Oakey Champion - 27th April 2022

The

Oakey Champion

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

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R I D E W E S T C Y C L I N G T H R O U G H O A K E Y - PAG E 2 G O O M B U N G E E - H A D E N S H O W - PAG E 6 OA K E Y L O C A L T U R N S 1 0 0 Y E A R S O L D - PAG E 1 2

Oakey ANZAC Day

On 25th April, Oakey locals gathered on Campbell Street to watch the ANZAC Day parade - they then followed the march to Bicentennial Park.

Army personnel from the Swartz Barracks in Oakey marching down Campbell Street as part of the official parade.

The ANZAC dawn service was held at 5.25am on Monday at Bicentennial Park in Oakey.

The ANZAC day march, which started at 9.40am, began at the

Oakey Railway Station and concluded in Bicentennial Park.

It was at the end of the parade when the main service, the official ANZAC Day ceremony,

was held.

The service started at 10am and ran for one hour, with a variety of planes from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre flying over the town to

officially mark the end of the event.

Turn to page 5 to see the full collection of published photos from the parade and ceremony.

- Continued on page 5

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

RideWest cyclists stop in Oakey for lunch On Friday, the 40-person Ride West peloton cycled from Brisbane to Oakey within eight hours.

The group left the Amberly Air Base in Brisbane at 7am and arrived at the Oakey Anglican Church at about 2.30pm.

Waiting for them was a

large lunch prepared by members of the Oakey Anglican Church..

RideWest is an organisation raising money for the Royal Flying Doctors’

Cyclists helping themselves to the lunch spread prepared by the Oakey Anglican Church.

mental health branch.

Cyclist Andrew Perkins said that cyclists each pay $2,500 up front to cover personal costs, including accommodation, so that 100 per cent of money they raise goes directly to the cause.

“We have a lot of big organisations that sponsor us also which covers the fuel of the following vehicles,” he said.

Another cyclist, Rod Banks said not many people realise how much the Royal Flying Doctors deal with responding to mental health calls.

“Suicide in men out bush is a big problem,” he said.

“We are here today trying to raise money so that we can man the mental health clinics the Royal Flying Doctors now have in remote

areas.”

Oakey Anglican Church’s Guild announced at the lunch their $200 donation to RideWest’s cause.

After refuelling in Oakey, the peloton began the trip to Chinchilla where the cyclists spent the night.

They will ride for eight days and cover a span of 1,311 kilometres, finishing in Longreach.

RIGHT: RideWest cyclists inside the Oakey Anglican Church enjoying their lunch.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 3

Region’s Deputy Mayor Challenged

On Tuesday 19th April, the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) gathered for its Ordinary Meeting of council where Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff challenged Councillor Geoff McDonald for the position of Deputy Mayor.

Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan began the discussion.

“I have never believed the deputy mayor position should be awarded by a popularity contest,” she said.

“I believe the deputy mayor should be a reflection or endorsement of the team that they work with.

“That person should have gained the respect of the team, not demanded or assumed it.

“I have always taken people as they present to me, not on their resumé or the school they went to or the family they come from.

“The deputy mayor should be the person that unites the team, a collaborative person, a problem solver.

“Someone who is modest and humble and champions the region in a respectful and reasonable manner.

“And that is why Mr Mayor I’m nominating Cr McDonald for the position of deputy mayor.

“He is that person.

“He has demonstrated those qualities day in and day out for the six years that I have worked with him.”

Cr McDonald accepted the nomination from Cr O’Hara Sullivan and thanked her for the faith she has in him to continue fulfilling this position.

Cr Nancy Sommerfield nominated Cr Rebecca Vonhoff for the position,

The Tavern

Current deputy Cr McDonald.

mayor

Deputy mayor nominee Cr Vonhoff.

which she accepted.

There were no other nominations.

Mayor Paul Antonio said each nominee would have two minutes to speak and support their case.

Cr McDonald began his speech by informing Councillors that he would continue to follow the core principles of the TRC as he has done since taking the deputy mayor position since 23rd April 2020.

He said these core principles are honesty, accountability, respect, teamwork and safety and wellbeing.

“However, supporting the mayor is the most important role as deputy mayor,” he said.

Cr Sommerfield asked the Mayor if she could ask questions after the nominees’ speeches and said it helps Councillors under-stand who they are voting for.

“This is a rather unusual

concept,” Cr Antonio said.

“But you can if it is a brief question.”

“This current style of leadership is not working,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“We’ve had two years to change for the better.

“But since I’ve been on this Council since 2012, it hasn’t.”

Cr Antonio called a point of order.

“Cr Sommerfield I think you are speaking clearly against a nominee and I don’t know whether that is appropriate in these circumstances,” he said.

“I’m rather disappointed with the comments you made.”

