Oakey Champion - 2nd November 2022

Jacaranda DayGoombungee

‘Happy to have a look’

organisations around town have been taking advantage of

by the Oakey Men’s Shed, who take on all sorts of requests.

Utilising the collective talents of the members, over the past few years the Oakey Men’s Shed has taken a wide variety of requests under consideration.

Just last week, they finished restoring an antique Singer sewing machine.

Other jobs have included gates, bookshelves, benches, tables, bird houses, wells,

rocking horses and even a wooden box for wooden rings.

The Shed charges customers an honest price for their handiwork.

Once costs for materials are subtracted from the total, all remaining proceeds go towards the upkeep and betterment of the group.

Continued on page 12

Oakey Men’s Shed members at their 1 Cory Street premises, from left: Chris Gorton, Arthur Wingett, Darren Mulder, Lex Hudson, Graeme Garvis, John Greenhalgh and Steve Clark.

Two celebrations at one morning tea event

CWA House in Oakey had enjoyed themselves last Wednesday when they came

Heather Thomson celebrate her 80th birthday.

Above: Maria Disney, Veronica Smith and Charmain Goldfinch.

Top left: Facility Manager Di Henning with Heather Thomson ready to attack the special 80th birthday cake.

Bottom left: Heather with her sister Jean Findlay.

Top right Lillian Moran and Belinda Wren with Gayle and John Gibson.

Bottom right: Heather Thomson, Jean Findlay, Jenny Turvey, Vera Langlands, Shirley Bernays and June Evans.

The event was organised by CWA House staff member Allyson Gardner who said proceeds would be presented to Blush Cancer Care in Toowoomba.

The morning tea came at the end of Breast Cancer Month

Prizes in the fundraising raffle were provided thanks to local businesses the Oakey RSL Club, The Oakey Pharmacy, Shawry’s Kerrytown Meats, the Bernborough Tavern, Ranch Hair Designers, Oakey Newsagency, the Grand Hotel, Oakey

Bi-Rite, Flick Café and Studio A, Oakey.

DOWNSAround

A couple of snakes caught during a mating ritual in the Goomburra Valley last month.

Council begins Dam Safety Upgrade

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has begun the process to perform safety

Dams.

Due to the significant cost and the specific set of skills required to perform the work, TRC Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said Council would invite Expressions of Interest before inviting written tenders for the packages of works associated with the delivery of the Dam Safety Upgrade Project.

“This will likely be the biggest project Council undertakes over the coming two to three years and it’s crucial we get it right,” Cr Vonhoff said.

“Dam upgrade works are required to meet Council’s obligations,” she said.

“Cressbrook Dam and Cooby Dam are critical so that we have water to drink and while we don’t know the exact costs for the work required to do these upgrades, the initial estimates indicate the project could cost $200 million.

“That is a lot of public

money we’re investing so let’s go out to the market and engage with the specialists to get the best possible outcome.

“Council’s Dam Safety

Upgrade Project will improve the long-term viability of our assets and ensure we meet all the safety requirements set out in the Water Supply (Safety and

Reliability) Act 2008.

“Following this process Council will be able to issue formal tenders, with upgrade works expected to begin in the 2023/24 financial year.”

Landcare photo entries on show at Goombungee

Darcy Jono Schmidt, a 17 year old who lives near Kaimkillenbun, was among the winners in this year’s Under 18 category of the 6th annual “Focus on Farms” photo competition organised by Gomaren & Doctors Creek Landcare Group, based in Goombungee.

“Darcy and the other 54 entrants in the Under 18 category are the Land Carers of the future, irrespective of whether they live in the country or whether they live in town.,” organiser Jean

Gundry said.

“Each entry conveys a story of why it is so important to remain connected to the land. The competition provides the conduit for every-one to share their

Small fire at abattoir

Emergency services were called to NH Foods’ abattoir complex on the western side of Oakey on Sunday evening after a small fire broke out in one of the rooms at the site.

