Oakey Champion - 24th November 2021

Oakey Champion

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After 38 years in the school community, Oakey State High School students, teachers, parents and friends farewelled Leigh Hilsdon with an emotional tribute to her dedication and commitment which coincided with the Year 12 graduation ceremony on Thursday.

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ABOVE: Following the Year 12 procession from the hall, the 2022 student leaders held up a banner for retiring teacher Leigh Hilsdon which preceded her walk through a guard of honour formed by the Oakey State High School community.

Students presented Ms Hilsdon with balloons in the school colours of white, maroon and blue.

LEFT: Teacher Nathan Maag drove Ms Hilsdon from the event in his classic car.

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

VaxBus returns to region Local ‘Treasure’ features in Takatsuki Art Festival

The Bush VaxBus has hit the road again from this week to provide COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines to rural and remote communities throughout the local region.

The Bush Vax Bus commenced this tour on Monday at Inglewood.

It will stop at local towns from November 29 to December 2.

Times and dates include: - 8.30am to 12.30pm, Monday, November 29 at Park, 35-45 Delacy Street, Kaimkillenbun; - 2.30pm to 5pm, Monday, November 29 at Bowenville Park, Bowenville; - 8.30am to 11.30am, Tuesday, November 30 at Public Hall 12 Duke Street, Jondaryan; - 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Tuesday, November 30 at Alex Campbell Park, Brymaroo;

Oakey State School students’ artwork has flown the flag for the Toowoomba Region’s international cultural relations with our Japanese Sister City of Takatsuki this month.

- 8.30am to 11.30am, Wednesday, December 1 at Rec. Res. Pechey Maclaglan Street, Quinalow; and - 1.30pm to 4.30pm,

Thursday, December 2 at Pool Street Service Road, Maidenwell.

It is a free service and no bookings are required.

This Christmas We Have Gifting All Wrapped Oakey State School Year 6 students with their large canvas artwork which is now part of the Takatsuki Art Festival.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the local Year 6 students had continued the tradition of regional schools entering a canvas in the Takatsuki Art Festival.

“The Oakey State School students in term three completed a 2.5 metre by 3.5 metre canvas under the theme, Treasure for All,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Takatsuki holds an annual art festival each November to stimulate community activity while also nurturing the talents of young artists in Takatsuki and across their different Sister Cities, including our Region.

“Canvases, including the Oakey State School entry, are hanging from

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2021 MAYOR’S OVER 80s Christmas Party

the rooftop of a Takatsuki shopping arcade.

“Takatsuki is evolving and becoming regarded as an art city.

“I’m pleased that our Region’s talented art students are contributing to the annual exhibition.

“It shows that art and cultural ties know no bounds and are continuing, even though we’re unable to host regular student exchanges with international borders closed.

“I’m positive other Toowoomba Region schools will have the chance to participate in the art festival in coming years.”

Toowoomba Anglican School and the Toowoomba Art Society Junior class entered an artwork in

Around the

Join Mayor Paul Antonio and Councillors for a festive celebration with a morning of music, food and laughter.

the 2018 Takatsuki Art Festival, while Highfields State School entered the 2019 festival.

There was no 2020 festival due to COVID-19.

A formal Sister City agreement between Toowoomba and Takatsuki was officially established on November 13, 1991.

Toowoomba and Takatsuki have enjoyed a very active relationship with many exchanges occurring over the years, including student study tour exchanges.

Takatsuki, with a population of 355,000 people, is located almost half way between Osaka and Kyoto in the southern section of the Honshu Island of Japan.

DOWNS

All residents within the Toowoomba Region over 80 are invited to come along and enjoy some festive cheer with Christmas carols, treats and maybe even a visit from Santa himself!

We’re excited to be hosting the party across our Region: • Toowoomba, 2 December • Crows Nest, 9 December • Milmerran, 17 December Register your family member or friend by calling 131 872.

Applications are now open for the 2022 William Groom Scholarship. Toowoomba Region tertiary students with a passion for community, sporting or cultural pursuits are encouraged to apply. For eligibility and application details, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/groomscholarship

Events Register

Stay up to date with all the festive events around the Region by visiting our events register. It’s a free register available to all event organisers to promote their activities and a fabulous resource when you’re looking for something fun to do.

Go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/events to see what’s on.

Festival of Small Halls

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

Water Supply in our Region

The recent rainfall has had little impact on our water resources and water restrictions remain in place across the Region. We can all do our part to save water. For more information on restrictions in your town, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water

131 872

www.tr.qld.gov.au

Toowoomba Regional Council_241121_OC

William Groom Scholarship

A group of curious Clydesdale horses watch the camera at a property in Jondaryan.

- Photo, Noal Kuhl

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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Page 3

Local rollover cuts power to hundreds of properties

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Just hours before the Oakey State High School formal, a rollover on Hamlyn Road threatened to impact the celebrations with the crash causing power outages to hundreds of properties and businesses in Oakey and surrounding areas including parts of Biddeston, Aubigny and Gowrie Mountain.

Emergency services were called to the incident on the northern side of Hamlyn Road at about 1.35pm on Friday.

