On Our Selection News - 19th January 2023

On

Saving horses to save people

The

Joe and his wife Miranda have recently bought Lauralla Lodge, a 152 acre horse property on the New England Highway just south of Toowoomba where he now uses his unique 4BP horse training methods (4 Brumby Protection) to transform wild brumbies for a life working with people.

Joe grew up on a cattle property in the semi desert region of South Australia where be began mustering cattle from

horseback when only 6 years of age.

By the age of 12 years he had already begun to develop his non-aggressive methods of training horses.

Joe developed his 4BP training program and began rescuing brumbies not only from the Snowy Mountains but from all over Australia.

In 2018 he took on the challenge of training 70 wild brumbies to accept a rider in 70 days for an ABC documentary program but Joe in typical modest manner claims that there were in fact only 66 horses.

After the purchase of the Lauralla property last year, it is now undergoing a major renovation to allow Joe to provide a useful facility for the local horse community while carrying on his work with brumbies and people suffering from trauma.

These improvements include a massive undercover arena under construction by Allora Engineering, that is close to completion and will allow horse training to continue regardless of weather conditions.

Continued on page 8

wild Australian Brumby is seen by many as a threat to the native environment, especially in the Snowy Mountains but horse trainer Joe Hughes has not only helped to solve the problem but in the process has saved the lives of people suffering the effects of trauma.

At an East Greenmount property, Joe Hughes is harnessing the power of horses to help people.

Australia Day: time for reflection

The historic town of Cambooya is a fitting venue for celebration of the nation’s National Day on 26th January where the Recreation Grounds on Lucy Street will be the venue for official presentations.

LAMINATE

VINYL ENGINEERED TIMBER FLOORS RUGS • BLINDS

Beginning at 8am and concluding at 10am the presentation of Australia Day awards will be the culmination of the official ceremony.

A free barbecue breakfast is provided and children can receive free face painting.

Live music will also entertain the audience.

The national day of celebration is also seen as a time for all Australians to commit to respect for people of all backgrounds.

While the National Day ignites many emotions it ultimately becomes a day to celebrate the basic fact that as Australians we are fortunate to live in a nation virtually free of violent political and religious tensions as experienced in many other countries.

Our land of droughts and flooding rains offers challenges of a different type and events over the last few years have again tested the courage and resilience of Australians.

On our national day it seems appropriate to reflect on all the nation’s challenges while respecting the 60,000 years of aboriginal habitation, then the beginning of modern Australia with the landing of the First Fleet of convicts on the 26th January 1788.

This totally inauspicious occasion began decades of struggle as convicts and free settlers battled against a harsh environment for which they were totally unprepared.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

Most nations have their national day of celebration linked to an heroic struggle against an opposing force.

Webelieveevery human has the inherentrightto live a‘normal’and empoweredlife;to haveabilityand opportunitytomake one’s own choices.We aimtoempowerpeople with mental health or withdisability.We believe every human has the inherent right to live a ‘normal’ and empowered life; to have ability and opportunity to make one’s own choices. We aim to empower people with mental health or with disability

we are at our most creative and supportive and our ‘together-journey’ begins

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

MiChoice Disability Supports, offers a variety of services supporting you to take steps in accomplishing your goals; your ambitions; your targets. For some people, goals may be reached in a time that may be lengthy. This may take 6 months;

§ Support you in your home, in the community, or at your workplace to build confidence to live an autonomous life.

§ Support you with making the right choice for you and your safety.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

MiChoice Disability Supports, offers a variety of services supporting you to take steps in accomplishing your goals; your ambitions; your targets. For some people, goals may be reached in a time that may be lengthy. This may take 6 months; this may take several years of challenges and barriers. That is when we are at our most creative and supportive and our ‘together-journey’ begins

§ Support you with an improved living arrangement to feel at ease in your living environment

§ Support you with your household tasks to keep on top of hygiene and instil home-pride

§ Social and community participation helping you stay connected with your community.

