Oakey Champion - 17th February 2022

The

Oakey Champion

4691 1376

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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Oakey’s Own Newspaper

I N S I D E 5 0 Y E A R S O F T H E OA K E Y A R T G R O U P - PAG E 3 F I R S T P O S T O F F I C E A N D P O S T M A S T E R - PAG E 4 T HIS OA K E Y K I D S ’ F I R S T DAY O F S C H O O L - PAG E 1 2 W EEK

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50 years of the Oakey Art Group

The Oakey Art Group has turned 50 years old and members are reflecting on the Group’s long history within the community.

Andrew Langton’s

OAKEY ELECTRICAL

Left to right: Ros Mason, Kathy Brownsdon, Glenda Fuller, Sue Wheeler, Sheila Greet, Howard Wetzig, Maria King, Gail Jinks, Veronica Barker.

Ros Mason, who is the longest serving member, went to the Group’s second meeting fifty years ago in 1972.

“We only had about four or five books back then,” Ms Mason said.

“There was nothing you could refer to that would tell you how to draw a flower,” she said.

“Now we have beautiful books you can rent out from our library which tell you how to

draw anything!”

Many of the members started off as beginners because there was no other art group in the area.

“I’ve come from not being able to draw a

bucket”, Ms Mason said.

Now she and other members have created beautiful pieces of art which are displayed around their studio and are available to purchase.

- Continued on Page 3

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Combatting Covid with ‘Window of Love’

With visitor restrictions in place at all aged care homes across the state, McLean Care CWA House has come up with a COVID-Safe way to connect families and residents via a ‘Window of Love’.

The window is located between the CWA House deck and an internal room, giving families enough room to come together in view of the resident.

This allows for more people to chat with the resident at any one time, compared to the State Government mandated limit inside the facility of just one visitor at a time.

A new favourite location at the site, the ‘Window of Love’ was key in celebrating the 100th birthday of resident Pat whilst CWA House was in a lockdown last year.

McLean Care Director of Residential and Home and Community Services Gary Cadwallender said the ‘Window of Love’ has been a popular addition to CWA House since it was introduced earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It allows families to see their loved ones in person. We also have a phone on both sides which gives visitors a chance to chat with their family members,” he said.

“We recently had a 100th birthday celebration at CWA House during a short lockdown at the facility.

“We had a cake and decorations to make it a special day for the resident and many of her family members were able to come and join in through the Window of Love.”

Mr Cadwallender said it is important for residents to keep the connection with their families during these uncertain times.

“We also encourage residents to Facetime with their family members and they can still have limited visitors into the facility,” he said.

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“Residents are also able to go on trips outside the facility with their families.

It’s all about making sure they get the contact without increasing the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 with other residents.”

Mr Cadwallender credited these measures and other infection control policies with keeping COVID-19 out of CWA House.

“We have been very successful in stopping COVID-19 from spreading in the facility. We have had no cases so far,” he said.

“One of the cooks contracted COVID-19 but it was detected before they had been in the facility.”

He said McLean Care is constantly monitoring the situation and meets several times a week to keep up-todate on the ever-changing environment.

“We have a good supply

Resident Beryl keeping in touch with daughter Jen and Cheryl via the ‘Window of Love’.

- McLean CWA House of RATs (rapid antigen tests) at all of our facilities which are given out to

our staff members,” Mr Cadwallender said.

“Our aim is to be able to

identify if a staff member has COVID-19 before they turn up to work.”

National Illicit Firearms Campaign 2022

The Federal Government has partnered with Crime Stoppers Australia for this year’s National Illicit Firearms Campaign, keeping Australians safe by removing illegal guns from the community.

Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said illegal guns are more likely to be used in crime or involved in accidents or insecurely stored.

“There is no excuse –

indeed no legitimate reason – for anyone in Australia to have an illicit firearm,” she said.

“If you surrender it, you can do so without penalty.

“The alternative is a knock on your door from the police and the potential for serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment.”

Around the

To share information about an unregistered or illegal gun, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppers. com.au/illegalguns.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

PCYC receives proceeds from Bernborough raffle

PCYC Oakey Connect was given $425 from the proceeds of Bernborough Tavern’s Community Chest Program.

Oakey Connect youth support worker, Kat Medland, said all of the money will go towards youth development in Oakey.

“It will be for helping kids out here,” Ms Medland said.

She said lots of their youth programs have started this week and she

encourages young people to come along.

The Oakey Box Out program started on Monday 14th February.

The Dragonfly girls program, Transition from primary to high school program and Team Up are also set to start back up.

Sergeant Cam Crisp, who is the youth club

ABOVE: Sergeant Cam Crisp (left) and Youth Support Worker Kat Medland (right).

BELOW: Bernborough Tavern Owner Michael Carpenter (right) and Raffle Coordinator John Webster (left).

manager of Toowoomba PCYC, said the youth programs are good for building relationships and fostering social interaction.

“These activities build trust and self-esteem and also teach kids that there’s winners and losers,” Sergeant Crisp said.

“We are very keen to be out here..

“Oakey is screaming for a service that the PCYC can offer, and I’m proud to have the PCYC flag flying out at Oakey and I want to keep it that way.

“I’m working towards making it a long-term thing.

“We are lucky that the schools have our youth programs as part of their core business.

“It is just a normal part of their curriculum, which is great for us.”

Raffle coordinator John Webster said the raffle is drawn at the Tavern every Saturday at approximately 1.30pm, when people who have bought tickets will get the chance to win prizes.

