Oakey Champion - 15th September 2021

The

Oakey Champion

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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T E E N W I N S B U S I N E S S AWA R D - PAG E 3 R U O K ? DAY I N OA K E Y - PAG E 7 M E N TA L H E A LT H M AT T E R S W E E K - PA G E 1 1

St Monica’s turns 100

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The entire school community lent its input and support for St Monica’s School’s Centenary Celebrations on Sunday which was packed with ceremony and fun from the official opening of a prayer labyrinth and yarning circle, to the laying of a time capsule, cutting of a birthday cake and performances from the students.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Andrew Langton’s

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Catholic Schools Executive Director Dr Patrick Coughlan, Member for Condamine Pat Weir, Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Bishop Robert McGuckin, Army Aviation Training Centre Warrant Officer Class One Paul Simpfendorfer and St Monica’s Parish Priest Fr Thomas Areekuzhy pose with the newly blessed prayer labyrinth and yarning circle.

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Friday Night Live

Oakey young people between the ages of 12 and 18 years are invited to attend the free Friday Night Live sessions held every week at 35-37 York Street.

The events run from 6.30pm to 9pm every Friday night.

Activities include ball games, pool, cards, board

games, Play Station, Xbox and music.

They are possible thanks to Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN.

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Three upgrades to improve Warrego Highway safety

New left-turn lanes at three key locations on the Warrego Highway between Oakey and Dalby will be added to significantly improve safety.

Left-turn lanes will be installed at Devon Park Road, Bowenville-Moola Road and BowenvilleNorwin Road, with works commencing later this month.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the works will extend the culverts, widen the highway to accommodate the left-turn lanes, and update line marking and signs.

“Both BowenvilleMoola and BowenvilleNorwin Roads carry many livestock trucks and other agricultural freight, as well as school buses and caravanners,” he said.

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“This project will also improve safety at Devon Park Road intersection where an informal stopping area has resulted in increased traffic.

“The works are about to get underway and will be completed by the end of the year.”

The Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the dedicated left-turn lanes will reduce the risk of crashes by allowing turning vehicles to slow down without impeding through traffic.

“Road Safety Program funding supports the fast roll-out of life-saving safety works on rural and regional roads,” he said.

“The funding is offered to states and territories on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis in six-month tranches to ensure rapid delivery.

“This announcement is another example of the Federal Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on

Three intersections between Oakey and Dalby will have left-turn lanes installed to improve safety for motorists. our roads.”

Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said staged over two years, the concept and design work has been finalised in 2020-21 and construction scheduled to be undertaken in 2021-22.

“Stage 3 of the project is to upgrade of the McInnerneys Road intersection, following completion of the

Around the

2.5-kilometre upgrade of Bowenville-Moola Road from the Dalby-Nungil Road,” he said.

The $2.5 million project is being funded under the Road Safety Program, which is funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 split.

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This dusty sunset photo was snapped near Cambooya.

Protea Place at Oakey

Protea Place continues to host its Oakey Outreach at the Oakey Community Centre every Tuesday from 10am to 11.30am.

This free program includes information on other services, food vouchers, toiletries, clothing and tea and coffee for local women in need.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Time capsule captures school community

Continued from page 1 Bishop Robert McGuckin officially opened the prayer labyrinth and yarning circle which will stand as a permanent legacy from the centenary event.

The labyrinth was painted by local Indigenous artist Damon “Miri” Anderson and features a metal sculpture

by Mark Anderson which symbolises the Sisters of The Good Samaritan who founded the school 100 years ago.

Principal Luke Barrett said as well as marking the first 100 years of the school, the labyrinth will serve a functional purpose for the students.

“It is designed as a tool

for reflection. It has one path with a single entry and exit point,” he said.

“You cannot get lost.

“There is no right way or wrong way to walk.”

Mr Barrett said the artworks were bordered by tiles donated by members of the community commemorating the Sisters, staff, students and families who attended the school A time capsule put together by the students will be buried in a garden bed located behind the labyrinth.

Filled with school and Oakey artefacts, it is anticipated that the time capsule will be opened and enjoyed by a future school community.

Councillor visit

Due to a miscommunication, the location for the upcoming Toowoomba Region Councillor visit is at the Oakey Railway Station car park, Bridge Street, Oakey and not in the Oakey Service Centre as published in The Oakey Champion on September 8.

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Crs Melissa Taylor and Bill Cahill will visit Oakey on Friday, October 15 from 9am.

Locals are encouraged to attend the community visits to discuss any relevant Council-related activities,

services or projects.

Those wanting to meet with Councillors are urged to book a time with the local Oakey Community Development Officer on 0418 876 131 as there are limited time slots available.

