Oakey Champion - 17th November 2022

Stolen vehicles across the district, including delivery car

Despite a reported reduction in the number of car thefts across the region, several vehicles were stolen last week around Oakey and surrounds.

A delivery car from the local Pizza Hut was stolen last Friday while its occupant was in the process of delivering a pizza.

The small white hatchback was found by police in Toowoomba on Sunday.

Oakey store owner Brendan Scifleet says he believes his delivery girl was followed by the thieves, who waited until she was out of the car and her back was turned.

“It was probably a preplanned thing,” he said.

Elsewhere, a stolen vehicle which was reported missing from Oakey on Friday was found abandoned in Jondaryan on Sunday.

Police are still looking for those responsible for the theft of the vehicle, a 4WD MUX and said public assistance would be appreciated.

Also in Jondaryan, a boy has been detained after stealing a tractor from a property and attempting to drive off with it.

Predictably, he did not get very far before being arrested by police close by.

An adult male was also arrested for trespass in relation to the same incident, however it’s understood he wasn’t aware of the theft of the tractor.

Police urge driver caution

With the school formal tomorrow night, police are urging members of the public to be aware that there will be more kids on the street.

Police urge drivers to be alert for those crossing the roads this summer.

In last week’s edition of the Champion, Officer in Charge of Oakey Sergeant John Cook noted that the road toll in Queensland

was higher than the state average this year and said that police would be actively monitoring driver behaviour.

Sergeant Cook noted that the road toll in Queensland was higher than the state average this year and said that police would be actively monitoring driver behaviour.

According to the Queensland Road Crash

Weekly Report the number of deaths reported in Queensland in the year to date to Sunday, 6 November, was 249.

That’s 31 more than the entirety of last year and 42 more than the entirety of 2020.

In the Southern region, the number of deaths recorded in the year to date was 53, a total seven greater than last year’s tally.

This vehicle was found abandoned alongside the Warrego Highway at Jondaryan with licence plates removed, petrol tank cover opened and the window rolled down.

Hopes rising in Butterworth fight for entitlements

Hopes are rising in a drawn-out fight for

from 1968 to 1989.

The men, now mostly aged in their 60s to 80s, are more hopeful than ever that their time at Air Base Butterworth will at last be recognised as war service.

Several local exservicemen and their supporters and families are among those who will be watching proceedings very closely this November 23 when the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal conducts its first hearing for the recognition of warlike service for the RCB.

Some gathered at the Pittsworth RSL last week to hear an update from Oakey’s Stan Hannaford who fronts a research group, representing RCB veterans, that has been advocating for the correction of what he says is the inadequate level of recognition for their time abroad.

“We are in the best position we’ve ever been in,” he said.

Mr Hannaford said the Butterworth saga goes back to when Gough Whitlam was elected Prime Minster in 1972 “with a mandate to abolish national service and bring all combat troops back from south east Asia, which he did.”

“But they still had RAAF assets at Butterworth, in the northern part of Malaysia,” Mr Hannaford said.

“They had two squadrons of aircraft there which needed protecting, so to

protect them they sent combat troops over, but under a disguise of training.

“So we were there to protect them, and all the RAAF wives and children who were also stationed there, from the insurgents.

“The insurgents had wound down in the 1950s and fired up again in 1968 which was called the Second Communist Insurgency.

“After 1989, the RCB still deployed there – as it does today, for training.”

“In our case, we were

deployed on war service with a clear role, with rules of engagement, and patrolled the base daily with live ammunition and weapons 24 hours a day.

“Our whole role was to protect the base and our assets against a communist insurgency attack on the base.”

Mr Hannaford said Australian governments had since maintained through the years that it was a training role only in an area that was not a war zone.

From 1973 to 1989, Australians were deployed on three-month rotations through Butterworth.

With the release of top secret documents this year, only released after 35 years, Mr Hannaford said new information had come to light supporting the call for

during the Communist Insurgency

war service recognition.

“We want full recognition of our service, we want war service for that period of time…and full entitlements under the Veterans Entitlement Act, for the diggers that served there, which gives them access to a gold card at 70 years of age which takes care of all their medical problems,” he said.