According to initial investigations a utility vehicle was travelling north when it struck a power pole and rolled onto its roof.

The 26-years-old male driver escaped from the vehicle and was treated by paramedics for minor injuries.

Oakey Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews blocked traffic through Hamlyn Road until Ergon Energy crews repaired the power line.

Several Oakey properties were without power for more than three hours

with the local schools and

neighbouring

Continued from page 1 During the graduation ceremony on Friday, deputy principal Brett Bizzell - on behalf of principal Danny Keenan - highlighted the impact Ms Hilsdon had on the Oakey community for almost 40 years.

He said first as a teacher and now the head of department for technology, childhood learning and CCP, Ms Hilsdon has positively impacted generations of local students.

Mr Bizzell said the “beloved teacher” exhibits all the values that the staff hope to instill in the local students.

He said her dedication to the school is unsurpassed

and this is evident by the level of respect the community has for Ms Hilsdon.

The retiring teacher was given the opportunity to reflect on her time at the high school at the Awards Night held on Wednesday.

Ms Hilsdon said she was transferred to Oakey in 1983 and immediately felt the size of the school and the bond shared by the community.

“I was immediately welcomed into the school community and dressup Australia Day and its festivities started that sense of belonging that I have felt all my career,” she said.

Ms Hilsdon said the

school has changed over her almost four decades with more resources, land, staff and buildings.

She praised the P&C for fundraising for these new facilities and opportunities for the students.

She said her fondest memories of the last 38 years include camps at Perseverance Dam and directing several Oakey State High School musicals in from the late 1980s into the 1990s.

“I have been blessed to teach many beautiful students and have had the opportunity to meet some very special parents as well,” Ms Hilsdon said.

“I know when I work down those Home Ec

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Emergency services blocked traffic from travelling through a section of Hamlyn Road while Ergon Energy crews worked to repair the damaged power lines. businesses

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Teacher praised for her dedication

Local man close to gaol term for driving disqualified

Magistrate Leanne Scoines has warned local man Toby Gillis that he is close to receiving a suspended gaol term after he pleaded guilty to two charges of driving with a disqualified licence at the Oakey Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The 26-years-old man admitted to driving without a licence which was disqualified by a court order on September 21.

He also pleaded guilty to driving a second time on October 31.

The court was told that Mr Gillis was a holder of a ‘P’ Plate licence which was suspended for six months on August 20.

He said he was not aware of the seriousness of the offence or the penalties

which could be attached to the charges.

Magistrate Scoines told Mr Gillis that if he is found driving again he could be handed a suspended gaol term and further disqualifications.

“You can go to prison for this as the offence is disobeying a court order. It is a very serious offence,” she said.

Magistrate Scoines handed Mr Gillis a two year suspended licence and

Man located with 0.078 alcohol level

Oakey Police have charged a 50-years-old man with low level drink driving after he recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.078.

Police intercepted the man driving on Campbell Street at about 6.40pm on Friday.

He was issued with a Notice to Appear at the Oakey Magistrate’s Court.

$1,250 in fines.

She also urged him not to come before the court again for a similar offence.

steps for the last time... that the students are in great hands because we have a dedicated, caring and professional staff guided by a highly performing admin team who want the absolute best the students.

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

TO THE PAST

The Westlander

The Westlander is an Australian passenger train operated by Queensland Rail between Brisbane and Charleville. It evolved from the Brisbane to Roma train which was officially called the “Western Mail” in the 1888 timetable which also occasionally ran through to Morven. With the opening of the line from Morven to Charleville on March 1, 1888, the service was again

extended. QR decided to introduce air-conditioned trains in the late 1940s in line with Victoria.

The Westlander was introduced in August 1954, replacing the “Western Mail” and its wooden carriages with the present Commonwealth Engineering, Rocklea steel air-conditioned carriages.

The route from Brisbane to Cunnamulla was 605

ABOVE and LEFT: The Westlander on the old Oakey bridge taken November 25, 2006 when the dining and sleeping cars were still in use.

- All photos, Valerie Weise-Young miles, with a connecting service to Quilpie from Charleville which was 483 miles from Brisbane. By 1957, freight wagons were also attached to the train, including louvred QRX and QLX-T wagons and MPR refrigerated wagons,

&

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

thus up to 16 vehicles could make up the train.

Passenger services beyond Charleville to Cunnamulla and Quilpie were withdrawn in August 1994 and were replaced by connecting coach services.

The dining and sleeping cars

$1.20

were withdrawn from the service from January 1, 2015, with catering now provided by at seat snack packs delivered at meal times.

At present, the train runs twice weekly to Charleville with a journey time of 17 hours. It passes through

Oakey in the middle of Tuesday and Thursday nights and returns through the town at approximately 6am on Thursday and Saturday. As of June 16, 2021, the Westlander’s days might be numbered.

- Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead A trough will trigger widespread showers and the odd storm over the next few days with some decent rainfall totals predicited. Conditions are expected to clear up by the end of the week.

6 DAY FORECAST

Wednesday,, March 23, 2016

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

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

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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.

