Oakey Champion - 20th October 2021

The

Oakey Champion

4691 1376

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Oakey’s Own Newspaper

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A N G O R A G OAT S YO U N G J U D G E S W I N - PAG E 3 R A I N B O W S TA I R C A S E U P DAT E - PAG E 6 C E R T 1 S T U D E N T S G R A D U AT E - PAG E 1 2

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After decades of being the location of most local events from dances, cricket and tennis matches and group meetings to the highly successful Dairy Festival, residents gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Biddeston Hall on Saturday by paying tribute to the history and significance of the historic building. - STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Biddeston Hall commttee members Margaret Clarke, Lyn Cotz, Jeff Gotz, Cynthia Donovan, Janice Cowie and Jenny Radke hold up the birthday cake cut in celebration of the Biddeston Hall turning 100.

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Page 2

Protea Place at Oakey

Protea Place holds its Oakey Outreach on Tuesday from 10am to 11.30am at the Oakey Community Centre.

It is free and includes support services, food vouchers, clothing and toiletries.

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Local resident turns 104

McDonald Nursing Home resident Zella Kelly has joined the ranks of the oldest people in Oakey turning 104 on Monday, October 11.

A sweet-lover, Zella enjoyed a birthday cake and morning tea with her family and friends last week.

Zella has called Oakey home for about five years after spending most of her life in northern New South Wales.

Hard-working and independent, Zella lived in her own home until reaching her mid-90s.

She has one son, Norm, who joined her for her 10th birthday.

She also boasts several grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren.

Zella now joins the “104 group” at McDonald Nursing Home with fellow residents Elizabeth Campbell and Merle McCoist already celebrating their 104th birthday.

The ladies are still not the oldest resident in Oakey with Esme ‘Granny’ Dorries holding that title at an amazing 105 years and about to turn 106 next month.

ABOVE RIGHT: Zella Kelly cuts her 104th birthday cake.

RIGHT: The McDonald Nursing Home staff put together a display of balloons to mark the big day.

FAR RIGHT: Zella Kelly celebrates her birthday with her son Norm.

Around the

DOWNS

Festival of Small Halls Bringing life to our small community halls through music. Enjoy an evening of highquality performances with the Festival of Small Halls. Featuring well-known homegrown artists where you can expect a beautiful night of original music for all ages. The festival’s spring and summer tours will be visiting the following halls in our Region: • Cambooya Hall, 29 October • Anduramba Hall, 30 October • Southbrook Hall, 10 November • Qunialow Hall, 27 November • Cabarlah Hall, 2 December Ticket bookings are required. For more information on the festival and other music opportunities in the Region, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events

Jobs at Council Join us in serving the community. Take a look at our current employment opportunities by visiting www.tr.qld.gov.au/jobs

Water restrictions remain in place for all areas of the Toowoomba Region.

Please remember summer watering times are between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on your allowed watering days.

For more information on restriction levels and saving water inside and outside the home, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water

DID YOU KNOWYOUR IDEAS can HELP

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Page 3

Students top national Centenary celebrations young judges event

Demonstrating that local young people can compete on the national arena, Oakey residents Tayla Lord and Charlotte Densley have taken home second and third place in the Australian National Angora Young Judges competition.

The Angora show team students collect points at each show they attend if they are placed in the competition, and the two highest point winners in Queensland are chosen to represent our state at the Nationals.

The two Queensland representatives came from Oakey High this year, Tayla Lord who graduated from year 12 last year and Charlotte Densley who is currently in year 10.

Tayla and Charlotte went into school during the holidays to view the animals and fleeces that they needed to judge.

Videos of their speeches were uploaded to the committee for their assessment.

Ag teacher Debbie Goudie said she looks forward to seeing how Tayla and Charlotte progress after this achievement.

Local students Tayla Lord and Charlotte Densley competed at the National Angora Young Judges competition recently.

Continued from page 1 Biddeston Hall committee treasurer Jenny Radke said the building has been an integral part of the community for the past 100 years.

