Oakey Champion - 29th June 2022

The

Oakey Champion

4691 1376

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

$1.50

Oakey’s Own Newspaper

INSIDE

N E W A C L A N D T O K O A L A H A B I TAT - PAG E 2

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WEEK

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P L A N E C R A S H I N B O W E N V I L L E - PAG E 3 C O M M U N I T Y R A F F L E T U R N S 1 Y E A R S - O L D - PAG E 1 2

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Splash of colour brought to Oakey

Over the past two weeks, artist Fintan Magee has been painting a vibrant mural outside the Oakey Library as part of an effort to unify and brighten the town.

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Artist Fintan Magee painting the new mural at Oakey Library.

Youth worker Adam Wenitong, who works for Young Bruthas (now Adapt), has been overseeing the project.

“The mural will bring

fresh energy to the space and connect the community through a landmark,” he said.

“Other proven benefits includes opportunities

for tourism, community pride, inclusiveness and extensive news and media coverage to highlight regional towns.

“Fintan Magee is an

internally-recognised artist and people travel to see his murals and we’re hoping people do the same for this one in Oakey.”

- Continued on page 3.

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Winter Shelter gets $10, 000 at Mayoral Breakfast

Winter Shelter Toowoomba received $10,324.42 in proceeds from the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast held at Rumours in May. Winter Shelter Toowoomba is backed by Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland in conjunction with seven church organisations and support services to house up to ten homeless people a night over winter.

Mayor Paul Antonio praised its work.

“I’m grateful for the contribution of all suppliers, many of whom have backed the breakfast since its inception.

“I look forward to another successful event in 2023.”

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Chief Operations Officer

Rodney Watton said Lifeline appreciated the funding.

“The funds will help us transport clients and add new facilities, such as a shower trailer with a washing machine and dryer,” he said.

“This year we are hiring caravans to house women and children. “[There are] around 230 volunteers associated with Toowoomba churches and support agencies.”

P a r t i c i p a t i n g Toowoomba churches include, the Toowoomba West Anglican Parish, St Stephen’s Uniting Church, HumeRidge Church of

Christ, South Toowoomba Baptist Church, Belong Church, Toowoomba City Church partnering with Reform Church, Rangeville Community Church and associated volunteers.

The seven Toowoomba faith communities open their facilities to guests without a place to stay, providing beds and free meals.

Lifeline encourages new volunteers to join the program via https://forms. office.com/r/hAntmPg17c and donations can be made by visiting, www. lifelinedarlingdowns.org. au/Appeal/winter-sheltertoowoomba

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

New Acland told to build koala corridor

New Acland Coal Pty Ltd has agreed to invest $2 million into an enhanced rehabilitation project to develop a native vegetation and fauna habitat corridor for koalas at their mine north of Oakey.

The decision was a requirement of the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and is part of an Enforceable Undertaking (EU).

The EU is a result of ongoing complaints of alleged unauthorised disturbance in an area at the company’s mine known as West Pit. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, an EU is an agreement that can be considered as an alternative to a dispute being determined by the Courts.

New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer said the native vegetation and fauna habitat corridor for koalas will promote greater biodiversity and vegetation.

“More than 100 hectares of land will be planted with eucalyptus, paper bark and other refuge trees, designed to significantly boost the local koala population,” he said.

“New Acland Mine is already home to one of Australia’s most ambitious and practical land management programs.

“To date, more than 740

hectares of land has been rehabilitated.

“Of this, 349 hectares has been formally ratified as progressively rehabilitated mined land by the Queensland Government.”

New Acland Coal has now applied for an Enforceable Undertaking to resolve this matter and the Department of Environment and Science has accepted that this agreement be entered into.

As part of the agreement, New Acland Coal has also committed to the longterm protection of the area known as Bottle Tree Hill by way of a preservation covenant with the State of Queensland.

The company has also committed to reviewing staff skills, training, and its permit to disturb system.

In this instance, the EU will result in a net gain of approximately 140 hectares for conservation and koala habitat post mining at New Acland.

The department will now finalise the matter and monitor New Acland Coal’s compliance with the undertaking.

Lock the Gate Alliance (LTGA) and the Oakey Coal

Around the

Action Alliance (OCAA) said they are outraged that the Queensland Environment Department accepted a “greenwashed alternative” to prosecuting New Acland.

OCAA Secretary Paul King said DES decision falls short of community expectations.