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- 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, November 24, 2021

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

Local students applauded for efforts in 2021

Over 600 people packed the Oakey Cultural Centre for the Oakey State High School annual Awards Night with students from Years 7 to 12 congratulated for their hard work and persistence during 2021.

The event was chaired

by Sam Ferguson, KirraLee Lawrie, Macy Hall and Cameron Newton who introduced special guests and musical performances.

Year 12 student, ConnieJane Creevey, topped the awards taking home the Senior Dux of the School (sponsored by Oakey Lions Club), the USQ Year 12 Excellence Award, the Long Tan Award for Leadership and Teamwork, a School Leadership award, a senior academic award and subject awards for biology, general English, general mathematics, health and physical education.

Fellow school leader, Hannah Dolan, received the Year 12 Allrounder Award, a School Leadership Award, a senior academic award and several subject awards.

Top of the Cohort Awards went to: Kate Ward (Year 7); Allegra Bernadi (Year 8); Jazmin Johnson (Year 9); Deborah Heyze, Jessica Lee and Sasha Lee (Year 10); and Mikeelee Casey (Year 11).

Year 11 student Stephanie Hartwig won the ‘Key to Success’ Award, while Jess Porter and Jacob Barrow were both named the Stockperson of the Year.

Deborah Heyze was named the first prize winner of the Oakey RSL Sub-branch Recognition of Excellence Bursary with Jessica Lee the runner-up.

Other special awards to: - Junior Secondary Allrounder to Grea Young; Ernie Achilles Memorial Award to Justin McKnight-Downes; - Award for Most Improved in Education to David Johnson; - Award for Excellent

ABOVE: Year 12 student Hannah Dolan received multiple awards on the night including the Allrounder Award.

ABOVE: Lions Club of Oakey representatives Caroline Engle and Lois Thorne present the Dux of the School award to Connie-Jane Creevey.

BELOW RIGHT: Principal Danny Keenan with Keesha Charles who received an award for her leadership skills throughout the year.

ABOVE LEFT: Jean Garde took home the Rise Award.

ABOVE RIGHT: Sean Cooper won the Pat Weir Junior School Enthusiasm Award.

RIGHT: Special award winner Stephanie Hartwig.

Commitment in Education to Kate Pukallus; - The Deadly Award to Poppie Collins; - QATSIF Award for Indigenous Leadership to Caron Prior-Mead; and - Vocational Education Student of the Year Award to Keesha Charles.

ABOVE: Oakey Youth Project’s Julie Cave presented the Ebony Tournoff Encouragement Award to Jorja Greer.

LEFT: Stockperson of the Year Award winners Jacob Barrow and Jess Porter.

Pat WEIR MP

Member for Condamine

ABOVE: Deputy Principal Victoria Menkins with Excellence in School Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship Year 12, Sydney Bodkin.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Aeration cooling can Watch for Parthenium help save moist grain outbreak after rain

With substantial yields expected across much of the Australian grain growing area and wet weather hampering harvesting efforts, growers are being encouraged to consider how they will manage on-farm storage to preserve grain quality.

Storing cereals and pulses with an average moisture content above 12.5 per cent can cause a range of issues, including mould and insect outbreaks in storage facilities.

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) National Grain Storage Extension Project Coordinator Chris Warrick said aeration cooling could play a critical role in successful on-farm storage this season.

“Aeration cooling allows grain that was harvested slightly over moisture to be stored for up to three to four weeks before it is dried or blended with dry loads,” he said.

Recent survey data has revealed that aeration cooling is underutilised in Australian on-farm grain storage, with two thirds of growers not using it, not

realising it can be retrofitted to their existing silos, or not ordering it as part of new storage capacity.

Mixing over-moist grain with drier loads will lead to a lower average moisture once the two loads are properly blended.

“Ideally, the blended load will be put back into storage with aeration cooling to help redistribute moisture evenly among the grain,” Mr Warrick said.

“The cooling fans need to be run continuously if the grain has a moisture content above 12.5 per cent, unless the ambient relative humidity is above 85 per cent for an extended period.

“Even air-distribution through the silo and open lids or vents are essential, as is monitoring the graintemperature daily.

“The fans must deliver at least two litres of air per

second per tonne of grain (l/s/t) just to hold overmoist grain safely.”

Grain drying facilities have the benefit of being able to dry grain down to a safe moisture content for storage but are different systems to aeration cooling, which is important to understand.

Aeration cooling can enable over moisture grain to be held temporarily until it can be dried or blended.

The longer term benefits of aeration cooling are preserving grain quality including germination characteristics, grain colour in pulses and creating unwelcoming conditions for mould and insects.

More information is available on the GRDC Grain Storage Extension Project website at www.storedgrain.com.au

National Biosecurity Strategy

The Australian, state and territory governments, through the National Biosecurity Committee, are developing a national biosecurity strategy with key partners to provide a strategic direction for the Australian biosecurity system through to 2030.

Ever-evolving influences such as climate change, globalisation and complex trade patterns are driving the need for new and innovative approaches for handling biosecurity into the future.

The national biosecurity strategy aims to capture the views of a range of stakeholders and build collaborative work across the biosecurity system for industry, the community, and government.