§ Support you in your home, in the community, or at your workplace to build confidence to live an autonomous life.

§ Support you with making the right choice for you and your safety.

§ Support you with an improved living arrangement to

For instance, in the USA, July 4th celebrations commemorate the victory against the British and in France July 14th marks the overthrow of Louis XVI with the storming of the Bastille.

It would seem to many that Australia Day is a celebration of the struggle against the environment and that struggle is still being fought today.

The First Fleet lands in Sydney on 26 January 1788.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers blossoming

Attendance records were smashed at the 2022 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, (TCoF) as the total number of attendees increased an astonishing 28 per cent to 364,775, with 121,535 overnight stays generated.

Overall, the event generated $22.61 million in direct and incremental spending in Queensland.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said for the second year, TCoF was celebrated over all 30 days of September, headlined by 190,000 spectacular blooms, flourishing under the hands of an army of Council gardeners, with the result being more attendance and revenue figures broken as people from all over Australia converged on the Garden City.

“The continued expansion of this iconic event has generated extraordinary financial and social benefits for the community,” Mayor Antonio sad.

“Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a significant economic performer for the region and Queensland, and we look forward to our 2023 event, and then, in 2024, celebrating 75 years of flower power.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the event continued to go from strength to strength.

“Flower and event-lovers are voting with their feet and proving the success of expanding the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers into a month-long event,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This brings huge benefits to the local community with accommodation providers, tourism experiences, retailers and local restaurants all bustling throughout September with that $22 million boost.

“That’s why the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is supported as a major event and key feature of our It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

“I encourage visitors to start planning and booking their travel now for the 2023 event.”

The Botanic Gardens in Queens Park welcomed 196,109

The floral arrangements were nothing short of amazing.

visitors, up 8.36 per cent from 180,976 in 2021, a Covid-19 year).

Laurel Bank Park welcomed 93,128 visitors, an increase of 9.92 per cent compared to 84,722 recorded in 2021, as well as five sold out After Dark tours.

Some 60,000 people lined the streets to watch the Grand Floral Parade, which included 2,512 participants who walked the parade route from 66 entrant organisations.

Healthcare services relocate to Baillie Henderson

Several healthcare services were relocated to the Baillie Henderson Hospital last week.

the same:

•Sexual assault support service (SASS)

•Refugee health

•Sexual health, HIV services, pregnancy options, and contraception clinics

•Hepatitis C services

•Tuberculosis control clinic

•Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child immunisations,

pertussis vaccine for pregnant people and patients with medical conditions requiring vaccinations

•Needle and syringe program

•Darling Downs Health staff only: influenza vaccines and occupational exposure testing and follow-up (for example, needlestick injuries).

Kobi Place’s new address is Browne House, Baillie Henderson Hospital, Corner of Tor and Hogg streets.

Stamps wanted

Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) is inviting residents and businesses to collect stamps from their mail for re-use by local community groups.

Community groups take these stamps and re-sell them to raise funds for local and overseas mission work.

Mr Frank Ondrus, President of HOPE, said the charity also welcomes nolonger-wanted stamp album collections and collections of stamps.

You can post a pack of used stamps to the HOPE (Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment) office, PO Box 6118 - Clifford Gardens, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 or drop them off at 22 Vacy Street, Toowoomba.

Qld fuel price records smashed in 2022

RACQ’s Annual Fuel Price Report found average retail unleaded and diesel price records were broken in every location throughout Queensland including the Toowoomba area.

For regular unleaded petrol, Toowoomba had a record high daily average price of 220.5 cents per litre (cpl) on 25 June.

June had the record high monthly average price as well, at 205.2 cents.

The overall average price for 2022 was 183.1 cents, compared to 149.2 in 2021 and 125.6 in 2020.

For diesel, Toowoomba a record high daily average price of 234.9 cents on 25 October and November had the record high monthly average price of 232.6 cents.

The overall average price for 2022 was 206.7 cents, compared to 142.4 in 2021 and 126 in 2020.

