Oakey Champion - 23rd February 2022

Oakey Champion

The

4691 1376

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

$1.50

Oakey’s Own Newspaper

I N S I D E P R O P O S E D O A K E Y H E A LT H C E N T R E - PA G E 3

THIS

WEEK

S T U D E N T S D R O P O F F B O X O F R A I N B O W S - PAG E 5 J O N DA R YA N S C H O O L O P E N N E W G AT E S - PAG E 1 2

&

TV SOUND CWA House residents receive Box of Rainbows BAR 2999 LG 86inch 4k NanoCell LED Smart Tv

WAS

Biddeston State School students surprised residents of CWA House in Oakey with cards to cheer them up during the pandemic.

SALE

$

$ 3799

$

LG 2.1CH 400W DTS Virtual X Soundbar

399

WAS

$ 479

Campbell St Oakey Ph 4691 1844

Andrew Langton’s

OAKEY ELECTRICAL

Andrew Langton’s

Campbell St Oakey

OAKEY ELECTRICAL

Ph 4691 1844 (More models on sale in store)

LATE NIGHTS AVAILABLE

talogue ds 13/02/22

NOW

OFFERING!

$0 Gap New Patient Package*

$0 Gap

Recalls for Existing Patients*

*terms and conditions ap ply

Open Monday - Friday Don’t miss out, call now!

SHOP 6, 12 GOWRIE ST KINGSTHORPE

Two residents of Oakey CWA House holding the rainbow made by Biddeston State School students.

Photo, McLean Care Biddeston State School Principal David Doogan said he was proud of the school community for helping the older

population get through Covid with thoughtful and creative cards.

“I am very proud of our team here at

Biddeston and would like to share with you something that staff have driven over the past two weeks

as they cared for our vulnerable children and those of essential workers,” Mr Doogan said.

- Continued on page 5

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES At Black Toyota Oakey | 2016 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport (4x4) Red

$28,990

| 2014 Mitsubishi Triton Update GLX White DRIVE AWAY+

6 Speed Automatic Wagon. Local One Owner. All Wheel Drive vehicle fitted with Bonnet Protector, Genuine Rubber Floor Mats & Rubber Cargo Mat. Full Log Books and Owner’s Manual and 2 Keys. Very Sporty to dive with the safety of AWD for you and the family. All this and finished in the Metallic Red Duco.

64,594kms SN: O83172

Black Toyota 177 Bridge St, Oakey QLD 4401

Phone (07) 4691 1033 blacktoyota.com.au

$29,980

| 2020 Mazda CX-9 Blue 6 Speed Automatic Wagon

DRIVE AWAY+

5 Speed Manual Double Cab Utility.

Ready to go Manual Dual cab diesel Ute. One owner vehicle with full Log Book & Service History. Roof Racks, Towbar, Anderson Plug to Towbar, Fibre Glass Canopy, Electric Brake Controller, All Terrain Tyres. Fantastic condition. Inspect today!

92,128kms SN: O83118

Tim Wicks 0487 761 730 Branch Manager Moses Abraham 0408 150 680 Sales Consultant Terry Graham 0499 990 141 Sales Consultant

$48,880 DRIVE AWAY+ 7 Seat Family Wagon. Local 1 Owner.

Log Books, Full Service History & Owner’s Manual. Well maintained and presented. GPS Navigation, Leather Seating and Window Tinting for your Safety and Comfort. An inspection and Test Drive will not disappoint.

56,602kms SN: O83163

OH WHAT A FEELING

Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

New research aims to end refrigeration of vaccines

from The Oakey Champion today!

Order a Self-inking

RUBBER STAMP

PHONE 4691 1376 OR CALL IN TO 2A CHERRY STREET OAKEY

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

FAST & CLEAN

DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF FLOORING AND TURN YOUR DREAM INTO REALITY

Researchers at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, are developing a new technique that aims to stop certain vaccines needing to be refrigerated.

Researchers hope this new technique may help increase access to vaccines in rural and remote communities in Australia and developing

countries.

The World Health Organization estimates that at least 50 per cent of vaccines are wasted globally each year, due

Around the

OVER 3,000 COLOURS, DESIGNS AND TEXTURES ACROSS CARPET, HARD FLOORING, RUGS AND WINDOW FURNISHINGS.

to a lack of facilities and temperature control.

To read the full article, visit the website https:// doi.org/10.1016/j. actbio.2022.02.002.

DOWNS

O: M-F 8.30-5.00 Sat 9-1.00

37 Prescott St Toowoomba T 4638 7019 www.choicesflooring.com.au

WOOD & GAS HEATERS FROM $899.00* *MAXI HEAT PRIME 150 illustrated & priced. Heating Capacity 150 square meters

For our range: www.toowoombaheating.com.au 24 Stradbroke St Toowoomba P 4633 3892 9-5pm M-F • 9-1pm Sat

The view of a storm passing over Jondaryan from Aubigny/ Pittsworth Rd.

- Photos Ann Brewer

Clearing Sale Saturday 5th March 2022 10am (Qld Time)

mEAT OUT!

The ‘steaks’ are high!

D1310 International Truck

Support your local hospitality venue by spending a minimum of $30 and go into the draw to WIN 1 of 7 double VIP passes to Australia’s biggest BBQ festival, Meatstock Toowoomba!

Entries open from 20 February – 20 March 2022.

Scan the QR code to enter!

Terms and conditions apply. For full details, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/meatout

Sister City Photographic Competition

It’s the last week to enter our Sister City Photographic Competition!

With epic prizes to be won, snap a pic and submit at www.tr.qld.gov.au/photocomp Hurry! Entries close this Sunday, 27 February.

New Holland TD5100 FWA Tractor

New Holland 353 Hammer Mill Mixer

“Glen Oma” A/C DL & LA Janetzki 680 Jondaryan-Nungil Road, Jondaryan, Qld (Property sold)

We’re celebrating Parks Week from 5 – 13 March 2022! Soak up some sun and participate in FREE activities and events in a local park near you. Activities include fitness classes to suit all ages, walking groups, parkrun and much more!

D1310 International Truck; New Holland TD5100 FWA Tractor; FIAT 880 Tractor; New Holland 353 Hammer Mill Mixer.

For a full list of activities, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/parksweek

Truck, Tractors, Planters, Bikes, Livestock & Fencing Equipment, Household Furniture, Sundry Equipment, Antiques & Collectibles. Outside Vendors Antique Stationary Engines & Equipment, Saddlery & Horse Gear.

Learn to kickflip and ollie like a pro with our FREE beginner skateboarding workshops thanks to the awesome coaches from Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative!

Every Saturday from 9am to 11am, kids and young adults aged up to 25 years can get comfortable with their balance and gain a new set of skills at local skate parks throughout our Region.

131 872

www.tr.qld.gov.au

When & Where: Clifton – Saturday, 26 February Westbrook – Saturday, 5 March Oakey – Saturday, 12 March Crows Nest – Saturday, 19 March Wilsonton – Saturday, 26 March Register at www.tr.qld.gov.au/youthconnect

Toowoomba Regional Council_230222_OC

View full list & images on line.

Terms All Farming Equipment plus GST, no buyers premium, photo ID required.

Payment cash, approved cheque, EFTPOS. Qld Covid Check-In Geoff Byers 0437 732 494 | Errol Luck 0427 561 678

www.raywhiteruraloakey.com.au

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

TRC underspends on labour costs, 180 vacant positions

Council officer Paul Quinlan presented the Monthly Financial Performance Statement at the Toowoomba Regional Council Ordinary Meeting last week and revealed a significant underspend on staff employment.

Mr Quinlan was filling in for Acting General Manager of Finance and Business Strategy Group Ann-Marie Johnston.

The report covers the month of January up until the 31st.

The most significant feature was the $7 million underspending on labour costs.

The underspending on labour expenses is mainly due to 180 vacant positions within the Toowoomba Regional Council.

Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said the original budget allocated $125 million to labour costs, and was revised to $124 million year-to-date.

However, it has been revised to $75 million, yet the actual expenditure year-to-date is $68 million.

This left a $7 million variance.

“I mean it’s a huge variation right,” Cr Vonhoff said.

She asked Mr Quinlan if the entire variation could be attributed to the vacant positions.

“I believe it is a combination,” Mr Quinlan replied.

“About $2.5 million of that is due to the back pay with enterprise bargaining, if we factor that in,” he said.