It will seek to align collective efforts towards

a common purpose and provide a clear commitment to prioritised action and investment.

This will ensure our biosecurity system remains fit to meet the challenges of the next decade.

To have your say on the strategy, fill out the survey at https://haveyoursay.awe. gov.au/national-biosecuritystrategy by Friday, November 26.

To provide a written submission or for more information contact nationalbiosecuritystrategy@

awe.gov.au It is anticipated that the draft strategy will be released for comment in January 2022.

Oakey region landholders are being urged to remain vigilant for outbreaks of invasive weeds, particularly Parthenium, following recent rain.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said landholders in the urban fringes around Toowoomba and Highfields and Nobby should check for the invasive weed.

Outbreaks also could occur along the Warrego Highway.

Cr McMahon said new germinations were present in the above areas and Council officers were working with landholders in the area to manage the latest outbreaks.

“While the weed is still at the rosette stage, it is expected to flower by the end of the month, which will require quick treatment to prevent further spread,” he said.

“At early stages, Parthenium is easily controlled with herbicides.

“Due to the weed’s ability to reproduce quickly (it can produce viable seeds within four weeks of germination), untreated plants can escalate to largescale outbreaks which are much more difficult and costly to control.

“Delaying control measures could require restricted movement of stock, fodder and machinery in infected areas.”

A patch of flowering Parthenium.

Cr McMahon said while there had been sporadic outbreaks of Parthenium in recent years, the invasive weed was believed to have been recently re-introduced via the movement of drought fodder from outside the Region.

“Parthenium is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Everyone has a General Biosecurity obligation to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with this invasive plant,” he said.

“Parthenium is classified as a weed of national

significance and is a highly invasive pest that has overrun large tracts of land in Central Queensland.

Parthenium is toxic to cattle and sheep and can cause stock to have allergic skin reactions when they’re located in areas infected by the weed.

“It can be harmful to people who have contact with it for prolonged periods.

“Early intervention is the key to maintaining a parthenium-free environment.”

Landholders can contact TRC Biosecurity Compliance team on 131 872.

Rainfall to strengthen herd rebuild

With above average rainfall predicted for all major cattle regions over the next three months and increased rainfall in northern Australia, pasture growth is expected to surge and strengthen the national herd rebuild into 2022, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Australian Cattle Industry Projections.

MLA’s Market Information Manager, Stephen Bignell, said good seasonal conditions across the eastern states and southern Western Australia continued to underpin

demand and confidence in the sector.

“The cattle market continues at historic highs, with restocker and feeder demand fuelling record prices at the saleyard,

which is flowing along the supply chain,” he said.

“The extent of rain postdrought has resulted in slaughter being revised down to 6 million head for 2021, the lowest level in 36 years.

“While carcase weights are still expected to reach record levels, they have been revised slightly down to 308kg, bringing overall production estimates to 1,848 tonnes carcase weight

(ctw).

“Seasonal conditions started to improve in autumn 2020, and by the end of 2022 calves born since this time are expected to hit the market which will increase the supply of cattle available.

“The rebuild is expected to continue into 2022, as the BOM prediction of a La Niña will ensure that ground water supplies are available.”

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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Page 7

St Monica’s priests celebrate major milestones

The St Monica’s Catholic Parish Oakey came together to celebrate the priesthood anniversaries of Father Thomas Areekuzhy and Father Mick Carroll at a special Family Mass held at the local church earlier this month.

The local community thanked Fr Areekuzhy for his 40 years of service to the Catholic Church and Fr Carroll for 60 years of service.

Following the mass, guests gathered at the parish hall for morning tea.

A celebration cake was cut to honour both men.

Families and staff from the St Monica’s School community also attended the event, highlighting the positive impact Fr Areekuzhy and Fr Caroll have on local young people.

RIGHT: Father Thomas Areekuzhy with Father Mick Carroll and his brother Father Vincent Carroll.

TOY1172_TCPOV_WindscreenBanners_1000x225mm_v5.indd 1

ABOVE: Father Thomas Areekuzhy (centre) with members of St Monica’s Primary School staff who attended the special mass in honour of his and Father Carroll’s service to the Catholic Church.

As well as performing services and other parish duties, both priests regularly conduct pastoral care activities at the local primary school.

LEFT and RIGHT: Oakey Catholic parish members enjoyed a morning tea after the service.

Yalangur Lilyvale Road upgrades underway Good behaviour bond for

producing, using cannabis

A local woman has received a good behaviour bond and will forfeit all relevant items after police located a large quantity of cannabis, utensils and cannabis seedlings at her residence.

The woman pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, possessing the dangerous drug and utensils used for the smoking and production of cannabis.

It was alleged that police located 27.4 grams of dried cannabis, several seedlings growing in pots and several utensils, including a glass pipe and syringes used to

extract liquid in capsules.

Duty lawyer Chelsea Saldumbide said the woman had no criminal history and made full admissions to police.

She said the woman was struggling with several chronic health conditions, mainly multiple sclerosis, and was using cannabis to control her symptoms.