“It also gives them and their partners a service

pension.’’

He said the RCB had been recognised by the Malaysia Chief of Defence Force in a Letter of Appreciation “for their sacrifices on our soil.”

The New Zealand government had recently recognised NZ solders’ service at Butterworth during the Second Communist Insurgency as being war-like and had issued them with the New Zealand equivalent of the Active Service Medal.

Pony Club celebrates

To acknowledge 30 years since its founding, Brymaroo Pony Club is holding a special morning tea.

It is to be held at the at Brymaroo Sports Grounds at 10am on Sunday, 11 December.

A rally is to be held at

8.30am.

To attend, RSVP by Thursday, 8 December to Michelle on 0407 023 807 or brymarooponyclub@gmail.com

Graffiti arrest

A man has been arrested in relation to a graffiti offence on a sign at Bridge Street, Oakey.

The graffiti displayed read:

“Acland is worth moar.“

“Without trucks, kids get dads.”

Police believe the man may not be not of sound mind and may have been influenced by long-term use of recreational drugs. He will face the Oakey Magistrates Court charged with a graffiti offence on December 16.

Those with a keen eye will be able to spot not one but two tawny frogmouth perched in a tree at Beutel Park in Acland.

Terry Farrell, Garry O’Brien, Rex Farrell, Paul McFie, Michael Payne, Pittsworth RSL vice president Mike Vogler, Max Enders, Kevin Barry, Stan Hannaford and Geoff Schleehauf at Pittsworth RSL.

No funding for flood-prone road

Although the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) finalised its business case for Oakey - Pittsworth Road in June, no funding has been allocated to upgrade three flood-prone sections of the road.

A TMR spokesperson said the road had been identified as a key freight route on the Darling Downs and developed a business case for upgrades.

“This important section provides Type 1 Road Train access between the Warrego Highway and Gore Highway,” the spokesperson said.

“It has been identified as requiring widening and strengthening to support several agricultural industries which rely on the road to transport cattle and grain.”

The business case focussed on over ten kilometres of particularly flood-prone sections at Motley, Mount Tyson, Rossvale and Springside:

•1.4km section between Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road and Motley-Linthorpe Road

•1.4km section between Motley-Linthorpe Road and Cronin Road

•7.5km section between Cronin Road and Irongate Road.

In addition to agricultural needs, the road is also often used by people from Oakey to travel to Pittsworth and along the Gore Highway to Goondiwindi and down into New South Wales.

The TMR spokesperson said during the business case development, feedback was sought from the Oakey, Pittsworth and Aubigny communities plus surrounding areas to identify potential improvements on Oakey-Pittsworth Road.

“Community suggestions included turning lanes at key intersections, and improved signs and line-marking.

Heavy vehicle drivers suggested road widening would significantly improve safety,” they said.

“The business case was completed in June 2022 and recommends widening the road, flattening roadside batters, removing roadside hazards and, improving signs and line-marking.”

Since the business case was completed, the road has been swamped by substantial rainfall, causing multiple closures and damage.

“Oakey - Pittsworth Road has been affected by floods this year, particularly between Motley-Linthorpe Road and Cronin Road,” the spokesperson said.

“We have undertaken emergency works and continue to repair safety defects, including pothole patching.

“Roads across the Darling Downs have become more prone to failure due to flooding, and as OakeyPittsworth Road carries

A particularly flood-prone section of the road (above) and the sections of road included in the business case (below).

a large volume of heavy vehicles this damage has been exacerbated.

“The road strengthening suggested in the business case would reduce the

damage caused during floods.”

The business case cost $250,000, fully funded under the Queensland Government’s State Road

Commemorating Remembrance Day

Many gathered at the Oakey War Memorial last Friday for a Remembrance Day service.

Oakey RSL Sub-branch Secretary Leanne Wells and President Chris Markham conducted the ceremony.

Oakey State High School students laid a wreath. Deborah Heyze recited ‘In Flanders Field’

Bank of Australasia

The Bank of Australasia was first formed in Sydney in 1835, following which branches spread throughout Australia.

The first branch of this bank in Oakey was established in temporary premises on Bridge Street in August 1901 as an agency of the Toowoomba branch and Manager Mr. Pasco, attended the town each Wednesday.

