Oakey Champion - 28th September 2022

Oakey garden scores grand champion title

Spring has well and truly sprung, with gardens all over the Toowoomba Region blooming beautiful flowers as part of this year’s Carnival of Flowers festival.

Long time Oakey

residents Wayne and Narelle Schick are seasoned professionals who have secured many wins over the years in the Regional section of the annual Carnival Garden Competition.

This year the pair took home a whopping five titles for their efforts: Regional Grand Champion, Regional Sustainable Garden Winner, Regional Large Residential Winner, Regional Back Garden

Winner and third place for Regional Small Space. Wayne and Narelle have lived in Oakey for 37 years and have entered the competition almost every year.

Continued on page 12.

Oakey residents Wayne and Narelle Schick took home a collection of awards and accolades for their garden in this year’s Carnival of Flowers Garden Competition.

Wayne and Narelle Schick at their Oakey home holding their grand champion trophy.

Multiple stolen vehicles, one driven through fence

Senior Constable Ken Cahill said a vehicle was stolen from the business at the time.

He said another car was located burnt out nearby in Gayle Street, Oakey.

Police are also investigating the theft of a Toyota Landcruiser stolen from a Gowrie Mountain property.

This vehicle was observed entering several properties in the Jondaryan and Oakey areas on Wednesday September 21.

The vehicle was later abandoned after it ran into a fence at a Lorrimer Street property in Oakey (pictured)

Ute falls off tow truck

Last week, Oakey Police responded to a towed ute colliding with a property’s fence on the side of the Warrego Highway.

Police are investigating a break and enter at a Gayle Street business in the early hours of Monday morning.

Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area should contact Oakey Police or Crimestoppers.

The empty ute that crashed into a fence near the Farmfest site last Wednesday.

Oakey Police attended the crash on the Highway near the Farmfest site on Wednesday.

They said preliminary investigations show a Great Wall utility vehicle was being towed by a tilt

tray truck when its hitch broke causing the utility to leave the road and impact the fence on the adjacent property.

Senior Constable Ken Cahill confirmed that no persons were injured.

New laws for passing emergency crews

roads, a passing driver will need to change lanes to vacate the lane that is

nearest to the emergency response vehicle, if safe to do so; or if unsafe to change lanes then move over as far as possible within their lane and slow down to a safe speed.

When on a single lane, the passing driver must move over as far as possible within their lane and slow down to a safe speed.

Types of vehicles the new laws cover are:

Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance, Queensland Fire and other emergency services including Fire and Rescue Service, Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Transport and Main Roads compliance vehicles, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator compliance vehicles, Breakdown assistance providers, Tow trucks, Roadside assistance, for example RACQ or other vehicles that provide a similar service and are clearly marked.

The penalty for not moving over and slowing down will be $431 and three demerit points.

Oakey Police

community

in stolen cars, with one such vehicle severely damaging a fence on

The collapsed fence of a Lorrimer Street property caused by an abandoned stolen car.

A young spring blossom spotted at Kingsthorpe near the old railway building.

- Photo, Russ Thomas

New laws have been introduced requiring motorists to move over and slow down when passing a stationary emergency response vehicle displaying blue, red, magenta or yellow flashing lights at the roadside.

Thew new ‘move over, slow down’ laws aim to protect emergency

response personnel when working at the roadside. When on multi-lane

Wet weather set to ease

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has released a statement indicating that recent wet weather is set to ease in Queensland by the end of the week.

Generally low to moderate rainfall is forecast, mostly through Victoria and south-east NSW.

However, the BOM is warning catchments on the east coast are very wet and many dams are at capacity, so waterways will be very sensitive to any future

rainfall.

The low-pressure system and trough are expected to move offshore on Thursday, with conditions generally easing.

However, onshore flow will likely enhance rainfall around the NSW South Coast going into next weekend.

Woolshed petition accepted by Council

At last Tuesday’s (20th September) Ordinary Meeting of Council, Councillors unanimously accepted the petition to prevent the relocation of on any old buildings from the Jondaryan Woolshed site.

Cr James O’Shea presented the petition at the meeting, which was sent to the Toowoomba Regional Council by Oakey man Douglas Doelle.

