Oakey Champion - 26th October 2022

Finally!

After fifteen long years of uncertainty for local businesses, workers and New Hope Group, the Queensland Government has approved New Acland Stage 3.

Last Thursday, Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, granted New Acland Stage 3 an Associated Water Licence (AWL).

Speaking at the mine last Friday, New Acland Mine General Manager said everything is now in order to have the mine operating again.

“It’s really great news for the local community, for jobs in the area and the local businesses and suppliers,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“We know there are people out there that want the jobs, we know there are suppliers that want the work supplying to us so we’re just really excited to get back to work now.”

He said in the immediate aftermath of the announcement, there had already been a spike in expressions of interest submitted.

“The jobs will start flowing very, very soon.”

“Within months we’ll be looking at starting to move material,” he said.

Member for Condamine Pat Weir said of the 450 people who lost their jobs when the mine shut, a lot of them still live locally.

“They would love to come back here because this is a drive-in, drive-out mine.

They all sleep in their own beds at night,” Mr Weir said.

Mr Weir expressed strong distaste with the 15-year process to get here.

“It has been the most disappointing process from beginning to end,” he said.

“If you want a template of how not to do an approval, I think Acland Stage 3 is it.”

Mr Weir said the costly,

highly-drawn out process to come to a final decision has been damaging to all sides of the issue.

“It has cost investors’ confidence throughout the state and it has also given false hope to the objectors.

“There has been no winners,” he said.

CEO of New Hope Group, Rob Bishop New Acland Stage 3 is the most reviewed and scrutinised resources project in Queensland’s history.

“The Queensland Government critically assessed the project and found it stacks up environmentally, socially and financially,” he said.

As the re-opening of the mine begins, workers and suppliers looking to become involved can visit the New Hope Group website.

Although the announcement brought jubilation for New Hope and many businesses, not all were pleased.

It was smiles all around at New Acland Mine last Friday as, from left, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport, New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer, Member for Condamine Pat Weir and local farmer Peter Kuhl celebrated the approval of New Acland Stage 3.

Oakey artists on show to mark Art Group’s 50th year

As clouds parted and rain stopped last Sunday afternoon, art enthusiasts congregated at the Stanley Street Studio, Oakey, to celebrate Oakey Art Group’s 50th anniversary.

Overlooking Oakey Creek in Arthur Shooter Park, the backdrop could not have been more perfect for the opening of the group’s annual exhibition in its Stanley Street Studio.

President Howard Wetzig welcomed the guests to the celebrations and shared some of the Oakey Art Group’s journey through the past five decades.

The story began with a handful of passionate local people who met at art classes at the Technical College in Toowoomba.

They envisioned the benefits of exploring and mastering artistic techniques in their home town and pursued their shared dream

of forming an art group in Oakey.

Toowoomba Adult Education assisted them by organising a tutor to come to Oakey on a fortnightly basis to provide tuition in classrooms at Oakey State School, and on July 25 1972 the group held its first meeting.

The group had attracted 26 members by the end of that year.

In 1981 the group began to meet in a cottage on McDonald Street and this continued until plans for a new Council complex and Cultural Centre were adopted by Jondaryan Shire Council and the site cleared was to make way for

construction.

The art group had to find a new home.

In 1994 it moved into a new purpose built studio in Stanley Street, and despite droughts and floods, it has become a very comfortable and well equipped facility.

“In 1989 our group conducted our first ‘live in’ seminar at Perseverance Dam,” Mr Wetzig said.

“These annual seminars continued until Covid struck.

“We have now moved to holding more workshops on weekends at our Studio, and bringing tutors to Oakey.

“We run bus trips to art exhibitions and galleries

throughout south east Queensland, and have taken tours to places such as Magnetic Island and Central Australia to provide inspiration to our artists.”

“We owe much to the many volunteers over the years who kept this group going well, encouraging people to share their tuition experiences with others, and taking care of our studio.”

Oakey Art Group has been holding exhibitions of its members’ work since the inaugural display in Oakey State High School’s Assembly Hall in 1975.

Venues have varied over the years and included Oakey Cultural Centre, Toowoomba Regional Gallery, Darling Downs Potters Group, and the Rosalie and Hampton Galleries.

“Our art group has supported Oakey’s Show Society for many years, and Oakey Historical Museum Society at various times,”Mr Wetzig said.

“We have also supported various community events and celebrations including the Bicentenary in 1988, Carnival of Flowers, and marked the 25th and 40th anniversaries of our group.”

As Oakey Art Group Patron, Andrew Langton, officially opened the 2022 exhibition, he congratulated

group members on their impressive history of achievement and the way in which they have fostered and encouraged artistic pursuits throughout the district for fifty years.