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Local teen turns disability challenges into award win

With the help of dedicated professionals and a forward-thinking employer, Oakey State High School student Max has been able to work through the challenges his cerebral palsy and epilepsy brings to start a school-based traineeship and even win a Business disABILITY Award.

When the 17-years-old student expressed a desire to enter the workforce, the high school (as part of the Eligible School Leaver Program) connected him with employment and training organisation HELP Employment & Training.

Max, who uses a wheelchair and constantly copes with the symptoms of cerebral palsy and epilepsy, posed a challenge to the organisation when it looked to place him with an employer.

HELP Employment & Training’s Vinita Saunders said after working through some of Max’s needs in a work environment, she approached Angela Brown, owner of Angie’s Domestic Duties, about the opportunity to employ Max at her business.

“We landed on getting Max into a role in administration,” she said.

“We have been working with Angie’s Domestic Duties for a couple of years and we knew she has a drive to work with people from all sorts of backgrounds.

“When I told Angie Max’s story she told me to bring him in straight away.”

Max (centre front) with Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki, Elissa Flanagan’s family Michael, Rob, Grace and Emily Whitby, Vinita Saunders from HELP Employment & Training and Angela Brown of Angie’s Domestic Duties.

The chance to work with Angie brought a positive to Max’s life after a few setbacks due to COVID-19 left him without a sense of direction.

Ms Saunders said Max has brought enthusiasm to his role at Angie’s Domestic Duties and is thriving at

New vaccine hub in Toowoomba

Oakey district residents will have greater access to the COVID-19 vaccine from this week with the opening of a new community-based vaccination centre.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new centre in a converted undercover carpark at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre will offer increased capacity in response to growing demand for vaccinations across the state.

“As more Queenslanders come forward for vaccination and supply increases, we’re able to move to larger venues,” she said.

“Many of our current vaccination sites are scalable, meaning they are able to ramp up daily capacity as more supply

becomes available and we’re able to administer more and more vaccines.”

The new vaccination centre and will replace the clinic at Baillie Henderson Hospital for community vaccinations.

“The new site will offer 22 vaccination bays, increasing from the eight vaccination bays currently available at Baillie Henderson Hospital,” Ms D’Ath said.

Darling Down Health spokesperson Annette Scott said it was important people continued to

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register their interest to receive the vaccine.

“This new centre will initially cater for existing bookings and will progressively ramp up as vaccine supply increases to administer up to 1,500 doses a day,” Ms Scott said.

“Vaccination is our best chance of beating this pandemic,” Ms Scott said.

“Thank you to all those local residents who have already come forward to be vaccinated. So far, more than 53,000 doses have been delivered across the Darling Downs Health Service.

“If you want to get vaccinated, please register your interest as soon as possible.”

To register your interest visit www.health.qld.gov.au/ vaccinebookings Bookings are preferred for vaccinations at the Clinic, as there will be limited capacity for walkins dependent on supply at the time.

For the first week, the centre will operate 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and from Monday it will be open seven days a week between 8.30am to 4pm.

the workplace.

“Angie and Max hit it off straight-away. He’s a great young lad and is very confident and competent at what he does,” she said.

“There is about 52 staff members at Angie’s and he fits in with them.”

She said the business didn’t hesitate to provide the environment and equipment to suit Max’s complex needs.

“They’re an amazing employer that takes a chance to work with and change the lives of all types of people,” Ms Saunders said.

“Max isn’t just treated like an employee but a member of a family.”

Max’s handwork in his Certificate II in Business hasn’t gone unnoticed with the teen winning the Elissa Flanagan ‘Aim High’

Scholarship at the Business disABILITY Awards held at Toowoomba.

The award was named after Cecil Plains resident, mother and advocate for children with disabilities, Elissa Flanagan, who was tragically killed in a car accident aged just 29.

Sponsored by the Member for Toowoomba South, the award provides funds to be used towards the cost of professional development, training and/or education.

Max is working towards finishing his traineeship and Year 12 as well as working to improve his vocabulary and confidence.

He dreams of becoming a presenter in the future to show young people what is possible in life and wants to live independently with his friends in Toowoomba.

Truckie blows 0.139

A random breath test has caught a 48-years-old Strathpine heavy vehicle driver who recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.139.

The man was stopped near Jondaryan on Thursday.

He was issued with a Notice to Appear for a mid range drink driving offence.

Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

TO THE PAST

St Monica’s Church

The new St Monica’s Catholic Church at Oakey was blessed and opened on Sunday afternoon, September 14, 1958 by Right Rev. Monsignor McKenna of Clifton who represented the Most Reverend Dr W. Brennan, Bishop of Toowoomba.