A spokesperson for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said four fire units were despatched after smoke was seen coming from the room at around 6.25pm.

On arrival, firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter the room.

They found a fire had damaged papers and plastic on a bench and smoke was issuing from a burning belt.

Queensland Ambulance paramedics were sent to the site as a precautionary measure.

The blaze was extinguished by 6.53pm however QFES personnel remained at the scene until about 9.30pm to ensure that the building was well ventilated.

They then left the area with staff from NH Foods on hand to monitor any change.

Landcare stories and the variety of images received is a great testament to the Landcare philosophy that ‘Landcare is for Everyone’.”

All contributed entries will be on display at the Goombungee Jacaranda Festival on Saturday.

“The images submitted by Darcy Jono Schmidt and the other participants give us an opportunity to acknowledge the Landcare ethos and what this grassroots organisation has achieved over the years,” Ms Gundry said.

Oakey Police warning about bad habits

Oakey Police have issued a warning to local motorists who are in the habit of ignoring safety around our local schools and others who disrespect disabled parking zones.

Local police are focusing on activity in school zones and have urged motorists to abide by the rules.

The problem is particularly rife around Oakey State High School with people ignoring signage and basic road rules.

“Safety is paramount

where schools are concerned,” a spokesperson said.

Police are also watching for those who park in spaces designated for those who are disabled.

“It does matter,” the spokesperson said.

“It comes down to

laziness.”

He said people who use the spaces illegally are showing disrespect to people who need them.

“We do live in an ageing community and the parks are there for people who need them.”

Areas of concern include

around the R.S.L. Club and IGA.

Police are reminding motorists that “hefty fines” apply for those found breaking the law.

The Queensland fine of $533 for the offence is one of the highest in Australia.

have the opportunity to return.

It is an absolute disgrace that the Palaszczuk government dragged its feet and refused to make a decision while 450 people lost their jobs. The Labor government treated the local community like political pawns in a cruel game. The lack of certainty caused personal angst and financial strain with many businesses in Oakey closing their doors. I hope we will see the Oakey township and surrounding area thrive once again when Stage 3 is fully operational.

The length of time taken for a decision to be made by the Palaszczuk government created false hope for everyone involved including the objectors.

This long-drawn-out process should never be allowed to happen again.

Work to upgrade safety at Cooby Dam is expected to begin in the next financial year.

Darcy Jono Schmidt’s “Amongst the Barley Kaimkillenbun” was 1st in the category ‘Working on the Farm, Under 18’.

The Oakey RSL redevelopment 23 years on

Taken from The Oakey Champion, August 4, 1999.

The million dollar redevelopment proposal for the Oakey Returned and Services League sub branch is set to go allowing unanimous approval by members at a Special

General Meeting of the subbranch last week.

The project to refurbish the building has been some 18 months in the pipeline, and approval was given at the recent meeting to authorise the trustees to sign-off paperwork to obtain

a loan from the Colonial State Bank of New South Wales.

Construction is due to commence this month and should be complete in February/March 2000 in time for Anzac Day celebrations.

Sub-branch Secretary, Lee Fanning, said the improved facilities will include a new bar area, new gaming area, child-minding facilities, Bistro, installation of the latest beer reticulation system, a reception area, new administration area,

Before the redevelopment of the Oakey RSL in 1999 (left) and in April 2000, after it had been completed (right).

Photos, Valerie WeiseYoung

conference room and function area, while Stage 2 will include the construction of a private function area.

Mr Fanning said the Club membership currently stood

at 804 and with any profit made by the club being required to be passed on to members through improved facilities, the decision to refurbish the club had been

made 18 months ago.

Plans and specifications for redevelopment of the sub-branch premises were drawn up by Northbuild Design and Construction.

Kulpi State School welcomes the grandparents

favourite people come to visit.

The school population more than doubled when grandparents, great grandparents, honorary grandparents, special neighbours and friends joined with the students for a fun morning of activities and food to celebrate Grandparents’ Day.