The celebratory cake was cut by long serving Art Group stalwarts Mesdames Glenda Fuller, Ros Mason and Carole Wieck as the crowd enjoyed light refreshments in the gallery.

This free exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Sunday October 30 and members of Oakey Art Group invite everyone to step out of the everyday, immerse themselves in the artistic endeavours of local people, explore the possibilities in the diverse world of visual arts, and potentially discover their own artistic side.

- Joanne Evans

Tis The Time To Be JollyChristmas Coming Oh My GollyWith Christmas NLights ow In StoreAt OMGosh and a Whole LotMoreSo Come On In and Make a StartDon't Miss Out PlayYour Part

Margaret Loiterton enjoyed exploring the gallery at the exhibition opening.

Above: Betty Carter and President Howard Wetzig (right) with Patron Andrew Langton.

Below left: Julie Sweeney and Rebecca Brownsdon.

Above: Ros Mason and Kathy Brownsdon.

Hanging up the bowser, 30 years on

Da and Adam Butlin have certainly

The couple farewelled customers on Sunday, as they handed the business over to new owners.

They took on the business from Adam’s parents in July 1994 and “our kids literally grew up here,” Adam said.

“Customers would walk in, and walk past our son in the pram and prop up his bottle for him.

“I can remember standing here (behind the counter) with a child in one arm and serving with the other.”

Son Addison and daughter Fern are in their 20s now.

And the years ticked by, almost three decades in fact, as they watched children come in with their parents then eventually with families of their own.

Adam said the community of Oakey had been a great place to have a business.

The Butlins renovated during the 1990s and added a food outlet, Ushers’ Kitchen, named in honour of the family who established the service station in the 1950s.

He understood the service station would continue to operate with all the friendly staff staying on, but he was not sure what the new owners’ long term plans

were for the half-acre site and adjoining house block.

Da and Adam met in Thailand while Adam was on a student exchange program and they went on to marry after Da finished her business degree in her homeland.

They are looking forward to their wellearned retirement.

“We don’t really have any plans… just a long holiday somewhere,” Adam said.

Haden Market Day

The Haden Public Hall Committee is planning another Market Day and Block Party, to be held in a couple of weeks.

The event is a fundraiser for the ‘“It’s a Bloke Thing Prostate Cancer Roadshow” and is supported by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

It will be held on Saturday 12th November from 8am to 1pm at the hall and its surrounding grounds.

Features will include an all-day barbecue, fresh fruit and vegetables for sale, hot and cold drinks, arts and crafts, plants and a visit from Santa.

There will be entertainment by the Crows Nest Boot Scooters and Step Up.

Children can also enter the Christmas Decorated Biscuit Competition with age categories of 1 to 5, 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. Market sites are still available and details can be acquired by calling Loretta on 0427 382 578 or Donna on 4698 8291.

TADOMS Oakey Expo postponed

The Toowoomba and District Old Machinery Society (TADOM) 2022 Old Machinery Expo, which had been scheduled to be held at the Oakey Showgrounds this weekend, 28th and 29th October, has now been postponed.

The postponement has been caused by the extended period of wet weather which has saturated the local showgrounds and interrupted the time table for setting up the exhibits.

The Expo, based on the theme “Life of the Bush Contractor”, has been planned to trace the story of early pioneering machinery advancement and living conditions during the forty years from the 1920s to the 1950s.

A new date has yet to be fixed.

Oakey Champion are available for purchase at our office:

2A CHERRY STREET, OAKEY

2A Cherry Street, Oakey

ABOVE: Da and Adam Butlin have stepped away from the business they ran for 28 years.

RIGHT: Flashback... Roy Butlin with Adam and Da, as featured in the Oakey Champion in July 1994, taking the reins at the service station.

Changes over time

Since October 29, 1977 when the Bernborough statue was installed in Oakey, he has stood steadfast for 45 years as a silent witness to all the changes that have taken place in the immediate vicinity of him.

Prior to his arrival, the Bernborough Tourist Centre was established a couple weeks before.

The following is a time line of the changes:

25-11-1978 Dr. McDonald died and the following year Elizabeth Street was renamed McDonald Street.

10-12-1981 Telecom tower erected near the telephone exchange in Bell Street.

22-10-1984 St Vincent de Paul opened in a former dry-

cleaners in Bell Street.

15-08-1986 The old Bank of New South Wales building removed to Jondaryan Woolshed by October 3, 1986 and replaced by a low-set brick building.

During 1994 Cultural Centre was built.

April 1995 Bernborough Tourist Centre demolished.