Cr Vonhoff based her speech on following due democratic process.

“Today I just want us to put everything else aside and think about process,” she said.

“We’re half way through a four year term of Council.

“Two years ago this

?

month the decision was made to set aside tradition that the person who topped the poll amongst the Councillors became deputy mayor.

“The person who received 2,375 fewer votes was instead appointed.”

Cr Vonhoff said some of the Councillors justified this by claiming she didn’t have enough experience, so they made the Councillor with the second highest number of votes deputy mayor.

“It’s not about me or Councillor McDonald, it’s about what sort of Council this is,” she said.

“Is this a Council who listens to the community or is this a Council who shifts the goalposts?

“We all know Councillor McDonald and the Mayor are extremely close - peas in a pod.

“But being close mates shouldn’t determine what goes on in Council.”

“Can you wind up please, we are over the two minute timer?,” Cr Antonio interrupted.

“I was never made aware until now there was a two minute timer,” Cr Vonhoff said.

At the conclusion of both nominees’ speeches, a vote was held and current deputy mayor Cr McDonald was reinstated with seven votes.

“I hereby declare Councillor McDonald as the Deputy Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council,” Cr Antonio said.

Meet Great Mates Where

Quarantine requirements set to ease in QLD From 6pm last Thursday, Covid quarantine requirements were removed for close contacts.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the relaxation of the rules was the next step towards managing COVID safely in the community and getting our lives back.

“The health advice means we can now take the next step and remove quarantine requirements for close contacts,” she said.

“This will provide a

much-needed boost to businesses and allow many workers to return to their jobs.

“Because more than 92 per cent are fully vaccinated, Queenslanders can move forward with increased confidence.”

The measures announced only apply to asymptomatic close contacts.

Close contacts who have

symptoms of Covid-19 will be required to test and to isolate until these symptoms resolve, even if they return a negative RAT result.

Under the new arrangements, close contacts will need to wear masks outside their home for seven days and will need to have a negative Covid-19 test result every

second day since becoming a close contact.

Ms D’Ath said close contacts who work in a vulnerable setting will still need to meet a range of criteria, including meeting the vaccination requirements, wearing a mask at all times, being free of symptoms and undertaking regular Covid-19 testing.

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Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

TO THE PAST

History of the Wyalla Homestead

The Wyalla Homestead, Toowoomba, was built for Francis Claudius Brodribb in 1869 when he came to Toowoomba from New South Wales.

In New South Wales he owned a station adjoining the famous Broken Hill mines from which he acquired a lot of his wealth by having a fourteenth share in the mines.

After coming to Queensland, he also bought “Kurrowah” Station in the Cecil Plains area.

In 1898, F. C. Brodribb donated the land on his Oval Estate, Toowoomba and £100 towards the

erection of Brodribb Home which was officially opened on December 7, 1898.

The cost to construct the building was £740.

This building is still in use today as part of the residential aged care facility at 13 Goggs Street.

F. C. Brodribb passed away on June 28, 1904 and his wife Ellen (nee Baker) passed away on September 28, 1905.

After their large family had all grown to adulthood, Mr. & Mrs. John Shannon, formerly of “Saltbush Park”, Mackay, purchased “Wyalla” from the estate of the late F. C. Brodribb in 1905 as a retirement property.

It remained in the possession of Shannons until 1970.

The rest of the story is to be continued in next week’s edition.

- Valerie Weise-Young

RIGHT: Two views of “Wyalla” (circa 1916) with members of the Shannon family. John Shannon is the man with the white beard and pith helmet.

- Photo, Valerie Weise-Young

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Sudoko WEATHER SudokU

The week ahead Dry and partly cloudy conditions are expected for the coming week. Temperatures will continue to remain mild with daytime highs only expected to hit the mid twenties.

6 DAY FORECAST

Wednesday,, March 23, 2016

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

Honouring ANZAC Day in Oakey

Continued from page 1.

ABOVE: Oakey State High School students.

ABOVE: Oakey State School students.

ABOVE: St Monica’s Primary Catholic school students.

ABOVE: Oakey Scouts.

ABOVE: Personnel from the Oakey Swartz Barracks performing an air show to conclude the official ceremony.

ABOVE: Oakey Junior Bears.

ABOVE and BELOW: Personnel in formation during the ceremony in Bicentennial Park.

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Page 6

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Goombungee-Haden Show On Saturday, locals from around the district attended and competed in the Goombungee-Haden Show.

ABOVE: Chainsaw competition.

GRAND HOTEL

ABOVE: Pig races.

ABOVE: Quinalow State School Cattle Show Team.

ABOVE: Young cattle farmers Callum, Erin and Alanna from Jandowae.

ABOVE: Oakey State High School students Georgia Mailman, Taylah McHugh and Joe Green win a Champion Small Breed for their school.