The Community Chest Program has been running for seven months and has raised a total of $3,486.

The next two recipients of the raffle funds will be Oakey State High School for February, and the Junior Soccer club will receive the funds for March.

It will be announced at a later date the next local organisations who will be receiving a donation.

Page 3

Oakey Art Group turns 50

Continued from page 1 The Art Group’s studio is open for the public to visit and view the members’ artwork displayed on the wall.

The group wants the studio to be treated as a gallery space and have people from Toowoomba and nearby towns come visit for morning tea or lunch.

The group self-funded the studio mostly through annual seminars, which would feature guest artists.

The seminars ran for a period of twenty years and during this time the Group had forty members from across the region.

“We had students from Alice Springs, New Zealand and Western Australia come to the Seminars”, Ms Mason said.

“And the Flying Arts schools would come and give us classes once every few months,” she said.

“This club is life changing,” member Sheila Greet said.

“Just being around likeminded people,” The Group members reminisced about their day trips to Brisbane galleries and how they travelled to Canberra one year.

The group has implemented modern technology in the age of Covid.

“We have a camera and a television set up because of Covid and it films what they’re doing on the table and projects it onto the screen,

The inside of the library at the Oakey Art Group. so we don’t have to move from our desks,” Ms Greet said.

“We are probably one of the only art groups that has this state-of-the art method of teaching,” she said.

The Group has its own published book, which was released in commemoration of its 40th anniversary, detailing the history of the club and some of its prolific members.

You can get involved

7 490

(07) 4632 1700

1A Goggs Street Toowoomba

with the Oakey Art Group by attending an upcoming pastel workshop in April.

Members will also be holding their annual art exhibition in October, where they will be drawing the winner for their raffle.

Raffle tickets are available for purchase raffle tickets now at the Oakey Art Group.

More details about the exhibition will be shared closer to the date.

Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

TO THE PAST

Oakey’s first post office and postmaster

In November 1905, a request was put forward to the Post-Master General’s Department by Harold Rutledge, honorary secretary of the Oakey Progress Association, for a separate Post and Telegraph office from the Oakey Railway Station.

By July 1906, the application had been approved and arrangements were completed for the lease of a building for post and telegraph purposes, to be erected on a central

and valuable building site in Campbell Street about 240 yards from the railway station.

The contractor, Mr G. Smith, commenced the erection of the Post Office which was being put up by Mr William Hodgen, architect and owner of the land, beside Lounds Brothers store.

This store burnt down on November 23, 1906 and nearly destroyed the new Post Office.

The first Post-Master, Mr John Charles Frederick Weiske, was transferred to Oakey from Laidley and took up residence in

mid-September in the house attached to the Post Office which was completed and taken over by the Postal Department at the end of September.

It was officially opened for transaction of business on Monday morning, October 1, 1906.

During his tenure as Oakey Post-Master, Mr Weiske purchased the land between the present Cunningham Street and Voll Avenue from the creek to the boundary of the 6 acres fronting Cory Street.

Subdivision 88 of this land has been

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

$1.20

In June 1908, J.C.F. Weiske was transferred to Springsure

so several years later he sold his Oakey property.

- Valerie Weise-Young

ABOVE: A land sale ad from the Darling Downs Gazette, Tuesday, March 28, 1911.

BELOW: The eastern side of Campbell Street with the Post Office and dwelling in the centre (ca 1909). Note the telegraph pole in front of the P.O. - Photos Valerie Weise-Young

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

in my possession since December 1980 and is where I reside.

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead Conditions this week are expected to be relatively fine and sunny. On Saturday a broad trough could potentially trigger an odd shower across the district.

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

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TThe heEstablished Cha amp pion n Champion 1984

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Wednesday, February 16, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

More investment needed: Independent candidate

Independent candidate for the Federal seat of Groom, Suzie Holt, believes Oakey has been “let down” by all levels of government and needs more investment and support to allow residents to live and work in the community they love.

Ms Holt said she envisions community,” she said. keep their independence the future of Oakey as a self“The community here has from Toowoomba. sufficient satellite town of been let down; by the State Alongside being a voice Toowoomba with its own Government and by the for regional people, Ms sustainable employment Federal Government.

Holt said she is also driven opportunities and housing “It needs some to bring more integrity, supply. investment. It’s a great accountability and She said with uncertainty community. transparency to Federal remaining over the future “Let’s get the community politics. of New Acland Mine Stage together.

For more information 3, Oakey needs the State “Let’s invest locally, so about Ms Holt and Government to give locals we can bring back that local her priorities for the a clear path forward for spirit and that sense of Groom electorate go to the project or let them community.” www.suzieholt4groom.com know now if it will never go Ms Holt said investing in ahead.

Oakey’s youth is one avenue RIGHT: Independent “The State Government to ensure the community is candidate for the Federal needs a definite path thriving for years to come. seat of Groom, Suzie Holt, forward. If the mine is not She said keeping young meets with local businessgoing to go ahead the people people living and working owners Vicki Reeves and here need something else in the township is key to its David Cooper. positive to come from that,” success. she said.

“I want to engage the Ms Holt said the Federal young people so we can Government has the get them after they leave responsibility to step in school, offer them support and provide investment and mentorship, offer them for a community that has traineeships and get them a been severely impacted by job locally so they can stay in the mine closure as well town,” she said. as COVID-19, drought Although she is a and PFAS groundwater Toowoomba resident, Ms contamination.

