Oakey Champion - 9th March 2022

Oakey Champion

The

4691 1376

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

$1.50

Oakey’s Own Newspaper

INSIDE

R A F F L E F U N D S G O T O O S H S - PAG E 2

THIS

WEEK

OA K E Y B O W L S C L U B AWA R D E D G R A N T - PAG E 5 S C O U T S H O N O U R ‘ C L E A N U P A U S T. D AY ’ - PA G E 1 2

Oakey army personnel’s heroic flood rescues

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Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopters from the School of Army Aviation based out of Oakey have provided vital assistance during the flood crisis through search and rescue efforts.

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Army aircrewman Warrant Officer Class Two Benjamin Dwyer from the School of Army Aviation prepares to conduct a rescue from an MRH-90 Taipan, over Lismore, New South Wales, during Operation flood assist 2022.

- Photo, Bradley Richardson Commander of the Army Aviation Training Centre Colonel Dave Lynch said the helicopters, crewed by Army personnel and Defence contractors, have been working

expertly together, under extremely difficult weather conditions.

On the evening of Friday, February 25 the Army aviation crews conducted two remarkable rescues.

“We responded to a situation in Boonah where three people were stranded in a vehicle and our aircrews were able to airlift them to safety,” Colonel Lynch said.

“Another person was rescued at Gatton.

“Our aircrew helped the person who was clinging to an upturned boat and hoisted them to safety.”

- Continued on page 11

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Pest and Weed discussion at the Oakey RSL

North East Downs Landcare will be hosting a discussion with experts at the Oakey RSL on Wednesday 16th March.

Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan and agronomist Paul McIntosh will advise best methods to protect vegetation from pests.

The pests that will be covered are giant rats tail grass (GRT), Chilean needle grass (CNG), parthenium weed, fireweed, fall army worm, helicoverpa, pasture dieback, feather top rhodes and fleabane.

North East Downs Landcare Chairman Graham Cooke said pests are becoming increasingly

resistant to chemicals and are becoming more prominent in Oakey and the Darling Downs.

“We are running this discussion so property owners can get the latest information, including most appropriate action,” Mr Cooke said.

“This is an important and timely discussion because more and more weeds are emerging in our localities,” he said.

“There were a couple dry years in 2018 and 2019,

where there was lots of hay movement which saw weeds spread.

“We also saw the weeds spread chemical-resistant pests and critters.

“Many people think of feral pigs when they hear the word pests, but it is the smaller critters that are also detrimental to farmers.

“This means we need to be coming up with alternative methods to get rid of these chemicalresistant critters, like fall army worms.”

Mr Cooke said these

pests are difficult to eliminate because they can quickly establish themselves new areas.

“Twelve months ago we saw an array of new pests resistant to current chemical treatments in Oakey,” Mr Cooke said.

“We expected it would take them years to travel from the initial infestation spot in North Queensland to Oakey, but it has only taken a matter of twelve months,” he said.

“Their origins are unknown, most likely from overseas, but last summer

Oakey Community Bus Service

56 York Street OAKEY Ph: 469 11437 • Operating hours 04.30am to 6.30pm • Ages from 6 weeks to 12 years

If you’re looking for an affordable method of transportation from Oakey to Toowoomba, look no further than the Oakey Community Bus Service.

• Currently servicing Oakey / Biddeston / Kingsthorpe + Introducing service for Jondaryan

The Oakey Community Bus offers a $5 return trip to Toowoomba.

The trips are made on Tuesday and Friday, with an 8:30am start from Oakey Railway Station.

The bus stops along Cory Street, Kerrytown, Wiese Street and Kingsthorpe.

It drops off passengers at Wilsonton, St Andrews, Clifford Gardens, Toowoomba Base Hospital, Grand Central, Bus Station, TAFE and St Vincent’s if

• Pick up / drop off service for all ages • Creative arts program / bush kindy / yoga Music / cooking / auslan / sports / arts

Email: oakey@kidspatrol.com.au Facebook: Kids Patrol Oakey Academy Instagram: kidspatroloakey www.kidspatrol.com.au

required, and returns at approximately 1.30 pm.

For more details and to stay up-to-date with the Oakey Community Bus, visit the Facebook page or call 0497 001 234.

North East Downs Landcare Chairman Graham Cooke. we saw them travel from North Queensland to the Darling Downs and even further down into New South Wales.

“The main crops susceptible to these pests are corn and sorghum.

Mr Cooke said the effects of pests and weeds are detrimental to growers.

“This [pests and weeds] results in reduced productivity and production, and an increase

Around the

in costs,” Mr Cooke said.

“Especially the costs associated with pest control options that are effective and heavy enough to combat these new threats,” he said.

To learn more about pests and weeds and how to protect yourself, go along to the discussion at the Oakey RSL on 16th March.

RSVP to Glenys Bowtell at glenysbowtell@bigpond. com or call on 0428 751 070.

DOWNS

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14/2/22 11:10 am

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In this edition, we shine the spotlight on some of our local farming families helping grow a healthier community and pay respects to our service personnel for the incredible sacrifices they’ve made.

am

To discover all this and more, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/bold or keep an eye out in your mailbox.

The ‘steaks’ are high!

Support your local hospitality venue by spending a minimum of $30 and go into the draw to WIN 1 of 7 double VIP passes to Australia’s biggest BBQ festival, Meatstock Toowoomba!

Entries close 20 March.

Scan the QR code to enter!

Terms and conditions apply. For full details, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/meatout

Learn to kickflip and ollie like a pro with our FREE beginner skateboarding workshops thanks to the awesome coaches from Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative!

Every Saturday from 9 to 11am, kids and young adults aged up to 25 years can get comfortable with their balance and gain a new set of skills at local skate parks throughout our Region.

When & Where: Oakey – Saturday, 12 March Crows Nest – Saturday, 19 March Wilsonton – Saturday, 26 March Register at www.tr.qld.gov.au/youthconnect

FREE PARKING You won’t need to land on a Monopoly square to receive FREE parking in our Toowoomba CBD! From now until Saturday 2 April 2022, we’re providing free on-street metered parking and 50% off all off-street parking rates to help support our local businesses in the city centre. Time restrictions still apply. For more information contact Council on 131 872.