“The petition draws to the attention of Council not to remove any old buildings and all other items from the Jondaryan Woolshed,” Cr O’Shea said.

“The petition asks Council to ‘leave all old buildings and all other items at the Jondaryan Woolshed, additionally

we want the Jondaryan Woolshed to open before Christmas 2022. If there are any safety issues with any of the buildings, surely they can be fenced off.’

“That’s the wording of the petition which I have with a number of signatures which I’m happy to show.”

There were no comments made by any of the Councillors nor any discussion following the reading of the petition, which was accepted unanimously.

Local Country Music Showcase

Gowrie Little Plain Hall is featuring three of Australia’s best award winning artists, Lindsay Waddington, Ken Lindsay and Allan Caswell on the 8th October from 7.30pm.

Lindsay Waddington is one of the industry’s most respected and highly decorated artists, a producer and instrumentalist who has won a long list of awards.

Ken Lindsay or “Chainsaw” as he is known has been heavily involved in community radio for over 25 years and is one of Australia’s leading Bush Balladeers.

Allan Caswell is Australia’s most recorded songwriter who is best known for his world wide hit “On The lnside”

ln 2020, Allan won his 8th Golden Guitar and has been a finalist a record 44 times.

Tickets cost $20 and include supper and a lucky door ticket.

Call Shirley on 4630 4384 to make a booking.

Inland Rail coming through Oakey?

The Department said this extension will complement the primary Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail route by creating a betterconnected rail freight network, increased

export opportunities for the resource sector and agriculture producers, as well as defer the need to invest in a dedicated freight rail corridor to the Port of Brisbane.

According to a map published by the Queensland Department of Main Roads and Transport (above), the proposed Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project route will go through Toowoomba and out to Oakey before turning and heading southbound.

However, new proposed plans to extend the project up to Gladstone could see the route stretch out west past Oakey along the Warrego Highway until Miles before turning north.

The state government is undertaking a business case to assess the viability of an extension to Gladstone, citing potential economic growth and development for regional towns along the proposed route.

The Australian and Queensland governments are exploring ways to supplement the planned Inland Rail project by assessing the need for a Toowoomba to Gladstone Inland Rail Extension, which is set to go through Oakey.

Maclus Pty Ltd Part II: New cattle yards

New cattle yards at Oakey (situated on Devon Park-Boundary Road not far from Oakey - Cooyar Road) were officially opened on Thursday, September 26, 1974 at 2.45pm by Mrs. Lorna J. Keong, wife of the late Mr. Fred Keong.

The new yards were established by Maclus Pty Ltd as a central selling point for Oakey, where weekly cattle sales could be conducted.

Maclus Pty Ltd managing director Mr. Ian MacDiarmid said it was felt the decision to establish the new yards was in the best interests of the company’s clients and the company itself.

With the establishment of the new yards, it was hoped that livestock sales would increase that year.

The management of Maclus had asked Mrs. Keong particularly to officiate at the function as a mark of respect for the great contribution made to the livestock industry by her late husband and herself.

Mr. MacDiarmid said most livestock agents, graziers and farmers on the Downs and South mid-West could be forever grateful to the Keong family for their assistance and contribution to the livestock industry.

At that time, the Keong meatworks was still making its presence felt in the area and was contributing in no small way to the economy of the Oakey district.

On May 29, 1987, Japanese owned Nippon Meat Packers Australia purchased the Oakey Abattoir.

The company believed the purchase was a good investment since Oakey had a long history for quality products.

How long Maclus remained in business

in Oakey is beyond my knowledge, but I think they were gone by the early 1980s.

Maybe someone else might be able to shed some

light on their demise from the town?

- Valerie Weise-Young

The new cattle yards at Oakey (top) and a reciept showing their business logo (below).

- Photo, Valerie Weise-Young

Oakey Community Fun Day and Murder Mystery

In the morning, guests were treated to a huge variety of market stalls and free goodies, from snow cones, to sausage sizzles and steak sandwiches.

Accompanied by music and a range of games and activities, including a highly sought after basketball competition, Oakey youth filled the skatepark to join the fun.

