during World War I. Released during the dark years of World War II, it is often cited as a morale booster to those left at home in Australia and as an aid in recruitment. “The movie was one of the most successful of its era. At the time of its release, one reviewer declared it to be the first really great Australian film,” Mr Mason said. Starring Grant Taylor, the legendary Chips Rafferty, Joe Valli and Betty Bryant, 40,000 Horsemen is a story of love and war and the adventures of three knockabout heroes. The final scene is the Battle of Beersheba, which many claim is the last successful cavalry charge in history. It was directed and produced by Charles Chauvel, who also co-wrote the movie with his wife Elsa and EV Timms. Ric Carlsson, grandson of Charles and Elsa, lives in Toowoomba and has been instrumental in preserving and celebrating the Chauvel film legacy. His mother Sue Chauvel Carlsson was honoured with an award in 2012 by the National Film and Sound Archive for her work as an advocate for the continued celebration of her parMr Mason said Chauvel 40,000 Horsemen is an ents’ film work and her research into their professional and fam- was a significant Queens- outstanding example of the land film maker who brilliance of Charles and Elsa ily history. Chauvel. Mr Carlsson was acknowl- moved to Hollywood. • Friday, April 17 - Tickets $15.50 adults $12 members. edged by his mother for his conArtsworx box office 4631 1111 or artsworx.com.au stant support in this endeavour. RSL invites public to ANZAC services Lyn Collier photo Crows Nest War memorial restored HIGHFIELDS: Highfields RSL will conduct a 5.15am dawn service and a 10am march and remembrance service on Saturday, April 25, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli. President Steve Dudley invites returned and currently serving service men and women and residents to these services. The dawn service will start with the mounting of the catafalque party at 5.15am. After the service all who attend are invited to a gunfire breakfast at the Cultural Centre. Breakfast will be provided with the assistance of local businesses and will be held in the Cultural Centre. The breakfast will be provided free to all who attend, however, if you would like to make a small donation to help cover costs, a donation box will be provided. Mr Dudley said the 10am march and service would start with the form-up of the parade in O’Brien Road, outside the tavern, from 9.30 with a step off at 9.45 am when the parade will move to the Cultural Centre for the service of remembrance. All RSL members, ex-serv- ice personnel and currently serving defence members are invited to march. “We also welcome the local Scouts, Guides, sporting groups and schools to march in remembrance of our fallen and departed comrades,” Mr Dudley said. More information is available from the secretary Russell Czynski on 4696 8732. ABOVE: The Crows Nest war memorial restored with a Queensland Government ANZAC centenary grant. RIGHT: Previous version. Herald photo TRIBUTE to a LEGEND Player and commentator without peer Former Australian test cricket captain Richie Benaud OBE died peacefully in his sleep in a Sydney hospice last Thursday night.. Richie was the voice of cricket and his status as a commentator will never be forgotten. He was one of Australia’s greatest cricket captains and history maker. He played 63 tests for Australia. As captain, he never lost a series. His test career included 2000 runs and 200 wickets. Australian and British cricket fans agree his unique commentary at the BBC and Channel 9 won universal applause. Keycard security With more financial institutions moving to Paywave and Paypass Visa cards it is timely to remind people to maintain security of their cards. If someone gains unauthorised access to a Paywave or Paypass card they can make a fraudulent purchase up to $100 a store without a PIN number or signature being required. Police have noticed that when a card is stolen, an offender will often make several transactions at different points of sale over a short period of time - often before the card is even known to be stolen and before the card is cancelled or transactions suspended. If your card is lost or stolen you should contact your financial intuition as soon as possible. To report your card lost or stolen, call Policelink on 131 444. Further information can be found by searching Paywave on the Financial Ombudsman Service Australia website. To advertise phone 4615 4416 QCWA walk Members and friends of QCWA will join for the Associated Country Women of the World fund raising walk on April 27. When the clock strikes 10am women will walk in support of the ACWW head office in London. Darling Downs Division members, friends and supporters will gather at10am at the corner of Queens park, Margaret and Hume Streets and proceed to the QCWA centre at 263 Margaret Street for refreshments and to view a display of the work of QCWA. Fund raising will be by gold coin donation and an additional gold coin donation for morning tea and entry to the display. Phone Frances Tilly 4638 3010. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 7 • COMMUNITY REPORT • Everything Must Go coming to Crows Nest and Oakey Crows Nest Arts Council has been finding it too costly to bring in travelling drama to the town of late. Kerry Saul, teneral manager of the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, has been aware of the difficulties facing the small towns of the region. So we were delighted when he booked Everything Must Go to come to Crows Nest in May and to play in Toowoomba and eight other places in the area. Everything is paid for and we just have to sell the tickets. The RSL will open their bar, see to the auditorium, and we will provide a light supper. We both get a fixed amount back for each ticket sold. If this is a success, we hope to receive other productions on a similar basis in future years. Written and performed by Rachel Leary and directed by three-time Barry Award nominee Damian Callinan, Everything Must Go is a comedic and poignant portrayal of a misfit finding her way. Turn off the main road, follow the gravel road up the hill. It’s the old place on the left. Nancy Browne is having a garage sale. There will only ever be one sale like this. There will be treasure like you can’t imagine. Like you really can’t imagine. Absurd, deadpan, charming and disarming, Nancy Browne’s world is fabulously unique. She’s lived in the same house, the same valley all her life. The valley has changed. City people, treechangers, have moved in bringing with them new ideas and new ways. And now, the farm has been sold. A developer has bought it and is going to create a suburb on it, Perfect Ponds. The wider world has encroached and Nancy has to make sense of it. She also has to move house. Please support us by coming. Everything Must Go, Friday, May 1, at 7.30pm at the Community and RSL Centre, Crows Nest and Oakey Cultural Centre on May 8. • Tickets are available from Chic Shoes, the RSL or at the door. - Sally Johnson, vice president Crows Nest Arts Council.. Nancy Browne is having a garage sale. • Trivia aids hospice • Crossfit open day Secretary of Toowoomba’s Backscratchers David Wallis and president Steve Anderson get ready for their charity trivia night this Saturday, 6pm for