She said the hard work of all committee members over the years has ensured it has remained standing and has constantly been ungraded and renovated.

“The last 100 years has seen many events and functions take place dances, parties, sports days, dairy festivals, fun days, just to name a few,” Mrs Radke said.

“It only the walls could talk they would have a lot of stories to tell.

“Special mention goes to the long standing committee members over the last 100 years.

“I think they would be very proud to see such a legacy continue on to this day.”

One of these long term committee members, Graham Mason, cut the Biddeston Hall birthday cake.

He had been a member

Two more vehicles stolen from Oakey Oakey Police are investigating the thefts of two more vehicles from Oakey residences with the car and utility vehicle later recovered locations at Silverleigh and Toowoomba.

A Holden Rodeo utility was taken from a Bridge Street property some time between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The utility was located later that day on the corner of Tor and Taylor Streets at Newtown.

Another vehicle, a white

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In both instances, the unknown offender broke into the property and stole the vehicle keys.

One of the longest serving members of the Biddeston Hall committee, Graham Mason, had the honour of cutting the centenary cake. of the committee for about 46 years up until his retirement six years ago.

Alongside the official ceremony, the centenary celebrations included an impromptu cricket match

which paid tribute to the long history the Biddeston Hall has with the sport as well as performances from local entertainers, the Voll Sisters and Amanda Faulkner.

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Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

TO THE PAST

Oakey Creek Rail Bridge

The first rail bridge over Oaky Creek (deemed an obstacle) on the Western Line was completed by the end of October 1867.

The bridge was an extensive wooden structure

of great strength which was considered a staunch and substantial one. Despite that report, the bridge had become “decidedly shaky” over the intervening years so on September 13, 1881,

ABOVE: An outbound mixed goods train being hauled by a B15 steam locomotive on the 1882 bridge (ca. 1909).

LEFT: Plaque erected near the new 2015 bridge celebrating 150 years of Queensland Rail. - Photos, Valerie Weise-Young tenders were called for a new bridge over Oaky Creek.

Plans for this bridge were signed off by the Chief Engineer of Queensland Railways, H. C. Stanley.

On October 20, 1881 (140 years ago), contractors John Garget & Co. were awarded the work at a price of £1,396.

The western line was

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

diverted by a temporary bridge whilst the work went on.

The new bridge incorporated two 150 feet lattice iron girders from the 1865 Iron Pot Gully bridge which had been on the original line from Ipswich to Bigge’s Camp (now Grandchester) via North

$1.20

Ipswich and Wulkuraka.

This railway line lasted until April 7, 1875 when the Ipswich - Toowoomba deviation via Sadlier’s Crossing to Walloon was completed. The deviation had been commenced in the early part of 1873.

The new bridge over Oaky (later Oakey) Creek

was completed in 1882.

During the record flood on February 18, 1893, the approaches to the bridge were washed away and the bridge was completely submerged - reminiscent of January 11, 2011, when history was repeated.

To be continued...

- Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead Conditions this week are expected to clear up however there is still the possibilty of scattered showers throughout the district.

Tempratures are expected to peak in the low thirties over the weekend.

6 DAY FORECAST WED

Partly Cloudy

10/29°C

THUR

Shower or two.

12/27°C

FRI

Possible Shower

13/31°C

SAT

Shower or two.

13/33°C

SUN

Partly Cloudy

16/32°C

MON

Possible Shower

13/28°C

21st Oct

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

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

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

Published each Wednesday

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TEMP

29th Oct

RAIN

UV INDEX

30%

Very high

<1mm

60% <1mm

40% <1mm

50% 1mm 2mm

30% <1mm

40% <1mm

5th Nov

Very high

Very high

Very high

Very high

Very high

11th Nov

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Weir still in Oakey Rainbow Staircase project the dark about Wellcamp site

The plan to transform the Oakey Railway Station overpass steps into a rainbow staircase and a focal point for the township is moving foward with Queensland Rail and several community organisations in favour of the project.

