On Our Selection News - 22nd December 2022

Christmas tradition

around the world, and that is true even here on the Darling Downs, where Santa

celebrated in

a bit

than eggnog to keep him going... in the past can be found in Steele Rudd’s On Our Selection Chapter XXVI, which ends with this:

“All night they danced—until the cocks crew—until the darkness gave way to the dawn—until the fowls left the roost and came round the door—until it was Christmas Day!”

Santa preparing for a big night, just south of Greenmount (above) and who knew tyres could make such good Christmas ornaments, at a property on Greenmount Etonvale Road (below).

Kialla recognised at national awards

Held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in Lovedale, NSW, peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) announced the night’s ten award winners.

Kialla proudly displays its ACO Certification number 41 as a nod to its heritage – with ‘4’ denoting Queensland and ‘1’ denoting it was the state’s first certified organic processor.

From its inception in 1988, Kialla has been at the forefront of the organic movement.

It hosted the inaugural Biological Farmers of Australia (now AOL) ‘open day’ in its first year of operation, attended by thousands of organic enthusiasts.

Purchased in 2006 by Quentin and Michelle Kennedy, themselves farmers and committed organic supporters, Kialla’s flour mill is one of the last remaining in Australia which operates in the farmland where the grains are grown.

“We’re proudly based in the heart of the Darling Downs, surrounded by the rich black alluvial soils that run through this region,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Whilst other larger mills have relocated for economic reasons we continue to invest in and grow our regional presence, actively developing opportunities for both local people and our organic farmers.

“We value our relationship with our suppliers - the farmers - therefore we are totally transparent about our processes and our supply chain.

“We’re passionate about making a real difference in our communities by making delicious, healthy food possible through a sustainable and transparent food chain.”

Kialla ventured into mainstream retail in 2022, with more than 20 products now on offer at Coles and Woolworths across cereal, baking and health food categories.

Quentin and Michelle Kennedy represented Kialla.

Greenmount-based business Kialla Pure Foods has been awarded the Brand of the Year award at the 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards.

Opportunities for halls identified in review

A comprehensive review of community halls, Council and community owned, in the rural areas of the region conducted by Toowoomba Regional Council has revealed some ideas about how to improve our local halls. include a complete kitchen upgrade, complete amenities upgrade, access upgrades for the entire building and air conditioning.

Council owned community facilities include Cambooya Hall, Hodgson Vale Community Hall (at the Sports Club) and Westbrook Community Hall.

With 55 community halls in total, TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said it was important Council had a sound understanding of the condition and use of the halls.

“When conducting the review, Council staff spoke with community groups throughout the Toowoomba Region and users of the facilities to gain further knowledge,” he said.

“For Council, it’s about understanding where we have these halls and identifying opportunities and constraints for facility improvements.

“This will help guide future decision making on where upgrades are most needed and in the cases where the halls are under-utilised we will look at strategies on how we can get the best use of the halls in those locations.

“In addition to this, the review will assist Council and the community with funding submissions for potential grants to develop and improve infrastructure and amenity within the network.”

Significant facility upgrades identified for Cambooya Hall

Part of the upgrades identified for the historic Cambooya Hall include improving its access.

Garth HAMILTON MP

This year saw our community come back together. Events, festivals, and meetings that were cancelled during the pandemic returned bigger and better than ever. It has been an absolute pleasure to get back on the road and meet so many people.

Highlights for me have been Oakey’s Smokin the Downs Festival, Quinalow’s Hawaiian Pig Races, QCWA’s 100th year festivities, Pittsworth’s Craft and Fine Food Spectacular and Gowrie Little Plain Hall’s 90th Birthday Ball.

Together, we were also able to stand up to some tough challenges like the threat of foot and mouth disease, industrial relations reform, and rising interest rates and inflation. I know cost of living pressures will be on many people’s minds this festive season, and I will keep fighting to see Labor honour its promise to lower power bills by $275.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please enjoy this time with loved ones and thank you for your support.