Over 1,000 parishioners and visitors attended the opening which was immediately followed by the first Mass in the new church by celebrant Rev.

Father Bergin.

The Church was built during the incumbency of Father Leo Hayes, Parish Priest, as a Soldiers’ Memorial Church to commemorate the fallen from both World Wars and the Korean War. The church is a solid building of brick veneer with 81 windows for adequate ventilation for 350 people who can be accommodated.

The architect was Frank Cullen, ABOVE: The church when new before the statue was there. The plinth is just visible above the fence on the left. The presbytery at the back was replaced in 1976.

- Photo, Ede Studio Toowoomba LEFT: St Monica’s Church in the mid 1960s.

- Photo, Valerie Weise-Young of Brisbane, the builder, Pat Gabbett of Toowoomba and the painter, Joe Hold of Oakey.

The new church cost £17,500 and was surrounded by a very nice brick fence.

The Church has three

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

$1.20

marble altars and all the pews are of Queensland maple. The reredos is of Helidon sandstone and the foundation stone (dated 23rd February, 1958 ) came from Balmoral, Scotland.

A very fine hand-carved

wooden crucifix adorns the background of the Sanctuary.

A couple years after the church was built, the Diflo family donated a statue of St Monica to grace the front of the building.

- Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead After the pleasant Spring weather over the last week, this week’s weather is expected to be a bit chilly. Overnight lows are expected to drop with a moderate chance of frost across the district today and Thursday.

6 DAY FORECAST

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

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TThe heEstablished Cha amp pion n Champion 1984

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

(Classified Advertising) - Monday 5.00p.m.

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- 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, September 15, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Vintage cars make a pit stop at Goombungee

The QCWA Goombungee branch welcomed members of the Darling Downs Veteran & Vintage Motor Club who visited the regional town recently to enjoy the hospitality of the local community and check out some of the attractions in the Goombungee district.

ABOVE: Visitors from Darling Downs Veterans and Vintage Motor Club enjoy morning tea at Goombungee QCWA rooms.

ABOVE RIGHT: The QCWA Goombungee members with the 1927 Chevrolet.

LEFT: Trevor and Judy Hoffmann with their historic 1927 Chevrolet vehicle.

RIGHT: Eliza and James Meara with their 1948 Essex. The car has been on the road for 45 years after being restored by James.

- Photos, Maria Golding

FairPlay vouchers

The FairPlay voucher program is still open with parents or guardians able to apply for a voucher valued up to $150, which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or fees for their child.

For more information go to www.qld.gov.au/recreation/ sports/funding/fairplay

Community Care looks Free seniors bus trips to back on productive year visit Carnival gardens

Helen Bawden OAM was returned as president of the Oakey Community Care committee at the organisation’s annual general meeting held at the Oakey Information Centre last week.

Letisha Palmblad will continue as secretary as well as taking on the role as vice president.

Lesley Hughes accepted a nomination to continue as treasurer.

Mrs Bawden thanked the committee members and residents who attended the monthly meetings.

“Even though our numbers have been low at some meetings and we have had to change dates or cancel, we have had a good year of fellowship and networking amongst our members,” she said.

“I have found the networking sessions in our meetings have been so informative and the communication is invaluable as to what is occurring in our town.

“I would like to thank Letisha for the professional and accurate account of the Minutes produced at each meeting when she has been able to attend and to Carol [Lee] who has taken Minutes when Letisha has been unable to attend.

“Also I thank Lesley for keeping account records for us as our Treasurer, she has it completely under control.”

Mrs Bawden said the ‘Oakey Community Services’ Facebook page has provided a great means of getting information out to the local community.

She also honoured long term Community Care committee member, Helen Green, who passed away last month.

Mrs Bawden said Mrs Green was a large contributor to the committee as well as the wider Oakey community.

“It is with much sadness that we lost our very dear friend Hazel Green a few weeks ago,” she said.

“Hazel was a very active member in our community and fought a long battle with ill health. Rest in Peace dear Hazel.”

Mrs Bawden said the group now looks forward to another year connecting the Oakey community with services and programs.

“I look forward to the continuation of the Oakey Community Care Committee into another successful year, we are making headway into the community and helping where help is needed and with communication and active networking, this with happen,” she said.

Toowoomba Regional Council is providing free seniors bus trips later this month for residents to check out some of the stunning gardens as part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

The bus will pick up A bus will pick up The tour includes residents from the residents from Oakey, morning tea, lunch and juice. designated town and will Kingsthorpe and Patrons are invited to arrive at Queens Park by Goombungee on Tuesday, bring their own travel mugs 9.30am.