131 872

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Flood water in Arthur Shooter Park, Oakey.

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Wednesday, March 9, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 3

Community Chest raffle funds go to OSHS Ag Department

FROM THE OAKEY CHAMPION PHONE 4691 1376 OR CALL IN TO 2A CHERRY STREET OAKEY

Order a Self-inking

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Bernborough Tavern’s Community Raffle raised $635 in funds to go towards Oakey State High School’s agricultural department.

Community Chest Coordinator John Webster handing over the cheque to Agricultural The Tavern Sciences Teacher Debbie Goudie and agricultural students.

Agricultural Sciences teacher Debbie Goudie said the money would go towards animal feed and general maintenance.

The Community Chest raffle program has reached its eighth month of operation and Raffle Coordinator John Webster said the total amount of money raised to date is $4,121.

Mr Webster said he is hoping to celebrate when the program reaches its twelve month milestone.

The next organisation to benefit from the raffle funds is the Oakey Junior Bears.

The raffle is drawn at the Bernborough Tavern every Saturday at 1.30pm, when people who have purchased tickets get the chance to win a prize.

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Oakey Police need more CCTV footage

For Bookings Phone 4961 3190

Oakey’s Favourite Bistro

Oakey Police are reminding the community of the importance of CCTV footage when it comes to solving crime.

Oakey Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Scott Nicol is encouraging more Oakey residents to submit their details and any CCTV footage they have in order to create a database which will help solve crime.

Sergeant Nicol reassured the community that all information will be kept confidential.

The database will allow police officers to more effectively prevent crimes, especially break and enters and theft, through

investigating reported crimes by reviewing and piecing together footage.

Sergeant Nicol said even if nothing was stolen, nothing is too minor to report.

He said that this will help police link crimes by providing circumstantial evidence.

Therefore, police will be able to identify offenders in the first instance after crimes are reported.

Sergeant Nicol said it was thanks to CCTV footage

that police were able to identify and reprimand a young male last month who was charged with four offences relating to break and entering, nearly 24 hours after being released from custody for another crime.

“We are never going to stamp out break and enters and attempted break and enters,” he Nicol said.

“Mainly because of our close proximity to Toowoomba.

“The only thing we can do is increase police presence by expanding our rosters and our coverage in certain areas, as well as relying on the public to help us by reporting any information they might know about a crime.”

Residents can join the CCTV database by visiting the Oakey Police Station or calling 4691 1020 during office hours 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

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? for hay to feed Smokin the Downs Call flood affected stock changes venue

Due to recent wet weather, Smokin the Downs will now be held at the Oakey Rugby League Club on Kent Street, Oakey.

This means that the event will run in conjunction with the Oakey Show and the Oakey Rugby League Club.

Smokin the Downs is still set to run on the 11th and 12th March.

Gates will open at 5pm on Friday and midday on Saturday.

Remember to bring along a gold coin for entry.

Whilst competing teams are not allowed to sell their food, there will be barbecue and smoked-

styled vendors at the event, along with a coffee stall.

Event Organiser Jess Barnes said this is a great opportunity for the Oakey community to spend the day together celebrating talented smokers from Oakey and across the country.

To stay up-to-date with Smokin the Downs event information, visit their Facebook page or email Jess at smokinthedowns@yahoo.com.

Pat Pat WEIR WEIRMPMP Pat WEIR MP Member for Condamine

Member for Condamine PLEASE NOTE Please Please like mylike my As of last facebookfacebook page page Tuesday 24th of March at the direction of the

Member for Condamine

FRIDAY: Social Fishing & Club Raffles 7:00pm SATURDAY: Community Chest 1.30pm in Aid of Oakey Junior Rugby League SUNDAY: Publicans FREE Raffles 12 -1.30pm

OPEN EVENING

Hay contractors on the Darling Downs have answered a call from the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales to gather hay for stock impacted by the devastating floods in that region.

The floods have washed away much of the feed on dairy farms and cattle properties and farmers are facing a difficult time trying to keep stock alive.

Bill Burge of Tudor Valley Hay, along with Mike and Chris Collins of Collins Hay have banded together to respond to a call from the Northern Rivers.

They have put out a call to anyone on the Downs who can assist with a donation of hay to contact them.

Mr Burge said hay of any

quality will be accepted.

“We’ll take round bales, square bales - whatever the stock have nothing to eat,” he said.

The plan is to stockpile the hay at Allora before transporting it the a coordination site in northern New South Wales.

Contributions towards fuel or transport would also be appreciated.

For information, contact Bill Burge on 0428 713 562, Mike Collins on 0408 959 105, or Chris Collins on 0438 959 105.

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Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

TO THE PAST

Origin of Radio Station 4AK

This article was in the Courier Mail on Thursday, July 18, 1935.

“Work on the new broadcasting station, 4AK, near Oakey on the Darling Downs, is proceeding rapidly.

The station building is practically completed, and the high-powered transmission plant, made by the engineers of *4BK, is now being installed.

By the end of this week, it is expected, the huge all-steel vertical aerial will have been erected.

The mast, which was constructed by Evans, Deakin and Co., of Brisbane, was railed in four sections to Oakey and is now being assembled into its full length of 210 feet.

It is of the latest design and is the second of its

kind to be erected in Australia.

It will be the highest aerial in the Commonwealth, its top being well over 1600 feet above sea level.

It is of the quarter-wave type, and will provide outstanding radiation.

Its weight is estimated at nearly seven tons.

It is expected that the new station, which will have an initial power of 1000 watts, on a wavelength of 246 metres, will be tested by the end of this month, and will be put into regular broadcasting operation by September 1.

It will be used mainly as a relay medium for the programmes of 4BK,

Brisbane.”

The following article was in the Courier Mail, Wednesday, August 28, 1935.