a 6.30pm start at the Greek Hall, Corner Hume and Perth Streets, Toowoomba. Cost is $10 per person or $80 for a table of eight. There will be a cash bar (no eftpos) and BYO nibbles for your table. Contact 0413 704 897 or 0409 019 345. Lucky door prize and prizes for winners, runners-up and lucky last. All money raised will go to the Toowoomba Hospice. Crossfit Highfields are celebrating their first birthday this Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Shaun Collins and Simon Veerlat will conduct demonstrations and have competitions with prizes. Crossfit are offering membership deals on • Trek for hope Tomnet and Ellisa Parker hosted a barbecue fund raiser for Trekking 4 Hope on Friday in the main street in Oakey. Online tax deductible donations can be made at http:// makingadifference.gofundraise.com.au/page/EParker. Target is $2000. - Ellisa Parker 0427 892 812. • Library friends book sale Highfields Friends of the Library would like to thank the Herald for publishing our book sale dates and also the public for supporting our book sales. At the recent sale we raised over $1000 which is used by the library to provide community workshops for adults and also school holiday activities for children. The next book sale will be held on May 30-31 at the Highfields sporting complex Saturday 8am - 4pm and Sunday till 3pm. Bring your own bag and fill it for $ 5. Contact Cate at the Highfields library on 4699 6519. • Frackman the movie The Toowoomba premier screening of the Frackman movie on March 30 at Grand Central cinemas was a great success. More than 200 Darling Downs citizens attended the screening with some travelling as far as Felton and Crows Nest. Another screening is booked for early June 2015. Contact Ellisa Parker at Connect Inspire Empower 0427 892 812. • Pet of the week the day and will have supplement tasting and information from Nutrition Warehouse. A barbecue and coffee will be available. • Crossfit is situated at 4/15 Darian Street, Industrial Estate, Highfields. Phone 0407 379 714. • Crows Nest gallery A new exhibition at Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery coincides neatly with the advent of autumn weather. More than leaves by Elizabeth Poole will be displayed from April 15 to May 10. The exhibition comprises two dimension works on canvas and three dimension installation and sculptural works made from wire and natural materials. The works are inspired by forms and items found in the natural landscape. Artworks were created as a tribute to the Toowoomba and Somerset environments and communities. At an exhibition opening at the gallery from 1.30pm to 3.30pm this Sunday, April 19, Elizabeth will discuss the inspiration and the creative process for the works. Contact the Herald 4615 4416 I am a friendly little dog and I love to get cuddles so I’d really like to find someone who will have the time to give me the love and attention that I deserve and I promise I will love you back ten fold! I am a quiet dog so would be better suited to a calmer household with older children, if any. I would be a great companion for an older person just looking for some company. I am fully house trained so would love to be allowed inside to cuddle with you on the sofa.” - Megan McKinnon, on behalf of Cassie Walker, RSPCA Queensland, 4634 1304. • Art workshop Refreshments will be provided and patrons are asked to RSVP for the opening function by calling 4698 1687. Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery is generally open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm and from 11.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday. It is closed on Monday and public holidays. Admission is free. Patrons are advised to Renowned Sunshine Coast phone 4698 1687 to ensure artist Corrie Wright will be the community art space is open. the guest speaker. Artists of Crows Nest conducted a workshop for those wanting to improve their painting techniques or to make a start as a potential artist. Among those involved, were Ashlyn Wade, Jane Hoffman, Lyn Kruger and tutor Kay Tyler. BELOW:Painter Beronica Murray and tutor Ross Smith of Geham. Increased delivery In the past two weeks the Herald has started delivery to Kynoch Village between Blue Mountain Heights and North Toowoomba. This addition brings our total circulation to 10,550 issues weekly. Official Circulation Audit Bureau figures will be released in the next few weeks. We look forward to advising readers and advertisers of our official circulation. - Editor. Scouts seek leaders Crows Nest Scouts have vacancies for leaders for Joey Scouts to do art, craft, games, and other activities with children in the 6 and 7 year age group, a Cub Scout assistant to assist the current leader with the 8 to 10-year-olds learning bushcraft, camping, First Aid and other skills, and assistant Scout leaders to assist the current leader with camps, canoeing and hiking activities for 11 to 13-yearolds. A group leader is also required to manage the overall running of the Scout Group. Meetings are held during school terms on Thursday nights at the Scout Den, 1 Creek Street, Crows Nest, starting at 6pm. All training is provided. No previous experience is necessary. To find out more contact Diane, 4698 1175, during business hours. 8 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 Oakey community events Flood Mapping Project - Thank you to the 47 residents who attended the community consultation session on March 28. This was a great response and valuable feedback was received that will be incorporated into the final flood mapping. Thanks also to Bernie Earsman who, as a community advocate, passed out information and encouraged people to attend. Seeking English tutors - A successful meeting was held with TAFE on March 11 about an English tutoring program. The result is that if we can get eight or more people interested in being tutors, TAFE would come to Oakey to deliver the training. If we can get 15 or more students wanting to learn English as a second language, TAFE would consider doing that training in Oakey. the Oakey Library. If you are interested in connecting with other members of the community in this way, contact David Totenhofer at the council office, 0418 876 131 or david.totenhofer @toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au for an information pack. Toowoomba-based Clubhouse is dedicated to supporting adults in the community who have experienced mental ill health and provides them with opportunities to develop the skills and confidence necessary to live satisfying and productive lives. Oakey House is an outreach of Toowoomba Clubhouse, based in the former QCWA Rest Rooms on a Monday form 10:30 am to 3pm. For more information contact Eva on 0418 840 574, email oakeyhouse@ toowoombaclubhpsue.org.au or attend. If you know anyone who would benefit from this program send them along. Events at the Oakey Cultural Centre: April 14 - Watoto African Children’s Choir, Oakey Cultural Centre 7 pm. Free entry presented by the Oakey Christian Leaders Network. Presenting all the vitality of Africa, this choir of orphans present their stories of victory and new life. Heritage grant comes to CareFlight rescue RACQ CareFlight Rescue is $5000 closer to its goal of purchasing a winch hoist, thanks to Heritage Bank Nanango Community Funding. With more than 150 patients airlifted from the South Burnett in the past year, the funding came at the right time. RACQ CareFlight fund raising manager Angela Miles said the community of Nanango needs to be thanked for its contribution through the Heritage Bank. “We are so grateful for this $5000 donation, as the purchase of a spare winch hoist for our aircraft servicing the South Burnett region is vital. “The winch hoist is also transferrable and can be moved between all six of our commu- nity helicopters, wherever it’s needed. “A spare hoist allows our aircraft to stay online for winch-related emergency rescues while the other winch is undergoing maintenance,” she said. Show cookery update War memorial Acland May 8 - Everything Must Go comedy. 