Oakey Champion - 7th December 2022

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Along with medical practices across the country, Ochre Medical Centre in Oakey and Kingsthorpe is facing challenging economic circumstances.

A lack of government support provided for bulkbilling through Medicare and the increasing burden being placed on GPs to shoulder the economic impact of rising inflation.

Ochre Medical Centre Oakey and Kingsthorpe practice manager Tammy Dickeson says that the situation is especially tough for those working in private medical practices.

“They pay for their own super, insurance, training,” she said

“That’s all their own expense.”

Dr Damien Webb said he had come to the point where it was no longer possible for him to continue to offer bulk-bulling for most of his patients.

“We’re at a pivotal point where we’re facing a significant proportion of General Practice being nonviable,” he said.

“We’ve been running at really high levels of bulk-billing for years and there’s really no significant changes to Medicare.”

“Aged-pension won’t be affected, but I’ve decided to cut bulk-billing for other groups from February 1.”

“Our standard consult is $85, but Medicare only roughly covers around $39

of that.”

Dr Webb said the rate of change to the Medicare support had failed to keep up with inflation.

“There was a 30 cent increase in July. That’s equivalent to a cup of coffee per day,” he said.

“Do we continue down the current path, or change to adjust to the current system?”

Another challenge is the increased levels of stress placed on GPs, who are responsible for a patient’s overall wellbeing and don’t want to charge patient overtime for consults which include conversations about mental health and other issues.

In last week’s edition of the Champion, departing registrar Rachel Middleton talked about her experience of working at the practice.

‘My consults would earn less overall because I like to listen to my patients, and didn’t want to charge them extra,” she said.

“I’m 32, have a 2-year old and a 5-year old and I’ve done nothing but medicine since I was 18,” she said.

“My husband who’s a carpenter earns a similar amount to me.”

Dr Middleton said she had talking to patients about mental health without the normal required qualifications due to a lack of support in town

“My patients can’t see a

psychologist here because there isn’t one in Oakey or Kingsthorpe”, she said.

“You see a lot of mental health, here.

“As a female, you seem to be a more comforting presence.”

The below quote in

particular is a reminder of the impact of economic pressures on GPs.

“You carefully select for patients who are less socially disadvantaged, when often they’re the person who needs care the most.”

ABOVE: Dr Damien Webb will be reducing bulk-billing for his clients from February 1 next year

Community chest awarded to St Monica’s School

monthly raffle organised

school this year.

St Monica’s School is the latest recipient of the Bernborough Tavern’s ‘Community Chest’ award.

Raffle coordinator John Webster was on hand to present St Monica’s P&F chair Meg Bullock with a cheque.

Ms Bullock said the funding would be put towards organising extracurricular transport for school events.

“The school buses are the main part of this funding to help students travel to and from excursions and swimming carnivals,” she said.

John Webster said the Tavern had decided it would be fitting to commit funding to all three of Oakey’s schools.

“We’ve done the primary school, we’ve done the high school, so we thought ‘Why not St Monica’s?” he said.

St Monica’s School

describes itself as an inclusive learning community which inspires, challenges and supports each other, with faith and compassion, to “Go and do likewise”, a reference to Luke’s Gospel.

The school crest is the crest of the Catholic saint Monica from Europe,

Teachers win ball games

Last Thursday, St Monica’s held its interhouse ball games competition between the three houses - Kokoda, Fromelles, and Beersheba who went on to win the carnival.

It was a different

competition later though when the Teachers took on the Year 6 students in a mega-grudge match.

Ultimately, it was the teachers who triumphed, in a disappointing result for the many students cheering on their seniors.

with the Good Samaritan symbols of the Cross and olive branch of peace.

The school was established by the Sisters of The Good Samaritan, and celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding last year.

It’s principal is Mr Luke Barrett.

The horizon on a farm at Greenwood, just north of the Barracks.

ABOVE: St Monica’s P&F chair Meg Bullock with Raffle Coordinator John Webster

The

by the Bernborough Tavern has been awarded to a third

ABOVE: Teachers prepare to take on their students at captain ball.

