Oakey Champion - 21st December 2022

Goombungee shines at Christmas

This year, some residents in Goombungee have banded together to create a Christmas lights display.

The main display in the centre of town is located at the Goombungee Christian Church building (ACC) and the Not New Op Shop, on the corner of KingsthorpeHaden Road and Edward Street.

Local resident Toni Gorry and her family designed this display, located on grounds owned by the Goombungee Arts and Cultural Enterprise (GACE), owners of the Not New Op Shop and the GCC building formerly owned by the Assemblies of God Church.

Ms Gorry and her family set up the entire lights display from their personal collection from their farm.

Two Friday nights ago, the town held an event at this fabulous lights display, known as ‘GACE Place” with Santa present, an elf competition, market stalls, free activities for the kids and music all night long.

The event was funded by proceeds from the Not New Op Shop, with some financial support coming from Toowoomba Regional Council which also donated the “Merry Xmas” sign.

Local resident and CWA Branch President Barbara Harth said that the lights displays, had lit up the town.

“I feel that this year, the little town’s done extremely well (with the lights display), better than ever”, she said.

“The event was

coordinated by GACE and their central aim is to put money back into the community.

GACE was founded 18 months ago, by a group of people formerly with the Rosalie Gallery.

GACE secretary Bronwyn Holland said the event at ‘GACE Place’ two Fridays ago had been the result of a collaboration between the group, the QCWA branch and local volunteers, with some financial support coming from Council.

However, she says the Gorry family deserve the credit for the main lights display on the grounds of the old church building.

“Toni and her family

came to us, but the work they undertook was done primarily by themselves.”

Ms Gorrie a local resident, had run a noted lights display at her home in Toowoomba for many years, before returning to Goombungee, where the lights display was less visible on their family farm.

“I had my daughters and their partners who helped set up the display,” she said.

“Gradually, over the next three or four weekends everything popped up.”

“Having Santa come along from Toowoomba Regional Council for the main event was very special for the kids”.

Ms Holland said this

year’s Christmas lights displays had been the best yet, with at least 300 people visiting Goombungee for the community event held at ‘GACE Place”.

“The Christmas Day was very successful,” she said.

“The CWA combined with us to put on a sausage sizzle and barbecue.”

Ms Holland said the atmosphere inside the old church building was a sight to behold.

“When Santa visited, the church was packed, there was hardly room to move,”she said.

“I want to acknowledge our community, the Council and all the volunteers that supported us.”

ABOVE: Goombungee Christian Church was lit up by an amazing Christmas Lights display thanks to the Gorry family and the Goombungee Arts and Cultural Enterprise.

Read about how Goombungee’s magical Christmas lights display on the corner of Edward Street came to be.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Goombungee

LEFT: Plenty of colour in the lights out front of the Goombungee Assembly of God Community Church.

RIGHT: The reason for the season.

Our customer service counters are closed from Saturday, 25 December 2022, reopening on Tuesday, 4 January 2023. If you experience a Council-related emergency during the holiday period, we have after hours staff available on 131 872. This includes things like water main bursts, water leaks, traffic signals not working, trees on roads etc. To find out more about our Christmas and New Year operating hours across our facilities, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/christmashours

for the Toowoomba Waste Management Facility, which remains open for commercial customers with vehicles over 4.5 tonnes. Usual operating hours recommence on Boxing Day.

For the latest updates on facility opening/ closing hours across our Region, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/waste

Waste facilities over Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ABOVE: The display, set up by Terri and her family from their own personal collection.

ABOVE: Lights draped in between Goombungee Community Church and the Op Shop.

ABOVE: The Spar store got in on the Christmas spirit.

ABOVE: Lights hanging from a tree outside the church.

ABOVE: The noted op shop in Goombungee

ABOVE: Rudolph outside the church.

Gowrie Little Plain Hall renovated, award presented

The latest renovations at the Gowrie Little Plain Hall (GLPH) have been completed which included insulating and lining the seating area of the hall as well as replacing all the lights inside and outside with LED lights, and most of the chairs have been replaced with Arm Rest Chairs.

The project was completed courtesy of a gambling grant from the Community Benefits Fund, Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program, which provides $60 million per year for services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities.

The Hall, constructed in 1932, celebrated its 90year anniversary earlier this year.

GLPH committee member Barry Heinemann says it meant a lot to the group to keep the 90 years old hall in a fit condition.

“You’ve got to keep improving things to stop these old buildings from becoming dilapidated,” he said.

“There are 55 halls in the Toowoomba Region and around half of them don’t get used.”

He and his wife Shirley, of Charlton, have been largely responsible for keeping the building in top shape.

A noteworthy addition to the building has been the chairs from the old Strand Picture Theatre in Toowoomba.

In a regular, year around 26 events are held at the Hall, which includes eight dancing competitions and multiple country music performances, which have included the Country Music Showcase, the Alice Benfer Country Music Concert, the Lindsay Waddington and Lloyd Back Concert and the Glen Jones and Anita Ree Country Concert.

The venue was the site of award-winning Lismore country performer Rod Williams’ last concert which held in November last year.

A Christmas dance competition was held at

the hall, which was won by couple Dan and Ann Willett, who have moved down from Bundaberg to Cotswold Hills.

The dance was very well attended and was a fun night for all involved.

The Gowrie Little Plain Hall will next be holding a dance on New Year’s Eve with dance band Rae Blinco the most prominent guests.

