Surat Basin News

NEWS

Thursday, August 30, 2018

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It’s great to navigate

Recently launched initiative provides help to develop business ideas: PAGE 3 ◗ BUSINESS NAVIGATORS: QGC Operations Manager (Central) Nagaraj Ramaraj, Business Navigator client Jess Lott, Suzie Wood and Neil Daly (Business Navigator Western Downs – Business Coaches).

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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2

WELCOME

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

SNAP OF THE MONTH

◗ WELCOME TO OUTBACK QUEENSLAND: These emus were snapped grazing beside the road just south of Roma by Toowoomba local Nadia Davies.

Contents

From the editor

Business on the up, technology at the fore in the Surat WELCOME to another bumper edition of the Surat Basin News.

This month’s edition has a strong focus on the business and employment opportunities which are being created in the region.

The Surat Basin is at the forefront of technology, and businesses investing in the region have shown a passion in training our residents in the jobs of tomorrow.

The Western Downs Navigator Program, which is highlighted on page 3, is an example of the opportunities created in the region.

An independent team focused on taking existing businesses to the next level, is a great sign of confidence from some of the largest companies investing in the Surat Basin region.

September’s drone forum in Dalby will bring some of the sharpest minds in the industry to the region to show how it can change the way we think about agriculture.

This month’s edition will also take a look at the traineeship program being offered by QGC. Thirteen in the region have already complete the program, and the second round intake has garnered plenty of interest.

The business sector of the Surat Basin is experiencing an exciting and prosperous time.

The benefits and strong suits of the region are being highlighted on a huge scale, and there is plenty of opportunity for both individuals and businesses.

— Michael Doyle

PHOTO: NADIA DAVIES

IN THE NEWS Navigate your way through business world ..............................3 New proposal could make better use of recycling ...................4 ‘Olde worlde country gentleman’ gets fitting farewell .............5 New Hope win trio of awards.....................................................6 Maranoa Business Awards on the horizon ................................7

Base Camp offers a helping hand..............................................8 QCG welcomes new blood .........................................................9 Toll takes service into Wellcamp ..............................................10 Health booster for the southwest...............................................11 OPINION ..................................................................................22-23 PLACES AND FACES................................................................26-27

The newspaper

The team

The Surat Basin News publishes every month and is delivered via the four dominant newspapers of the region: the Chinchilla News, Western Star, Dalby Herald and The Chronicle. It will reach the homes and offices of almost 50,000 people living, working and playing in the Surat Basin, connecting the business and mining communities throughout the booming region. Surat Basin News is a necessity. It was born out of a passion for Australia’s fastest growing communities – a passion for a region of unbridled potential and a future of vast economic growth and opportunities. The newspaper, professionally designed and regionally topical, is a must read for anyone associated with the exciting Surat Basin.

ONLINE: Surat Basin News has gone online to ensure our readers in every corner of the country have the latest news sent directly to them. Go to: www.suratbasin.com.au.

PURCHASE FROM: Newsagents in Chinchilla, Roma, Dalby, Gladstone, Moura, Toowoomba, Calliope.

VISION: Surat Basin News will allow local businesses to network and communicate with everyone in the 1200 sq km basin, providing unprecedented access to new clients and markets. It will give a revealing insight into major industry while lifting the veil on current and proposed developments. It will be there for each and every announcement shaping the region’s future while profiling the colourful characters.

GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9921, email Erika.Brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING TEAM Jodie Williams, Chinchilla Phone 4672 9900, email Jodie.Williams@chinchillanews.com.au Greg Latta, Roma Phone 4672 9927, email Greg.Latta@romawesternstarnews.com Nicole McDougall, Dalby Phone 4672 5500, email Nicole.McDougall@dalbyherald.com.au EDITORIAL

Michael Doyle, Dalby

Phone 4672 5520, email michael.Doyle@dalbyherald.com.au SURAT BASIN NEWS 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 PO Box 138, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd, 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Q 4413 The Surat Basin News is printed by News Corp Australia

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3

IN THE NEWS

◗ FROM LEFT: Nagaraj Ramaraj, Neil Daly and Suzie Wood.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Fresh ideas take centre stage with Business Navigator Western Downs

New plan gathers momentum innovative ideas to contact us.”