5-02-1999 Oakey Bypass was opened which reduced the traffic through the main street.

February 1999 Library & Senior Citizens building was refurbished, also during 1999, the Memorial Hall was refurbished and extended to become the RSL.

13-04-2000 The War Memorial was unveiled at

its present site after being re-located from Campbell Street.

10-06-2000 The Olympic Torch passed through town.

After June 2001 The Jondaryan Shire Council chambers & clock tower were demolished and replaced by the new Administration Centre.

September 2001 The Buffalo Hall was sold for removal.

During 2002 The Skoda gun was taken from Lions Park and placed beside the War Memorial.

2002-2003 Campbell Street had a major upgrade.

April 2003 Country Club Hotel demolished and replaced by Bernborough

Tavern which opened October 17, 2003.

2006 Old Police Station demolished and replaced by a new building.

March 2008 Shire amalgamations had taken place and our local Mayor, Peter Taylor became first Mayor of newly formed Toowoomba Regional Council.

28-03-2018 Commonwealth Games baton went through town.

Early 2018 The old Olympia Theatre received a facelift.

July 2021 Ray White Rural re-located to Dr Mac’s house and surgery from Middle Street.

- Valerie Weise-Young

Oakey students

for hydrogen challenge

The Australian Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix is an international competition to design, build and race hydrogen fuel cell-powered remote-controlled cars.

Last week, 17 Year 9 students began learning about the need, as a society, to look at alternative energy sources, different renewable resources, how to store energy, then towards the end of the term, start designing their cars.

School principal Daniel Keenan said it was a rare opportunity for Oakey students who were excited to be involved.

“One in 20 throughout Australia is brilliant,” he said.

In term 1 of Year 10 the participants will create and decorate their cars and test them for endurance.

The task is to improve the car as much as possible so it can outlast the 19 other schools, in April next year at Gladstone’s first national competition and potentially the International competition in Dubai towards the end of 2023.

Horizon Educational representative Ales

Rakovsky visited the school last Tuesday to provide professional development advice to the teachers of Year 9 Science and Year 10 Physics.

Horizon Educational will supply car components and lesson guides, however the students will produce hydrogen gas from water using small electrolysers and then design and build

their own cell powered car which are about 40cm long.

Ales Rakovsky said Horizon was excited to have a Darling Downs team joining the inaugural Hydrogen Grand Prix.

Science Head of Department for Oakey State High School Jelena Edhouse said this was a unique opportunity for the students to be involved

with technology that has only started to be used in real life applications, to supply energy to drive cars like the Toyota Mirai.

ANZ sponsorship gives the schools involved the chance to demonstrate their problem solving skills to a real life experience in which normally as a public school they could not be involved.

Oakey State High School is one of 20 schools in Australia, and the only Darling Downs representative school, in the Australian Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix.

Oakey State High School is the only Darling Downs school to be involved in the challenge to develop the best performing hydrogen remote-controlled car.

Our News Online

Approval not end of the line for opponents

Continued from page 1

Over the journey, the expansion has faced tough opposition from groups representing local farmers and environmentalists.

Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) secretary Paul King has vowed his organisation will “interrogate” the lawfulness of the AWL.

“There is a lot riding on the grant of this water licence - farm water bores are at risk from drawdown or pollution from this mine expansion and we’ll be pursuing every avenue to protect them,” Mr King said.

“This is what the fight has been about all along - the need to protect water relied on by farmers.”

The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water granted the AWL last Thursday, which included 35 conditions.

“The decision was based on a comprehensive review of the application and supporting information, against the requirements of the Water Act 2000,” a statement from the Department said.

“The department considered matters such as public submissions, potential impacts to existing water users and the management

of impacts on underground water before granting the associated water licence with strict conditions.

“An updated groundwater model was used to assess potential impacts.”

Among the conditions imposed are requirements to:

•Offset the take of underground water that is impacted by the mining activities, by surrendering equivalent water entitlements

•Manage the impacts on aquifers and groundwater users

•Implement an underground water monitoring program to track any impacts that may occur

•Publish the volume of underground water taken

•Periodically review and update the numerical underground water model to incorporate the latest data

The AWL can be viewed in full by visiting rdmw. qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0007/1645324/nac-stage-3asoc-water-licence.pdf

New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer said he believed all the conditions can be met “100 per cent”.

Mr King said the last time the mine’s impact on groundwater was tested in a court of law, it was the

Artists putting heart into Goombungee exhibit

The varied talents of Goombungee district artists feature in the aptly titled exhibition, I love Goombungee…, on display at Rosalie Gallery from now until November 13.