Holt said she has worked in “The Federal Government regional communities and needs to look at all the is passionate about helping options to get investment the rural communities in the [at Oakey] to support the Groom electorate thrive and

Lifeline crisis text service now available 24/7

Lifeline has made its confidential crisis texting service 24/7 in response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Lifeline Crisis Support Text Service is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via confidential text message to 0477 13 11 14.

Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton said more people are reaching out to services like Lifeline during Covid.

“The expansion of the text service is backed by data showing that it is the preferred channel for high-risk members of the community including young people, those experiencing family and domestic violence, and

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Hamilton said.

Lifeline has received a record number of calls and text messages in the past year.

It received 1,070,860 calls, with a 90.4% answer rate, and has also responded to 51,265 text conversations.

If you are struggling with mental health, contact Lifeline via phone on 13 11 14 or text the number above to speak to a trained crisis supporter any time of the day or night.

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Page 6

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Find your local Councillor questions impact e-waste depot of new management roles

Electrical waste, also known as e-waste, is steadily growing and is proving to be a more significant problem s time goes on.

E-waste is a large and diverse category of waste from internet technologies to kitchen appliances.

It includes items such as televisions, mobile phones, radios, laptops and games consoles, to blenders, microwaves, coffee machines and

E-waste items that can be recycled at MobileMuster sites.

- Photo MobileMuster

hairdryers.

A number of retailers offer e-waste recycling programs.

MobileMuster is an e-waste recycling program with disposal sites at Oakey, Clifton, Crows Nest, Goombungee, Greenmount, Highfields, Pittsworth and Toowoomba Yarraman library.

Retailers including Officeworks, Australia Post, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi all accept old printers and toner cartridges for recycling.

You can also recycle old household batteries, including rechargeable ones, at Aldi, Battery World, Office Works, and the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility.

These programs are promoted by the Toowoomba Regional Council, so you can visit their website at https:// www.tr.qld.gov.au/ for more information and to find your nearest location.

Toowoomba Region Councillor Nancy Sommerfield voiced her concerns about the potential impact of a glut of new, high-paying management roles on front line services at the Council Finance and Business Strategy Committee meeting last week.

Cr Sommerfield said she was looking through the employment data for the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) when she noticed this marked increase in managerial roles over the past three years.

She said she was initially concerned with the increase in staff departures, which sits at over 90 permanent staff leaving in the last six months, but soon came across the management data.

“What I did discover… is an increase in the number of these leadership positions,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“I wasn’t aware that Council had made any strategic decisions to increase supervisor or leadership positions apart from the new SDR (Service Delivery Review) branch – which everyone knows I voted against anyway.”

Cr Sommerfield said the new branch, now named Business Transformation and Strategy, originally concerned her because it required more leadership

roles to function.

However, she is now worried that the trend towards a “top heavy” Council is more widespread and is becoming part of the culture of the organisation.

“Since January 2018, just four years, Council has increased the number of these positions by a net of 12, according to the data.

Seven additional managers, six additional principals,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“What is concerning to me is in the creation of 12 new positions, is that it is also the higher paying positions that have increased in number.

“Councillors will recall last year we were given figures in relation to managerial position remuneration. So, it’s big numbers we are talking about, not crumbs.

“Hence these new and upgraded positions equate to higher costs incurred.

“But to me it could also mean reduced services due to reduction in baseline staff and more management.

“That same top heavy organisational structure I

How to spot flea infestations Darling Downs Veterinarian, Alex Walters, warns how fleas are increasingly common during the warmer months.

“One of the first signs of a flea infestation is noticing your pet itching,” Ms Walters said.

“When inspecting your pet’s coat, you may also see fleas crawling on their skin or you may notice tiny black particles that look like dirt,” she said.

“These are known as flea droppings.”

Ms Walters advises that the best way to keep fleas away is through prevention.

She said the best way to do this, is to understand the life cycle of fleas.

“There are four stages in the life cycle of a

flea: egg, larvae, pupae and adult,” Ms Walters said.

“Depending on the environmental temperature and humidity levels, the total life cycle will take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months,” she said.

“One female flea can lay up to 40 eggs per day, which drop off into your pets bedding, carpet and soil, therefore within a month the fleas within the environment can be in the thousands.

“The hatched eggs release larvae which move away from the light

and deeper into soils, carpets and furniture before developing into pupae.

“This stage is the last developmental stage before the adult flea emerges from their cocoon.”

“If environmental conditions are not right for emergence, the cocoon can protect the developing flea for months, and in some cases years.

“Once a flea has emerged from the cocoon, it will need to begin feeding from a host within a few hours.”

Ms Walter said not long after their first meal, adult fleas will begin to breed and lay eggs with a few days.

Some of the best prevention methods

include tablets and ‘spot on’ applications.

“In order to break the cycle of the fleas, it is important to remember that a single monthly application will kill the adult fleas but more fleas are likely to hatch that are already in the other three stages of the fleas’ cycle,” Ms Walters said.

“Therefore, to completely eradicate fleas, it may take several months of treatment,” she said.

Some additional strategies which can help include controlling the environment.

These include washing pet bedding weekly, vacuuming carpet and floors two to three times a week and spraying areas with adult flea killer.

ABOVE: Cr Nancy Sommerfield said she is concerned frontline services may be impacted by the increase in management roles. talked about when Council was considering the new SDR branch from the top end of our organisation.”

Cr Sommerfield said Councillors were not informed of this increase in management roles as part of typical staffing reports.

She said she had to request additional data

which revealed these concerning figures.