RACQ’s Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist, Dr Ian Jeffreys, said Brisbane earned the unenviable title of the most expensive of the five largest capital cities for both regular unleaded and diesel in 2022.

“At 184.9cpl, the annual average price of regular unleaded for Brisbane was the highest on record, exceeding the previous record set in 2021 by 34.1cpl,” Dr Jeffreys said.

“This is extraordinary because we usually only see records move by a couple of cents.”

Dr Jeffreys said Bundaberg had the cheapest annual average price of 176.6cpl for regular unleaded, while Miles was the cheapest for diesel averaging 203cpl.

As well as annual and daily records tumbling, 2022 will also be remembered for the temporary halving of the fuel excise, which helped ease the burden of record global oil prices.

“We saw an increase in oil prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent international sanctions against Russia,” Dr Jeffreys said.

“Without the excise cut, prices on the most expensive days in June would have been about 24cpl higher and the daily average in Brisbane may have spiked at about 246cpl for regular unleaded.

“Thankfully, global prices have eased since and while fuel markets are extremely volatile, the future is looking brighter.

“We expect oil prices and retail fuel prices to be slightly lower this year compared to 2022, so hopefully motorists will enjoy some relief at the bowser.

The fuel excise cut was in place for half the year, from 30 March until 29 September.

Agricultural shows clear to go for 2023

After three years of difficulties brought about largely by the Covid pandemic,

due to go ahead this year unencumbered by State or Federal Government Covid restrictions.

As always, the first show of the year will be at Stanthorpe from the 3rd to the 5th of February.

It will be followed by the Allora Show on the 10th and 11th of February.

Allora Show Society is planning to feature a Showgirl competition, although it will be staged without the need for entrants to raise funds this year.

The Clifton Show will run across its traditional three days from the 17th to the 19th of February.

Although things have dried off in recent weeks, it is anticipated that the 2023 Clifton Show will be successful after improved conditions across the last twelve months have brought about a more positive outlook across the district.

Other show dates for 2023 include:

•Killarney, February 24 & 25

•Cooyar, February 25

•Bell, March 4 & 5

•Millmerran, March 4 & 5

•Pittsworth, March 10 & 11

•Tara, March 11

•Inglewood, March 17 & 18

•Oakey, March 18

•Warwick, March 24, 25 & 26

•Jandowae, March 25,

•Toowoomba, March 30, 31 and April 1

•Goombungee-Haden, April 22

shows

•Goondiwindi, April 28,29

•Crow’s Nest, May 13

•Esk, May 27 & 28

•Boonah, June 2 & 3

•Toogoolawah, June 9 & 10

•Lowood, June 16 & 17

•Kalbar, June 23 & 24

•Gatton, July 21 & 22

This year’s Brisbane Ekka will run from the 12th to the 20th of August.

Many scientists declare animal ag support

Some 50 Australian-based scientists are among the signatories to the one-page declaration, which is continuing to gain traction within the international science community –rising from some 200 signatures in October to more than 650 in January.

More than 650 scientists from universities and research institutions around the world have now signed a major international declaration in support of the essential role of animal agriculture in a sustainable food system.

agricultural

across Queensland are

The Clifton Show is back this year after being cancelled due to COVID-19 in 2022.

Downs police targeting youth crime

More than 20 young people in the Darling Downs area have been charged during a special holiday crackdown to combat youth offending.

Operation Theta commenced on December 19, 2022 to proactively tackle youth offending during the busy school holiday period.

In the first two weeks of the operation, Darling Downs District officers conducted 665 proactive activities, including a high visibility police presence in hotspot youth crime locations, shopping centre and business walkthroughs.

The special operation, which has been rolled out across the Darling Downs, Mt Isa, North, Far North and Brisbane police districts has to date seen action taken against 340 juveniles in relation to 870 offences.

In the Darling Downs District alone, 27 juveniles have been charged with 71 offences, while a further 33 adults have been charged with 138 offences.