Letters To the Editor

LAND SUPPLY

To the Editor,

So TRC solution to land supply is to “open up Emerging Communities”

What does this mean? Maybe locals don’t comprehend what this means - it means areas that have historically had larger blocks, less services, low condition roads, and low connectivity - are the future solution to the housing and land supply.

In particular areas like Drayton which have larger blocks, poor services, and poor roads - could be developed.

But it relies on the existing property owners to develop or sell up to bigger developers.

The likelihood of Drayton solving the land supply crisis is very low.

There have only been a few subdivisions in this area in the last 6 years - and it took ages for the sale, development and buildings to occur - and this was a subdivision less than 100 lots.

Drayton supposedly has the potential for hundreds more lots (according to TRC) - but relies on the property owners selling or paying huge amounts in DA fees.

Could anyone actually see this happening in the next 5 - 15 years - no way.

Imagine this solution then carried out in other areas - like Torrington, Glenvale, back of USQ - and supposedly TRC has hundreds if not thousands of Emerging Community lots available... but on the massive risk that no one sells their land or develops there, then TRC approach falls flat and is nothing more than a planning scheme on paper - with no reality to

it and no solution for residential growth or development in Toowoomba in the near future or for that fact the next 20+ years.

Ask TRC how they expect this to play out - and they will say they aren’t in control in DAs and it’s developers holding back and not submitting DA’s... apparently the Developers are causing the issue.

Lots of smoke and mirrors here by TRC - with 0% responsibility.

Strange solutions from TRC with no reasonable effort in reality.

Clayton Rogers Westbrook

Dear Editor,

THANK YOU

As yet another challenging year draws to a close, I find myself again asking: how can we, at The Salvos, express our immense gratitude to the Australian community for their generosity, kindness and support this year?

How can I put into words what it means to us when Aussies show up year after year to help those doing it tough?

While I try to find the words, I think of families like Annie’s.

They were already living close to the poverty line when her employer cut her hours of work, tipping them over the edge.

Heading into Christmas, they were struggling to make ends meet. Agonising decisions like whether to put petrol in the car or food on the table; pay the electricity bill or buy medication plagued Annie every day.

She began having panic attacks and harbouring guilt about not being able to give her children everything they want and deserve.

As you can imagine, celebrating Christmas felt impossible. But thanks to the Aussie community spirit, Annie has hope.

“The Salvos helped us with bills and gave us vouchers so we could buy Christmas food and presents for the kids.

“It meant we could actually celebrate Christmas. I’m forever grateful, I really am,” said Annie.

As a Salvation Army Officer, delivering services to people like Annie, there aren’t enough words to express our deepest gratitude to a very generous Australian community – all we can do is say thank you.

Thank you for donating, volunteering and packing hampers so that we could distribute over 64,000 food parcels and vouchers, and around 300,000 gifts and toys to families.

Thank you for helping us provide over 1.5 million meals, 887,500 crisis beds and 2000-plus services nationwide throughout the year.

Thank you for helping us keep Christmas alive for Aussies struggling to make ends meet, for helping us leave no one in need.

To each and every one of you who supported us throughout 2022, we thank you.

We’ve said it before, but it remains true: we couldn’t do what we do without you.

People say, ‘thank God for the Salvos’. We say thank God for you.

May you and your loved ones cherish this time of year and know that whatever the new year brings, the Salvos will walk alongside those in need and be there when you need us most.

If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support, please visit salvationarmy. org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Major Bruce Harmer

The Salvation Army

Cambooya, Hodgson Vale, Westbrook halls reviewed

Continued from page 3

The report notes Cambooya Hall is not heavily used despite being one of the only function spaces in the town.

It also notes the hall is a dedicated emergency evacuation centre, which heightens its need for upgrades.

Hodgson Vale Community Hall is recognised as being in good condition and used for a range of purposes.

The only concern identified is that the facility is somewhat difficult to access.

“Clearer signage is required at the Freyling Road-New England Highway intersection and from Maydean Place leading into the venue,” the report said.

Westbrook Community Hall is also identified as being in good condition and is considered among the most heavily used community facilities across the region.