This is not the only staff issues Council is experiencing at the moment with a staff turnover of over 13 per cent (above the target of 10 per cent) and ongoing recruitment issues resulting in 175 vacant permanent positions.

Teen arrested nearly 24 hours after released from court

A juvenile male has been charged with four property offences relating to break and enters which occurred over the weekend.

This comes after the young male was released

by Toowoomba Court last Friday, 11th February.

He was released on bail and given strict bail conditions, which included a 24 hour curfew in Gatton.

The young male faced

court for the most recent string of offences on Monday 14th February.

Oakey Police said they were able to solve these offences due to the impacted houses having CCTV footage, which they then sent to the Oakey Police.

Free shade for kids

Cancer Council Queensland is giving schools and children’s organisations free portable shade marquees.

Eligible organisations include any that care for children up to the age of 18, such as primary and secondary schools, including outside school hours care, and early childhood centres.

Applications for Cancer Council Queensland’s Portable Shade Project opened on 1st December last year and will close

on Monday week, 28th February 2022.

To apply for your free portable shade marquee, complete the application form at w w w. c a n c e r q l d . o r g . a u / portableshade Contact Cancer Council Queensland via email at SunSmartApplications@ cancerqld.org.au for further information.

McLean Care

CWA House

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Online tools can forecast sheep season

Fall armyworm prevalent locally

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has reported during the 2021-22 spring and summer, Fall armyworm (FAW) activity on the eastern Downs has increased in intensity as the season has progressed.

Preparing for the season ahead is tough, but there is a number of online tools which can be used to calculate rainfall and growth.

A large fall armyworm in a whorl. holes’ that become visible as the leaf unfurls.

If the damage is severe, the upper leaf can become detached.

Older larvae may also feed on roots and reproductive structures.

Eggs usually hatch in 3 to 5 days, and development though 6 instar stages to pupation takes 2–3 weeks.

- Photo, Melina Miles, Queensland Government

Moths live for around 10 days, and a female can lay up to 1,000 eggs.

To monitor FAW, look for the egg masses and clusters of young larvae, and signs of leaf damage.

Check in the whorl and around the plant base for larger larvae.

Latest advice about the impacts and management of fall armyworm on key

crops can be found online at https://business.qld.gov. au/industries/farms-fishingforestry/agriculture/cropgrowing/fall-armyworm An overview of FAW activity across Queensland as well as information to assist producers with identifying FAW caterpillars and crop damage can be found at https://thebeatsheet.com.au

Check your Rural Aid eligibility

Rural Aid is offering farming families affected by bushfires and floods and other challenges financial and practical support.

CEO John Warlters said Rural Aid is standing with the nation’s primary producers as they face weather, pandemic and workforce challenges.

“Members of Rural Aid’s 16-strong Mental Health and Wellbeing team are

Slaughter rates back on track

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“These reports have graphs and tables that make them easy to read so you can use the information to help you make the best informed decisions on your property,” Mr Sommerfield said.

“Individual report information is available.

You can also subscribe to have these reports regularly emailed to you, and all for free,” he said.

Mr Sommerfield also recommends two more tools for rainfall, Outlook scenarios and Chance of at least.

“Outlook scenarios features an interactive map displaying the probability – 75%, 50% or 25% – of receiving rainfall, and the Chance of at least map displays the chance of each location receiving rain,” he said.

“There is a dropdown option where you can select the amount of rain that is significant to you,” he said.

“Producers can use the information from these maps to help develop grazing and business plans, for example, if in the next three months there is a 75% chance of 50-75mm rainfall.

“This will green up the dry feed in paddocks and provide sufficient feed to get stock through to October this year.”

For more information contact Leading Sheep at leadingsheep@daf.qld.gov.au.

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“The challenge is ensuring the world class produce grown locally by our farmers finds its way from the farm to the shop shelf without interruption.”

Mr Warlters said Australians are indebted to the farmers who feed us and contribute to the economy.

“It’s vital we do all we can to keep them surviving and thriving,” he said.

“Rural Aid will continue to provide practical assistance, financial support and access to our team of counsellors.”

To register as a primary producer with Rural Aid, visit https://www.ruralaid. org.au/

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cannot be overstated in 2022.

According to the National Farmers Federation, of the approximately 85,000 farms in Australia, 99pc are family owned and operated.

“Family farms are the powerhouses of Aussie agriculture,” Mr Warlters said.

“Supply chains have again been pushed to breaking point in the latest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But family farms haven’t missed a beat and continue to feed the nation with world class produce.

“There is no shortage of fruit, vegetables or meat on our farms.

Jed Sommerfield, Extension Officer with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, said these online tools are self-learning computers that run thousands of different scenarios to keep improving the accuracy of their forecasts.

“There are some excellent, interactive online tools that producers can use throughout the year to help in their management decisions,” he said.

“The best way to collect data about the grass on your property is through visual inspections and using quadrants in conjunction with photo standards to calculate the kilograms of dry matter,” he said.

“However, if it is unrealistic for you to check all the areas on your property, go online via the Long Paddock website.

“This website is very user-friendly.

“Just enter your lot on plan, or use the simple interactive map to identify your property, select the reports you are interested in, enter your email address, and wait 30 to 90 minutes to receive them.”

Mr Sommerfield said the three most useful reports for land management are Pasture Growth Alert, Rainfall and Pasture by Land Type and Ground Cover.

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In the first five weeks of 2022, national slaughter numbers were subdued as processors’ workforces were decimated by isolation periods for close contacts and positive cases of COVID-19.