With the sod turned on the Wellcamp quarantine facility last week, Member for Condamine Pat Weir said he is still waiting for detail on how the site will operate and how the State Government will deal with the potential impacts on the local community.

Mr Weir told Queensland Parliament that he started asking questions about the then proposed facility in January and is still asking for details.

He said he received a briefing on the project late last month but that it was “very light on any detail”.

“We asked questions and the answers received were limited to build and design details,” Mr Weir said.

“I for one would like to know where the medical, security, cleaning, maintenance and catering staff will be coming from.

“Are they to be locally sourced or outsourced and, if so, where will they be housed?

“Will everyone on site be required to be fully vaccinated?

“What happens if one of the people housed in the facility has a medical episode such as a heart attack?

“Will they be transported

to our local hospital?

“There are many questions and too few answers.

“When any questions are asked the Premier’s response is that it is commercial-inconfidence.”

Wagner Corporation has confirmed that construction is on-track for the first stage of the quarantine facility to be delivered by the end of 2021.

The next stage, a further 500 beds, is set for completion in the first quarter of 2022.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the state, including Queensland Health, police service and QFES, had worked closely with the Wagner Corporation on the design of the centre.

“There is an emphasis on infection control and on the safety, wellbeing and security of residents, staff and the community,” he said.

Project founder, Oakey resident Ellisa Parker said she came up with the idea several years ago but only seriously worked towards making it a reality this year.

“I first came up with this concept in 2013 and this year I decided to get the ball rolling,” Ms Parker said.

She said the plans for the local design are based on Rainbow Staircases in Miami at Gold Coast and Rainbow Beach.

Ms Parker said in addition to creating a beautiful work of art and tourist attraction for Oakey, the project will be a symbol of inclusion, fairness and human rights for all people.

“Rainbows are a symbol of hope in many cultures and faiths,” she said.

“It will create a lively vibe in the CBD, it creates colour, fun and a child-like innocence and it has the potential to become a tourist attraction.

“A rainbow staircase can foster and promote diversity and inclusion within the rainbow community.”

Ms Parker said she has contacted Queensland Rail which is positive about the project and has completed a safety assessment to ensure all residents can use the facility.

Oakey resident Ellisa Parker (left) is moving forward with a plan to turn the Oakey Railway Station overpass stairs into a tourist attraction. She is pictured with Toowoomba Region Councillor Melissa Taylor (right) who showed her support for the project.

“The infrastructure is owned by Queensland Rail so everything we do has to be with the approval of Queensland Rail,” she said.

“The stage that we are at with the planning is that Queensland Rail has said go and get a safety assessment of what we are doing to make sure it complies with the Australian standards.”

Ms Parker said the

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staircase will also need materials to ensure it is nonslip.

She said the next step is to apply for grants to undertake the project with several incorporated groups already offering to be the lead organisation for grant applications.

Ms Parker said with the coordination and installation costs, she anticipates that the project will cost about $8,000.

She said she is open to

further design suggestions and ideas.

To get involved in the Oakey Rainbow Staircase project contact Ms Parker on ellisakparker@gmail.com, call 0449 921 881 or head to the ‘Oakey Rainbow Staircase’ Facebook page.

Residents can also sign a petition to further support the project by going to: www.change.org/p/ queensland-rail-gpo-box-1429brisbane-qld-4001-oakey-4401rainbow-staircase

Keep an eye on coughing in dogs

An occasional cough is not something to worry about in dogs; however, if the coughing becomes more frequent, or quite violent, it might be a sign of a more serious underlying problem.

Common causes for a the airways. cough may include: Wet coughs can indicate - inflammation of the fluid build-up and dry respiratory tract or lungs; coughs generally indicate - heart problems; irritation, while deep/dry - viral or bacterial infections, honking coughs can be a such as kennel cough or symptom of kennel cough. parasites like heartworm; or The treatment is based - tumours or foreign bodies. on the underlying cause The type and timing of of the cough with early cough may suggest the intervention in all cases underlying problem. leading to a much better Night time coughing outcome for the patient. often indicates heart failure Locals who are or collapse of the windpipe. concerned about their A cough that occurs dog’s cough should contact with exercise usually means Darling Downs Vets on inflammation or irritation in 4691 9000.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Local students learn from World Champion swimmer

Oakey Swimming Club students had the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s best when former world champion swimmer, Jade Edmistone, came to the club earlier this month to host an Oncore Swimming Clinic.