Mr Quinlan said that 110 of these vacant positions are currently engaged in some recruitment activity.

“We will certainly see an escalation in labour costs over the year,” he assured Cr Vonhoff.

“We are meeting with the Unions next week regarding this.”

Another notable finding from the report was the Regional Council being $4 million over budget year-to-date.

“We are tracking slightly above where we want it to be at this point in the

financial year,” Mr Quinlan said.

Mr Quinlan gave a breakdown of the variance, saying construction and maintenance is tracking

about $4 million over, governance and legal about half a million and some flood recovery activities pushing them over budget.

Toowoomba Regional Council Cr Rebecca Vanhoff.

Proposed Oakey health and community centre Plans have been submitted for a new health care and community centre at 165 Bridge Street, Oakey.

Goondir Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Health

Services is responsible for the proposed development.

In recent plans submitted

to the Toowoomba Regional Council, it states the Corporation is applying for

A visualisation of the proposed health care and community centre building.

- Photo, Goondir Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Health Services

Pat Pat WEIR WEIRMPMP Pat WEIR MP Member for Condamine

Member for Condamine PLEASE NOTE Please Please like mylike my As of last facebookfacebook page page Tuesday 24th of March at the direction of the

Member for Condamine

a Development Permit for a Material Change of Use for Health Care Premises and Community Use. The current building on the site will be redeveloped into a medical and community centre.

According to the submitted report, the health centre aims to provide critical health care services to the Oakey community, while the Community Use area will serve as the local headquarters of the organisation’s nutrition and food distribution program as part of providing social services to the Oakey and district community.

The redevelopment will result in the employment of two health practitioners and two staff members.

Fifteen on-site car parking spaces will be constructed along with a dedicated loading zone.

Page 3

Ten people caught driving under the influence this year

Over the weekend, Oakey Police charged two people with drink driving.

This brings the total for people charged with drink driving to three this year.

There have also been seven drug drivers caught since the start of the year.

This brings the total number of drivers caught under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol in Oakey to ten.

Oakey Police Officerin-Charge Sergeant Scott Nicol said drug driving is just as bad as drink driving.

“The chances of crashing are the same as drink driving,” Sergeant Nicol said.

“We conduct RBTs as often as we can,” he said.

“Every time we have

to pull someone over and as for their licence, we do a breath test.”

Sergeant Nicol reminded everyone of the dangers of the fatal five causes of road deaths - speeding, intoxication, distraction, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt.

“We have zero tolerance,” he said.

“We shouldn’t have to keep going out and giving death messages to families who have lost a loved one on the road.”.

To learn more about the fatal 5 and how to stay safe on the rounds, visit https:// w w w. p o l i c e . q l d . g o v. a u / initiatives/fatal-five-stayingsafe-roads.

Car stolen from Oakey

A car was stolen from Oakey and dumped in Toowoomba early on Monday morning.

At approximately 4.45am on Monday, a vehicle was stolen from Joann Court, Oakey.

The stolen car, a Kia Rio hatchback, was found abandoned in Cotswold Hills, Toowoomba at 10am on the same day.

The stolen car has now been returned to its owner.

Senior Constable Paul Holgate said CCTV footage from nearby indicated that there were at least three offenders involved in the theft.

The footage showed that the offenders gained access to the Kia Rio by breaking into another car

and stealing a lanyard full of keys found on the passenger seat.

Earlier in the morning in what is thought to be a linked crime, an attempt was made to steal a Mitsubishi ASX from Hamlyn Road at 3.40am.

However, due to the car’s alarm sounding off, the offenders fled the scene.

Senior Constable Holgate said there appears to be a group of at least three offenders driving around Oakey trying to steal cars opportunistically by looking for unlocked cars.

Oakey Police issue two search warrants

Oakey Police have issued two search warrants related to possession of dangerous drugs, drug utensils and firearms.

Oakey Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Scott Nicol said Oakey Police seized 400 grams of Cannabis on Friday of last week.

Sergeant Nicol said police have identified four offenders.

Two have been charged and the other two are still under investigation.

PICTURE FRAMING

photos . prints . jerseys . memorabilia . embroidery

Come and meet your local member

There’s Nothing We Can’t Frame

OUTSIDE THE GOOMBUNGEE NEWSAGENCY 15 Mocatta Street, Goombungee

Working for Saturday 29 February | 9am-12pm our community (07) 4570 4100 101 Campbell Street, Oakey QLD 4401 PO Box 65, Oakey QLD 4401 condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au patweir.com.au /PatWeirMP

Sue & Sandra Here to Assist You

Barry the Picture Framer 123 Campbell St Toowoomba | Ph: 4659 7433 www.barrythepictureframer.com.au

Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

TO THE PAST

When Oakey saw the light

On February 25, 1932 (ninety years ago), Oakey finally had electricity connected to the township.

This article appeared in the Brisbane Courier the following day: “To mark the occasion of switching on of electric light in Oakey last night by the Premier, Mr A. E. Moore, the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company and the Oakey Chamber of Commerce tendered a complimentary banquet in the Olympia Hall.

“The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr E. Gore, presided.

Asking Mr Moore to switch on the light, Mr Gore said that the extension to Oakey was the first of a series projected by the Electric Light Company on

the Downs.”

Another article followed up in the Brisbane Courier on April 30, 1932: PREMIER MOORE AT OAKEY “‘When I opened my party’s campaign here three years ago, much was made of the fact that the place was lighted only by kerosene lamps,’ said the Premier, Mr A. E. Moore, prefacing his policy speech in the Olympia Picture Theatre, Oakey, last night.”

“The reason for the kerosene lamps was that the noise of the theatre’s power engines at that time would have interrupted the people’s hearing. We are fortunate tonight to have

electric light, not only for the theatre, but for the whole of Oakey.

“This is an instance of the district’s continued progress.”

The Olympia Theatre was in its prime at that time, showing movies as many as four and five times a week.

Patrons would go to Hamlyn’s Café for supper after the pictures had finished.

The café had the first wireless in Oakey and the radio was there ready to go the moment that electricity was turned on which drew quite a crowd to listen to the modern miracle.

How things have changed since then!

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

$1.20

A section of the western side of Campbell Street, Oakey, showing the power poles (sometime between 1932 & 1935).

- Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead A broad low pressure trough is expected to trigger widespread showers and possible storms over the next few days with some decent rainfall totals predicted in parts. Conditions are expceted to clear leading into the weekend

6 DAY FORECAST

Wednesday,, March 23, 2016

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

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

Published each Wednesday

by OurNews Pty. Ltd. Printed by Greenridge Group, 4 Freighter Avenue Toowoomba

$$1.20

RAIN

50%

WED

Shower or two

18/30°C

1mm5mm

THUR

Showers.

Possible Storm

19/27°C

4mm 15mm

FRI

Shower or two

18/27°C

2mm 15mm

SAT

Partly Cloudy

17/28°C

SUN

Partly Cloudy

17/29°C

MON

Partly Cloudy

16/29°C

1st Mar

TThe heEstablished Cha amp pion n Champion 1984

TEMP

10th Mar

80%

60%

30% <1mm

20% <1mm

20% <1mm

18th Mar

UV INDEX

Very high

Very high

Very high

Very high

Very high

Very high

24th Mar

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

- Responsibility for all unsigned electoral material in this publication is accepted by E. A. Rogers, 60 Clark Street, Clifton.

The Champion is available from:

- Copyright in all advertising and Editorial material, except where otherwise held, resides at all times with the Oakey Champion: such copyright will not be released to any other party except by written permission. Production charges and reproduction fees will apply.

- Central City News - Cobb & Co Roadhouse Jondaryan - Goombungee News - South Street News, Toowoomba - Kingsthorpe News - Quinalow Garage - Maclagan General Store

- Clifford Gardens - Crow Nest News - Haden Store - Kerrytown Foodworks - Oakey Newsagency - Ushers BP - Wilsonton News

- Errors and Omissions Policy: All care is taken in the production of advertisements. Errors, if drawn to our attention promptly, will be corrected in the next issue. Refunds may be given. The proprietor of The Oakey Champion cannot be held responsible for errors or their subsequent effects. The right is reserved to alter, abbreviate or omit advertisements for any reason.