From December 1903, this was extended to Fridays as well.

By August 1904, a permanent branch was opened with Deighton Colin Nelson as Manager.

Within a year of opening, the business was sufficiently established to need permanent premises

so a four-roomed cottage in Campbell Street was purchased in mid 1905 at the cost of £700.

The addition of a brick office and strongroom at a further cost of £550 was completed and opened for business by December 13, 1905.

Deighton Nelson had married Eileen Affleck, third daughter of Mr and Mrs John Affleck, “Lillirie”, Oakey on December 11, 1905 and remained as branch Manager until August 1911 when he was transferred to Dorrigo, New South Wales and replaced by Charles Stuart Abercrombie from the Cairns branch.

To be continued....

- Valerie Weise-Young

The photo is of the Bank of Australasia on the western side of Campbell Street, Oakey prior to June 1925 when the corrugated iron fence was replaced by a brick fence. Photo, Valerie Weise-Young

TSBE proposal impresses Minister

The case to establish a manufacturing hub in Toowoomba took a big step forward last week with a proposal from the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise endorsed in principle by State Government Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher.

Mr Butcher met with TSBE CEO Ali Davenport when he visited Toowoomba to speak at the Regions Rising event, and encouraged those efforts being made for the hub.

“It was a pretty positive response from the Minister, and like all proposals, will ultimately come down to funding,” Ms Davenport said.

“The state government has always recognised our manufacturing credentials, and supported individual businesses, but a manufacturing hub would take things to the next level.”

There are around 600 businesses in this region which identify-as manufacturing and they employ a total of nearly 7000 people, and contribute $1.35 billion to the economy each year.

A formal manufacturing hub – such as those in centres including Mackay, Townsville, Mackay and Gladstone – would

provide a resource for these businesses to access funding, mentoring, innovation and collaboration.

“A manufacturing hub is not a physical ‘space’ as such, but a support network for businesses to collaborate where necessary,” Ms Davenport said.

“The very first manufacturing hubs were established by the government in areas where they wanted to see growth, and now it’s time for us.

“We have seen incredible success stories come out of those other regions, and we know those stories can also come from businesses right across our region.

“Equally importantly, a manufacturing hub will encourage other businesses to set up here and develop entrepreneurship through inspiration and support.”

Ms Davenport said she felt very encouraged following the meetings with Mr Butcher.

“We realise that ultimately this decision will come down to budgets, but we will push for it in every way we can,” Ms Davenport said.

“We will focus on highlighting the opportunities and challenges currently experienced by local manufacturing businesses, and work together for a result that benefits the whole region.”

From left: Stephen Lucht of Obadare, Anton Griffiths of TUFF Group, Minister Glenn Butcher, Ali Davenport, Elisa Ginardi and Jason Riddle of JRS Manufacturing, Mandy Turner of TSBE and Daniel Fletcher of Western Downs Regional Council.

Oakey 3 on 3 Basketball Shoot Out

PCYC Toowoomba is again hosting its Oakey 3 on 3 Basketball Shoot Out, although there are some changes this year.

It will be held from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, 14 December at the Oakey State School hall.

Previous Community Days in Oakey have included support services which bring along merchandise and have small stalls and engage the community.

This year, each service has been asked to put forward a basketball team of 3 or 4 players, no matter each person’s ability, to play and engage with young people and show them that the adults can have fun too.

Reach out and register today and bring along your team, your runners and your positive attitude and have fun with other young people.

There are three age group divisions, all with mixed teams:

Division 1: Under 12s

Division 2: Under 16s

Division 3: 17 plus

There will be heaps of prizes and giveaways to be won, as well as free steak and chicken burgers, Zooper Doopers and drinks.

There is ample entertainment as well, including music, a free throw competition, 3 point knock-out and a basketball quiz-off.

Pick-ups may be available for areas outside of Oakey. For any enquiries, contact Oakey Connect Coordinator Katarina Medland on 0459 836 335 or katarina. medland@pcyc.org.au

Government cuts ag show funding

In Estimates week, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said $14 million in funding for Ag shows was being “reprioritised.”