“Mining companies are required by law to rehabilitate land anyway, and so the undertaking is neither a deterrent nor a penalty,” he said.

LTGA and OCAA are now calling on Resources Minister Scott Stewart to refuse a mining lease for the project on the grounds that New Acland cannot be trusted to operate within Queensland laws.

DOWNS

Community Grants applications open 1 July!

Do you have a local community or not-for-profit group that could benefit from a community grant?

Applications are open from 1 July - 1 August 2022, covering: • • • • • • •

Sport and recreation Event support Community support Community economic development Environment Cultural and arts support Sports tourism.

For help with tailoring grant proposals, please call 131 872 to book a consultation.

For full details, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/grants

Gates and grids management

More frost in Oakey!

Gates and grids licencing will change from 1 July 2022.

People who have already accepted responsibility for a gate and/or grid will receive a letter from Council in the first quarter of the 22/23 financial year, informing them of the changes.

For more information, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/gates-grids or contact Council on 131 872.

131 872

www.tr.qld.gov.au

Toowoomba Regional Council 290622_OC

Property owners with gates and/or grids on Councilmaintained roads are now required to pay an annual fee of $150, with a $50 discount applied for early payment.

This fee will cover administrative and licencing costs.

- Photo, Russ Thomas

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 3

Plane crash Fire crews at CWA House in Bowenville Last Wednesday (22nd June) three fire crews attended CWA House after reports of smoke at Cherry Street, Oakey.

Over the weekend, an ultralight aircraft crashed into a paddock in Bowenville after colliding into powerlines.

On Sunday 65-years-old John Mercer, from Oakey, died after crashing into powerlines on Malu Road around 2.20pm.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash.

The pilot was declared deceased at the scene.

Emergency services crews found the plane flipped upside

and entangled in the powerlines.

The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit, is working alongside Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), and Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA) and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

DES investigating Oakey Beef

A spokesperson for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said they received a call at about midday reporting a burning smell coming from the back end of the building.

The spokesperson said there was no fire and reports state it was identified as a “heater reset circuit”.

The three fire crews left within about ten minutes of arriving and declared the scene safe.

Two of the crews were from Charlton and the other from Oakey.

ABOVE and BELOW: Fire crews from Oakey and Charlton arriving at CWA House, Oakey.

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The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating a report that there was an emissions leak at Oakey Beef Exports, which could lead to possible water contamination.

“On Wednesday 22 part of the investigation to June 2022, DES received a determine if any harm has report from the operation been caused to the nearby near Oakey of the potential environment. emission of effluent from “The department has the site into a drainage line not required the abattoir within the land belonging to cease operations and to the same company,” a further potential effluent DES spokesperson said. releases are being contained “DES compliance by the abattoir.” officers inspected the site on 23 June 2022 and have taken water samples as

Former local plays in Origin

Last Friday, former Oakey resident Shenae Ciesiolka played for Queensland in the women’s State of Origin.

Shenae, 24, grew up in Oakey and went to primary school in the town.

She debuted in 2020 playing for the women’s Brisbane Broncos.

Queensland lost to New South Wales 20-14 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.

Shenae Ciesiolka plays as a winger.

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Oakey Library gets mural

Continued from page 1.

“He even painted the giant elephant mural in Toowoomba and people still drive up from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to get photos of it.”

Mr Wenitong said this project was inspired by local young people.

“I work with the Ground Up Program and one time my wife and I took local young people on tour around the region to see all the murals.

“They started asking us why Oakey didn’t have one.

“Even places like Warwick and Stanthorpe have murals, so that’s when we decided to make it happen for Oakey.

“What we’re hoping is that the mural brings

POWER ON when you want it!

people out to Oakey and encourages them to spend money within the community.

“I’ve even proposed to try and get a QR code next to the mural, where people visiting can scan the code and it tells them where local cafes and businesses are.”

Fintan Magee, who is from Sydney but now resides in Brisbane, has painted murals all over the world including in London, Vienna, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Moscow, Rome, Jordan,

and Dublin.

He spent a lot of time researching the local area, specifically the plant life.

“The mural features bunya nuts to showcase the connection between Oakey and the Bunyas,” Mr Wenitong said.

“If you look closely you can see different native plants to the area as well as crops that are commonly grown in this region.”

Mr Wenitong said it’s a non-political way to bring the community together and acknowledge the town’s connection to the local natural region.