The event will feature hourly door draws, supper and raffles.

Enquiries for this event can be made to Shirley Heinemann on 4630 4384.

Killer’s Quinalow links

It has been revealed that the woman who was killed in a shootout on the Western Downs was a former school teacher at Quinalow.

Stacey Train was killed alongside her husband Gareth and brother-in-law, ex-husband Nathaniel, at Wieambilla last week.

Mrs Train taught briefly at Quinalow State School in 2010 before moving to Far North Queensland with her husband the next year.

As reported widely, all three had been involved in education in rural schools across Southern Queensland, including on the Downs.

Goombungee display echoed in Oakey

From page 1

Next year, the group hopes to attract more people to Goombungee with cultural events at the Rosalie Gallery.

In the meantime, residents are already looking forward to their rodeo, which will take place next February at the Showgrounds off Edward Street.

The scene contrasts with Oakey, where, although a Christmas Street Fair used to take place, lights displays are now mostly a residential affair, removed from Campbell Street.

Concerns have been raised about the theft and damage of Christmas lights in Oakey, with a couple of residents reporting damage.

The community spirit was in evidence last Thursday night, when a group of local residents put together a small Christmas lights display in the centre of town.

Local community member Allyson Gardener took this beautiful shot of the

lights display on Campbell Street.

Overall, despite a lack of coordination until recent times regarding the lights on Campbell Street, individual home owners have produced Oakey’s best Christmas lights effort yet, with several lovely displays in several spots across town.

Some of the best include Federal Street, which has

stepped up its game this year, a very impressive display on York Street, an improved effort on Racecourse Road, Weise Street, the Berghofer Estate and Aubigny Road near Oakey State High School.

(If we missed your effort here, make sure to let us know so we can catch you next year. Well done to everyone with a display!)

TRC essential services to remain open over Christmas period

Toowoomba Regional Council’s essential services will continue to operate across the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Council operations will officially be closed between Friday, December 23, 2022 and Tuesday, January 3, 2023, however Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said emergency requests would be answered.

“I want to assure the public that if anyone is in need of an essential service provided by Council during the Christmas-New Year break there will be someone to answer your query or attend to an emergency,” Mayor Antonio said.

There will be some exemptions to the Christmas closures, including Council’s functional areas where employees will be on duty to work on priority projects, test and monitor water supplies, supervise CBD parking, perform ongoing maintenance, or deal with emergency situations.

Public facilities (aquatic, fitness, library etc.) where services are delivered to the public, will remain open.

“For any Council-related emergency calls during the holiday period, please continue to call 131 872,” Mayor Antonio said.

“This includes problems such as burst water mains, water leaks, traffic signals not working, dog attacks,

emergency services, trees on roads, dangerous pot holes, sewer blockages/overflows or a dead animal on a road causing safety hazards.”

All waste facilities will be closed on Christmas Day in the TRC area.

Get details about TRC service operations during the Christmas closure, by calling Council on 131 872, or visiting the TRC www.tr.qld.gov.au/ christmashours

ABOVE: Upgrades to Gowrie Little Plain Hall have rejuvenated the 90 years old building, regularly used throughout the year.

ABOVE: Col Chicken presenting an award to Barry and Shirley Heinemann for their outstanding contribution and service to the upkeep of Gowrie Little Plain Hall.

There are Christmas lights displays in several streets across Oakey and surrounds.

ABOVE: The trees in the middle of Campbell St were wrapped in Christmas lights.

- Photo, Allyson Gardner

ABOVE: Dan and Ann Willett, victors of the Christmas Dancing Competition at GLP Hall.

Christmas Family

This photo of our Weise family was taken on Christmas Day 1969 at our Kelvinhaugh farm.

It is the seven children and first grandchild of Eric and Dorothy.

Eldest son, Lance, was home on leave from his National Service training in preparation for his tour of duty in Vietnam so at the time, the future was relatively uncertain.

Thankfully, he returned home safe and sound in 1971 from the horrors of war, only to be shunned by society.

Daphne was married with a son and just a few weeks before the birth of her second child.

The other five children were still living at home.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all the Staff and readers of the Champion a very Merry Christmas and safe, happy and healthy New Year of 2023.

- Valerie Weise-Young Editor’s note - Thank you Valerie for your wonderful contributions towards the task of telling the history of our district.

RIGHT: Members of the Weise Family from left, standing: Jimmy (born 1957), Norma (born 1954) and Lance (born 1949) nursing Lionel (born 1969); Seated: Valerie (born 1950), Daphne (born 1947) nursing her son, Danny (born 1967) and Vivienne (born 1952).

Bridging barriers - meet the Oakey resident who was the first woman to play polo in Queensland

Lillian Gibson was an unknowing

If you met Lillian, you wouldn’t know you were meeting a small part of Queensland history.

This lady is unassuming polite, well-spoken, but economical with her words.

She didn’t know that when her father, Jack Gibson, Queensland polo representative, asked her to join in the regular local competition, she was the first woman in Queensland, and possibly Australia to play the ancient sport of polo.

In her time, the local competition was played at Clifton Racecourse with several families, some of whom were closely related.

Lillian took to the game quickly, and was soon accepted by the community, many of whom were her second and third cousins..

She says players were given a handicap ranking between 1 and 5 (with newcomers being ranked 0), and assigned randomly into teams.

When asked what brought her back for a second week, she answered simply.