“The new Courier Mail broadcasting station, 4AK at Oakey, will be officially opened on Saturday afternoon by Mr. A. B. Corbett, Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs in Queensland, who will actually speak from the General Post Office, Brisbane, his speech being relayed through 4BK and 4AK. Leading citizens of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, and representatives of the Courier Mail and Brisbane Broadcasting Pty. Ltd., will be present at

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

$1.20

RIGHT: The building and aerial on 4AK Road (formerly Dearling Road) as it looks now in a rather dilapidated state.

- Photo, Valerie Weise-Young

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

the opening at Oakey and following Mr. Corbett’s speech, the addresses at Oakey will be relayed from 4AK. At the conclusion of the official ceremony, 4AK will take its place as an important adjunct in the Courier Mail chain.”

- Valerie Weise-Young * Editor’s note: 4BK was an AM radio station in Brisbane but converted to FM and was re-named B105 in 1990.

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead A trough to the east will trigger heavy showers and possible storms throughout the region today (Wednesday), with showers expected to clear by Friday. Temperatures are expected to peak in the mid to high twenties for the rest of the week.

6 DAY FORECAST WED

Showers.

Possible Storm

19/32°C

THUR

Shower or two.

18/28°C

FRI

Cloudy

17/26°C

SAT

Partly Cloudy

15/26°C

SUN

Partly Cloudy

14/26°C

MON

Partly Cloudy

14/26°C

9th Apr

TThe heEstablished Cha amp pion n Champion 1984 Wednesday,, March 23, 2016

Telephone: (07) 4691 1376 Facsimilie: (07) 4691 2625

Email: editorial@oakeychampion.com.au advertising@oakeychampion.com.au 2A Cherry Street, Oakey. Qld. 4401

Published each Wednesday

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

$$1.20

TEMP

18th Mar

RAIN

UV INDEX

60%

Very high

<1mm

60% 1mm 5mm

Very high

30%

Very high

<1mm

20% <1mm

20% <1mmm

40% <1mm

24th Mar

Very high

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1st Apr

DEADLINES: (Display Advertising) - 5.00p.m. Friday (Classified Advertising) - Monday 5.00p.m.

- Responsibility for all unsigned electoral material in this publication is accepted by E. A. Rogers, 60 Clark Street, Clifton.

The Champion is available from:

- Copyright in all advertising and Editorial material, except where otherwise held, resides at all times with the Oakey Champion: such copyright will not be released to any other party except by written permission. Production charges and reproduction fees will apply.

- Central City News - Cobb & Co Roadhouse Jondaryan - Goombungee News - South Street News, Toowoomba - Kingsthorpe News - Quinalow Garage - Maclagan General Store

- Clifford Gardens - Crow Nest News - Haden Store - Kerrytown Foodworks - Oakey Newsagency - Ushers BP - Wilsonton News

- Errors and Omissions Policy: All care is taken in the production of advertisements. Errors, if drawn to our attention promptly, will be corrected in the next issue. Refunds may be given. The proprietor of The Oakey Champion cannot be held responsible for errors or their subsequent effects. The right is reserved to alter, abbreviate or omit advertisements for any reason.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

Oakey Bowls Club awarded grant

MOTOR TRIMMING & UPHOLSTERY

The Oakey Bowls Club has been awarded a $34,540 grant from the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund

(GCBF).

the list include getting more lawn mowers, which

Treasurer Warren Patterson said the club already had plans to upgrade lights and install new lights on the second green before applying for the grant.

“We currently have ageing old lights that are costly to run,” he said.

The current light posts are leaning and becoming a safety hazard.

“With this grant we will be able to get both of the lawns lit up, which means we can promote more night bowls,” Mr Patterson said.

“We already host three day games every Saturday and if the weather is bad we have to cancel or postpone them, but with the new lights we will have good visibility to continue to play,” he said.

“We do a Thursday night barefoot bowls event and these new lights will allow us to promote and host more nighttime games.

“The whole process took about four months to secure the grant and we ended up getting $34,540.

“When trying to get funding for the lights, we sourced the help of David McMahon who found and applied for the grant for us and helped us get the invoices and quotes together for how much the upgrades would cost.”

The next upgrades on

Mr Patterson said are surprisingly expensive at

LEFT to RIGHT: Bob Lucht, Treasurer Warren Patterson, Secretary Ross Henry and President Alan Jackson.

The inside of the newly refurbished function room space.

about $8,000 to $10,000.

“We also want to apply for another grant so we can get a disabled toilet built,” he said.

The Oakey Bowls Club offers more than just playing bowls.

It has a function area equipped with a professional kitchen.

“We have recently refurbished our indoor function space, which people can hire it out as a venue for weddings and birthdays,” Mr Patterson said.

“We even had a baby shower here the other week,” he said.

“We charge $100 for access to the indoor function hall and the kitchen facilities, and guests are more than welcome to go and use the lawns to play a game of bowls.

“Now that we can install lights on both of the fields, it makes the space more accessible as the field that does not have lights yet is actually closer to the hall we hire out.

The club hosts one or two functions per month and has a 150 person capacity.

Mr Patterson said the club has had a very successful start to the year, with a 10% increase in membership.

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Page 6

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Remembering a local volunteering hero

The Oakey Historical Museum, alongside countless other local residents, have paid tribute to hard working volunteer and all-round good bloke, Denis Bennett, who passed away aged only 74 on December 1, 2021.

Always busy, Denis was well known to use his skills as a retired builder and general handyman to help community members and organisations who needed a helping hand.

The Oakey Historical Museum was one organisation which benefitted from Denis’ skill and drive to volunteer.

Museum secretary/ treasurer, Fay Telford, said Denis was a keen worker at the facility since about 2016.

“Denis and his wife Janice moved to Oakey

around 2015 and he started doing handyman jobs around the town,” Mrs Telford said.

“Then late in 2016 he went into The Oakey Champion office to advertise his services,” he said.

“This is where he met Les Jasper and he said the Museum organisation was looking for volunteers.

“He came to see us when we opened and had a talk with us and walked through the Museum grounds.

“He came back the next working day and

said he thought he could help because he was a tradesman before retiring.