Works ongoing at Toowoomba Water Treatment Plant

Civil

Raw water main duplication works at Shuttlewood Court and valve works to the Cooby main are part of major upgrades to the region's water supply, which includes Oakey and much of the old Rosalie and Jondaryan shires.

Reinforcement and formwork installation for the remaining wall sections at Mt Kynoch are underway and rock excavation works in the area of the new media filters have also been completed.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said work on the $28 million upgrade was progressing on schedule.

“This is a critical project for our community to ensure we’re able to deliver safe and reliable water to all residents connected to the Toowoomba Water Bulk Supply,” she said.

“I’ve been on site and there’s been a huge amount of work done.

"Apart from noticing a crane, many residents might be unaware of the scale of the project that is being done at the top of Mt Kynoch.

The project is expected to be completed entireely by early 2024, weather permitting

“It’s pleasing to see this progress on the water treatment plant which is almost 50 years old,” Cr Vonhoff said.

“The facility was first built in 1975 and since then we’ve had the amalgamation of eight Councils, as well as significant population growth, which has had an impact on our ability to service everyone connected to the network with the system at capacity during peak periods.

“With further growth expected, Council intends to build a new water treatment plant, however while that piece of work is taking place, the upgrade on our existing facility will see the filtration capacity increase from 49ML/day to 65ML/day.:

Other works which will take place over the coming year include replacing mechanical and electrical equipment, improved chemical management and new chemical dosing systems, and remediation to increase the longevity of the existing concrete tanks.

Car stolen at Oakey

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The utility is a dual cab 4x4 registration number 645SKP. If you have information, contact Oakey Police Station.

Downs Hospitals preparing for VAD

With Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is now legal in Queensland, here’s what it means for you on the Downs.

The start of next year will mark a momentous change in Queensland’s Health system as voluntaryassisted dying legislation comes into effect.

As it stands, VAD legislation only applies to those with a terminal illness who have unbearable suffering.

Healthcare workers have a right to decide not to provide voluntary assisted dying.

Darling Downs Health is currently putting in place clinical and administrative arrangements to ensure that voluntary assisted dying is “high quality, safe, accessible, and compassionate”.

The State Parliament discussed VAD eligibility criteria at length last year.

An eligible disease, illness or medical condition is one that is:

a) advanced, progressive and is expected to cause death within 12 months b) causing suffering that the person considers to be intolerable.

Suffering can include physical suffering, mental suffering or suffering caused by treatment provided for the disease, illness or medical condition.

Whether the person’s

suffering is intolerable is a subjective assessment by the person themselves.

A person has decisionmaking capacity for voluntary assisted dying if they an adult and can: a) understand the nature and effect of decisions about access to voluntary assisted dying freely b) voluntarily make decisions about access to voluntary assisted dying without threat of force, influence or persuasion c) communicate decisions about access to voluntary assisted dying in some way (verbally, or by other means of communication such as hand gestures).

A person is presumed to have decision-making capacity for voluntary assisted dying unless there is evidence to the contrary.

People with dementia or Alzheimer’s are unlikely to meet the criteria due to lack of decision-making capacity.

Having a disability, a mental health condition or being elderly and frail alone does not make one eligible for VAD.

More information is available on the Queensland Health website.

Brisbane Heat Academy coming to Toowoomba

Queensland Cricket’s premier coaching program is to take place at Toowoomba Grammar School next year.

Darling Downs cricketers will get the chance to rub shoulders with some of Queensland Cricket’s biggest stars when the Brisbane Heat Academy comes to town in January.

Boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 14 will be able to attend workshops to develop their skills in each facet of the game.

Coaching sessions will be run by Queensland Cricket coaching staff and a selection of former Brisbane Heat/ Queensland Cricket players and coaches.

The coaching clinics will feature the League program, for those aged between 7 and 10, and the Academy program for those aged between 11 and 14 from January 8-10.

Players from the

Brisbane Heat will meet with those participating in both programs on Monday January 9th, and will be joined along with coaches, staff and ‘industry experts’.

Those in the League program will receive coaching for two days, between 9am to 1pm each day.