7.30 pm. Presented by the Empire Theatre and Oakey and District Arts Council. Everything Must Go takes us into the world of an eccentric recluse, Nancy Browne. It explores the changing nature of Australian rural society, the mixing of subcultures that occurs as city folk move into rural areas. Set in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, it also looks at the advent of the new suburbs that are being built on exfarm land. May 23 - Anglican-Catholic debutante ball. Other events: April 17 - Youth activities, Rotary Park 5 to 8 pm. April 18-19 - Fly-In exhibition Australian Army Flying Museum. April 25 - ANZAC Day. Oakey Dawn Service 5.25am. March 9.40am Oakey citizens commemoration service. 10am Jondaryan citizens commemoration service. 8:am Acland citizens commemoration service 10am. - David Totenhofer, Community Liaison Officer, Toowoomba Regional Council. Alexander Ferguson with his novelty cake, 17 and under section, champion exhibit from 2014 Goombungee-Haden show. Entries in the Goombungee-Haden show cookery section close this Friday, April 17, at 10.30am. There are many prizes to be won. Thank you to new sponsors this year Darryl O’Brien Electrical sponsoring the junior section, 17 year and under, decorated novelty cakes Anzac 100 years, Just Eat Cakes Goombungee sponsoring decorated cupcakes and plate of rocky road. Goombungee Post and Presents is sponsoring the men’s boiled fruit Cake. Mrs Cathy Hartley is sponsoring the sponge cake. There will be a display of decorated cakes by students of Merivale Cakes and Crafts. For a schedule please phone Loretta 4692 8247, Kaylene 4696 5395 or secretary 0418 830 513. The show is on this Saturday, April 18. POLICE REPORT HIGHFIELDS: Stealing. Plates were stolen off a motorcycle parked in Andersson Court. A Hitzke Road resident had her bag stolen from her garage. The garage door was open and the residents were packing the vehicle, walking in and out of the house. An unknown person has walked into the garage and removed the bag. A elderly lady left her handbag on the ground in the carpark at Woolworths while she put a couple of trolleys back in the trolley bay. She walked back to her car forgetting about the bag. The elderly woman drove into the Caltex to get petrol and when she went to get her bag and found it wasn’t in the car she remembered leaving it near the trolleys. On her return the bag was not there. She made inquiries with the shops and it had been handed into the Post Office. Her purse had been removed from the bag. CCTV footage shows the female who located the bag discreetly grabbed the purse out of the bag and put it in her bag be- fore handing it into the Post office staff saying, “You look like honest people, I’ll hand it to you to make sure it gets back to the owner.” Police have identified the female and charges will be laid in the near future. A Kalimna Road resident woke to a female stealing her outdoor furniture cushions. The female offender ran back to a vehicle driven by her husband. Police later located the vehicle and both persons have been charged with stealing and trespass. Petrol drive off from the Caltex. Service Station $78 of petrol was not paid for. Vehicle details provided and further inquiries are been made into identifying the registered owner. Drink driving: A male was intercepted in Mather Street and went 0.068percent. A male P plate driver intercepted in Kratzke Road and registered 0.025per cent. A male driver intercepted in O’Brien Road and registered 0.081 per cent. Traffic crash. Two vehicle crash at Littleton Road Laura Downing performs at Gowrie Little Plain Laura Downing will be in concert at the Growie Little Plain Hall on Saturday, May 2. The concert starts at 7.30 pm. Admission is $20 and includes a lucky door ticket and light supper. Raffle tickets will be on sale. Enquires phone Merle 4633 7112. To advertise phone 4615 4416 and the New England Highway. Vehicle pulled out in front of the vehicle travelling on the highway. Fail to give way infringement notice issued. Two vehicle crash at Cronin Road and New England Highway. Driver performed a U-turn in front of on coming traffic. Improper U-turn infringement notice issued. Two vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of O’Brien Road and Reis Road. One vehicle failed to give way (with the changed traffic signs in place). Fail to give way infringement notice issued. Police have been liaising with the council due to complaints received about the intersection. Fraud. Two 14-year-old males have been charged with fraud and burglary after using stolen credit cards to make a purchase at the Highfields Shell. CCTV footage enabled offenders to be identified. Burglary occurred in Wilsonton. Graffiti. Some graffiti occurred on the rear (western) side of the Coles Shopping Centre. CCTV footage unable to identify offenders at this stage. The same tag is on graffiti which occurred on the brick fence of a residence which backs onto the highway. Sen. Const. Chris Brameld. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 9 How to live with Plovers - fact and fiction The Australian Phantom of the Opera can be seen right now. No it’s not a spooky musical, but the Masked Lapwing or Plover, making residents a little nervous at the moment. With its overprotective parenting and eerie late night calls, keep a lookout for this swooping buddy during autumn. Backyard Buddies is a free program run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. Each month, you get a Backyard Buddies email (B-mail) with tips to make your back yard inviting and safe for native animals. Masked Lapwings featured in April B-mail. Sign up for B-mail and download a free factsheet about Masked Lapwings at www.backyardbuddies.net.au. CEO of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife Susanna Bradshaw said the Masked Lapwing is a very protective parent who isn’t afraid to chase animals and people it sees as a threat to its young. This means many residents have learnt to tread carefully when walking through the lapwing’s favourite nesting spots like ovals and grassy parks. “While these birds make the most of a warm, wet autumn, you can expect them to start nesting and increasing their defensive behaviour. “There will be more swooping at park visitors and making a racket if you get too close to their nest or babies,” Ms Bradshaw said. “But you’ll be pleased to know that they rarely make contact with you. It’s all just a part of their performance.” Ms Bradshaw said, “There are several things you can do to live more peacefully with Masked