“From then on, he has rebuilt, cleaned up and organised things and really did a very good job.

“He later bought his wife, Janice, to the Museum and she mowed the grounds for us.”

Mrs Telford said even when Denis became ill and throughout his treatment, he never stopped working for the Museum and thinking about ways to make the organisation a success.

“In 2019, he became ill and when he had finished his recovery period, he came back doing light duties,” Mrs Telford said.

“Then again in 2021 he took ill again but he would always be planning something when we visited him,” she said.

“Never wanting or expecting anything in return, Denis was a truly dedicated and selfless community man.”

Mrs Telford said Oakey will miss Denis and remember him as a hard

Local volunteer Denis Bennett who will be missed dearly.

- Photos Fay Telford working, straight-talking and genuine bloke.

“Denis will be held with high esteem as a friend and work buddy,” Mrs Telford

said.

“Deepest sympathy to Janice and family,” she said.

“May he rest in peace.”

Free parking in Toowoomba CBD

Toowoomba Regional Council is offering free parking in the Toowoomba central business district for the next month, until the 9th April.

ROOFTOP SOLAR IS PART OF OUR PLAN TO REACH NET ZERO BY 2050.

Council’s Infrastructure Committee portfolio leader Cr Melissa Taylor said the move was a way for the council to show its support for local businesses.

Cr Taylor said motorists would receive either free or discounted parking throughout the city centre for the full month.

“With the recent flooding in the city and latest wave of the pandemic, we know our local businesses are doing it tough at the moment,” Cr Taylor said.

“We understand this is a difficult time for them and want to assist however we can,” she said.

“Providing free onstreet metered parking and 50 per cent off all off-street parking rates is one way we can do this.

“This is a way we can encourage residents to come back into the city centre, shop locally and take time to visit our many fabulous cafés and restaurants.

“It’s important to support and drive economic recovery in the CBD as this then has a flowon effect for the entire community.

“If we want a CBD then we have to support our businesses.”

During the month of March, the Toowoomba Regional Council will provide free on-street metered parking and 50 per cent off all off-street parking rates with time restrictions still applying and being enforced.

For more information contact Council on 131 872.

Oakey Show Postponed

The annual Oakey Show has been postponed to a later date due to recent heavy rainfall and Covid regulations.

FIND OUT MORE AT POSITIVEENERGY.GOV.AU Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

This week the Oakey Showgrounds would usually be a buzz of activity with preparations for the annual show.

Unfortunately some weeks ago the show committee moved to postpone the show until a date later in the year.

This decision was not an easy one, the major factor considered was the current mandate set

by Queensland Health that all patrons to a Queensland show held on a showgrounds must be double vaccinated or have the required proof of exemption.

To meet this standard Security Officers would have been hired at a considerable cost.

The health and safety of volunteers and the community was another major consideration.

Oakey show committee hopes that the current mandate will ease to allow all rural shows to proceed throughout the year.

The past two weeks have seen a massive amount of rainfall on the showgrounds which would have required further decision making.

- Judith Byers, President, Oakey Show Society

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Oakey’s Ochre Medical Centre welcomes three new Doctors

New Doctors Dr Kate Duffy, Dr Wai Yan Zaw and Dr Rachel Middleton with Dr Matthew Crump (second from left).

- Photo, Ochre Medical Centre Oakey Stop putting off that test!

With three new doctors at Ochre Medical Centre Oakey and plenty of appointments available, Dr Matt Crump is encouraging the local community to catch up on any missed tests.

“During the pandemic, many patients skipped routine tests,” Dr Crump said.

“Whether it’s a cervical screen or a diabetes check, that’s a real concern,” he said.

“A late diagnosis can limit options and lead to worse outcomes.”

With the arrival of Dr Kate Duffy, Dr Rachel Middleton and Dr Wai Yan Zaw, appointments are now much more readily

available and the practice is back to offering the full range of GP services faceto-face.

Loving the family environment …

Originally trained in Myanmar, Dr Wai Yan Zaw spent eight years as a rural doctor in Jamaica before moving to Australia to work in Mackay and then Ipswich Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Dr Wai originally joined the Ochre practice in Wyalla Plaza last year and he is loving the company.

“Ochre is truly a family environment,” Dr Yan Zaw said.

“If I’m honest, it’s the first time I’ve really enjoyed a work culture,” he said.

“My family and I also

love the Toowoomba area.

“It’s so welcoming, with great facilities.

“When I finish work, my favourite way to unwind is to take my two-year-old over to the park.”

He instantly took to being a GP. “In the hospital Emergency Department, we would transfer patients back to their GP and not know what happened to them from there,” Dr Yan Zaw said.

“As a GP, you see the patient on an ongoing basis so you see their health outcomes and you learn from that,” he said.

He speaks fondly of an elderly female patient who hadn’t seen a doctor for many years.

“She had a number of issues including terrible blood pressure and horribly swollen ankles from fluid overload,” Dr Yan Zaw said.

“We spent about 45 minutes talking on her first visit and I finally managed to convince her to get some blood tests,” he said.

“I also started her on medication and referred her to a specialist.

“All that got her feeling much better so now, when she comes in, she is much happier to accept my advice.

“Her blood pressure has also been going down nicely and we’ve got her mobile enough to be able to go shopping by herself again.”

Our Services

Children’s health • General practice • Men’s health • Women’s health Accident clinic • Aged care • Antenatal care • ATSI health Chronic disease management • Contraception • Minor procedures & surgery Palliative care • Skin cancer medicine & surgery • Sports medicine Travel medicine • Vaccinations

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters (for those eligible) are also available for everybody aged five and over.

Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street P. 4633 8700

Ochre Medical Centre Oakey 5 Cherry Street P. 4691 1750

Ochre Medical Centre Kingsthorpe 20 North Street P. 4630 0059

… and the great outdoors.

Originally from Canada, Dr Kate Duffy visited Australia for a wedding and what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

“But I absolutely loved it,” Dr Duffy said.

“I got my diver’s licence and fell in love with being so close to the ocean,” she said.

“The range of outdoors activities like hiking and camping also really appealed, so when the time came to go to medical school, I came back here!”

