Oakey Champion - 3rd August 2022

The

Oakey Champion

4691 1376

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

$1.50

Oakey’s Own Newspaper

I NSIDE T HIS W EEK

Q C W A O A K E Y A N N O U N C E S C O M M I T T E E - PAG E 2

S C H O O L C E L E B R AT E S 1 0 0 DAY S O F P R E P - PAG E 5 OA K E Y S H O W G I R L L A U N C H A N N O U N C E D - PAG E 6

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Oakey School of Army Aviation turns 50 years

On Monday, the School of Army Aviation (SAA) celebrated fifty years of operation at Oakey’s Swartz Barracks Base.

Commanding Officer for the SAA Lieutenant Colonel Scott Dore thanked staff and trainees from the school for their work and invited them to attend a cake cutting ceremony.

Last Friday, the school hosted a cocktail night to officially mark the special birthday.

“Fifty years is a significant milestone and there were people here celebrating on Friday night who were instructors at this school fifty years ago,” he said.

“Since then, we have continued to evolve and change the way we train.

“I thank our blended workforce for the significant effort.

“We could not do what we do without the experience and mission focus we have from all our staff in this unit.

“We fly more hours than any other unit.

“Between our three aircraft types, we fly about 4,000 hours every year.

“We train about a dozen trainees every year in what is the most complex training system Army has.

“I look forward to continuing towards the end of the year and into the future as we continue to work towards our next fifty years of the School of Army Aviation.

- Continued on page 3

School of Army Aviation Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Scott Dore (right) and youngest trainee Trooper Sally Campbell (left) cutting the Birthday cake with the official Army Aviation sword.

- Photo, Bradley Richardson

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Joint Traffic What’s on this month at Operation Goombungee’s Gallery

Residents may have noticed a large police presence in Oakey last week, particularly on Lorrimer Street where a police van was set up as well as multiple police motorbikes patrolling the surrounding roads.

Last Wednesday Oakey Police teamed up with Toowoomba Highway Patrol to conduct a joint traffic operation in Oakey.

Four drivers were detected driving under the

influence of a drugs and five were issued infringement notices for speeding and mobile phone offences.

Senior Constable Ken Cahill reminds all residents to follow the road rules at all times.

For the month of August, Rosalie Gallery has quite the line up with seven exhibitions and events coming up.

One such exhibition is ‘Mend’, which is a group exhibition featuring the works of local artists Jenny Burgess, Jo Eagle, Hilary Fogerty and Gillian Knott.

It explores mending, literally and metaphorically, as an economic, social, political and creative act.

Police cracking down on trail bikes

Police have been receiving complaints of people riding trail bikes in public places of the Oakey town area.

OAKEY LOCAL AMBULANCE COMMITTEE Notice of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members of the Oakey Community are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Oakey Local Ambulance Committee

Oakey Police Senior Constable Ken Cahill said the main areas of concern are Hamlyn Road, Kent Street and Ramsay Street.

“We remind these riders that public places include footpaths, the shoulder of the road and any land that extends from the shoulder of the road to adjacent property boundaries,” he said.

These listed public spaces are classified as a road related area and all normal road rules apply.

This includes registration for the motorcycle and the rider must be licensed.

Police will be patrolling these areas and offenders will be dealt with accordingly.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any trail bike misuse to Police through Policelink on 131444.

The exhibition opened on the 27th July and runs until the 21st August 2022.

Starting on the 24th August and running until 18th September 2022, is the Bataille de Fleurs exhibition which translates to Battle of the Flowers.

‘Bataille de Fleurs brings some of Toowoomba’s greatest floral artists together to battle it out and showcase the beautiful Garden City during Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers.

Exhibiting artists include Anna Battle, Diana Battle, Victoria Beths,

‘Flowers for Margaret 2020’ an acrylic painting by artist Victoria Beths as part of the Bataille de Fleurs exhibit.

Bridge Street break and enter

Lynne Butters, Karen Canning, Emma Messenger and Sonia Sexton.

For more information about the other exhibitions and events this month, visit the Toowoomba Regional Council Events Register at https://user. tr.qld.gov.au/events or sign up to Rosalie Gallery’s mailing list at https:// www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilitiesrecreation/theatres-galleries/ galleries/562-rosalie-gallery.

Oakey Police are investigating a break and enter at a Bridge Street business that happened in the early hours of Friday morning.

Preliminary inquiries indicate a quantity of tools were taken from the workshop.

Anyone with any

information should contact Oakey Police on 4691 1020 or visit them at the station or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Around the

DOWNS

To be held at the Oakey RSL Club, Flanders Room, Oakey on Thursday 25 August 2022, commencing at 6:00pm For further details phone Geoff Kapernick - 0427 026 464 Please be Covid aware and if you are feeling unwell stay at home

Supporting Ambulance Services within our Community

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Oakey Army Aviation celebrates 50 years Continued from page 1.

Lieutenant Colonel Dore has worked in Defence since 1995 and has been posted at the Oakey Base four times since 1996.

He has held his most recent position of Commanding Officer of the school for twenty months.