Darling Downs District Superintendent Douglas McDonald said engagement activities with young people and an expansion of the Youth Crime Co-responder and bail check programs have worked well in the District.

“Youth offending traditionally increases over school holiday breaks,” Superintendent McDonald said.

“We do see more young people out and about, congregating in groups and less parental supervision during the summer holiday period.

“Youth offending is a challenging, complex issue impacted by underlying factors such as social dysfunction, substance abuse, domestic violence, family dynamics and dysfunction and access to social services and support.

“The majority of juvenile offenders do not re-offend once they have initial contact with the justice system.

“Intervention and rehabilitation for young offenders are crucial in breaking the cycle of crime and delivering long-term change.”

The QPS has allocated over 2200 additional shifts during the busy school holiday to conduct this high-visibility operation, ensuring there are extra boots on the ground and on patrol.

Areas of interest for police as part of Operation Theta include shopping centres, parks and areas where young people are known to frequent.

Of the first 27 juveniles charges since the operation commenced in the Darling Downs, 14 were charged with 43 indictable offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter with intent.

One juvenile was charged with three offences, including shop stealing (under $150 and first-time offence) or trespassing by breaching a banning order.

A further four juveniles have been charged with seven weapons offences which include possession of firearm and knives.

Six adults were charged with 19 traffic offences, five adults

charged with 17 drug offences and 13 adults charged 55 other indictable offences which include unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter with intent charges.

Operation Theta is due to wrap up at the end of January.

A new lease on life for East Greenmount property

Continued from page 1

Saving Brumbies is only part of the Joe Hughes story because along the way he has found that horses have the ability to heal people suffering the effects of trauma.

Working with people suffering from PTSD and other forms of trauma such as schizophrenia and sexual and childhood abuse, Joe incorporates his clients into the training program of the brumbies with success stories that can only be described as extraordinary.

The life of Joe Hughes and his family is already an extraordinary one but the Lauralla property may yet prove to be a place where the Hughes family achieves even greater success.

For more information, contact Joe Hughes via email at 4bptech@gmail.com

Oz Day at Wyreema

For those looking for something to do on January 26, Bracknell Lodge in Wyreema (56 Rosenberger Road) is hosting a free Australia Day event from 10am to 5pm.

There will be a wide range of activities on offer, including mini bucking bull ride, markets, music, a giant slip and slide, slushies, ice cream, a charity bar, burgers, snags and chips and a clam shell water play area.

For more information call 0428 286 062.

A huge undercover arena is being erected on the East Greenmount property.

The Entrance to Lauralla Lodge.

Joe’s son Henry also helps out with the initiative.

RACQ Foundation opens new round of funding

Local sporting clubs, community groups and charities can apply for funding to help rebuild after a natural disaster. by volunteers who themselves have been impacted by natural disasters.”

Queensland clubs and community groups needing financial support after a natural disaster can apply for funding from the RACQ Foundation.

RACQ Foundation Lead Bridgette Muller said the first round of grant applications for 2023 would close on 6 February.

“The available grants range from $1,000 to $50,000, however funding up to $100,000 can be considered in exceptional circumstances,” Ms Muller said.

“This money is available to sporting clubs, community organisations and charities at the heart of our Queensland communities. It’s because of our members, we’re able to make a difference.”

In 2022, the RACQ Foundation approved 109 grants worth more than $3.1 million, with the bulk of that going to clubs and organisations in south east Queensland affected by flooding early in the year.

“RACQ Foundation approved grants to 82 beneficiaries worth more than $2.4 million specifically in response to the south east Queensland floods,” Ms Muller said.

“Many of the clubs and organisations we support are led

Sandgate Golf Club Treasurer Simon Andersen said the club received an almost $14,000 grant for flood mitigation works following the February disaster.

“Through this generous funding, we’ve been able to buy a sump pump, drainage materials and contract experts to upgrade the drainage systems in place at our golf course,” Mr Andersen said.