Known for her skills in breaststroke, Edmistone competed in national and world championships as well as winning two silver medals in the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Jade Gollan from the Oakey Swimming Club said the local students took a lot from the clinic despite the chilly water conditions.

“It was a great experience and opportunity for the kids,” she said.

“Jade Edmistone... focused on skills that would increase the kids’ stroke accuracy and performance.

“They did core and body awareness in the water, skill development with their streamline positions as well as understanding how to propel through the water more effectively and reduce drag.”

The Oakey Swimming Club members who took part in the recent Oncore Swimming Clinic with Commonwealth Games silver medalist swimmer, Jade Edmiston.

Launch of new home cookery show section hailed a success

Page 7

Letters To the Editor COUNCIL HYPOCRISY Dear Sir, We have been having trouble with dirty water for the last seven years.

We were told by Council that the problem was with our galvanised pipes under the house.

We had the pipes replaced and had the water filters installed and we’re still getting rust in our water supplied by Council for daily use.

We had our water tested several times at Mount Kynoch and the last testing had proved that there was rust in the water and it was above drinking standards.

The Council has said two years ago that they will extend the pipeline so that we will no longer be at the end of the water main.

We have been told by Council that the pipeline would be extended to join onto another one to make a loop.

If the problem has not been fixed by the end of the month, I will be going to court to get all of our

supply charges refunded and to pay no further supply charges until the problem has been rectified.

I’m not asking for a refund just so I don’t have to pay money, I just want clean water supplied.

All money if refunded to me will be donated to charities and the same with future payments.

I don’t like the idea of paying for dirty water.

Also, I see that Council did a full page advertisement in all newspapers about saving water.

What a joke when Toowoomba Regional Council is the biggest water waster out.

You must come to our place at Aubigny Road every Wednesday afternoon to see them flushing the water main (pictured below).

Why can’t they put the wasted water in a container and water Council gardens with it instead of wasting it?

Douglas Doelle Oakey

Goombungee Haden Show Society hosted a Cake Decorating and Contemporary Baking Schedule Launch last Sunday with 30 ladies enjoying the interactive demonstrations followed by an afternoon tea.

Goombungee Haden Show steward Lorreta Voll said the event officially launched the new sections to the local community.

She thanked participants and demonstrators for their input into the day.

“Thank you to Veronica Branson from Love & Flour Cake Creations and Mary Reid from Merivale Cakes & Crafts for giving their time to demonstrate Buttercream Flowers using Royal/Glycerine medium and the preparation and mixing of the Merivale White Truffle Mud Cake

ready for baking,” Ms Voll said.

“These are some of the new classes in next year’s Schedule.

“Our Show will be held on Saturday 23rd April 2022.”

Afternoon tea after the session was provided by the Goombungee Haden Show cake decorating and contemporary baking and home cookery stewards.

For Cake Decorating Contemporary Baking Schedule enquiries call Loretta on 0427 382 578.

Skate Park Barbee

The PCYC Oakey Connect program is hosting free Skate Park Barbee sessions every Thursday from 3pm to 5pm at the Oakey Skatepark, Campbell Street.

Special guests at the event were Mary Reid,Veronica Branson (centre) with Kaylene Leicht (left) and Loretta Voll (right).

These sessions are only open to local young people between the ages of 12 and 24 years.

For more information contact Oakey Connect

coordinator Katarina Medland on 0459 836 335.

The project is funded by Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network.

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Raffle Community Chest 1.30pm In aid of Oakey Junior Cricket Club

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Social Fishing & Club Raffles 7:30pm

SALAD BAR is back!