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Page 4

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Mirror

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

TO THE PAST

Golden Wedding Anniversary

Fifty years ago, on May 20, 1972, Oakey local, Lance Weise married Desley Love at Scot’s Presbyterian Church, West Street, Toowoomba (which is now a mosque).

The MC for their reception was to be Councillor John Corfe.

However, sadly on that

day he passed away as the result of being hit by a car in Campbell Street, Oakey on Thursday evening, 18th

May. Lance had worked for him for many years at his saleyards.

ABOVE and LEFT: Photos of the bride and groom with guests on the day.

- Photos, Valerie WeiseYoung

SudokoWEATHER &SudokU

ABOVE: Newspaper clipping from 20th May, 1972.

- Photo, Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

The Champion Crossword

4691 1376

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

$1.20

The week ahead Warmer morning temperatures are expected for the week ahead as the possibility of rain starts to move in by the end of the week and weekend. Daytime temperatures varying between 16 - 20 degrees as cloud cover prevails.

6 DAY FORECAST

Wednesday,, March 23, 2016

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

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

Published each Wednesday

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

$$1.20

RAIN

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Rain at times

9/16°C

SAT

Rain

8/18°C

2mm 10mm

SUN

Showers

9/18°C

2mm 10mm

MON

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29th Jun

TThe heEstablished Cha amp pion n Champion 1984

TEMP

7th Jul

60% <1mm

80%

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14th Jul

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21st Jul

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

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

The Champion is available from:

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

Great turnout for high school athletics carnival Last Friday the sunshine came out for Oakey State High School students who dressed up in their house colours and competed at the school’s athletics carnival.

Lily and Isabella representing Teevan House.

Debbie competing in discus for Herring House.

Student completing his three long jump attempts.

Sophia representing Achilles House for discuss.

Lorena and Taleisha representing Achilles House.

One of the boys’ heats for 100 metre sprints.

One of the girls’ heats for 100 metre sprints.

Page 6

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Future of Jondaryan Mini Rail unknown Friends of the Jondaryan Woolshed (FoJWS) Secretary Graham Turner said the group is actively investigating ways that the Jondaryan Mini Rail can operate in the future.

Mr Turner said the mini rail is a valued asset to the broader Woolshed site.

“As the governance of this asset is under the Jondaryan Model

Engineers and Live Steamers Association Incorporated, there are requirements for that association to wind up their group, if that is their wish,”

he said.

“So until this is actioned, we are unable to plan any opening of the asset.

“We have expressed with the President of Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association Jondaryan, our wish to enter into negotiations to have the FoJWS considered as a recipient in the wind up of their Association should that be actioned.

“We are aware there are other options available for the Jondaryan Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association to consider, however, until a decision is made, any plan to reopen the facility can’t proceed due mainly to the insurance cover required to operate such a facility.

“As you can appreciate, the difficulty facing TRC and FoJWS is in the hands of Jondaryan Model Engineers and

ABOVE: The Jondaryan Mini Rail in 2020.

- Photo, Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association Live Steamers Association making the decision on their intended future.

The Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association and its President were contacted for comment.

CORRECTION & APOLOGY:

In last week’s edition of The Oakey Champion, 22nd June 2022, we made an error in the story titled ‘Man steals Boss’ car.’

We incorrectly reported that Mr Peter Dukes pleaded guilty to stealing his boss’ car, when in fact he stole the registration plates belonging to a vehicle owned by his boss.

The Oakey Champion apologises for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused to Mr Dukes.