Wednesday, February 23, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

Biddeston students drop off box of rainbow cards for residents

Continued from Page 1 Biddeston State School students surprised residents of CWA House in Oakey with cards to cheer them up during the pandemic.

Mr Doogan said Year 5/6 teacher Cheryl Janz is responsible for coordinating the project.

“Life is tough for many people at the moment,” Mr Doogan said.

“We are unable to catch up with our friends and family as much as we’d like to, and the start to the school year looks very different,” he said.

“The elder people in our community, particularly

those in care, have at times become isolated.

“Over the past two weeks, we have had a small number of children at school.

“We talked about how elderly people may be feeling and what we could do to help lift their spirits.

“We decided to make big batch of hand-written cards, craft and paintings to send to the staff, residents and families of CWA House

in Oakey.

“We hope we were able to put a big smile on their faces.”

Oakey CWA House Communication Manager Heidi Manning said the residents were delighted with the surprise.

“We have hung the rainbow in the hallway where the residents can view it,” Ms Manning said.

“Shirley commented that this was very

thoughtful of the teachers and students,” she said.

“Thank you Biddeston State School for cheering up our residents and putting a smile on their faces.”

Image of the rainbow poster Biddeston State School students created.

- Photo, David Doogan

OK Youth Talk

ABOVE and BELOW: Residents from CWA pictured holding their cards received from the students.

- Photos McLean Care

Museum Colour Trail Cobb+Co Museum is offering a free interactive colour trail exhibition.

This exhibition runs from Monday 6 December 2021 through until Easter 2022.

PEST & FLOODPLAIN

visit the Questacon website for more information at https://www.questacon.edu.au/outreach/travelling-exhibitions/colour

The Home Project

Join experts an When you’re finished, you can share your creations using emerging pest & PEST & WEED FLOODPLAIN RES #HomeProjectTR. A free online program to help young people and their families stay creative, active and connected.

Biosecurity expert Jim O’Su Join experts andonlearn lead the discussion how to

Download the booklet for free online at https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/ community-business/community-support/youth/14236-coronavirusactivities-resources#.

PESTemerging & WEED THRE FLOODPLAIN RESTORATI pest & weed th Need to talk?

and a Join expertsDATE: and learn how to man Wednesday 16th March 2022 lead the discussion Youth Connect Toowoomba Kids Helpon Line how to protect you emerging pest & weed threats on yo YouthConnectTRC 1800 551 800 Email: youthconnect@tr.qld.gov.au TIME: · Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan DATE: 10am - 2pmand agronomist Paul lead the discussion on how to March protect2022 your bottom line· ag Wednesday 16th Toowoomba Regional Council commenced works on Oakey-Biddeston Road just before Christmas last year, but the LOCATION: · works were delayed by wet weather.

Oakey RSL, 76 Campbell St, PEST & THREATS FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION · G ·DAY Giant Rats Tail TIME: PEST & WEED THREATS FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION DAY PEST & WEED WEED THREATS Oakey QLD 4401 RESTORATION DAY Toowoomba Regional being jointly funded with Program to undertake towardsFLOODPLAIN this project.”

DATE: 10am 2pm (*Proof of vaccination Council Infrastructure $1.02 million from the further upgrade works on In total, this project was · · Chileanrequired) Needle Group photo of the Biddeston State School students involved with the project.

- Photo David Doogan

PCYC Oakey Connect service is available for local young people.

Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan To connect or refer, phone or SMS Kat on 0459 836 335.

Update on Oakey-Biddeston Road

Services Committee Chair Cr Carol Taylor said that work is currently back underway.

“Work is progressing with expected completion by mid-2022, weather permitting,” Cr Taylor said.

“The project is widening a two kilometre section of OakeyBiddeston Road from the junction at the Warrego Highway to the southern side of the Oakey Creek crossing,” she said.

“The works will greatly improve safety and access for heavy vehicles that frequently use the route and other motorists.”

The upgrade project is a joint initiative between the Federal Government and Toowoomba Regional Council, as part of the Australian Government’s ‘Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program’.

“The Oakey-Biddeston Road upgrade project is

Australian Government and $1.17 million from Council,” Cr Taylor said.

“Council plans to seek additional funding through future rounds of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity

the road,” she said.

“Council is appreciative of the $1.02 million contribution received through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program,

GRAND HOTEL BOTTLESHOP SPECIALS

Oakey

ENDS 1/3/22 XXXX GOLD CANS..........................30 PACK ..$51.99 TOOHEYS NEW STUBBIES ..............................$52.99 MILLERS CHILL STUBBIES .............................$48.99 HAHN SUPER DRY 3.5 CANS.........30 PACK..$55.99 GREAT NORTHERN ORIGINAL STUBBIES .......$53.99 GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP STUBBIES..$51.99 BUNDABERG CUBE RUM COLA CANS.............$77.99 BUNDABERG RUM...........1 LITRE BOTTLE..$52.99

4691 1219 80 | CAMPBELL ST OAKEY

Buy – Sell - Rent – Clearing Sales

Wednesday 16th March 2022 allocated $2.2 Join million and and how manage · · Parthenium Wee Join and learn how to manage Join experts experts and learn learn how to to manage is set to be completed by experts emerging pest & weed threats on your land General Office PhOakey 07 4670 9685 |76 70on Campbell Street Oakey RSL, Campbell St, Fireweed June 2022. emerging · · land emerging pest & weed threats your pest & weed threats on Glenys your land Bowtell Oakey QLD 4401 For more information 10amO’Sullivan - 2pmwww.raywhiteruraloakey.com.au glenysbowtell@bigpond.com · Biosecurity expert and (*Proof agronomist McIntosh ·will Fall of Paul vaccination required) Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan and agronomist Paul McIntosh willArmyworm and updates, visit the Jim Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan and agronomist Paul will 0428McIntosh 751 070 lead thelead discussion on how on to protect your bottom line against pests Toowoomba Regional · the discussion how to protect your bottom lineBY against pests like: · like: Helicoverpa RSVP 9 MARCH lead the discussion on how to protect your bottom line against pests like: Council website at https:// Oakey RSL, 76 Campbell St, Tail Grass (GRT) · Pasture Dieback www.tr.qld.gov.au/ · Glenys Giant Bowtell Enh · Rats Giant Rats Tail (GRT) Grass (GRT) · Giant Rats Tail Grass Oakey QLD 4401 DATE: DATE: (*Proof of vaccination · glenysbowtell@bigpond.com Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) · Feather Top Rho DATE: · required) Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) Wednesday 16th March nati · Chilean Grass (CNG) Wednesday 16th2022 March 2022 751Needle 070 Wednesday 16th March 2022 · 0428 Parthenium Weed · BY Parthenium Weed · Fleabane you · RSVP Parthenium 9 Weed MARCH

TIME:

LOCATION: RSVP:

LOCATION: Your locallyRSVP: family owned real estate

RSVP: · Fireweed TIME: · THREATS Fireweed TIME: · Fireweed TIME: PEST &Bowtell WEED FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION DAY the conditi PEST & WEED THREATS RESTORATION DAY 10amFLOODPLAIN - 2pm 10am 2pm Glenys Enhance · Fall Armyworm Mor · Fall Armyworm 10am - 2pm · Fall Armyworm glenysbowtell@bigpond.com · manage Helicoverpa · Helicoverpa Join experts and learn how to native vegetationPre & LOCATION: LOCATION: · Helicoverpa 0428 751 070learn LOCATION: Join experts and how to manage Oakey RSL, 76 RSL, Campbell emerging pest &St,weed threats on your land · Pasture Dieback Oakey 76 RSVP Campbell St, · Pasture Dieback BY 9 MARCH Oakey QLD RSL, 4401 76 Campbell St, · Pasture Dieback your productivity!