The children loved sharing their classrooms, schoolwork and the library with their visitors, but the highlights were the

photo booth and doing the Chicken Dance and Hokey Pokey.

Everyone had a great time and the teachers and staff heard, “we can’t wait until next year” from students and grandparents alike.

Kulpi Principal Tammy Doudle found this fitting quote (author unknown): “Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and a little warmer.”

Goombungee Rodeo postponed

The GoombungeeHaden A.H.&P. Society has decided to postpone the Goombungee Rodeo that was set down to be held this Saturday (5th November).

“With the predicted rain this week, the grounds will not be safe for stock and could also be a risk to the patrons that attend,” Society secretary Kylie Welke said.

A new date for the rodeo has yet to be advised.

“We are working with the National Rodeo Association to secure a new date – looking at early 2023,” Ms Welke said.

Toowoomba Bypass closed

If you plan on heading to the east from the Oakey district, you will need to travel through Toowoomba for the coming few days.

The eastbound lanes of the Toowoomba Bypass, between the Warrego West interchange at Charlton and the Warrego East interchange at Helidon Spa, were closed on Friday afternoon and were expected to be closed to through traffic for at least a week.

The eastbound lanes between Boundary Street interchange and the Mort Street interchange are open.

The westbound lanes of the Toowoomba Bypass are not affected and remain open to all traffic.

The closure is a safety precaution due to movements detected in

a cutting east of the New England Highway.

Geotechnical consultants have been monitoring the cutting since last year’s wet season to enable a redesign and reconstruction of the cut.

After heavy rain this month, further movement was detected.

Further rainfall is expected, and there is a risk material may fall onto the eastbound lanes.

Transport and Main Roads said that all eastbound traffic on the Bypass is required to exit at the Mort Street interchange at Harlaxton.

Eastbound traffic on the

Warrego Highway cannot enter the Bypass at the Warrego West interchange at Charlton.

Northbound traffic on the Gore Highway is being directed off the Bypass at the Warrego West interchange at Charlton to detour through Toowoomba.

Works to repair the cutting are scheduled to start early next year.

The website QLDTraffic will keep motorists up to date with traffic impacts and changes on the Bypass at the cutting.

Kulpi was so successful!

Jacaranda Day Goombungee

Programme

Vintage Cow for gourmet takeaway, SIP Coffee for coffee, cakes and take-away food,

Pioneer Arms Hotel for lunch bookings and family cheer, CWA Stall for scones and tea at the CWA Hall, Humble Kitchen for drinks, sweets, donuts and cakes, Rotary Club sausage sizzle.

Growing up in country NSW and surrounded by women who continue to be her guide and inspiration, Megan considers herself perfectly positioned to perform One Hundred Years of the CWA in Song.

Megan’s show begins with a young girl called Rosalie who just cannot get her scones to rise. She performs songs from every decade of the last

Singer Megan O’Brien will perform a tribute to the Country Women’s Association at this year’s festival. She hopes her half-hour show will inspire people to “please tell a woman in your life that has shaped you, that has loved you, that you love them.”

century to explore the experiences of women and the Country Women’s Association in Goombungee. “The jazz numbers can be quite a challenge,” smiles Megan, “but I want people to experience them with the grace and respect that these legendary songs deserve.

One Hundred Years of the CWA in Song will be at 9am and 1pm at the Goombungee Jacaranda Day.

November 5 8am to 2pm

Story of steam

Steam traction engines changed the face of the Darling Downs as far back as the 1860’s. “They were basically the first tractors, the first heavy haulage trucks, the first mechanized harvest and threshing machines,” says Nick Geraghty, the President of Steaming on the Downs.

“These machines took over from the bullock drays and horse teams of the early settler years and helped to build the Darling Downs into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation” Nick said.

“The skills involved in manufacturing, maintaining, and operating these machines were fundamental to building the farms and towns and society of the 1860’s through to the post World War Two years.