Dr Duffy already held a Bachelors in Medical Science and a Masters in Immunology and Microbiology from Canada, as well as a Masters in Forensic Science gained in

Scotland and Alaska.

After graduating, she spent two years in emergency medicine at Toowoomba Base Hospital and then a year with a GP practice in Toowoomba.

“With Ochre in Oakey, I am now gaining rural experience at a smaller practice where I can connect with the community more,” she says.

Like Dr Wai, Dr Duffy found emergency work both energising and gratifying.

However, she ultimately decided that she wanted her role in the healthcare system to focus on the long term care of the whole person.

“That is the benefit of being a GP - you can serve your patients in a holistic manner, hopefully keep them out of hospital, and really get to know them,” Dr Duffy said.

“Last year, a new patient came in - she was young and unexpectedly pregnant,” she said.

“She wanted to keep the baby, but she was very nervous.”

“There was so much to work through for her to be OK! “It became a year-long commitment that was really eye-opening for me.

“Eventually everything worked out well, and she and her baby are now happy and healthy.

“That was huge from me - seeing her on day one when she was terrified and then caring for her through to the joy of becoming a mum.”

All three new GPs welcome new patients.

Appointments can be made at ochrehealth.com.au.

Dr Kate Duffy is available Mon-Fri; Dr Rachel Middleton Mon/ Tues/Thurs; and Dr Wai Yan Zaw Tues/Weds/Fri in Oakey and Mon/Thurs in Kingsthorpe.

Book online at ochrehealth.com.au or download our Ochre Health App – to book, add to calendar, check in, see past appointments & more.

Page 8

The

Oakey Champion

Trades & Services

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mechanical & Electrical Services tthew’s Ma • All mechanical repairs & servicing OTIVE

M AUTOIN TENANCE AND MA

Call Matt on 0417 465 318 FULL MOBILE SERVICE ON SITE/ON FARM - ALL AREAS

• All electrical repairs & servicing • Fault finding • Generator/water pump repairs & setup • Trucks • Tractors • Machinery • Motorbikes • Buses • Cars • 4x4s • Mowers

COMPUTER REPAIRS

CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds starting from just

$16 inc GST

Phone: 4691 1376

EVENTS Email: advertising@oakeychampion.com.au

LINDSAY WADDINGTON & LLOYD BACK Concert

LINDSAY WADDINGTON

&

from The Oakey Champion today!

LLOYD BACK

FAST & CLEAN

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 2022 Ph Shirley Gowrie Little Plain Hall at 4630 4384 7.30 pm. $20.00 entry includes COVID SAFE lucky door ticket and supper

PHONE 4691 1376 OR CALL IN TO 2A CHERRY STREET OAKEY

AGM

Computer Repairs & Upgrades done No job too small Free Quote Ph 4632 4360 OR 0407 656 743

Order a Self-inking

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In

DAVE FRANCIS ON-SITE

OAKEY & DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL INC.

Invite all interested people to attend its Annual General Meeting in the Oakey UCA Hall.

Tuesday, 29th 3.30 for 4.00pm March 2022.

POSITIONS VACANT

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

POSITION VACANT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Independent and locally based newspaper publisher OurNews Pty Ltd has a vacancy for a casual Graphic Designer/copy support position based in our Clifton office.

SECURITY SERVICES

Patrols to Oakey businesses and private homes Alarm callout service

Proudly supporting Oakey for the past E: bernboroughsecurity@optusnet.com.au 22 years T: 0412 220 249 24hours.

| 24/7 Emergency Work | Pump Out Septic Tanks | Holding Tanks | Grey Water Tanks Lester & Dale 4637 0130 0488 962 946

2A Cherry Street, Oakey

Approaches: 2/11, Greg Buckley; 5/14, Trent Peters,; 7/16, Bruce McLeod. Approach Ladies, 7/16, Robyn Drowley.

Members’ draw. No. 6, Greg Buckley, present.

Next week $5.

NEXT WEEK Thursday 10th March, Men Two-person Ambrose for a Club Trophy.

Ladies’ Single Stroke, Putts, Monthly Medal for a Club Trophy.

Friday 4th March, Chook Run from 3pm.

Saturday 12th March, Kumbia Interclub at Kumbia 10am for a 10.30 shotgun start.

Sunday 13th March, Single Stableford for Matty Burgess Trophy.

Final round of Matchplay championships, 27 holes.

Please Note, Round two of H.L.O. at Goombungee on 20 March, 2022 - Murray McLeod

“A”Singles: P. Rudken def. S. Bradford; J. Harrison def. V. Rush; R. Henry def.

G. Nash.

Senior Singles: P. Boyton def. G. Fenton; I. Hedge def. P. Federoff.

Triples: L. Hudson, G. Usher & B. Lucht def.

S. Cosgrove, P. Wolski & W. Patterson.

Competition called for Saturday March 12.

Champion Pairs: R. Henry/I. Hedge vs.

L. Hudson/G. Usher.

Fours: V. Rush, C. Beesley, K. Pickering & W. Patterson vs. M. Hall, R. Krause, D. Dreyer & A. Jackson.

“B”Singles: S. Gillis vs.

G. Nash (D. Barfield) COMING EVENTS: Patroness Day will be on a date to be announced in the future. There are currently 30 names. If you wish to play please put your name on the board at the club.

Oakey Bowls Club

Oakey Social Golf

Key Duties: • Design and layout of advertisements and print jobs • Photo retouching and optimisation of images • Communicate effectively with work colleagues and clients

Requirements: • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) • Attention to detail and a strong eye for design are essential • Excellent communication skills • Ability to work as a part of a small team

Applications can be made in writing to:

OurNews Pty Ltd PO Box 2277 Toowoomba Q 4350 or via email to: ournews@bigpond.com

The winner on the day was Andy Palmer on 29 and runner-up was Dylan Holmes on 24 points.

Pins/Approaches went to: 1. S. Gillis, 2. G. Nash, 3 and 5. A. Palmer, 4.