Oakey Oakey QLD 4401pest & weed threats on your land emerging · Feather Top Oakey QLD 4401 Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan and agronomist Paul McIntosh will Rhodes · Feather Top Rhodes (*Proof of vaccination required) (*Proof of vaccination required) · Feather Top Rhodes (*Proof ofdiscussion vaccination required) lead the on how to protect your bottom· line Fleabane against pests like: Morning tea & lun · Fleabane Biosecurity expert Jim O’Sullivan and agronomist Paul McIntosh will · Fleabane RSVP: RSVP: DA TE: RSVP: · Giant Rats Tail Grass (GRT) This project is funded by Queensla Pre-registration is lead Bowtell the discussion your bottom linethe against pests Glenys the condition of your DATE: Glenys Bowtell on how to protectEnhance Enhance condition oflike: your Wednesday 16th March 2022 Glenys Bowtell Wednesday 16th March 2022

Enhance the condition of your glenysbowtell@bigpond.com glenysbowtell@bigpond.com *Attendees MUST be able to pro · Parthenium Weedvegetation native & improve glenysbowtell@bigpond.com native vegetation & improve 0428 751 070 0428 751 070 native vegetation improve T I0428 M E :751 070 contact the organiser ahead Giant Rats Tail& Grass (GRT) · Fireweed· TIME: RSVP BYRSVP 9 MARCH BY 9 MARCH your productivity! your productivity!

10am -BY 2pm 9 MARCH RSVP 10am - 2pm productivity! · Fall Armyworm ·yourChilean Needle Grass (CNG) Wednesday 16th March 2022 · Helicoverpa Morning tea & lunch provided.

Morning tea & lunch provided.

This project is funded

by Queensland Government’s Na ·

Chilean Needle Grass (CNG)

· · ·

Pasture Dieback Pre-registration is essential.* Pre-registration is essential.* *Attendees MUST be able to provide proof of COV · Rhodes Fireweed Feather Top Pre-registration is essential.* contact the organiser ahead of the event to d Fleabane· Fall Armyworm

DATE:

OLOCATION: CA A TT II O ON N :: LL O C Oakey RSL, 76 Campbell St,

Oakey QLD 4401 Oakey RSL, 76 Campbell St, TIME: (*Proof of vaccination required) Oakey QLD 4401 10am - 2pm

RSVP: (*Proof of vaccination required)

RLOCATION: Sglenysbowtell@bigpond.com VP: 070 ROakey S0428 V P751 :RSL, 76 Campbell

· Parthenium Morning tea &Weed lunch provided.

Enhance the·condition of your Helicoverpa native vegetation & isimprove This project funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment P St, · Pasture Dieback RSVP BY 9 MARCH your productivity!

Glenys 0428 751 070 OakeyBowtell QLD 4401 *Attendees MUSTprovided. be able provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior t Feather ToptoRhodes glenysbowtell@bigpond.com tea· & lunch (*Proof of vaccination required)Morning contact the organiser ahead of the event to discuss alternative arrang RSVP BY 9 MARCH Glenys Bowtell

RSVP:

Pre-registration is essential.* · Fleabane

project is funded by Government’s Queensland Government’s NaturalInvestment ResourcesProgram.

Investment Program.

This project isThis funded

by Queensland Natural Resources This project is funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program.

Bowtell

Glenys Enhance the condition of your MUST be able proof to provide proof ofvaccination COVID-19 vaccination prior *Attendees *Attendees MUST be able to provide of COVID-19 prior to entry ORto entry OR glenysbowtell@bigpond.com theahead organiser ahead ofto the event to discuss alternative arrangements. *Attendees be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior entry OR contact MUST the contact organiser of the event discuss alternative arrangements. native vegetation & to improve 0428 751 070 contact the organiser ahead of the event to discuss alternative arrangements.

RSVP BY 9 MARCH your productivity!

Morning tea & lunch provided.

Pre-registration is essential.*

This project is funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program.

*Attendees MUST be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry OR contact the organiser ahead of the event to discuss alternative arrangements.

Page 6

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Premier inspects newly opened quarantine hub at Wellcamp Airport

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk inspected and officially opened the new quarantine facility at Wellcamp Airport last Wednesday, 16th February.

The street view of the Regional Quarantine Facility from Technology Avenue, Wellcamp.

Ms Palaszczuk said the last person in Brisbane hotel quarantine left at about 3pm last Wednesday, officially marking the end of hotel quarantine and the beginning of the new regional quarantine facility at Wellcamp.

“We need to absolutely make sure that we are prepared for the future and this regional quarantine facility is state-of-the-art,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We talked about this in August, construction started in October and today it is operational,” she said.

“The first 500 hundred beds are complete, and stage 2 will see 500 more beds added to this fantastic facility.”

Stage 2 is expected to be finished in April 2022.

“This is tremendous news and tremendous for the community from the local bakery supplying food here to the police and all the learnings we have

learnt over the last two years of the pandemic,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Things such as security cameras, ventilation, making sure that families feel comfortable and safe, and that is exactly what this facility does,” she said.

“I’m very proud of this facility and it is something that Queenslanders supported and its something that we have absolutely for the future and who knows what’s around the corner?

“In November I don’t think we even knew that Omicron existed.

“Having spent fourteen days in hotel quarantine myself, can I tell you, I would have rather been up here in one of these state-of-the-art cabins with fresh air than in hotel quarantine.”

Deputy Premier Stephen Miles, who has been driving the project said nearly sixty guests have checked into the facility in

the past two weeks.

“It’s allowed us to reduce our use of hotels from a peak of more than twenty and now to just three,” Mr Miles said.

“This is the second such dedicated facility in Australia after Howard Springs,” he said.

“You’ll be aware that the Commonwealth is also constructing a further facility at Pinkenba that we expect will take guests from April.

“The current guests are a mix of unvaccinated travellers and mariners, but we anticipate an ongoing number of arrivals particularly from countries where their vaccines are not recognised by our TGA and will be required to quarantine.

“As well as farm workers and refugees from other countries that haven’t been able to access vaccinations.

“The project here has focussed on ensuring we deliver local benefits to the Toowoomba and wider region.

“We have made sure that the tradies and apprentices who constructed the facilities wherever possible were Toowoomba locals.

“The staff here, wherever possible, are Toowoomba locals, and we are

sourcing as much of the food and equipment and consumables and laundry from locals.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she sees a whole range of uses for this facility.

“First of all we don’t know what will happen next and what countries may be deemed that they have to quarantine,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Secondly, unvaccinated people who are flying into Queensland will come here,” she said.

“As well as people who need to isolate but can’t because they might have a vulnerable person in their setting such as people with a disability.

Ms Palaszczuk said international students who don’t have acceptable vaccinations are another group who will use the facility.

The Premier was questioned about the cost of the facility, but said she could only reveal that it didn’t cost the $227 million rumoured by sources.

“They [the cost] are commercial in confidence,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“To my understanding the total amount is less

than any other [quarantine] facility in Australia,” she said.

“If the federal government want to release how much its costing them to build Pinkenba, then we will revisit this.”

It was revealed that the state government had previously issued a press release detailing that $40 million was given to the Wagners to build an entertainment facility on the site.

“That was a grant, not a lease. We are not leasing the entertainment facility,” Mr Miles said in response.

When asked about why two quarantine hubs were being constructed instead of one, Mr Miles said that Wagners could build the facility quicker than the state and federal government.

He said it was also cheaper to lease it from the Wagners compared to hiring out the hotels.

“This project went through an appropriate financial and accounting process for allocating the funds to do it, but it is not unusual for lease arrangements to not go to tender,” Mr Miles said.

Smokin’ the Downs on despite no Oakey Show

The annual Smokin’ the Downs competition is confirmed to still be going ahead amid the cancellation of the Oakey Show.

Event organiser Jess Barnes is looking forward to another year of celebrating fantastic meat and promoting the local Oakey community.

“Oakey has a lot of enthusiast smokers,” Ms Barnes said.

“On the weekend you can smell so many people smoking meat,” she said.

“We want to give everyone from amateur to skilled smokers a chance to have a go.

“A lot of our

McLean Care

CWA House

competitors come here to prepare recipes and dust off their skills before Meatstock in Toowoomba.

“We do get a lot of first time smokers coming along to Oakey, and everyone is so supportive and will give you tips and tricks.

“We have teams from Victoria, New South Wales and far north Queensland competing this year, from top quality to brand new teams.”

Ms Barnes said the show is also about getting everyone in the community out of the house and down supporting competitors and small local businesses who sponsor the event.

“We give businesses a sponsor pack, which allow us to promote them and also keep the event going,” Ms Barnes said.

“Some of this year’s sponsors are the Oakey Family Dentist, Oakey Electrical, and the pharmacy to name a few,” she said.

“We send a team of

judges made up from the sponsors to judge the competition,” Ms Barnes said.

Smokin’ the Downs will run across two days - Friday 11th March and Saturday 12th March.

Ms Barnes reminded everyone that they will need to bring along their proof of vaccination to enter the event.