Lapwing buddies. Don’t forget that our towns are their homes too.” Tips for living with Masked Lapwings: • Vary your walking route to avoid the Lapwing nests for the next few weeks. Lapwings only swoop before they lay their eggs and after their chicks have grown enough. The rest of the time, they are quite shy. • Don’t run away in a panic as this could encourage them to chase you. • Watch where you put your feet so you don’t step on any eggs. • Check for nests before you mow the lawn to avoid a Lapwing disaster. • Keep cats indoors as much as possible and train your dog to keep a safe distance from the birds and their nests. “Let’s not forget all the good things about Masked Lapwings. These birds will remove all sorts of insects from your lawn, giving some protection against lawn pests like army grubs, mole crickets and lawn beetles. “Post-European settlement, thousands of Australian animals have had their homes destroyed or dramatically altered. The Masked Lapwing is an unusual tale of success. Fields replacing forests have allowed these birds to flourish in their preferred habitats,” Ms Bradshaw said. “Lapwings will not nest if you keep your lawn long or create garden beds and plant trees instead of big expanses of lawn. “Whatever you do, don’t remove their eggs. It’s illegal and ineffective as the Lapwings will simply re-nest and re-lay.” If the weather is favourable, the Masked Lapwing can raise two broods of young in the same year. These birds have some daunting looking spurs on their wings, which people often mistake for poison spurs or dangerous armour. This isn’t true. The damage that the Masked Lapwing would receive to their own wings if they tried to use the spurs shows that they are in fact just for show. The Masked Lapwing is only defensive when nesting and looking after its chicks, which is around three weeks at a time. The rest of the time they are very shy and won’t cause you any trouble. Masked Lapwings in the north of Australia have very large, bright yellow wattles (the fleshy bit of skin that roosters and turkeys also have) on their faces, like a mask. Their masks appear to shrink in size the further south of Australia they live. “When chasing away an intruder or flying around at night you’re sure to recognise the distinctive and haunting “kekekekek” calls that the Lapwing makes,” Ms Bradshaw said. CHRISTIAN COMMENT If you make a promise - keep it Australia has often been called the Lucky Country, probably for the relative freedom we enjoy, perceived wealth, and the pretty laid back lifestyle. It is sometimes called the “Land of the Long-Weekend.” It all adds up to a fairly casual lifestyle. But what about our promises? Well, some people are just as laid back in the promises they make. There was a time, and there still is in some circles, where a handshake was as good as a non-negotiable contract. Today, it is quite common for someone to make a promise. ment was realised, which needless to say, was really frustrating. Is it valid for a Christian to make a promise and take it lightly or just plain not fulfil it? Throughout the Bible you will find God’s view Despite all the good in- is, if you make a promise, tentions in the world, they keep it. If you like, Let your do not keep their promise. yes be ÿyes and your no be no. In one particular situation, we waited about 12 In other words, think be months before a commit- fore you make a promise. Extenuating circumstances can preclude us from keeping our promises and we all understand that. Do you intend to keep a promise or are you into making people feel good for the moment? Made any promises lately? Let’s be people of integrity. - Pastor Noel Wilcox, Highfields Baptist Church. The old thunder box By ROB STAMMERS With no rain, the onset of a looming drought, Let’s dig a well, that’s the best way out, The old man said “We must now dig deep,” With no water, no feed, sell the farm, with the sheep. The local water diviner travelled out from town, With two pieces of wire, there’s water to be found, One hundred metres from home, just right here, About twenty feet down, trust my luck, never fear. Dad grabbed a pick, stuck a shovel in my hand, Start digging right here, my fine young man, In a few days, we should strike liquid gold, Then the farm and animals, won’t have to be sold. For days on end, the pair shovelled that dirt, Ignoring the pain, and the blisters that hurt, But they would not have it any other way, Toiling from daylight, to the end of day. With picks and shovels, they chipped and toiled away, Removing buckets of soil and gravel every day, Thirty feet down, still no water to be found, We got a bum steer from that clown in town. With days of hard toil, and sweat, let’s not be haste, Let’s not see this mighty hole go to waste, Now you might think this is quite funny, Deciding to erect on site, an iconic, outback dunny, With hammer and nails, they belted away, A wooden frame stood at the end of the day, Then the walls, roof, and the swinging door, When finished, they stood back, and admired in awe. There it stood, finished, forlorn, and all alone, Just one hundred metres from the family home, Not like the Opera House, but it did look grand, Gracing the hole, on that piece of parched land. The whole building when finished, looked quite neat, With old pallet timber, cut, to form the seat, The walls fabricated from rusty corrugated iron sheet, The roof the same, it sure held the stifling heat. With no cistern installed, and no precious rain, No mod cons, or need to pull a rusty chain, Just tear off a piece of old newspaper, The next to use, had no news to read later. Next to the seat, an untidy pile of papers to be seen, Some Womens Weekly, for the women to dream, The problems of the world, would be solved on this site, Some in the daytime, others in the dark of night. An old kero lantern, supplied some much needed light, To light up the interior on those dark spooky nights, Black spiders in webs, gave it an eerie feel, Scrambling about, searching for their next meal. When Dad used it, we would all listen and wonder, Was it him, or a storm approaching, the sound of thunder, Sometimes it was used, for practise with rocks, That’s why it was christened the old thunder box. Beagle owners meet in Highfields On March 29 members of the Toowoomba Beagles group met at the off leash Michael Park, Highfields, for a day of fun and play. The group formed in 2014 and with 13 Beagles and their owners it was a great turnout for the group’s first sniff and explore in 10 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 Highfields. Monthly catchup meetings are held at the Thiess Off Leash Dog Park, Toowoomba. Other Beagle owners are most welcome. Visit Toowoomba Beagles on Facebook or phone 0439 971 767. To advertise phone 4615 4416 FOCUS on ENTERPRISE Charlie & Five - Highfields Village Shopping Centre New women’s fashion and accessories boutique Charlie & Five, the great new women’s fashion and accessories boutique is an exciting addition in Highfields, opening at Shop 11 in the Highfields Village Shopping Centre. Owner Jen Bodkin, pictured, opened the doors of her new shop on February 16, having moved to Toowoomba from St George where she owned a rural merchandise store and fashion boutique. Jen has over 20 years’ experience in retail and is offering her