Those in the Academy program have the option of attending a single day, from 9am to 1pm, or attending all three days from 8.30pm to 3pm.

Academy participants will have access to training sessions, with an opportunity to focus on the skills that suits them, as well as game specific scenarios.

Registrations will be limited to those who sign up first.

the Christmas and New Year holidays, not be another statistic on our rural and regional road network. Please drive carefully and to the condition of the road when you travel.

My best wishes to all the school leavers of 2022. It can be daunting to leave your hometown, family and friends. Good luck as you head down your chosen pathway. Remember to stay safe and strive to reach your goals.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and safe festive season. Enjoy the special time spent with family, friends and neighbours as we celebrate another year in our wonderful part of Queensland.

and structural works, including concrete base slabs and wall sections for new treatment facilities are being constructed for the upgrade of the Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant.

ABOVE: Cr Rebbecca Vonhoff at the Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant.

white coloured Mazda Utility was stolen from a Langton Crescent address in Oakey early on Sunday December 4.

Sixty years ago at the end of October 1962, our Weise family (Dad, Mum and six kids ) moved from Cory Street, Oakey to the farm at Kelvinhaugh which Dad and Mum had bought from Gus Kath earlier that year.

From that time till mid 1965, we had no electricity until, thankfully, a power line was brought across our place right beside the dairy by S.E.A.

During that time, hand milking and separating had been done in the old timber dairy but while the power line was being erected in March 1965, plans were underway to build a new dairy which meant a lot of hard work.

Bricks from the old ANZ bank building were carted to the farm from

Tom Hansen’s allotment by manual labour on John Lance’s truck by John, Mum and we older girls while Dad and Lance chipped old mortar off them in preparation for the new building.

The cement floor was poured by many helping hands using only a cement mixer and wheelbarrows.

Tom Hansen and bricklaying contractor, Harry Hill, from Toowoomba were the builders.

That dairy has now been there nearly as long as the old ANZ bank building was in Campbell Street, Oakey (1905 to 1964).

From when I left school in August 1966, I worked in that dairy till July 1997 when I finally left home.

- Valerie Weise-Young

ABOVE: The old and new dairies in 1967 with Lance (aged 18) on Bronco and Jimmy (aged 10) on Pete the bronco. The old sulky was used for taking separated milk to the piggery.

Oakey State School celebrates achievers at Awards Day

Letters To the Editor

THANKS

Dear Editor, The Oakey Historical Museum Society Incorporated had lovely fine weather and the grounds and gardens look pleasant after the rain for our Open Day on Saturday 12th November.

We had apologies from our Federal Member Mr. Garth Hamilton and State Member Mr. Pat Weir.

Cr Tim McMahon and Liaison Officer Mrs Linda. Sexton from Toowoomba Region were present.

Thank you to the business houses and museum members for their donations to our multidraw raffle which was very well supported by the public.

Thanks to the organisations and stall holders that supported us for the day.

The Kids Patrol for the paintings for their painting and Rosalind Mason for Kids Corner, also the musicians.

Look forward to our next Open Day in June Queensland Birthday and look for suggestions in running a successful event next time.

Thanking you for your support,

Yours faithfully, Fay Telford - Sec/Treas.

Email -oakeyhistoric museum@gmail.com

*Note - this letter was sent in for the November 23rd edition of the Champion. Apologies Fay!

ABOVE: Chloe receives the 2022 Principal’s Award

ABOVE: The 2023 Oakey State School Captains and Vice Captains Talitha, Slayter, Norma and Alister

ABOVE: The 2023 Oakey State School Sport Award

ABOVE: 2023 Oakey State School LOTE Award winners Jazmyn (Year 4), Alister (Year 5) and Lucy (Year 6)

Oakey State School held its Awards Day last Wednesday. Oakey sure has a bright future with this lot!

The success of Oakey and District Race Club Inc’s Stage 3 grant application is the latest step in Chairperson Matthew Park’s ambition to turn Oakey Racecourse into a major training destination.

With proximity to the track in Toowoomba, a country feel and acres of land nearby the Oakey Racecourse, Mr Park says he believes the venue possesses the qualities to make it attractive to Australian owners.