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OK Youth Talk ABOVE: Lawn mower races.

ABOVE: Oakey State High School student Josh Brown who came 5th in the young judges competition.

BASIC Youth Toowoomba If you want to talk all things gospel, come on down to the assembly hall on Ramsay Street at Centenary Heights State High School this Friday 29th April night.

ABOVE: Oakey’s iDance Studios performing at the Show.

Entry is $4 per person and you will need to RSVP for dinner. For more information, visit the BASIC Youth Toowoomba Facebook page.

Mothers’ Day Makers Market Spend the day with your mum this Mothers’ Day at the Makers Markets on Sunday 8th May at the Mills Precinct 251-261 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Need to talk?

PCYC Oakey Connect service is available for local young people.

To connect or refer, phone or SMS Kat on 0459 836 335.

Youth Connect Toowoomba YouthConnectTRC Email: youthconnect@tr.qld.gov.au

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Oakey State School QLD Police ANZAC Day Ceremony Easter report

Queensland Police said that over the Easter long weekend, speeding along with drink and drug driving was at the forefront of their traffic operation.

On Friday 22nd April, Oakey State School held its annual ANZAC Day ceremony.

Queensland police issued 3,788 traffic infringements to drivers over the weekend.

Of these, 1,217 were for speeding drivers and 471 were for those motorists caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said one life was lost on Queensland roads and sixty injury crashes were recorded across the state.

“As far as we’re concerned, one life lost on our roads is one too many,” he said.

“The impacts of these crashes are widespread throughout our community, not only with those who must deal with losing a loved one but also those coming

ABOVE: School leaders standing with a serviceman at their Friday ceremony.

BELOW: Oakey State School students posing with their poppy wreath.

TOP RIGHT: Oakey State School students holding a poppy wreath in memory of the ANZACs. BOTTOM RIGHT: Oakey State School prep/year 1 students holding a wreath on behalf of their cohort.

Toowoomba Region not in drought

The Queensland Government announced last week that eleven South East Queensland Local Government Areas, including the Toowoomba Region, are no longer in drought.

The Government said this was due to significant rainfall stemming back to October 2021, and that the state’s drought declared area has dropped from 64.7 per cent to 61.1 per cent.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Local Drought Committees (LDCs) have been assessing the weather and response to the flooding over the past few months and noted a big improvement in conditions.

However Mr Furner said while some LGA’s may no longer be in drought,

this doesn’t extend to individual properties that may still be in drought.

He said individual properties could still be considered for drought assistance.

“If a producer is experiencing difficult conditions in an area that is not drought declared, then they could apply for an Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declaration,” he said.

“While we acknowledge that some producers have suffered significant damage from the severe rain and flood events, the positive is that natural water courses and stock and irrigation water storages have

been replenished, along with excellent pasture growth that will see us through to the next wet season.

“Primary producers in the drought-revoked areas can now access freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment under the old Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS).”

Mr Furner said DRAS is in the stages of being phased out as new assistance programs are emerging.

“Droughts and floods are part of our climate cycle and now is the time to start preparing for future droughts,” he said.

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to terms with lifelong injuries.

“It’s a real reminder that your actions on the road can have real consequences.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said overall police were pleased with driver behaviour over the long weekend, but there were still many preventable incidents putting lives in danger.

“Our officers conducted 56,354 roadside breath tests, detecting 276 drivers who were drink driving and a further 195 driving under the influence of drugs,” he said.

“This is simply not acceptable – this is behaviour that puts their lives, their passengers and others in the community at risk.

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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is investigating additional measures to assist the release of extra greenfield housing sites, as well as incentives to generate greater numbers of rental housing in the existing urban areas, to the property market.

TRC Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said a report, (including financial and community impacts), detailing likely assistance measures would be prepared for consideration at the June committee meeting.

“Council is investigating measures to bring product through the residential development pipeline to market, such as temporary financial incentives (fees and infrastructure charges reductions), temporary planning instruments to streamline the development process and engineering solutions that could unlock more sites for medium density development in appropriate locations,” she said.

“We acknowledge that housing supply and housing rental stress are key issues being experienced in our community, that have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic changes.

“These challenges are not unique to the Toowoomba Region and are reflective of similar challenges being faced by communities across Australia.

“Despite a healthy land supply pipeline, Council acknowledges that

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there are market-based challenges being faced by the development industry which may impede development; especially in the medium density housing market that feeds rental accommodation vacancies.

“Some of these market challenges include: rising costs and availability of construction materials; civil contractor capacity and labour shortages; the cumulative effects of recent natural disaster recovery efforts and issues around the fragmentation of land and the willingness of existing owners to sell and develop land.

“Releasing additional land ahead of schedule will not help the housing supply situation. There is sufficient land available for residential development, but barriers such as economic conditions and other factors are affecting development and bringing housing to market.

