On Our Selection News - 20th April 2023

Flyover to honour Anzacs

As part of this year’s Anzac Day commemorations an RAAF C-27J Spartan will fly over Greenmount. For full details on Anzac Day services in the area, see page 10.

READERS PLEASE NOTE: NEXT WEEK On Our Selection News will be distributed a day later due to the Anzac Day public holiday. For full details of deadlines see our Classified pages.

LOCAL BUSINESSES support local community events and organisations

UniSQ comp seeking First Nations artists

The University of Southern Queensland will again host the First Nation Art Competition from July 7th to September 1st 2023 and will showcase the stories and creativity of local artists.

Within the walls of the University of Southern Queensland Art Gallery in 2022 was a Guyumba artwork containing a silhouetted tree, standing in stark contrast to raging vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple.

As a finalist in the inaugural First Nations Art Competition last year, seventeen-years-old Isabel Natividad embraced the theme ‘Heal Country’ and created a beautiful dot painting to honour a vivid memory.

“Guyumba is the Wakka Wakka word for ‘light a fire’. In 2019 our country was ravaged by flames – a destructive force that brought many communities to their knees,” Ms Natividad said.

“But a flame is also a tool of rebirth and creation.

“All pasts are built upon flames and all futures start with a spark of hope, beginning a new age of healing and reconnecting with our country.”

University of Southern Queensland Curator (Arts and Exhibitions) Brodie Taylor said Southern Queensland Landscapes started the competition to help give First Nations artists from the 28 Nations throughout southern Queensland a vehicle to connect with other artists and a platform to showcase their talent.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that the exhibition is returning this year and that our region’s First Nations artists will have another opportunity to enhance their artistic voices,” Mr Taylor said.

“The artworks we received last year were incredible and we’re looking forward to having even more on display for all of our community.”

Applications are now open for the 2023 First Nations Art Competition, to be on show at the University of Southern Queensland Art Gallery from July 7 to September 1.

Artworks displayed as part of the 2022 First Nations Art Competition display at the University of Southern Queensland.

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Another Westbrook subdivision proposed

Toowoomba Regional Council has received an application for the creation of another new residential subdivision at Westbrook.

The application has been submitted on behalf of a local company, Vanderbilt Land 22 Pty Ltd.

It proposes the creation of a 52-lot subdivision off the end of Katrina Court, which is off Crocker Road and is close to the developing business centre of Westbrook.

The land already contains a large home and it is proposed that this be retained on its own 5,316 square metre block at the centre of the new development.

The remaining 51 blocks will vary in size from 501 to 1,083 square metres.

The proposal includes provision for eight of the lots to be available for the development of dual occupancy dwellings.

Road access to the new subdivision would be via Katrina Court with a ring road in the centre and provision for a future road to be created to the north of the new development.

Inside the circuit road would be the original home plus 16 other lots.

While the application does not propose any parkland, it is within 470 metres of Westbrook Park, where there is

a playground for young children, a steel skate half pipe, a basketball half-court, toilets and picnic facilities.

The recently released Toowoomba Region Growth Plan, commissioned by Toowoomba Regional Council, expects the number of dwellings in Westbrook, recorded as 1,480 in 2021, to increase by 2,000 by 2051.

Over the same time period, the town’s population is expected to grow from 4,800 to 9,200.

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Anzac Day 2023

Together we remember.

Anzac Day services are held across our Region on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. Throughout the day a large number of people will come together to pause, reflect and remember the sacrifices made by our service men and women. What Anzac Day services are happening near you?

For more information, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/anzacday

Please be aware of potential delays and traffic congestion throughout the day.

Anzac Day services are subject to weather conditions and event details can change at any time.

Greenmount

Service

9.45am March to Greenmount Memorial Hall, Ramsay Street.

10am Morning service at Greenmount Memorial Hall. Morning tea will be shared after the service and everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy.

Road closure

9.15am - 12noon Ramsay Street.

Service

Westbrook

5.15am Dawn service at Westbrook Community Hall, 114 Main Street, Westbrook.

Road closure

5 - 6.15am Main Street (between Crockers Road and Gore Street).