“It was fun.”

After playing the game for three years in Clifton, Lillian’s family moved to Cross Hill near Biddeston where polo wasn’t played.

Although she moved on from polo after three years, she had left a mark.

When a woman in Goondiwindi took up the game in the late 1960s, she was informed that she was the second female to take up the sport.

“She later moved to Brisbane, and that was how I found out because I read the article,” Lillian said.

Although she would have cut an unusual sight at the time, she says she didn’t

encounter any prejudice based on her gender.

“They were good,” she said.

“I don’t think any woman had even tried to ask (to play) before.

“It was considered too rough.”

After moving into the Oakey district, her involvement with horses would evolve into a career as a horse trainer jockey.

At the Oakey Racecourse, she would ride warm-up laps for hundreds of horses in readiness for their races.

Two famous horses she remembers training in Oakey were Velvet and Steel, which won 12 races with her as a trainer, and Hoodoo Voodoo, which won races in Toowoomba.

After leaving training, Lillian continued to work closely with horses at her property near the racecourse, looking after them for

Crashes at Muniganeen not serious

Occupants were unharmed when the vehicles in which they were travelling were involved in separate crashes last Thursday night south of Goombungee.

A 19-years-old male driver was uninjured in a crash at 7.30pm, when his white Isuzu utility left the road and hit a tree and a fence.

He was charged with drink driving after returning a breath alcohol reading more than two times the legal limit.

He has been issued a Notice to Appear in the Oakey Magistrates Court in

January.

Later that evening, at about 10.30pm, police were again called to single vehicle crash at Muniganeen about 1 kilometre further away.

The 24-years-old female driver of a grey coloured Mazda CX9 suffered very minor injuries and was treated by QAS at the scene.

Three children were uninjured.

Inquiries are continuing.

‘spells’ of rest, where they would recuperate in between races.

Local resident John Burns, a veteran polo player of multiple decades on the Downs, began his career when Lillian was a well established figure in the polo scene at Clifton.

Mr Burns says he remembers Lillian well from his early years involved with the sport.

“She’d been brought up on a farm so she was very comfortable with the game,” he said.

“Hell of a nice person but tough as nails on the field.”

The Downs Polo Club at Clifton is the successor to the club Lillian played for in Clifton.

This year six teams participated in the competition, which still takes place at the Showgrounds in Clifton.

A number of the players

who started their careers in Clifton have progressed to playing all over the world with some of the families playing into their third and fourth generations.

Tournaments at the Showgrounds take place in autumn and in winter.

Downs Low Goal, held last year in April, the Downs Shield, held in June, and the Cooke O’Leary, Silvershop, and Sapphire Shield, generally have taken place in July.

Not to be confused with polocrosse, an hybrid game from Australia played on horseback locally in Oakey which originated in Australia, polo originated in ancient Persia and involves teams hitting a round ball with a long-handled mallet towards the opposition’s goal.

Players can switch horses during a match, unlike in polocrosse.

Tips for a gas safe summer barbecue

Those planning a backyard barbecue, or a camping, boating or caravanning holiday are encouraged to follow some simple tips to have a gas safe summer.

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said gas safety checks on popular portable gas appliances should not be overlooked.

“We know getting outside is part of Queensland’s great lifestyle but it’s important people put gas safety on their summer checklist,” he said.

“Gas appliances can be dangerous if they aren’t regularly checked for damage, transported safely, and used according to manufacturer’s instructions.

“Before you host that sausage sizzle or hit the road on your great outdoors holiday, be sure to use our simple gas safety checklist.”

Resources Safety and Health Queensland has prepared some simple gas safety checks to ensure portable gas appliances are safe to use during these holidays:

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe assembly and use.

• Check cylinders for holes, rust, dints and damage

and if it is damaged don’t use it.

• Check your cylinder’s test date stamp and if it hasn’t been tested in 10 years, get a new one.

• Check fittings on barbecues, valves and hoses for any signs of fading, fraying, cracking or splitting and check for missing ‘O’ ring seals.

• Apply soapy water to connections between the appliance and the gas cylinder to check for bubbles, which indicates a dangerous leak.

• Check your cylinder connection is compatible with older barbecues.

• Secure gas bottles firmly in transit and keep them out of the sun, which can cause gas expansion and leaks.

Always use a licensed gas fitter to fix, test, or install new appliances. You can find licensed gas fitters on the Gas Safety Queensland site.

More information on gas safety is at www.qld.gov.au/ emergency/safety/home/gas

pioneer when she jumped onto a horse’s back at the Clifton Racecourse in the early 1960s.

ABOVE: Queensland’s first female polo player Lillian Gibson, outside CWA House.

Opportunities for halls identified in review

A comprehensive review of community halls, Council and community owned, in the rural areas of the

about how to improve our local halls.

Halls included in the review were Cooyar and District Memorial Hall, Haden Public Hall, Greenwood Hall (Oakey Showgrounds) Jondaryan Public Hall, Mt Tyson Public Hall, Oakey Community Centre, Oakey Cultural Centre Peranga Public Hall, Quinalow Public Hall, and non-council owned halls such as Biddeston Hall, Boodua Public Hall, Bowenville Memorial Hall, Goombungee Public Hall, Kulpi District Hall and Maclagan Memorial Hall.

It was noted in the review, that since most communities in the district were within 20km driving distance of multiple halls, this provided evidence for potentially rationalising or re-purposing ‘under-performing’ facilities or those beyond their useful

lives.