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Clifton Clearing Sale Saturday 9th July 2022 at 10am Start A/C John & Rose McCarthy • “Rosehill” Property Sold NOTE: APPROX 30 LOTS MAIN ITEMS ALSO LIVE SIMULCAST ON RAY WHITE NASCO AT 12 NOON TRACTORS, TRUCKS, FORKLIFTS, BIKES, UTE: Valtra Hitech Model N103 tractor 2743 hrs, q/hitch, 3 remotes FW Assist w/Valtra f/end loader 210 MP w/ 4 in 1 bucket, hay forks; Valtra T120, FW Assist 120HP tractor, 6900hrs q/hitch, remotes; Fiat 650 Special, tractor, power steer, 3pl, remotes, (new rear rubber); Ford 5000 tractor Model 6X w/power steer, (Plus Ford rebuild motor kit) 3pl & remotes; Inter 574 tractor w/3pl remotes; Mercedes 1419 truck diesel, lazy azle 30’ flat top, steel tray not reg; Hino L160 diesel, single axle, 25” flat top wood floor (not reg); Inter Acco 1840, 71 Model, V8 petrol, Bogie Drive 16’ body w/bin, t/hoist; Yale f/lift w/container mast, H Frame 3.5 tonne, 190 hrs, Kubota motor; Manitou w/Ford 4000 motor, 2 tonne f/lift, 4 remotes, side shift lift 22’; 4 prong bale forks w/slipper ext; Polaris 570EFI Ranger side x side, 534 hrs, tipper; Polaris Ranger 400 side x side 2706hrs, tipper; Honda 4 wheeler; Silvan bike spray unit w/gun; 10’ boom suit side x side; Holden Rodeo 2800 Series diesel ‘98 model tray back 4 x 4;

Letters To the Editor DISTURBING To the Editor, Apparently I was right about the Toowoomba Regional Council not caring for anything past Charlton or Highfields.

On the 17th June 2022, I spoke to Cr Shine about buildings and other items to be removed from the Jondaryan Woolshed display and taken to Highfields.

He told me that he didn’t know anything about it and he said he would look into the matter and let me know.

Without much success talking to Cr Shine, I waited until Cr McDonald [Deputy Mayor] came out and I asked him the same question.

He told me that some of the houses were going to be taken away to Highfields because they did not suit the Jondaryan Woolshed display.

I asked him which ones were to be taken and all he could tell me was that it hasn’t been finalised yet.

Who do the Council think they are?

You can’t just come in and take something away that was gifted to the people of Jondaryan and take it and give it to Highfields.

I will be getting a petition going soon to try and get everything to remain at the Jondaryan Woolshed.

Douglas Doelle, Oakey

MANDATES To the Editor, Our nation is suffering, not only from Coronavirus, but also from governments overstepping the mark and causing economic chaos by shut downs and forcing unvaccinated people out of work.

The efficiency of the vaccinations needs to be questioned when people still become infected after receiving up to three jabs.

There are also the people who have adverse reactions to the jab - the most adverse reaction being death.* Our freedoms are being eroded by governments that dictate what we can and can’t do, and where we can and can’t go.

And it would appear that freedom of speech is under threat.

It is all about control.

To my way of thinking - “no jab, no job” is blackmail.

Many people may disagree with my thoughts, but surely in a free country I am entitled to express them.

Alan Hughes, Oakey *EDITOR’S NOTE: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration advises that vaccines can lead to death in extremely rare instances.

However, most deaths that occur after vaccination are not caused by the vaccine.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 7

Meet this year’s Oakey Show committee The Oakey Show Society held its annual general meeting last Tuesday, 21st June, with Judy Byers returning to her role as President.

Michael Matthewson was elected Senior Vice President, Nigel Knight was elected Junior Vice

President and Betty Richter was elected Treasurer.

Toowoomba Regional Councillor Geoff

McDonald attended and chaired the meeting.

“Congratulations to Judy Byers, Nigel Knight,

Kathie Lang, Betty Richter, Michael Matthewson and all the other Office bearers elected for 2022-23,” Cr

McDonald said.

President Judy Byers was also awarded Life Membership of the society for all her years of hard work.

The newly elected committee will continue working on preparations for the 2022 Oakey Show which will take place on Saturday 27th August.

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95 Campbell St, Oakey 0439 Tue-Fri 9.30-3.30 • Sat 9-12.30

339 209

GRAND HOTEL (Left to right) Back row: Councillor Geoff McDonald who chaired the meeting, Nigel Knight (Junior Vice President), Betty Richter (Treasurer), Michael Matthewson (Senior Vice President) and front row: Judy Byers (President) and Kathie Lange (Patron).

- Photo, Di Marsh, Publicity Officer

Personal injury ‘farming’ now illegal

Pressuring Queenslanders into making personal injury compensation claims through so called ‘claim farming’ is now banned under new laws passed last week.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the newly introduced law, ‘Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022’, demonstrated the government’s commitment to stamp out the insidious practice of claims farming in the state.

“Claim farmers cold call or approach individuals to coerce them into making a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim and then charge a fee to ‘sell’ their claim to a legal practitioner or other claims management service providers,” she said.