“It’s very exciting what we do here and as we

continue to look forward into the future, I’m excited about how we will train as we talk about the new virtual and mixed reality technology.

“It’s not all here yet… but some of it is.

Lieutenant Colonel Dore said in the span of 26 years he has witnessed rapid technological transformation, especially

regarding the simulated training activities.

“Now about 50 per cent of all training in the school is simulated,” he said.

“Now it’s a more synthetic and virtual training environment.

“It makes it safer for our trainees and it’s also very reliable to use because we don’t have to worry about the weather impacting

exercises.

“Also, the simulations allow us to do things and create situations that we can’t do in real life.”

It is tradition that the Commanding Officer and the youngest trainee (in this case, Sally Campbell) cut the cake together with the symbolic Sword that represents the Australian Army Aviation.

Page 3

Local teen finalist at Dalby Awards

Oakey State High School student Georgia Mailman finished in the top three for the Queensland Training Awards at Dalby last Friday.

“Congratulations to Georgia Mailman who was a top 3 finalist in the Queensland Training Awards,” a School statement announced.

“Georgia is completing a Certificate III in Fitness

and has a very bright future ahead of her,” the statement continued.

“Georgia’s employer is Func Fitness and her training organisation is Fit College.

“Well done Georgia!”

QCWA Oakey AGM welcomes committee

Last week, the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Oakey Branch held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and welcomed this year’s committee.

The branch hosted its AGM last Thursday 28th July.

At the meeting there was an elaborate Australian display alongside Country Kitchen treats to eat.

The 2022-23 incoming executives are: President Wendy Gordon, Vice President Jill Mobbs, Secretary Judy Byers and Treasurer Carol Lee. “We are looking forward to a great year,” the branch said.

“Thanks to Darling Downs Division President Elaine Kieseker for chairing our meeting.”

QCWA will be hosting its first event with the newly established committee at the Oakey Railway Information Centre where members will celebrate Scone Day next Thursday, 11th August, at 10.30am.

Oakey student Georgia Mailman places in top 3 at the Queensland Training Awards.

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More flights on the way

Wellcamp Airport, conveniently just minutes from the towns of Oakey and Pittsworth, has changed the way locals travel since launching domestic passenger flights in 2016.

While some services have dropped off over the past two years due to Covid travel restrictions, more are starting to come on board.

Wellcamp currently offers 80 domestic flights a

Oakey

week, to and from Brisbane, Sydney, Charleville, St George and Townsville.

Independent low-cost carrier Bonza will introduce three new destinations from Wellcamp towards the end of the year:

Melbourne, Townsville and Whitsunday Coast.

The new eight weekly flights will give Queensland more accessibility to travel, driving more tourism into the Darling Downs and South-East

Queensland.

“We’re excited to have Bonza here at Wellcamp and we encourage the community to get behind them,” Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said.

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

TO THE PAST

“Euston” Part III: The prolific Kents

William Kent Jnr. was born in 1823 at Walton Hill in Wiltshire, England, and was the youngest son of William and Sarah Kent, a middle class English farming family.

He was orphaned at a young age and reared by Aunts and Uncles from whom he ran away to sea, eventually going to the Californian goldfields.

In 1843, he returned to England where at the age of 21 he came into his family inheritance.

In England, he met Edward Wienholt and in 1852 was persuaded to join him on a trip to the Colony of New South Wales.

In Australia, they became business partners and bought “Fassifern”

Station on the north western extremity of the new settlement of Moreton Bay where William lived until 1858.

In 1854, William had married Martha Turner at Ipswich.

Their first child, Mary, was born at Moreton Bay in 1855, followed by William II in 1856 and Fassifern in 1857 who were born at “Fassifern”.

William and Martha made their first Darling Downs home at “Rosalie Plains” station (which

was acquired by Kent and Wienholt in 1858 at the same time they leased “Jondaryan” station from Tooth Brothers).

Another son, Walton, was born in 1858 at “Rosalie Plains”.

From there, they moved to “Jondaryan” for several years in which four more daughters were born in 1860, 1861, 1862 and 1863.

A fourth son, Sydney, was born in Sydney in 1865 before they lived in Hobart, Tasmania for a few years.

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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Sons, Irving in 1866 and Crofton in 1867 were born here.

Prior to them purchasing “Euston” in mid 1869, they had 11 children aged from 14 to 1.

Another two daughters were welcomed to the family in 1870 and 1871 before William passed away at “Euston” on February 6, 1874 (aged 51) leaving Martha pregnant with their 14th child, who was born on March 28, 1874, another son, Edward Graham.

A portrait of William Kent Jnr. - Photo, Valerie Weise-Young Making this seven sons and seven daughters who all survived to adulthood,

which was quite an achievement in those days.

- Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead From Friday a trough is expected to generate showers across the district however rainfall totals will likely be in the single digits. Conditions will begin to clear towards the end of the week.