Fifteen Goombungee area artists are represented in the exhibition that showcases photography, abstract painting and sculptures.

I love Goombungee… proudly supports Goombungee’s annual Jacaranda Day celebrations, which are scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2022.

The festival was first staged in 1993 and has become a popular highlight on the district’s social

calendar.

Rosalie Gallery is committed to displaying the talents of Goombungee’s creative community at its latest exhibition.

For more information, visit tr.qld.gov.au/rosaliegallery

Rosalie Gallery, 89 Mocatta Street, Goombungee, is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays. Entry is free.

farmers that won the day.

“A law change meant that it went back to the drawing board, and now is a crucial chance to test it again,” Mr King said.

“Extracting coal from beneath the ground drains water relied on by farmers in the surrounding district, and we believe that fact needs to be heard and considered by a court.

“We are continuing this fight to protect the ten million litres of milk produced by the dairies who

rely on that groundwater.”

OCAA has launched a crowd fundraiser online that is raising money to mount a last-ditch legal case against the Queensland Government’s decision in the Land Court.

OCAA has 28 days to scrutinise the conditions, seek legal advice and lodge a challenge.

It is aiming to raise $50,000 to support its legal team with expert reports and to pay for costs and briefs.

A Kings Counsel has

agreed to represent the group pro bono

President Aileen Harrison shared her life story, which was radically altered after New Acland Mine was built.

Her family built a property near Acland 25 years ago, where they had a purpose built home, craft shop and raised Alpacas.

“The blasting, dust, noise and lights were intolerable,” Mrs Harrison said.

“Our health and that of our animals declined and we could no longer live there.

“No one but the mine would buy us out, but we had to go, and we had to accept what they offered.

“My husband Ken and I now live in a demountable donga, and all of our precious possessions are in a shipping container.”

Mrs Harrison hopes if the AWL is successfully challenged, the mine will be closed permanently.

As of Tuesday morning this week, $6,500 has already been raised of the $50,000 sought from over 120 donors.

Plenty of support for mine’s re-opening

Mr Langton, who is the owner of Oakey Electrical, said he was very excited about the announcement.

“It’s been in limbo for such a long time,” Mr Langton said.

“It’s been very hard for local businesses and that type of thing to know what was going on and things like that.”

Mr Langton said Oakey should see quite a bit of money coming into the town’s businesses.

“It’s one of those things we’ve been missing,” he said.

“We’ve lost a lot of people that were local that moved away because they had lost their jobs, so to actually be able to get those people back and some new people into town would be really, really good.”

He said re-opening of the mine will see businesses more confident to invest in growth.

Dave Cooper said New Acland Mine Stage 3 means stability and allows for his business to be able to plan

well into the future.

“We can start to purchase new vehicles.. buy another property,” Mr Cooper said.

He said the announcement has been a long-time coming.

“We’ve had a lot of sucker punches,” he said.

‘We’ve gone down this road before where you’ve got the thumbs up but it’s turned around.

“Hopefully this is itwe’re all here to make this work for the community and get something we can all be proud of.

“These are good, honest people that give back a lot to the community so it would be great to see it keep going now.”

Mr Cooper explained that at the mine, Coops is responsible for areas such as building maintenance, earthmoving and labour hire, and the mine has been crucial to the expansion of his business.

“I showed up with a tool and trailer and a ute and we’ve had up to 40 staff.

“This company (New

Hope Group) has supported my business and it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to actually give them something back - to show support, to help out.”

Support also came from local farmer Peter Kuhl, whose property is across the road to the north of the mine, as well as Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport and Member for Groom Garth Hamilton.

Mr Kuhl said his family has owned the property

since before the mine was started and they have not had a problem with water, and in fact plan on buying more property soon.

Mr Hamilton said the project has his full support and he looks forward to seeing it deliver 600 jobs and a revitalised local economy.

Further afield, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the approval was a long time coming, but a triumph of process over politics.

Still time to nominate for Australia Day awards

With the closing date for nominations coming up on Monday (31st October) Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding residents to lodge nominations for outstanding achievers who will be considered for 2023 Toowoomba Region Australia Day awards.

Deputy Mayor and Australia Day co-ordinating committee chair Cr Geoff McDonald is encouraging residents to finalise nominations.

“Our local government area has hundreds of citizens who devote their time and expertise to running community organisations and events that contribute to all sectors across the Region,” Cr McDonald said.

“Our community life is greatly enriched by the efforts of the volunteers whose passion and enthusiasm keeps their respective groups running, especially in the aftermath of floods and other challenges.

“We all know someone who contributes countless hours of assistance and run facilities or events for the benefit of fellow residents.