September 28. of tea or coffee and water.

This will be followed Another bus will pick up Interested residents need by a drive past gardens people from Millmerran, to RSVP by Friday, before stopping for lunch Cecil Plains and Biddeston September 17. at Laurel Bank Park at on Monday, September 27 Pick up times and approximately 12.30pm. with Cooyar, Yarraman and locations will be confirmed The bus will depart for Crows Nest residents able upon booking. the return trip at about to access the bus trip on To book a seat call TRC 2.30pm.

Thursday, September 30. on 131 872.

Women’s health clinics

Darling Downs Health mobile women’s health nurse will be at the Oakey Hospital on Thursday, September 23 to provide free and confidential health advice for local women.

The mobile women’s health clinic offers a range of services include cervical screening tests, breast awareness, sexual health testing and advice for issues such as continence, menopause, family

I AM. WE ARE. LIONS

planning, contraception and general wellbeing.

Mobile women’s health nurse for the south eat region, Kathy Anning, said the mobile women’s health clinics are an easy, fuss-free way to ensure health tests

THE LIONS CLUB OF OAKEY

LIONS SUNDAY MAR KETS

SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER at Oakey Railway Carpark Starts at 8:30am-12:30pm Stall set-up from 7:30am

Want a site?

Contact Lois on 4691 1580

are up-to-date.

“Our clinics are a great opportunity for women to seek help for anything that is concerning them,” she said.

To book call the Oakey Hospital on 4691 4888.

Other clinics will be held at the Dalby Hospital tomorrow (September 1) and September 24.

To book a time at Dalby call 4669 0517.

Toowoomba Breast Screen also has a mobile clinic on September 24.

To book call 4616 6000.

Letters To the Editor

Letters To the Editor

Would you like to Are you interested? See Lois or any Lions member at the markets or give her a call: 4691 1580 join Oakey Lions? (Please leave a message)

Send Letters to the Editor to 2A Cherry Street Oakey or email editorial@oakeychampion.com.au Include your telephone number

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Raising funds and awareness for R U OK? Day

A small team of Oakey residents brought joy and fun as well as information for R U OK? Day last week to promote having a conversation about mental health and building connections within the community.

Yellow was the theme of the day on Thursday with local volunteers and clown, Tracy, taking to the street to share important tips to stay connected with people in the community.

One of the largest local employers, Oakey Beef Exports, also became involved in the day with a team putting on a barbecue for all team members at the plant.

The Oakey Beef barbecuing champions started the meat smokers at 4am to ensure that the brisket burger patties were ready to be served later in the day.

Former local doctor and Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) president, Dr John Hall said taking part in R U OK? Day can be life changing for anyone in the community

who is having a tough time.

“Whether it is a friend, a colleague or a family member, don’t wait to until someone is visibly distressed or in crisis to ask them if there is a problem.

“Step in early and take a moment to check in with people even when they may look ok,” he said.

“Often we have a feeling that someone is just not quite right.

“They may be more withdrawn or agitated than usual. Quick to anger or generally out of sorts..

“Start a conversation about the changes you’ve noticed and how they are feeling. Opening up a conversation can really be life-changing “We know that it can be hard knowing what to say when you think something is wrong, so there are some

great resources available at ruok.org.au to help you get started and keep the conversation going.

“And remember… before you can look out for others you also need to look out for yourself.

“That’s OK too.

“Before starting the conversation, ask yourself, Am I ready? Am I prepared? Have I picked the right moment?

“If you don’t think you are the right person to ask, try and think of someone else that they may open up to.

“But if you are the right person, and if they aren’t OK, remember to listen with an open mind, don’t judge, be patient, and encourage action to help manage the load. Share any experience you may have had that could help them,

ABOVE: Locals Tara Duffy, Tracy Bruce, Jenny Wieck and Pauline Grieve raise funds and awareness for R U OK? Day in the Oakey community on Thursday.

LEFT: Oakey Beef Exports staff members Justin Caldwell, Mitch Barnes, Grant Coleman and Mal McBride with Oakey Police Senior Constable Peter Daly (centre).

BELOW: Oakey Beef’s Justin Caldwell and Grant Colman test their barbecuing skills for R U OK? Day. or encourage them to seek professional help.”

R U OK? DAY AT THE LIONS MARKETS R U OK? Day hasn’t ended with the Oakey Lions Club hosting a special market on Sunday, September 19.

Alongside the usual variety of market stalls there will be a sausage sizzle, free cake, a special guest speaker and more information about the R U OK? Day message.

The markets run from 8am to noon at the Oakey Railway Station carpark.