Mr Daly said the business sector of the Western Downs region was in a great position to grow.

He said there is a wide range of opportunities to be explored.

“What we can do and what we can offer is one-to-one coaching and training,” Mr Daly said.

“It might be a company looking at new ways of online trading, or it could be an individual in manufacturing.

“We are here to help, it is the purpose of the navigator program.

“It was seen as a key pillar for moving forward for the whole of the Western Downs.”

The program has already been well received in the Western Downs community, with the program’s staff meeting with several businesses and individuals already.

Mr Daly said once the program full establishes itself in the community, and more people hear about it, then it will be able to fully thrive and reach its potential.

“We have had really great uptake already with the program,”

he said.

“We are seeing individuals with brilliant ideas.

“We are seeing some companies near medium-size, who are looking at new angles for their businesses.”

Shell’s QGC Operations Manager Nagaraj Ramaraj said the program would benefit the whole community.

“We heard that supporting small-medium business and economic diversification is of benefit to our local communities,” he said.

“We know it benefits us too, and we want natural gas development to be just one part of a strong economy.

“This will support a thriving regional economy, making businesses more viable and creating jobs for local people.

“We are looking forward to seeing what new and innovative ideas are developed in the region.”

■ Those who wish to get in contact with the Business Navigator team, just email neil@navigatorwesterndowns. com.au.

— Michael Doyle

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HAVE you ever had a great idea, but did not know how to capitalise on it?

It is a common problem in business, and one which can hold individuals and companies back from taking the next step.

It is the problem that a new initiative, funded by Shell QGC, are trying to tackle.

The recently launched, Business Navigator Western Downs, is providing assistance and help to individuals and businesses who are eager to grow or capitalise on an opportunity.

It is an idea which was born out of community consultation meetings held by Shell QGC, and the program has already had a strong uptake.

The lead business navigator of the program, Neil Daly, said this was a unique opportunity for business-people in the Western Downs region to take advantage of high-level coaching.

“It is believed to be a first of its kind in Australia,” Mr Daly said.

“It is quite unique so we are very lucky to have it.

“We encourage businesses and individuals with bright and

4

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

No flow woes

New bore is on the way for Bell RESIDENTS of Bell will have their water levels returned to previous capacity in coming months, with drilling of a new bore starting last week.

The Western Downs Regional Council has awarded the contract to local business Burton’s Water Drilling.

The Bell water supply has dropped to 15 per cent of its original output, but council spokesman for utilities councillor Peter Saxelby reassured residents that the new bore supply would return to its former capacity.

“This will be the solution the town needs to the water issues they’ve been having since 2004,” Cr Saxelby said.

“At a depth of 400m, the new bore will not only provide a more reliable water source to the town, but better quality water.

“Currently the bores supply 100 per cent of the water to the town.

“If surface water becomes available it’s used as the main supply, with the bore used as a supplement and emergency reserve.

“Bell was on level six water restrictions 12 months ago, and while it has now dropped to level five, it’s obviously still tough on our residents.” ◗ RIGHT: Burton’s Water Drilling’s Michael Burton (left) and councillor Peter Saxelby check out the drilling of a new bore for Bell.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

FKG lanes a winner

Waste-to-energy plan for recycling A DEDICATED waste-to-energy facility operated by the private sector could soon be created in Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Regional Council waste portfolio leader Nancy Sommerfield said she had been in talks with TSBE which would now host a forum on September 13 about the potential for a waste to energy facility in the region.

“So the idea of that is to engage with the private sector to see whether they’d be interested in investing in waste management plants in our region,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“If we can get private investment in waste to energy, that’s good for our region, not just for ratepayers not having to invest in the infrastructure, but it means we could service surrounding regions as well like the Southern Downs and the South Burnett.

“Toowoomba is a developing into a logistics hub and this fits perfectly with that.”

Cr Sommerfield said the Local Government Association of Queensland was also undertaking study tours of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Spain to see waste to energy facilities in those countries.