It will be a gold coin entry.

Gates will be open from 5pm on Friday and from midday on Saturday.

The entrance is at the second gate on Showgrounds Road.

There will be a coffee stand and a barbecue food vendor for spectators to eat from, as competing teams are not allowed to sell their food at the event.

“We are still looking for more judges for both rounds,” Ms Barnes said.

If you would like to judge the event or find out more information, email Ms Barnes at smokinthedowns@yahoo.com

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Oakey PCYC “squealing for help” Showgirl Entrant

Sergeant Cam Crisp delivered a speech at the Ordinary Meeting of Toowoomba Regional Council last Tuesday when he discussed the important role PCYCs play in deterring youth crime.

TOY1172_TCPOV_WindscreenBanners_1000x225mm_v5.indd 1

The ‘Restart Program’ was first introduced in Murgon and Cherbourg in 2014 by Sgt. Crisp.

After the success of the program, it branched out to Toowoomba.

Sgt. Crisp said the program works to break the cycle of youth crime and unemployment.

“We don’t win them all, but we win a lot,” he said.

“We engage with these kids and work to get them back into the school system and get them being productive..

“We’re branched out to Oakey, which I’m pretty proud of.

“It’s not the ‘Restart Program’ per say, but it’s something.

“The bottom line is that it costs dollars.”

Sgt. Crisp said that PCYC is currently working with the high school in Oakey and wants to have a decent presence in the town.

“Oakey has been squealing for help for quite a long time,” he said.

Sgt. Crisp said the ‘restart Program’ mainly targets students who get suspended from school and end up causing trouble because they have parents who are either working or not looking after them.

“This then obviously creates a policing issue of antisocial behaviour on our streets,” he said.

“So what we did was propose a two week program [‘Restart Program’] where kids

PCYC’s Sergeant Cam Crisp in Oakey. on long term suspension would be engaged in positive activities at the PCYC. “We work on social skills, like attitude and behaviour.

“So we can firstly, get them off the street from a policing point of view, and secondly, get them back into the education system as best as we possibly can.”

However, securing enough funding is always a challenge for PCYCs. PCYC is not a government body and the Toowoomba model is completely self-funded, with the Queensland Police Service being its main partner.

“Schools work on a calendar year, so that means in August every year I have to start renegotiating with

them for January,” Sgt. Crisp said.

“So the reason I come here today, very unlike Cam, is with my hand out,” he said.

“I would like to put forward a proposal, perhaps where council could even look at our Groom Cycle Safety model.

“I’m not expecting you to fund the whole program.

“It’s expensive, with anywhere up to $300,000 each year to do the whole thing properly.

“But just to do the vacation care components of it is about $65,000.

“At the end of the day, from a policing and council point of view, if we’re engaging the kids during the school holidays then we’re doing the town a service.

“We are looking after shop and store owners from the kids running rampant.

“I can attest to my early policing days chasing kids from store and shop fronts all the time.”

“The Restart Program is a winner.

“It worked really well in Cherbourg and Murgon.

“Granted, that has ceased now over there because Covid really impacted the town and we simply couldn’t find employees over there.

“Due to Covid, everyone at my club was stood down.

“My youth workers were lucky enough to be brought back within three weeks, because all my youth workers are externally-funded by local businesses that support us.”

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said he’s grateful of the work PCYCs do within the community, however, he said the Council also does not have much available money.

“Local government is not a happy place in terms of availability of money and all those sorts of things,” Mayor Antonio said.

“But there are many things we can do” he said.

“I enjoy going along regularly to your presentations.

“There’s many young people who need a hand up in this society and it’s great to see you doing that, and we’re grateful for that.”

Covid sees number of people migrating from cities to regional Australia double

According to the Regional Movers Index, net migration to regional areas during 2020 and 2021 is more than double the level it was two years ago prior to the pandemic.

The Regional Movers Index is a partnership between the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and Commonwealth Bank (CBA) that tracks movements between capital cities and regional areas using relocation data from CBA’s ten million

customers.

RAI Chief Economist and Acting CEO Dr Kim Houghton says that migration from capitals to regions areas has been 15 per cent higher than during the previous two years.

“At the same time, more

people who have been living in regional Australia have chosen to stay there,” Dr Houghton says.

“With two years of the Index, we can now clearly see the positive impact that COVID has had on people seeking a regional lifestyle,” Dr Houghton

said.

“It is particularly exciting that many of the smaller regions showing high rates of growth are inland towns.

“Which is a good sign for more balanced population growth across Australia in future.”

comes up with a novel Fundraiser

Goombungee-Haden Showgirl Entrant, Kasey Welke, has worked hard with her fundraising efforts as a part of her entry in the Goombungee – Haden Showgirl Competition for 2022 and she has one final effort to go.

Even with the challenges of COVID, Ms Welke has successfully held a Trivia Night and Open Garden, along with many raffles and money boards.

The funds that she has raised will be used by the Show Society to continue with upgrades and improvements to the Showgrounds at Goombungee.

Her final major fundraiser, in order to help her meet the goal that she set herself, is a Thermomix Raffle.

It would be great to see the community to get behind her and purchase a ticket.

Tickets are $25.75 including the processing fee and can be purchased by going to www. showgirl2022-thermomix raffle.flocktu.com There is a maximum of 200 tickets available, but if 125 tickets are sold by the end of this month, this will be drawn early.

For more information, contact Kylie Welke on 0429 976 504.

Federal government gives TRC third payment

Toowoomba Regional Council has received its third 2021-22 quarterly payment through the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program.

Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said the Council can spend the money how it likes and according to what the local community needs.

“Local governments are vital to building safer and stronger communities,” Mr Hamilton said.

“They are an important delivery partner for the Federal Government’s economic stimulus packages and play a critical role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The most recent payment Toowoomba Regional Council has received is $1,891,699.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said a total of $2.7 billion of federal government funding has been allocated for local councils across Australia in 2021–22.

“The Federal Government prepaid around half of the allocated funding in June 2021, the remainder

will be paid through these quarterly payments across the year,” Mr Hogan said.

“We know the early payment is a valued support to councils, particularly in regions that have faced the combined impacts of bushfire, drought, floods and COVID-19,” he said.

“Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia.

“This support will continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery.”

Mr Hamilton said that since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program.

For more information, visit https://www.regional. gov.au/local/assistance/index. aspx.

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

At Black Toyota Oakey 2016 Mitsubishi Triton MQ MY16 Upgrade GLX Plus (4x4) Silver 6 Speed Manual Dual Cab Utility

Full Service History

Independent Backgrou

$37,990 DRIVE AWAY+

90 Point Inspection by

Free 12 months Toyota

Get a Guaranteed Futu

*Toyota Roadside Assist is administered by Toyota Finance, a division of Toyota Finance Australia Limited, ABN 48 contract, as determined by Toyota Finance, subject to fair wear and tear and agreed kilometres being met. Ask y Australian Credit Licence 392536.

CAR OF THE WEEK

Fantastic Car Mitsubishi Triton GLX Dual Cab Ute. Low Mileage with Heaps of Gear. One Owner. Comes with Steel 5 Post Hopper Knocker Bullbar, Winch, LED Spotlights, Canopy & Tub Liner.

Provision for Dual Battery, Towbar, Roof Racks, Window Tinting, Rubber Floor Mats, All Terrain Tyres, Full Logbook Service History with Owner’s Manual and Keys. Test Drive Today!

Tim Wicks 0487 761 730 Branch Manager Moses Abraham 0408 150 680 Sales Consultant Terry Graham 0499 990 141 Sales Consultant

Black Toyota 177 Bridge St, Oakey QLD 4401 Phone (07) 4691 1033 blacktoyota.com.au

62,473kms SN: O83167

s p o o C

FOR CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

(QLD) PT

EARTHWORKS, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT

HIRE

For Civil Infrastructure projects including preconstruction, maintenance, earthworks, roadworks, urban & rural development and concrete projects contact Coops.