“There was blacksmithing, foundry work, hot smelting, pressure vessel and pipe fitting, plumbing, hot riveting, gauge and valve construction and fitting –

Memories

AT THE PUB

“Imagine

“That

pretty much the same wide array of trade skills that are required today to build replicas or restore old steam engines. You don’t have to have those sorts of skills to get involved in an organisation like Steaming on the Downs.

“All you really need is to be inquisitive and interested in learning new things. On Jacaranda Day the fruits of those skills will be on working display. We’re a pretty relaxed and laid back bunch,” Nick said.

“We like to show off the machines and what they can do. Have a bit of a conversation with whoever might be interested. And share what we’ve achieved with any of the machines we’ve been working on. And of course, some of these traction engines will lead the Historic Vehicle Parade down Mocatta Street. One of the machines will be a one quarter size replica of a machine which worked on my family’s farm back a hundred years ago,” says Nick.

A very real connection to the history of the region. This glimpse from a bygone era will be thundering down Mocatta Street from 10:30am on Saturday 5th November.

have a connection to having a beer with Duncan?”

Pub Songs and Pioneer Poetry will be performed at 8am and 12 noon on Mocatta Street

Michael’s

Motoring right along

Michael Johnson will be performing Pub Songs and Pioneer Poetry at the historic Pioneer Arms

hotel

central part of Goombungee

GALLERY GCC FEATURED ARTIST

In the era of disposability, why are historic vehicles such an enduring attraction?

“It’s something you grew up with,” says George Wilkinson, who’ll have two vehicles in the Historic Vehicles Parade as part of the festival this Saturday.

“If you were fortunate enough to own a car back then, it was something you were proud of and everyone just learned to flip the bonnet on the weekend.

“These vehicles were an important part of my generation.”

Jacaranda Day is a chance to share the achievements of what is a passionate hobby for George in his retirement. “My wife and I grew up in the area,” he said. “Now there’s a whole new lot of young people coming into Goombungee. Revitalising the area.”

There will be at least 25 historic cars in the parade this year according to Jacaranda Day president Denise Iseppi. The parade roars into life from 10.30am.

Oakey Golf Club

Wednesday 26th October, the Ladies played the final 18 holes of their Foursomes Championships the winners of the 18 hole Nett being Joan Fisk and Iris Thompson with an 89 Nett. Runners-up on a countback were Daphne Webster and Kathy Fenton with a 91 Nett. The 36 hole Gross winners and winners of the Honour Board were Joan Fisk and Iris Thompson with a 207 Gross. Congratulations ladies! Winners of the 36 hole Nett were Marlene Deans and Yvonne Lebeter with a 174 Nett.

Wednesday 2nd November, the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with their Medal of Medalist. Winner

of the Thursday Sporters on the 27th October was Don Storey with 23 points. The pin was won by Alan De Ross.

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, the Members played an 18 hole Stableford, the winner being Marcus Welk with 37 points. Runner-up was Andrew King with 36 points and the rundown went to George Fenton with 34 points. The pin on No. 3 was won by George Fenton.

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November, the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the November Monthly Medal.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Goombungee Golf

Thursday 27th October, Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winner, Jim Groat 39 points (ocb). Approaches: Hole 1/10, Jim Groat; Hole 2/11, David Cass, Paul Ladewig and Robbie McKewen; Hole 4/13, Paul Ladewig. Ladies’ Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winner, Wendy Ladewig 34 points. Approaches: Hole 5/14, Carmel Cover; Hole 9/18, Ann Cass. Ladies Foursomes winners, Robyn Drowley and Jan Mullins. Sunday 30th October, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winners: Men, Dan Darlington 42 points; Ladies, Carmel Cover 36 points. Rundown: Robyn Drowley, Nino Capuzzo, Dave Scutt, Darren Pedersen, Craig Kennedy, Greg Buckley, Steve Elfverson, Garry Shea. Pin shots: Men, Hole 3/12, Nino Capuzzo; Hole 4/13, Dave Scutt; Hole 8/17, Harry Cover. Approaches: Men, Hole 2/11, Nino Capuzzo; Hole 7/16, Craig Kennedy; Hole 9/18. Darren Pedersen; Ladies, Hole 3/12, Carmel Cover.