“I encourage residents to nominate our true blue achievers.

“It is a fitting reward for any of these people to be nominated and then considered for the various award categories.

“Taking a few minutes to complete an online

nomination form or sending in a nomination form to Council is a way to honour someone you know who has stepped up during the past year, or who selflessly volunteers at a community group or organisation.”

Cr McDonald said residents needed to lodge nominations by October 31 to allow local Australia Day committees time to review and judge categories in readiness for next year’s

award presentations.

These will be held on Australia Day.

Cr McDonald said residents were welcome to complete the online nomination form at www. tr.qld.gov.au/australiaday

Award categories include:

• Citizen of the year (for a person older than 26),

• Citizen of the Year –Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, • Young citizen of the

year (for a nominee under 26),

• Cultural award, • Sports award (senior and junior), and • Community group/ event of the year.

Enquiries about joining a local Australia Day committee or the Awards can be directed to Council’s Community Development Officers by calling 131 872 or sending an email to info@ tr.qld.gov.au

The exhibit includes Jacaranda Time by John Aven’el.

Familiar names from around Oakey including Oakey Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Langton and Coops Queensland owner Dave Cooper and have welcomed the clearing of the last hurdle for New Acland Mine’s Stage 3.

Australia Day celebrations at Oakey were always full on pre-Covid.

Local business leaders Andrew Langton (left) and Dave Cooper spoke at the mine last Friday.

Biddeston School kicks big goals

For a school of just under 50 students, Biddeston Primary sure is making a mighty big difference for its students and the school community.

Small but mighty Biddeston Primary School has crossed a number of big ticket items off the wish list thanks to a dedicated and hard working P&C and support from Toowoomba Regional Council.

“We are now enjoying a full-size basketball/ netball court, bike track, handball courts and a brand-new enclosed learning area,” school principal David Doogan said.

The new learning area is a hall-sized facility which previously never had walls and which the P&C pinpointed as a project several years ago and began working towards.

The official opening of

Above: The new enclosed learning space at the Biddeston State School features a huge colourful mural.

Below: Students on the full-sized basketball/netball court

the new space, complete with a mural featuring the words once written up on a whiteboard by longtime previous principal Sharon Wilson, was celebrated on Friday night at the school’s annual bush dance.

Mr Doogan said the P&C had managed to raise around $160,000 in recent years for the latest round of projects

and he praised the work of Mel Patch, Ian Speed and the whole P&C committee for their hard work.

“But the real heart of our school lies within the community and our students, the Biddeston kids,” Mr Doogan said.

Search online for the Biddeston Kid video and accompanying song by Josh Arnold on Youtube.

More shade = Less skin cancer

It’s a fact - more shade equals less skin cancer for kids across south western Queensland.

The State Government is again funding permanent shade, granting kids the ability to be sun safe as they do what kids do best - play!

The SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative is led by the Government and Cancer Council Queensland and provides funding, up to $25,000, for permanent, fixed (hard roof) shade, for not-forprofit organisations that cater to children from 0 to 18 years.

Funding for the south western region has been made a priority for this round as recently released data demonstrates that children in these areas are recording higher than average sunburn rates compared to other parts of Queensland.

Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Andrew Donne urges eligible schools,

junior sporting clubs and childcare centres to apply for the SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative.

“We’re proud to partner with Queensland Government to help improve the sun safety of Queensland kids,” Mr Donne said.

“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with sun exposure being the cause of around 99 per cent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 95 per cent of melanomas in Australia.”

Applications for this round of the 2022-2023 SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative will close at midday on 21 November 2022.

To apply, complete the online application form on the Cancer Council Queensland website: cancerqld.org.au/cancerprevention/programsresources/shade-initiative/

Goombungee Golf Club

Thursday 20th October, Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Winner, David Schloss 38 points (ocb).

Approaches: Hole 1/10, Wayne Nemeth; Hole 3/12, Dave Lowe; Hole 9/18, Gary Buckley.

Ladies’ Single Stroke, Medal of Medalists Playoff, Dulcie Skuse Trophy.

Winner (Medal of Medalists), Robyn Drowley 73 nett.

Approaches: Hole 4/13, Ann Cass; Hole 6/15, Carmel Cover; Hole 7/16, Jan Mullins.

Friday 21st October, Chook Run winner, Doug Kelly; second, Col Jenkins.

Sunday 23rd October,

Men’s Foursomes, Ladies’ Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Winners of the Men’s Foursomes: Gross, Matty Burgess and Trent Peters; Nett, David Scutt and Jim Groat.

Rundown: Matty Burgess and Trent Peters, David Lowe and Harry Cover, David Schloss and Royce Polzin.