Consultation begins on bank branch closures

The Federal Government is seeking to maintain banking services where bank branches have closed in the regions through the Regional Banking Taskforce.

the road curves, construct new sealed shoulders and install new line marking and guideposts and markers,” Cr Taylor said.

“Well over a thousand motorists travel on Yalangur Lilyvale Road every day and an upgrade was needed to improve road safety for the community.

“These safety improvements will help provide motorists with a clear view of oncoming traffic and improve conditions for turning onto or off Yalangur Lilyvale Road, especially since there has been a significant increase in traffic flow along this connection road in recent

years.”

Construction commenced in August 2021 and is expected to be completed late January, weather permitting.

The project is funded by the Australian Government Black Spot Program with a $1.3 million contribution.

Cr Taylor said Council is committed to road safety maintaining and upgrading the Region’s road network.

“Yalangur Lilyvale Road will be safer for all road users once this project is complete and I would like to thank the local community for your patience while Council undertakes this important safety upgrade,” she said.

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The Taskforce explore potential solutions for maintaining and improving banking services with meetings scheduled for December 2021 and January 2022.

More information is available at https://treasury. g o v. a u / r e v i e w / r e g i o n a l banking-taskforce Submissions are invited by email to regionalbanking@ treasury.gov.au or by mail to: Secretariat, Regional Banking Taskforce, Financial System Division, The Treasury, Langton Crescent, Parkes ACT 2600.

The consultation process will close on 18 December.

A 3 kilometre section of the road was identified as needing an upgrade to improve safety following three serious traffic accidents between 2013 and 2018, on a section between Glencoe Yalangur Road and Zimmerles Road, including two hospitalisations and a fatality.

TRC Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Carol Taylor said Yalangur Lilyvale Road is an important arterial road and a Local Road of Regional Significance (LRRS), forming part of a strategic link between the New England Highway and Oakey.

“Works are currently being undertaken to widen

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Locals can contribute their insights into regional bank branch closures by making submissions to the Taskforce.

Insights from the submissions will help the Taskforce better understand the impacts of branch closures and how Australians are accessing banking services.

They will also help improve banking services and accessibility where branches have closed.

These submissions will build on the discussions held between senior representatives of banks and other key stakeholders.

She said the woman had minimal success with other treatments and was now taking steps to get approval to use legal medicinal cannabis.

Magistrate Leanne Scoines agreed with Ms Saldumbide’s submissions that the criminality was low and that the woman should receive a minimal punishment.

The Magistrate put the woman on a good behaviour bond of $500 for two years and ordered her to forfeit all relevant items.

Works to upgrade Yalangur Lilyvale Road at Gowrie Little Plain are well underway with the project set to increase safety for thousands of motorists once completed.

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Oakey Police are also investigating another break and enter at a Cunningham Street property on Saturday.

It is believed this incident occurred at about 4am and nothing was taken by the unknown offender.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.

The man was stopped on the Warrego Highway

by Oakey Police on September 30.

He recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.128, more than twice the legal limit.

Magistrate Leanne Scoines said the man was a risk to fellow road users

as he it was most likely that his driving ability was affected by his alcohol consumption.

She urged the man to learn his lesson from the incident and to not repeat the offence.

She disqualified his licence for four months and issued him a fine of $650.

Man pleads guilty to drink driving

A Toowoomba man pleaded guilty to a low level drink driving charge when he appeared at the Oakey Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The 27-years-old man was located behind the wheel of a motor vehicle at Bridge Street, Oakey on November 3.

Police stopped the man for a random breath test where he blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.079.

The man has an almost

perfect driving history, with only one similar offence in 2017.

Magistrate Leanne Scoines disqualified the man’s driving licence for two months and issued a $350 fine.

She did not record a conviction.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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The occupant of a residence on Bridge Street awoke on Saturday morning to find their doors open and a hole burnt into their security screen.

It is believed that house keys were the only item taken from the property.

The occupant of the property believes the unlawful entry occurred between Friday night and 4.50am Saturday.

A man will be without his licence for four months after pleading guilty to drink driving at the Oakey Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Email: advertising@oakeychampion.com.au

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Proposed Development Make a submission from 25 November 2021 to 16 December 2021 Medium Impact Industry Where: 1309 Oakey Pittsworth Rd, Aubigny On: Lot 1 RP36693

On: Lot 2 RP210404 Approval sought: Development Permit for Material Change of Use Application ref: MCUI/2021/5879 You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Toowoomba Regional Council PO Box 3021, Toowoomba Qld 4350 development@tr.qld.gov.au 131 872 www.tr.qld.gov.au

Approval sought: Development Permit for Material Change of Use

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

Application ref: MCUI/2021/3679

PUBLIC NOTICES

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Toowoomba Regional Council PO Box 3021, Toowoomba Qld 4350 development@tr.qld.gov.au 131 872 www.tr.qld.gov.au Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

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Oakey Social Golf Club notes

Oakey Social Golf Club played a Single Stroke on the front nine with 38 players on Sunday.

Page 9

SPORT

CENTRAL DOWNS CRICKET

Kulpi tightens its grip on Central Downs Cricket ladder Play resumed under a cloudy sky for Week 4 as Kulpi played Bowenville and Pittsworth played Millmerran.