However, last week, processor numbers started to lift and reflect 2021 throughput.

Cattle slaughter for the first five weeks of 2022 was 92,000 head below 2021 levels.

The national cattle slaughter rose by 39% to 91,938 head.

This is the first time national cattle slaughter has exceeded 90,000 head for 2022.

At this level, slaughter is 8% below 2021 levels.

on the ground in bushfire and flood affected parts of Australia, helping farmers get back on their feet,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid counsellors and community representatives have been assisting Queensland farmers after major flooding.

“Rural Aid staff have also been working hard to distribute new water tanks and wooden fence posts to our registered farmers,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid is facilitating a water tank rollout across Australia, and a recycled fence post program.

Mr Warlters said the importance of family farms

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A spokesperson said DAF has received reports of Fall armyworm (FAW) on the eastern Darling Downs, affecting mainly sorghum and maize crops, since 2020.

“Although many early maize crops had very low or no FAW infestation, most crops planted in December 2021 and January 2022 have an infestation,” the spokesperson said.

“Producers should monitor crops for signs of damage leading to defoliation of the crop, particularly during crop emergence and establishment.

“Crop loss is most likely if seedlings are chewed off at the base by larvae that have not been detected.”

The Queensland Government advises that young larvae feed on the leaf surface, causing ‘windowing’.

In plants with whorls, such as maize and sorghum, larvae can enter the whorl and cause damage from the inside, resulting in ‘shot

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

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

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In last week’s Oakey Champion (February 9) we incorrectly reported that all documentation and information relating to New Acland Mine’s amended Environmental Authority (EA) application is now in the hands of the Coordinator General.

To clarify, New Hope Group has submitted updated documentation and information regarding New Acland Stage 3 to the Coordinator General.

We apologise for the error.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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Nominations for Office Bearers are to be submitted on the prescribed forms available from the Secretary and within the Clubrooms. Nominations must be proposed and seconded by financial Ordinary & Life Members of the Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Oakey Sub-Branch Inc. and signed by the nominee.

Completed nomination forms are to be submitted to the Secretary by no later than 5pm Friday 11th February 2022.

Nomination Forms will be on the Sub-Branch Notice Board from 1st February 2022.

Leanne Wells (Secretary) 0477 980 786 E: secretary@oakey.rslqld.net.au

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BOODUA CLEARING SALE

Saturday 26th February 2022 • 9:00am Start • A/C Roy Inwood • Property Sold

Tractors: N. Holland T6080 F/W assist 5092hrs, power command transmission, turbo, 3PL Q/hitch, remotes; N. Holland 8340 f/w assist, 3PL, 4x remotes, turbo, 16x16 transmission; N. Holland TT75 f/w/ assist, w/ AP Plus f/end loader, rops, canopy, 4 in 1 buckets, h/forks, 4015hrs; Ford 7700 cab, recon motor, 3PL, dual remoted; Ford 5000 3PL, remotes w/ rops; Ford 4000 w/ rops, selectamatic, 3PL, remotes; Trucks, Vehicles, F/lift: 2010 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter HD 4.5 tonne, 191,000km diesel, 14’ body w/ Acme cold room, h/duty rear lift hoist, rear side doors, farm rego; Volvo 488, diesel, bogie drive 12 tonne feed truck, 3x4 tonne bins, rear & o/head auger, f/rego; ’89 UD Nissan diesel, 14 tonne, bogie drive, feed truck, 2x7 tonne bins, rear & o/head augers recond. motor, f/ rego; ’85 Toyota Dyna 2 tonne, metal tray, diesel, running; ‘02 Triton GLX 2.8L diesel ute, b/bar, metal tray, running; ’94 Triton 4wd twin cab, ute, b/bar, petrol, running; ’03 Suzuki Grand Vitara, wagon, running; ’02 Falcon utility, Super Cab, aluminum tray, bucket seats, running; ’99 Holden Combo Van; ’92 Holden Rodeo, space cab ute, 4wd, running; ’08 Mitsubishi Express running; ’12 Toyota Hilux tray back ute, 2wd, petrol (reg); ’00 Toyota Hilux ute 2wd, running; ’07 Ford Ranger utility, diesel, (reg).; Daewoo G255 forklift, gas, side shift 2500kg; Haymaking Equip & Hay: N. Holland Haybine conditioner 9’model 489; N. Holland model 417 Hayliner baler G/O; N. Holland model 56 Rollabar hay rake; N. Holland model Super 56 Rollabar hay rake; N. Holland model 56 Rollabar rake (parts only); Bale Elevator w/ elect. ; N. Holland model 471 bale loader; Drawn 18’6” hay wagon (low); Drawn 23’ timber floor hay wagon; Mobilco haybale loader; Drawn 13’single axle hay trailer, timber floor; 90x5’x4’round bales Urochloa hay; approx. 30x5’x4’ Lucerne round bales; 2x round bale feeders; Farm Machinery: International model 2-11 scarifier, 29 tine, 17’; M.F. 80 Combine, 24 run, S&F w/ markers; 3PL Yeoman 16’ deep ripper, 13 tine w/ depth wheels; Bush Hog 7’Slasher w/ rear jockey g/o; Westfield J208-51 Auger w/ Honda 690 motor; 28 tonne mobile Sherwell field silo, double aerators; 7”x45’ Miitze Auger w/ B&S motor; MPH 8 tonne Sherwell silo; N. Holland model 329 manure spreader pto drive (needs work); 18 disc Chamberlain plough, rubber tyres, yellow w/hyd; 18disc Chamberlain plough, rubber tyres (orange); Napier ’29 tine scarifier 14’w/ hyd; Napier 28’ Wideling folding cultivator w/ hyd lift; folding 45’ harrows; 18’ rubber tyred rollers; 3PL Napier 9’ chisel plough; 3PL 6’ rear blade; 3PL 16’ planter bar w/ 6x Covington planter boxes, 6x Janke p/wheels; 3PL Napier posthole digger; 12” auger; 3PL 12’ curley tine; 8 tonne mobile field bin pto; various covering harrows; Superior 6’slasher; 3pl forks; 3pl 35’ boom spray w/ pto pump f/glass tank; 16 disc shearer plough; 10 disc Sunshine plough; Bridle draft scarifier, 3 disc horse units w/ reels & motor; Workshop & Sundry Equip & Irrigation: 80 x 4” irrigation pipes w/ sprays & stands; 40 x 3”spraylines w/ stands; 20x 4”mainline irrigation pipes; 20’ shipping container w/ window & p/door; Honda Ag bike XR150; 8’Aluminium boat; 5000 GAL poly tank; 6 x pallet jacks; extensive range of workshop tools, electrical tools, irrigations fittings, poly fittings & sundries to numerous too mention.