Winner of the Single Stableford for the Ladies was Robyn Drowley 39 points.

Rundown: Ann Cass.

Pin shots: MenHole 3/12, Bill Robertson; Hole 4/13, no winner; Hole 8/17, Craig Kennedy.

Team approaches:

Oakey Men’s Bowls Notes

Competition called for Saturday October 29:

“A” Singles: R. Krause vs. G. Usher, marker P. Maker; B. Lucht vs. D. Barfield, marker J. Harrison); S. Cosgrove vs. E. Dornbusch, marker G. Fenton)

Senior Singles final: A. Jackson vs. V. Rush, marker, W. Patterson.

If you are unavailable to play or to mark please phone Don on 0417 006 053.

COMING EVENTS

On Saturday November 5, we have a visit from Wellington Point bowlers, 1pm start (mixed). Names on the board please.

Saturday November 12, Oakey vs. Peranga at Peranga, 12.30pm start (mixed). Names on the board please.

Thursday November 3, Night Bowls. Names in by 5.30pm for play at 6pm.

Bernborough Pool & Darts Premiers and Runners-up

DARTS

Premiers: Grand Hotel 2 - Gary Nash, Chris McNight, Mark Dearling, Geoff Lucht.

Runners-up: Bernborough Tavern 1 - Tony Simmons, Steve Cram, Ken Young, Trevor Flynn, Margie Flynn, Eric Bartman.

POOL

Premiers: RSL 2 who were formerly Grand Hotel 1 - John Byrne, Peter Rudken, Jesse Pointon, Ross Henry.

Runners-up: RSL 1 - Shane Bradford, Rex Dearling, Bob Dearling, Peter Wolski, Alan DeRoss.

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Presentation night will be on the 19th November at the Oakey Bowls Club with a 5.30pm start.

Hole 6/15, Mark Peters and Nino Capuzzo; Hole 9/18, no winners.

Approaches, Ladies - Hole 1/10, Ann Cass; Hole 2/11, Carmel Cover.

Members’ draw. No 5, Keith Miller, who was not present, so this week the prize is $20.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 27th October, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Ladies Foursomes for a Club Trophy.

Sunday 30th October, Kumbia Inter-club at Goombungee, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. 10am for 10.30 shotgun start.

- Murray McLeod

Oakey Parkrun

Saturday was wet but 14 runners fronted up.

Jack Wilson was first with a time of 18 minutes, 54 seconds; second was Benjamin Vogelzang who covered the five kilometres in 19 minutes and 12 seconds and third was Bradley McKay with a time of 20 minutes, 56 seconds.

There were four females in Saturday’s parkrun and first of these to finish was Jessica McKay in a time of 27 minutes and 28 seconds.

Jessica was in sixth position overall.

There was one visiting runner on Saturday, Christopher Ganzer from Brisbane Road Runners was fourth in 23 minutes and 43 seconds.

Thanks to the volunteers who turned up to help make this event happen - Tracy Back, Callum Batterham, Lachlan Batterham, Simmone Batterham, Sonny McCormack and Faith McKay.

Oakey Social Golf Club

On Sunday 23rd of October we played a 3 Person Ambrose on the back nine with 37 players.

The winners were Stan Gillis, Graham Byers and Rex Dearling on 22 nett and the runners-up were Sandra Lucht, Peter Wolski and Ben Fenton on 22½ nett.

The winners of the pins/approaches were: 10, B. Fenton; 11, Under 60,

HL; Over 60, P. Morgan; 12, I. McDonald; 13 and 15, T. Priaulx; 14 and 18, L. Bartley; 16, Under 60, M. Krahenbring; Over 60, P. Morgan; 17, JB.

Long Drives: A Grade, HL; B Grade, S. Gillis; Over 60, M. Morgan.

Members’ draw was 37, M. Park who was not present for $20; raffles going to 3, I. McDonald and 92, D. Holmes.

Next’s week game will be held at the Sunny Coast where we will be playing Palmer Coolum and Peregian golf courses. If you are travelling on the bus it will be leaving the front of the Grand Hotel at 10am.

A special thanks to all helped out and cleaned up for the President’s Day barbecue.

- Flynny/Macca

Oakey Golf Club

On Wednesday 19th October the Ladies played the first round of their Foursomes Championships.

Winner of the 18 hole Nett was Hazel Harvey and Jenny Gordon with a 801/2 nett.

Runners-up were Joan Fisk and Iris Thompson

with an 82 nett.

Pin on No. 3 was won by Daphne Webster.

Wednesday the 26th of October the Ladies will play the second round of their Foursomes.