Members draw. No 98, Jason Davis, who was not present, so this week the prize jackpots to $25.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 3rd November, 4BBB Stableford for a Club Trophy. Ladies Single Stroke, Best Nine for a Club Trophy.

Friday 4th November, Chook Run from 3pm. All golfers welcome.

Sunday 6th November, Single Stroke, Monthly Medal for a Club Trophy. - Murray McLeod

Oakey Parkrun

This week 18 runners completed the course.

Jack Wilson was again first with another personal best time of 17: 25.

Second was Joanna McRae in 22:11, just ahead of Faith McKay with 22:12 seconds.

Other personal bests were Dylan McIntosh 28:29 and Clohee Morrow 34:37.

Thanks to this week’s volunteers, Tracy Back, Paul Green, Bradley McKay, John Rohl, Mark Wheatley, Danielle Wiesner, Belinda Wilson and Wayne Wilson.

Oakey Social Golf, two courses in one weekend

Last weekend the Social Club ventured to the Sunny Coast to play Palmer Coolum and Peregian Springs golf courses.

The weather made the weekend into a lovely two days of golf.

Saturday we played at Palmer Coolum and the winners were HL, Wade Bostock, Tony Boyd and Pete Wolski on 53¼ nett and the runners-up were Anthony Krahenbring, Brad Abel, Peter Morgan and Matty Hall with 56¼ nett.

Sunday we played on the Peregian golf course, the winners being Anthony Krahenbring, Andy Palmer, Bruce Lucht and Sandra Lucht with 54½ nett and the runners-up were HL, Daryl Williamson, Shane Nicholson and Ian McDonald on 56¼ nett.

Although both pro shops sold lots of golf balls and refreshments, Brett McDonald takes out this year’s most golf balls lost by losing 20 golf balls over the two days.

The leaders board has now tightened up with P. Morgan and A. Palmer on 34 points, then W. Bostock, L. Bartley and S. Gillis on 30 points, and Sandra Lucht in her first year of playing sitting on 28 points along with JB.

Next’s weekends game is Single Stroke on the front

Oakey Men’s Bowls

RESULTS

Competition results from Saturday October 29th: Senior Singles final: A. Jackson defeated V. Rush. “A” Singles: D. Barfield defeated B. Lucht; S. Cosgrove defeated E. Dornbusch

COMING EVENTS

Saturday November 5th,

visit from Wellington Point bowlers, 1pm start (mixed). Names on the board please.

Saturday November 12th, Oakey vs. Peranga at Peranga, 12.30pm start (mixed). Names on the board please.

Thursday November 3rd, Night Bowls, names in by 5.30pm, play at 6pm.

nine with a 6.30am tee-off.

Thanks to everyone for making the coast trip enjoyable again. - Flynny and Macca

Palmer Coolum;

“Landcare is not just for farmers”

An annual photographic competition organised by a local Landcare group aims to link the broader community with the farming community. will be announced at the Goombungee Jacaranda Festival this weekend.

“No matter where you

live, the connection to farming is an important part of our identity as Australians,” competition coordinator Jean Gundry said.

“Landcare is not just for farmers..

“Everyone of us who lives on the Darling Downs has a reason to celebrate the fact that we live in one of the most productive regions on the planet.

“We benefit through jobs in agriculture and allied industries, food and fibre production, healthy lifestyles and the capacity to sustain and benefit from the environment.”

The competition, which has categories for all ages and lifestyles, is an instigation and encouragement for people to engage in a community exploration and conversation about our relationship with the land.

“My passion is for education,” Ms Gundry said.