6 DAY FORECAST

TEMP

RAIN

WED

Mostly Sunny

7/23°C

<1mm

THUR

Cloud Clearing

8/24°C

<1mm

FRI

Shower or two

10/23°C

SAT

Shower or two

8/21°C

SUN

Mostly Sunny

5/18°C

<1mm

MON

Sunny

2/17°C

<1mm

5th Aug

12th Aug

0%

0% 60% 1mm3mm

50% 1mm3mm

5% 0%

UV INDEX

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

19th Aug

The Oakey Champion is available at: 2a Cherry Street Oakey Q. 4401 Phone 4691 1376 Fax 4691 2625 Emails: advertising@oakeychampion.com.au editorial@oakeychampion.com.au

Published each Wednesday by OurNews Pty. Ltd. Printed by Greenridge Group, 4 Freighter Avenue Toowoomba

DEADLINES: Display advertising 5:00pm Friday Classified advertising 5:00pm Monday

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• News Extra Central City Toowoomba • News Extra Westridge Toowoomba • News Extra South Street Toowoomba • Hartley’s NewsXpress Toowoomba • The Lucky Charm Newsagency Clifford Gardens • Campbells Newsagency Toowoomba • The Clifton Courier • The Pittsworth Sentinel • The Allora Advertiser

27th Aug

100 Days of Prep!

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Last Friday marked 100 days since Oakey State School preps stepped onto campus and began their schooling journey.

Oakey State School teacher Michelle Fahey said 100 days of schooling is an important milestone to celebrate.

“We celebrate this milestone with our prep cohort each year, however we decided to do something a little different,” she said.

“Normally we celebrate 100 days of prep by getting the students to dress up as 100 year-olds.

“But we decided to make this year’s theme 100 days brighter.”

Prep students came to school dressed up in their favourite bright, rainbow clothes, with some even dressing up in costumes to honour their favourite TV shows.

Page 5

Govt installs solar panels in schools

More than 15,000 solar panels have been installed at state schools across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs South West area to help slash electricity costs and cut carbon emissions.

Solar panels installed at Warwick State High School.

Students eager to try some of their celebratory cake!

Year 6 Leader Lily helping the younger students with the fun activities on offer.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace said the Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program was expanded in February 2022 and had exceeded targets to deliver more panels at more schools than originally planned.

“I am particularly proud that we exceeded our original target of 180,000 panels at 872 schools and have instead delivered 200,000 panels at 912 schools,” she said.

“This equates to a $26 million saving on energy bills every single year and is enough renewable energy to power 25,000 homes – that’s more than all

the households in the Gladstone Region.

“The ACES program also supported about 1,000 jobs and kept Queenslanders working through the height of the pandemic.”

Ms Grace said the program was good news for schools and great news for the State Government’s renewable energy target.

“ACES is making a significant contribution to the Palaszczuk Government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030,” she said.

“The 15,000 panels in the Darling Downs South West region alone can generate around 20,000kW of electricity every day.”

Catching up in Condamine Pat WEIR MP WITH

As our region begins to recover economically from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic we are discovering many new challenges within our business community. Staff shortages are front and centre especially in the hospitality, tourism and service industries and these shortages are creating substantial difficulties.

Another Year 6 Leader assisting a prep student.

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Three smiling preppies enjoy their 100th day at school!

Hospitality business operators are ready to trade again, and visitors are back in droves to enjoy the host of delights this region has to offer. However due to the shortage of staff some business owners have been forced to reduce their hours of operation, with members of their staff working double shifts to keep the doors open.

The manufacturing industry is not faring much better with staff shortages impacting on the long-term viability of some businesses.

Many business owners are looking at specific automation; including robotics and modern engineering equipment to lessen the reliance on staff to complete work efficiently and effectively.

So, what is the Queensland government doing to assist with staff shortages for small and medium business operators? Not much if you ask business owners in Condamine.

Instead of the obscene amount of money being paid by taxpayers to house nobody at the Wellcamp Quarantine Facility perhaps this money could be used to offer incentives for workers to come to this region, be housed in work camp style accommodation and live and work locally to benefit the whole of the Darling Downs community.

We could find business owners going out the back door because of the staff shortages they are experiencing and urgent assistance is required.

(07) 4570 4100 101 Campbell Street, Oakey QLD 4401 PO Box 65, Oakey QLD 4401 condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au patweir.com.au PatWeirMP

eet Mates ere

Page 6

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

The Oakey 2022 Showgirl Launch is almost here!

On Sunday 14th August, The Oakey Agricultural, Pastoral & Rodeo Society will be hosting their Oakey Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards Launch at Greenwood Hall at the Oakey Showgrounds on Oakey-Cooyar Road, Oakey.

President Judy Byers said the Oakey Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards Launch aims to encourage young ladies to become involved in the local community and is a great way to gain confidence and skills in personal development as well as have lots of fun.

“The first event of the 2023 show year is the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador launch on Sunday afternoon the 14th of August,” she said.

“After the cancellations of events over the past

twelve months, the show committee is keen for our usual activities to return.

“The Showgirl and Rural Ambassador is a special section of our show and we already have young people indicating interest in entering the 2023 competition.

“The launch will include a Cent Sale to commence our fundraising activities for the coming twelve months.”