“These new laws stamp out this practice by prohibiting anyone from approaching another person without their consent and soliciting or inducing them to make a claim.

“It is also now an offence to pay claim farmers for the details of potential claimants, or to receive payment for a claim

referral.”

The Attorney-General said the new laws will not affect the rights of genuinely injured Queenslanders to access justice.

“Claimants can still initiate and progress legitimate claims under the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act or the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act,” she said.

“The laws remove the financial incentive for claim farmers to harass Queenslanders and ensure the justice system is not burdened by the cost of unnecessary personal injury and workers’ compensation claims.”

Ms Fentiman said these news laws build on the success of changes introduced by the Queensland Government in 2019 to stop the increasingly prevalent practice of claim farming for motor vehicle compulsory third party (CTP) claims.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said she was proud the Queensland workers’ compensation scheme will be the first in Australia to specifically legislate against claim farming activities.

“The Workers’ Compensation Regulator

also has expanded compliance and enforcement powers to effectively prosecute claim farming offences, and these are consistent across the schemes, ensuring there are no weak points to be exploited by claim farmers.”

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Pat Pat WEIR WEIRMPMP Pat WEIR MP

Come and meet your local member OUTSIDE THE GOOMBUNGEE NEWSAGENCY 15 Mocatta Street, Goombungee

Working for Saturday 29 February | 9am-12pm our community

Member for Condamine

Member for Condamine PLEASE NOTE As of last Tuesday 24th of March at the direction of the

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Member for Condamine

Oakey

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

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Oakey Champion Oakey Golf Club

The

Oakey Champion

Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre is proud to support Oakey Hospital patients, residents & staff & Oakey Ambulance Service by supplying sponsored Oakey Champion newspapers every week

Oakey Champion

On Sunday 19th June, Oakey hosted its Carnival which was a great success.

There was a field of over 80 players.

Overall Best Net: Dougall Skene 63 net. Winners Gross, Cameron Taylor, Aaron Cherry and Glen Muller.

Runners-up Gross: Andrew King, John O’Keefe and Matthew Park. Net Winners: Bob Costello, George Wright, John Grawich.

Runners-up Net: Zac Boatfield, Joe Coorey and Peter Flynn.

18 hole Stableford: Norm Mitchell, Wayne Wirth and Phil Kruger.

Ladies Gross winners: Sheryl Barlow and Flora Clark.

Runners-up Ladies’ Gross: Cate Wilmot and Yvonne Lebeter.

Net winners: Marie Gull and Jenny Gordon.

Runners-up Net: Kerry Wheeler and Kathy Fenton.

18 hole Stableford: Joan Fis and Christine Little.

Thank you to our sponsors Lightn Plumbing, City Golf Club, Oakey Beef Export and Golf World.

Wednesday 22nd June the Ladies played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the June Monthly Medal.

Winner of the Monthly Medal and Div. 1 was Marlene Deans with a 72 net (ocb).

Runner-up was Iris Thompson with a 72 net (ocb). Yvonne Lebeter was

the winner of Div. 2 with a 72 net. Front 9 was won by Jenny Gordon with 19 points and the Back 9 was won

by Kathy Fenton with 17 points.

Pin on No. 3 was won by Joan Fisk and the Putts were won by Iris Thompson with 27 putts.

Wednesday 29th June the Ladies will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the 3rd round of International Bowl.

Thursday Sporters winner for the 23rd June was Dave McMonagle with 27 points.

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June the members played an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the June Monthly Medal.

Winner of Div. 1 was Alan De Ross with a 76 net (ocb).

Winner of Div. 2 and the Monthly Mug was John Grawich with a 75 net.

Pin on No. 3 and No. 8 was won by Alan De Ross, No. 12, which is donated

by Andrew King, was won by John Grawich and the Pin on 5/14, which is donated by The Barn, was won by Bob Dearling.

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke in conjunction with the July Monthly Medal.

Sunday 10th July Mixed Foursomes Championships over 27 Holes with trophies donated by Lightn Plumbing.

- Marlene Deans Secretary

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President Andrew King and Dougall Skene.

Mobile women’s health clinics

Darling Downs Health mobile women’s health clinics will be coming to Oakey again on 28th July.

Nurses are on the road, travelling to rural locations to provide free and confidential health clinics.

They offer a range of services, including cervical screening tests, breast awareness, sexual health testing and advice for issues such as continence, menopause, family

planning, contraception and general wellbeing.