“I want to encourage the next generation to interact with the environment; to be

in it, be part of it, respond, observe and interact with it.” To that end, the primary school category within the competition has a focus on insects.

“Without a healthy insect

population there can be no sustainable environment.”

Landcare projects and membership are also important to building healthy and sustainable communities.

Previous photographic competition award events have resulted in vibrant and packed community gatherings.

The learning and sharing of new ideas have proven to be important for fostering

mental wellbeing and community support and identity.

“A philosophy of caring for the land is the scaffolding for everyone’s relationship with the environment, irrespective of where you live,” Ms Gundry said.

Gomaren & Doctor’s Creek Landcare members will be on location in Mocatta Street all through Jacaranda Day for anyone who wishes to join the conversation.

Giant reward for a giant Ekka pumpkin

The competition offers more than $3,400 in prize money, with a new bonus $1,000 for the heaviest pumpkin over a whopping 500 kilograms.

The prize money on offer for the Open and Youth classes is $600 for first place, $400 for second and $300 for third.

All pumpkins over 80 kilograms are eligible for

the coveted title of Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show and $850.

The giant gourds will roll into the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday the 29th of April in 2023 for judging, with the competition held outside of the August Ekka dates to take advantage of the premium pumpkin growing season.

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) paid tribute to the pumpkin on Halloween, by opening entries for its iconic Giant Pumpkin Competition.

Winners of the annual Gomaren & Doctor’s Creek Focus on Farms photography competition

“Workbench”, an entry submitted by Darcy Jono Schmidt, aged 17.

GARRISON CATCHUP

Weather season

– Army Aviation on standby

The Australian Defence Force works closely with Australian, state and territory governments to plan for the high risk weather season.

The Army Aviation Training Centre remains responsive to national and state government requirements during this high risk weather season if requested.

AAvnTC personnel and aircraft have assisted

communities in the Darling Downs, Brisbane, Ballina and Lismore areas throughout the year and remain ready to support local emergency service agencies where needed over the holiday period.

Sergeant Drew Davies - Army Bronze Commendation

Sergeant Drew Davies has been awarded an Army Bronze Commendation and commended for his high achievements as the Army Aviation Training Centre Operations Sergeant throughout 2021.

Sergeant Davies has made an exemplary contribution to the Army Aviation Training Centre Operations Cell throughout 2021.

This resulted in assuring the ongoing appropriate management, delivery and timely exporting of Army Aviation Training Centre training courses.

His efforts made a significant contribution to the delivery of support to Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) and the Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) activities held at Swartz Barracks in 2021.

Sergeant Davies’ tireless support was essential for the successful conduct of the Land 121 Aviation Refuel System trial held at Swartz Barracks in November and December 2021.

His expertise as a Ground Crew Aircraft Support (GCAS) member and as the Operations Sergeant was

instrumental in advising the Trial Manager to successfully complete the trial, the resultant timely completion of which enabled the ongoing use of the Land 121 Aviation Refuel System prior to the early 2022 withdrawal from service of the legacy aviation fuel tanker fleet, accordingly realising a lasting impact upon the Army Aviation capability.

Congratulations Sergeant Davies your efforts are in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Tobias - Army Bronze Commendation

Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Tobias has been awarded an Army Bronze Commendation and commended for his sustained leadership, planning and dedication to duty whilst carrying out his own duty as Operations Warrant Officer and Lead Instructor on CH-47F Chinook at the Rotary-Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS).

Warrant Officer Class Two Tobias’s exceptional application of technical skills and superior analytical capacity with multiple appointments has resulted in the identification and remediation of multiple training and resource deficiencies.

His skillful management, leadership and commendable dedication to duty have increased Army

Aviation’s ability to deliver proficient individuals to the wider aviation capability, and directly enhanced the reputation and capacity of the Army Aviation Training Centre by enabling training support to strategic partners.

Congratulations Warrant Officer Class Two Tobias - your achievements are in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Your link to the Aviation Centre

Army AW139s from the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville were recently at Oakey, standing by to support state authorities if requested.