Chappy Sharon said after lunch, kids put on their thinking caps to solve a murder mystery game by collecting clues hidden around the town.

“It’s all about getting the kids to learn who all the local businesses are,” she said.

Sharon said the activity, which has been described as being like Cludeo, promotes community togetherness.

“It builds social interaction and gets them amongst the community and talking to customers and staff,” she said.

“It’s similar to Amazing Race-style game we did at the last community day in July, where they too had to find clues by visiting different shops and businesses.”

The local businesses which signed up to be involved were Oakey Electrical, Hamlyn’s Meats, Engineering Hair,

Letters To the Editor

PUZZLED

To the Editor,

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition about the Jondaryan Woolshed.

It was passed without any opposition at a Council meeting.

Secondly, I can’t understand the logic of Councillors and the Mayor of Toowoomba for voting to give a $21,000 grant to an equestrian club with only 80 members instead of using the money to fix Oestriech Road, Wellcamp where people’s lives are put in danger from the terrible condition of the road.

They can’t get their garbage collected, mail delivered, Telstra can’t fix their phones, emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks can’t get down there - so why are they giving a private equestrian club $21,000 as a grant?

What a joke that this Mayor and the Councillors voted to give our money away to a private club.

Thank you to the five or so Councillors who voted against the decision.

Douglas Doelle, Oakey

To the Editor, After many public

meetings in 1951 and 1952, the members of the public of Oakey undertook to bring Girl Guiding to the town and district.

That was 70 years ago.

The former School of Arts building was bought and the Girl Guide Hut has been located at 5 Creek Street since then.

Over the years, numbers were strong with two Guide Units, two Brownie Guide Units and a Ranger Guide unit.

A great deal of support for the movement came from the resident Army families, from where a value on the skills and training offered to the girls was regarded as important in the development of the girls.

After Army personnel moved their places of residence to other areas like Highfields and Toowoomba, the numbers in the Girl Guide Movement started a decline, but there have also been times when numbers increased.

Dedicated leaders have always given unselfishly of their time to provide programs for the girls of the area.

At present, three dedicated leaders are struggling to come to terms with the time they expend on a handful

OMGosh, Great Country Pies Bakery, Lorrimers and the Oakey Newsagency.

Each business had a secret clue on their premises

of girls when, in their own private lives, they could be doing other things.

Maintenance costs, rates, power and insurance of the property have blasted beyond reality for a small number of families to support.

Much of the fund-raising for the group was gained from events in the district, but due to Covid lockdowns and cancellation of events, the income has diminished markedly.

The question to Oakey residents, to families with girls aged 5 years to 18 years, is: ‘Do you want the Girl Guide Movement to continue in Oakey?’

Advertisements have been put in papers, flyers have been handed out, but there seems to be little response.

The group at present is not viable financially, due to factors stated above and its future is being questioned by the State Council of Girl Guides Queensland.

If you feel that Girl Guiding in Oakey should continue after the end of 2022, please let the District Manager, Bianca Bidgood, phone 0407 132 381, or the Region Manager, Debbie Camilleri, phone 0412 101 372, know.

This is a sad state to be in and the movement has had fluctuation in membership over the years, but it is still existing, even if we could

and players had to visit all of the businesses and find all the murder mystery clues, take a photo of it as proof and then use

say, struggling.

Please consider the values that the largest Girls Only organisation in the world can offer the girls of this area of Queensland, so that decisions made will be in line with the wishes of the members of our district.

Bianca Bidgood Oakey District Leader, Girl Guides

MINING

To the Editor, I have noticed recent editions of The Champion extolling the virtues of Stage 3 coal mine at Acland.

I, and others have noted the uncritical repeat of claims made by New Hope about the ‘benefits’ of the mine.

It is plain to see that there are still those who support coal and gas mining the Darling Downs.

It is also clear that as the rest of the world moves away from coal there are a growing number of locals who believe that the Darling Downs is for farming.

They include those who live and work the farms around the Acland mine, and those who farm the plains currently under threatened by gas mining from Petro China owned Arrow energy.

The Linc Energy disaster and the fact that farmers are unable to obtain insurance after fracking is proof positive of the

the clues to uncover how the murder happened by announcing their predictions back at the skatepark.

incompatibility of mining and farming.