Y LTD

COUNCIL MATTERS DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS STORM WATER ROADS KERBING EARTHWORKS

OH WHAT A FEELING

ENQUIRE NOW

4633 7688

Web coopsqld.com.au Email admin@coopsqld.com

Page 8

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

SEPTIC SERVICES

Oakey Champion

The

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

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS

AUTOMONANCE AND

MAINTE

WRECKERS

FULL MOBILE SERVICE ON SITE/ON FARM

ALL AREAS

Offering Mechanical and Electrical Services

AUTO TRIMMING AND UPHOLSTERY REPAIRS

DON’T PAY NEW PRICE

NEW AFTER MARKET PARTS

www.anzacavenuewreckers.com.au The

Call Matt on

0417 465 318

SECOND HAND ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT

LATEST STOCK & SPARE PARTS ON LINE

Classifieds starting from just

$16 inc GST

80 Hampton St Toowoomba Ph: 4633 1654 | M: 0431 144 822 www.gardencityautotrimming.com.au Stephen

Free Pick Up & Drop Off Available*T&C Apply

COMPUTER REPAIRS

DAVE FRANCIS

Phone: 4691 1376

Email: advertising@oakeychampion.com.au

AGISTMENT WANTED AGISTMENT WANTED - Any size considered. Long or short term. Call Marc 0455 150 990

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 5TH 2PM

SATURDAY MARCH

Computer Repairs & Upgrades done

GUIDES HALL CREEK ST OAKEY

ON-SITE

EVERYONE WELCOME

PUBLIC NOTICES

No job too small Free Quote Ph 4632 4360 OR 0407 656 743

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

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS The

Oakey Champion

REAL ESTATE SALES & RENTALS 112 Campbell St Oakey

JAMIE

Proudly supporting Oakey for the past 20 years

E: bernborough@hotmail.com T: 0412 618 469

Jamie Cooper 0423 688 055 Laurie Cooper 0407 344 771

LAURIE

Ph (07) 4691 1797 JP service available most hours Aged pensioners receive free patrols when away Patrols to Oakey businesses and private homes Alarm callout service

received approval from Toowoomba Regional Council to expand its premises.

January 2022.

The approved plans These new plans come propose an array of after Stockyard Beef’s upgrades, most notably recent expansions in 2017, a second holding pond, which saw the business additional holding pens, DON’T PART its PRICE nearly double capacity. and another cattlePAY lane.NEW GENUINE WE SELL NEW AFTERMARKET MOTOR PARTSwent The VEHICLE company Toowoomba Regional from 11,100 head to 20,200 Council approved the most SECOND HAND ORIGINAL PARTS & EQUIPMENT head. YOU BUY recent plans onCHECK the WITH 13th US BEFORE

-

The president of eastAUSmilk, Matthew Trace has expressed disappointment with the number of options offered to dairy farmers in the dairy levy poll currently being undertaken by Dairy Australia.

This is the first time in ten years that dairy farmers will have a say as to the amount that levy payers will need to contribute into the future.

Mr Trace, who was a member of the Advisory Committee but resigned last year, has told eastAUSmilk members of his concerns.

“I personally remain disappointed and concerned that the Advisory Committee did not include an option to decrease or remove the levy,” he said.

“I know that many farmers have expressed this same disappointment to me over the past months.

“It is no secret that this is the reason that I and another member of the Advisory Committee, who is based in New South Wales, resigned from the Advisory Committee last September.

“I do not regret that decision and continue to believe that it was the right one at the time.”

Mr Trace told members that, in reaching a decision as to how to vote in the dairy levy poll or indeed whether to vote at all will depend on how members feel Dairy Australia has delivered for them and their dairy farm over the past years.

“There are differing views as to their effectiveness,” he said.

“Some consider that they provide a worthwhile service while others do not see the value in where their levy dollars go.

“Some farmers would prefer to use the money themselves to ensure their sustainability for their farms and families.

“This is why it is important that dairy levy paying members have a say in the differing options being put forward for consideration, even if it is to keep the status quo.

There are four options being proposed before voting commences on the 24th of February, being no change to the levy, an increase of 15 per cent, an increase of 20per cent (which is recommended by the Advisory Committee) or an increase of 25 per cent.

“It has been, in some ways, a flawed process,” Mr Trace said. “ Yet the outcomes of t he vote remain important to eastAUSmilk members in Queensland and New South Wales and it is important that our levy paying members have a say.

“A message must be sent to those making the decisions.”

Bowen Rail recruiting drivers

SERVICE. SOLUTIONS. SATISFACTION.

SECURITY SERVICES

Expansion approval for Stockyard Beef Stockyard Beef’s Kerwee feedlot near Jondaryan has

BIG 2.5 ACRES

CLASSIFIEDS

MOTOR TRIMMING & UPHOLSTERY Cars-Boats-Caravans-Lounges -Antique Furniture

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

eastAUSmilk chief 4630 1881 disappointed with dairy levy poll Oakey Champion

600 CARS

CLICK

tthew’s Ma TIVE

| 24/7 Emergency Work | Pump Out Septic Tanks | Holding Tanks | Grey Water Tanks Lester & Dale 4637 0130 0488 962 946

EPA & Council Approved

Trades & Services

• All mechanical repairs & servicing • All electrical repairs & servicing • Fault finding • Generator/water pump repairs & setup • Trucks • Tractors • Machinery • Motorbikes • Buses • Cars • 4x4s

Buy • Sell • Rent • Commercial • Rural • Storage Sheds

|

www.jlcrealestate.com.au Advertise in The Oakey Champion and make some extra money!

Are you having a

?

Starting from just

$16

T 4691 1376

Queensland’s newest rail freight operator is searching for the next crop of train drivers to jump behind the controls of its fleet of state-of-the-art locomotives.

Bowen Rail Company (BRC) General Manager Brendan Lane said twelve trainee train driver positions were being recruited in readiness for when construction and testing and commissioning activities are complete.

“Despite the cuttingedge nature of our fleet, our trains still need humans, and we’re delighted to be investing in people and our community, as well as

systems and technology,” Mr Lane said.

“The trains are the most powerful diesel locomotive in Queensland allowing us to haul in a double not triple-head, configuration and, on a per train basis, they are more fuel efficient.”

You can submit your application at www. bowenrail.com.au/work-withus/ and applications close on 6 March 2022.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 9

Oakey Social Golf Oakey Park Run

On Sunday 20th February, the Oakey Social Golf Club played at Warwick Golf Club.

With 34 players, the winners with 56 net were Benny Fenton and Matty Haak and runners-up were Lindsay Bradford and Peter Flynn with 62 net.

Pins and approaches: 1, P. Flynn; 2 and 7, L. Bradford; 3, sponsored by Kerrytown Meats,

D, Harvey; 4 and 8, M. Haak; 5, M. Hall; 6, W. Bostock; 9, sponsored

by Oakey RSL, B. Lucht; 10, D. Harvey; 11, P. Morgan; 12, 15 and 18, B. Fenton; 13, JB; 14, sponsored by the Grand Hotel, L. Bradford; 17, HL. Long Drives: A Grade, B. Lucht; B Grade, M. Haak; Over 60, B. Dearling.

Members’ draw number 38, Ian McDonald for $20

and Ian was present.

Raffles going to: 10, T. Woodham and 99, J. O’Keefe.

Next week’s game is 18 holes at the Main Club, with a 06.30 tee off.

The club would like to welcome back Mathew Haak, and a big thanks to our sponsors Oakey RSL, Kerrytown Meats and The Grand Hotel.

- Flynny/Macca

On February 19th, 42 registered competitors participated in the weekly 5km Oakey Park Run. In first place was Benjamin Fenton with 22 minutes and 33 seconds.

Second was Jazmin McKay with 23 minutes and 33 seconds.

Third was Duncan Miller with 24 minutes and 49 seconds.

Three competitors achieved a personal best time: Tim Lange with 28 minutes and 10 seconds, Jenny Rohan with 28 minutes and 31 seconds and Eleisha Park with 30 minutes and 38 seconds.

Oakey Park Run welcomed seven new competitors, Larry Papin (7th), Craig Selkirk (13th), May Selkirk (21st), Jade Gollan (30th), Bethany Gollan (31st), Jenay Burnham (33rd) and Chris Burnham (34th).

ABOVE and BELOW: Competitors on the Oakey Park Run course.

- Photos Oakey Park Run You can join the runners every Saturday at 7am for a weekly five kilometre walk, jog or run, or you can volunteer or come along as

a spectator.

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

LEFT to RIGHT: Mathew Haak, Benny Fenton, Lindsay Bradford and Peter Flynn.