With 55 community halls in total, TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said it was important Council had a sound understanding of the condition and use of the halls.

“When conducting the review, Council staff spoke with community groups throughout the Toowoomba Region and users of the facilities to gain further knowledge,” he said.

“For Council, it’s about understanding where we have these halls and identifying opportunities and constraints for facility improvements.

“This will help guide future decision making on where upgrades are most needed and in the cases where the halls are under-

utilised we will look at strategies on how we can get the best use of the halls in those locations.

“In addition to this, the review will assist Council and the community with funding submissions for potential grants to develop and improve infrastructure and amenity within the network.”

The TRC review made note of the condition of several local halls.

The Jondaryan Public hall was noted as being the key community hub for Jondaryan and the immediate surrounds, as well as being an evacuation centre.

It was highlighted as being that facility upgrades be performed due to its importance.

The Greenwood Hall at the Oakey Showgrounds was noted as being in good condition for its age,

Weir raises energy concerns

A report from the State Auditor-General found that wholesale electricity prices had increased by 162 per cent in Queensland this year.

The increase occurred due to greater volatility experienced in the market over the second half of the year.

Factors cited included high prices for gas and coal, planned and unplanned coal-fired power station outages across the NEM including Callide C and Swanbank, which reduced available supply, and extreme weather such as heavy rainfall and a cooler winter, which led to higher demand for electricity and lower output from renewable energy sources.

This upturn in wholesale prices contrasts sharply with the start of the decade, when Queensland’s wholesale electricity price was $53 per MWh, the lowest of all regions in the National Electricity Market.

The price increase means that, returns to shareholders have decreased and returns to customers have increased.

The Shadow Minister said that this state of affairs

simply wasn’t good enough.

“The state with the most coal and gas, sun and wind is the state paying the most for their electricity,” he said.

“At the moment, we have a number of generators offline.”

Mr Weir said that linking an increase in prices to the conflict in Ukraine, as the Auditor General and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni had

done was misleading.

“Almost every generator has its own coal mine,” he said.

“We are not exposed to global coal prices as much as the Minister is making out.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said that the cost of living would be the defining issue of 2023.

“Make no mistake, there

are people at the moment who are making a choice about what to put in their trolley at the shopping centre,” he said.

“There is no doubt that there are pressure that will continue to force electricity prices up.”

“Queenslanders are suffering from the sharpest increase in electricity prices in the nation.”

however, it was noted the facility is not heavily used outside of the Oakey Show.

The Oakey Community Centre was noted for attracting regular use four days each week for line dancing, tai chi, senior citizens’ activities and church.

The review noted that the facility is in good condition, but would benefit from an appropriate all-abilities entrance door and amenities.

The Oakey Cultural Centre was noted as not being well-used outside of the Oakey Youth Program, and that it would benefit from an all-abilities entrance.

The Peranga Hall was noted as being rarely used and in poor condition, but that Council should consider upgrades to the facility in line with its work to recently install an all-abilities ramp

and all-abilities toilet at the site.

Quinalow Hall was noted as being in generally poor condition and not heavily used (attracting approximately 1-2 uses each month). However, it was noted the building could be re-developed into a library and community hub.

The review recommended that Council should consider rationalising the Mount Tyson Public Hall as it was disused, and required too many upgrades.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council last week, Council voted to endorse the Rural Halls Review and the Review be used in the formulation of future Capital Work Plans, Operational Budgets, Asset Management Plans and Facility Planning for community halls across the Region.

Senior Citizens Breakup

Members of the Oakey Senior Citizens club enjoyed a day of cards and bowls on the last day of 2022.

A wonderful feast of home made food was also enjoyed.

Seniors will resume on the 18th January 2023 at

10.30am in the Community hall next to the Pittsworth Library.

Everyone of any age and ability is welcome to join in the fun and friendship of the club.

- Valma Austin

Recall of spinach

Queensland Health is urging people not to consume a number of baby spinach products.

Twenty-six possible food-related toxic reactions have been reported across Queensland, with people experiencing a range of symptoms.

Coles is recalling 11 Coles Own Brand products, including Baby Spinach, Lettuce Spinach, Tender Leaf Blend, Family Baby Leaf Blend, Green Goddess Salad, Chicken BLT Salad Bowl, Smokey Mexican Salad, Egg and Spinach Pots and others.

There have also been recalls by supermarkets Aldi and Woolworths.

Member for Condamine and Shadow Energy Minister, Pat Weir has raised concerns about a report which states that energy costs in Queensland rose more than any other state or territory across the National Electricity Market (NEM) last year.

Shadow Minister for Energy Pat Weir holds up a copy of the Auditor-General’s report.

region conducted by Toowoomba Regional Council has revealed some ideas

The Oakey Cultural Centre was noted as being virtually unused outside of the Oakey Youth Program (TRC)

Jondaryan Public Hall in 2014 (Google Maps)

Report asks what matters most to the young?

After a survey of 505 young people from every corner of the nation and a series of in-depth interviews, the Understanding Young People in Australia Today report echoes the voices of Australia’s 18 to 24-yearolds.

This is the second annual Australian Youth Barometer report released by the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) since its establishment in 2021 and goes to the heart of issues that matter to young people today.