She said she was even going to check out a facility in Ireland when she went on a private holiday there next month.

Waste-to-energy is the process of turning products such as plastic into fuel, or other forms of energy. It is used in a lot of European countries for central heating.

The push for investment into the waste and recycling industry in Toowoomba comes after China stopped accepting recyclable waste from Australia earlier this year.

Cr Sommerfield said the council’s recycling provider JJ Richards had advised the council it was now being charged for recycling per tonne.

— Tobi Loftus, The Chronicle

THE construction of overtaking lanes between Dalby and Oakey may have caused frustration for motorists, but FKG is set to reap the rewards of the work.

Staff from the project will head to The Star Casino, on the Gold Coast, next month in the hope of bringing home honours in the Queensland Excellence in Civil Construction Awards.

FKG has been listed as a finalist for its job on the Warrego Highway Overtaking Lanes – Oakey to Dalby project.

FKG manager of engineering Mathew Quy-Verlander said it was great to be recognised.

“The FKG Group was engaged by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver the construction of new overtaking lanes at four sites on the Warrego Highway,

located along a 43km stretch of road between Oakey and Dalby,” Mr Quy-Verlander said.

“The FKG Group is industry leaders in delivering plant-mixed foam bitumen construction and, on this project, we used over l20,000 tonnes.

“Civil Contractors Federation Queensland is recognised as a leading association supporting the civil construction industry and the FKG Group is proud to have a project like this one recognised as a finalist in the 20l8 Excellence in Civil Construction Awards.”

CCF CEO Damian Long said the Excellence in Civil Construction Awards allowed the industry to celebrate the best of the best in the business.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, August 30, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Farewell to a good mate

Police had highest respect for Mr Edgar ‘‘

John spoke in a calm and measured manner which ensured that every word spoken reached its target...

“The police at Dalby station are deeply saddened at the loss of dear John and will miss his ‘olde worlde’ country gentleman style,� he said at the service. “John spoke in a calm and measured manner which ensured

â—— A GREAT MAN: John Edgar will be sorely missed by the community.

that every word spoken reached its target with deadly accuracy.�

Sen-Constable O’Hara likened his colleagues and Mr Edgar to the Gallipoli battles of World War I. Though opposing forces, there was a great deal of respect between Anzacs and Turkish soldiers, similar to the respect Mr Edgar had from the police unit.

He said Mr Edgar was a man of deep conviction who wanted what the police wanted – justice. “The police and the legal fraternity work in the same field but

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

are often on radically opposing sides and share different points of view,� Sen-Constable O’Hara said. “As a result, there is sometimes an uneasy camaraderie between both groups. “John, you fought the good fight, you won some and you lost some. Never once did you compromise your morals. “Let us hope that ultimately the overall winner was natural justice itself.� — Michael Doyle

ANDY’S AN N DY ’ S

Taste the world

â—— GREAT FOOD: Kazzie Figueroa and Soozie Drabsch from major sponsor Base Camp, with food they will offer at One Long Table.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

TASTES and smells of cuisines around the world will be enjoyed by Chinchilla residents next month.

The annual One Long Table is back again for another year of enjoyment and food.

This year’s event will boast its largest spread of food, with multiple national cuisines on offer.

Event co-ordinator Gaye Smith said she was anticipating a great event with plenty of satisfied patrons. “This year we’ll be hosting more food vendors than ever before,� Ms Smith said “This will cover cuisines from across the globe. From East Asia across to Europe, residents can expect a delightful variety of tantalising treats.�

A licenced bar, and plenty of live entertainment will be on show throughout. One Long Table will be held on September 15.

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FAMILY, friends and colleagues farewelled John Edgar last month at a service in Dalby.

The beloved solicitor was remembered for his spirit and love of the Dalby community.

For police officer Senior Constable Dan O’Hara, Mr Edgar was a special man.

The pair were neighbours for 13 years but, most notably, were on opposing sides of the legal system.

Sen-Constable O’Hara, who spoke on behalf of the Dalby-Burnett police unit, said the loss of Mr Edgar was a sad one for the team.