Nationals leader David Littleproud said Estimates had sadly proved Labor was taking even more money out of regional and rural Australia, with infrastructure funding for Ag shows now gone, including in the electorate of Maranoa.

“We already know Labor has taken billions away from the regions, scrapping water and major infrastructure commitments,” Mr Littleproud said.

“But now they are cruelly taking away the Agricultural Shows Development Grants Program funding.

“This was money to improve infrastructure for Ag shows in Maranoa.

“It is another kick in the guts to Maranoa, which is already struggling.”

“Ag shows generate a huge $1 billion annually in economic benefits, promoting new technologies and high-quality produce,” Mr Littleproud said.

“For some communities and charities, agriculture shows are the financial boost they need to get them through the year.

“They are also the driver for innovation and education, showcasing Australia’s food and fibre and supporting tourism.

“Labor says the funding will be redirected for other government priorities.”

Police Beats expand

Police Minister Mark Ryan has revealed that new Mobile Police Beats will be deployed across the state, including the Downs area.

There will be 25 new solar powered Mobile Police Beats joining the Queensland Police Service

(QPS) fleet by 2027, taking the QPS’ Mobile Police Beat capabilities to 50.

Mr Ryan said that more investment in Mobile Police Beats meant that the QPS would be better equipped to respond to local needs and challenges.

The Government has confirmed it is scrapping funding for the Agriculture Shows Development Grants Program.

Goombungee Golf

Thursday 3rd

November, Men’s 4BBB Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winners, Wayne Nemeth and Alan Bryce 44. Approaches: 2/11, Greg Buckley; 5/14, Murray McLeod; 8/17, Dave Scutt. Ladies’ Single Stroke, Best Nine for a Club Trophy. Winner, Jan Mullins. Approaches: 2/11, Carmel Cover; 5/14, Jan Mullins; 8/17, Robyn Drowley.

Friday 4th November, Chook Run winner, Dave Humphrey 36.

Sunday 6th November, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winners: Men, Dave Lowe 65 nett; Ladies, Denise Volz 73 nett.

Rundown: Val Drowley, Nathan Bonney, Jason Delaney, Matt Burgess. Pin shot, Men 4/13, Col Jenkins. Approaches: 5/14, Matt Burgess; 9/18, Bill Robertson. Approaches, Ladies, 1/10, Carmel Cover; 5/14, Robyn Drowley.

Members’ draw No. 112, Ray Monty, not present. This week $30.

Thursday 10th November, Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Approaches: 3/12, Dean Freyling; 5/14, Kevin Andersen; 6/15, J. Bowell.

Ladies’ Single Stableford, Best Nine Eclectic for a Club Trophy. Winner, Gloria Scott. Approaches: 1/10, Robyn Drowley; 4/13, Janelle Kruse; 7/16, Wendy Ladewig.

Friday 11th November, Chook Run winner, Col Jenkins 33 nett; second, Cynthia Canard; third, Bernard Julian.

Saturday 12th November, Goombungee Open Carnival, 4BBB Mixed and Men’s. Winners 4BBB Mixed, Mark Peters and Sandy Dalziel 43; Runnersup, Alan and Rhonda Miller, third place Paul and Wendy Ladewig. Winners 4BBB Men’s, Damien and Trent Peters 45; Runnersup, Dave Humphrey and Greg Schull; third Nino Capuzzo and Travis Peters.

All-in Bradmans, Steve Zahn and Greg McLaren. Pin shots, Men, 4/13, Nino Capuzzo; 8/17, Travis Peters. Approaches: 6/15, Ken Kempton; 9/18, Nino Capuzzo. Pin shot, Ladies, 4/13, Sandy Dalziel; Approach: 9/18, Ann Cass.