This is especially true at Acland.

It has been pointed out to me that New Hope’s ‘prize winning rehabilitation’ referred to was on land over the old underground workings.

It is much harder, if not impossible to rehabilitate open cut mined land, and no one seems to want to acknowledge that the rehabilitation plan for Stage 3 is to have large voids, gradually filling with groundwater over the next 300 years.

That fact is in New Hope’s Environmental Impact Statement.

Billions of litres of groundwater to be interfered with and lost to farmers also

Both Kat and Sha ron said they want to keep organising these community events during future school holidays.

barely rate a mention.

The loss of local dairy farms, including the biggest in Queensland, would be a blow from which Oakey and district would never recover.

New Hope may have convinced the Resources Minister that during 20 years of mining Oakey prospered, but everyone knows mining did not really bring an economic boom, or even keep the shops open.

There is no way that will change if the mine reopens.

Some people may benefit in the short term from mining, but the Oakey Coal Action Alliance is not finished and will not give up protecting the land, water and opportunities available for all in future generations.

Paul King, Oakey Coal Action Alliance Secretary

A life of peaceful service has come to an end.

The passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been felt deeply by the people of Australia, especially those in our region.

It was touching to read the heartfelt condolences left at our office and see the floral tributes in her memory.

Many residents still fondly remember her Oakey and Toowoomba visit during her coronation tour in 1954.

I was honoured to recount stories from this special time during a condolence motion in

Parliament and to represent our region at the National Memorial Service. The extraordinary love and respect the people of Toowoomba Region have for Her Majesty, and her life of service, has seen many offering ideas for a local monument in her honour.

Suggestions have included a statue at Queens Park, a garden bed with plaque, and a sundial.

I’m keen to hear your ideas, so please contact my office.

Michael

OAKEY GIRL GUIDES

Last Wednesday 21st September, PCYC Youth Connect Coordinator Kat Medland and School Chappy Sharon teamed up to bring Oakey youth a fun-filled day meeting new friends and exploring the town.

Oakey Electrical’s Andrew Langton holding one of the clues, a bottle of pills.

One team of eager detectives!

CELEBRATE SENIORS MONTH THIS OCTOBER

Throughout the month of October people of all ages, cultures, and abilities will come together and connect, celebrating the essential roles that older people play in our communities.

Queensland is gearing up to enjoy the second annual Queensland Seniors Month. From humble beginnings sixtytwo years ago, this statewide celebration has outgrown its nine-day week and has become a month-long event.

Did you know that 1 in 3 seniors have reported feeling lonely? Or that 1 in 3 seniors live alone and are at increased risk for social isolation and/or loneliness?

This is why the continued theme of Social Connections remains incredibly relevant at any age.

HOST YOUR OWN SENIORS MONTH EVENT

Are you planning an event or activity for Seniors Month 2022? Let people know what is happening in their area by registering to the website and submitting your event details.

It’s FREE and you can submit as many events as you like, as long as they are held in October 2022.

By registering to the website you’ll not only be able to submit your events and activities, you’ll also be able to edit your event details if need. Visit https:// qldseniorsmonth.org.au/login/ to register an event.

QUEENSLAND’S LARGEST SUNDAY ROAST

Combating social isolation and loneliness, one fork at a time. On Sunday 16 October we are calling for Queenslanders of all ages to come together by raising a fork and connecting over a meal with another, creating Queensland’s Largest Roast.

Imagine gathering Queensland households near and far with people of all ages to sit down to a big meal reconnecting after a long week. The wonderful thing about food is that it has the ability to surpass physical and language barriers, allowing us to share our stories of life, culture, and creativity.

So, invite your older friends and family, reach out to your neighbours and come together on Sunday 16 October to create Queensland’s Largest Sunday Roast.

MOVE YOUR BODY AND MEET NEW PEOPLE?

Moving your body is important at every age! That’s why Oakey ParkRun aims to get the whole community into the routine of staying fit by regularly meeting up every Saturday morning for their 5km course.

It’s not a race and there’s no pressure to complete the course within a certain time frame.