“It’s very unique this side of the range, Oakey’s still very country in that you can ride your horse out the front of your property,”he said.

“The track’s in a really good place.

“You could buy 5 acres across the (Janetski) road.”

The approval of the Country Racing Program grant application means that the 50 year-old barriers will now get a stainless steel, padded makeover to go along with a new water truck and tractor secured

from a pokies funding grant.

The CRP is a $105.6 million fund set up by the State Government in 2018 as a recognition of the social and economic benefits of country racing for regional communities.

The $2.6 million fund for country racing club infrastructure repairs and maintenance is assessed on an as needs basis by Racing Queensland.

“It’ll be a very good benefit to us, and it’s something we’ve been chasing for a while,” Mr Park said, although he added that he had yet to receive official confirmation from Racing Queensland about the application.

The apparently successful Stage 3 grant application follows on from a Stage 1 CRP grant for new outside running rails at the track and a Stage 2 CRP application for $50 000 which contributed to the track base being relaid in 2020.

Mr Park said that

unlike racecourses in other regional areas, Oakey’s track is used by a number of different organisations throughout the year.

“In Ballina, they’ll race once a year” he said.

“At Tara, they’ll have 4 meetings,

“At Oakey, there’s seven polocrosse fields on the inside of the track, once a year you have a carnival, the Australian and Queensland teams come out to train here on occasion and other clubs as

well. They plough the fields (in middle of the track)

“The Pony Club also come out here, the rodeo, the show, T.A.D.O.M.S hold events out here, there’s lots of activities.”

Ultimately, Mr Park said the hope of the Race Club is that it can build the training facilities in Oakey up to a standard similar to clubs such as the Ballarat Turf Club in Victoria, which attracts a large selection of horses from across the country.

“Build it and they will come,” he said.

Despite the availability of cheap land in close proximity to the track, one hurdle to be overcome is the issue of the contaminated water.

This has made banks reluctant to offer loans to

buyers in the region and has resulted in the Club having to use TRC water instead of the on-site bore water at the racing-track. If that hurdle can be surpassed, it’s hoped that race-winners will be based in Oakey once again.

One of the bigger success stories in Oakey racing in recent times has been a horse by the name of Be Water My Friend.

The 5 years old bay gelding, ridden by Mark du Plessis has won two $75,000 races at Doomben this year over 1050m.

He recently ran first over 1200 metres in Toowoomba, beating out Maya Bay.

The name “Be Water, My Friend” is a reference to a famous Bruce Lee quote from the US TV series Longstreet.

The horse was sired by the stallion Headwater out of the dam Whisper of Hearts.

Mark Smith from Breed. net.com.au says that

the gelding has a strong pedigree.

“He is the first foal of the unraced Duporth mare Whisper Of Hearts who is a half-sister to the Group II ATC Phar Lap Stakes winner Traitor (Mossman) from the family of Group 1 BRC Queensland Derby winner Brambles (Savabeel).”

Other successful horses from the Oakey Racing Club stable include The Carpenter which has competed well in Ipswich races and Avoca, which will be racing at the upcoming Chinchilla Cup and is Matthew Park’s hot tip to win on December 17 given his strong form in recent months.

Police report

Police are investigating a burglary at a Shannon Court address in Oakey that occurred in the early hours of Friday morning.

The property owner was at the rear of the dwelling, when they observed the burglar enter the dwelling and steal the owner’s handbag that included a set of car keys.

The offender left the

area in a maroon coloured SUV.

The offenders returned early on Sunday morning and stole the owner’s red Mazda 2 sedan registration number TJH166.

Anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents should contact Oakey Police Station or Crimestoppers.

- S/Cst Ken Cahill.

ABOVE: The Oakey Racecourse with the outside running-rails gained from Stage 1 of the grants.

ABOVE: Be Water My Friend is currently in stable near Toowoomba Image: Breednet.com.au

Linthorpe car missing

A Hyundai sedan was stolen from an address in Linthorpe last week.

Oakey Police say the offenders entered the dwelling and took the keys.