The event costs $10 for entry and includes a lucky door ticket, plus one sheet of Cent Sale tickets.

Additional Cent Sale tickets cost $1 per sheet.

Doors will open at 1pm and entrants will be presented at 1.30pm.

On the day, the Cent Sale will commence at 2pm, and there will also be a MultiDraw Raffle for $2 a ticket.

“The Oakey Show committee is looking forward to the 2022 Oakey Show, which was postponed from earlier in the year,” Mrs Byers said.

“It has been a challenging year for the entire community and we are pleased to be able to bring an event for all the community to enjoy.

“There will be something for all ages and with a very affordable entry fee of only $5 per person over 12 years.

“We look forward to

Results from Thursday 28th July, Men’s Single Stableford for a club trophy.

Winner for the Men was Robbie McKewen with 43 points. Approaches: 1/10, Robbie McKewen; 8/17, David Cass; 9/18, Peter Mullins. Results for Ladies’ Single Stroke, qualifying for Grade Matchplay, Gloria Scott Trophy. The winner was Robyn Drowley 71 nett (ocb). Approaches: 4/13, and 7/16, Ann Cass.

Results from Sunday 24th July, Single Stableford for a club trophy: Winner for Men was Murray McLeod with 36 points and the winner for Ladies was Carmel Cover with 36 points.

Rundown: Ann Cass, Royce Polzin, David Scutt, David Schloss. Pin shots Men: 4/13, Rob Mansbridge; 8/17, Bill Robertson.

Approaches: Men 2/11, Greg Buckley; Ladies 2/11, Val Drowley; 6/15, Robyn

2020 Oakey Winner Jolie.

Showgirl

Previous Oakey Showgirl entrants flanked by Councillor Geoff McDonald and Show President Judy Byers. welcoming everyone to the Oakey showgrounds on the 27th of August.”

The Oakey Agricultural, Pastoral & Rodeo Society is looking for youth in the area to represent the Oakey Show Society in the 2023 Showgirl Awards in the following categories: - Oakey Showgirl – ages 18 to 28 years - Teen Showgirl – ages 14 to 17 years - Junior Showgirl – ages 10 to 13 years - Mini Showgirl – ages 6 to 9 years There are two categories in the 2023 Rural Ambassador Awards section:

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Famous Salad Bar Still Available FRIDAY: Social Fishing & Club Raffles 7:00pm SUNDAY: Publicans FREE Raffles 12 -1.30pm

0407 115 709, Louise on 0456 568 473 or Katie on 0487 683 973.

Entries in all sections close at 5pm on January 31st 2023.

The winners will be announced on Saturday 4th

March 2023 at the Oakey Show Ball.

The winner of Oakey Showgirl and Rural Ambassador will advance on to the QCAS Sub Chamber Finals at the 2023 Toowoomba Royal Show.

On Sunday 31 July, we played a Single Stableford on the back nine, with 32 players. The winner on 27 was Harry Wirth and the runner-up Wade Bostock on 26. Pins/Approaches: 10, Bob Costello; 11 Over 60, Col Shields; Under 60, M. Krahenbring; 12, Ian McDonald; 13, Leonard

Bartley; 14, Jason Lipp; 15, Mark Morgan; 16, Over 60 JB; Under 60, M. Krahenbring; 17, Paul Jones; 18, Rex Dearling.

Long Drives: A Grade, B. Costello; B Grade, A. Delaney; Over 60, P. Flynn.

Members’ Draw number 13, Wade Bostock for $20 and

was present. Raffles going to: 51, Brett McDonald; 92, Brian Kuhl.

7th August is a three Person Stableford on the front nine with a 7am teeoff.

We also would like to welcome Jason and Adrian Delaney to our club.

- Flynny/Macca

erehW setaM taerG teeM

Oakey Social Golf

?

(Left to right) Wade Bostock and Harry Wirth.

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Matchplay draw: Greg Schull and Dave Lowe Bye; David Scutt and Matty Burgess vs. Trent Peters and Nathan Bonney; Nino Capuzzo and Dan Darlington Bye; Gary Herriman and Bill Robertson vs. Greg Buckley and Garry Shea.

Members’ draw No. 46, saw Alan Reis drawn but he was not present, so next weekend the prize jackpots to $50.

THIS WEEK Thursday 4th August, Men V.S.S. for a club trophy.

Ladies Single Stableford for a club trophy.

Sunday 7th August, Single Stableford for a club trophy.

- Murray McLeod

- Rural Ambassador – men & women ages 20 to 29 years Young Rural Ambassador – boys and girls ages 15 to 19 years For more information contact Leanne by calling

Campbell Street OAKEY PH 4692 0900

Garth HAMILTON Federal Member for Groom 516 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350

Raffles

garth.hamilton.mp@aph.gov.au

07 4632 4144

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by G.h Hamilton, nrevaAuthorised T e T Liberal National Party of Queensland, 516 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Oakey Art Group hosting 50th Anniversary exhibition

The Oakey Art Group will be presenting members’ artworks in an exhibition at Pittsworth to mark 50 years of creating art in the community.