The existing home on the Katrina Court block which will be retained if the subdivision goes ahead.

Longest running Heavy Horse Field Day returning

The 44th Gatton Heavy Horse Field Day will be held at the Gatton Showgrounds on the weekend of 29 & 30 April this year.

This year the Gatton Heavy Horse Field Day have attracted record nominations from 144 horses and 80 competitors who will compete across a wide range of events including ridden classes, classes in the plough ring, events which will see the heavy horses teamed with magnificently restored horsedrawn vehicles and obstacle course events which showcase the strength and agility of the heavy horses.

Entries have been received from some of Australia’s most highly regarded owners and breeders of heavy horses who will travel to Gatton from New South Wales, the Scenic Rim area, Rockhampton and across the Darling Downs.

Whilst the Field Days are mainly dedicated to the working of heavy horses, this in turn makes for the perfect show and spectacle for the general public to attend and to watch the skill of the heavy horses which played such an instrumental role in the making of Australia’s history.

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The classes in the main ring will be complemented across the two days with an extensive programme of classes and demonstrations outside the main ring including farrier competitions.

This age-old traditional skill is always of interest to many.

This year also features the Blacksmith’s and Farrier’s World Cup 3-man draught horse shoeing competition.

Entertainment across the weekend will be provided by local Lockyer Valley performer Boyd Ridley who has garnered

a following of fans with his easy listening performance style. Food and coffee will be available on the grounds from a number of food vans and a large number of stalls will be on site also to browse.

The Gatton Heavy Horse Field Day is the longest running heavy horse event in Australia having begun in 1978 on a property in Coolana, before moving to Marburg then Laidley, and then to Gatton in 1992 to its current home at the Showgrounds.

The event is solidly supported by the local community and as a result of sponsorship, hard working volunteers and a progressive committee, the Gatton Field Days definitely look set to be an important feature on the heavy horse calendar for many years to come.

QBSA

Further information is available on the event’s Facebook page and website where tickets can also be purchased prior to the event.

The prices of tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for pensioners, seniors and students under 16, children under 5 are free and family tickets are available for $40.

Long time supporter, competitor, and President of the Gatton Heavy Horse Field Day, Neil Hall said it is an event that is well worth going to.

“The Gatton Heavy Horse Field Day has been a success for so many years because of the quality of the competitors, the links to our country’s history, the educational experiences offered by the field days and just as importantly the good old fashioned country hospitality and fun that is on offer when you throw together some healthy competition, great food and drinks, a talented performer and a crowd,” Mr Hall said.

“There really is no better way to spend the May Day weekend than at Gatton at the Heavy Horse Field Day.”

For further information, email gattonheavyhorse@gmail.com or visit GattonHeavyHorses.com.au

Trev & Carolyn Kohler’s ‘Modern Vehicle Turnout’ at last year’s Heavy Horse Field Day. Photo, Katy Driver

Vaccinations boost Qld flu response

Following a gradual increase in state-wide case numbers since January, Queenslanders are urged to get vaccinated ahead of the winter months to provide the highest level of protection during the peak, usually around August.

Across Queensland, more than 6,300 influenza cases were recorded between 1 January and 9 April 2023 against only 69 influenza cases during that same period last year.

So far this year, up to 11 April, there have been 189 lab confirmed influenza cases on the Darling Downs, compared to three at the same time last year.

There were 2,966 cases in total last year on the Darling Downs, 29 in 2021, 154 in 2020 and 3,945 in 2019.

Vaccines are available from a range of primary care immunisation providers, with several cohorts able to access free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk received her flu vaccination and is encouraging Queenslanders to do the same ahead of the impending flu season.

“I urge all Queenslanders to go and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu,” she said.

“Because the flu strains change every year, it’s important to get the flu shot every year.

“Queensland has already seen a steady rise in the flu cases across the state and getting vaccinated now provides the best protection before the likely peak in August.

“Flu affects people of all ages, but it is particularly serious in young babies and children, as well as pregnant women and the elderly – so let’s do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable communities.”

The Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath also commented on the importance of the flu vaccine.