“We’re now planning to rebuild and renovate our clubhouse and are confident these mitigation works will make us much more resilient to future flooding.

“We’ve already had heavy rain and the resulting surface water cleared off the course in record time.

“We’re so thankful for the support RACQ Foundation has not only given our club, but many other community projects.”

The RACQ Foundation was formed in 2011 following that year’s Brisbane floods and has since distributed $12.4 million in grants and has helped 18 communities.

To apply, visit racq.com.au/foundation

EAST GREENMOUNT CLEARING SALE

TRACTORS, CRAWLERS, TRUCKS: Caterpillar D4C S/N 55A88 w/- blade, canopy, Hyd. Rippers, G/O; Caterpillar D5 SA S/N 98J1957 w/- remotes, cab; MF 5285 tractor, FWA w/- McCormack Ind F/end loader, bucket, H/spears, 6096 Hrs, Rops; MF 2640 tractor, FWA, aircab, 3PL, remotes & PTO;Ford 5000 tractor, 1975 model, 3PL, remotes, PTO, F/weights; Ford 35 Industrial tractor, w/- front end loader, w/- bucket & P/forks & H/forks; Dodge 700 truck 1974, 361 petrol, w/body hoist, 12’ body G/sides & grain bin,(not Reg); Bedford ’66 NTL-1R2 petrol 18’ Flat top, (not Reg); 18’ Stock crate to suit w/- divide & metal floor frame; 18’ A bottom bin; Mazda Bravo ’02 model, 4WD ute, diesel, Aluminium tray, 97000km (not reg)

HAY & GRAIN EQUIPMENT: Model 469 N.Holland 9’ mower conditioner; N Holland model 847 round baler (Twine); Ford Rolla bar hay rake; N. Holland model 275 square baler G/o; N. Holland model 33 forage chopper 5’cut; N.Holland model A2AJ Forage carrier; N.Holland bale elevator, mobile, w/- Elect; Hay bale loader, (small bales); Allis Chalmers Gleaner C11 header, 15’ front, Perkins diesel w/- comb trailer; 8 tonne mobile field Silo, w/- roof; 15’ Sorghum fingers & Crop lifters; 4” x 8’ Vennings Pencil auger w/- Elect

FARM MACHINERY: Inter 2-11 scarifier 16’ w/- 25 tine, finger harrows, Hyd; Shearer 10’ Chisel plough, 11 tine, w/- Hyd; 3PL 9’ Shearer chisel plough 7 tine; Connor Shea 26 run combine, S&F w/- Hyd & harrows; Page 5’ H/Duty slasher; 12 x Janke press wheels; 3PL model 205 N Holland Fert spreader; MF 14 disc Oneway plough Model 63-5 w/- Hyd; Shearer 12 disc Sundercut; 3PL 4 furrow Moulboard plough; 14’ 6” Rubber tyred rollers; 3PL Britstand rear blade; 8 leaf Fireharrows; 3PL single tine ripper; 3PL carryall; 3PL rear scoop; Napier 3PL posthole digger 2 augers; 2 x 3PL hayspears; 3PL Jib; C-Dax 3PL boomspray w/- 600Lt tank, 6 m boom w/- handgun; C-Seeder 5’.

IRRIGATION, SUNDRY EQUIPMENT & WORKSHOP:

Grundfos pump 4”/2” driven by Deutz diesel 25Hp motor w/- W/Dog, diesel tank & frame; Pump pontoon w/- 6” welded poly; 32 lengths x 100 mm Class 6 PVC u/ground main(shedded); 70 x 3” x 30’ Irrigation pipes, sprays w/- stands; 20 x 3” Irrig. Pipe (no sprays); 20 x 4” mainline Irrigation pipe; sundry fittings; 20 x Concrete feed out troughs 8’ x 3’; 5 x round bale feeders; 2 x hayracks; drawn haywagon (needs new floor); steel & mesh ute crate 7’ 9” x 6’; 200Lt Rapid spraytank w/- 12 volt, 100Lt Hardi spray unit, Davey firefighter, gas Branding furness (new), Dehorners, 2 x Stock saddles, 8KVA generator w/- 16Hp B&S, 12V & 240V Elect fence units, Elect fence posts, reels & tape, Yamaha 100 Ag bike, Cement mixer w/- Elect; Waratah wire winder, Stihl 032 chainsaw, 2 x 1 tonne offset bins, 225 Lincoln 3PH welder, 230 Gal o/head fuel tank, 230 gal ground tank, mobile pig race, small ute crate, 4 bay calf feeder, Snig cable, chains, Licker drums, 44 gal drums, Oxy set, battery charger, Wallaby jacks, cane knife, milk cans, Pulley blocks, Saw blades, Copper, Old push bikes, garden irrigators, 3⁄4” drive sockets, tool boxes, bench grinder, drum pump, points, old ladders & more.

OUTSIDE VENDORS: 1980 K124 CR Kenworth Prime mover; 2000 Hyundai Accent Hatch

Des 0427 353 324 (owner rep) Paul O’Sullivan 0400 910 088 Matt Cleary 0428 987 340

DIRECTIONS: Signs will direct off New England highway at Emu Creek School (East Greenmount) & follow signs to O’Rourke Road, Budgee. PHOTO ID, REFRESHMENTS, EFTPOS.

Council opens second round of TEMPO Pool

TRC Finance and Business Strategy Portfolio Leader

Cr Kerry Shine said the program had helped address staffing shortages in the organisation.

After the successful implementation of a new in-house casual and temporary employment program (TEMPO Pool), Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is calling for expressions of interest for a second round. Islander people, people with a disability, migrants, mature age jobseekers, school leavers, people re-entering the workforce after a lengthy absence and veterans to apply.

“Attracting new staff has been a challenge for the past year or so and this is a problem we are seeing across most industries at the moment,” Cr Shine said.

“With so much competition for workers it’s important we look at innovative programs like the TEMPO Pool to assist our workforce.

“This is a program that provides an opportunity for local job seekers to get a foot in the door. TEMPO isn’t designed to train people from scratch. Applicants should have some background in the relevant area and a positive attitude is a must.

“Participants who successfully complete the training and demonstrate high performance throughout the program may have the opportunity to join Council’s pool of casual and temporary employees.

“We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait

“We launched this program last year and had 77 candidates express an interest in participating in the program.

“We then provided training to develop and upgrade their skills and from the candidates who came on board 90 per cent of the available indoor pool were placed in the first few weeks with 100 per cent of the outdoor pool placed which is a great result.

“Feedback from the work areas where we’ve used TEMPO services has been overwhelmingly positive of the initiative which is why we’ve decided to open the program up for a second round.”

More information on how to apply for the Administration and Customer Service Pool can be found at tr.qld.gov.au/ about-council/jobs-at-council/current-vacancies/12681-jobs-2 and information on the Outdoor Pool can be found at tr.qld.gov.au/ about-council/jobs-at-council/current-vacancies/12681-jobs-2

Wheatsheaf Hotel reno well underway

Renovation of the historic Wheatsheaf Hotel is beginning to take shape as a fresh external coat of paint has given the old girl an impressive new look (pictured below).

Anyone recently involved in renovation work will understand that progress is painfully slow as building materials and labour are difficult to acquire and work on the Wheatsheaf is no exception.

Travellers along the New England Highway at East

Greenmount will no doubt have been watching the progress of the renovation, and new construction work and painting are encouraging signs that an opening date is now becoming a reality.

Once the Wheatsheaf finally opens local residents will have a range of drinking holes to choose from with the Greenmount hotel, the Bull & Barley at Cambooya and the ever popular Rudd’s hotel at Nobby all only a short driving distance away.

Whenever the Wheatsheaf does finally open there is no doubt locals will be keen to check out the new look renovation.