Sunday 23rd October the Members played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the Medal of Medalist.

Winner was Douglas Fisk with a 73 nett. Runner-up was George Wright with a 75 nett. The pin on No. 3 was won by Andrew King.

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October the embers will play an 18 hole Stableford.

- Marlene Deans

Drs Glen Laws, Steve Rayner and Associates

Sunday’s winners Stan Gillis, Rex Dearling and Graham Byers, with runners-up Peter Wolski, Sandra Lucht, Ben Fenton.

Better research providing better cropping decisions

help make more informed varietal decisions in preparation for next year’s winter cropping season.

With the release of the 2023 Queensland Winter Crop Sowing Guide, growers in the Darling Downs now have access

Published by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the guide provides five years’ worth of results from the National Variety Trials (NVT) program, which allows growers to compare the yield performance, disease resistance ratings and grain quality of commercially available grain varieties.

NVT Manager – North, Laurie Fitzgerald said wheat, barley and chickpea results found in the Winter Crop Sowing Guide are

completely independent and give growers a good base to compare varieties’ performance and make selections based on what could work the best for their individual circumstances.

“The results show the performance of established varieties that Queensland growers would be familiar with, as well as new and recently released varieties,” he said.

“This publication is a trustworthy document that growers can look at to

understand how certain varieties perform in their environment and make decisions that could increase their profitability.

“The 2023 Winter Crop Cowing Guide equips growers with expert knowledge and advice, as well as easy to decipher, validated yield and disease resistance results that allows them to make informed choices and be prepared for the coming winter season.”

Northern Region Panel Chair and Chinchilla grain grower Arthur Gearon said the sowing guide was a great tool growers can use to get a head start for the coming winter cropping season, providing an opportunity to make variety selections now and secure seed well in advance.

“While the last two seasons have been challenging for Queensland growers, optimism for next year’s winter cropping season is high,” he said.

“Having access to the trial results now can help

growers get more prepared for next year and know with confidence that they’ve made variety selections based on independent, validated results that shows how varieties perform in environments that reflect

their farming operations.”

Mr Gearon said with more rain predicted next year and experts tipping another high-pressure disease year, especially for stripe rust, it’s more important than ever that growers are considering disease resistance when selecting varieties.

“This sowing guide will give growers the opportunity to get on the front foot with disease management and make selections based on what will fare well if the disease risk remains high into next year,” he said.

“Varietal selection can have a significant impact on crop management, impacting sowing time, disease management, nutrition requirements and herbicide options, so it’s critical that we’re utilising

tools like this to ensure what we’re growing on farm can remain profitable in our environments.

“Growers can use the results to reassure themselves that the varieties they’ve planted in the past work well for their environment, but it can also assist them in having more confidence to mix it up and plant something new to chase a better return.”

NVT is the largest co-ordinated field trial network of its kind in the world and is fully administered by the GRDC on behalf of Australian grain growers and the Australian Government.

You can download a copy of the NVT Queensland Winter Crop Sowing Guide via the GRDC website.

Northern Region Panel Chair Arthur Gearon.

Photo, Nicole Baxter

Lions flood appeal

The Australian Lions Foundation has launched a national appeal to help Lions volunteers across the country provide emergency support to their communities.

“October has been another month of heavy rainfall with flood warnings for communities across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

Australian Lions Foundation has launched a national appeal to help support those affected communities,” Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow OAM, said.

“Every dollar raised will be sent directly to Lions Clubs on the ground in affected communities to provide emergency support those impacted.

“This is why Lions is so effective in times of need. Every dollar donated goes directly to the cause and through Lions’ large network of clubs we are able to quickly identify those who require assistance and find the best and most efficient ways of supporting those people and communities.”

Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year.

“A key focus for our clubs in recent months has been supporting flood affected communities particularly in Northern New South Wales. Lismore was actually

the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in September 1947,” Mr Benbow said.

“We know the road to recovery is a long one after a disaster.

“Our volunteers are still going above and beyond to help communities rebuild after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and we will see the same with flood affected communities.”

Lions Clubs have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades.

More than $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.

Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through the Oakey Lions Club or through donating directly to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.

To make a donation to the Foundation visit https://www.givenow.com.au/ australianlionsfoundation

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

A pig day out for Quinalow

Pig racing fans will be headed for Quinalow this Saturday where a stack of action will be happening to raise funds for three worthy causes.

“Jacko’s Hawaiian Pig Races” will be the main feature of the day long activity based on the Quinalow Hotel.

There will be five pig events, the main one being race 5, the Jacko Cup.

It’s named in honour of Wayne “Jacko” Riethmuller, who passed away before his 47th birthday in 2015 after battling cancer.