Sunday 13th November, Goombungee Open Carnival Overall Nett winner, Val Hartland 62 nett. Overall best gross, Jayden Peck 73. Men’s A Grade: Best Nett, Bruce McLeod 68; Best Gross, Matty Burgess 74; Best Nine Stableford, Trent Peters 22. B Grade: Best Nett, Adrian Delaney 67; Best Gross, Ian Williams 85 (ocb); Best Nine Stableford, Jason Delaney 21. C Grade: Best Nett, Matt Griffiths 67; Best Gross, Travis Peters 91; Best Nine Stableford, Wayne Dallinger 21. Ladies’ Division 1: Best Nett, Iris Thompson 68; Best Gross, Ann Cass 86; Best Nine Stableford, Bea Dangerfield 20. Division 2: Best Nett, Sandra Speers 69; Best Gross, Carmel Cover 98; Best Nine Stableford, Robyn Purcell 20. Men’s pin shots: 3/12, Jadyn Peck; 4/13, Frank Pokarier; 8/17, Lyndon McGinn. Approaches: 9/18, Col Jenkins; 1/10, Greg Moore; 7/16, Travis Peters. Ladies’ pin shots: 4/13 and 8/17, Bernadette Kelly. Approaches: 2/11, Rhonda Miller; 3/12, Carmel Cover. Men’s Long Drives: A Grade, Matty Burgess; B Grade, Bill Robertson; C Grade, Travis Peters. Ladies’ Accuracy Drives: Division 1, V. Drowley; Division 2, Amanda Gillespie.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 17th November, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Ladies 4BBB Stableford (Secret Draw) for a Club Trophy.

Friday 18th November, Chook Run from 3pm.

Sunday 20th November, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

- Murray McLeod

Oakey Golf Club

Wednesday 9th November, the Ladies played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the Medal of Medalist. The winner was Yvonne Lebeter with a 77 nett. The runner-up was Janice Little with a 79 nett on a countback. The front 9 was won by Christine Little with 16 points and the Back 9 was won by I. Thompson with 15 points. Iris Thompson defeated Marlene Deans in the final of the Challenge Cup Matchplay 3/2.

Wednesday 16th

November the Ladies will play a V.S.S. Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th November, the Members played an 18 hole Stableford. As there were under six players in the competition the winner of a free game of golf was Mark Carter with a 73 nett and the pin on No. 3 was won by Michael Rietveld.

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November, the Members will play an 18 hole Stableford.

- Marlene Deans Secretary

Oakey Men’s Bowls

Competition called for Saturday November 19: “A” Singles: R. Krause vs. G. Usher (B. Lucht); K. Ciesiolka vs. M. Park (D. Dreyer). Senior Singles: P. Maker vs. S. Cosgrove (L. Hudson); W. Patterson vs. E. Dornbusch (A. Langton). If unavailable to mark or play contact Don on 0417 006 053.

Winners of Thursday night bowls were T. Austen and M. Park Result of the inter-club game between Peranga and Oakey was a win for Oakey.

COMING EVENTS Thursday November 17,

Night Bowls, names in by 5.30pm, play from 6pm.

Saturday November 26, Visit from Holland Park bowlers, 12.30pm start (mixed) C/S, names on the board please.

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

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

Oakey Parkrun

We had a big field on Saturday with 53 participants.

Jack Wilson was back and recorded the best time of 17:48 for the five kilometres.

A couple of participants from Toowoomba Road Runners were next, Dennis Rochford (18:58) and Brian Baker (19:21).

Next best was the first female to finish, Faith McKay with a time of 23:05.

We actually had 23 females in the field on Saturday morning.

Seven participants recorded personal bests: Craig Millikan (Toowoomba Road Runners) 24:17, Janeen Gibson 26:23, Dylan McIntosh 28:23, Sarah Halter 30:07,Jack Miller 32:21, Nate Langton 39:13 and Delmay Keen 56:34.

Oakey Social Golf

Sunday 13th November, we played a 2 Person Ambrose on the back nine with 35 players.

The winners were Paul Jones and Brett McDonald on a countback to Russell MacKenzie and Jason Lipp with 23½ nett.

Peter “Moses” Morgan has now hit the lead in a very tight leaders board by two points with three games to see out the season.

The winners of the pins/approaches are: 10, T. Krahenbring; 11, Over 60, T. Krahenbring; Under 60, A. Cherry; 12, 13 and 15, M. Krahenbring; 14, S. Gillis; 16, Over 60, B. McDonald; Under 60,

P. Jones; 17 and 18, A. Palmer.

Long Drives: A Grade, HL ; B Grade, G. Little; Over 60, R. MacKenzie. Members’ draw was 58. Troy Sharpe, who was not present for $20.