Fires timely reminder for planned burn permits

Large fires at Tara and Millmerran Woods and smaller fires closer to home in the West Haldon and Leyburn areas are an important reminder of the need to obtain a permit before lighting vegetation fires.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Regional Manager Wayne Waltisbuhl said with dry conditions and increased fire danger in the region, it was vital for hazard reduction burns to be lit and managed safely in accordance with permit conditions.

“While there are some exemptions, in Queensland it is illegal to light a fire in the open greater than two metres in any direction without a permit,” he said.

“Fires without a permit can attract serious penalties such as on the spot fines or prosecution.”

Mr Waltisbuhl said obtaining a Permit to Light Fire was a simple and free process that could be completed with a local Fire Warden.

“To apply, download and complete the application available

Young Achiever Awards

The closing date for entries in the 2023 Queensland 7 News Young Achiever Awards is less than two weeks away.

The annual awards are designed to recognise the efforts of Queenslanders aged 29 and under who have made a worthwhile contribution to the community.

The goal is to highlight the stories of those young Queenslanders who are doing great things - whatever that may be.

There are eleven categories across a wide range including community, leadership, entrepreneurial activity, small business achievement and an award for sporting achievement whilst overcoming adversity.

Organisers encourage Queenslanders to consider nominating someone from their neighbourhood, someone they went to school with or someone who has personally positively impacted an individual in some way.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane on Friday 19th May.

Entries for this year’s awards will close on Tuesday week, 31st January.

For details go to www.youngachieverawards.com

on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website,” he said.

“Contact your local council before submitting your application to check if there are any by-laws which affect your ability to have a fire.

“Also notify your neighbours of your intention to apply for a permit.”

Mr Waltisbuhl said recent bushfires in Tara and Millmerran Woods were a reminder of how quickly conditions could become dangerous and he urged everyone to play their part in safe fire management.

The application form is available at qfes.qld.gov.au/safetyeducation/using-fire-outdoors/lighting-fires-in-queensland

Top Camp church proposal controversial

A 145-signature petition against a development application to build a church at Top Camp has been presented to Toowoomba Regional Council, indicating significant community concern about the proposal.

The development application for a church at 3 Schmidt Court was lodged in July last year.

It was submitted by the West Toowoomba Gospel Trust with the church to be used by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

The principal petitioners were Geoff and Karen Reid and it was tabled by Cr Geoff McDonald.

The petition claims the proposed development does not meet certain assessment benchmarks in the Toowoomba Region Planning Scheme, including:

• It will result in substantial and unacceptable increase in vehicle movements and traffic within Schmidt Court, often 20 times the current usage level.

• Plymouth Brethren already operate another church 700 metres away at the corner of the New England Highway and Top Camp Court. It is proposed the applicant should expand this existing site instead.

• It does not provide for the “day-to-day” needs of the immediate rural residential community. Although members of the congregation live in the area, their needs are serviced by the existing church.

Council planners are currently in the process of considering submissions and are yet to make a decision on the outcome of the development application, with a tentative decision notice due date of 27 April 2023 set.

Local Events Calendar

If you are holding an event in the area covered by On Our Selection News, forward details to editorial@cliftoncourier.com.au

DATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT

26 January Australia Day - Cambooya, 8am to 10am Cambooya Recreation Grounds, TRC 131 872 11 Lucy Street

4 February Summer Tunes 2023, 1pm to 4pm Cambooya Memorial Park, Ramsay St TRC 131 872

11 February

Friends of Gormans Gap - Lookout Platform Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Repair Preparation, 7:30am to 3pm

12 February Friends of Gormans Gap - Lookout Platform Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Repair Preparation, 7:30am to 2pm

13 February Cambooya Landcare general meeting 5.30pm 64 Eton Street, Cambooya cambooyalandcare@gmail.com

18-19 February

Friends of Gormans Gap - Lookout Platform Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Repair Preparation, 7:30am to 3pm