The facility hosts dance classes, martial arts, group fitness, fortnightly community dances, monthly craft and regular private party bookings,

To ensure the hall remains attractive, a small number of facility upgrades were suggested, including constructing an all-abilities access to the supper room, replacing the storage area with a larger extension, irrigating the garden surrounding the memorial and formalising the car parking on the western side of the hall.

In addition to the community halls, a range of tenanted community facilities providing exclusive or specialised activities were looked at, including Cambooya Landcare.

The Cambooya Landcare facility is categorised as being in fair condition, with identified improvements including the air conditioning needing to be replaced, the exterior needing to be repainted and all-abilities access upgrades (including toilet upgrades) are required.

The report suggested opportunities may exist to divest or re-purpose the facility to maximise its use.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council last week, Council voted to endorse the Rural Halls Review and the Review be used in the formulation of future Capital Work Plans, Operational Budgets, Asset Management Plans and Facility Planning for community halls across the Region.

Hodgson Vale Community Hall is in good condition.

Good story of land clearing

AgForce has commended farmers for sustainable land management practices, following the release of the latest Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) report.

The report reveals overall tree clearing in Queensland from 2019-2020 is down by 40 per cent on the previous year, while clearing in remnant and high value regrowth vegetation regulated areas has reduced by more than 50 per cent.

AgForce General President Georgie Somerset said the figures put paid to outlandish claims by greenies that the State is a “deforestation hotspot.”

“This latest information tells an undeniably good story of landowners managing our natural assets in Queensland,” she said.

“With so much at stake these days (environmentally, climatically, socially, and economically), it’s never been more important to spread a positive messagelandowners do indeed care for agricultural lands.

“The findings are testament to the hard work of landowners, who have made great efforts with sustainable land management during particularly challenging times and tough drought conditions.

“They value protected plant and animal species, and they are united in their desire to produce safe, delicious, healthy food for the rest of us in Australia and throughout the world, while also maintaining and building natural capital to support healthy ecosystems.

“We commend our farmers for their great work, and will continue to work with industry, the community, and the State Government to ensure land clearing in Queensland continues to reduce.”

Council to implement pet inspection program

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will soon undertake inspection programs to check properties where ‘Regulated Dogs’ are kept, and to check on dog registration and dog and cat microchipping requirements throughout the Region.

At the December Ordinary Meeting of Council, Councillors approved the programs to take place from 1 January to 31 May 2023.

TRC Environment and Community Committee Portfolio Leader Cr Tim McMahon said one of the priorities of the program was to provide a level of safety for the community.

“Over the past year or so, we’ve seen too many cases where a dog attack has caused injury to one of our residents and other pets, and this is heartbreaking to see,” Cr McMahon said.

“The selective inspection program is targeted at all premises, property and places, where ‘Declared Dangerous Dogs’ or ‘Declared Menacing Dogs’ are kept, according to Council records.

“Ideally, we would prefer not to conduct these programs, but history has shown us that a high number of dogs and cat owners are prepared to take their chance and that it’s only through intervention and follow-up inquiries that we’re able to gain compliance.

“There continues to be significant numbers of cats and dogs impounded, with records indicating 905 dogs and 1020 cats were impounded between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.

“Of these, only 350 were microchipped and only about 400 of these dogs were registered.”

The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (the Act) requires all dog owners within Queensland to register their dog with their relevant local government.

The Act also requires all dog and cat owners in Queensland to have their pets microchipped.

By carrying out approved inspection programs, Council can improve the accuracy of its records, follow up on overdue registrations and obtain new registrations.

Dogs in the Toowoomba Region must be registered before reaching 12 weeks of age.

To register your pet or for more information, visit tr.qld.gov. au/our-region/living-here/animals or contact Council on 131 872.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

131 872 www.tr.qld.gov.au

Webelieveevery human has the inherentrightto

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

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

a‘normal’and

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

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

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

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

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

§ 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

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

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

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

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

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

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

§ 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.