Oakey Social Golf winner S. Gillis and runner-up B. McDonald.

The winner was Stan Gillis on a 26 net.

The runner-up was Brett McDonald on 29 net.

We would like to welcome new member Sandra Lucht to our club.

Pins and approaches went to: 1 - over 60, B. McDonald and under 60, A Cherry; 3 - A. De Ross; 4 - J. Boney; 5 - S. Petrie; 6 - B. McDonald; 7 - over 60, P Flynn and under 60, B. Costello; 8 R. MacKenzie.

Long Drives: A Grade P. Jones; B Grade - J. Boney; over 60 - R. MacKenzie.

Membership number went to 59 J. Thomas who was not present for $25.

Raffles going to S. Petrie and M. Hall.

The Social Club members would like to pass on our condolences to J. B. and his family for the passing of his wife Carmel during the week.

- Flynny / Macca

KULPI vs. BOWENVILLE The first game of the weekend was played at Goombungee where competition leaders Kulpi hosted the struggling Bowenville side, as the visitors elected to bowl first.

Kulpi openers Corey Dioth and Jordan Klingberg made the most of the gaps in the field of the undermanned Bowenville team, batting for a first wicket partnership of 217 before Dioth fell for 61 runs.

Klingberg held his own to bat through the entire innings finishing not out for 207 runs off 145 deliveries, notching his second century this season against Bowenville.

A superstar performance saw him carrying his side to a total of 322 runs at the end of the 40 overs as they punished the bowlers at every side of the ground.

Fall of wickets: 217, 230; 4/322 (40).

Jimmy Palmer, 1/44 (8)

Oakey Golf Club results

RESULTS Wednesday, November 12 the ladies played an 18 hole VSS, the winner being Christine Little with -1.

Runner-up was Daphne Webster with – 4.

Congratulations to Joan Fisk and Iris Thompson on winning the Foursomes Matchplay final.

They defeated Bev Bacon and Kathy Fenton two to one.

Winner of the Thursday Sporters was Danny O’Brien with 27 points.

Winner of the pin shot was Michael Rietveld.

Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21: the members played an 18 hole Stableford.

Winner was Christine Little with 39 points.

The runner-up was Holden Norton with 38 points.

Rundowns went to Dan Norton with 36 points and Joan Fisk with 34 points.

Pin on No. 3 was won

by Mark Carter; No. 8 to Bob Dearling; with No. 12 - which is donated by Andrew King - being won

by Alan De Ross.

COMING EVENTS Wednesday, November 24: the ladies will play an 18 hole Stableford.

Sunday, November 28 is Captain’s Day with trophies donated by Dan Norton and Marlene Deans.

Hit-off will be a shotgun start at 8.30am or earlier if possible.

Barbecue as well as presentation of honour board trophies will be followed by the AGM of members at 1pm.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

RESULTS Saturday, November 20 was A Singles with S. Cosgrove defeating S. Gillis; M. Hall defeating T. Woodham; M. Park defeating P. Federoff; P. Wolski defeating D. Barfield; and P. Maker defeating E. Dornbusch.

B Singles was also played with C. Lucht defeating B. Lucht.

Results of Wednesdays triples were: winners A. Gibbs team, followed by runners-up - Macca’s team.

Best round went to W. Patterson’s team.

COMPETITION CALL Saturday, November 27 will be Single Singles with T. Woodham versus W. Paterson (B. Lucht); I. Hedge versus P. Federoff (G. Fenton); D. Barfield versus A. Jackson (R. Krause); and S. Cosgrove versus G. Nash (P. Viney).

COMING EVENTS Sunday, November 28 will be C/S three bowl pairs sponsored by Patto and Betty.

It will be a 12.30pm start with names on the board please.

Sunday, December 5 will be the Break-up and Presentation day.

There will be bowls at 12.30pm followed by a barbecue and presentations.

Names on the board please.

Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 the DDBA. Association Singles will be held at Oakey.

Any phone calls in regards to the playing of bowls or cancellation of games please phone the club on 4691 1267 and leave a message.

Oakey Bowls Club notes

and Rahul Suresh, 1/73 (8) were the only wicket takers for Bowenville in a hard day in the field.

It looked like an impossible total to chase for Bowenville, and it proved so with no partnership seriously able to build.

Ajay Kumar was the top scorer for the Villians scoring 27.

Fall of wickets: 41, 58, 73, 74, 77, 79, 80; all out 80 (22.5).

Left licking their wounds, Bowenville were seriously hampered playing with eight men on the ground, but Kulpi put on a show like no other, grabbing their fourth straight win, a win by 242 runs.

PITTSWORTH vs MILLMERRAN The other game was played in Pittsworth as joint competition leaders Millmerran played the winless Pittsworth team.

Winning the toss and electing to field, Millmerran

got their first wicket in the sixth over.

Pittsworth was steady in its innings with a gentle run rate and not losing wickets in bunches as has happened in previous rounds.

However, the final total of 9/141 through the 40 overs meant they would have to bowl very well to stand a chance of winning.

Ed McGinn (32) and Luke McInnes (30) showed glimpses at their time at the crease.