“Council continues to meet with the development industry as part of ongoing discussions to address land supply concerns across the Region.

“Council must manage growth sustainably and responsibly and is actively planning for the future in developing a new

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

TRC to relieve housing stress through residential development assistance

The

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Toowoomba Regional Growth Plan and planning scheme.

“We invite feedback from the development industry

and our community for the new Toowoomba Regional Growth Plan during consultation starting on May 16, 2022.”

Training for at-risk youth marks 12 months

A skills and training program for young offenders and at-risk youths has marked its first year in Toowoomba.

Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linard said the Transition to Success (T2S) program in Toowoomba was one of twenty sites across Queensland providing alternative education and vocational training to prepare young offenders and at-risk teens for work.

“Toowoomba’s T2S program kicked off in May last year with a program to develop employability skills for at-risk youths,” she said.

“They’re now delivering their second T2S program with a range of partners including Toowoomba PCYC, local Indigenous artists, Queensland Fire Emergency Services and Carbal Medical Services.

“I thank the many hardworking staff who have supported young people these past twelve months while they found a new direction.

“And I extend a warm congratulations to the young people who are participating in this year’s program.”

Ms Linard said improving community safety takes sustained work – not just by the government, but by the community as well.

“What we see here is a partnership with business, community groups and organisations to generate positive change and to make this change enduring,” she said.

“Everything we do in Youth Justice is about community safety and getting at-risk young people back into education, training, or work.

“We know that when young people access these pathways, they are far less likely to commit crime.

“T2S does just that and I’m delighted to see Toowoomba’s program going from strength to strength.”

Toowoomba PCYC is one of the partners supporting T2S.

Sergeant Cam Crisp.

It delivers regular wellbeing sessions as well as transports young people to programs as part of the Safer Communities Program.

Toowoomba PCYC Club Manager Sergeant Cam Crisp said the wellbeing sessions helped young people better manage not only their physical, mental, and emotional health, but also gave them a greater sense of self-worth and confidence.

“We see young people getting their lives back on track as a result of this program,” Sergeant Crisp said.

“Toowoomba PCYC’s Safer Communities Program also supports T2S by assisting with transporting participants to the program. For some participants, this may be a barrier to their participation.”

A statewide evaluation of T2S in 2018 found more than two-thirds of graduates did not offend within 12 months of completing the program.

Last year more than 200 young people who were in the youth justice system or considered at risk graduated from T2S. This year, a vast range of programs are being delivered across the state with certificates for construction, hospitality, foundation skills, automotive, sports training, resources, and infrastructure.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 9

Bernborough Tavern

Black Toyota

Coops Pty Ltd

Michael Carpenter

Tim “The Tipper” Wicks

David Cooper “Coops”

Darling Downs Vets

Grand Hotel

The Oakey Champion

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION

2022

Sharks Panthers Sea Eagles Raiders Roosters Eels Storm Wests Tigers

Sharks Panthers Rabbitohs Raiders Roosters Eels Storm Wests Tigers

Score: 5 Total Score: 38

Score: 6 Total Score: 41

Score: 5 Total Score: 29

Phone 4692 0900

Phone 4691 1033

Phone 4691 5868

Phone 4691 9000

Phone 4691 1219

Mclean Care CWA House Oakey

Oakey Community Pharmacy

Oakey Family Dental

Oakey Pharmacy

Pat Weir MP

Gianna Kelly

Christopher Reeves

Nathan Jervis

Pat Weir

Broncos Titans Rabbitohs Warriors Bulldogs Cowboys Knights Dragons

Sharks Panthers Rabbitohs Warriors Roosters Eels Storm Dragons

Score: 3 Total Score: 27

Sharks Panthers Rabbitohs Warriors Roosters Eels Storm Wests Tigers

Phone 4691 1062

Score: 6 Total Score: 36

Score: 6 Total Score: 40

Phone 4564 7115

Phone 4691 1048

Phone 4570 4100

Oakey Men’s Bowls Club Results

On Thursday 14th April a Men’s Single Stableford was played for a Club Trophy.

Winner for Men was David Lowe 30; Men, Mark NEXT WEEK Dave Scutt 37 (ocb).

Peters 42; Ladies, Carmel Thursday 28th April, Approaches Men: 1/10, Cover 38.

Men’s Single Stableford for Dave Scutt; 2/11, Greg Rundown: Gary Shea, a Club Trophy.

Schull and Shane Hughes; Greg Buckley, Harry Cover, Ladies Single Stroke for 8/17, Errol Hartman.

Graham Elton.

Rose Edmunds Trophy.

Winner for Ladies was Pin shots Men: 3/12, Saturday 30th April, Robyn Purcell 37.