A previously stolen BMW sedan was located at the property and it’s suspected that the offenders arrived at the property in this vehicle.

The Hyundai is yet to be located and anyone who may have seen it is urged to contact police.

Police are reminding property owners to ensure that all keys should be stored somewhere secure in your house and not to leave them where they can be easily located by thieves.

Other crime reported

A white coloured Mazda utility was stolen from a Langton Crescent address early on Sunday.

The utility is a dual cab 4x4 registration number 645SKP. An unoccupied house currently undergoing renovations on Aubigny Road was broken into over the weekend.

A quantity of electrical wiring and some internal doors have been stolen.

“In God’s Care”

Thankyou

The members of St. Augustine's Anglican Guild wish to thank the local businesses for their generous support and donations of prizes for our recent Cent Sale. This all contributed to a very successful afternoon.Also thank you to our loyal patrons and the many helpers who gave their time.

Oakey Social Golf

Sunday 4th of December, we played a Single Stroke on the back nine with 32 players.

The winner was Aaron Cherry on 28 nett with the runners-up on a countback going to Gary Nash was George Fenton on 29 nett.

The winners of the pins/approaches are: 10 and 17, A. Cherry; 11, Over 60, G. Fenton; Under 60, B. Costello; 12, T. Boyd; 13 and 18, M. Krahenbring; 14, J. Lipp; 15, P. Morgan; 16, Over 60, G. Fenton; Under 60, A. Cherry.

Long Drives: A Grade, M. Krahenbring; B Grade, M. Haack; Over 60, G. Nash.

Members’ draw was 67, Adrian Delaney who was not present for $35.

Raffles going to numbers 14, S. Lucht and 98, B. Fenton.

That was the end of our programmed season for golf.

The club has had its fifth tie in the championship since starting in 1987.

The Oakey Social Golf Club Champions for 2022 are Paul Jones, Andrew Palmer and Peter Morgan, who all finished on 36 points for the year.

This week, we will be playing 2 Person Ambrose (no points given) on the front nine, teeing off at 9am on Saturday 10th December.

Following the game of golf we will be having our presentation Day at the Grand Hotel with a barbecue and refreshments starting around 11.30 am.

The committee would like to thank all members and sponsors for a enjoyable 2022.

- Flynny/Macca

Goombungee Golf

Friday 2nd December, Chook Run winner, Dave Humphrey 35 nett.

Sunday 4th December, Single Stroke, Monthly Medal, Medal of Medalists for Dan Darlington Trophies. Winners: Men, Steve Elfverson 66 nett; Ladies, Ann Cass 65 nett. Medal of Medalists for 2022: Men, Murray McLeod 68 nett; Ladies, Ann Cass 65 nett. Best Gross: Men, Gary Herriman; Ladies, Ann Cass 77. Rundown: Robyn Drowley, Murray McLeod, Gary Herriman, Greg Schull, Garry Shea, Nathan Bonney. Men’s Pin Shots: 3/12, Robbie McKewen; 4/13, Rodney Mann; 8/17, Greg Schull. Approaches: 2/11, Harry Cover; 5/14, Robbie McKewen; 6/15, Murray McLeod.

Ladies’ Pin Shots: 4/13 and 8/17, Ann Cass; Approaches: 2/11, Carmel Cover; 6/15, Ann Cass.

Winner Kevin Blanck Memorial, Best Nett, Ann Cass 65 nett.

Members’ Draw No 53, Beryl Hart who was not present so this week the prize is $45.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 8th December, Single Stableford Medley for a Club Trophy.

Friday 9th December, Chook Run from 3pm, all golfers welcome.

Sunday 11th December, End of Year Day, 4BBB Stableford (Secret Draw). Please Note: 9am shotgun start, barbecue lunch (provided), and Presentations to follow.

- Murray McLeod

Oakey Men’s Bowls

Competition results from the weekend of 3 and 4 December: -

“A” Singles: R. Krause def. G .Usher; D. Barfield def. P. Maker; S. Bradford def. M. Hall

Club Pairs: S. Gillies and B. Lucht def. B. Richter and D. Dreyer; M. Park and J. Harrison def. S. Cosgrove and J..Byrnes

COMING EVENTS

Thursday December 8th, Christmas Party, trophy presentations with mixed bowls and barbecue, 5.30pm start, names on the

board please.