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

Three times a charm

Top gongs for New Hope NEW Hope Group has scooped three gongs at the prestigious Australian Business Awards for its innovative work in x-ray technology and automatic braking systems and its contribution to community.

Managing Director and CEO Shane Stephan said the awards, known as the ABA100, was well-deserved recognition of a workforce urged to innovate and engage from the ground up.

“New Hope has a long history of backing in-house innovation and I’m proud to say almost all our innovative technologies have been initiated, developed, championed and utilised by our employees,” Mr Stephan said.

“That level of direct involvement from our workforce seeking to continually improve, streamline and progress our operations is something that is distinctly New Hope and something worth promoting.”

◗ AWARD WORTHY: New Hope’s Paul Hutchins with their award-winning Auto Braking System.

A trial of x-ray sorting technology at New Hope’s New Acland Mine was recognised as an 2018 ABA100 winner for Business Innovation for its ability to improve the quality of coal processed through the mine’s wash plant.

In what could be the first Australian coal application of the sorting technology, New Acland Mine uses x-ray and high pressure air jets to eject unwanted material from raw coal before it enters the wash plant.

New Hope’s Jeebropilly Mine was also named an ABA100 winner for Business Innovation for its Automatic Braking System, a fail-safe braking design that ensures safe passage of

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

mining equipment underneath road overpasses and bridges.

Developed on site by Jeebropilly’s maintenance team, the technology has since been installed across the mining fleet.

New Hope was also named ABA100 winner in the Community Contribution category for its work in communities around its operations, including its commitment to local procurement, industry skills programs and community consultation.

The award also recognised New Hope’s nine year partnership with RACQ LifeFlight Rescue, which delivers aeromedical services and rural safety skills to locals living around New Acland Mine.

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7

IN THE NEWS

Thursday, August 30, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

◗ MODEL EMPLOYEE: Adam Burke has gained a dedicated group of customers working at Queensland Country Meats.

PHOTO: JOSHUA MACREE

The best in Maranoa business

Awards honour best workers OFTEN it is said employees are the lifeblood of any business.

With the 2018 Maranoa Business Awards fast approaching, now is the time to nominate an employee who demonstrates exceptional work ethic and attention to detail in the workplace.

The new category, Employee of the Year, sponsored by IOR Petroleum, has been introduced this year to highlight the efforts of those who make all the difference to the success of any business.

Queensland County Meats is one business in the Maranoa that recognises the value of an outstanding employee.

Adam Burke has earned particular praise from owner Paul

Lavelle for his ongoing contributions in the day-to-day operations and has already been nominated for the Employee of the Year Award.

“Adam has a dedication to customer service and has acquired his own clientele,” Mr Lavelle said.

“We’ll get customers who refuse to be served by anyone else because of his personable nature.”

He said a focus on customer service through his employees helps distinguish his butchery from the large multinationals.

“Customer service at Queensland Country Meats is our biggest asset,” he said.

“Without customer service there is no business and we need to show that customer service is alive and well.

“All our employees go through a stringent training process to ensure all our customers get treated properly.”

Mr Lavelle said it was important employees like Adam were recognised for all their hard work.

“Our people need to be rewarded,” he said.

Finalists and the winner of the IOR Petroleum Employee of the Year Award will be announced at the gala dinner, being held on October 13 at the Explorer’s Inn Conference Centre in Roma.

— Joshua Macree

Cypress, Red Ironbark, Lancewood, Brigalow and Others

8

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

◗ NET PROFIT: Residents compete at the Base Camp Chinchilla Drought Angels fundraiser last Wednesday.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Base Camp pleased to help farmers

Angels spread wings “A brilliant night in which we raised $5700, which we have since had converted all to visa cards in different amounts. These are on their way to the Drought Angels.

“We did this – the visa card option – just so it allows the farmers to spend in their local communities, which will again prosper the economics of the townships that are doing it hard because of the drought.”

About 200 people attended the event, with Mr Woodforth pleased by the strong support and continuing positive feedback.