Raffles going to numbers 29, S. Gillis and 40, R. MacKenzie.

This week game will be a V.S.S. on the front nine with a 6.30am tee off.

Remembering 27th November is the Main Club Annual General Meeting where we will be playing 18 holes of golf, then attending the AGM held at the Golf Club.

- Flynny/Macca

Winners Brett McDonald and Paul Jones.

Grains, cattle dominant in local ag economy

Data from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) shows the agricultural economy of the Jondaryan statistical area, covering a swathe between Toowoomba and Dalby, has a large proportion of grain and cattle.

The gross value of production (GVP) for the area in the 2022-23 financial year is forecast to be $281.06 million, or 1.62 per cent of the Queensland agricultural economy.

Grains are counted under the broader category of broadacre crops, which, with a GVP of $167.92 million, contributes 59.63 per cent of the Jondaryan area’s total GVP.

Grains account for $94.86 million or 56.49 per cent of broadacre crops, which is comprised of:

•Grain sorghum$49.47 million comprising 52.15 per cent (9.77 per cent of Queensland grain sorghum)

•Wheat - $25.41 million comprising 26.79 per cent

•Barley - $10.71 million

comprising 11.29 per cent (10.13 per cent of Queensland barley).

•Maize - $6.19 million comprising 6.52 per cent

•Other grain cereals$3.08 million, 3.25 per cent

Most of the rest of the region’s broadacre output is industrial crops, with a GVP of $60.58 million, comprised entirely of raw cotton.

Oilseeds and pulses make up the remaining 7.43 per cent, at a value of $12.48 million.

Aside from broadacre crops, livestock disposals account for 36.49 per cent of the Jondaryan area’s GVP, totalling $102.74 million.

This is dominated by cattle and calves, comprising 89.9 per cent at a GVP of $92.37 million

The rest is nearly all from pigs, totalling $10.2 million

Livestock products make up just 3.02 per cent of Jondaryan’s total with a GVP of $8.5 million.

This is nearly all from

milk (all purpose), which has a GVP of $8.42 million.

Wool has a GVP of $88,240.

The remaining 0.87 per cent of Jondaryan’s GVP comes from horticulture, with a GVP of $2.44 million.

This is mostly from vegetables (83.43 per cent) with a smaller proportion form fruit and nuts (16.57 per cent).

The neighbouring Crows Nest - Rosalie statistical area, which includes areas such as Goombungee and Quinalow, has a forecast GVP of $146 million in 2022-23, or 0.84 per cent of Queensland agriculture.

In that region, 40 per cent of the GVP is from cattle and calves and 18 per cent from milk.

Fall Armyworm encroaching on Eastern Downs

The latest update on Fall Army Worm (FAW) numbers indicates that the pest is slowly spreading across the Darling Downs and is getting closer to the local area.

Information collated for the Beatsheet publication, prepared by the Queensland Government in conjunction with Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) indicates that very low densities of FAW have already been observed in corn and forage sorghum crops on the Western Downs, and Eastern Downs, as well as in the Macintyre and Lockyer Valleys.

Infestations reported are largely patchy in distribution, and egg masses have been difficult to find.

With the warmer conditions, there is evidence of increasing FAW activity with more egg masses and an increased density of small larvae across fields.

Farmers growing corn or sorghum (for grain or silage), or millet, have been told that it is imperative that they monitor closely for FAW.

Not all caterpillars in corn, sorghum and millet will be FAW - high native armyworm and helicoverpa pressure in winter cereals is likely to result in infestations of these species in corn, sorghum and millet too.

This highlights the importance of actually sighting larvae, rather than assuming that all damage in these crops means you have an FAW infestation.

Distinguishing FAW larvae from those of common armyworm and helicoverpa is possible, particularly with experience and with larger larvae.

FAW eggs can be difficult to find – but easy to recognise - the eggs are typically deposited in clusters (with or without scale covering) on the underside of lower leaves of small plants (<V4).

Growers looking for eggs should focus on the cotyledon and the first and second expanded leaf, and

towards the base of the leaf.