- Photos Flynny/ Macca

Oakey Bowls Club

RESULTS The winner of Wednesday’s (February 16th) Triples was P. Boyton’s team; The runner-up was G. Usher’s team; B/Round: A. Gibb’s team.

The competition result from Saturday February 19th for A Singles was: R. Stewart def. S. Cosgrove.

The next competition has been called for Saturday February 26th, with A Singles: S. Bradford vs. P. Rudken (R. Krause); R. Henry vs. G. Nash (M. Hall). Senior Singles: G. Fenton vs. P. Boyton (J. Harrison).

Triples: L. Hudson, B. Lucht and G. Usher vs. S. Cosgrove, P. Wolski and W. Patterson.

COMING EVENTS Keep an eye out for an upcoming competition on Sunday February 27th.

Patroness Day, C/S 3bowl pairs 2 x 14 games from 12.30pm start, barbecue to follow. Names on the board please.

For more information call 4691 1267 or visit the Facebook page.

On Wednesday 16th February, the Ladies played a VSS, the winner being Sheryl Barlow with +3.

The runner- up was Christine Little with a square.

Winner of the front 9 was Yvonne Lebeter with +1 and the back 9 was won

by Iris Thompson with a square in a countback.

Pin on No 3 was won by Christine Little.

On Wednesday 23rd February, the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke

in conjunction with the Ladies’ February Monthly Medal.

Thursday’s Sporters winner was Alan De Ross with 28 points and the pin was won by Terris Muir.

On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th February, the Members played an 18 hole Stableford, the winner being Peter Flynn with 40 points and the runner-up was Garry Nash with 37 points.

Rundowns went to Bob Dearling 36, Joan Fisk 36

and Andrew King with 35.

Pin on No, 3 was won

by Peter Flynn; No. 8, Andrew King; No. 12 (which is donated by Andrew King) was won

by Alan De Ross and 5/14, (which is donated by The Barn) was won by Jenna King.

UPCOMING EVENTS On Sunday 27 February is Oakey’s Annual Carnival.

Contact 0437 185 818 for a time.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Oakey Golf Club

Goombungee Golf Club Results

On Thursday 17th February was a Men’s Single Stableford for a club trophy.

The winner for Men was Murray McLeod with 39 points (ocb).

Men’s approaches: 6/15, Gary Buckley; 7/16, Murray McLeod; 8/17, Shane Hughes.

For the Ladies Single Stroke, Monthly Medal, Putts, the winner was Val Hartland with 72 net.

Approaches: 1/10, Ann Cass; 4/13, Robyn Drowley; 7/16, Val Hartland.

On Friday 18th February was the Chook Run. Winner, Col Jenkins net, second Graham Elton, third Glen Davidson.

Sunday 20th February was the Single Stroke,

Monthly Medal for a club trophy.

The winner for Men was Greg Lyall, 70 net and for Ladies was Val Drowley, 74 net.

Rundowns: Carmel Cover, Harry Cover, Damien Peters, Trent Peters.

Pin shots Men: 4/13, David Cass; 8/17, Adrian Delaney.

Approaches: 1/10, Harry Cover; 2/11, Dave Lowe; 6/15, Matty Burgess.

Approach Ladies, 1/10, Carmel Cover.

There was a draw for the final round matchplay, which is to be played by end of play on February 13th: A Grade, Matty Burgess vs. Mark Peters; B Grade, Murray McLeod vs.

Jason Delaney; C Grade, Graham Elton vs. Phil Cass.

Members’ draw. No. 90 Graham Tancred, not present. Next week $15.

THIS WEEK On Thursday 24th February Men’s Single Stableford Medley for a club trophy and the Ladies Single Stableford for Carmel Cover ‘s trophy.

On Friday 18th February is the Chook Run from 3pm.

On Sunday 27th February is Round Two of H.L.O. Please note: Round Two of H.L.O. is to be played at Goombungee on 27th February and Round Three is to be played at Cabarlah on 27th March.

- Murray McLeod

Page 10

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Sheepmeat industry expected to grow to rates not seen since 2013 Meat and Livestock Australia has released its predictions for the year ahead regarding the lamb and sheep industry.

The national flock is expected to increase by 3.5 million due to strong seasonal conditions in the Eastern states.

This is an extra 4.9%, which is about 74.4 million head and the highest level since 2013 according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Sheep Industry Projections.

Meat and Livestock Australia’s Market Information Manager, Stephen Bignell, said with strong domestic

production and slaughter rates expected to increase significantly, the Australian sheepmeat industry had outperformed expectations.

“With an influx of lambs expected to hit the market in early to mid2022, slaughter volumes are predicted to reach 21.6 million head in 2022 meanwhile sheep slaughter is expected to reach six million head in 2022, marking a 17.6% increase on 2021 levels,”

Mr Bignell said.

“Production is set to increase in the next few years to record levels. In 2023 it is predicted that production for lamb will be at an all-time high of 567,000 tonnes which will subsequently flow through to higher exports,” he said.

“Overall, Australia’s sheepmeat industry is positioned to strengthen, and confidence remains high across most parts of the industry, including the production end where

seasonal conditions and overall historical market prices have never been more favourable.”

Additionally, the Australia-UK- Free Trade Agreement is set to further strengthen the sheepmeat export industry.

Mr Bignell said as the Australia-UK- Free Trade Agreement comes into effect later in 2022, the

Australian sheepmeat industry is in a great position to capture global opportunities in both emerging and established markets.

“Australia will benefit from enhanced access to the UK market,” Mr Bignell said.

“This will include a tariff-free volume of 25,000 tonnes of sheepmeat in

year one, increasing to 75,000 tonnes by year 10,” he said.

“Australia is likely to emerge as the only country with the production and transport infrastructure available to meet supply challenges over the next decade as well as ongoing demand from markets that lack the capacity for domestic supply.”

AGRICULTURAL

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT

First contract signed in $6.6M project

The federal government has launched a $6.6 million project to protect native fish in the northern Murray-Darling Basin with the first land manager contract signed.

Project coordinators from Southern Queensland Landscapes are delivering the Fish Friendly Water Extraction project on behalf of the Queensland Government and in support of the federal government’s project.

Southern Queensland Landscapes is an independent organisation dedicated to helping land managers understand their landscapes and adapt to challenges.

Southern Queensland Landscapes Principal Project Officer Tim Vale said the project has real benefits for both fish and farmers and delivers on the promises of the federal government’s ‘Toolkit’ of environmental works and measures for the northern Basin.

“On the first of December the Federal Minister for Resources and Water, the Hon Keith Pitt MP and Queensland Minister for Water, the Hon Glenn Butcher MP announced the project with a view of protecting millions of fish in the northern Murray-Darling Basin,” Tim Vale said.

“The flow on effect of this tremendous initiative is that it will also reduce costly maintenance and downtime for irrigators; reduce energy consumption, saving irrigators money on fuel and electricity bills; and improve water delivery to crops thereby increasing yields and return on

investment; which equates to a win-win-win-win for both farmers and fish,” Mr Vale said.

“While today marks the first contract signed in the northern Basin there are several more waiting for final approvals and we are confident of having at least three pump screens in three reaches of the Basin

by June,” he said.

Federal Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt accelerated delivery of the project to ensure benefits could reach communities more rapidly and show the environmental benefits that can be achieved from relatively low-tech fish protection measures.

“This project is one of ten Northern Basin Toolkit projects that together keep 70 GL of water in productive use while improving the health of our rivers and wetlands and the animals and plants that rely on them,” Mr Pitt said.

“We don’t need all farmers to install pump screens – but those who do will certainly contribute to the positive outcomes for native fish,” he said.

Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher welcomed the opportunity to work collaboratively across multiple agencies on this important project.

“We know this project will deliver benefits for the environment and for irrigators and this is a practical way that governments can

work together to deliver improved outcomes,” Mr Butcher said.

“I’m really proud of this project and our involvement and congratulate the first landholders on their foresight to sign up to this program,” Mr Butcher said.

Irrigators in the Border Rivers, Lower Balonne and Condamine catchments will be invited to monitor the success of the project.

To learn more about the project visit sqlandscapes. org.au

SERVICING ALL SPRAYER BRANDS LARGE RANGE OF SPRAYERS & SPARE PARTS IN STOCK 20 YEARS LOCAL FAMILY OWNERSHIP & EXPERIENCE

T 4634 4000

70 Carrington Rd Torrington Toowoomba

O 8 - 5pm M - F

DOUBLE STRIPED TRUCKERS CAPS Custom Made Logo Embossed 60 Cap Minimum Order Australian Owned

The all new™H-has arrived! ™ has arrived!