Sunday December 11, C/S 3bowl Pairs, 2 games of 14 ends, Pre-=Christmas ham day, 12 hams to be won. Sponsored by Elva and Len Fanning 12.30pm start( mixed). Names on the board please.

Members, Life Member Beryl Buckley’s funeral is this Friday December 9 at 2pm at the Anglican Church, John Street Oakey. You can wear club uniforms if you wish.

Guard of honour at the graveside.

Central Downs Cricket

Oakey Golf Club

Wednesday 30th November, the Ladies played an 18 hole Stableford, the winner being Kathy Fenton with 33 points.

Runner-up was Marlene Deans with 31 points.

Winner of the Front Nine was Yvonne Jackson with 17 points and the Back 9 was won by Hazel Harvey with 13 points.

Today, Wednesday 7th December, the Ladies are going out to lunch at the Southern Hotel, Ruthven Street Toowoomba.

On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December, the Members played an 18 hole

Stroke in conjunction with the December Monthly Medal.

Winner of the Monthly Medal and Division 1 was Doug Fisk with a 74 nett.

Winner of Division 2 was John Grawich with a 77 nett.

Pin on No. 3 was won by Andrew King and the pin on 5/14, which is donated by The Barn, was won by John Grawich.

Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Oakey Parkrun

Last Saturday, 16 participants took part.

Fastest finisher was Benjamin Vogelzang in a time of 19:11, and next best were juniors Bradley McKay in a time of 22:43 and the best female finisher Faith McKay on a time of 22:45.

Two participants

recorded personal bests: Wendy Edmonstone on 28:08 and Meghan Halter on 28:35.

The third best male finisher was Steele Davies on 23:46

Just behind him, was Toowoomba road Runner Miranda License who finished on a time of 23:54.

ABOVE: Oakey Social Golf Club Single Stroke Champion Aaron Cherry.

New app for red meat consignments

The red meat industry now has access to the electronic National Vendor Declaration (eNVD) Livestock Consignments app, a new tool designed to increase adoption of digital consignments even when there is no mobile connectivity.

The consignment data is transferred from one mobile device to another via the app using a series of QR codes and then syncs with the eNVD database when the producer and receiver are back in reach of a mobile network.

Grazing management tool launched

The Australian Feedbase Monitor, launched in Toowoomba, is a tool which provides meat producers with satellitederived objective estimates of leading pasture growth, biomass, and ground cover for their property.

It was launched last week at the regular Meat and Livestock Australia Updates.

Managing Director of the MLA, Jason Strong, said the Australian Feedbase Monitor will help take the guesswork out of grazing management by putting more precise information at producers’ fingertips.

“The AFM will be a catalyst for a major shift in the objective management of Australia’s pasture and fodder feedbase,” Mr Strong said.

A survey undertaken by Cibo Labs showed that over 85 per cent of producers surveyed made regular pasture assessments, with 40 per cent undertaking a weekly assessment.

However, three quarters of these assessments were carried out using subjective visual assessments.

Despite producers conducting regular visual inspections, 28 per cent of them identified that they often had to make unplanned reductions in stock in response to pasture conditions.

The financial impact of inaccurate visual pasture assessments impacts sale returns and can also lead to increased supplementary feeding costs.

Around 46 per cent of survey respondents

identified a need to provide additional supplementary feeds at least twice in the past five years.

The tool’s satellite maps are updated every five days and show the variability in pasture biomass for a producer’s entire farm at a resolution of one hectare.

Mr Strong said the frequency of the data updates will help

producers to understand where the feedbase may be declining or responding to weather events over time.

“Producers will also be able to generate graphs showing monthly changes in the feedbase since 2017, compare individual months to the same period in previous years and compare their farms to regional trends,” he said.

Australian red meat producers now have access to weekly information on their farm-level pasture status with the release of a new tool called the Australian Feedbase Monitor.