The report, co-authored by Professor Lucas Walsh, Dr Beatriz Gallo Cordoba, Dr Catherine Waite, and Blake Cutler, examines the impact of issues such as the economy, work, education, housing well-being, relationships and participation in society through the eyes of young Australians.

The findings paint a sombre picture of how young Australians feel about their lives and their future.

“While young Australians are resilient, too many are hurting,” says lead author Professor Lucas Walsh.

“They are experiencing poor mental health and nearly a quarter haven’t been able to access the food they need.

“They’re worried, anxious and pessimistic about the future. After years of disruption, nearly half felt as though they missed out on being young.”

During the federal election campaign, the then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said some leeway needed to be given to young adults.

“Young people are doing it really tough,” he said.

“There’s no doubt about that.”

Among the report’s key findings:

Education

A sense of belonging matters to young Australians but less than half of respondents felt like they belonged when they were at their educational institution.

Only one in five are studying exclusively face-toface.

The types of qualifications

young people are choosing is changing, with nearly 60 per cent of young people reporting that they hold, or have been enrolled in, a micro-credential, microdegree or micro masters.

Only 53 per cent of young Australians agree that their education prepared them for the future.

Work

Most young Australians desire full-time, long-term, secure and flexible work, but wider trends suggest this is less attainable.

Over half (56 per cent) report earning income from gig work in the last year.

Young people with a longterm illness or a physical disability are more likely to earn income from gig work compared to young people without a disability.

Financial insecurity

The vast majority of young Australians (90 per cent) experienced financial difficulties at some point during the last 12 months.

With rising costs of living, some are concerned about their access to fresh fruits and vegetables now and in the future. In the past 12 months, almost onequarter of young Australians experienced food insecurity.

Half went without eating for a whole day because of

lack of money at some point during the same period.

Over half (53 per cent) think they will be financially worse off than their parents.

A similar proportion (54 per cent) believe it is likely that they would achieve financial security in their future. The majority (85 per cent) of young Australians report having some form of financial investment.

Gender equality

Young Australians perceive a movement towards more equal gender relationships at home, with over half (56 per cent) believing that unpaid domestic work is not determined by gender.

However, a large proportion (59 per cent) think that the type of career pathway young people choose and the amount of money young people get paid in the workforce (58 per cent) are determined by one’s gender.

Housing

Non-binary, gender diverse and agender young people are more pessimistic about owning a home: 79 per cent think it is unlikely or extremely unlikely that they will be able to afford a property or house, compared with 25 per cent of young women and 17 per cent of

young men. Young people living in metropolitan areas (25 per cent) are more likely to think it is unlikely or extremely unlikely that they will be able to purchase a property than those living in rural (20 per cent) or regional (11 per cent) areas.

Health and well-being

Almost one-quarter rate their mental health as poor or very poor.

Most (85 per cent) report feelings of worry, anxiety or pessimism. Almost one-half (45 per cent) often felt as though they were missing out on being young.

Civic participation and social media

Young Australians are engaged in their communities. Almost threequarters of participants volunteered, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people more likely to have volunteered during the last year compared with other young Australians. Most (87 per cent) respondents see barriers to being involved in organised activities on issues important to them.

This sense of disconnect has resulted in the Federal Government setting up plans for a new Youth Engagement Model.

More than 1,200 applications to have input

were received from 12 to 25 year-olds across Australia, a strong indication of the significant interest young Australian’s have in engaging in the decisions that impact their lives.

Youth Minister Dr Anne Aly said as with the general population, the experiences of young people were diverse.

“Young Australians are uniquely placed to tell us about the problems they are facing and to shape solutions that actually work for them,” she said.

“It’s important we don’t just paint them with one brush.”

More than half (56 per

cent) of young Australians used their social media profiles to try to influence social change.

Most believe that social media can assist underrepresented groups to amplify their voice and shine a light on important issues.

Social media platforms are seen by some as echo chambers and have negative emotional impacts.

One in five young Australians agree or strongly agree that writing insulting things online is not bullying A quarter agree or strongly agree that there are no rules online and that they can do whatever they want.

The report’s co-author, Dr Beatriz Gallo Cordoba, says that young people demand more government intervention across the board during tough times, but particularly when it comes to basic needs such as housing.

“The majority, 61 per cent, of young people identify housing as an area of priority that requires more government support.

Young people should be consulted in developing and implementing solutions.”

Overall, the report indicates over half of young Australians feel they will be worse off than their parents in the coming years.

The Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice is a multidisciplinary initiative undertaking research into the social, political and economic factors that affect young people’s lives.

An extensive report gauging the pressures experienced by young Australians has been released this month by Monash University’s Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice.

The report suggests that most young Australians desire full-time, long-term, secure and flexible work, but wider trends suggest this is less attainable.

Residents encouraged to reach out if they’re feeling stressed during the festive season

Worrying about finances, gifts, family gatherings or alcohol and drug use can be common, however it’s important to know when to seek help.

Christmas often brings a range of emotions like happiness and joy, but it can also lead to feelings of stress or depression.

Darling Downs Health is reminding locals that it’s okay not to be okay during the festive season.

Worrying about finances, gifts, family gatherings or alcohol and drug use can be common, however it’s important to know when to reach out for help.

Ongoing stress might be a sign that it’s time to talk to a professional.

Senior Care Coordinator Robyn Eastwell said acknowledging your feelings and setting boundaries is key.

“For me personally, I think one of the hardest parts is working out where you’re going to be on Christmas Day and who you’re going to see,” she said.