If you can’t find egg masses, you might see signs that there have been egg masses that have hatched and the larvae dispersed.

It may take as little as three to five days for an egg mass to hatch and larvae to move from exposed feeding site.

Larvae consume the egg shell when they hatch, so there will be nothing of the egg mass left to see except signs of early instar feeding.

If larvae have dispersed very quickly from the egg mass site, then there may be no sign of the egg mass at all.

Second and third instar larvae, and the windowing (feeding damage) they cause is easier to see on newly expanded and furled leaves in the whorl.

There are other things to look for than just FAW eggs and larvae - there can be a surprising number of natural enemies present when monitoring for FAW. While predators do not leave much evidence behind, visual signs of parasitoid and pathogen activity can be quite common in some fields.

Just counting plants with feeding damage is not a reliable way to determine the extent of an infestationa relatively small proportion of larvae that hatch will survive and establish in the whorl of a plant.

Of course, the higher the pressure/number the higher the number establishing.

There is no substitute for pulling plants apart to assess an infestation.

Dissecting the plant provides information on the number of larvae per plant (and what species), and the size of the larvae – both very important bits of information for making decisions about the management of the infestation.

Just over 10 per cent of Queensland’s barley is grown in the Jondaryan statistical area, including this magnificent crop at Kingsthorpe.

Queensland Statistical Areas, Level 2 (SA2), 2021 Jondaryan (ASGS Code 307021180)

The borders of the Jondaryan statistical area.

GARRISON CATCHUP

Your link to the Aviation Centre

Remembrance Day

At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.

The allied armies had driven the Germans back, having inflicted heavy defeats over the preceding four months.

In November 1918 the Germans called for an armistice in order to secure a peace settlement.

The Germans accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender.

This marked the end of the first World War;

this conflict had mobilised over 70 million people and left between nine and 13 million dead.

Period of Silence

On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919, two minutes of silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony at the new cenotaph in London.

Australian journalist Edward Honey proposed the silence.

At about the same time, a South African statesman made a similar proposal to the British

Cabinet, which endorsed it.

King George V personally requested all the people of the British Empire suspend normal activities for two minutes on the hour of the Armistice ‘which stayed the worldwide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of Right and Freedom’.

The two minutes silence was popularly adopted and it became a central feature of commemorations of Armistice Day.

Red Poppy ritual

Papaver rhoeas or more commonly known as Flanders poppy and Red poppy has long been a part of Remembrance Day,

This ritual marks the Armistice of 11 November 1918, and is increasingly being used as part of Anzac Day observances.

During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium.

In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.

The sight of poppies on the battlefield at Ypres in 1915 moved Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae a Canadian physician to write the poem “In Flanders Fields”

In English literature of

the nineteenth century, poppies symbolised sleep or a state of oblivion; in the literature of the First World War a new, more powerful symbolism was attached to the poppy

– the sacrifice of shed blood.

The poppy has become the enduring symbol of remembrance of the First World War.

Lest we forget.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

John McCrae (1872-1918)

GARRISON CATCHUP

Garrison Catchup is a fortnightly presentation prepared by personnel of the Army Aviation Centre at Oakey as a link between the training centre and the wider Oakey community.

A day of national commemoration to honour and pay tribute to the men and women who serve in our defence forces and remember those who have died or suffered in conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations.

One of many beautiful wreaths laid at the service. This wreath was made and placed by local schoolchildren. “Lest We Forget”.

Photo, Bradley Richardson

Remembrance Day ceremony at the Oakey War Memorial, with personnel from the Rotary-wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) based at Swartz barracks Oakey forming the catafalque party.

Photo, Bradley Richardson

ABOVE LEFT: Craftsman standing at Present Arms.

ABOVE RIGHT: Craftsman at Rest on Arms.

Photos, Bradley Richardson

Residents urged to protect themselves from JEV

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer and Darling Downs Health are encouraging locals to be aware of a mosquitoborne virus, especially anyone who works near piggeries, creeks or dams.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has bitten an infectious animal, usually pigs or water birds.

Dr John Gerrard said the best protection against JEV is to avoid mosquito bites.