ABOVE: The Australian Feedbase Monitor in action.

Music concert brings cheer to monthly McDonald Home barbecue

McDonald Nursing Home celebrated the musical talents of its residents with a concert at its end of months barbecue last week.

The concert was six months in the making and took the combined efforts of Recreation Officer Elissa Hoerler and the residents involved who put themselves forward.

Audience members were given songs old and new, featuring repertoire from the Torres Strait to the American Wild West.

The opening performer Marilyn Reimers, was the lead act of the show, belting out several tunes and capping off her performance with a yodelling act.

Resident Mick Haddy, who played tunes on his hand- made kazoo said that he’d picked up songs from his travels domestically and abroad.

“I’ve been around Australia three times,” he said.

“I play the guitar until I had a stroke and it’s coming back slowly.”

Fellow performer Gillian Whiting said she was happy how it all came together, especially the combined final

performance involving group percussion with clapsticks.

“It took a lot of practice but we got there in the end,” she said,

Coordinator Elissa Hoerler ran the event and said that she’s extremely happy that all the performers got to show off their skills in front of a live

audience.

“We’ve been working probably since June practising this once a week, and they really enjoy it.

“I’m so proud of them. I know how much they’ve worked.”

“They’ve just got so much passion and love. “They’re very talented singers.

New team at the Champion

Eagle-eyed readers may have spotted some fresh faces entering and exiting the Champion office on Cherry St over the last few weeks!

Graphic designer and media assistant Haylee Thomas and journalist Max Mayer both joined the team in Oakey a few weeks apart from each other.

Haylee has a keen eye for graphic design and creates most of the Champion ads, while Max writes the editorial you read in the paper.

Haylee hails from Barcaldine, but these days calls Pittsworth her home. She’s previously worked for Chinchilla News and at caravan park in Chinchilla.

She says what she most enjoys about working in Oakey is interacting with the people here

“I enjoy seeing my clients,” she said.

Max, who is a fresh Journalism graduate from

UQ in Brisbane, says he’s loving the friendliness of a country town.

“All of my grandparents are from rural areas so it’s great to get out to a place with a more relaxed pace of life.”

He said that his family had some connections to the Oakey district, particularly to the north.

“My grandfather was

a first generation migrant from Germany to Maclagan in the 1930s and Mum’s dad ran the National Bank up at Haden in the 1960s.”

“I’ve heard a fair few stories about this place over the years, and I’d love to here a few more from you in the next few years!”

Sales rep Mike Dorey is currently working from home.

Basketball comp rego still open

The Oakey Community 3on3 Basketball shoot-out will take place from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday 14th December at Oakey State School Hall.

Mixed competitions will take place across age divisions including: Under 12s Mixed Team Under 16s Mixed Team 17+ Mixed Team.

Food and drink will be provided on the day, including steak and chicken burgers, Zooper Doopers and cold drinks. Other activities include a 3 point knock-out and basketball quiz.

To register, call Kat Medland on the number listed in the Youth Column (below, left) or show up early at 9:30am on the day with your team.

Pick-ups may be available for outside of Oakey and can be check with Kat.

Help provided for those with cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis

Queensland will use a $15,000 grant to purchase personal nebulisers for 27 people living with cystic fibrosis in the Darling Downs region.

CFQ was selected as one of five charities that will share a total of $85,000 in the Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation’s third grant round, announced on Monday.

Nebulisers are critical in the treatment of cystic fibrosis as they used to deliver vital medication directly to the lungs.

Currently, people living with cystic fibrosis receive no designated State or Federal Government funding to provide support or services.

Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation Executive Officer Paul Olds said supporting the project was a no-brainer.

“Supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Queensland’s Fight 2 Breathe on the Darling Downs is in great alignment with the Foundation’s core focus areas of support,” he said.

Residents and amateur musicians Gillian Whiting and Mick Haddy (with kazoo) post for the camera.

Aged care residents put on a show at monthly barbecue with hits from the golden era of music.

Meet the people who will be producing your newspaper each week at their office.

ABOVE: New journalist Maxim Mayer and new graphic designer Haylee Thomas outside the Champion office