Chappy’s Chat

FATHER’S DAY Father’s Day is about celebrating, recognising and affirming fathers. Not all of us have or had a father who was present in our lives for various reasons or we have had a hard disciplinarian type father who was hard on us.

Because of this, it is sometimes hard for us to imagine what a good father looks like.

James Brown, a board member of The Fathering Project was guest speaker at our recent Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.

He shared with us some research from recent studies that showed that the cumulative effect of improved fathering can influence a number of positive outcomes in children including improved child development, improved health outcomes, improved school results, improved functionality of at-risk families, reduced substance abuse, reduced crime and reduced suicide and self-harm. The Fathering Project aims to improve the lives of children by engaging fathers and father-figures and inspiring them be the best fathers or father-figure that they can be.

James shared with us a simple principle about what kids needs from their dads. It is called the BUS principle.

B – being there for them, U – show unconditional love, S – help them realise how special they are. Children need their fathers to be present and actively engaged in their lives.

They need to know that they are loved unconditionally for who they are, your son or daughter, not because of what they do or don’t do. Fathers need to tune in and engage with their kids. They need to listen to them, know them as an individual, know about their thoughts, ideas, dreams, their likes and dislikes and know their friends. Children need their fathers to play with them and have fun.

Spending everyday moments at home is just as important as those special events we often focus on.

As earthly fathers, we know that doing all those things can be difficult for us and hard to achieve a lot of the time.

Our Heavenly Father does all of those things for us. He is always there for us. He shows us unconditional love – there is nothing that we can do to make Him love us more and there is nothing we can do to love Him less. Our Heavenly Father regards us all as special. He saw us being formed in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and knows everything about us. He desires that we all have that special Father/ child relationship with him.

- Pastor Ken Schultz St Paul’s Lutheran Church

Oakey Urban Landcare open Free trivia days for Carnival of Flowers

Oakey Urban Landcare Group is opening the Cockburn Landcare Research Centre, on Oakey Kelvinaugh Road to coincide with the Carnival of Flowers.

The centre will be open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays until Sunday, September 26.

Local residents are invited to discover the

Koala Habitat Project surrounding the Research Centre, and learn about other projects in the district.

These is a free sessions and everyone is welcome.

The Cockburn Landcare

Research Centre is located on Oakey Kelvinhaugh Road, off Beale Street.

For more information call Oakey Urban Landcare president Trevor Cockburn on 0409 633 352.

The Oakey Wellness Committee together with the Oakey Information Centre volunteers are hosting free Trivia tomorrow, September 16 from 10am to 11.30am at the Information Centre.

Free morning tea including coffee and tea will be provided.

Come as an individual or as a team.

Rise in vehicle thefts in local area

The Toowoomba Regional Council area has recorded a major rise in the number of cars being stolen, with quarterly data from CarSafe revealing vehicle theft in Toowoomba jumped by more than 72 per cent in the twelve months to August 2021.

Closer to home, the Oakey Police division which includes the town and surrounding regions has also seen a major increase in vehicle thefts.

From September 2020 to September 2021 there were 33 unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences.

For the same period from September 2019 to September 2020 there were only 16 unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences.

Queensland Shadow Police Minister Dale Last said thousands of Queenslanders fall victim to car theft each year and the state government is failing to stamp it out.

“Youth Crime has increased 183 per cent in

Queensland since 2015,” he said.

“More cars are being stolen in Queensland more often under this State Government.

“Police are contacting me every day expressing their frustration.

“They are powerless to take action against young offenders.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said this increase is evidence that youth crime has hit crisis levels.

“Youth crime is ripping apart communities,” he said.

“The Opposition has consistently called for the state government to restore breach of bail as an offence for young criminals.

A stolen vehicle was located burnt out at Costello’s Road earlier this year.

“Repeat offenders should not be allowed to put the safety of Queenslanders at risk.

“Honest Queenslanders expect good governments to get a handle on this sort of crime.”

1 2

Page 8

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Flynn; 4/6 - Sean Petrie; 5. Ted Lucht; 7 - over 60, Ted Lucht and under 60, Andy Palmer; 8 - Lindsay Bradford.

Long Drives went to: A Grade - B Costello; B Grade - B. McDonald; over 60 - P. Flynn.

Membership number 12 went to S. Gillis who was

not present for $25.

Raffles went to 65 G. Byers, and 87 D. Holmes.

The leader board has tightened up with T. Lucht outright leader with 34 points; P. Wolski on 28 points; P. Flynn, R. MacKenzie, P. Morgan and G. Nash on 26 points; L. Bartley, W. Bostock, A. Cherry, P. Jones and S. Petrie on 24 points.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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

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Oakey Social Golf winners R. MacKenzie and T. Lucht with runners-up M. Morgan and B. Costello.