To make a booking for the Oakey clinic, call 4691 4888.

Other locations include Dalby (4669 0517), Clifton (4697 3097), Miles (4633 5600), Pittsworth (4619 8422) and Millmerran (4698 3111).

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 9

Bernborough Tavern

Black Toyota

Coops Pty Ltd

Darling Downs Vets

Grand Hotel

Michael Carpenter

Tim “The Tipper” Wicks

David Cooper “Coops”

Glen Laws

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OAKEY COMMUNITY PHARMACY Phone 4691 1130

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Goombungee Oakey Men’s Golf Club Bowls Results

Thursday 23rd June, Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Winner was David Cass with 37 points.

Approaches Men: 2/11, Greg Buckley; 5/14, Wayne Nemeth; 8/17, Shane Hughes.

Ladies Single Stroke for Helen Scott Trophy.

Winner was Robyn Drowley with 74 net.

Approaches Ladies: 3/12, Val Drowley; 5/14, Gloria Scott; 9/18, Ann Cass.

Sunday 26th June, Bell ​ Inter-club at Bell.

Goombungee winner for Men was Matty Burgess with 39 points (five under off the stick), and Ladies winner was Carmel Cover.

Pin shots and approaches: 3, Dave Humphrey; 6,

Garry Shea; 12, Matty Burgess.

NEXT WEEK Thursday 30th June, Men’s Single Stableford for Phill Cass Trophy and Ladies’ Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Sunday 3rd July, Single Stableford for Cass Family Trophy.

- Murray McLeod

Competition results from Saturday June 25: “A”Singles: R. Henry def. R. Stewart Senior Singles: P. Boyton def. P. Maker Competition called for Saturday July 2: Consolation Singles: P. Boyton vs. V. Rush (D. Dreyer); W. Patterson vs. G. Rush (M. Hall) Competition called for Sunday July 3:

Fours: D. Pokarier, G. Usher, P. Maker & B. Lucht vs. R. Henry, J. Harrison, I. Hedge & P. Rudken; M. Hall, R. Krause, D. Dreyer & A. Jackson vs. S. Gillis, T. Woodham, M. Park & G. Nash. Both games are play/sub or forfeit.

Bowlers please note that all Fours and Triples games will be called on ‘play/ sub/forfeit’ to allow for

Champion of Champions representation.

Pennants will commence on Saturday July 16.

If you intend to play put your name on the board please.

Sunday July 24: Three bowl pairs sponsored by Alison and Matt Park, noon start. Barbecue to follow bowls. Names on the board please.

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Page 10

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Benefits of saleyards Dairy Farmers struggling

The Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) recently released the results of a research project aiming to find the social value of saleyards for rural communities.

As the national body for saleyard owners and operators in Australia, ALMA commissioned the report to investigate what the saleyards mean to local communities, service providers and stakeholders.

Some of the main findings were that saleyards act as a local hub for socialising, keeping up with market trends and for giving back to the community.

While significant research has been conducted into the

economic value of saleyards, the social side of sale days and saleyard communities has not been previously explored.

Information for the report was collected on six saleyards, with a total of 152 online surveys and 105 interviews conducted across five states to inform the research.

Producers, livestock agents, saleyard staff members, transport operators and local or state government representatives were just some of the participants

Have your say on MLA’s market information

Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) and Market Information team is tasked with promoting price transparency across the Australian red meat industry by reporting livestock supply and price information.

MLA’s Market Information Subscriber Survey is now open for producers to provide feedback on NRLS reports and market information provided by MLA. The survey is open to anyone who utilises MLA’s market information resources, including: - industry projections - saleyard (NLRS) reports - Prices and Markets dynamic reports and indicators - slaughter reports - market reports in newspapers, on radio or on television co-products - MLA e-newsletters,

such as The Weekly - international red meat market snapshots - MLA’s State of the Industry report.

The survey is open until this Friday, 1 July, and will take approximately seven minutes to complete.

Responses will be used to better understand requirements around NLRS and market information to help direct future improvements to services available.

To complete the survey, visit https://www.mla. com.au/news-and-events/ industry-news/haveyour-say-on-mlas-marketinformation/.

interviewed as part of the project.

According to the report, attending the saleyards is a great way to connect socially, as well as keeping up to date with market trends.

Many of the survey participants noted that they felt socially isolated when they couldn’t attend the saleyards due to COVID-19 restrictions, with this potentially having flowon effects on personal wellbeing.