The race tribute to him is because his favourite bet was “Race 5, number 5”.

In addition to the pig races, there will be food stalls, a wide range of market stalls, raffles, merchandise, a licensed bar and entertainment until late.

All funds raised during the day will be distributed to St Andrews Toowoomba Hospital, Cancer Council Queensland and RACQ CareFlight.

On the last occasion, the event has raised around $50,000 and organisers are planning to top that figure this year.

If you’re planning to be there, you may like to know that the dress

code is Hawaiian, with prizes for the bestdressed group, adult and child.

Tickets are $10 for adults, while those under 18 are admitted free.

Oakey Community Care

Our next scheduled Community Care meeting happens to fall on Melbourne Cup Tuesday, so as we always do, I am changing the meeting to the following Tuesday, 8th November at 2pm in the Oakey Information Centre (Oakey Railway Station).

This will be our last formal meeting for the year, so we would like to see as many as can come along do so please. I will forward the minutes of the 6th September meeting when I receive them.

- Helen Bawden OAM President Oakey Community Care Committee

Australia’s

looks set to continue. Once again, economic conservatives find themselves standing alone against the tide of Labor’s tax and spend agenda. The Treasurer showed his true intent by trying to back out of the legislated Stage 3 tax cuts but was scared off by the strong public response. It’s only a matter of time before Labor try again to raise your taxes.

This extra money in your pocket is going to be needed. As Deputy Chair of the House Economics Committee, I was able to reveal that the average household energy bill has risen by $300 since April. This is despite Labor’s promise to lower your energy bill by $275. Labor just can’t handle money.

With interest rates rising, petrol prices nearing record highs, and energy bills increasing, Australia is already paying more under Labor. I will continue to hold the government to account in Canberra.

Carp Buster comp postponed

The Carp Buster competition which was planned for the Oakey district last Saturday had to be postponed when heavy rain drenched the area, causing stream rises.

The organising group, the Oakey Fish Stocking Association, is now planning for a new datelikely to be Saturday 12th November.

The categories and prizes will remain as planned and it is hoped the event will attract a strong response form local fishers.

Categories include the most carp, the biggest carp, as well as mystery weights.

There are categories for kids and adults.

The prizes include

a kayak donated by Anaconda and fishing rods.

Entry fees are $5 for adults and $2 for children, or a family entry is $10.

The fishing area to be covered includes all creeks in the Oakey and Dalby districts.

Registrations will be taken at Arthur Shooter Park in Oakey between 6am and 10am.

For full details, check out the Oakey Fish Stocking Association’s facebook page.

Oakey Primary Class of ‘62 reunion

On Saturday, October 15, a 60th reunion lunch was held at the local R.S.L. Club for the Class of 1962 at Oakey State School as they were in the last year that the Scholarship examination was held throughout Queensland.

Ten years ago, the former students had a 50 year reunion which was attended by 24 pupils of the original class of 34.

Over the intervening years, some of the group have been meeting at various locations for gettogether lunches.

This year there were only 14 of the original class present and sadly the numbers are dwindling as 6 of the boys (men) have

Oakey groups raising breast cancer awareness

passed away since the 50th reunion.

A great time of reminiscing was had by all and was much enjoyed.

Gold at national championships

Toowoomba Grammar School volleyballers scored a swag of medals at the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships.

Three TGS boys were selected to represent Queensland at the titles Beau Fowler (U18 White), Hussein Yusaf (U17 Maroon - captain) and Rory Webster (U15 Maroon) with Miss Jessica RussellCroucher (U16 White) and Mr Eric Smith (U14 White) representing as coaching staff.

The boys put in a terrific effort with both Hussein and Rory winning their divisions and bringing gold medals home for Queensland while Eric’s team placed second in the grand final and Jessica’s team was third in their division.

JLC Real Estate and Goondir Health Services joined forces last week, hosting a morning tea aimed at raising breast cancer awareness.

From left: Malynda Bartholemew, Jenny Wieck, Laurie Cooper, Julie Hohn, Ellie Tickell.

This year’s reunion attendees: Back row, from left, Trevor McIntyre, Victor Camm, Russel Dunemann, Rodney Hass, Phillip Hawkey, Rudolph Jager, Tom Priaulx & Lance Weise. Front, from left, Carol Peters (wife of the late Errol Peters), Elaine Hock, Denise Banardi (nee Seth), Lorraine Grimwade (nee Schultz), Jewell Hudson, Noela Maynard (nee Truss), Jenny Cash (nee Dickins) and Kay Weise (nee Dearling who was in a lower class).