Matty Burgess; 4/13, Greg Final Round of H.L.O. at Approaches Ladies: Buckley; 8/17, Matty Cabarlah.

1/10, Val Hartland; 6/15, Burgess; approaches Men: Final names to Captain Ann Cass; 8/17, Robyn 7/16, Matty Burgess; 6/15, (0400 538 373), by Purcell 37.

Graham Elton. Approach Wednesday afternoon Sunday 24th April, Single Ladies: 7/16, Robyn please.

Stableford for Combined Drowley.

Sunday 1st May, Two Services and Tim Langston Members’ draw No. 42, Person Ambrose for trophies.

Steven Booth, not present.

Greg Schull and Dave Winner for Services was Next week $25.

Humphrey trophies.

Pennants Goombungee vs. Dalby at Dalby.

- Trent Peters

Results of Wednesday’s Triples: Winner: S. Tweedie’s team; Runnersup: Don, Picko and Jacko; B round: G. Usher’s team.

Competition results from Saturday April 23.

Fours: R. Henry, J. Harrison, I. Hedge and P. Rudken defeated D. Barfield, P. Wolski, P. Boyton and S. Bradford Champion Pairs: M. Hall/A. Jackson defeated L. Hudson/ G. Usher Senior Singles:

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Grawich with 84 net.

Runner-up was Andrew King with 79 net and the ball run down went to Mark Carter with 81 net.

Pin on No. 3 was won

by Andrew King and the pin on No. 12, which is donated by Andrew King, was won by Michael Rietveld.

Ladies’ winner was Joan Fisk with 82 net.

Saturday 30th April is the Oakey Senior Rugby League Golf Day. Sunday 1st May, the Members will play an 18 hole Stableford.

Sunday 1st May, the Men’s Handicap Pennants Oakey vs. Crows Nest at Oakey with hit-off at 8am.

Monday 2nd May, Oakey will host the Men’s Vets.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Sharks Panthers Rabbitohs Raiders Roosters Cowboys Storm Dragons

Score: 6 Total Score: 37

Score: 5 Total Score: 40

Goombungee Golf Club

Oakey Golf Club

Sharks Panthers Rabbitohs Raiders Roosters Cowboys Storm Dragons

OAKEY COMMUNITY PHARMACY

Phone 4691 1130

Wednesday 20th April, Ladies played an 18 hole Stroke, the winner being Iris Thompson with 77 net.

Runner-up was Christine Little with 79 net.

Front 9 was Marlene Deans with 16 (ocb), whilst the Back 9 was won by Joan Fisk with 16.

Wednesday 27th April the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the April Monthly Medal.

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April the Members played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the April Monthly Medal.

Winner of the Division 1 and the Monthly Mug was Michael Rietveld with 75 net. Winner of Division 2 was John

Kim Fleming

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Score: 6 Total Score: 41

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W. Patterson defeated T. Woodham Competition called for Saturday April 30.

“C” Singles final: M. Park vs. M. Hall (R. Krause) “A”Singles: P. Rudken vs. R. Stewart (I. Hedge) Consolation Singles: S. Bradford vs. P. Boyton (L. Hudson); G. Nash vs.

W. Patterson (J. Harrison) Senior Singles: B. Lucht vs. R. Henry (D. Barfield) COMING EVENTS Sunday May 29, Norm Crosisca Memorial Day

sponsored by Don Dreyer.

C/S Triples mixed or otherwise, 2 x 14 ends.

Names on the board please. Barbecue to follow bowls.

Sunday June 5, Oakey vs.

Peranga at Oakey, midday start. Names on the board please. Barbecue to follow bowls.

Bowlers please note that, as of May all competition will be called on Saturday and Sunday on play/sub/ forfeit conditions.

Page 10

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Raffle tickets to raise money for Oakey man diagnosed with cancer Oakey local Shane Williamson was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in February 2022.

Multiple Myeloma is a rare leukaemia that affects bone marrow.

Amyloidosic is symptom of the disease and it affects the tissue around organs, and in Shane’s case, the amyloidosic is attacking his heart.

As an immediate LEFT: Oakey man Shane Williamson.

Bernborough Pool and Darts

Below are the current scores for the Bernborough pool and darts season as of 13th April 2022.

Grand Hotel 1 has 23 points, Grand Hotel 2 has 29, Bernborough Tavern 1 has 16,

Bernborough Tavern 2 has 14 and Bernborough Tavern 3 has 18.

- Wayne

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result, Mr Williamson lost his income, which has been detrimental due to having a family of seven to support.

He has had to come to terms with the fact that work life is on hold for a few years, and perhaps forever.

Mr Williamson has been an active member within the Oakey community.

He’s been involved in the Oakey Commerce and Oakey Junior and Senior

Football Clubs.