customers great quality products at great prices. With her love of fashion and the enjoyment she gets from dressing people, Jen realised there was an opportunity to offer fashion to the ladies of Highfields and set about her new venture which she named after her nephew, Charlie, and her five nieces. Charlie & Five stocks fashion for all occasions - outfits for a casual Sunday barbecue, a day at the races, perfect for Weetwood coming up, weddings, parties or the kids sports day. Jen and her helpful staff cater for all ages who are interested in fashion and the classic cuts and styles that will carry you from season to season. Charlie & Five has a great range of fashion accessories, which includes shoes, handbags, fascinators, watches and costume jewellery. Charlie & Five also offer a varied range of home and gift wares, the perfect Mothers Day gift. Pop in and say hello to Jen at Charlie and Five. Trading hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on Saturday. Like Charlie & Five on Facebook, 4670 9696. Power FM will broadcast from Men’s Shed Reaching agreement on the location of the Power FM radio station at the new Highfields Men’s Shed are Power FM co-owner Terry Kerr, Mens Shed treasurer Peter Wilson, vice-president Les Wildman and Power FM co-owner Geoff Roberts. Power FM Radio will esMr Roberts said the new Toowoomba-based Power cent annual general meeting tablish a local broadcast facil- radio service covering High- FM will eventually offer but left off the print story ity in the new Highfields fields and Cabarlah would fea- broadcast training at the published in High Country Men’s Shed at Cabarlah. ture continuous music span- men’s shed via an on-air radio Herald. Co-owners Terry Kerr and ning from the 1950s to the school at 87.8 FM frequency. “I apologise for this overGeoff Roberts inspected and present day plus local news Meanwhile men’s shed sight. Heritage Bank is a very approved a purpose-built al- and coming events bulletins. secretary Terry Ledbury re- generous supporter of our cove inside the men’s shed Mr Kerr said, “We see our minded members that High- Men’s Shed through its combuilding last Thursday with investment having a mutual fields and Crows Nest Com- munity grants. We wouldn’t executive members, vice benefit outcome for both munity Branch of the Herit- be where we are today withpresident Les Wildman and Highfields Men’s Shed, local age Bank was acknowledged out their unflagging suptreasurer Peter Wilson. residents and our business.” as a major sponsor at the re- port,” Mr Ledbury said. Coffee at The Nest Ken and Edna Stevens and Vera and Joy Bretz enjoy coffee at The Nest Café, Crows Nest. Bromeliad Society is growing The Toowoomba and Districts Bromeliad Society are amazed at the quick growth of the group, now having just over 40 members. Members bringing plants for the popular vote section as well as plants for sale at very reasonable prices. Len and Sheryl Waite from Talbot Lodge Bromeliads Caboolture, will be our guest speakers at our next meeting on the 19th April 19. They are very respected growers and will be the judges for our Spring Show. They will be bringing some plants to sell. These always sell fast. For our May meeting we will also be having guest speakers Bruce and Heather Condon from Mountain Broms. They bring a wealth of knowledge as well as a good sense of humor. They will also be bringing some of their plants for sale. • Visitors are welcome to attend the next meeting to be held at the Sacred Heart School Hall, North and Tor Streets Toowoomba, on April 19 starting at 1.30pm. Inquiries to Sue Janetzki tends to her toowoombabroms @gmail.com or phone Sue on 4634 7438. Guzmania Bromeliads. To advertise phone 4615 4416 Show cookery The Crows Nest Show is on May 9 and stewards of the household section are encouraging entries for the cooking classes. The novice classes for adults is open to those who have not won a first prize at the Crows Nest Show in the past two years. Classes include a health loaf, muffins, tea cake, chocolates, marshmallows, fudge and an own choice sweet. Junior entrants can compete in the primary or high school classes and this year there is also a primary novice division for those who have not previously won a prize at the Crows Nest Show. Classes in this section include a choice of four muffins or patty cakes uniced, a chocolate ring cake and a decorated chocolate crackle. There is a dedicated section for men with six individual classes, but they are also eligible to enter and compete in the open classes. The decorated cakes section has four classes this year and includes classes for beginners and novice. Contact 4698 8120 at night or email jarimary@activ8.net.au. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL14, 2015 - 11 Rain at the right time makes millet a harvesting proposition By MILES NOLLER Millet is known to be a quick crop, one that is generally grown in that changing period between summer and autumn. It can be harvested within three months of planting. But for Quinalow farmer Barry Reimers, who has a paddock of 53ha (130acres) of French White millet, the crop itself has changed quickly from being one that was poor enough to be baled for hay, to one that quickly filled grain and has been retained for harvesting. What occurred along the way were two falls of rain in the third week of March totalling 105mm. Almost immediately the crop changed. Some areas of the paddock had already turned a drought stricken blue, but the millet soon greened and began filling grain. The crop had been planted on February 2-3 after 51mm of rain after oats and barley crops last year. Mr Reimers said he had planned to cut and bale the crop, but after the rain, decided to let it go for grain. In a week or so he will have it swathed into windrows, and harvested, and he thinks it could yield about three quarters of a tonne per acre. It will be stored prior to sale because French White millet is selling for just $400 a tonne at the moment, less than half what it can sell for. The 53ha paddock will then be worked for planting barley. Mr Reimers said the red scrub soil can set hard if it is not cultivated. He has been involved with zero till for 15 years and the millet crop was planted directly into stubble. But in this lighter country, he is going back to some cultivation between crops to make the soil more friable and to ensure establishment of the crop. When the millet crop is harvested, he will obtain some idea of the value of adding lime for calcium to a 5ha strip in the paddock. 