A. Cherry, 6. T. Boyd, 7.

W. Bostock, 8. P. Jones, 9.

B. McDonald.

Long Drives A Grade: B. Costello, B Grade HL,

On Our Selection News

The Clifton Courier Oakey Champion The

PUBLIC NOTICES

The

Oakey Champion

Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre is proud to support Oakey Hospital patients, residents & staff & Oakey Ambulance Service by supplying sponsored Oakey Champion newspapers every week

REAL ESTATE SALES & RENTALS 112 Campbell St Oakey

2A CHERRY STREET, OAKEY

Thursday 3rd March, Men’s Single Stableford for a Club trophy.

Winner, David Cass 37 points. Approaches: 1/10, Nathan Bonney; 4/13, David Cass.

Ladies Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Winner, Robyn Drowley.

Approaches: 1/10, Val Hartland; 6/15, Robyn Drowley; 8/17, Robyn Drowley.

Friday 4th March, Chook Run winner Gary Linane 34 net, second Nino Capuzzo.

Sunday 6th March, Single Stableford for the Pat Weir MLA Trophy.

Winner Men, Dave Lowe 39 points; Ladies, Robyn Drowley 30 points.

Rundowns: Ann Cass, Greg Lyall, David Cass, Mark Peters, Bevan Bargenquast, Bruce McLeod, Adrian Delaney.

Pin shots Men: 4/13 (Eagle’s Nest) and 8/17, Matty Burgess.

On Sunday we played at Goombungee Golf Course, because Oakey Golf course course is still under water and we had 28 players turning up for a hit.

SERVICE. SOLUTIONS. SATISFACTION.

that appear in the Oakey Champion are available for purchase at our office:

Club Results

We are looking for a reliable and expereinced applicant with a can-do attitude to join our tight knit design team. The successful applicant will be required to undertake various duties across all our associated print publications and commercial print.

SEPTIC SERVICES EPA & Council Approved

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Oakey Champion Goombungee Golf

The

• DEADLINE: 5pm Monday • PHONE: 4691 1376 • FAX: 4691 2625 • EMAIL: advertising@oakeychampion.com.au

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS

JAMIE

Jamie Cooper 0423 688 055 Laurie Cooper 0407 344 771

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Over 60 R. Mac Kenzie.

Members’ Draw was Number 42 Allan De Ross who was not present for $20, Raffles went to 5 L. Bartley and 76 S. Petrie.

Next week’s game is TBA, if it will be at Goombungee again or back at Oakey.

Don’t forget to get your money in for the coast trip.

- Flynny/ Macca

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 9

Bernborough Tavern

Black Toyota

Coops Pty Ltd

Michael Carpenter

Tim “The Tipper” Wicks

David Cooper “Coops”

Darling Downs Vets

Grand Hotel

The Oakey Champion

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION

2022

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Sea Eagles Sharks Rabbitohs Roosters Warriors Storm Eels Cowboys

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Mclean Care CWA House Oakey

Oakey Community Pharmacy

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Pat Weir MP

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OAKEY COMMUNITY PHARMACY Phone 4691 1130

Phone 4691 1062

Grants available for flood-ravaged community and sports groups

RACQ has announced it will be giving away grants valued up to $100,000 to local groups impacted by recent flooding.

Some of the types of local clubs eligible for these new grants are sporting clubs, historical and show societies, men’s sheds and charities that have been impacted by recent flooding in south east Queensland.

Applications for the new grants opened on Monday 7th March.

RACQ Chief Executive Officer David Carter said

RACQ Foundation’s purpose is to support Queenslanders who are impacted by natural disasters.

Mr Carter said some examples of what projects the grants would go towards include personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or replacement of sporting equipment, repairing or improving infrastructure such as

fences, posts, and building works, as well as restoring digital services, products (e.g. headphones and software) and connectivity.

Mr Carter said the special grants were in addition to a $50,000 donation to Lifeline Queensland last week to help flood-affected communities/ “This extraordinary weather event has so far

led to more than 10,000 insurance claims being lodged, our Roadside Assistance crews performing more than 4,000 tows, while our Bank team is working hard to help members who are experiencing financial difficulties,” he said.

To apply for the RACQ grant, visit https://www. racq.com.au/foundation.

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If your cattle are showing signs of pinkeye contact us as soon as possible for effective treatments.

All Hours - Oakey & Wellcamp

Page 10

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Regenerative cropping and grazing spiralling upwards

Founding Director of Resource Consulting Services (RCS) said the answer is clear: “Regenerative agriculture is about the outcomes you achieve, not the inputs you use.”

To achieve regenerative outcomes, Dr McCosker said you need to adopt practices that regenerate healthy soil, improve plant health and regenerate animal and human health, leading to more profitable businesses, which support rural communities.

“There is no one silver bullet for regenerative agriculture,” Dr McCosker said.

“It is based on principles rather than recipes, and fundamentally to be regenerating landscapes your ecosystems need to be spiralling up towards improved biodiversity and health, rather than spiralling down towards degradation,”they said.

Moving forward, verification is going to become increasingly

important rather than accreditation, as certain parts of the supply chain seek to source and pay premiums on regenerative produce.

“Again, it is about outcomes,” Dr McCosker said.

“If you can demonstrate that your soil carbon is increasing or that you’re building natural capital, you’ve got evidence that your farm is regenerating,” he said.

Promoting the biodiversity and abundance of soil microorganisms is central to the success of regenerative cropping or grazing, and photosynthesis drives that biodiversity in a positive feedback loop.

“Research shows that many plants are only

operating at 11 per cent of their photosynthetic potential,” Dr McCosker said.

“We are finding that as soil health improves, photosynthetic capacity increases, akin to having more solar panels in a solar farm,” they said.

“As soil health improves, the plant directs more energy into plant production above ground and shunts less energy through its roots to repair soil health.”

Managing land regeneratively is also becoming more attractive to producers as it buffers businesses against an increasingly unreliable climate.

Building ground cover and soil organic matter improves productivity,

nutrient cycling and water infiltration.