Directions: Sale located 195 Kelvinhaugh–Boodua Road, 12km north of Kingsthorpe Signs will direct off Kingsthorpe–Goombungee Road • Photo I.D. • Refreshments • EFTPOS • COVID-19 Rules Apply

Matt Cleary 0428 987 340 • Damian Inwood 0407 177 977 (Owner) • Roy Inwood 0408 967 501 (Owner)

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

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Page 9

SPORT

Oakey Bowls Oakey Park Run Results Results

RESULTS For teams, the winner was Bogga’s team, with Qld Taxis team in 2nd place, P. Maker’s team in 3rd, Roy Howard’s team in 4th, Jimo Hagan’s team in 5th and Ferny Grove 2 coming in 6th.

R.1: That’s Nothing; R.2: OREC; R.3: Rod Stewart; R.4: Len Bartz; R.5: Ferny Grove.1.

A Competition has been called for Saturday February 19.

For the “A” Singles:

G. Nash vs. R. Henry (B. Lucht) and R. Stewart vs. S. Cosgrove (D. Dreyer).

For the Senior Singles: P. Boyton vs. G. Fenton (M. Hall).

COMING EVENTS Mark the date for Sunday February 27, which is Patroness’ Day. C/S Three Bowl Pairs starting at 12.30pm. Names on the board please.

For more details about upcoming events and how to join our Bowls Club, call 4691 1267.

Benjamin Fenton came in 1st place with a time of 22 minutes and 20 seconds.

Second place went to Jazmin McKay who achieved a personal best of 23 minutes and 15 seconds.

Third place was Adam Laughton who also achieved a personal best of 24 minutes and 40 seconds.

There was a total of five new personal bests among competitors.

The other runners who achieved this milestone were Mark Gibson with a time of 24 minutes

Goombungee Golf Club Results

RESULTS Thursday 10th February was the Men’s Single Stableford for a club trophy.

Winner for Men was Phill Cass with 39 points.

Approaches Men: 4/13, Errol Hartman; 5/14, Gary Buckley; 6/15, Nathan Bonney and Murray McLeod.

The winner for the Ladies’ 9 hole Eclectic Stableford was Val Drowley with 22 points, and approaches: 2/11, Val Drowley; 5/14, Ann Cass; 8/17, Robyn Drowley.

On Friday 11th February, the Chook Run winner was Nono Capuzzo 37 net, and second Gary Linane.

On Sunday 13th February, the Round 1 HLO at Crow’s

Nest winner overall was Phil Cass with 41 points, Goombungee Men, Dave Humphrey 33 points (ocb), Ladies, Robyn Drowley 27 points; Men’s runner-up, Dan Darlington. Rundown Greg Schull, N. Capuzzo, M. Peters, M. McLeod, Matty Burgess, Greg Buckley.

H.L.O. points after round one: Goombungee 328, Crow’s Nest 337, Cabarlah 330.

Draw for round two matchplay to be played by end of play on 20th February: A Grade: Matty Burgess vs. David Cass; Mark Peters vs. Dan Darlington.

B Grade: Murray McLeod vs. Adrian Delaney; Jason Delaney

vs. Garry Shea. C Grade: Steve Elfverson vs. Graham Elton; Greg Buckley vs.

Phil Cass.

NEXT WEEK Thursday 17th February, Men’s Single Stableford Medley for a Club Trophy.

Ladies’ Single Stroke, Monthly Medal, Putts for Jan Mullins Trophy.

Friday 18th February, Chook Run from 3pm.

Sunday 20th February, Round 2 Matchplay, Single Stroke, Monthly Medal for a Club Trophy.

Please Note, Round Two of H.L.O. to be played at Goombungee, 20 February, 2022 with Round Three at Cabarlah on 27 March, 2022 - Murray McLeod

On Monday 7th February, Oakey hosted the Seniors over 50s Mixed 4BBB Stableford.

The winners were P. & R. Bennett with 44 (ocb).

Runners-up were J. Kruse & A .Bryce 44 (ocb).

Front 9 winners were P. Frazer & M. Anderson with 23 and the back 9 was won by M. Deans & P. Flynn with 21.

A big thank you to Burstows for their continued support.