“We were hoping to raise a large amount, and in a short period. That was achieved,” he said.

“The Drought Angels thought it was a great night and were overwhelmed by the total raised.

“The CSG workers really enjoyed the night, because they work together so closely with a lot of the farming community.

“Doing something like this to help out these struggling farmers was close to their heart.”

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THE Chinchilla community has rallied behind the Drought Angels in their efforts to lend a helping hand to drought-stricken farmers. One business eager to contribute is Base Camp, which held a fundraiser last Wednesday.

Base Camp director Rohan Woodforth explained the idea was originally suggested by some of Base Camp’s residents.

“The workers at Broadspectrum contacted me and said ‘hey we’d love to do something for the farmers since we work with the farmers’ and I said ‘OK what would you like to do?’.”

From there Mr Woodforth explained the idea came to him to do an “eat street” style night filled with good food and fun games, with the prizes to be donated to the Drought Angels.

“Residents donated various amounts on entry to the Eat Street event,” he said.

“We put on some fantastic games, round robin tournaments and donated prizes, which were kindly given back to the Drought Angels.

Thursday, August 30, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

9

IN THE NEWS

◗ PROGRAM: QGC’s first group of Pathways apprentices and trainees, who joined back in January.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Company want locals for positions

Apply now for position with QGC we attract people from the local region who will be able to build their career with us or in the industry more generally,” Mr Nunan said.

“I am confident we will again attract high-quality applicants from school leavers to mature-aged people looking for the opportunity to kick start a career in natural gas – one of the most innovative industries.

“We want our local workforce to reflect the local communities we work in. We’re particularly interested in attracting as many female and Indigenous Australian candidates as we can.”

Mr Nunan said building the workforce in the region, with

people who lived in the communities they operated in was an important consideration in the application process.

“It is important for our business to have a pipeline of qualified locals who live and work in the communities where they grew up and where they may want to continue to be part of the community and raise their families,” he said.

Successful applicants will begin the program in January.

More information about the programs and how to apply can be found at www.migas.com.au/qgc-pathways, or at www.shell.com.au/careers/qgc-pathways.

— Michael Doyle

From the OUTBACK to the DARLING DOWNS and everywhere in between, you can trust Warrego Water Services to deliver Cost Effective e, Flexible and Reliable water supply solutions to su uit your specific needs!

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APPLICATIONS for apprenticeships and traineeships with one of the largest gas companies in the Surat Basin have opened.

Shell QGC is offering 12 places in the second intake of their QGC Pathways Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program, across electrical and instrumentation, mechanical, process plant and well site operations and warehousing trades.

The program, which began last year, was hailed a success by the gas giant, which then helped 13 people in January gain nationally recognised qualifications. Tony Nunan, from Shell QGC, encouraged people in the Western Downs region to apply.

“One of the most important considerations for us is to ensure

10

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

Toll Group launches services from Toowoomba to the World

Toll takes flight at Wellcamp

TOOWOOMBA Wellcamp Airport is pleased to announce that effective from July 30, the Toll Group will have five weekly services linking Toowoomba to the Toll Priority domestic network.

“Freight volumes have been growing on the international service so it is timely that Wellcamp Airport are now able to offer a domestic freight service,” Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Commercial Manager – Cargo Robert Kasch said.

“This new service will enable Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to offer airport-to-airport time-critical freight services on a next available flight (or express overnight service) to most locations in Australia and major business centres in New Zealand.

‘‘

◗ TAKING FLIGHT: Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Commercial Manager – Cargo Robert Kasch.

“The service is backed by an unrivalled air freight network, which enables Toll to deliver to almost every location in Australia.”

Toll’s airport-to-airport service offers: ■ Access to hundreds of daily commercial and freighter aircraft movements ■ The capability to monitor cargo during all phases of

transport through to its final destination ■ Time-critical delivery of spare parts, which include Aircraft on Ground (AOG) parts In Australia Toll also offer: ■ On airport facilities to service express cargo, domestic animals including dogs, cats and live aquarium fish ■ On airport chiller facilities in many locations for perishable cargo

This new service will enable Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to offer airport-to-airport time-critical freight services...