Combine these factors with more biodiversity, carbon and improved nutrient cycling, and the land has more resilience to ride out future droughts and floods.

Future access to new income streams from natural capital accounting

payments, carbon credits and biodiversity credits are also expected to bolster profitability.

After more than thirty years running Australia’s leading education, training and advisory service in the regenerative agriculture space, Dr McCosker is seeing transformative changes afoot in supply

chains and financial sector investment.

Find out more about RCS courses and advisory services on their website rcsaustralia.com.au Dr McCosker will be presenting at Clifton Landcare on 22nd March.

See the advertisement on page 12 for further information.

Wet weather sees increase in hoof abscesses

We are currently seeing a lot of ponies and horses with hoof abscesses after the rainy weather we encountered last weekend.

A warm, wet or muddy environment is the perfect place for bacteria to grow, as wet footing softens the structures of the hoof.

Even only a day or two of rain is enough to soften a hoof and spawn a blooming of bacteria.

Hundreds of farmers in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales have With this kind of been inundated by torrential rain and life-threatening floods. environment all horses are susceptible to abscesses.

This is especially so in access a suite of assistance, volunteers will be sent out Horses that have the Darling Downs, including and financial, as soon as possible.

Join experts learn how to manage experienced laminitis are Northern Rivers, Wide Bay counselling, fodder, Farmers can register at a much higher risk of pestwater, & weed threats on at your land and Burnett regions.emerging domestic and access online www.ruralaid. infection due to weakened Primary producers who to volunteers. org.au or by calling laminae.

Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan and agronomist Paul McIntosh will register with Rural Aid can CEO John Warlters said 1300 327 624.

Distortions in hoof lead the discussion on how to protect your bottom line against pests like: structure, cracks, or injuries of the hoof also increase RD WEDNESDAY 23(GRT) · Giant Rats Tail Grass risk of infection.

DATE: Abscesses occur when · Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) MARCH 2022 Wednesday 16th March 2022 water and mud enter · Parthenium 10AM toWeed 2PM OAKEY RSL, 76 Campbell St OAKEY through cracks in the hoof · Fireweed TIME: wall or from an object 10am - 2pm penetrating the sole and · Fall Armyworm IAN MOSS - expert from Farm Agronomy will be explaining:creating an entrance point– · Helicoverpa »LOCATION: NDVI Satellite Imagery for example, a sharp rock or Oakey RSL, 76 Campbell St, · Pasture Dieback a lost nail. » What did we learn?

Oakey QLD 4401 This then ‘brews’ and » How could it be used to help NED & SM farmers · Feather Top Rhodes (*Proof of vaccination required) forms a pocket of fluid and » Putting the profit back into farming with ·highFleabane input prices infection which will cause RSVP: » Reducing herbicide, pesticide and fertiliser requirements – is that even possible? the horse to be very lame Glenys Bowtell options and the impact this has Enhance the condition of your » Fertiliser on production. until the abscess is drained. glenysbowtell@bigpond.com native vegetation & improve In some horses the 0428 751 070 pressure of the abscess can RSVPtea BY and 9 MARCH your productivity!

Morning lunch provided. build up that much that Attendees MUST be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinationMorning prior to entry OR contact tea & lunch provided. the horse will not place the organiser ahead of the event to discuss altenative arrangements.

Pre-registration is essential.* any weight on that leg at all.

Please RSVP Glenys Bowtell 0428751070 Some horses will also or email glenysbowtell@bigpond.com by the 13th March 2022. display heat in the hoof,

Flood affected farmers eligible for Rural Aid PEST & WEED THREATS DAY FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION

WORKSHOP

Funding provided by the Federal Government

This project is funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program.

an increase in the strength of the pulse supply to the hoof (digital pulse) and swelling in the lower areas of the limb.

If you suspect that your horse has a hoof abscess it will need to be drained by your vet or farrier in order

to relieve the pain.

If the abscess cannot be drained then a poultice can be applied to the hoof to encourage drainage.

The horse should also be kept in a clean and dry environment.

- Darling Downs Vets

Nominations for Cotton Awards open

The 2022 Australian Cotton Industry Awards celebrate outstanding cotton growers.

*Attendees MUST be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry OR contact the organiser ahead of the event to discuss alternative arrangements.

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A horse being treated for a hoof abscess.

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Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said there was sell-out crop in 2021, and forecasts of a near record crop in 2022.

Nominations are open i n the following categories for 2022: - Bayer Grower of the Year - AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year - ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton

Achiever of the Year - Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year - IPF Service to Industry Award Nominate yourself or someone else for through the online nomination form at www.cottonaustralia.com. au/awards-nominations.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 25th March 2022.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 11

G A R R I S O N C AT C H U P Yo u r l i n k t o t h e A v i a t i o n C e n t r e

Getting to know Lieutenant Sarah Currie in honour of International Women’s Day Lieutenant Sarah Currie - A woman who flies the ARH Tiger attacker helicopter and who has achieved phenomenal success.

ARH Tiger pilot Lieutenant Sarah Currie standing in front of her aircraft.

- Photo, Bradley Richardson

LT Sarah Currie had been based at the Swartz Barracks in Oakey for the past 12 months training to become an ARH Tiger helicopter pilot.

She commenced her training at Oakey in March last year and has now made the move to Darwin, where she will start her career flying the ARH Tiger helicopter full time.

“I’ve just finished my ARH training at the School of Army Aviation,” LT Currie said.

“I’m an Army General Service Officer (GSO) pilot and I’ll be heading up to Darwin for 161 Squadron shortly, where I will be a flying ARH full time,” she said.

LT Currie said her favourite aspect of Army Aviation is the level of

Oakey aircrews save lives in floods

Continued from page 1 Colonel Dave Lynch advised that while conditions were challenging his crews were trained and prepared for these situations.

With rain continuing to fall, the following night Army aviation crews conducted another two rescue missions.

“Our aircrew responded to a property at Regency Downs, where we rescued a mother, infant and four children, who were surrounded by rising floodwater,” Colonel Lynch said.

“We also successfully located three missing personnel who were last seen in Woolshed Creek and transported them to safety at RAAF Base Amberley”.