If participating in the course is not your thing, don’t stress as Oakey ParkRun is always looking for volunteers to help facilitate the event! Visit their Facebook to get in contact.

Come along every Saturday morning to walk, jog or run the course at Arthur Shooter Park, Oakey! Make sure to register first before participating https://www.parkrun.com.au/oakey/

SENIORS BENEFITS

Seniors in the Toowoomba Region are entitled to a suite of benefits.

What benefits does Council offer?

Pensioners are entitled to a discount on their rates account for their principal place of residence.

Toowoomba Regional Council sets a fixed remission amount each year and grants a $70 per annum remission of the water infrastructure charge.

To qualify for the rebate, seniors must hold a current Queensland Pensioner Concession card (issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs) or

a Department of Veterans’ Affairs gold card.

To apply for the pension rebate, please visit one of the Council’s many Customer Service Centres to make an application.

What benefits does the state government offer?

If you are 65 years or older and working less than 35 hours a week in paid employment, you might be eligible for a seniors card.

A seniors card offers certain Queensland Government concessions, discounts on goods and services at participating outlets and access to the free Senior Shopper service.

To apply for a seniors card or to find out more information about other benefits, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-financeconcessions/seniors-card.

BUILDING YOUR TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

If you would like to become more proficient with emerging digital technologies such as computers, smartphones, laptops and iPads, come along to the FREE workshops held at the Oakey Library.

Free technology classes are now available at libraries across the Toowoomba Region where friendly trainers will help people with limited or no computer experience gain new skills and confidence.

See below for all of the upcoming technology classes at the Oakey Library throughout October.

All 1-on-1 technology classes are 30 minutes in duration and will be held from 10.00am to 11.30am for each day.

Introduction to smartphones, tablets and laptops;

- 06 October 2022

- 13 October 2022

- 20 October 2022

- 27 October 2022

Bookings are essential as places are limited.

For more information or to book a session, call the Oakey Library on 4692 0154.

Be on the lookout for more technology classes taking place during the rest of the year if you would like to continue developing your skills in other areas like video calling.

THINGS FOR OAKEY SENIORS TO DO

JOIN ONE OF THE MANY CLUBS OAKEY HAS TO OFFER - THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Have some spare time and want to give back to the community? Become a member of the Lions Club of Oakey.

Lions members regularly volunteer in the community through fundraising events for needy causes.

The club also welcomes non-members to its weekly Tuesday bingo sessions starting at 10.00am sharp and the Friday book and DVD swap from 9.30-11.00am.

The club is also renowned for the monthly markets in the Oakey Railway Station carpark held on the third Sunday of each month.

Do you have a special interest? Then check out the Oakey Historical Museum Society, Oakey Urban Landcare, the Men’s Shed, QCWA, TOMNET or the Oakey Art Group for something fun to do!

Each group is run by dedicated volunteers who prioritise social connectivity and community and are always looking for new members.

Visit https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/About/ Suburb/Queensland/Oakey for a full list of local clubs and organisations.

The Oakey Railway Station is open every day except for Sunday, thanks to the hard work of local volunteers.

If you want to learn about nearby attractions, things to do or just want to have a chat, pop down to the Information Centre at 176 Bridge Street, Oakey from 10.00am-4.00pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and 10.00am2.00pm Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Centre regularly hosts free trivia and bingo each Thursday morning from 10.00am where you can help yourself to tea and coffee. The next Trivia is tomorrow (Thursday 29th September) and the next Bingo will be next Thursday 6th October.

MESSAGE TO LOCAL SENIORS FROM OUR LEADERS

State member for Condamine Pat Weir wishes a Happy Seniors Month to all the older members of the Condamine Electorate.

“Your contribution to the community in which you live is acknowledged, appreciated and celebrated by all. Our lives are not back to normal with COVID-19 providing challenges never seen before so thank you for your resilience and strength of character to push through this difficult time.”

Federal member for Groom Garth Hamilton said older people are the backbone of volunteering across the country.

“In my role I’m lucky enough to visit community groups across my electorate, and I’m always struck by the number of senior citizens selflessly giving their time to their smooth running. This Seniors Week I’d encourage everyone to join me in celebrating our senior citizens, and the wealth of skills, care, and life experience that they bring to our communities.”