“We need Queenslanders to play their part in helping to limit the spread of flu,” Ms D’Ath said.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, I encourage all of us to

stay home when we’re sick, wash our hands often and cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

Chief Health Officer John Gerrard supported the importance of getting the flu jab.

“Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine this year – it is the single most important measure many of us can take to protect ourselves and each other,” Dr Gerrard said.

“Young people in particular play an important role in getting vaccinated as they are considered super-spreaders. The flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.

“Those particularly at risk are young children and people aged 65 years and over, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant people.”

$3.5 million project to boost soil organic matter

An innovative new $3.5 million farming system project is underway to investigate how Australian grain growers could increase the level of their soil organic matter and return carbon to the soil.

The five-year investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), in partnership with Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and industry partners Kalyx Australia and Delta Agribusiness, is expected to generate international interest with its focus on improving soil organic matter through effective nutrient management using a whole-of-system approach to increase soil microbes environment benefits.

Soil organic matter contributes to a range of biological, chemical and physical properties of soil and is essential for

SPRAYING

supplying nutrients to crops, preserving soil structure and maintaining water infiltration. Lower organic matter levels reduce soil resilience and function.

Good soil organic matter levels support higher grain yield and quality, but Australian soil organic matter levels are declining under continuous cropping cycles.

Although plant residues are very high in carbon, nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur are required to break it down to build healthy soils with high levels of humus.

EQUIPMENT

GRDC Sustainable Cropping Systems Manager – North, Dr John Rochecouste said an approach to nutrient management that takes into account soil biota function and nutrient requirements could avoid the continued long-term rundown of soil organic matter.

“Retaining carbon via stubble on the ground through no-till farming practices does not always lead to an increase in soil organic matter in the ground,” he said,

“Additions of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur, beyond that used by the crop, are needed to support the soil biota to ‘break down’ the stubble carbon into humus.

“No commercial fertilisers currently target these nutrient ratios to build soil organic matter from residue, so there’s potential for fertiliser companies to innovate in product development too.”

Mayor: new airline big boost to tourism

According to Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio, this week’s arrival of Bonza Airline’s inaugural Melbourne to Toowoomba flight is a massive boost for regional tourism and business operators, event organisers and travellers.

On Monday Mayor Antonio and Toowoomba Region Councillors joined the flight’s welcome party at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport before the return flight left for Melbourne after 2pm.

The fanfare for the new flight routes followed in the wake of one of the Region’s busiest weekends which drew close to 20,000 people, including many visitors from outside the Region, to Meatstock Toowoomba at the Showgrounds, the Red Hot Summer concert in Queens Park and the Oceania mountain bike championships at Jubilee Park.

“Bonza’s arrival, along with their additional flights from Wellcamp to Townsville and the Whitsunday Coast, is a positive sign for the growth of our tourism market,” Mayor Antonio said.

“The new flights will offer residents across a broad area of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales affordable options for business and leisure trips to these new markets.

“Equally as important are the new opportunities for

passengers from these destinations to travel and stay across the Toowoomba Region and other parts of Southern Queensland Country.

“There is great scope to encourage visitors to extend their stays and enjoy our unique locations, outdoor adventure pursuits and enviable range of food and beverage offerings.”

Mayor Antonio said events like the weekend’s second Meatstock Toowoomba, the Red Hot Summer concert and mountain biking highlight the number of visitors who are keen to travel for different experiences.

“The new flights will only serve to attract more visitors.

“The Southern Queensland Country area recorded almost 2.5 million domestic overnight visits in the year to September 2022, which shows the areas is bouncing back stronger than before the pandemic.

“The domestic overnight visits exclude more than 3.7 million day trips in the same period and the return of foreign visitors.

“More frequent and convenient air travel links open new business and tourism opportunities for residents and visitors.

“We look forward to welcoming many new visitors across our Region,” he said.

Mayor Paul Antonio (left) welcomes Bonza founder and CEO Tim Jordan and his wife Simone to Toowoomba following their arrival on the airline’s first flight from Melbourne to the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.

Student Council Movie Dress Up Day was a wonderful success on the Thursday. Lots of creative costumes were worn. The day was concluded with watching a movie.