The group invites the entire community to the exhibition’s official opening this Sunday 7th August at 2pm at the Pittsworth Art Gallery, 50 Short Street, Pittsworth.

The Oakey Art Group began fifty years ago, when a few art students studying classes at the Technical College in Toowoomba shared the dream of one day forming an art group in Oakey.

The first meeting of the group was held on the 25th July 1972 and by the end of the first year, the group had acquired 26 members.

Since these early days, the Oakey Art Group has held exhibitions all over the region, including Oakey State High School, Jondaryan Shire Council Chambers, The Oakey Community Centre, Toowoomba Regional Gallery, Darling Downs

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Potters Group and Rosalie Gallery.

Additionally, members have held exhibitions to commemorate special occasions like the Carnival of Flowers, the Bicentenary and the 25th and 40th anniversaries of the Oakey Art Group.

“We are especially grateful for all the support we have received over the years in many ways through many organisations and individual members of the Oakey community,” the group members said.

“Not least has been the support of the Toowoomba

Smart Parking in the Toowoomba CBD has been switched on, with paid parking recommencing.

Artwork valued at $800 up for grabs in Oakey Art Group Raffle.

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Sunday 14th August 2022

Greenwood Hall, Oakey Showgrounds, Oakey-Cooyar Rd, Oakey Entrants presented at 1.30pm Cent Sale Call commences at 2pm Multi-Draw Raffle $2 a ticket Entry $10 includes lucky door ticket plus 1 sheet of cent sale tickets • Cent Sale tickets $1 per sheet

2023 SHOWGIRL AWARDS

Oakey Showgirl, ages 18-28 years Teen Showgirl, ages 14-17 years Junior Showgirl, ages 10-13 years Mini Showgirl, ages 6-9 years

2023 RURAL AMBASSDOR AWARDS Rural Ambassador: Men & Women ages 20 -29 years Young Rural Ambassador: Boys & Girls ages 15-19 years

OAKEY SHOW

Saturday 27th August 2022 at Oakey Showgrounds

The Showgirl & Rural Ambassador Awards are a great way to become involved in your local community, gain confidence and skills in personal development as well as have lots of fun.

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Toowoomba Regional Council’s Infrastructure Committee Portfolio Leader Cr Melissa Taylor welcomed the new technology, which will allow residents to easily find available parking bays, offer contact-less payment and the option to extend parking time within the existing time limits.

“This is a step forward for our community and will allow residents to make payments on the new ‘Toowoomba Parking’ App, otherwise the large machines will accept all payment types and the

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Councillor Melissa Taylor demonstrating the new ‘Toowoomba Parking’ App.

small machines will accept card payments,” she said.

“Parking prices and time limits remain unchanged however, the first 30 minutes of on-street paid parking within the CBD will be free under the Smart Parking project.

“Thirty minutes of free parking has been retained to support businesses within the CBD by encouraging turn over in the city centre.

“While the first 30 minutes is free, customers will still be required to use a parking meter or the App every time they park regardless of how long they are parking in case they chose to stay longer than originally anticipated.

“We know the move to this new system is a change for our residents and ask for patience during this phase of our Toowoomba City Centre Car Parking Strategy.

“If you’re experiencing any difficulties and need help, please contact our team on 131 872 so we can quickly resolve this for you.”

The ‘Toowoomba Parking’ App is available for download on the Apple App Store and the Android Play Store.

Regional Council, especially through the representatives in the local regional office in Oakey itself.”

The exhibition will be open 7 days a week from 10am to 1pm starting Monday 8th August to Sunday 4th September.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win a prized painting by Professional Australian artist Cynthia Hargraves, which is valued at $800.

For more information, email oakeyart@optusnet. com.au.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Leanne 0407 115 709 Louise 0456 568 473 Katie 0487 683 973

Entries in all sections close at 5pm January 31st 2023.

Winners will be announced on Saturday 4th March 2023 at Oakey Show Ball.

The winner of Oakey Showgirl and Rural Ambassador will advance on to the QCAS Sub Chamber Finals at the 2023 Toowoomba Royal Show.

Page 8

The

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Daffodil Day 25th August

This August, Cancer Council is urging Australians to give to the Daffodil Day Appeal to fund life-saving cancer research.

2022 marks 36 years of Daffodil Day, with all funds raised supporting vital cancer research.

In 2021 Cancer Council Queensland invested more than $7.6 million in cancer research.

Sadly, one in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, with one Queenslander being diagnosed with cancer approximately every 20 minutes.

General Manager Fundraising, Marketing and Communication Meaghan Bush urged the community to give this Daffodil Day Appeal to fund the country’s best and brightest cancer researchers.

“The daffodil is the international symbol of hope for everyone impacted by cancer,”she said.

“We’re calling on Queenslanders to give hope to those impacted by cancer by funding vital

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The role includes liaising with our advertising sales representative to collect and prepare ad copy for our design team. You will also be dealing directly with our existing clients as well as looking for opportunities for new business.

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cancer research that is saving lives every day.

“Every person who donates, volunteers or buys daffodils this August will be helping us to continue investing in lifesaving cancer research programs, giving hope for better treatments and early detection and ultimately, giving us hope for a a cancer free future.”