Celebrating Seniors in theCondamine Electorate

I acknowledge and commend the contribution that seniors make through their hard work and dedication to our local communities

POOLS

Electric truck to join fleet

MATTRESSES OVERLAYS FOAM

CUT TO

Residents of the Toowoomba Region will soon notice an electric waste truck on the streets of Toowoomba’s CBD thanks to a new waste contract awarded to J. J. Richards Waste and Recycling.

D.I.Y.

Water and Waste Portfolio Lead Cr Nancy Sommerfield said she was delighted the new 12 year waste contract had been approved which included the new electric park, street and CBD collections vehicle.

truck in the fleet,” she said.

Council also confirmed the short-term contract to Re.Group for the provision of recycling processing.

D.I.Y.

“The new contract will ensure an environmentally friendly service thanks to the inclusion of the electric

“The short-term contract was awarded for recycling processing services because TRC intends to provide for a Materials Recovery Facility in the very-near future,” Cr Sommerfield said.

CUT TO

MATTRESSES

OVERLAYS UPHOLSTERY CRAFT FOAM

OVERLAYS UPHOLSTERY

FOAM TAPES CARPET / VINYL POLYSTYRENE STOPPERS

Whopper Woolshed Cent Sale next year

Friends of Jondaryan Woolshed are asking the community to save the date for what’s expected to be a huge cent sale held inside the Jondaryan Woolshed.

CRAFT FOAM

FOAM

FOAM TAPES

“Don’t be a fool, spend April 1st 2023 with us at the Jondaryan Woolshed to raise funds,” Secretary Graham Turner said.

CRAFT FOAM

CARPET / VINYL POLYSTYRENE STOPPERS INDOOR OUTDOOR

“We have organised a lot of the stalls and items, but if anyone or any organisations would like to have their own stall there we will have

space.

“We will provide lunch and the cent sale will take place afterwards throughout the afternoon.”

For information or to book at stall, email gmga. turner@gmail.com.

Additional information will be revealed in the lead up to the event.

The Clifton CourierClifton

Oakey Champion

On Our Selection NewsOn Our Selection News

Pamela Jean Klein

journalist to take up duties within our newspaper group, which includes 5 publications across the Darling Downs.

Goombungee Golf Club

Eclectic Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winner was Dave Lowe with 24 points and approaches: 2/11, David Scutt; 5/14, David Cass; 8/17, David Cass.

Ladies Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winner was Robyn Purcell with 34 points and approaches: 2/11, Gloria Scott; 5/14, Robyn Drowley; 8/17, Jan Mullins. Handicap Matchplay result: Ann Cass defeated Jan Mullins 3/2.

Sunday 25th September, Single Stroke, Monthly Medal for a Club Trophy.

Winner for Men was Bill Robertson with 63 nett and winner for Ladies was Val Drowley with 70 nett. Rundown: Harry Cover, Graham Elton, Mark Peters, Jim Groat, David Schloss. Best Gross Men was Mark Peters and for Ladies Val and Robyn Drowley. Pin shots Men: 3/12, Bill Robertson; 4/13, Trent Peters; 8/17, Mark Peters. Approaches: 6/15, Trent Peters; 1/10, no winner; 2/11, Graham Elton. Ladies approaches: 6/15, Robyn Drowley; 3/12, Carmel Cover.

Congratulations to the

Zone 3, A Grade Champion, Matty Burgess.

Members’ draw No. 11, Robyn Drowley, who was present, so this week it’s back to $5.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 29th September, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Ladies Flag Competition for Chris Tannock Trophy.

Sunday 2nd October, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Please note: Mixed Foursomes put back one week to 9th October.

- Trent Peters

Oakey Social Golf Results

On Sunday 25th September we played a Single Stab with 32 players on the front nine. The winner was Graham Byers on 25 points on count back to Mark Morgan on 25 points. The winners of the pins/approaches were: 1, R. MacKenzie; 2, Brett McDonald; 3, Matt Park; 5, A. Palmer; 6, A. Cherry; 7, Over 60, N. Richards; Under 60, T. Boyd; 8, P. Morgan; 9, Brett McDonald. Long Drives: A Grade, S. Petrie; B Grade, G. Little; Over 60, P Morgan.