In an effort to raise funds for Mr Williamson and his family, raffle tickets worth $25 are up for sale.

In turn, those who purchase tickets have the chance to win a TM6 Thermomix valued at $2,359.

To support Mr Williamson and have the chance to win a Thermomix, visit https:// shanewilliamsonstreatment. floktu.com/.

Oakey Social Golf

On Sunday we played VSS on the back nine with 23 players, the winner being Ted Lucht on +7 and runner-up was Peter Wolski on +6.

Pins/Approaches: 11, Over 60, W. Wirth, Under 60, P. Wolski; 13, P. Jones; 14, M. Morgan; 15, A. Palmer; 16, Under 60, M. Krahenbring, Over 60, W. Wirth; 17, B. Kuhl; 18, R. Mac Kenzie.

Long Drives: A Grade, M Krahenbring; B Grade, Sandra Lucht; Over 60, R. MacKenzie.

Members’ Draw number 26, Greg Little for $25 and was not present.

Raffles going to 66 and 67 both to Paul Jones.

NEXT WEEK Next week’s game, 1st May is a 2 Person Ambrose on the front nine with a 6.30 to 7am tee-off, due to pennants being played.

Money for the coast trip has to be paid by the end of May, so a deposit can be placed on the units.

29th May is our next trip away to Millmerran.

- Flynny / Macca

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Crash at Kingsthorpe in the IGA carpark

On Sunday, there was a car crash in the Kingsthorpe IGA carpark on Gowrie Street.

A spokesperson for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said the collision happened at 12.49pm.

They said QFES dispatched one crew to the scene.

However, the crew was only at the scene for eight minutes and no one involved required medical treatment.

The QFES crew left the scene along with police at approximately 1.07pm.

Chappy’s Chat April 2022

This article appears in “The Word for Today” published

by Vision Christian Media for ANZAC Day. As I was flicking through “The Word for Today” this morning, I saw this article written by Dr Graham McLennan, Cpl. Sydney University Regiment, Captain RAADC Vietnam National Serviceman.

It certainly took my interest.

‘As an infant watching Tasmanian soldiers depart for the Boer War, Bernard Law Montgomery told his mother he was going to be a soldier when he grew up.

Left for dead on the battlefield of Meteren during WW1, Captain Montgomery, not needing the grave already dug for him, went on to become

USQ introduces new agriculture department

The University of Southern Queensland has unveiled a new school dedicated to the study of agriculture and environmental science.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development, Fisheries and Rural Communities Mark Furner officially opened the school on Wednesday 20th April.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the new school highlights the University’s reputation for excellence in agriculture and environmental studies.

“The research-intensive school will enhance the profile of existing and new programs, emphasising our focus on agriculture as a flagship area,” she said.

“Study disciplines will include agricultural engineering, agricultural technology and

management, agricultural science, environmental science, horticulture, animal science, wildlife management, wine science and food science.

“We’ve also invested in the future by bringing in new degrees and majors, and are already seeing enrolment growth across the broader agricultural and environmental science programs.”

Head of the new school (Agriculture and Environmental Science) Professor Craig Baillie said his team was hard at work solidifying the connection between teaching, research, industries and community.

Professor Baillie said the purpose of the new

school is to develop university coursework that suits the needs of and is highly regarded by the industry.

“From on farm automation to artificial intelligence guided agricultural modelling, through to management of biosecurity risks, we’re proud to deliver thinking that works,” he said.

Two new programs within the school were launched this year – the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management and the Bachelor of Environmental Science.

A new major in Wildlife Management was also introduced.

the finest General in WW2, turning the tide against the previously invincible Rommel’s German Axis forces in North Africa, with famous battles such as El Alamein and Tobruk.

Montgomery, now Field Marshal, read two chapters of The Bible each day with devotions morning and evening, as observed by one journalist after the battle of El Alamein: “This was total war, waged with more weight, power and concentration than the Nazi war machine ever had encountered and directed by a master of total war – a man who said his prayers in his desert tent night and morning and quoted the Bible to his troops to make them better fighters.”

Montgomery’s father had been the Bishop of Hobart at the turn of the 20th Century and his mother revealed in a Bible Success booklet written in 1945: “I brought my children up to learn a verse of The Bible every morning before breakfast.

“It may be that Field Marshal Montgomery’s knowledge and love of the Bible starts from this fact.

“As is well known, the two books he carries with him are The Bible and Pilgrim’s Progress...

Let us pray that The Bible, God’s Word to us, may again take its rightful place in our hearts and homes.”’

(A free introductory copy of “The Word for Today” may be obtained from Vision Christian Media or your local church.)

- Lesley Hughes, Secretary, Oakey and District Christian Leader’s Network

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 11

Have your say on grains research

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is seeking growers and industry input to plan for the future.