The report said saleyards also provide a local ‘hub’ to deliver a range of services, such as mental health and drought support.

Additionally, saleyards are also noticeably dedicated to giving back to the local community, with many examples of fundraisers and donations observed.

This research project will be a valuable tool in future government policy and funding direction.

For more information about the report, visit http:// australiansaleyards.com.au/ social-value-saleyards/.

Milk prices have been running below the rate of inflation for years and dairy leaders say the era of cheap milk needs to end.

Inflationary pressures on agriculture should spell the end of loss-leader milk pricing, dairy leaders say.

Record farm gate prices were redoubled in the past week with both Bega and Saputo confirming average weighted farm gate prices of more than $9/kg of milk solids.

However, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria vice president Mark Billing said for the future viability of the sector, the price of generic milk would need to rise, in line with recent price increases of other household staples.

The dollar-a-litre milk push - which put retail milk prices at or below cost of production - was introduced by Coles and Woolworths in January 2011 and lasted eight years.

Along with Aldi, Australia’s big three supermarkets quietly increased the price of generic milk to $1.30 just before Christmas, although fuel costs have skyrocketed since that time.

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“Inflation is hitting every business and dairy is no exception,” Mr Billing said.

“There’s a battle to find workers, and that increases costs.

“Urea, fertiliser, grain, electricity - we’re seeing substantial price rises in several areas.

“Record farm gate prices are welcome, and provide confidence to farmers, but it has to be put into the context of rising input costs.

“Now is the time to raise the price (of generic milk).

“There’s been plenty of coverage about fruit and veg rising in price, lettuce and broccoli have been in the news, because that reflects the availability and pressures those farmers face.”

EastAUSdairy vice chairman Graham Forbes said $2 a litre was still lower than most industrialised countries and below prices set for soft drink and bottled water.

Both Coles and Woolworths have pointed to an Australian

Competition and Consumer Commission report which previously noted that domestic retail pricing strategies are unlikely to have a direct impact on farm gate prices.

A Woolworths spokesperson said: “We’re consulting with our processors for the supply of our own-brand milk from July onwards and we will continue to review our retail price on an ongoing basis.”

Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker at an industry forum last week said retailers were “moving in the right direction” when it came to valuing dairy produce.

“There’s definitely some products there (that are) not reflecting the value of what we create,” Mr Dedoncker said.

“We’re making valuable primary products that should be valued on the shelf.

“But as a processor, we don’t determine that.

“It’s a retailer’s decision.”

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 11

G A R R I S O N C AT C H U P Yo u r l i n k t o t h e A v i a t i o n C e n t r e

Landscaper to Craftsman: Meet Mitchell Wakelin

Craftsman Mitchell Wakelin is one of many young, up-and-coming Army Aviation aircraft technicians receiving his qualification at Swartz Barracks Oakey.

Craftsman Wakelin first joined the Army in 2020 and has been working and studying here at Swartz Barracks since January this year as an aircraft technician on the MRH90 helicopter – better known as the Taipan.

Craftsman Wakelin is due to graduate from his six months’ training in September 2022 and has hopes of returning to work on the MRH90 in his home town of Townsville.

“I’m from Townsville originally,” he said.

“I finished school in 2018 and spent 2019 working and running my own landscaping business, mainly because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do yet.

“My Dad inspired me to join the Army because he was once in the Army and he’s now a pilot.

“I decided to join as a technician because I used to always make fun of my Dad and call him a taxi driver.

“My dad started out in infantry, then went to aircrew and finally became a pilot in the civilian world.

“He went from grunt to pilot, which is a pretty big step and doesn’t happen much.

“However, I do actually have aspirations to become a pilot down the track though.”

Craftsman Wakelin said the best part about his job is that every day brings a different challenge and learning opportunity.

“There’s plenty of people around us and we’re in good capable hands,” he said.

“No day is the same.

“Every day you wake up knowing you’re going

to be fixing something different and facing different challenges, and using different thinking processes to overcome those challenges.

“There’s also a lot of learning on the job.

“People start this job not knowing how to swing spanners or use tools or use troubleshooting processes, but you really get to test those abilities that you have and army will support you all the way.

“I’d like to do this technician course first to get the general understanding of the aircraft before I actually fly it.

“It looks better on paper if you also know how to fix it.