On Wednesday 9th February, the Ladies played

an 18 hole Aggregate Stableford with a draw for partners at the end.

Winners were S. Barlow & M. Deans with 67 and the runners-up were K. Fenton & D. Webster with 63.

Pin on 12 was won by Christine Little.

Winner of the Thursday Sporters was T. Muir with 24.

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th February, Members played an 18 hole Stableford,the winner being W. Lucht with 39, and runner-up was G. Wright with 37.

Rundowns went to W. Wirth 36, P. Flynn 35, and A. De Ross with 32 (ocb).

Pin on No. 3 was won by G. Wright.

Congratulations George won the Golden Circle on No. 3 with 330ml from the hole.

Golden Circle is kindly donated by John O’Keefe.

Pin on No. 12, which is donated by Andrew King ,was won by Mark Carter.

Oakey Carnival Sunday 27th February contact 0437 185 818 for a time.

- Marlene Deans

Two competitors running the Oakey Park Run track at Arthur Shooter Park, Stanley Street.

- Photos Oakey Park Run and 48 seconds, Russell Johnson with 25 minutes and 53 seconds and Amy Johnson with 28 minutes and 14 seconds.

The Oakey Parkrun welcomed some new faces:

this week.

They were Derek Barry, Peter Tickle, Raymond Melling and Marie Melling.

You can join the runners every Saturday at 7am for a weekly five kilometre walk, jog or

run, or you can volunteer or come along as a spectator.

It is free to join, but please register beforehand online via the website https://www.parkrun.com.au/ oakey/.

Oakey Social Golf Results

Oakey Golf Club Results

Left to right: A. Cherry, T. Lucht, B. Kuhl and M. Hall.

On Sunday 13th February, we played 4BBB Stroke on the back nine with 32 players.

The winner with 23 net was Brian Kuhl and Matt Hall.

Runners-up were Ted Lucht and Aaron Cherry with 24 net.

Pins/Approaches: 10, D. Harvey; 11 Under 60,

A. Krahenbring;, Over 60, R. Dearling; 12, G. Little, winning the eagles nest; 13, M. Krahenbring; 14, M. Hall; 15, T. Boyd; 16, Under 60, W. Bostock, Over 60, T. Lucht; 17, G. Little; 18, S. Petrie.

Long Drives: A Grade, M. Krahenbring; B Grade, T. Boyd; Over 60, B. McDonald.

- Photos Peter Flynn Members’ draw No. 22: Graham Byers for $40 and was present. Raffles: 34 Rex Dearling and 15 Harry Wirth.

Next week’s game is at Warwick Golf Club, with a 6.30am tee-off.

The club would like to welcome back Kurt Lucht and Troy Sharpe.

- Peter Flynn

Page 10

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OK Youth Talk

Free online learning courses LinkedIn is offering free online learning courses, which teach relevant professional skills such as leadership, sales, digital marketing, photography, and project management.and range from beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

For more information on accessing these courses, visit the Council’s website at https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/ libraryprograms/12065-online-training-courses.

Youth photography workshop This Saturday 19th Febuary from 2pm to 4pm is the Sister City Online Photography Workshop for young people.

The workshop commemorates the 30th anniversary of our Japanese sister city relationship with Takatsuki, and Council is holding a photographic competition with the theme of “What makes our city/region special?”

For more information, visit https://user.tr.qld.gov.au/events/ eventdetail/86515/-/sister-city-online-photography-workshop-youthevent.

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

Buy – Sell - Rent – Clearing Sales General Office Ph 07 4670 9685 | 70 Campbell Street Oakey

www.raywhiteruraloakey.com.au

Your locally family owned real estate

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Another fingerling release at Oakey Creek

Taking advantage of the improved water quality, the Oakey Freshwater Fish Stocking Association released another 12,000-plus fingerlings in local waterways last month with the aim of the keeping the system stocked with native fish species.

Rodney Christensen from the Fish Stocking Association said 12,000 golden perch and 500 Murray cod fingerings were released in the Oakey Creek in January mostly at the Bowenville Reserve section of waterway.

He said about six families took part in the release event with the fingerlings again provided by the Granite Belt Fish Hatchery.

Mr Christensen said the decent rainfall at the end of 2021 increased the quality of the creek system for fish populations.

“Flooding works to oxygenate the water,” he said.

“It just seems to bring everything back to life.

“I think Oakey Creek is in pretty good nick and I have seen some good cod numbers.

“There have also been some large cods caught in the creek, including a 90cm cod.

“The river system does look to be in a healthy condition and it’s down to the rain we had last year. I probably would have liked more.”

Mr Christensen, who also fishes in the local area on a regular basis, said he has caught fish that he believes could be the result of an earlier release by the local Fish Stocking Association.

He said this shows the success of the group’s ongoing work.

Mr Christensen said the organisation is planning a release of silver perch fingerlings into the local creek sometime in March.

He encouraged locals to keep an eye out for more information on the event which is dependent on fingerling stock.

He said people are

ABOVE: A young member holding a cup filled with fingerlings.

BELOW: Another member about to release a bag of fingerlings into the waterway.

- Photos Oakey Freshwater Fish Stocking Association

welcome to come and help with the release and get involved with the association.

“We will also be having an Easter raffle soon.

“Tickets will be for sale soon outside the

Oakey Newsagents or via Facebook,” Mr Christensen said.

He said the funds raised at the raffles enable the group to continue their work stocking the creek system to

benefit both local residents and the natural environment.