It’s estimated that around 265,000 Queenslanders are currently living with cancer.

Around 31,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer each year and approximately 9,400 Queenslanders die from cancer each year.

POSITIONS VACANT

Phone: 4691 1376

Email: advertising@oakeychampion.com.au

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MECHANICAL SERVICES

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Annual General Meeting Oakey & District Amateur Swimming Club

OurNews Pty Ltd PO Box 2277 Toowoomba Q 4350, emailed to ournews@bigpond.com or phone Ted Rogers on 0447 973 603

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The Clifton Courier Oakey Champion The

Wednesday 10th August 2022 5.30pm, Oakey RSL Club All we lcome 76 Campbell Street, Oakey For further details please contact oakeyswimmingclub@outlook.com or

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 9

Bernborough Tavern

Black Toyota

Coops Pty Ltd

Darling Downs Vets

Grand Hotel

Michael Carpenter

Tim “The Tipper” Wicks

David Cooper “Coops”

Glen Laws

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Phone 4692 0900

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Phone 4691 1219

Mclean Care CWA House Oakey

Oakey Community Pharmacy

Oakey Family Dental

Oakey Pharmacy

Pat Weir MP

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OAKEY COMMUNITY PHARMACY Phone 4691 1130

Oakey Men’s Bowls Results

Pennants results: South Toowoomba defeated Oakey Competition results from Sunday July 31st: Triples: M. Hall, R. Stewart & G. Fenton def. P. Viney, I. Hedge & P. Rudken.

Senior Singles: V. Rush def.

W. Patterson.

Pennant teams to play Laidley at Laidley - Team 1: P. Boyton, P. Wolski, S. Bradford, P. Rudken; Team 2: M. Park, M. Hall, D. Dreyer, A. Jackson; Team 3: V. Rush, G. Usher, B. Lucht, J. Harrison Competition called for Sunday August 7th: Club Pairs: L. Hudson/ G. Usher vs. S. Gillis/

Roosters Storm Sea Eagles Rabbitohs Panthers Sharks Cowboys Wests Tigers

T. Woodham; W. Gesler/ P. Rudken vs. P. Wolski/ P. Boyton Consolation Singles: V. Rush vs. P. Viney (D. Dreyer) COMING EVENTS Sunday August 14th, Three bowl pairs, sponsored by Peter and Janine Wolski with a 12.30pm start.

Names on the board please and barbecue to follow bowls.

The Oakey Bowls Club AGM will be on Saturday August 20th at 9am.

Membership fees of $100 are now due.

Triples Final will be played on Sunday August 21st at 12.30pm.

Phone 4691 1062

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Oakey Golf Club Results

On Wednesday 27th July, the Ladies played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the first round of their championships.

Winner of the Monthly Medal and Division 2 was Christine Little with a 76 nett.

Runner-up was Sheryl Barlow with a 77 nett, and Sheryl was the Division 1 winner.

Front 9 was won by Dawn Bradford with 18 points, and the Back 9 was won by Kathy Fenton and Daphne Webster with 15

points.

Winner of the putts was Marlene Deans with 27 putts.

On Saturday 30th July, the Ladies played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the second round of their championships.

Winner was Janice Little with a 70 nett (ocb).

Runner-up was Joan Fisk with a 70 nett.

Front 9 was won by Christine Little with 19 points, and the Back 9 was won by Daphne Webster with 18 points.

Nearest the pin on No. 3 was Marlene Deans and No. 12, which is donated by Andrew King, was won by Joan Fisk.

On Wednesday 3rd August, the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the third round of their Championships.

On Sunday 31st July, the Members played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the second round of their championships.

Winner was Alan De Ross with a 71 nett.

Pin on No, 3 was won

by Terris Muir; No. 8 was won by Michael Rietveld whilst No. 12, which is donated by Andrew King, was won by George Wright.

On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the August Monthly Medal.

Sunday August 7th is the final round of the Men’s and Boys’ Championships.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

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Page 10

Beef and sheep numbers grow

There’s plenty of good news for farmers and producers after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its 2021 financial year commodities figures.

Senior Market Analyst for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Ripley Atkinson said MLA uses ABS herd and flock figures and data when making its industry projections.

According to these figures, Australia’s total agricultural land use rose to 387 million hectares – up three per cent or ten million hectares year-on-year, while grazing land rose two per cent year-on-year.

This increase is mainly as a result of the breaking of the drought in many regions.

The national beef cattle herd rose by 4.3 per cent to 22.04 million head.

Herd growth was most notable in the second largest cattle producing state of New South Wales, with its herd rising by fifteen per cent year-onyear.

Meanwhile, Australia’s largest cattle state of

Queensland grew by a modest two per cent as conditions throughout the financial year weren’t as favourable as its southern counterpart.

Additionally, the national sheep flock grew by 7.1 per cent or 4.5 million to 68 million head.

This growth was similar to the lift in the flock seen in ABS figures released between 2015–16 and 2016– 2017.

Importantly, breeding ewe numbers rose by 6 per cent to 37.5m head.