The Corporation is asking Australian producers where they think Australian grains research, development and extension (RD&E) should focus to help ensure the longevity and profitability of the country’s growers.

GRDC said this is the multi-million dollar question it is now asking the industry.

GRDC invests more than $180 million per year on behalf of the nation’s grain growers to drive the discovery, development

GRDC Chair and Goondiwindi Grain Grower John Woods.

and delivery of world-class innovation.

It aims to deliver new and improved crop varieties, farming practices, technologies and capabilities that support the enduring profitability of the country’s 22,000-plus grain farming operations.

The organisation is now asking grain growers, advisers, researchers and industry stakeholders to have input into GRDC’s new five-year-plan that will guide investment into RD&E from 2023-28.

This “grain storming” stage will be the first opportunity for growers to contribute their insights and perspective on the drivers, threats and opportunities for the grains industry.

GRDC Chair John Woods said it was critical

that industry had an opportunity to be involved and engaged in the development of the plan.

“Grain growers manage about four per cent of the Australian continent covering an estimated 22.4 million hectares, and this year growers will contribute more than $20 billion to the national economy, so they play an important part in delivering economic and environmental outcomes on behalf of the broader community,” he said.

Recognising people are busy, GRDC will provide multiple opportunities for consultation and feedback between now and February 2023.

To find out more or have your say, visit https:// rdeplan.grdc.com.au/ consultation.

Get on top of rabbit problems

This is your post Easter bunny reminder that now is the time to get on top of rabbit problems.

Although numbers have fallen with the floods impacting warrens and harbours, rabbits breed fast and one pair can become 12 or more in a month.

Rabbits are one of Australia’s major agricultural and environmental pests, costing approximately $200 million annually.

Rabbits eat pasture and crops, compete with native animals, cause soil erosion and prevent regeneration of native vegetation.

Some of the most common places to find rabbits living are in tussock grasses and areas littered with fallen timber, as well as underneath buildings, in old machinery and storage

containers and in old waste facilities.

According to the state government website, south west and north west Darling Downs is listed as having a moderate problem with rabbits.

To stop rabbits from eating your profits, search for signs of their presence and keep areas where they can breed ripped or fenced off.

To learn more about rabbits and how to control them in Queensland, visit https://www.business.qld. gov.au/industries/farmsfishing-forestry/agriculture/ land-management/healthpests-weeds-diseases/pests/ invasive-animals/restricted/ rabbit.

Grants for dairy industry Have you seen Limnocharis? to manage information

Are you aware of someone growing Limnocharis (Limnocharis flava) or sawah lettuce to eat or sell?

Two grants from the federal government totalling $1.034 million will help the dairy industry manage products and pricing.

The grants aim to assist farmers with tracking and tracing product and prices through the supply chain and roll out education to create greater market transparency.

A total of $814,000 will go to Australian Dairy Farmers and $220,000 will go towards Dairy Australia.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the projects would enable greater efficiency and transparency across the supply chain.

“These grants to Australian Dairy Farmers and Dairy Australia are designed to help farmers make better decisions using better price and market information,” he said.

Mr Littleproud said

the funding will improve access to consolidated market data throughout the supply chain in line with the recently introduced Australian Dairy Traceability Guidelines.

“The project will remove manual data entry and duplicated reporting – getting the IT systems involved to talk to one another so that better data is more quickly available to the farmer and supply chain participants, even in real time,” he said.

“The vision is to use technology to speed up the feedback loop on product and price movement including associated processes like milk test results– which is not just valuable feedback for the

farmer on the herd but potentially speeds payment for the milk.

“Processors will know exactly how much milk is at each farm, which will assist with logistics and milk payments.

“Both projects align with a recent Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Inquiry recommendation for government and industries to explore greater market and price transparency following an inquiry into Perishable Agricultural Goods industries.”

The projects are supported by Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd, the Australian Dairy Processors Federation and Dairy Australia.

Limnocharis is a banned weed in Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

It is illegal to keep, grow, sell or move Limnocharis.

The weed is native to Central and South America, namely Mexico, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina.

Limnocharis is an anchored aquatic plant that grows in wetlands and restricts water flow which displaces native plants and animals.

Plants grow up to one metre above the water line and are recognised by their three-petalled yellow flowers that are cupshaped.

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Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Oakey Resident ‘Pat Kelly’ turns 100 Alice Patricia Kelly (Pat) was born January 15, 1922 in Dalby and now resides in Oakey’s CWA House.

Oakey personnel visit Pat on Friday 22nd April.

She grew up on the family farm, Kelton, at Tipton (east of Cecil Plains).

Her sister Pam was 18 months younger, so the girls would play together and help with chores in the dairy and around the house.

The Tipton school was established in 1929 on five acres Mr Kelly had donated.