18-26 February Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike Mount Peel Bushland hiketoheal.org.au

25 March Friends of Gormans Gap - Bush Regeneration / Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Weed Management, 7:30am to 11:30am

13 May

Friends of Gormans Gap - Bush Regeneration / Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Weed Management, 7:30am to 11:30am

11 June Friends of Gormans Gap - Bush Regeneration / Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Weed Management, 7:30am to 11:30am

8 July Friends of Gormans Gap - Bush Regeneration / Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au Weed Management, 7:30am to 11:30am

1st Sunday Anglican Church service, Umbiram, 10.30am St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Umbiram

Every Sunday Nobby Uniting Church, Church Services Nobby Uniting Church 8.45am Davenport Street, Nobby

Every Sunday Westbrook Community Church, 9am 114 Main Street, Westbrook Heather 0412 617 967 or toowoombaweslyan.org.au

Every Sunday Wyreema Christians worship 9.30am Wyreema Community Hall, Kerron 0401 930 656 or 14 Umbiram Road, Wyreema Beryl 0478 808 162

Every Sunday Cambooya Uniting Church service, 10am Uniting Church, 19 Eton Street

Every Sunday Cambooya Anglican Church service, 10am All Saints Anglican Church, Eton Street

4th Tuesday Nobby Heritage & Development Association Nobby School of Arts Hall June Smith 4696 3108 meeting

Every Tuesday Cambooya Playgroup 9.15am to 11am Cambooya State School School office - 4612 2333 (during school term)

Every Tuesday Hodgson Vale Playgroup 9am to 11am Ramsay State School, Ramsay Road Marion Winterbotham (during school term) 4630 9356

Every Wednesday Wyreema State School Playgroup 9am to 10am Wyreema State School library School office(during school term) 4596 0333

1st Thursday Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club Monthly Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club hcsc8315@gmail.com Meeting, 7.30pm

Every Thursday Indoor social bowls, 1pm to 4pm Nobby School of Arts Hall Warren Smith 4696 3108

Every Friday Emu Creek Playgroup 2pm to 3pm Emu Creek State School 14534 New School office 4697 1171 (during school term) England Highway, East Greenmount

Every Friday Greenmount State School Playgroup, 9am to 11am Greenmount State School, Haldon School office 4697 1159 (during school term) Street, Greenmount

Garth HAMILTON

Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike returns

to enable people the maximum opportunity to participate.

The aim of the Scavenger Hike is to inspire the community to strengthen wellbeing while walking beside people dealing with mental ill health and suicide loss towards hope, healing and connection.

Debbie Kendall and her family from the Gold Coast participated in the Scavenger Hike in 2022.

She said her family does not usually go hiking, preferring water sports.

“But we are so glad we took part in the event. It gave us an opportunity to de-stress and talk as we walked along the trail.

“The quizzes and clues were fun too and added some laughter to the experience,” she said.

“I am so proud of myself and my family for taking the challenge, connecting, and supporting each other and hopefully saving lives.”

Every year the Hike to Heal Australia team adds a new element to the event.

Last year it was the addition of a Tribute Tree where participants could dedicate their hike and leave a message of hope and healing on leaf shaped tags.

Linda Barton, the organiser of the event, says this year it’s a fun themed Instagram photo booth that will be located at the start of the trail.

Participants will be encouraged to post their pictures using the #hiketoheal23 and share their hiking adventure with their friends.

The event is in its third year now and organisers say it is going to be bigger and better than ever in 2023 thanks to the continuing support from Toowoomba Regional Council and many sponsors.

In addition, funds raised from this year’s hike will support the contemporary mental health and wellbeing programs delivered by Momentum Mental Health Service.

Those wishing to secure a spot early can do so by purchasing an early bird ticket, available now.

Purchase your tickets before the 31st January and go into the draw to win a $200 voucher at Toowoomba Toyota Service Centre.

For tickets, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/969771

A spectacular view looking towards Glenvale Quarry.