The Student Council also held a Sausage Sizzle for parents and students following the Inter-house Cross Country. The money raised from this event was donated to Epilepsy Queensland.

Thank you to our wonderful parent supporters who have assisted with donations for this event.

PLAYGROUP

There has been welcome response to our Playgroup held at Ramsay School weekly during school terms.

Mrs Smith and Mrs Harthog have enjoyed organising and presenting this weekly session which includes Story Time, a variety of crafts and Outdoor Play Session.

Our current Prep students join with the younger children for this session.

Parents and younger children are most welcome to join this weekly group who meet each Tuesday from 9am to 11am except for school holidays.

Harry Potter was sighted at the Movie Dress Up Day (left), as was Mr Bean (below).

Playgroup is a whole lot of fun at Ramsay State School.

Take the Prime Minister’s walk

Although it may just look like a roadside stop while driving along Drayton Connection Road, Federation Park at Vale View contains a tranquil little walking track interestingly named the Prime Minister’s Walk.

The walking track consists of a loop, 919 metres long, that only takes about 15 minutes to complete.

The route is relatively flat and paved, allowing for small children, the elderly, strollers and wheelchairs to use it.

Cyclists can also make the most of the track.

As well as the walking track, the park includes picnic facilities, a car park, a playground and toilets.

Signs around the park tell the story of the area, including its first inhabitants and the days of the Cambooya Shire from 1914 to 2008.

The ‘Federation’ in the park’s name refers to the year it was opened, 2001, the centenary celebration of Australia’s federation in 1901.

Visitors can sometimes be seen setting up and camping overnight, which they are allowed to do for up to 24 hours.

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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

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

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

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

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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A nice surprise is a lagoon of sorts that can be found within Federation Park.

2023 Anzac Day services

GREENMOUNT

9:45am - March to Memorial

10:00am - Memorial Service at Memorial

11:30am - Morning Tea at Greenmount Hall

A C-27J aircraft will flyover during the service. Attending this year are over 60 current Australian Army and American Marine personnel. There will be opportunities to talk to them and to explore some of their vehicles after the service.

All school children, including high schoolers, are welcome to march.

Members of the public are invited to lay a wreath.

Ramsay Street will be closed from 9:15am to noon.

WESTBROOK

5:15am at Westbrook Community Hall, 114 Main Street Westbrook.

DRAYTON

The Drayton ANZAC Day Parade will start at 7:20am from the Drayton Memorial Hall, ending at the Drayton Soldiers Memorial Park with the Service commencing at 7:30am and concluding at approximately 8am. A barbecue will follow the service.

Dawn Service:

5:15am – Assembly

CLIFTON

5:30am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph

Mid-Morning Service:

Assemble Cnr King Street and Meara Place.

10:30am – Assembly

10:45am – Parade moves off (March down King Street to Cenotaph)

11:00am – Service at Cenotaph

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Dawn Service:

TOOWOOMBA

5:15am Parade commences from Toowoomba Bus Station Neil Street, ending at Mother’s Memorial, Toowoomba

5:30am Dawn Service commences and will conclude at approximately 6:15am at Mother’s Memorial, Toowoomba

Mid-Morning Service:

9:00am Wreath Laying Ceremony at Mother’s Memorial, Toowoomba

10:00am Parade commences from the Margaret/Neil Streets intersection, ending at Mother’s Memorial, Toowoomba

10:15am Mid-Morning Service commences and will conclude at approximately 11.00am at Mother’s Memorial

Community grants tackling youth offending

Two projects in Toowoomba are among twelve state-wide to receive a Community Partnership Innovation Grant to tackle youth offending from the Queensland Government.

This funding, part of the second round of the grant program, totals more than $3 million in one-off funding for projects to enable local communities to deliver locally designed solutions to tackle the complex causes of youth offending.

Indigenous mentor Adam Wenitong will receive almost $143,000 to deliver an intensive 30-week program for young people who have re-offended.

It will include a seven-month cultural project that provides cultural mentoring and connection to the First Nations community.

Raw Impact will receive $300,000 to deliver its project, which will see at-risk young people engage in an intensive period of cultural connection over seven weeks, with the option of ongoing cultural activities and projects that support the rejuvenation of native title land at the Yumba.

Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linard said local communities are often the first to see when a young person disconnects from family, stops attending school or shows antisocial behaviour, all of which are indicators that the young person may engage in criminal behaviour.

“When I have met with local community groups, they have told me that they want to work with the government and put their local experience and knowledge to good use to help divert young people from crime,” Ms Linard said.

“We are committed to addressing youth crime and recently announced a comprehensive suite of measures, including an additional $100 million in funding for programs proven to make a difference in diverting young people from crime.”

State School Greenmount Greenmount

FINISHING WITH A BANG….

It seemed like Term One was a whirlwind of learning with the staff and students at Greenmount State School squeezing every last minute out so we could fit all the good things in.

It was lovely to be invited to a presentation by Bruce and Denise Morcombe at Back Plains State School.

We learnt more about keeping our kids safe especially with regards to mobile phones and the internet world.

We finished our term with a fabulous Easter Hat parade organised by our Students Representative Council and supported (with chocolate) by our P&C.

All of our students and staff did a super job of creating festive and unique bonnets and we loved celebrating their efforts.

The entire school revelled in the 100% positive behaviour learning efforts in being strong, safe and successful with a colour run.

It was great to see our students support each other, cheer and celebrate their beaut behaviour throughout the term.

Throughout the term our students have benefited from having Chappy Sam’s cheering smile in our school.

This is what Chappy Sam has to say:

“I started working at Greenmount during the last 3 weeks of Term 4, 2022, and have now had 1 full term of 2023.

During the term I have worked with students in class, played games at lunch, and been able to connect in many different ways.

The Tuesday that I am at GSS begins with Brekky Club – serving bacon and egg burgers with the help of some lovely parents and staff.

I then have been able to engage in classroom activities, particularly with the P-2 class, which has been incredible as the next time I see them, they have had a whole week of practice and have now mastered the letter they were learning, or the maths skills.

I have also been able to work with the year 3-6 girls in a selfesteem program called Bella Girl, which will continue running this term.

A highlight of my time here so far has been the afternoons, where I have been teaching the students some dance routines and have had some fun grooving around the tennis courts.

I have loved getting to connect quickly with the students, staff, and families, and I am looking forward to seeing what fun and excitement this term will bring.”

We are all very excited about Term Two and all the fabulous things in store for us.

RIGHT: Breaky club with Chappy Sam and Mrs Charles.

CHAPPY SAM

Loads of fun was had at Greenmount State School to end Term One, including the colour fun run (above and below) and an Easter Hat Parade (below left).

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

National Serviceman’s Association

Anzac Day is approaching; on this day we should remember the young men who were called up for National Service to defend the freedom which we enjoy today; the freedom of free speech.

We should remember the 212 Nashos who gave their lives in the Vietnam War so people could enjoy the freedom we have today.

At our meeting held earlier this month, discussion centred around the continuation of our branch.

The National Association has stated that 2026 should be the final date, however, if a branch is Incorporated it can continue for as long as members wish.

Our branch had moved and passed a motion in 2022 that we become Incorporated and our president has been working on our Constitution.

This move to become Incorporated would allow our Toowoomba & District branch to continue.

If you have an opinion on this matter please contact the secretary on 4633 2564 or 0417 660 464.

Our meetings are now held during the day, at 1.15pm,

on the second Tuesday of the month at the Irish Club Hotel, Russell Street, Toowoomba.

We will be selling badges and other items at Grand Central this weekend, before Anzac Day.

The day to honour the widows of National Servicemen will be held on Sunday 18th June at noon.

This will be a luncheon at the Irish Club Hotel.

All Nashos are invited to attend, names to the secretary before 9th June please.

Members meet socially for lunch once a month, on the third Friday of the month, at the City Golf Club.

Our next social get together is Friday 21st April. Come along and have a chat with your Nasho mates.

Our Welfare Office and Chaplain, Padré David Snape, is always willing to visit any Nasho who is in hospital or not enjoying the best of health.

Contact Joan and the message will be passed to the Welfare officer.

Joan O’Sullivan Assistant Secretary