12 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL14, 2015 Barry Reimers in the paddock of French White millet. Planned to cut and bale the crop, but after the rain, decided to let it go for grain. To advertise phone 4615 4416 Quinalow Landcare workshop Reg Kliese, Brymaroo, Don Chiverton, Irvingdale, Noel Burton, Brymaroo, Kylie Tuckerman, Moola, and Paul Pritchard, Toowoomba based area manager for Ag Solutions. Dr Thakur Pd. Bhattarai, Post doctoral Research Fellow, CQ University, Moola district landholder David Lange and Jondayan landholder Graham Cooke, chairman of North East Downs Landcare. - Miles Noller photos. Australia’s first mouse census is under way Grain growers are getting behind the nation’s first mouse census. Growers have begun recording mouse activity on their properties in Mouse Census Week which aims to provide farmers, the grains industry and researchers with an unprecedented bank of data about mouse activity in agricultural areas. The census, initiated by the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre with the support of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, is occurring before and during seeding of winter crops – a critical time for locating mouse “hot spots” and deter- mining whether numbers are at levels that could pose a risk to newlysown crops. Farmers and advisers are encouraged to play a role in the census from April 13 to 19 by record- GOOMBUNGEE SHOW - This Saturday - April 18 101st show at Goombungee The Goombungee Haden show on Saturday (April 18) will be the first in a new century of shows for the district. Last year’s show at Goombungee was the 100th and it was described as the “show of the century”. Show Society president Errol Luck said it was hoped that as the society embarked on a new century, Saturday’s 101th show would share some of the excitement of last year’s event. Mr Luck, right, said some classes re-introduced last year for the 100th show, were very successful and would be continued. Prime cattle had not been shown for many years, but because of last year’s popularity, will continue this year with two classes, one for lightweight cattle suitable for the Maclagan Meats trade, and a heavy weight class suitable for Oakey Abattoir specifications. Mr Luck said the dog section has received more than 200 entries, the poultry pavilion will be packed out, and the photographic section is to be moved into the produce area to provide extra space for entries. There will be new stands to accommodate floriculture entries and new stands in the produce section. Heavy horses will be back with demonstrations. To advertise phone 4615 4416 ing mouse activity via MouseAlert, which is a website and recently-released app aimed at improving early warning of possible plagues to enable a rapid response to increases in mouse activity. Grain grower Richard Konzag, pictured, of Mallala in South Australia, said recording information about mouse numbers and activity on his property via the MouseAlert app was a simple but important exercise. “The app was easy to download and it took no time for me to contribute information about the level of mouse activity on our property,” said Mr Konzag, who is also a GRDC Southern Regional Panel member. “It is critical for growers to know what is hap- pening in real-time in terms of mouse activity in their local regions, so the more information that is provided to MouseAlert, the better informed growers will be.” Steve Henry, research officer with the CSIRO, says it is important that mouse activity is assessed across all grain-growing areas to identify the likelihood of large scale mouse problems in approaching growing seasons. “This first census will identify where potential problem areas are, on the eve of the 2015 cropping season,” he said. Four producers have entered pigs and a number will have lambs for judging. Mr Luck said a feature of the show will be an emphasis on family entertainment which includes a mini bike stunt rider who performs in the afternoon. After the evening fireworks and singer Dana Hassall after the fireworks. A wood carver will transform a tree into an eagle, and chainsaw racing will again be a feature. The chainsaw events include speed racing and post ripping. Mr Luck said there was an opportunity for amateur beer makers to enter the show competition which was being judged on Friday. He recognised New Hope Group for its assistance with a new roof on the pavilion, and the Heritage PCCN at Crows Nest for its help with a shade cover over the grand stand. - Miles Noller. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 13 Crows Nest Show Ball a huge success A crowd of almost 250 attended the Crows Nest Show Ball on Saturday night to see Miss Showgirl 2014 Shearna Smith hand over her tiara to the newly crowned Miss Showgirl for 2015, Mikahla Christensen. Mikahla was sponsored by IGA Supermarket, Crows Nest and also took out the Miss Charity title, having raised over $3000. Popular Crows Nest veterinarian Stacey Bethel was runner-up Showgirl and Miss Charity Showgirl. She was sponsored by the Crows Nest Lions Club. Leigh Fowler was awarded Miss Junior Showgirl and Prue Gardner Junior Princess. The belle of the ball title went to Reanna McGreevy and matron of the ball was Sandy Brennan. Miss Tiny Tot went to Lexie O’Brien and Master Tiny Tot to Eli Christensen. Judges for the evening were Jacinta Ryan of Cooyar and Jason and Sonja O’Meara of Geham. PHOTOS (clockwise from top left): • Kaycee, Brooke and Jamie-Lee Barron with grandparents Graham and Rita of Cooyar. • Matron of the Ball Sandy Brennan partnered by husband Ged. • Belle of the Ball Reanna McGreevy partnered by Ben Brennan. • Crows Nest Show patron Merv McLean and wife Lorraine. • 2014 Miss Showgirl Shearna Smith and partner Lachlan Huxley. • Judges, Jason and Sonja O’Meara and Jacinta Ryan. ADVERTISING and PROMOTION BOWEN THERAPY FINANCE BROKERS and CONSULTANTS REMEDIAL MASSAGE BEAUTY and RELAXATION CHIROPRACTOR FRAMING SERVICES PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES BEAUTY SERVICES CHIROPRACTOR GRAPHIC DESIGN and PRINTING PROMOTION and MARKETING BOOKKEEPING SERVICES DRIVING INSTRUCTION HEALTH and FITNESS TAXI SERVICE 14 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD, APRIL 14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 BUILDER CONCRETING BUILDER CONCRETING CAR DETAILING CONCRETING AUTO ELECTRICAL and AIRCONDITIONING BUILDER CARPENTRY and RENOVATIONS CONCRETING BLINDS and CURTAINS BUILDER CARPET CLEANING and PEST SERVICES DECKS and PATIOS BLINDS and SECURITY BUILDER COMPUTERS and IT SERVICES EARTHMOVING BOBCAT and TIPPER SERVICES BUILDER COMPUTERS and IT SERVICES EARTHMOVING – Dozer & Excavator – 6WLFN5DNLQJ6HHGLQJ 'DPFRQVWUXFWLRQGHVLOWLQJ &RQWRXU%DQNV/DQGFOHDULQJ To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 15 EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES HOME and GARDEN SERVICES MECHANICAL SERVICES EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES IRRIGATION and LANDSCAPE MOWER SALES and SERVICE EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES LANDSCAPE and GARDEN SUPPLIES MOWER SERVICE and REPAIRS EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES LANDSCAPE and GARDEN SUPPLIES MOWING SERVICES EARTHMOVING FENCING LANDSCAPE and PAVING MOWING and SLASHING EARTHMOVING GARDEN SERVICES and SUPPLIES LIQUID WASTE REMOVAL PAINTER and DECORATOR ELECTRICAL SERVICES HANDYMAN and PAINTER MECHANICAL SERVICES PAINTER ELECTRICAL SERVICES HIRE EQUIPMENT MECHANICAL SERVICES PAINTER Site works, Desilting Dams, Land Clearing, Megamulcher, Road construction. DOZERS : GRADERS : EXCAVATORS TIPPERS : BOBCATS : ROLLERS DOUG. 0418 716 725 16 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 PAINTER PLUMBING SERVICES SANDSTONE PAINTER PLUMBING SERVICES SECURITY SCREENS PLUMBING SERVICES PROMOTION and MARKETING SEPTIC SERVICES TREE SERVICES STEEL SUPPLIES TYRES, BATTERIES and SUSPENSION TIMBER SUPPLIES TYRES, BATTERIES and SUSPENSION PLUMBING SERVICES PLUMBING SERVICES To advertise phone 4615 4416 RENOVATIONS TREE SERVICES HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 - 17 EVENTS and ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS and ENTERTAINMENT CLASSES and TUITION Private SINGING LESSONS All styles catered for 0439 033 049 FIREWOOD FIREWOOD IRONBARK Block or Split Delivered all areas 0408 716 147 FLORIST HIGHFIELDS FLORIST PUBLIC NOTICES Tel/Fax 4615 5056 www.highfieldsflorist.com.au FOR SALE The secretary will be in attendance at the BRAND NEW CROWS NEST SHOW OFFICE until the Show on May 9 MONDAYS: 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm WEDNESDAYS: 10.30am to 2pm Shedules are now available online at www.crowsnestshow.com.au A limited number of hard copies are available from local businesses Barry 0409 874 147 email: bazza62@bigpond.com Show office: 4698 1308 WORSHIP TIMES and MEETINGS Hard floor camper trailer 4 burner gas stove and extras $12,000 ono Phone 0432 112 607 CARAVAN GOLF LINWOOD 2001 Ensuite separate shower toilet, aluminium frame, solar, LED lights, full annex, tandem independent suspension, airconditioned, much more $34,900 Highfields 0439 647 186 TOYOTO ECHO 2002 AUTO For sale due to ill health. Fully digital dashboard, 4 door, many extra features, safety switch, reg. to May 2015, log books, immaculate order $4250 ono PHONE 4698 2006 “If I died tonight, do I know for sure that I would go to heaven?” BIBLE STUDY - 0409 158 525 18 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 GARAGE SALES LOST and FOUND HIGHFIELDS PLASTERER 8 Glen Crescent Saturday - Sunday April 20-21 from 8am. Cars, garden stuff, jewellery, miscellaneous. ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE FOUND Large black teddy. Meringandan Road, Highfields. Tuesday, March 17 around 10.30am. Contact the Herald office 4615 4416. Just $10 for up to 15 words MISSING Sterling is Phone 4615 4416 LAWN MOWING RUBBISH REMOVAL WEEDING Call Eric 4696 7058 TOP SOIL - GRAVEL DECOMPOSED GRANITE Rhino Machinery Hire • Bobcats • Excavators • Slashing Ryan - 0409 721 778 From Church Street Crows Nest since Easter Sunday. Desexed male cat, grey short haired, approx 6 months old. Answers to "Sterling" REWARD OFFERED 4698 2224 or 0459 760 339 FOUND: Parrot, very tame. Federation Drive, Highfields. Phone 4698 7489. LOST AND FOUND notices are published FREE as a service to our community. Contact details P.2 PLANTS Hanlou Nursery Dog rugs from $10 Crows Nest 0468 993 886 CLEARANCE SALE 25% DISCOUNT on advanced stock 10 inch or 250mm pots and upwards March 24 - April 30 5 DaleStreet CROWS NEST Phone 0488 982 401 or 4698 2401 HOUSE FOR RENT Anduramba Road Crows Nest. 2 bedroom, gas stove, airconditioned, wood heater, carport. $220 per week. PHONE 0427 506 236 PUBLIC NOTICES Shop or Office TO LET Centrally located at Crows Nest Reasonable rent RECYCLING HORSE RUG REPAIRS HOUSE for RENT LOCAL - RELIABLE Call Gary 0418 733 749 QBCC No: 1002151 Phone 4698 1011 GARDEN SERVICES and SUPPLIES • MOWING • EDGING • GARDENS • PRESSURE CLEANING • EXTERNAL HOUSE and WINDOW CLEANING Phone 0422 046 434 PLASTERER PLANTS for sale. 38 Hartwig St, Goombungee. TREES for sale. Lemon Scented Gum and Ficifolia (Flowering Gum) tubestock. $2.50 each or 10 for $20. Phone 0423 680 018. NEWSPAPERS collected for recycling. Crows Nest Boys Brigade - deliver to Crows Nest Lutheran Hall Ph: 4698 1205 OR Friends of Peacehaven Highfields. Contact 4615 4416. SPECTACLES recycled for charity. Crows Nest Lions project. Drop to Crows Nest Realty or High Country Herald office. WOOL: Donate new or recyclable wool to knit for charity. Drop to High Country Herald office, 10485 New England Highway, Highfields. RURAL and FARM SUPPLIES A comprehensive range of rural products available from 4698 2299 0459 791 451 Lot 10 Industrial Rd CROWS NEST (Next to Boral Concrete) WANTED TO BUY WEBER charcoal kettle barbecue in good condition. Phone 4698 8218. • SQUATTERS CHAIRS • SAW HORSES • MYNAH BIRD TRAPS Highfields Mens Shed Richard 0412 687 338 or Tim 0412 530 077 CAGE 5ft square, would suit cockatoo, poultry etc. Phone 4615 5667. To advertise phone 4615 4416 RUGBY LEAGUE GOLF BOWLS Highfields hosts visiting New Zealand team BORNEO BARRACKS: April 4 - Single stroke winner L. Bishop 68, runner-up C. Aitken 70. Rundown G. Starkey 70, B. Aitken 72, J. Aitken 72. Pins 1st P. Callaghan, 5th P. Callaghan, 10th M. O’Brien, 14th P. Callaghan, 17th R. Backhouse. April 5 - Two person ambrose winners P. Callaghan and R. Backhouse 61, runners-up C. Aitken, G. Starkey 61. Rundown G. Barnsley, C. Callaghan 66, M. Sorenson, A. Sorenson 66. Pins 1st R. Backhouse, 5th D. Newman, 10th P. Callaghan, 14th R. Sweeney. April 11 - Round 2 HLO shield at Goombungee. No competition at BBGC. Round 2 pennant matches for Div.2 will be held at BBGC on Sunday. Juniors and Div 3 have away matches. - Gary Small. OAKEY LADIES: April 7 - Betty and Jan won a tightly contested game of pairs last week, defeating Rhonda and Joyce on the last end by one shot. Betty Currey, Chris Birrell d. Elsie Voll, Dorothy Buckley. Veta, Flora d. ef Lyn, Doreen. April 14 - Monthly Meeting at 9 am followed by bowls. April 15 - West Toowoomba fund raiser. E. Voll, B. Lorrimer, R. Lawrie. B. Poole/D. Ciesiolka. April 21 - Cambooya fund raiser. E. Voll, D. Ciesiolka, V. Allen, D. Buckley. - Elsie Voll. A gala event in Highfields has brought together rugby league clubs from Highfields and New Zealand and provided opportunity for both indigenous and non-indigenous groups to meet. Tokoroa High School rugby league players are touring Australia, and last Friday were at the Kuhls Road oval in Highfields for a series of games involving them and the Highfields Eagles and Toowoomba Warriors clubs. One Highfields Eagles coach, Gary Halliday, coordinated the event and suggested it after his son played in a rugby league match in New Zealand last year. Mr Halliday coaches the Highfields under 13 and under 16 teams and is also connected with the Toowoomba Warriors, which includes indigenous players from Dalby, Warwick, Pittsworth and St George. The program included under 10 indigenous games, and matches between Highfields Eagles and Toowoomba Warriors in under 11, under 13, and under 16. The feature match between Highfields under 18 and Tokoroa High School. was won by Highfields 28-22. A presentation dinner was held on Friday night. CROWS NEST: April 8 - Winners were Bill Kruger’s team, runners-up Bevan Wingett’s crew. Unfortunately scorecards were unavailable. April 4 - Open singles John Fowler d. Mick Beutel. Tony Collins d. Jim Walcroft. Club pairs Bill Kruger and Les Guy d. Bevan Wingett and Esbert Ehrlich. Keep your eye on the selectors’ noticeboard for competition games called each Saturday. April 5 - Anduramba challenge winners were Trevor Gillies, Vonnie Gillies and Aileen Cox, runners-up Allan Mutch, Bill Kruger and Kel Dixon. April 19 - Dinger’s Seafood afternoon. April 26 - Ray White (Brisbane) trophy. May 3-4 - The club will host its second annual Crows Nest Carnival. If you haven’t already been notified, and would like to nominate a team, feel free to get in touch with either Dennis Russell or Ray Weis care of the club for more information. May 10 - Management committee meeting. New bowls players and visitors are always welcome at the Crows Nest Bowls Club. Contact secretary Jim on cnqbowls@mail.com or 4698 2278. Gary Baker. BORNEO BARRACKS LADIES: April 7 - Single