When coupled with seasonal improvements driving higher lambing percentages, this growth in ewe numbers meant lamb numbers grew by eleven per cent.

Read the full report by ABS at https://www.abs. gov.au/statistics/industry/ agriculture/agriculturalcommodities-australia/latestrelease#livestock.

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Sign up for MSA Meat Science Course

Twice a year, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) hosts a Meat Standards Australia course targetted at people working in the Agriculture industry.

The MSA Meat Science Course is held twice a year in June and November and is a comprehensive course which explains the scientific factors affecting the eating quality of beef and sheepmeat all the way from production through to the consumer.

The five-day course is a requirement of licensing for MSA processors but is also suitable for producers, lot feeders, stock agents, traders, industry consultants and anyone wanting to gain a more thorough understanding of the factors which impact red meat eating quality.

A recent course held in Brisbane was highly rated, with participants agreeing it would be useful to their business and they definitely would recommend it to colleagues and other businesses.

What you can expect to learn from the MSA course

includes how to become a registered MSA producer, producer requirements and recommendations to optimise eating quality, impacts of livestock attributes on eating quality,

how to implement change on-farm to better meet consumer expectations and how to use feedback tools to understand animal performance.

The next course is due to

be held in Sydney between 21–25 November 2022.

To register your interest for either course, please email msaenquiries@mla. com.au or msaevents@mla. com.au

Pre Foaling Checklist

It is important that as your pregnant mare is awaiting her foal to be born that we start planning to help ensure the best outcome for both mum and bub.

Calculate your mare’s expected foaling date: The average gestation length in a mare ranges from 320 to 362 days.

Most mares will foal within 330-345 days of successful breeding; however, some foals can be born as early as 320 days or as late as 390 days.

Immunisations: Plan to vaccinate your mare four weeks before she is due to foal.

The antibodies from these vaccines will be passed on to the foal through colostrum.

Caslick: It is important that if your

mare has been caslicked at the time of breeding that this be opened in the lead up to her getting ready for foaling. Ideally this should be opened approximately 4 weeks prior.

Failure to open the caslick may result in unnecessary vulval tearing or a potentially difficult birth.

Maiden Mares: Often first time mums are not used to having their teats touched and are often extremely reactive.

Regular handling of the mare around the udder

area can help desensitize the mare to this stimulation and in turn assist with the nursing process.

The foaling paddock: Priority should be placed on the type of fencing used in the foaling paddock.

The use of mesh or chicken wire prevents foals easily rolling under the fence, and in turn putting great stress on mares and the potential of the mare pushing through the fence to get to her foal.

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The udder will usually begin to fill 2-4 weeks prior to foaling with milk and typically let down into the teats 4-6 days prior to foaling.

In the 48 hours prior to foaling small secretions of colostrum may dry up on the end of the teats which is commonly known as ‘waxing up’.

Some mares may also run milk from the teats 24 hours before foaling.

If the running of milk continues beyond 24 hours, then your veterinarian should be advised.

Hindquarters changing shape: The ligaments over the pelvis and under the tail head relax slightly giving a ‘dropped’ appearance to the hindquarters in the approximate week prior.

It is important to remember that every mare is different and their changes can vary from horse to horse and each mare should be assessed accordingly.

- Darling Downs Vets

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 11

Submit your photos to the Goombungee Landcare Comp

The Gomaren and Doctors Creek Catchment Landcare Group, based in Goombungee, has announced its 6th annual “Focus on Farms” photographic competition.

“We want people to think about how each and every one plays a role in caring for the environment,” Mrs Gundry said.

“We are hoping to see lots of creative interpretations of this topic.

Mrs Gundry said she encourages entrants to submit diverse photos featuring at least one of estimated 200,000 insects in Australia.

“We receive a lot of photos of European honey bees, which are lovely, but there are about 2,000 native bee species in Australia A 2019 entry, ‘Porcine and Canine’, by Laura Darlington. we would love to see represented as well. in Council parklands, Goondiwindi regions as well “If you stand in front of Men’s Shed members as the Toowoomba Region. a flower for ten minutes, involved in activities such “The theme is ‘Insect you’d be surprised by the as building nest boxes, Investigations’ and it number of insects you’ll see youth groups, school encourages children to land on them.” environmental groups, explore the relationship The Nicki Laws Landcare gardening groups including between insects and Project category theme is those working together in flowering plants.

‘Enhancing Habitats on our community gardens, and “Entry is free and there Patch’. those supporting suburban are some great prizes thanks Winner for the 2020 Primary School Category Gowrie State School. (Left to right) “This is open to groups backyard gardeners,” Mrs to our generous sponsors.”

Principal Mandy Norton-McNeil, student Kale and Councillor Tim McMahon. and individual group Gundry said.

All entries close on 4th - Photos, Jean Gundry members including Landcare The Primary School October 2022.

For further details and After a year’s break, the regions on the planet,” she The Open and Under groups, other volunteer category is open to schools groups in the Southern Downs, to enter, visit https://gdcclg. competition is back, bigger said.