Colonel Dave Lynch is currently located at the local disaster management centre in Toowoomba and coordinating the Army’s

aviation contribution to rescue efforts.

Incredible rescue efforts continued Monday, February 28 when two adults and a child were winched to safety by helicopter after spending the night on the roof of their house in Woodburn, Northern New South Wales.

Members of the Army aviation aircrew conducting the rescue, Sergeant Damien Collison-Bryant and Corporal Geoff Izod described the visible sense of relief on the residents’ faces when they arrived to carry out the rescue.

“It gives us a sense of achievement but also relief that we are able to provide assistance to residents

in their time of need” Corporal Izod said.

“As the Defence Force it’s part of what we do.

We service our community and helping the people of Australia is a big part of why members join the Defence Force.” Sergeant Collison-Bryant The aircrew went on to conduct multiple air land rescues throughout the day.

Commander of Army Aviation Command, Major General Stephen Jobson, said the Army would continue providing support to the flood effort.

“Our aircrews, like all emergency service staff, are working together to ensure the safety of the community.” Major General Jobson said.

A thankful teenager gives an Aircrewman a hug after they were rescued

by MRH90 crew from AAvnTC not far from Ipswich.

- Photo, Bradley Richardson

DEFENCEJOBS

professionalism ARH has among its personnel and associated with her role, the training, armed recon and attack it’s all very, very professional.

“It is very busy though, but there’s always something to do in the cockpit, systems to manage, people to talk to,” she said, “But at the end of the day, despite that, when you get out of that cockpit you look back and you’re proud of what you’ve done.”

LT Currie had her sights set on flying helicopters when she joined the Army straight after finishing high school.

“I worked the odd job while I was at school, just at the local supermarket,” LT Currie said.

“But after school, I went through to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in 2015 and got my degree there,” she said.

“I completed three years at ADFA for my degree and then a year at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Duntroon, where I did my officer training.

“From there, I then spent a year at the Basic Flight Training School in Tamworth, which has since closed down.

“And after that, a year at HATS (Helicopter Aircrew Training System) which is a joint helicopter school for rotary conversion and now here today.”

LT Currie said she was inspired to join the Army when she saw personnel provide flood assistance during the Townsville Floods and also by her uncle who was in the reserves as a medic.

“I was in school when the Townsville Floods and the Black Hawks were on the news at the time, and that was part of what inspired me,” LT Currie

said.

“I also had a lot of support from my family,” she said.

“My uncle was in the reserves years ago as a medic, so a bit of army background but not much.”

But it was the appeal of flying helicopters that gave LT Currie the final push to join the army.

Despite already achieving so much at such a young age, LT Currie has her eye on climbing the pilot categorisations ranks.

“Stepping up through those categorisation would be awesome.”

A special experience LT Currie said she will never forget was live firing 30mm rounds and 70mm rockets on exercises Knights Guns near Townsville in 2021.

“I was so lucky to experience live firing rockets and guns, it was awesome” LT Currie said.

Despite the prospect of flying helicopters full-time for the indefinite future, LT Currie said it’s the challenge of perfecting her skills that keeps her wanting to do her job.

“I love flying ARH, it’s such an awesome aircraft to fly, and it’s extremely manoeuvrable which can be very exciting,” LT Currie said.

“Constantly practicing managing systems and being as competent and effective you can be in the cockpit is the main thing,” she said.

“The training they do here at AAvnTC they try to make it as realistic as possible, which I love!.

“It doesn’t feel fast when you’re high up, but you feel the speed and the manoeuvrability when you’re low down and zooming through the trees and going under power lines.”

DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING UPCOMING EVENTS Toowoomba 17 Mar - Recruiting Now Information Session 24 Mar - Gap Year Information Session 30 Mar - Defence Careers Information Session For more details and bookings visit defencejobs.gov.au/events CALL 13 19 01

DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU

www.armyflyingmuseum.com.au See our webpage for details on admission fees and opening hours.

Phone 07 4577 7666

Find us on Facebook

Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

www.facebook.com/ oakeychampion

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

‘Twos-Day’ at State School On February 22nd, students at Oakey State School celebrated a once-in-a-century occasion.

OK Youth Talk

February 22nd marked a special day, with the date reading 22/2/22.

The date is described as a Palindrome, which refers to a word or phrase that

reads the same backwards.

Oakey State School dubbed the day as ‘Twosday’ and coincidentally, it happened to fall on a Tuesday.

Students dressed up in bright, flaring costumes and played games to honour the day.

They were very excited to have their photos taken

for the paper, and were frequently holding up ‘peace signs’ which symbolised the recurrent number of twos in the date.

Free Skateboarding Workshop in Oakey This Saturday 12th March come along to the free beginner skateboarding workshop run by PCYC Connect.

Follow this link to register https://australianskateboarding.com/workshop-registration/.

Online Boredom Busters Activity

If you’re looking to learn how to make bath bombs, grow your own veggies or create a dried flower bundle, look no further than Boredom Busters.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has five online booklets that can teach you almost any skill or hobby.

To start your journey of defeating boredom, visit https://www.tr.qld.gov. au/community-business/community-support/youth/14236-coronavirusactivities-resources.

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

Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

Oakey State School students sitting down in a line waiting to be photographed.

Students making a ‘peace sign’ pose.

Oakey Scouts band together for ‘Clean Up Australia Day’

Sunday was Clean Up Australia Day and the Oakey Scouts honoured the day by picking up litter around Oakey.

ABOVE: Oakey Scouts and Garth Hamilton.

LEFT: Oakey Scouts cleaning up Oakey.

- Photos, Jess Barnes

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“From our little Joeys to our Scouts, it was great to get out in our community and for the youth to learn life lessons,” said Scouts Leader Jess Barnes.

“It was still quite

General Office Ph 07 4670 9685 | 70 Campbell Street Oakey

muddy and soft in the parks, but all in all the youth had an absolute blast,” Ms Barnes said.

“Garth Hamilton [Federal Member for Groom] joined us on the morning also,” she said.

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