stableford for trophies donated by Connie Harrison. Winner: Lotte Pedersen 32, Hazel Black 28 Coaches and team on count back, Jessella McConnell 28. organisers at the HighRundown Polly West 26 on count back, Judy fields-Tokoroa match Edwards 26, Chris Tannock 25 on count back. Pin 4/ in Highfields - Penny 6 Polly West. Howells, senior presiApril 14 - Single stroke, monthly medal and putting dent of Highfields Eafor trophies by Pat Walker. Second round GQ gles Club, Peter brooch.Tee off time 8.30 for 9am. - Lotte Pedeersen. Betros, Highfields CROWS NEST: April 8 - Sporters sinner R. Gardner team manager, Gary 32, runner-up T. Horrex 27. Putting R. Gardner 20. Halliday, event coPin 7/16 R. Burgess. ordinator and a HighApril 11 - Second round HLO. Overall winner men fields club coach, W. Dinnes 47, Ladies L. Alexander 34. Goombungee M. McLeod 46, ladies A. Cass 26. Borneo Barracks Tama Teaukura, T. Aitken 40. Crows Nest D. Sanderson 42, Ladies B. Tokoroa coach, Willie Cox 30. Pins all in 3/12 M. Woodhead, men 6/15 G. Fork, principal TokDouglas, 8/17 T. Aitken. Ladies 1/10, 7/16 B. Cox . oroa High School, and April 12 - Property Management Products winner J. DDLBA: One-day prestige fours winners were Y. Billy Moea, manager Somerville 70 + monthly medal runner-up B. Cox Schultz, N. Hegarty, A. Coleborn, M. Gibbs of Tokoroa team. 70. Rundown D. Cox 71, M. Castle 73, J. Svensson (Millmerran.) 73. Pins 3/12 B. Cox, 8/17 A. Case. • Miles Noller Runners-up were D. Sheppard, M. Bowden, J. T. Ehlers (Pittsworth.) reporting OAKEY: April 8 - Ladies 18 hole stableford win- Hinz, Round 1 - D. Parkinson, L. Mutch, L. Blaine, S. ner Sonia Hosking 50, runner-up Collette Rynne 43. McManus (West Toowoomba/North Toowoomba.) Runeown Yvonne Lebeter 38. Pin 3 Collette Rynne. Round 2 - D. Oxford, B. Ronnfeldt, P. Talbot, J. April 9 - Thursday sporters. Winner N. Pankhurst Muggleton (Pittsworth.) 23. April 12 - Monthly medal. A grade Mark Carter. Many thanks to all players and sponsors for the B grade Terris Muir Monthly mug Mark Carter 63 enjoyable day. net, runner-up Terris Muir 65 net. Rundown Col close for the DDLBA championFisk 67, George Wright 67. Ladies winner Yvonne shipNominations singles on April 17 with the District Secretary Lebeter. Pins 3 T. Muir, 8 Y. Lebeter, 5/14 . Rynne 6/ and played at South Toowoomba, starting April 28. 15 C. Fisk. April 18-19 vss. - John Grawich. Management meeting. Ladies please note the change of date from April 27 to Friday, May 1 at North Toowoomba. The next challenge match v. Gateway at Mt. Gravatt April 19, revised coach time will be 6.30am from SOUTHERN DOWNS WARWICK: April 5 - on St:reet. 300 yards. F Open Rifle, possible 126. Dave Taylor Rome Cost $25 players. $20 non players. Please contact 118.5, Bob Tyllyer 115.5, Margaret Taylor 107.4, selection chairperson J. Baldock if you are not availDave Norman 94.2. A small field, no doubt due to able. being the Easter weekend with a touch of rain about. Listed below are teams selected to play in the 2015 April 26 - ANZAC tribute shoot. Be there about sides, to be played on the Sunshine Coast, 8.30 am. - www.southerndownsrifle clubwebsyte. district May 3-6: T. Foster, S. McManus, M. Hannant, F. com.au. Hunter: I. Brumpton, L. Harrington, L. Blaine, J. Thomas: V. Mahony, T. Thomas, J. Baldock, B. Shea: Reserves: F. Connors, C. McLatchey: Manager M. Morris. CROWS NEST: Two junior school players Corey For the next Coaching Academy information please Plant and Tim Macdonald, who have been involved contact D. James on 4630 8619. - Joyce McGeorge. in our Friday afternoon squash games, have joined the Crows Nest Squash Club fixture competition. NORTH TOOWOOMBA LADIES: Final chamBoth are doing well and both have won a match Highfields Eagles under 18 team and the Tokoroa team Highfields players Teveta Tui Tea, Alex pionship triples. Winners P. Graham, T. Thomas, V. against stiff competition. Parsons, Blake Appo, Lage Kamfjord, and Jake George, and Kokoroa players Luke Winikerei, The fixtures are progressing well, however due to Mahony, runners-up A. Jones, D. Clark, L. Mutch. Semi final A grade singles S. McManus d. R. BradTyrone Mau Ngavaevae, Zak Vandenberg, Sione Letoa, and Toru Natrua. the school holidays some games have had to be put forward. The ladder is showing close, competitive ford. Final winner J. Pauli, runner-up S. McManus. Social - G. Doherty, H. Gscheidle, V. Warren, S. games. Phil Gott competed in the Rockhampton Masters Chard d. B. Hall, L. Graham, G. Siebenhausen, B. competition on April 11-12. This competition is on Shea. April 22 - Names on the white board. All day the Queensland Masters circuit and Phil placed well play. Winners of the Easter raffles 1st prize P. and continues to do well. Club membership is affordable and the club is al- Graham, H. Connors, 2nd C. Butler. Congratulations ways on the lookout for new members. Court hire is to S. McManus, L. Mutch (D. Parkinson, L. Blaine) available for casual play and coaching. Monday 7 to runners-up DDLBA prestige fours at Pittsworth. Also to F. Dornbusch, D. Allison, M. Wilds, K. 9pm is set aside for training, social hire and play, Thursday 7 to 9pm is fixture night competition and Hewitt second day winners at the Lowood two-day Friday 4.30 to 6pm is for junior coaching and social carnival. Congratulations to J. Baldock, S. McManus, B. play. - Sage Garnett. Shea, L. Mutch, C. McLatchey, J. Pauli chosen in the teams to represent DDLBA at a Challenge match v. Gateway District (Mt Gravatt on Sunday, April 19. RIFLE SHOOTING SQUASH RUGBY LEAGUE Highfields Eagles under 18 players and visiting Tokoroa High School players. ROUND 6: Broncos 22 Roosters 18. Sharks 22 Knights 6 Titans 38 Eels 16 Warriors 32 Tigers 22 Panthers 22 Sea Eagles 12 Storm 14 Raiders 10 Dragons 31 Bulldogs 6 PROMOTE YOUR SPORT THROUGH THE HERALD Phone 4615 4416 To advertise phone 4615 4416 Teams away Cambooya F/R Tuesday, April 21 F. Dornbusch, D. Clark, W. Smith-Squires, S. Chard. DDLBA championship pairs start Tuesday April 28 - (L. Blaine), S. McManus. V. Chant, T. Thomas; F. Dornbusch, J. Pauli. Players needed (ladies and men) for a visit in from Buderim (35 players) to match Sunday April 26 at 9am. Names on men’s white board. Roster this Friday Team 2 - L. Mott, J. Barnes, J. Leerentveld, B. Brown. - Reynelde Bradford. TABLE TENNIS CROWS NEST: April 6 - In the handicap singles tournament held on Monday night at the Crows Nest Table Tennis Club S. Murphy (5), D. Shum (7) tied for the trophy, but in the count back of points scored against them S. Murphy was the winner. - Joy Bretz. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL14, 2015 - 19 Highfields business breakfast Highfields Business Connections meets for breakfast on the first Tuesday of the month at Highfields Cultural Centre at 6.15 for 6.45am. Bookings can be made with secretary Jim O’Dea 0438 731 951. LEFT: Bob Taylor, Financial Life Partners, Bruce Tame Darling Downs Pamphlet Distributors, Jim O’Dea secretary and Tony Wheeler, R. and O. Communications. RIGHT: Cr Anne Glasheen, Gordon Alden, Highfields Automotive Spare Parts, Craig Stibbard, Highfields Home Hardware, and Cr Nancy Sommerfield. West of Elsewhere with Clinton Ireland 20 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 14, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416