Photo, Bradley Richardson

Major General Stephen Jobson Commander of Aviation Command has the honour of presenting Sergeant Drew Davies (left) his Commendation.

Photo, Bradley Richardson

Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Tobias (left) being presented his Commendation by Major General Stephen Jobson Commander of Aviation Command.

Photo, Bradley Richardson

Oakey Men’s Shed: jacks of most trades

Continued from page 1

Club member Steve Clark was one of three involved with restoring the Singer. He said the customer, Joanne Davis, was “very happy” with the end result, which took 20 man-hours to complete between himself Lex Hudson and president John Greenhalgh.

Mr Clark said the club is happy to have a look at whatever people think they could assist with.

Since the start of the year, they have taken on 38 fullyfledged jobs.

They also assist with minor jobs, such a sawing a piece of timber.

Some members have professional backgrounds, some long-lasting hobbies and others have learned new skills since joining the group.

Mr Clark said the group relies on jobs to pay for their rent, utilities and other overheads.

John Greenhalgh said the Men’s Shed was commissioned to build a wooden seat for the aged care residents at the Oakey Hospital precinct, with the cost of materials raised through local businesses.

A lady who saw the finished seat was impressed

and wanted her own.

Then a gentleman who went to the shed to pick up a table he had made, saw the seat being made for the lady and decided he too wanted one of his own.

Other projects around town include a seat at the railway station and a library

box at Foodworks.

Foodworks liked the job the Men’s Shed did so much they requested another to built for the Foodworks store in Harlaxton.

On top of the wish list at the moment, and something the members have been actively working towards, securing better premises where they can have separate work and rest areas.

Mr Greenhalgh said the Oakey Men’s Shed currently has 13 members, still down on their pre-Covid levels.

Anyone interested in having the Oakey Men’s Shed help them with a project, or those interested in joining the group, can either contact the Oakey Men’s Shed on Facebook or call president John Greenhalgh on 0487 352 146.

Getting the most out of community projects

It doesn’t matter if you’re a grassroots community group or a land manager wanting to roll out a landcare project on private property: how you put that project together is essential if you want to get funding, engage other people and ensure outcomes on the ground. how to reach them, and what to say.

Following the success of its workshop in Clifton last week, Condamine Catchment Management Association (CCMA) will be holding another free workshop at the Harvest New Life Church Hall in Pittsworth on Wednesday, 16th November.

The four-hour workshop, coordinated by Condamine Catchment Management Association and funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Programme will help grassroots groups and land managers understand project planning.

The workshop will look at how to turn a great idea into a solid project plan including budgeting, monitoring and reporting, and engaging volunteers.

There’ll also be a session dedicated to communication: who your audiences are,

The presenter, Samantha Morris from Wombat Creative, said project planning and management can be daunting to people, especially when they’re busy community volunteers.

“So, I’m going to break down the jargon and simplify the process,” she said.

“This workshop will be interactive and hands-on and people are absolutely encouraged to bring their real-life project ideas with them.”

CCMA secretary MaryLou Gittins said the workshop was taking place as a result of community need.

“We know from decades of work in the catchment that our grassroots groups and land managers sometimes struggle with the intricacies of project planning,” she said.

“They’ll have awesome ideas that they can’t quite articulate for funding bodies and strategic partners.

“Not only will this workshop offer practical strategies for taking those ideas and turning them into solid plans, it’ll also help

people better understand the ins and outs of strategic communication – especially when budgets are tight or non-existent.”

RSVP by Monday, 14th November to Mary-Lou Gittins on 0429 642 092 or lcows@bigpond.com

Michael

When this Singer sewing machine arrived (above) it was looking its age. However, upon completion (below), it looked as good as new.

ABOVE: These wooden seats have proved to be quite popular, with three different customers requesting one.

BELOW: One of the big projects being worked on currently is these steel gates.

Presenter Samantha Morris delivered the workshop to a full room in Clifton last week.