Fall of wickets: 26, 62, 112, 118, 123, 137, 137, 137, 139; 9/141 (40).

Millmerran opened the chase with Daniel and Ayden Betts, but it was Pittsworth celebrating early, Benno Gruhl grabbing a wicket in the second over of the innings.

But, as more wickets fell during the innings, Ayden Betts hung around to toil away at the total, knocking

up 45 runs of 91 deliveries before he was run out in the 27th over.

Ultimately, the target proved too small as Millmerran chased the total in 31 overs, winning by 4 wickets.

Fall of wickets: 1, 32, 47, 95, 113, 116; 6/142 (30.4).

Chris Bauld, 1/8 (6) was the most efficient of the Pittsworth bowlers as Ben Cavanagh, 1/21 (5); Benno Gruhl, 1/24 (4); Jordan O’Shea, 1/25 (6); and Shane Power, 1/25 (5) all picket up a wicket as well.

The win sees Millmerran continue undefeated so far in the competition, slotting in just behind Kulpi on percentage points in the standings.

COMING MATCHES There’s no Central Downs cricket next week due to rep cricket where the Central Downs reps play Stanthorpe in Stanthorpe in the Mitchell Shield.

- Brendan Cahill

Oakey Parkrun results

After the cancellation of last weekend’s event due to wet weather, a total of 31 people took part in Oakey Parkrun on Saturday.

Joanna McRae ran in first setting the speed in a time of 20 minutes.

She was followed by Dave McRae in 20:41 minutes, Amanda Klein in 21:06 minutes and Benjamin Fenton in 21:40 minutes.

Bert Simon finished in fifth place in a personal best time of 23:38 minutes.

Mark Wheatley also recorded a personal best time of 38:04 minutes.

First time Oakey Parkrun participants included Lola Robinson, 41:28 minutes; Annabella Robinson, 32:42 minutes; and Kimberley Robinson, 42:06 minutes.

The event was made possible thanks to volunteers Curt Batterham, Jazmin McKay, Kate Paige,

Monica Lucht, Nicole Brown and Simmone Batterham.

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

It is a 5km course.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information go to: www.parkrun.com.au/ oakey/

Teen pleads guilty to driving drunk, unregistered, unlicensed

An unlucky local 19-years-old man will have to pay back $600 in fines and is disqualified from driving for three months after police located the teen on the back of a trail bike on Kingsthorpe-Haden Road at Cutella last month.

The man pleaded guilty to all offences which included driving without a motorcycle licence, without a helmet and on a bike that was unregistered and uninsured.

He was also found to have a low level of alcohol

in his system when a ‘P’ Plate licence requires a zero alcohol level at all times.

The man was not found riding on the road at the time police located him.

Magistrate Leanne Scoines said the decision to ride the trail bike was “an

act of stupidity”.

She disqualified the teen from driving for three months and issued him a total of $600 in fines.

Due to his early plea of guilty and no previous criminal history, she did not record a conviction.

Page 10

Siren testing on December 1

Toowoomba Regional Council will be testing the Oakey community alert siren at midday on Wednesday, December 1.

The tests may run for less than one minute up to the full three cycles for a complete activation test.

The sirens are able to be activated in three different ways, ensuring there are alternatives in place should any of the methods fail.

Upon activation of the sirens, confirmation that it was successfully activated is sought to ensure the system is working as

expected.

TRC thanks Oakey residents for their patience and urges them not to panic when they hear the siren.

The siren is located on the corner of Beale and Davidson Streets, Oakey.

For more information go to: www.tr.qld. gov.au/communitybusiness/communitysafety/be-prepared-foremergencies/13568e me rg e n cy -s ire n s

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Fathers come together for Barefoot Bowls afternoon

A crowd of Oakey State School fathers and father figures and their children took part in Barefoot Bowls & Barbecue event at the Oakey Bowls Club recently as part of the ongoing Dad’s Group program at the local school.

The free event gave the fathers and father figures the perfect opportunity to have some one-on-one time with their children and create friendships with other local parents.

The Oakey State School P&C provided the barbecue and the Oakey Bowls Club members for opened the green especially for the event.

This is the last Dad’s Group event for the year with more events planned for Term 1 next year.

Led locally by teacher Brendan Dyson, the Dad’s Group program is an initiative of the Fathering Project organisation.

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Page 11

Remembering Hazel Green

Hospice carols to kick off the Festive Season

Oakey residents pay tribute to local resident, volunteer, environmentalist, musician, wife, mother and friend, Hazel Green, who passed away on August 23 aged 72 years.

Hazel Green grew up in vocalist and, when needed, a large family with eight as an accompanist. siblings.

The senior singers After high school, her prepared programs and talented academic mind performed concerts in the led her into the field of community, and at aged veterinary science where she care facilities in Oakey and met and married Paul.

Toowoomba.

Together the couple Paul and Hazel shared settled in Oakey and raised an interest in the arts a family. and were both long term In between her members and supporters responsibilities as wife and of Oakey & District Arts mother, driving children Council Inc. to music lessons, orchestra Always supporting practice and performances others, Hazel was active in Toowoomba, Hazel within Red Cross in Oakey was also a breast feeding and was a dedicated counsellor to help other fundraiser for the mums. organisation.