For more information head to the Oakey Freshwater Fish Stocking Association Facebook page or call 0427 139 480.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Valentines Day in Oakey Oakey Community Pharmacy experienced delays getting Valentines Day stock.

Retail Manager for Oakey Community Pharmacy, Gianna Kelly, said she is unsure how

much business Valentines Day brings due to Covid and other holidays.

“Due to Covid effecting

supply chain, we haven’t been able been able to get a hold of much stock, especially RATs [Rapid

Antigen Tests],” Ms Kelly said.

She said even the Valentines Day display table did not arrive until Monday the 14th, which was Valentines Day. “Valentines Day is not as profitable as Mothers Day and other special occasions, mainly because it is so close to Christmas and the school kids had such a delayed start,” Ms Kelly said.

“But Covid hasn’t helped us either.

“Less people have been coming into the pharmacy generally, and its hard to secure enough stock.”

Page 11

Come and have a cuppa with Tess

Breakthrough for Families QLD is a free program designed to help people who are affected by family members’ drug and alcohol abuse.

Come along to the Oakey Library and chat with family support facilitator Tess in a safe and confidential setting, where you can share your stories and receive support and advice.

The program offers an alternative to talking with friends and family, due to the shame and stigma often attached to drug and alcohol addiction.

The organisation achieves this by helping you understand alcohol and other drug use, and

what you can do to support your loved ones.

It also provides strategies to make changes to your own circumstances, implement healthy boundaries and build resilience.

These sessions will be held at the Oakey Library on Thursday 24th February and Tuesday 15th March from 10am to 1pm.

Contact Tess for more information or to book in for a chat on the above dates via phone on 0437 468 368 or email at tessh@drugarm. com.au.

Lifeline Bookfest in Toowoomba On March 5th and 6th, Lifeline is hosting its major fundraiser.

The Valentines Day display stand at Oakey Community Pharmacy.

There will be thousands of donated books on sale with nothing over $5 and many a lot less.

There will also be plenty of toys, DVDs and games.

Doors open on Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday 8am to 2pm at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Road.

For more information

on services or to support Lifeline Darling Downs with this and other life changing programs call 1300 991 443 or visit www. lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au.

New dentist and new waiting room at Oakey Family Dental

Oakey Family Dental has welcomed its newest dentist, Dr Aileen Wee, and is showcasing the recently renovated waiting room.

Dr Wee graduated from the University of Queensland with First Class Honours and has worked in dental clinics across the Darling Downs for the past three years.

“I’ve worked in a couple dentists in Toowoomba and Pittsworth,” Dr Wee said.

“But I just wanted a change of environment,” she said.

“The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that the people in Oakey are really friendly and welcoming.”

Dr Wee commenced her new position at Oakey

Family Dental on January 31st and works every Monday and Tuesday.

Owner Dr Chris Reeves said the new waiting room was completed in November 2021.

He said the waiting room was up-graded to keep up with customer demand and to practice Covid safe measures by social distancing.

“The chairs are much more spaced out and the room now gives people and families a bit more room and comfort while they wait,” Dr Reeves said.

“Because of Covid, we can’t have any magazines and books for people to read,” he said.

“So with the new upgrade, we are trying to combat the blandness.

“In the future we do really want to bring back those things and toys for kids.

“There’s now a kids entertainment area with iPads and some fake grass for kids to sit on without the fear of ants” he said.

“We tried to use as many local businesses as possible when building the new

The newly refurbished waiting room at Oakey Family Dental. waiting area.

“We used Lorrimer from up the road to do our floors.

“Wolski Glass & Security did parts of our interior as well.”

Dr Reeves explained

how when expanding the clinic, they kept the original exterior brick wall and have built around it and transformed it into an interior feature.

“The next project for us is

going into 3D printing.”

“Once we get the materials, we can start using 3D printers to create mouthguard and retainers without having to do it the manual way.”

Introducing

DR AILEEN

CONTACT US

New Dentist Dr Aileen Wee.

WEE

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Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Oakey kids’ first day of school On the 7th February, Oakey State School and St Monica’s Catholic Primary School welcomed new prep students on their very first day of school.

After a delayed start to the school year, students from Oakey State School and St Monica’s Catholic Primary School are finally back in the classroom.

This also means new prep students had their very first day of schooling.

Both schools have implemented Covid-safe measures for the new year.

Oakey State School said its measures include limiting the number of visitors on site, priority access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)

and suspension of large gatherings.

This means there will be no assemblies, school camps or excursions until advised otherwise.

St Monica’s Catholic Primary School reminds parents and carers to check their portal and emails for any updates regarding current Covid guidleines.

To find more information and school updates, visit their Facebook pages or their websites at https://oakeyss. eq.edu.au/ and https://www. oakey.catholic.edu.au/.

ABOVE: The new cohort of prep students attending St Monica’s Catholic Primary School.

ABOVE and BELOW: Oakey State School preps smiling for the camera.

ABOVE and BELOW: Oakey State School preps enjoying their first day of school.

ABOVE: Oakey State School welcomes their new preps.

Pat WEIR MP

GRDC announces new Managing Director

Nigel Hart has been announced as the new Managing Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Mr Hart is recognised as an internationally recognised expert in grains

supply chains.

GRDC Chairman and Goondiwindi grain grower

Member for Condamine

John Woods said Mr Hart was a great choice and has over 25 years

zipscreens

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

ABOVE and BELOW: Oakey State School preps getting their photo taken before the end of their first day.

experience preparing him for this leadership role.

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