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

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Page 8

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Oakey Champion

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER at 1:00pm At the OSRLFC Clubhouse

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Saturday November 20 Haden Public Hall

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The

Oakey Champion

The session will run from 3pm to 7pm at the Oakey Community Centre.

This is the second round of consultation for this project and will help inform a long-term population and employment growth strategy.

TRC Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan thanked residents for their input into the program to date and encouraged them to continue providing feedback through this stage.

“A lot can change in 30 years which is why we need as much information from our community as we can get, to make the best possible decisions for our future,” she said.

“During phase one of the consultation our community shared what they valued most about our Region and what they hoped it would be like in 30 years’ time.

“So far the feedback has been incredibly useful. Our residents have highlighted the scenes and character they love to help us maintain our natural, rural and urban landscapes.

“They asked for more housing choices to support diverse community needs and they told us how they want their town to

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

Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan encouraged all local residents to have their say on the draft regional growth plan. adapt to build better neighbourhoods for future generations.

“This feedback will help us understand more about our community’s values and will be used to plan for our Region’s future.

“Thank you to everyone who has participated so far.

“We all live here. It’s our Region. Help us continue building our community vision for how we, and future residents, will live, work and play.”

Find out more at yoursay. tr.qld.gov.au/toowoombaregion-growth-plan

Car still missing

Police are still appealing for information on a blue Mitsubishi Triton stolen from Kingsthorpe last Tuesday, October 12.

The vehicle has the registration plate NMJ83.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Oakey Social Golf Club Oakey Golf Club notes

Oakey Social Golf Club players took part in a VSS with 28 players on the front nine on Sunday.

TOY1172_TCPOV_WindscreenBanners_1000x225mm_v5.indd 1

The winner was Matt Hall on +4 and the runner-up was Peter Flynn on +3.

Pins and approaches went to: 1 - over 60, M. Morgan and under 60, M. Krahenbring; 3, 4, 6 B. Costello; 5 - W. Bostock; 7 - under 60, P. Jones and over 60, P. Flynn; 8 M. Krahenbring; 9 P. Morgan.

Long Drives went to A Grade - B. Costello; B Grade - G. Little, over 60 - G. Nash.

Membership number 18 went to G. Byers who was present for $30.

Raffles went to 30 D. McMonagle, and 74 W. Wirth.

Thanks to all who helped out on the working bee on Saturday.

Sunday, October 24 is President Day and draw for the Coast trip.

There will be a barbecue and refreshments at the Grand Hotel after the game of golf.

Next week’s game will be a three Person Ambrose on back nine with a 6.30am tee-off.

- Flynny / Macca

Oakey Social Golf winner M. Hall and runner-up P. Flynn.

RESULTS Wednesday, October 13 Oakey Golf Club Ladies hosted 64 players to their Guest Day. The day was sponsored by Lenard’s Chicken Clifford Gardens The winning team was Joan Fisk, Anne Woodroffe, Petea Frazer and Janese Lloyd with 90 points.

The runners-up were Sheryl Barlow, Kathy Duff, Shelly Kelly and Marie Gull with 85 points.

As a result of the event, a total of $1,000 will be donated to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation for their 100K in 100 days campaign.

A total of 24 people took part in Oakey Parkrun on Saturday with William McRae winning the day in 20:38 minutes.

He was followed by Benjamin Fenton, 21:01 minutes; Dave McRae, 21:10 minutes; and first time participant Nikolaj Ekelund, 21:42 minutes.

Stuart Coonan, 24:12 minutes, rounded out the

top five placings.

Mengzhu Wang, 36:58 minutes, was the only other first time Oakey participant.

Personal best times were recorded by: Gemma Tomkins, 32:25 minutes; Steve Martin, 33:04 minutes; and Carol Ann Coonan, 36:55 minutes.

The event was made possible thanks this week’s

volunteers: Benjamin Morgan, Curt Batterham, Jazmin McKay, Kate Paige, Sian Thurlow and Simmone Batterham.