The all new HOPEN Mon - Fri 9am-5.30pm. Sat 9am-1pm www.toowoomba.hippocketworkwear.com.au 222 Anzac Ave Toowoomba. P: 4630 1122 SPORT

ADVENTURE TOURING GRAND AMERICAN TOURING

TRIKE

BE SOMEONE

CVO

SAME ONE

CRUISER

NOT THE www.ddhd.com.au

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 11

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

New Army Aviation Commandant

Swartz Barracks has a new Commandant, Colonel David Lynch.

As Commandant of the Army Aviation Training Centre, Colonel Lynch is focused on ensuring that Army Aviation continues to provide and expand its skilled support to Defence and the wider Australian community.

In 2017 and 2018, Colonel Lynch commanded the School of Army Aviation at Swartz Barracks.

Colonel Lynch is excited to be back and looking forward to connecting with residents of the Darling Downs community, along with local government and business representatives.

Colonel David Lynch commenced his Defence career in 1989, graduating from Royal Military College – Duntroon, (RMC) and subsequently completing pilot training on the Bell 206B-1 Kiowa in 1990.

He initially served in 161 Reconnaissance Squadron in Sydney, until his transition to the S-70A-9 Black Hawk in 1993, and subsequent posting to A Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment, Townsville, until 1995.

In Jan 1996, he was posted as Adjutant, 1st Aviation Regiment, which was then located in Oakey, Queensland.

Whilst serving as the Adjutant, 1st Aviation Regiment, Colonel Lynch was selected for Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) training and in early 1998 was posted to the School of Army Aviation (SAA) at

Swartz Barracks Oakey.

This posting started a long commitment to aviation training, initially focused on pilots, but expanding to include ab initio pilot training, aviation tactics, aviation ground support workforce/trade design and new equipment training requirements.

In mid-2001, Colonel Lynch became involved in the training device design for what would become the ARH Tiger training system.

As a member of a small team of three QFI embedded into the then Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO, now CASG) acquisition team, Colonel Lynch was involved in the creation of operating manuals for the new aircraft, and the establishment of the training system, from course design to flight simulator evaluation and acceptance into service.

This process culminated in 2006 and 2007 with pilot and follow on QFI training to effect workforce transition onto the new aircraft.

In 2008, Colonel Lynch was posted as Officer Commanding 161 Reconnaissance Squadron in Darwin.

He brought the first ARH Tiger aircraft into the 1st Aviation Regiment and commenced flying and airborne gunnery operations all in the same year.

After the attending Australian Command and Staff College in 2009,

Colonel Lynch was posted as the Commanding Officer of Rotary Wing Group No. 5 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and served in that position from February to October 2010.

After a short posting into Aviation Capability Management in 2013, Colonel Lynch was posted as the ARH Tiger/MRH Taipan Resident Team Leader based in Marignane France.

He assisted in improving sustainment support to both aircraft systems, through a better understanding of European industry and Government characteristics, policies, strengths and weaknesses, and targeting and facilitating key leadership engagements.

After two years in this role, Colonel Lynch returned to Australia to serve as the Project Manager for the delivery phase of the CH-47F Chinook project, which delivered the initial seven, then additional three aircraft, from April 2015 through June the CH-47D fleet once the new aircraft were operational.

This four year period in CASG gave Colonel Lynch a refined understanding of differences and often similarities of the European and American aeronautical industries and what expectations are realistic from products sourced from each.

In 2017 and 2018, Colonel Lynch commanded the School of Army Aviation, and from 2019 to

New Swartz Barracks Commandant Colonel David Lynch.

- Photo Bradley Richardson 2021 served as the Director Operational Airworthiness, managing compliance and aviation safety for the Army Military Air Operator.

Colonel Lynch took command of the Army Aviation Training Centre,

and the associated Senior ADF Officer - Darling Downs function, officially on 17 January 2022.

He comes to the position with deep aviation system experience, and with the support of his wife, Meegan, and their

(nearly 16 year old) twins, Hugo and Maya.

Colonel Lynch’s hobbies are making his old Land Rover new again, and trying to ride his mountain bike without crashing.

- Bradley Richardson

DEFENCEJOBS DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING UPCOMING EVENTS Toowoomba 03 Mar - Women In Defence Information Session 08 Mar - Navy Information Session 17 Mar - Recruiting Now Information Session 24 Mar - Gap Year Information Session For more details and bookings visit defencejobs.gov.au/events CALL 13 19 01

DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU

www.armyflyingmuseum.com.au See our webpage for details on admission fees and opening hours.

Phone 07 4577 7666

Find us on Facebook

Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Sports development officers at OSHS On Thursday 17th February, Oakey State High School students received a visit from NRL and basketball development officers.

NRL Development Officer Riley Wocker taught students the basic skills of rugby league, as part of a six week program.

“I’m basically here to give them a taste of rugby league,” Mr Wocker said.

“The program aims to give kids a chance to play club grade either in Oakey or Toowoomba,” he said.

“The program will run every Thursday for 6 weeks at first lunch break.”

Basketball Development

Officer John Gouldson also paid a visit to Oakey State High School students to promote the University of Southern Queensland Positive Choice Schools Competition.

The program has been running for 35 years and currently there are approximately 1,000 school students across the area involved in the program.

The Positive Choice Schools Competition aims to positively engage young

ABOVE: Oakey State High School students being introduced to basketball through ball skills games.

people through sport.

Mr Gouldson wants Oakey State High School to join the program, which involves weekly Friday night competitions between different school teams.

“There are three teams each for boys and girls across the schools,” Mr Gouldson said.

“The weekly games are hosted in gyms across the schools and they take it in turns playing home and away,” he said.

The Positive Choice Schools Competition kicked off the 2022 season on Friday 18th February.

Students are welcome to join in both programs.

For information on how to get involved, visit the School’s Facebook page or for the Positive Choices Schools competition email office@ toowoombamountaineers.com. au

ABOVE: Oakey High School students learning the rules of rugby league during lunch.

Jondaryan State School honours 150th anniversary with new gates

Jondaryan State School is showing off its new entrance gates but has announced the postponement of the official gate opening ceremony.

ABOVE: Head of Department for Sport, Mark Ashley, and Basketball Development Officer, John Gouldson.

After the extended two weeks of summer school holiday, Jondaryan State School students were very keen and excited to be back at school.

The first big difference the students saw when they arrived at school were the brand new entrance gates, which were erected during January as part of a P&C project to celebrate the school’s 150th Anniversary.

It was planned to have an official gate opening on Friday 11th February with Her Excellency the

Mrs Johnson with students from her Year 3 – 6 class; Hamish, Justin, Ruby R, Ruby B, Akishia & Mason - Photos Cora Grundy WORKING DEMONSTRATIONS + HERITAGE DISPLAYS + COMPETITION CLASSES MARKET STALLS + LIVE MUSIC + MORE

Honourable Dr. Jeanette Young PSM, Governor of Queensland, cutting the ribbon to officially open the gates and welcoming students and community members into the 150th year.

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions this special assembly had to be postponed.

It was 150 years ago on January 12, 1872 that the

Jondaryan Provincial School was established to educate the children of the workers at Jondaryan Station.

A fete and open-day has been set for Saturday 3rd September 2022 to celebrate this educational milestone, and bring together past and present members of the Jondaryan State School community.

This year this small

DON’T MISS OUT Call in & Browse!

MARCH 12 + 13 - ALLORA SHOWGROUNDS $10 ADULTS + CHILDREN UNDER 15 FREE TICKETS ONLINE www.warwicktickets.com.au or at the gate

HUGE RANGE LOW PRICES

CAST IRON FURNITURE GARDENWARE & ORNAMENTS RECLINER BEDS & CHAIRS INDOOR FURNITURE Follow us

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 8.00am - Noon

P: 4632 7069 161 - 165 Jellicoe St Toowoomba

country school started off with a total enrolment of 28 students, consisting of two composite classes; Miss Alex Stansbie our teaching Principal teaching Prep, Year 1 and 2 and our new teacher for this year, Mrs Helen Johnson tending to the education outcomes of our Year 3 – 6 students.

- Cora Grundy