PUBLIC NOTICES Oakey Junior Cricket Club

Oakey Cricket Grounds, Lorrimer Street

FIRST TRAINING DAY

Thursday 16th September 3:30-5pm

FIRST GAME All skills welcome!

Saturday 9th October from 8am

Go to www.play.cricket.com.au for more information about programs, times and to sign up to the Oakey Junior Cricket Club

Boys & Girls aged up to 16 years as of 31st August 2021

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PLAYING JUNIOR CRICKET? CONTACT THE CLUB!

Just call Brendan 0408 915 280 or email brendan@mcind.com.au or oakeyjuniorcricket@gmail.com

Pat WEIR MP

Member for Condamine

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

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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Page 9

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Finals 1 Score: 3 Total Score: 137

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Phone 4692 0900

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Oakey Parkrun results Oakey Golf Club results

A total of 28 participants took part in Oakey Parkrun on Saturday with first time competitor Will Barton breaking the course record in a time of 16:51 minutes.

Event regular Shaun Cavanough completed his 100th event while Karen Oster celebrated finishing 50 Parkruns.

Joanna McRae came in second place in a time of 20:03 minutes.

She was followed by Benjamin Fenton in a personal best time of 20:48 minutes; Dave McRae in 20:56 minutes; and first time participant Danny Rigoni in 21:41 minutes.

Other personal best times went to: Thomas Shane, 25:22 minutes; Marcia Smith, 26:28 minutes; and Jess Johansen, 30:04 minutes.

Alongside Will and Danny, there were three other first time Oakey Parkrunners.

They were Lesley Bongaarts, 29:16 minutes; Carl Bongaarts, 30:12 minutes; and Gemma Tomkins, 33:12 minutes.

The event was made

possible thanks to this week’s volunteers: Curt Batterham, Faith McKay, Jazmin McKay, Oliver Jones, Sian Thurlow, Simmone Batterham and Tracy Back.

Oakey Parkrun is held every Saturday from 7am at Arthur Shooter Park.

It is a 5km course.

Everyone is welcome to take part.

To register and for more information go to: www.parkrun.com.au/oakey/

RESULTS Wednesday, September 8: the ladies played an 18 hole Stroke.

The winner was Hazel Harvey with a 71 net.

Runner-up was Yvonne Jackson with a 72 net.

Front nine was won by Joan Fisk with 19 points.

The back nine was won

by Janice Little with 18 points.

Pin on no. 3 was won by Daphne Webster.

Foursomes Matchplay results: Bev Bacon and Kathy Fenton defeated

RESULTS Thursday, September 9 was a Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Approaches went to 1/10 Steve Elfverson, 3/12 Shane Hughes, 9/18 David Cass.

Ladies also played a Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Winner was Ann Cass with 35 points.

Pin shot, ladies went to

4/13 Jan Mullins.

Approaches went to 6/15 Gloria Scott, 9/18 Rose Edmunds.

Friday, September 10 Chook Run winner was Dave Scutt.

Sunday, September 9 was a Single Stableford Goombungee versus Oakey.

Winner Goombungee men was Greg Buckley, 39 points on a count back.

Winner Goombungee

ladies was Val Drowley with 43 points.

Runner-up Goombungee men: Errol Hartman with 39 points.

Runner-up Goombungee ladies: Carmel Cover with 41 points.

Approaches men: 5/14 Bill Robinson.

Approaches ladies: 8/17 Val Drowley.

COMING EVENTS Thursday, September 16

will be the Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy and Ladies Round 2 Handicap Matchplay Championship, Single Stroke for other players with a Club Trophy.

Friday, September 17 will be a Chook Run from 3pm.

Sunday, September 19 will be Mixed Foursomes, 27 holes with a 10am start.

- Murray McLeod

Goombungee Golf Club results

Yvonne Lebeter and Marlene Deans, 6 to 5.

Winner of the Thursday Sporters on September 9 was George Fenton with 25 points.

Sunday, September 12: Oakey hosted Goombungee in their annual interclub event.

Goombungee, 362, defeated Oakey, 358.

Men’s winner for Goombungee was Greg Buckley with 39 points on a count back.

The runner-up was Errol Hartman with 39 points.

Goombungee ladies winner was Val Drowley with 43 points and the runner-up was Carmel Cover with 41 points.

Oakey men’s winner was Holden Norton with 41 points.

The runner-up was John

Grawich with 37 points.

Oakey ladies winner was Yvonne Lebeter with 36 points.

The runner-up was Yvonne Jackson with 35 points on a count back.