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

It is free but all participants must register first by going to www. parkrun.com.au/oakey

RESULTS Thursday, October 14 was a Men’s Single Stableford for a club trophy.

Approaches went to 7/16 Gary Mathies, 8/17 Garry Shea, 9/18 Garry Shea.

Ladies also played a Single Stableford for a club trophy.

Winner was Robyn Drowley with 37 points.

Approach went to 4/13 Helen Scott.

Friday, October 15 Chook run was won by Gary Linane with 35 net.

Second went to Charlie Sipple.

Sunday, October 17 was a Single Stroke for the Monthly Medal - Mark and Karen Peters Trophy.

Winner for Men was David Cass with 67 net on a count back.

Overall runner-up was David Lowe.

Winner for Ladies was Jacqui Smith with 68 net.

Best gross men went to David Cass, 77.

Best gross Ladies went to Ann Cass, 89.

Rundowns went to Val Drowley, Aaron McCarthy, Garry Shea, Dan Darlington, Nino Capuzzo, Dave Humphrey, Jason Delaney.

Pin shots men went to 4/13 Travis Peters, 8/17 Garry Shea.

Approaches for men to 7/16 Trent Peters, Dave Humphrey.

Approach for ladies to 9/18 Ann Cass.

Members Draw No. 87 went to Dave Humphrey who was not present.

Next week the draw will be $10.

COMING EVENTS Thursday, October 21 will be a Men’s Single Stableford for a club trophy and Single Stroke, - Dulcie Skuse Trophy. Medal Of Medalists play-off.

Friday, October 22: Chook run from 3pm.

Sunday, October 24 will be the Men's and Ladies' Foursomes 27 holes for a club trophy.

It is a 10am hit-off.

- Murray McLeod

Sunday, October 17: the Members played an 18 hole Stableford.

The winner was Jenny Gordon with 36 points.

The runner-up was Marlene Deans with 35 points.

The rundown went to Holden Norton with 33 points on a count back.

Pin on No. 3 was won

by Marlene Deans.

COMING EVENTS Today - Wednesday,

October 20: the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the October Monthly Medal.

New start time 8am.

Saturday October, 23 and Sunday, October 24 the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke.

Sunday, October 31: Members Medal of Medalist for 2021.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Oakey Parkrun results

Goombungee Golf Club results

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Marking the life of a forgotten serviceman

The Oakey RSL Sub-branch has paid its respects to Toowoomba serviceman, Michael Anthony Clark, who, although he passed away over 60 years ago, was buried in an unmarked grave at the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery until granddaughter and Oakey resident, Leanne Wells, made it her mission to have a plaque installed on his final resting place.

Thanks to a grant from the Western district RSL, Ms Wells was able to organise and install the plaque on behalf of her family.

She said her grandfather was born in Toowoomba on July 14, 1913, and married Nance Glandville in 1938.

They had three children together, a boy - Ms Wells’ father, Michael - and two girls, Robin and Christine.

Ms Wells said he enlisted first in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) in June 1940 before re-enlisting in the regular Army in March 1941.

She said CAPT Clark was promoted to Captain and was transferred to Thursday Island as a coastwatcher.

Although she doesn’t know much about his time in the service, Ms Wells said coastwatchers played an important role in protecting northern parts of Australia during World War II. She said these men were intelligence gatherers, and were responsible for letting the Allied Forces know about enemy movements, usually the Japanese forces.

CAPT Clark was ultimately discharged due to health issues and died in 1957, aged just 44 years.

Retired Catholic priest Father Kerry Costigan attended, blessed the

plaque and prayed for Michael Anthony Clark, his family and all who was present at the ceremony.

RSL Western district vice president John Warren attended the blessing of the gravesite on behalf of the RSL district.

He said it is great to see a servicemen finally get a plaque on his grave.

Mr Warren said there are countless deceased veterans from all conflicts in the Toowoomba Region who are buried in unmarked graves.

“It is something I really enjoy doing because we should be honouring these

servicemen.