Hazel was kind and For many years, both generous, funny, and Hazel and Paul have been musically talented vocally environmentalists and taken Hazel Green having fun during an Oakey Urban Landcare and instrumentally on piano part in ‘Clean up Australia’ meeting last year. and guitar. working bees. parts of the globe as they serve her community up to She joined the They were also members participated in international her passing.

Toowoomba Choral Society and regular volunteers at Esperanto conferences.

Hazel maintained a in the 1990s, but particularly Oakey Urban Landcare Hazel enjoyed teaching personal fitness regime focussed her musical and early members of the English to migrants and to improve her health involvement locally.

Oakey Community Care assisting them to advance outcomes.

Her pure alto voice committee. their language skills so that She walked jogged, ran was a welcome addition to She had a special they could successfully and later cycled around Oakey Combined Churches interest in ‘Esperanto’ - a apply for longer term the town as well as being Choir over four decades, language promoted to residency visas. a regular participant and and as a member of the break down national and In 1994, Hazel was volunteer at Oakey Parkrun.

Oakey Uniting Church cultural barriers as people awarded the Jondaryan Everything Hazel did Choir. from many nations learn to Shire’s Australia Day was to help others, her She was a member of communicate through.

Citizen of the Year for her community and our planet. the Oakey Senior Citizens’ This movement took contribution to Oakey, and Although her presence singing group, both as a Hazel and Paul to many continued to find ways to will be missed, her gift to Oakey will be long remembered by those of us who knew her.

She is survived by her husband Paul, three children, their partners and children.

Words courtesy Daphne Webster OAM With only a few weeks until the end of the 2021 school year, the Oakey Urban Landcare group threw a special party for a small group of Oakey State High School students who have volunteered at the organisation’s koala habitat.

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Toowoomba Hospice food and drinks on sale as Chairman Graham Barron well, so bring the family, OAM said the team is looking a blanket or chair and kick forward to celebrating its off the Christmas season 19th Christmas with the with us here at the community.

Toowoomba Hospice,” he “We are having said.

Christmas carols here at Mr Barron reassured all the Hospice from 5pm, those who attend on Sunday Toowoomba Municipal that the ‘Big Fella’ in the red Band will be playing, High suit will be coming in from Altitude Harmony will lead the North Pole for a quick the singing, there will be visit.

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Oakey Urban Landcare’s Brett Evans and Trevor Cockburn with teacher Jess Daniells and students Wayne, Jakob, David, Anthony and Anna.

The students have been volunteering at the Landcare site off Oakey-Kelvinhaugh Road for several months as part of their schoolbased Certificate 2 in Active Volunteering program.

Their efforts at the habitat include planting about 360 trees, watering the existing trees, weeding and other odd jobs on the large site.

Oakey Urban Landcare president Trevor Cockburn thanked the students for their hard work.

He said the enthusiasm that the students have shown for the project has been much appreciated.

“I thank all the teachers, teachers aides and the principal of Oakey High School for allowing [them] to come over and have work experience with us,” he said.

Mr Cockburn presented each student with a certificate to remind them of the enduring legacy their labour will create in the Oakey community.

Oakey State High School teacher Jess Daniells said she hopes to get more students involved in volunteering at the koala habitat.

“It is an awesome opportunity for the kids,”

she said.

“I am really looking forward to trying to continue next year.”

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

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Oakey parks turn into rivers and more rain on the way

With local paddocks and waterways already soaked from heavy rainfall earlier in the month, the Oakey district was not able to cope with the deluge of water recorded between Sunday night and Monday morning with roads becoming blocked and local parks turning into rivers.

The official local weather station located at the Oakey Airport recorded 45.4mm between 9am Sunday and 9am Monday.

This total is far less than other figures reported from local residents which sit between 60mm and 80mm.

It is reported that most of these totals were received in just one hour.

The heavy rainfall caused several roads to become undrivable including the low-lying section of Lorrimer Street, parts of Kelvinhaugh-Yalangur and Kingsthorpe-Haden Roads as well as other rural roads feeding off these arterial roads.

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ABOVE: Residents were unable to use Lorrimer Street to access Campbell Street due to fast-moving water at Mason Crossing.

BELOW: Parts of Gordon Park off Lorrimer Street were completely inundated by Oakey Creek floodwaters.

Trevor Flynn from the Oakey SES said that the team was not called to any emergency incidents at the weekend.

He said he hopes this continues throughout the rest of the week.

Oakey is expecting rain most days for the rest of this week.

The highest totals are predicted on Thursday and Friday with falls of up to 20mm and 15mm.

If you need immediate assistance or for help preparing a property that is in some danger from flood waters or storms contact the SES on 132 500.

Sand bags may be available if needed.

To keep up-to-date with any weather warnings or to see the local weather radar head to www.bom.gov.au

To see which major roads are impacted by flood waters go to: http://disaster.tr.qld.gov.au

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ABOVE: The swelling Oakey Creek came close to covering the low-lying section of Kent Street on Monday morning.