Men’s pins were won

by Wayne Wirth for No. 3 and Bill Robertson on No. 5/14.

Ladies pins were won

by Iris Thompson on No. 3, Marlene Deans on No. 12, second shot 5/14 Yvonne Lebeter and the second shot No. 17 was won by Val Drowley.

COMING EVENTS Wednesday, September 15: the ladies will play an 18 hole Stableford.

Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19: the members will play an 18 hole Stroke.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Pool & Darts competition

Latest results of the Bernborough Pool & Darts competition.

These are the last round scores: Grand 1, 104; Grand 2, 109; Bernborough Tavern 1, 60;

Bernborough Tavern 2, 61.

Grand 1 will play Grand 2 in the final at Grand Hotel next week.

- Wayne Gesler

Page 10

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Entries open for Oakey Show Local farmers Dryland Winter Crop Competition looking forward to top crop

Following a very successful winter crop competition in 2020, the Oakey Show Society is bringing back the Dryland Winter Crop Competition for 2021.

With regular and beneficial rainfall across the district during the winter period, the majority of the cereal and legume crops are looking great.

Society president Judith Byers said good follow up spring rain during the remainder of September and early October will ensure above average yields, and good returns due to the current buoyant prices are achieved.

However, as farmers are very concerned that mice populations are again increasing, control measures are now being considered and implemented.

The Oakey Show Society would like growers to

consider participating in the competition to demonstrate the value of these crops, the benefits of contemporary farming systems, along with the fertility and productivity of the local farming district.

With the ongoing popularity of chickpeas across the Oakey District, the Oakey Show Society has again included chickpeas in the 2021 Dryland Winter Crop competition.

Nominations for the competition for prime hard and durum wheat, barley and chickpeas are now being accepted and will close on Thursday, September 30.

For further information,

This year’s winter crop is again forecast to be well above average, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) Australian Crop Report.

An outstanding high yielding barley crop in 2020 grown by the Rosenberger family at Silverleigh.

- Photo, Ron Rosenberger contact Graham Cooke on

0429 328 681.

Leafminer pest Land Restoration detected in crops Fund Round 2

Serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) has been detected in celery, spinach and wombok crops in the Lockyer Valley.

It poses a serious economic threat to South East Queensland’s horticulture and nursery production plant industries as it has a wide host range including vegetables, ornamentals and weeds.

Its larvae feed internally on plant tissue, particularly the leaf, causing distinctive mine damage which may appear as pale ‘squiggly’ or ‘serpentine’ patterns.

Severe unmanaged infestations may result in premature leaf drop, poor growth, and reduced crop

yield and marketability.

The State Government is working with industry to address the serious threat posed by the serpentine leafminer to Queensland’s plant industries.

Industry and the public are urged to report suspected detections of serpentine leafminer to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23.

More information is available at farmbiosecurity.com.au or biosecurity.qld.gov.au

The second round of funding under the Land Restoration Fund (LRL) is now open.

Queensland farmers, landholders, land managers and First Nations peoples interested in developing a new carbon farming project are invited to check their eligibility and apply at https:// landrestoration.smartygrants. com.au/R2 The LRL contracts carbon farming projects that deliver Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) and additional environmental, socio-economic and First Nations outcomes, known as co-benefits.

For Investment Round 2,

Grainfed beef more than half of domestic consumption

Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) quarterly grainfed production and consumption calculation estimates that for the second successive quarter, grainfed beef accounted for 50 per cent of total Australian beef production, and more than half of domestically consumed beef.

This challenges the common perception that grainfed beef often only flows to export markets, and shows supermarkets are taking larger cuts of grainfed product.

The herd rebuild, based on improved seasonal conditions, has encouraged producers to build up their inventory – leaving less stock available to be processed.

As a result, cattle slaughter is down 24% on

2020 year-to-June levels.

During this time, the grainfed sector has provided a degree of continuity, ensuring that Australian cattle continue to flow through to processors, with grainfed turn-off only down 3% year-on-year.

While in the second quarter of 2021 grainfed animals only accounted for 4% of slaughter, they accounted for 50% of beef production due to the

higher weights achieved in feedlots.

This is demonstrated with cattle carcase weights averaging 310kg/head in the June quarter – up 23kg on the same quarter in 2020.

The proportion of beef production coming from feedlots rose 8% in the 2021 June quarter, compared to the same time in 2020, further reinforcing the strength of the feedlot sector to underpin supply during the rebuild.

the LRF is investing $25 million in carbon farming projects, with up to $5 million funding available per project.

Initial applications close at 2pm on October 8.