“There seems to be quite a few around at the moment that we are finding that are not marked.”

ABOVE: Leanne Wells (centre) holds up a photo of her grandfather with Dave Lampard, John Eather, Chris Markham, Father Kerry Costigan, John and Pam Warren and Trevor and Sonya Steinmuller.

ABOVE LEFT: Leanne Wells and retired priest Father Kerry Costigan stand beside the new plaque commemorating the life of Toowoomba serviceman and Ms Wells’ grandfather Mark Anthony Clark.

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

Page 11

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Dream comes true for ARH pilot Often seen in the skies around Oakey, the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (or ARH Tiger) is probably responsible for more than a few daydreams by local students.

For one former Sunshine Coast school student however, the daydreams have been realised as a result of hard work and the very real desire to ‘Fly Army.’

“I love the freedom of flying the aircraft,” Lieutenant Blake Walker says.

“It is a very manoeuvrable and capable aircraft and every day you get to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and then go out and fly it.”

As a Pilot Trainee LT Walker is currently undergoing instruction at the School of Army Aviation at Swartz Barracks.

The culmination of several years of hard work, his current training tests him as he completes the ARH Operational Conversion Course ahead of future postings to flying units.

“It does take a long time to get to this point,” he notes.

“But you need to be a thinking pilot - you can’t just follow the numbers or fly based off a procedure.

“It is important that you adapt to the environment and you get that skillset through your training and from your instructors.”

LT Walker can plot his path to piloting the ARH Tiger back to a period of work experience as a high school student at a local government office where he realised a desk job would never suit him.

“I started looking at careers when a Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) ad came on, so I went in to have a chat,” he recalls.

The rest, as they say, is history.

At the DFR office an Army recruiter ran him through the initial testing and suggested a career in aviation.

THEN AND NOW: Lieutenant Blake Walker as a schoolboy in 2015 posing with an ARH Tiger at Brisbane Airport during a Careers Day and as an Army officer undertaking the ARH Operational Conversion Course at Swartz Barracks, Oakey in 2021.

- Photo, supplied “I hadn’t considered aviation before, I hadn’t been exposed to it,” he says.

“I’m the first in my family to become an Army officer and there are no other pilots, so I hadn’t really thought of aviation as something that I could do.”

The die was cast in 2015 when he attended a Careers Day at Brisbane Airport where an ARH Tiger caught his eye.

“Seeing the aircraft in person, as it were, seeing the size of it, the weaponry and the slim line nature of it compared to other aircraft I thought ’yep, if I’m going to fly I’m going to Fly Army!’”

The following year Blake began his military career, first at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra and then the Royal Military College before beginning flying

training on the Pilatus PC-21 at the No. 1 Flying Training School at East Sale, Victoria.

Following further courses learning to fly rotary wing aircraft LT Walker began his ARH conversion course in June.

The nine-month course demands a great deal from the aircrew but there are benefits, he explains: “There are times when you are thinking probably

too much about what you are doing and just happen to look outside the cockpit and realise that you are flying an attack helicopter.”

“I love the ARH – it’s very easy on the pilot in terms of limits – you can fly it pretty hard,” he says.

“It’s an advanced aircraft – and sometimes I still can’t believe flying it is my job!”

Following graduation

from the ARH course LT Walker says he is looking forward to following his career in Army Aviation and to eventually convert to flying the AH-64E Apache (due to be integrated to service from 2025.)

But for now, the keen surfer from the Sunshine Coast says he is concentrating on successfully finishing the course and celebrating with his family and partner Margaux.

DEFENCEJOBS DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING UP COMING EVENTS Toowoomba 26 Oct - Defence Careers Information Session 16 Nov - Officers In Defence Information Session 18 Nov - Navy Information Session For more details and bookings visit defencejobs.gov.au/events CALL 13 19 01

DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU

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Packed house for country music event

Country music singer Graham Rodger performed to a full house at the Gowrie Little Plain Hall on Saturday, October 9.

Rodger is set to return to Gowrie Little Plain Hall on September 3, 2022.