Pat and Pam were now helping in the dairy before and after school and the teacher couldn’t understand how the Kelly girls were often late for school even though they

lived the closest.

After Pat left school she would help plough and seed the paddocks, and later sew the wheat bags during harvest time.

There were always fences to help mend and cattle and sheep to round up.

When the Tipton post office was moved to Kelton for Mrs Kelly to operate, Pat and Pam helped with the sorting of mail and operating the manual telephone exchange.

There was also the social side of growing up in a rural district with tennis

Pat WEIR MP

Member for Condamine

Working for our community (07) 4570 4100 101 Campbell Street, Oakey QLD 4401 PO Box 65, Oakey QLD 4401 condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au patweir.com.au /PatWeirMP

matches, picnics on the river with neighbours and the annual Church of England Ball at Cecil Plains.

Pat’s much younger sister, Val had stayed with their cousin in Toowoomba who had introduced her to morse code.

On her return to Kelton she showed her two sisters what she had learnt, and the girls were impressed and keen to do a course.

This led to independence and adventure as they had heard wireless telegraphists were urgently needed in the war effort, as male wireless telegraphists were now in short supply.

Pat and Pam enrolled in a telegraphist’s course in Dalby, then applied to join the WAAAF as wireless telegraph operators.

Pat enlisted on June 26, 1942 and trained in Melbourne.

Her first posting was to Parkes, but she applied for a transfer to Townsville where she worked as a wireless operator at Garbutt air base.

Pat met Brian, a Warrant Officer in the RAAF, during her time in Townsville.

Pat’s father had encouraged his girls to follow his lead and apply for soldier settlement blocks, as they had served with the WAAAF and were entitled to do so.

They had a sound knowledge of agricultural practices and a desire to own their own farms.

On May 25, 1948, Pat drew a block of 810 acres at Jondaryan.

She was the first woman to do so, but did not move

Pat celebrating her 100th birthday in CWA House, Oakey. onto it until later.

In the meantime Pat’s father Roy helped her with the basic items to start farming the block.

Pat and Brian married in Dalby on June 21, 1949 and they lived in the workman’s cottage on the neighbouring block until their house and shed were built.

They concentrated their efforts on sheep and wool production, and thankfully luck was on their side as the sheep produced twins each time and the stock numbers grew quickly.

Later they went into grain farming and beef cattle.

Pat was a keen golfer and was a foundation member

of Oakey Golf Club in the days when the clubhouse was on the OakeyKingsthorpe Road.

Pat was proud of her service and became involved in the Jondaryan sub branch of the RSL Women’s League.

In late 2021 she moved into CWA House in Oakey where she currently resides.

Brian passed away in January 2006.

He had 2 children from his first marriage, and Brian and Pat had 4 children together.

Those children have produced 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

- Robyn Gale

Air conditioning now in all Darling

Downs state schools

Every single classroom, library and staff room in each state school across the Darling Downs South West region is now air conditioned.

This was part of the state government’s $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program.

Acting Premier Steven Miles announced the achievement had been delivered early and before the start of Term 2, 2022.

“We promised Queenslanders that we would air condition every classroom, library and staff room in every Queensland state school and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” he said.

“Around 10,000 spaces in 649 Queensland state schools have been air conditioned.

“Due for completion in June 2022, all installations were completed over two months ahead of schedule to ensure students and staff could enjoy air conditioned spaces from the start of

Term 2.

“We know that students learn best when they’re in cooler and comfortable learning environments.

“I know there will be some happy teachers, parents, students and staff across Queensland today.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said 85 state schools throughout Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs and Goondiwindi local government areas benefitted from the program.

“Out of 1,258 Queensland state schools, 649 schools were assessed as needing air conditioning to classrooms, staff rooms and libraries,” she said.

“The government has invested around $12.3 million to get the job done across the region.

“Our Cooler Cleaner

Schools Program supported around 1,000 jobs during the height of the pandemic.

Toowoomba State High School Principal Ashley Roediger said the new air conditioning was very well received by the local school community, particularly given the local climate.

“All our classrooms, the library, and performing arts centre, have been fully air conditioned since late 2021,” he said.

“It has really improved the conditions for learning right across the school.

“Toowoomba summers are extremely hot and our

winters are very cold so it’s fantastic to now have temperature-controlled teaching spaces.

“I’d also like to thank our P&C for their hard work raising funds to purchase air conditioning units in previous years.”

Ms Grace said $71 million of the funding will be spent over the next three years as part of installing solar panels in schools.

For more information on the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program, visit https://altqed.qed.qld.gov.au/programsinitiatives/department/ building-education/majorprojects/cooler-cleaner-schools

Do you have any stories or tips for our newsroom?

Submit them to our journalist Chloe via email at editorial@oakeychampion.com.au

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