Shortlisted projects will be notified on December 6, 2021 with final applications to close at 2pm on February 4, 2022.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, says this year’s winter crop is shaping up to be a cracker, with a record high amount of country planted.

“This year’s harvest is projected to be 54.8 million tonnes, with a record breaking with 23.2 million hectares planted,” he said.

“While slightly down on last year’s harvest, 202021 was the second largest winter crop on record and we’re still in for a huge winter crop.

“This year’s harvest is estimated to be more than 30per cent above the tenyear average to 2020-21.

“This is also set to be a record-breaking year for canola.

“The canola harvest is set to reach 5 million tonnes, an increase of 11 per cent.

“Canola was worth $1.4 billion nationally in 2019-20. Production of wheat and barley are expected to fall but still be in the top two to three tonnages ever recorded.

“We’ve had either average or above average rainfall in most cropping regions this winter, and we’re now looking at

similar projections for spring rain.

“Of concern for farmers will be the possibility that mouse numbers will increase this spring and ongoing border closures making access to heavy machinery operators in particular challenging.

“At the moment, mouse numbers are at their highest in southern Queensland and northern and central New South Wales. There are also high populations in central Queensland and around Geraldton in Western Australia.

“While higher mouse numbers are not expected to significantly reduce national production, they are likely to have localised effects by increase production costs and may affect grain stored on-site in affected regions.

“There is support available for farmers impacted by mouse numbers. We have recently launched a webpage for impacted farmers to access the resources they need.”

For details on support for farmers impacted by mouse infest-ation go to: www.agriculture.gov.au/agfarm-food/mouse-infestation

Watco named new cattle rail service provider

Watco East West has been selected to operate cattle rail transport services in South West and Central West Queensland from 2022 to 2028 following a competitive procurement process.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that the contract with the Department of Transport and Main Roads would support cattle transport by rail from central-west and southwest parts of the state.

“Supporting cattle producers and Queensland’s beef industry is an integral part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan,” Mr Bailey said.

“Transporting cattle on rail reduces wear and tear on our roads and reduces traffic congestion, so a key aim of this contract is to increase the amount of

cattle transported by rail services,” he said.

“Queensland has the largest and some of the best beef herds in Australia, and the beef industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy.

“More than 10,000 Queenslanders work in the beef industry, and cattle transport is a critical part of its successful operation in a state as large as ours.

“By supporting businesses like Watco to help manage the freight task, we’re sharing the load between road and rail.”

Watco East West Director Chris Hood said

the company is looking forward to taking on the role.

“We’re excited to be part of reinvigorating the transport of cattle on rail in the South West and Central West regions through delivering regular, reliable and responsive rail freight services,” Mr Hood said.

“Focussing on our Customer First Foundation Principles, we look forward to working with the industry supply chain and meeting the needs of all stakeholders involved and actively growing the number of cattle trains in the region.”

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Students lead Mental Health Matters Week

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The Oakey State High School Student Representative Council (SRC) took charge of Mental Health Matters Week hosting a jam-packed week of activities from musical performances to movies, karaoke, art therapy and a trivia competition to promote school cohesion and student mental health and wellbeing.

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ABOVE: Oakey State High School SRC members Tiarna, Jarna and Delta hand out free bags full of items aimed at promoting positive mental health and comfort.

BELOW: Students receive a celebratory piece of cake from Jodie Collins.

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BELOW: Students enjoyed a live performance from Kadi Lillis and Pepper Jane during Mental Health Matters Week.

The activities and events held during the school breaks were made possible thanks to funding from the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Oakey Youth Grants.

SRC members Jarna and Delta said they have been surprised by the amount of student support and involvement in the week.

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Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Oakey’s Favourite Bistro

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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Publicans FREE Raffles 12 -1.30pm

LEFT: Local ladies and sisters-in-law Kathleen O’Brien and Johanna O’Brien reminisce about old times at the St Monica’s school community. Both ladies, aged 97, cut the birthday cake at the school’s 50th celebrations.

Kathleen went to the school in the 1930s while Johanna was involved in the Oakey parish most of her life.

BELOW LEFT: Ned and Bernice Laughton have been long term contributors to the St Monica’s School community.

BELOW: Josie and Leanne Weedon and Wendy Edmondstone operated the plant stall at the Centenary event.

ABOVE: St Monica’s School staff members Mandie, Elizabeth and Grace manned the sweets tent on Sunday selling a range of treats made by the local school community.

ABOVE RIGHT: Samantha and Andrew have a look inside the Oakey Ambulance vehicle which was on site at the event.

RIGHT: Ty enjoys trying out a Queensland Police Roads Policing Unit motorbike which was also on display at the weekend.

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