Event organiser Barry Heinemann said great time was had by all who attended the concert.

The next concert at the Gowrie Little Plain Hall

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Cert 1 students graduate in Oakey-first program

After a year of hard work learning new skills and working with mentors, educators community groups and local businesses, 12 young people have come through the first ever Oakey-based, TAFE Queensland facilitated training program with a Certificate 1 in Construction following a graduation ceremony in Toowoomba last week.

will feature musicians Rod Williams and Pixie Jenkins on Saturday, November 13.

For more information call Shirley on 4630 4384.

All events are held with a COVID-Safe plan and have compulsory sign-in.

Bingo at The Den

Lions Club of Oakey continues to host Bingo at The Den on Hamlyn Road every Tuesday morning.

Doors open at 9.30am with eyes down at 10am.

The sessions are led by popular caller Greg Bird.

Complimentary tea and coffee is available.

For more information call Lois on 4691 1580.

ABOVE: The Certificate 1 students Jerara Bartman, Lennox Kirby, Tamieka Lucht, Jayden Brett, Jermaine Dodd, Toby Norris, Joshua Petersen, Ashley Hooper, Jay Troutman and Preyston McKellar. They are pictured with program facilitators Patricia Hedge and Ethan McCleverty from TAFE Queensland, the Oakey Youth Project’s Julie Cave and David Cooper from Coops Construction. Absent from the photo is students Isiah Hill and Jordan Smith.

Facilitated by Busy at Work and TAFE Queensland, the Certificate 1 in Construction program gave Oakey young people the opportunity to learn entry level construction skills as well as life and employment skills in their local community.

The 12 month program will provide the students with enough skills to enter a role in construction or begin an apprenticeship in a related field.

Busy at Work mentor Andy Buchanan said it has been great watching the students grow over the course of the program.

He said Busy at Work will continue working with the students for several months to help their transition into the workforce or further training.

He said many of the participants were struggling with what path to take in life and the program helped to push them in the right direction.

“These are such valuable

programs,” Mr Buchanan said.

“There is quite a few in the group that if they look back 12 months and see where they were and where they are now. They should be very proud of where they have got to.”

Mr Buchanan said the students learnt their skills whilst working at several local sites, including the Oakey Historical Museum, Jondaryan Woolshed and Oakey Showgrounds.

He said alongside progressing in their abilities, the young people have also contributed to bettering their community.

“The team has been doing a lot of work for organisations that do rely a lot on volunteers and helpers to get the work done,” he said.

“The work the trainees have been doing is putting back into the community and I’m sure there are a lot of volunteers out there who are really grateful for the hours [they] have given.”

Mr Buchanan thanked

Patricia Hedge and Ethan McCleverty from TAFE Queensland for their work and support throughout the program.

Toowoomba Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald attended the graduation last week.

He said the program has

COMPETITION CALLED Competition is called for Saturday, October 23 with G. Fenton versus C. Lucht (D. Dreyer) in the Consolation Singles final.

COMING EVENTS Sunday, October 24 will be a C/S three bowl pairs

sponsored by Des, Trish and Moya.

Names on the board please with a barbecue to follow.

It will be a 12.30pm start.

Saturday, October 30: Oakey versus Peranga at Peranga, mixed or

otherwise.

Names on the board please and a 1pm start.

Competition forms for the 2021/22 season are now at the club, fill a form our if you wish to participate.

Membership fees of $95 are now due.

ABOVE: Graduating student Jerara Bartman with parents Eric and Linda.

Oakey Bowls Club notes

provided a well-rounded education to the young people which will make highly employable.

“What the students need to know is people will employ on attitude above skill. Skill can always be taught,” he said.

“If there is a take home of this project, it is about how working together you can achieve great things.

“We’ve got TAFE South West Queensland, the State Government, Toowoomba Regional Council, Busy at Work, the Oakey Chamber of Commerce and Coops Construction.

“It’s a real collection of people who are very keen on making sure others can achieve great things.”