Members’ draw was 12,

Peter Morgan and he was present for $30.

Raffles going to numbers 70, A. Park and 2, JB.

For next week’s game on 2nd October, we go to Gatton Golf Club for 18 holes for $50 per person including cart.

Tee off is at 7.30am, so try and be there by 7am so we can do the draw.

The Social Club would like to welcome Noel Richards, Bob Pearce and Brendan McDonald to our team.

Jake

Thursday 22nd September, Men’s 9Hole

- Flynny/Macca

Mark Morgan and Graham Byers.

Weekly sheep and cattle market wrap

The national public holiday last Thursday and the Victorian public holiday last Friday put a hold on some key markets, however Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) advise that as yardings ease and throughput for indicators is reduced, the market will strengthen.

Numbers in Roma rose this week by 4,091 head with good quality stock presenting at the yards.

Roma contributed 35 per cent to the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and traded 12¢ above the national average.

Sheep slaughter continues to increase moving into spring, reaching 111,370 head this week to crack the 100,000

head mark for the second week in a row.

Lamb slaughter has also seen an uptick, hitting unseasonable highs at volumes 13 per cent above year-ago levels.

Meanwhile, cattle slaughter held firm at 88,564 head this week and Queensland cattle slaughter eased slightly week-on-week by 1,042 head.

Oakey Show Society Dryland Winter Crop Competition

Despite numerous rainfall events across the district throughout the year resulting in many wet paddocks not allowing for winter crops to be planted, the majority of the cereal and legume crops are rapidly developing with the full moisture profiles.

Competition Coordinator Graham Cooke advises that current conditions combined with the outlook for more spring rain due throughout September and October will ensure potentially above average yields.

Mr Cooke said good returns are forecast due to the current buoyant prices.

“The moist weather has led to leaf disease issues with control measures currently being assessed and implemented where necessary,” he said.

The Oakey Show Society now invites district

allows growers to demonstrate the economic value of these crops to the community, the benefits of contemporary farming practices, along with the natural fertility and productivity of the local farming district.

Nominations for the Oakey Show Society dryland winter crop competition for prime hard and durum wheat, barley and chickpeas are now being accepted and will close on Monday 10th October.

For further information, contact Graham Cooke on phone 0429 328 681 or via email at homewardvale1@ activ8.net.au

Expect more termites with warmer weather

New findings reveal that termites are more sensitive to temperature than previously thought, with experts from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) seeing heightened wood decay during the hotter months.

An international study by the University of Miami co-authored by experts from UNSW Sydney found that termites’ appetite for wood strongly increases with temperature.

Despite this seasonal increase being well-known, researchers were surprised by just how much it could affect wood decay rates.

“Wood-eating termite activity increases with

temperature more than we thought previously,” coauthor Associate Professor Will Cornwell said.

Findings show that termite-driven wood rate decay increased by 6.8 times for every 10°C.

According to the study, termites had their most significant impacts in places like tropical forests and subtropical deserts –systems often overlooked in carbon cycling models.

“The tropical region is only going to expand as the climate gets warmer, so more attention on the critical role termites play is vital,” A/Prof. Cornwell said.

“There should also be more attention on termite activity, particularly in places like the northern parts of Australia, to monitor their behaviour more closely as the climate continues to warm.”

Following a very successful winter crop competition in 2021, Oakey Show Society President Mrs Judy Byers said she is excited to announce that the Dryland Winter Crop Competition will be held again in 2022.

growers to nominate their respective crops in the annual competition. He said the competition

Stephen Wolski of Jondaryan in his early maturing Spitfire wheat crop in 2021.

- Photo, Graham Cooke

Save the date for Clifton markets

Organised by the Clifton Dabblers, the free event is open to everyone, with many unique handmade items available for sale.

The markets will be held at Pioneer Park in the centre of town and there will be plenty to see, including a variety of crafts, ideas for you to try, as well as recycling or upcycling.

Feel free to ask the stall holder how it’s all done!

Stall holders can book a table space for $10.