“It’s okay to say no to attending breakfast, lunch and dinner at three different locations.

“Enjoy some downtime during the day.

“If you don’t want to

drink, that’s okay too.

“If you’re feeling stressed you could get some fresh air, go for a walk or ring someone and have a chat.

“Remember you don’t have to be a people pleaser at this time of the year,” Ms Eastwell said.

At a time when people are often thinking about others, residents are being encouraged not to forget about their own mental health and wellbeing.

Peer worker Ellie de Paula said eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can go a long way.

“Make sure you look after yourself, and do things you like,” she said.

“I’d encourage people to seek help if they are struggling, because there are services available.

“Don’t be afraid of seeking help if you need to.

“There’s absolutely no shame in reaching out.

“Try to take some pressure off yourself by remembering that Christmas is only one day, and think about the things that bring joy; whatever that may be.”

TRC supporting state government waste management survey

TRC Water and Waste Committee portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield said survey findings would be invaluable in planning waste services and communicating consumer behaviour change programs at the state and local government level.

Cr Sommerfield said the survey was open online until January 22, 2023.

“The Department of Environment and Science is undertaking the survey to understand how residents

are managing their household waste,” she said.

“Findings will help planning for future waste management.

“It will provide a vital set of baseline data for both Queensland and the Toowoomba Region, which will be used in program design, and in measuring future success.”

Cr Sommerfield said Council was continuing to expand recycling options at the Region’s waste facilities.

Oakey Golf Club results

the members played an 18 hole Stableford, the winner being Andrew King with 38pts.

Runner-up was Michael Rietveld with 37 points.

Pins on 3,8 and 12 were also won by Michael Rietveld.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th December no golf. Saturday 31st December and Sunday 1st

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Oakey Social Golf Club

Due to popular demand here are the results for Sunday 10th of December when we played a Two Person Ambrose on the front nine with 31 players.

The winners were Stan Gillis and Leonard Bartley with 23½ nett and the runners-up were Bob Dearling and Bob Costello on 24½ nett.

The winners of the pins and approaches are, Hole 1, A. Cherry; Hole 2, Over 60, B. Dearling; Under 60, A. Cherry; Hole 3, L. Bartley; Hole 4, G. Nash; Hole 5, P. Morgan; Hole 6, B. Costello; Hole 7, Under 60, A. Palmer; Over 60, R. Dearling,; Hole 8, R. Dearling; Hole 9, A. Palmer.

Long Drives: A Grade, B. Costello; B Grade, S. Gillis; Over 60, B. McDonald.

The Members’ draw number this week was 21, which was Rex Dearling and he was present so took away the $40.

This week’s raffles went to numbers 39, T. Boyd and 35, I. McDonald.

Our next game will be on the 8th January 2023.

This one will be a Single Stableford with a 6.30am tee-off on the front nine.

Cheers, Flynny/Macca

Lindsay Mason

Stay tuned for an article on legendary Mount Tyson cricketer Lindsay Mason. Lindsay played against state and international teams. The Brisbane grade cricketer would return home in 1980/81 with his junior club Mount Tyson in the CDCA competition.

Goombungee Golf

Thursday 15th December, Winners: Men, Dave Scutt 40 points; Ladies, Val Hartland 38 points. Approaches: Men - 1/10, Dave Scutt; 2/11, Shane Hughes; 4/13, Garry Shea; Ladies - 4/13, Val Drowley; 3/12, Helen Scott; 9/18, Chris Tannock.

Friday 16th December, Chook Run. Winner, Bill Robertson 36 nett; second, Dave Humphrey.

Sunday 18th December, Bushranger Stableford for Garry Shea Trophies. Winners, Gary Buckley, Shane Hughes and Harry Cover 91 points. Bradmans, Nino Capuzzo, Mark Peters and Dan Darlington. Rundown: Bill Robertson, Rodney Mann and Gary Herriman, Wayne Nemeth, Matty Burgess and Robbie

McKewen, Robyn and Val Drowley and Dave Scutt. Men’s pin shots: 3/12, Matty Burgess; 4/13, Col Jenkins; 8/17, D. Scutt; (Eagle’s Nest D. Scutt and Murray McLeod). Men’s approaches: 2/11, Col Jenkins; 5/14, D. Lowe; 6/15, Gary Buckley. Ladies’ approaches: 2/11, Robyn Drowley; 3/12, C. Cover.

Members’ Draw No. 99, Jason Delaney who was not present, so this week the prize is $55

This Week

Thursday 22nd December, Single Stableford Medley for a Club Trophy.

Friday 23rd December, Chook Run from 3pm, all golfers welcome.

Sunday 25th December, No Competition.

- Trent Peters

Oakey Parkrun

This week 24 participants joined in the parkrun.

Jack Wilson was the winner in a time of 17:36, Benjamin Vogelzang was second in a personal best time of 18:39 and Benjamin Fenton was third in a time of 22:56.

Fastest female finisher was Faith McKay, fourth in

a time of 23:30.

Penny Ivory from Toowoomba Triathlon Club recorded a personal best time of 24:05 in fifth.

Other personal best times were recorded by Megan Halter with 27:18 and Sarah Halter, who recorded a time of 28:07.

Belinda Land from Team Veteran was a visitor this

Oakey Social Golf Club 2 Person Ambrose Winners Stan Gillis, Leonard Bartley with Runners-Up Bob Dearling and Bob Costello.