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

§ Social and community participation helping you stay connected with your community. CALL US ON 0460 880 556 or 0432 020 302 EMAIL

T 0460 880 556 or 0432 020 302 E info@michoicesupports.com.au

CALL US ON 0460 880 556 or 0432 020 302

EMAIL YOUR ENQUIRY TO info@michoicesupports.com.au

There are no public holidays for wheelie bins. They have a critical job to play over Christmas - keeping hold of present packaging, party paraphernalia and much more. Our collection trucks will be in the streets earlier on Christmas Day – from 5am. To ensure you don’t miss your collection, put your bin out the night before.

To download a copy of our bin services collection calendar, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/waste

live

empoweredlife;to

Help ensure no kids miss out this Christmas

Research from The Salvation Army shows that 82 per cent of households with children are worried about affording presents this Christmas and more than four in five single parent households will struggle to afford enough food to eat.

“We found that the parents who come to us for support are struggling to afford Christmas – and not the Christmas luxuries like a shiny new bike or gadget to put under the tree – but the basics like food and even a single present for their child,” the Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer said.

“In contrast, we also surveyed the general Australian public and found that they are also concerned about how they will afford presents and food.

”Staggeringly, 3.9 million Australians (15%) are concerned about their children missing out on presents and 1.7 million (7%) are worried their children will go without food.”

“We encourage people to reach out to a loved one, a friend or neighbour and check in on them this Christmas.

“If you are feeling lonely or need a hand, please reach out to the Salvos.

“We can provide emergency support, food and presents, and you can also join us for a Christmas meal,” Major Harmer said.

“We encourage people to reach out to a loved one, a friend or neighbour and check in on them this Christmas.”

If you need support from the Salvos or would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, visit salvationarmy. org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Renovations completed

Gowrie Little Plain Hall has never looked better than it does now following a whole raft of renovations.

The latest renovations at the Gowrie Little Plain Hall have been completed courtesy of a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant, which included insulating and lining the seating area of the hall as well as replacing all the lights inside and outside with LED lights.

Additionally, most of the chairs have been replaced with armrest chairs.

The soonest opportunity to experience the new upgrades at Gowrie Little Plain Hall will be a dance on New Year’s Eve with Rae Blinco, featuring hourly door draws, supper and raffles. For enquires, phone Shirley on 4630 4384.

The new seating at Gowrie Little Plain Hall.

Reach out if you’re feeling down

Christmas often brings a range of emotions like happiness and joy, but it can also lead to feelings of stress or depression.

Darling Downs Health is reminding locals that it’s okay not to be okay during the festive season.

Worrying about finances, gifts, family gatherings or alcohol and drug use can be common, however it’s important to know when to reach out for help.

Ongoing stress might be a sign that it’s time to talk to a professional.

Darling Downs Health Senior Care Coordinator Robyn Eastwell said acknowledging your feelings and setting boundaries is key.

“For me personally, I think one of the hardest parts is working out where you’re going to be on Christmas Day and who you’re going to see.

“It’s okay to say no to attending breakfast, lunch and dinner at three different locations.

“Enjoy some downtime during the day. “If you don’t want to drink, that’s okay too.

“If you’re feeling stressed you could get some fresh air, go for a walk or ring someone and have a chat.

“Remember you don’t have to be a people pleaser at this time of the year,” Ms Eastwell said.

At a time when people are often thinking about others, residents are being encouraged not to forget about their own mental health and wellbeing.

Peer Worker Ellie de Paula said eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can go a long way.

“Make sure you look

after yourself, and do things you like.

“I’d encourage people to seek help if they are struggling, because there are services available.

“Don’t be afraid of seeking help if you need to.

“There’s absolutely no shame in reaching out.

“Try to take some pressure off yourself by remembering that Christmas is only one day, and think about the things that bring joy; whatever that may be,” Ms de Paula said.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for support.

Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club

A good crowd attended the Friday night function. The members’ draw, worth $160, saw number 45 come out this week belonging to Peta Mason who was not there so didn’t get to pick up the prize. The members’ draw goes up to $180 at the next function.

Remember you must be there and financial to pick up the prize.

Kym and Melissa’s Kebabs and Salad was very good for

our last Friday night function for 2022.

The club will NOT be open this Friday the 23rd December but will be open on Friday night the 30th December for those who want to celebrate New Year’s Eve a day early. You can come with a beach theme.