“Personal protection includes wearing lightcoloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves

and long trousers, as well as using an effective insect repellent on any exposed skin,” Dr Gerrard said.

“Using insecticide sprays or vapour dispensing units indoors or mosquito coils outdoors is another effective way to repel mosquitoes.”

The free JEV vaccination is recommended for atrisk groups which include people who work at or live near a piggery, or those

Remembrance Day at CWA House

who work with mosquitoes including environmental health officers and entomologists.

The free JEV vaccination is encouraged for any residents who spend several hours a day outdoors, particularly around dusk or dawn, in many of Queensland’s local government areas.

Only the Millmerran area of the Toowoomba Region is included.

Darling Downs Health Director of Public Health and Community Medicine Dr Liam Flynn said those local government areas are where JEV has been found in either mosquitoes, pigs or people.

Although JEV has not been identified in the Oakey area, the threat still remains.

“Over recent months, the Darling Downs Public Health team has been out and about across the region trapping for mosquitoes which are then taken to a lab for testing,” Dr Flynn said.

“This is to help us gain

more information about different types of mosquitoes and what diseases those mosquitoes might be carrying.”

“If you happen to be out and about in Southern Queensland and see these mosquito traps, please don’t touch them, but know that they’re there so we can understand the burden of diseases.”

“This surveillance program can ensure we have the best information to act on.”

Around 99 per cent of people infected with JEV have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache, or abdominal pain and vomiting in children.

After a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, it usually takes five to 15 days for the first symptoms to appear.

JEV does not spread directly between people and there is no risk of JEV from consuming pork or pork products.

Funds for Blush

Toowoomba Bypass eastbound lanes remain closed

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed the eastbound lanes of the Toowoomba Bypass will remain closed until at least the end of next week as a precaution.

The closure is due to continuing soil movement detected in the northern slope at a cutting east of the New England Highway overpass.

Geotechnical experts and engineers continue to monitor the slope, which has been impacted by ongoing wet weather, to ensure safety.

The closure is in place between the Warrego West interchange at Charlton and the Warrego East interchange at Helidon Spa.

TMR Southern Queensland Regional Director

Bill Lansbury said TMR and contractor Nexus were working hard on the challenging situation.

“Finding a solution to the problem is proving extremely complex,” Mr Lansbury said.

“Repairs need to be balanced with safety considerations for traffic and construction crews.

“Options being investigated may allow for the reopening of the inner eastbound lane in about two weeks’ time.”

Mr Lansbury said

motorists, including the heavy vehicle industry, were being kept informed of traffic conditions.

He said the westbound lanes of the Toowoomba Bypass were not affected and remain open to all traffic, while the eastbound lanes between the Boundary Street interchange and the Mort Street interchange also remain open.

“All eastbound traffic on the Toowoomba Bypass will continue to exit at the Mort Street interchange at Harlaxton,” he said.

“Eastbound traffic on the Warrego Highway will not be able to enter the Toowoomba Bypass at the Warrego West interchange at Charlton.

“Northbound traffic on the Gore Highway will be directed off the Toowoomba Bypass at the Warrego West interchange at Charlton to detour through Toowoomba.”

QLDTraffic will be kept up to date about traffic impacts and changes on the Toowoomba Bypass at the cutting.

Darling Downs Health Director of Public Health and Community Medicine Dr Liam Flynn with Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard were at Meringandan last week, where they showcased a mosquito trapping exercise.

Residents of CWA House at Oakey stopped to mark Remembrance Day at the facility’s own war memorial on Friday, 11th November.

Back from left: Lieutenant Colonel Trent Groves, Councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan, McLean Care CWA House Facility Manager Di Henning and Warrant Officer Class 2 , Ray Flower.

Front from left: Residents Garney Dillon, Kath Costello and Bernie Earsman.

Photo, Allyson Gardner

Cancer support service Blush, based in Toowoomba, received a boost as the result of an event held at McLean Care CWA House in Oakey a couple of weeks ago.

Blush Cancer representative Dee with Facility Manager Di Henning, receiving a cheque for funds raised at McLean Care at CWA House where $454 was raised from donations and a multi draw raffle.

Photo, Allyson Gardner