January the members will play an 18 hole Stableford. Merry Christmas everyone and see you on the golf course in 2023.

Drying seedbeds provide opportunity to address low nitrogen levels

It’s hard to believe that after one of the wettest winters on record, some northern growers have had to pull up their planters due to seedbeds being too dry to plant summer sorghum.

While moisture profiles are strong across the region, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Research Agronomist, Loretta Serafin, said it’s easy to forget how quickly the seed bed can dry out in warm, windy conditions.

“Growers in the north would be confident in their soil moisture profiles but they need a good link from a moist seedbed to the underlying profile to help sorghum seed get out of the ground and grow rapidly,” she said.

“The good news is that there’s still another five weeks left of the planting

window, closing in early January, so if growers are wanting to take advantage of good moisture profiles and drive their systems in an opportunistic way, there’s still time to wait for a rainfall event to soak that first 5 to 6 centimetres of soil.

“One thing growers could be doing now while they wait is thinking about their crop nitrogen (N) requirements and how much N they might have in their paddocks, because any summer crops will need that support to deliver promising yields,” Ms Serafin said.

The University of Queensland’s Chair of Tropical Agronomy, Professor Mike Bell, said in some cases, paddocks in the northern region would be depleted of nitrogen after two big winter crops and the ongoing wet conditions causing loss of mineralised

nitrogen through denitrification.

“There are a lot of underfertilised paddocks in the region and while moisture profiles are promising for a summer crop, growers’ nitrogen levels wouldn’t be where they usually are at this time of year,” he said.

“They’re going to have to do something to address that if they’ve planted sorghum, or are planning to.

“The cost in terms of yield loss of not doing something to support the crop is large.”

Professor Bell said if growers currently had a dry seedbed, they could take the opportunity to apply nitrogen and hopefully receive follow up rain to start planting.

“The climate forecast is pretty strong for a wetterthan-average summer, so the chances of receiving follow-up rain are good,” he

said.

Professor Bell said dry topsoil was the best opportunity for growers who have already planted crops to address nitrogen requirements this season in northern regions.

“Whenever you get the

top 10cm of soils to dry out enough to get it on, the next rain event will wash it in so the crop can use it,” he said.

“Crops won’t desperately need nitrogen until six weeks from planting, so if growers have a dry period

before then, it’s not too late to apply it.

“Once you’re beyond the 6-7 week period after sowing though, growers should expect the response is going to be less than if they were able to apply it earlier.”

ABOVE: With a few weeks of the summer planting window left, dry seedbeds present an opportunity for growers to address nitrogen requirements for summer crops.

Photo, GRDC

Search is on for old aircraft parts

An aircraft restorer from Pittsworth is encouraging locals from Oakey to look in their sheds for old parts that could be important missing pieces in restoration projects.

Bill Martin remembers, as a six-year-old, finding bits and pieces off the wrecks of old planes at the Oakey Airforce Base after World War II.

And he hopes he isn’t the only one to have saved some of the items he unearthed.

These days Bill is part of a network of enthusiasts who restore vintage aircraft in Australia.

He is on a mission to find parts that can be used in a variety of projects designed to preserve some of the history of these planes.

In particular, one friend is hoping to find a fuel gauge for a Spitfire like the one pictured below.

He called into The Pittsworth Sentinel office last week with a question for readers there and in Oakey: “Does anybody have anything remotely like that?”

“Someone might have one in a shed somewhere, you never know,” Bill said.

“Unfortunately people thrown them out not knowing what they are.”

Bill said large numbers of aircraft were destroyed to recover the metals, aluminium mainly, and brass, after the war.

“The steely bits they just threw away, in fact a lot were thrown down mine shafts and into creeks and quarries to get rid of them...

“As a six-year-old, with my cousins, we were wandering around and this guy was smashing these instrument panels up with a brick hammer and I must have had a horrified look and he said, ‘oh, you can take it’.

Bill picked up a few pieces that day and so began a life-long passion.

Today, at the age of 82, he’s amassed quite a collection through the years and is restoring a Kitty Hawk to fly as well as a number of instrument panels.

“There were 232 Spitfires at Oakey at the end of World War II, to be scrapped, and a number of Kitty Hawks and 49 Mustangs... an Airspeed Oxford and a Beaufighter that was brand

new and flown to Oakey to be broken up,” he said.

Bill said it was important to act now to ensure that the history of aeroplanes in the region was restored.

“This is an era that’s long gone.

“We’ve got to round these parts up before they’re lost forever.”

Anyone with parts they believe could be from old aircraft can contact The Oakey Champion via email editorial@oakeychampion.com.

au or call 4691 1376 so we can pass the details on to Bill.

Letters To the Editor

APPRECIATION

Dear Editor, On behalf of the Management Committee, staff and volunteers at the Toowoomba Hospice we would sincerely like to thank the community groups, schools, clubs, individuals and businesses of Toowoomba and surrounding districts for choosing the Toowoomba Hospice as one of their preferred charities during 2022.

This year we celebrated 19 years of providing professional palliative care for clients and at the same time provided support to their families and friends.

We would not have been able to do this without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

We must also acknowledge the continued support of your newspaper as well as all other media outlets and we look forward to this ongoing support in 2023.

Finally, on behalf of all the team at the Toowoomba Hospice we would like to take this opportunity

once again to thank all our supporters for their generosity in 2022 and to wish them the very best for the festive season. We look forward to working with you all in 2023.