The air conditioned sports club is open for private functions so please contact Mark our booking officer.

The mobile contact is 0431 014 618 for further details, inspections and future bookings.

You can also check out our website to see what facilities are available or you can send an email to hcsc8315@gmail.com

Discounts apply for financial members who hire the facility.

The tennis courts are available for hire. The keys are available down at the Hodgson Vale shop. Hire costs are $4 an hour for financial members and $8 an hour for nonfinancial members. Lighting costs are $2 an hour at night. Government Covid rules must be adhered to at all times while the tennis courts are being used. The toilets at the sports club are also available for tennis hirers.

Memberships for 2022/23 financial year can now be paid and will cover the rest of this financial year if you are a new member.

The costs stays at $25 for the family and deposits can be made at the Westpac Bank or on line to our bank account BSB 034 142, Account number 158 247 or post to PO Box 8315 Toowoomba South 4350.

from our team to you and your family.

Financial members get discounts on tennis court hire and hire costs of the hall and go into the weekly members draw.

After another busy year at On Our Selection News & The Clifton Courier we’d like to thank you for your support.

Local newspapers exist because readers like you continue to take an interest in what we produce and because advertisers who invest in our product get support from our readers.

On Our Selection News On Our Selection News

So thanks to our readers and our advertisers!

We look forward to doing it all again in 2023.

If you are hiring the hall please be conscious of the near neighbors and keep the noise levels down.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our members and visitors for 2022.

- Ted Cavanagh

The Clifton Courier The Clifton Courier

Ellie de Paula and Robyn Eastwell

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

25 December Cambooya Uniting Church service, 9am Uniting Church, 19 Eton Street

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

CONTACT

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

Crash at

Many Wyreema residents awoke to sirens last Friday morning, 16 December, following a two-vehicle crash at the junction of Toowoomba Karara Road and Umbiram Road.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crew, Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Police arrived at the scene just before 7am.

A QAS spokesperson said a male in his 70s sustained a minor head injury and was transported to Toowoomba Hospital in a stable condition.

Police maintained traffic control for a short time as tow trucks were required to remove the vehicles.

Vehicle fire at Preston

Firies were called to Preston on Monday night after being made aware that a vehicle was on fire.

The first of two crews arrived at 8.40pm to the junction of the New England Highway and Flagstone Creek Road.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said when the crew arrived the vehicle was well alight and was subsequently extinguished by 9.15pm.

TRC essential services operating across Christmas/New Year

Toowoomba Regional Council’s essential services will continue to operate across the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Council operations will officially be closed between this Friday, December 23, 2022 and Tuesday, January 3, 2023, however Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said emergency requests would be answered.

“I want to assure the public that if anyone is in need of an essential service provided by Council during the Christmas-New Year break there will be someone to answer your query or attend to an emergency,” Mayor Antonio said.

“To let our staff celebrate the season and spend time with family and friends, our Christmas and New Year close down starts from 5pm on Friday, December 23. Staff will return on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

“Christmas is a time for being with family and I encourage Council staff to enjoy their break.”

There will be some exemptions to the Christmas closures and these include:

Council’s functional areas where employees will be on duty to work on priority projects, test and monitor water supplies, supervise CBD parking, perform ongoing maintenance, or deal with essential and emergency situations will still be available; and

Public facilities (aquatic, fitness, library etc.) where services are required to be delivered to the public.

“For any Council-related emergency calls during the holiday period, please continue to call 131 872,” Mayor Antonio said.

“This includes problems such as burst water mains, water leaks, traffic signals not working, dog attacks, serious environmental incidents, call outs from emergency services, trees on roads, dangerous pot holes, sewer blockages/ overflows or a dead animal on a road causing safety hazards.

“Some services will remain unaffected during this time.

“Council’s kerbside waste collection continues as normal over the Christmas break.

“All waste facilities will be closed on Christmas day. Normal operating hours at waste facilities resume on Boxing Day,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Various individual opening times will be in place for other Council facilities.”

For details about TRC service operations during the Christmas closure, call Council on 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld. gov.au/christmashours