18 categories are open to environmental Downs and wixsite.com/group and better than ever.

“Even those of us everyone including visitors such as those working Western Competition Coordinator who don’t live on farms to the region.

Jean Gundry said the aim have a connection to our The only requirement for of the competition is to agricultural region as entries is that the photos showcase the stories of consumers. must be taken on the Darling our farming communities “This is an opportunity Downs.

BELT on the Darling Downs. to shine the spotlight on There are several new BUCKLES “Every one of us has a our region, our farms and categories including “Plant reason to celebrate the fact farming communities, our a Seed Grow a Feed”, where that we live in one of the lifestyle and how we are the group is hoping to FLAGS most productive agricultural caring for our environment.” see the amazing work being done by our farmers as well as the end result presented on the plate.

NRL Mrs Gundry notes that the category for Drone FOOTY images, which portray SHORTS rural landscapes and farm activities, is becoming increasingly popular and she encourages everyone to enter.

This year the ‘Wildlife on the Downs’ category aims to shine the spotlight on beneficial insects including native bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, CNR HOLBERTON STS & TAYLOR ST TOOWOOMBA OPEN M-F 9-5.30pm lacebugs and dung beetles.

Thu 6pm Sat 9-3pm Sun 10-2pm P: 07 4637 8933 http://www.rhondasrefits.com/ A photo of a native bee on a local native Rhaponticum Another new category is taken by Jean Gundry.

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Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

St Monica’s celebrates Catholic Education Week

Last week, Oakey’s St Monica’s Catholic Primary School ventured to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Toowoomba City to attend a Community Morning Tea in honour of Catholic Education Week.

Catholic schools across Queensland celebrated their community spirit as they marked Catholic Education Week 2022 which ran from 24th to 30th July.

The week provided Catholic schools with an opportunity to celebrate their unique communities and their common heritage.

The theme for this year’s celebration was Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.

The official launch of Catholic Education Week was hosted by Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Toowoomba on Tuesday 26th July.

Executive Director for Catholic Schools Dr Pat Coughlan said Toowoomba Catholic schools represented a microcosm of Catholic education in Queensland.

“Some of our schools serve primarily Indigenous communities, others serve agricultural and

rural communities and we also have schools serving those students who have disengaged from mainstream education,” he said.

“It was wonderful to showcase the rich tapestry of Toowoomba Catholic schools during the launch event and sharing the wonderful work of our communities of faith, hope and love.”

St Monica’s Primary School attended the celebrations with members of their Year 6 Liturgy Team and the school choir at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Toowoomba for the State Launch Mass and the community morning tea.

The St Monica’s Songbirds sang at the Community Morning Tea. All the students represented the school very well and the teachers received many compliments on the students’ beautiful manners and enthusiasm.

ABOVE and BELOW: St Monica’s students celebrating Catholic Education Week and singing at the Morning Tea event.

OK Youth Talk

Youth Leader applications extended!

If you’re aged 14-24 years, it’s not too late to volunteer in the Youth Leaders Program 2023 working alongside the Toowoomba Regional Council.

Applications now close on Sunday 7th August 2022.

Visit https://fal.cn/3pYcs for more info.

The Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) data has revealed the top five local government areas in Darling Downs with the most people signed up as organ and tissue donors.

Another fun Friday night at LIFEYS BASIC Youth Toowoomba is hosting another LIFEYS event this Friday at the Assembly Hall at Centenary Heights State High School from 6.30-8.30pm.

It costs $2 per person and for more info visit their Facebook page.

Need to talk?

PCYC Oakey Connect service is available for local young people.

To connect or refer, phone or SMS Kat on 0459 836 335.

Youth Connect Toowoomba YouthConnectTRC Email: youthconnect@tr.qld.gov.au

Toowoomba 2nd highest number of organ donors in Darling Downs

Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

In order, the top five Darling Downs LGA’s with the highest rates of registration are Goondiwindi (31%), Toowoomba (28%), Southern Downs (27%), South Burnett (24%) and Western Downs (23%).

Around thirty per cent of Queenslanders are registered to be organ and tissue donors, which is

below the national average of 36 per cent.

A Darling Downs Health spokesperson said the problem isn’t that Australians are against organ and tissue donation – it’s that they don’t know how to, don’t think they’re healthy enough or simply haven’t got around to it yet.

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donor coordinator and ICU nurse Elizabeth Hill said that with around 1,750 seriously ill people on Australia’s organ transplant wait list and another 13,000 people on dialysis who may benefit from a kidney transplant, the need to consider organ donation had never been greater.

“Any Australian aged 16 and over can sign up online,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are – you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.

“We know the biggest barrier to families saying ‘yes’ to donation is not knowing their family member wanted to be a

donor.

“When donation is possible, it helps when families know what their loved one wanted.

“Across Australia, nine in 10 families say yes to donation when their loved one was a registered donor, but this number is halved when a person is not registered and has not shared their wishes with their family.”

One organ donor can save up to seven lives and help many more through eye and tissue donation.

It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor at donatelife. gov.au or just three taps in your Express Plus Medicare app.

You can also use these channels to check and make sure you’re registered.