Kindest Regards, Graham Barron OAM, Chairman Mark Munro, Administration & Fundraising Manager Toowoomba Hospice Asscn.

RANGE CROSSING

Dear Editor, I suggest Senex should peruse the plans of the original range crossing, i.e. the Toll Bar

They may find some data of interest in rectifying the current range crossing pick and shovels horses and Drays John Healy, Glenvale

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Dear Editor, On Sunday afternoon, 11th December I had the absolute privilege of attending the Community Christmas Carols which incorporated the cantata ‘A Song…A Star…A Son’ at the

Oakey Uniting Church.

To all who participatedyou are to be congratulated!

It was an absolutely joyous occasion. I know a number of different musicians and groups of musicians were approached to participate and were unavailable but the presentation we had was a real blessing. The Christmas traditions shared from around the world definitely added a special touch. Well done, everyone!

A few days prior to this event I read on the Oakey Facebook page that some recent arrivals were finding it difficult to meet people.

Maybe at this very special time of year we all need to reach out to each other and make the extra effort to include family and friends as well as neighbours in our plans. This is a wonderful little community with lots happening but it can also be a time when some feel especially lonely.

May you all feel loved and appreciated as we remember that God’s love for us is the reason for the season.

June Evans, Anglican Church member

Chappy’s Chat

We have been shocked in recent days at the news of the tragic shootings near Tara. This incident affected many families and communities.

It directly affected those families who lost loved ones or whose loved ones were wounded in the shootings.

It affected people who had to respond to those events and are still dealing with the after-effects of that tragedy and will have to deal with the repercussion of those events in the days, weeks and years to come.

Our prayers and hearts go out to all those who are affected by these events, particularly at this time of year, Christmas.

Christmas is a time where we get to celebrate, a time to give presents, a time to spend with family and a time to stop our normal work and have some well-earned time off.

But with this recent tragedy, Christmas also had a dark side. Family conflict and family tragedy has a way of imposing itself, even in what should be happy times.

It was the same for Jesus when he was born. There

was family conflict and there was tragedy, a dark side to that first Christmas. The family conflict that Mary was found to be pregnant, but not in the normal way. She was promised to Joseph as his wife, and he tried to find a way to end their promised marriage. It was a cultural mess. But after an angel told him in a dream that it was God’s doing, Joseph did the proper father thing and named the child, Jesus which is the Greek language form of the Hebrew Joshua which means “God saves”.

Another tragedy that happened in the Christmas story is that Joseph was told in another dream to take this baby Jesus and his mother Mary to Egypt to escape the murderous King Herod. King Herod had all the children under four years old murdered in the region around Bethlehem, so

that any threat of a King of the Jews born in Bethlehem might be eliminated.

Murder, family conflict, a dark and tragic beginning for Jesus. Families mourned the loss of children. Families were in turmoil and conflict.

Where is the peace and joy of Christmas in all of this?

Another name given to Jesus was Emmanuel, which means “God with us”. This means that God is with us, even in these tragedies and family conflicts. God is with us in happy and joyful times but also in these sad and tragic times as well.

May this God of peace, this Emmanuel, God with us, be with us this Christmas season, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.

Blessings, - Pastor Ken Schultz, Oakey and Norwin LCA Parish

ABOVE: Bill Martin with a fuel gauge from a Spitfire. A friend hopes to find one for his own restoration project.

ABOVE: Fuselages and various parts at the Oakey Airfield. Photo, State Library of Queensland

ABOVE: An aeroplane gauge

Oakey comes together for Christmas Community Day

Supported by many small and businesses in town, the second Oakey Christmas Community Day put on by the PCYC and assisted by local church groups was a smash hit.

Hundreds of people turned out for Oakey’s Christmas Community Day last Wednesday at the Oakey Skate Park.

Those involved were treated to an afternoon of fun, food-tasting and foraging for Christmas treasure in the park.

Thirteen packed Christmas hampers were handed out in an armband raffle.

A major highlight of the event was the 3v3

basketball competition, which took place at the Oakey State School Hall and was graced by the presence of Daniel and the Mountaineers team from Toowoomba.

Competition took place across two categories, Under 12s, and Under 16s and featured teams from Dalby.

The day was a credit to all involved, and was made possible with the organisational skills of Police Citizens representative

Katarina Medland, and colleagues from Toowoomba and Dalby, along with local church groups from various denominations.

Several groups supported the event including the Oakey RSL, Post Office, Oakey Community Pharmacy, The Oakey Pharmacy, Oakey Newsagency, Great Country Pies Bakery, The Grand Hotel, Goondir Health Services, Oakey Bi-Rite, OMgosh, Engineering Hair,

There were so many things going on, and so many people taking part, it was hard to keep track of everything and everyone!

On this page, we feature a snapshot of the people, sights and sounds that made last week’s event special.

Well done to all those involved in the preparation, and on the day!

ABOVE: The nativity scene at the Community Park.

Lyn and Maddy were among hardworking volunteers. Santa dropped off his sleigh briefly at the skate-park.

Eddie Dean grilling with John Webster looking on. PCYC volunteers came from all over to help at the event.

ABOVE: There were bigger crowds than a usual PCYC feed! Taste the rainbow.

The Ranch Hair Designers, Shawrys Kerrytown Meats and Hamlyn’s Modern Meats.