The Art and Craft Markets in the Park run from 8am to 3pm at Pioneer Park on King Street, Clifton.

Oakey Men’s Bowls Results

Results of Wednesday

Triples: Winner was I. Hedge’s team; Runner-up, P. Boyton’s team; Best round, V. Rush’s team.

Competition results from Saturday September 24: Club Pairs, L. Hudson & G. Usher def. R. Henry & P. Maker; V. Rush & W. Patterson def. R. Krause & S. Bradford. Consolation

Singles final, P. Boyton def. B. Lucht.

Competition called for Saturday October 1: Club Pairs, L. Hudson & G. Usher vs. M. Hall & B. Lucht. Senior Singles, A. Jackson vs. P. Boyton (R. Krause); R. Henry vs. V. Rush (D. Dreyer).

COMING EVENTS

Sunday October 2, Irish

Theme day, sponsored by Alison & Matt Park, 1pm start with 3 bowl Pairs.

Sunday October 23, visit from Northern Rivers, 12.30pm start C/S. 30 players required mixed.

Saturday November 5, visit from Wellington Point bowlers, 1pm start mixed. Names on the board please.

Oakey Golf Club Results

There was no golf for the Ladies on the 21st September.

On Wednesday 28th September the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the September Monthly Medal with the new start time being 8.30am.

On Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September the Members played an 18 hole Stableford.

The winner was George Wright with 35 points and runner-up was Andrew King with 32 points.

Pin on No. 3 was won by Doug Fisk and the pin

on 5/14, which is donated by The Barn, was won by Andrew King.

On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the October Men’s Monthly Medal.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Email artcraftandmarket sinthepark@tt-w.com for full details.

New case of monkeypox detected in Queensland

A person who recently travelled through southeast and central Queensland has tested positive for monkeypox. nodes.

The positive case is the fifth case of monkeypox detected in Queensland, however the public health risk to Queensland is considered low at this time.

Queensland Health is aware of a small number of close contacts linked to the positive case and, where possible, close contacts have been contacted directly, as per standard contact tracing protocols.

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness spread person-toperson via close contact.

Monkeypox symptoms include a distinctive rash, fever, headaches, body aches or swollen lymph

Anyone with symptoms should consult their GP or sexual health provider.

Queensland Health is taking proactive measures to limit the spread of the virus.

This includes notifying Queensland clinicians to be on alert for monkeypox presentations and working with the Federal Government to secure supplies of the vaccine.

As more vaccine becomes available, Queensland Health will continue to contact and offer it to those most at risk of infection, as well as close contacts and newly diagnosed cases.

Clifton Dabblers display the ’native’ decorations that will adorn the trees in the park during the Art, Craft and Markets in the Park event.

Save the date for Clifton’s Art Craft Markets In The Park on November 5th, which promises to be a great day out for all the family.

Award-winning Oakey garden

Continued from page 1.

“We’ve at least entered into the competition 28 out of those 37 years,” Wayne said.

“And we have placed nearly every year we entered the competition.

The couple has been declared Grand Champion before as well as Reserve Grand Champion.

“We got our awards at

a presentation ceremony last Wednesday [21st September].”

Narelle explained how there is a regional competition and a city competition, with the regional competition including all the towns outside of Toowoomba City.

“The regional competition stretches from towns like

Oakey to Yarraman to Pittsworth and many many others,” she said.

“We get judged on the health of the garden, the variety of plants and flowers, how it’s displayed and the over all design and lay out of the garden.”

Despite Wayne and Narelle’s garden being the only entrant from Oakey, they managed to score big time.

Their garden, which was open to the public from Friday 16th September up until last Sunday 25th September, garnered quite the crowd.

“The people visiting the garden has been constant,” Wayne said.

“We have had our

A beautiful display of flowers centred around a wooden wheelbarrow. camping chairs set up and greeting visitors who have travelled from all across the region to visit our garden and walk around and take a look.”

A very creative way to store flowers!

One of the many archways incorporated into the garden.

Spot the bridge and quaint water feature!

ABOVE and BELOW: A handful of beautifully manicured pathways weaving throughout the large garden.

A sizeable garden bed with assorted flowers and plants.