“I think if you can fix a chopper, you should be able to fly it.

Craftsman Wakelin said going about his career this way (first becoming a technician and later a pilot) would give him a better understanding of the

aircraft.

“I can learn both aspects of actually operating the aircraft and also maintaining and repairing it,” he said.

Despite spending a year after school in the workforce, Craftsman Wakelin said deep down he always knew he wanted to be in the Army and flying.

“It was pretty set,” he said.

“In school, I felt I pretty much had a guaranteed job in the Army.

“I went to a Defence Recruiting day when I was in year 10 and that is where I was able to secure this job.

“However, it was a very long waiting process.

“I waited for two years and one day I got a phone call saying I was being offered this position.”

He said his next steps after graduating would most likely include working on the MRH90 Taipan at another base up north.

“But I could be

Craftsman Mitchell Wakelin working on an aircraft at Barracks, Oakey.

anywhere to be honest.

“It all depends on where they want me.”

“I’m definitely here for the long-term.

“The Army offer pretty good deals here and I may as well take advantage of it while I’m here and I’m young and fit and healthy.

“I just want to fly and I’ve definitely got the aptitude for it.

“I’m not into the fast jet thing.

“I really like helicopters!”

- Photo, Bradley Richardson

DEFENCEJOBS DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING UPCOMING EVENTS Toowoomba 29 Jun - Defence Careers Info Session 05 Jul - ADFA Info Session 13 Jul - Myth Busters Info Session For more details and bookings visit defencejobs.gov.au/events CALL 13 19 01

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Page 12

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

2 Vehicle crash in Oakey

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Raffles

OK Youth Talk

Oakey Community Youth Day Today Wednesday 29th June, PCYC Youth Connect is hosting a community day for Oakey youths at the skatepark between 10.00am-12.00pm.

There will be a free BBQ, hot soup, tea and coffee, snow cones, face painting, music workshops and market stalls!

Amazing Race Local chaplains are running an Amazing Race throughout Oakey straight after the PCYC Community Day. Meet at the skatepark for a 1.00pm start.

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.

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Police and fire crews attending the crash scene.

A spokesperson for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said two of its crews attended the scene at

about 2.50pm.

There was also one Oakey Police crew in attendance.

“It appears we didn’t

have to do too much,” the spokesperson said.

“No one was entrapped and our crews were gone by about three o’clock.”

The Ambulance service was not required and police and fire crews left as tow trucks collected the cars involved.

Community Chest Raffle celebrates 1 year nrevaT ehT

The Community Chest Raffle sponsored by Bernborough Tavern celebrates one year at the end of this month.

Raffle Coordinator John Webster runs the raffle alongside his assistant Gary Klien and Bernborough Tavern owner Michael Carpenter who is the raffle’s treasurer.

Mr Webster said in the last eleven months the raffle has raised a total of $5,872 in proceeds that have gone directly back into the Oakey community.

The local organisations which have benefitted from these funds are the Primary School Brekky Club, Rural Fire Brigade, Oakey Museum, Junior Cricket Club, Protea Place, Junior Soccer Club, PCYC Oakey Youth Connect, Oakey State High School Agriculture Department, Oakey Junior Bears Rugby, Girl Guides and Landcare.

“This month the money from the raffle is going to the Boy Scouts,” Mr Webster said.

“Next month we will be raising money for the

Oakey Floral Float which will go in the Carnival of Flowers parade this year.”

Mr Webster has always been a community man and has been heavily involved in the Oakey community throughout the years, most notably seen working the school crossing five days a week.

“I do what I do because I love the smiles it brings to people’s faces.

“It’s my own way of giving back.”

A few years ago Mr Webster grew out his hair to his shoulders and shaved it off for Shave for a Cure, where he raised $3,500.

If your club or organisation wants to be involved in the Community Chest Raffle, send an email to johnaawebster@hotmail. com stating the name of your organisation, a contact person and a phone number.

“We do all the work, you only have to send an email.

John Webster handing over cheque to Oakey State High School Ag Department.

“We hold raffles every Saturday at midday and draw winning numbers at 1.30pm.

“Come on down to the Bernborough Tavern and buy some tickets to support Oakey.

The all new H-

“Tickets are $5 for fifty numbers, and there are six spins for your chance to win meat trays and other prizes including cash.

“You can also buy lucky beer tickets at the bar.”

™ has arrived!