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

■ Staff that are fully accredited and certified to International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods standards The new domestic service offering will compliment the current international Cathay Pacific service, which links Toowoomba to the world via Queensland’s only scheduled 747-8 freighter operating from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to Hong Kong with connections to over 200 airports through the Cathay Pacific network.

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Thursday, August 30, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

11

IN THE NEWS

Medics lend a hand

Graduate nurses at southwest hospitals TEN graduate nurses have been deployed to hospitals and health facilities across the southwest, starting with a training day at Roma Hospital.

From Roma, they will spread out across the region, with Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Injune, St George, Charleville, Mungindi, Augathella and Roma all welcoming the recruits.

Anna Roeger is starting her career as a community allied health nurse in Roma, and says taking a job in the west was something she never expected to do.

“I hadn’t considered working in a rural job until I did a placement in Injune and fell in love with it.”

Being part of the community and continually learning at work were the best parts of the job, she said.

“I’m looking forward to starting here and getting all the core skills behind me over the next 12 months or so, and then see where nursing takes me.”

Sandeep Naia has travelled cross-country to start at St George Hospital.

“I’ve come all the way from Perth, but lived in Brisbane before that so I’ve always called Queensland home,” Sandeep said.

“I’m looking forward to going from a city to a country town – I think I’ll really enjoy rural living and everything it has to offer.”

◗ HELPING HANDS: Nine nursing graduates and one para-medicine/nursing graduate are heading out for their placements across the South West Hospital and Health Service.

PHOTO: JORJA MCDONNELL

Nursing was a natural choice and an ideal career change for Sandeep, who comes from a family of nurses.

“My background is in hospitality but I didn’t enjoy what I was doing,” he said.

“Looking to both of my sisters, who are nurses, I saw how much they enjoyed their jobs and their career satisfaction, and that drew me to it as well.”

This round of graduates is a diverse bunch, and not all of them are new to town.

Charleville locals might already recognise Emma Williams, who is stepping up to a new role in the hospital.

“I’m already in Charleville and have been an enrolled nurse there for the past two years, so I’m looking forward to making the registered nurse transition,” she said.

“Going from EN to RN means taking on more responsibility.

“Instead of having a direct supervisor to answer to and ask questions, I’m becoming the person who answers the questions – I’m looking forward to it.”

The young mum said getting this far wasn’t easy.

“Studying, working and raising kids is definitely full-on but, in the end, it’s so rewarding and I love what I do. At the end of the day it’s all good fun,” she said.

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◗ WINNERS: Karen and Rob Stewart.

DALBY Radiator Works have taken home two major prizes from an awards ceremony held in Hong Kong on the weekend.

The business was recognised as both the Queensland and Australian franchise of the year at the Natrad Franchise Awards.

Karen Stewart, who owns the business with her husband Rob, said the achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated team at the facility.

“Our staff are very reliable, one’s been here 45 years, one 35 and one 12,” Mrs Stewart said.

“They just work and service the town so well... their knowledge is amazing.”

The business was also awarded with a $3000 cheque, which will be donated to Drought Angels.

“We’re pretty big on giving back to the community, we buy a lot of our product locally,” Mrs Stewart said.

“Dalby is a very strong town, we’ve done well over 25 years here. It’s a great crossroad, most of our business is long haul trucks.

“We’re blessed with the loyalty of our customer base.”

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

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Shell QGC together with MIGAS are searching for the next generation of locals to join Shell QGC’s onshore natural gas business in the Western Downs region.

We are keen to hear from women, men, Indigenous Australians and people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate, ambitious and interested in becoming part of world class business.

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13

IN THE NEWS

Drone on the system

Forum will reach new heights THIS year’s drone forum on the Western Downs is shaping up as the largest yet.

Headlined by internationally renowned drone expert Jim Coyne, the event aims to offer the most up-to-date information about how drones can be used in regional Australia.

Mr Coyne was the Australian representative and the former co-chair of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Group from 2009-2014, where he helped steer the development of international standards for unmanned aircraft systems.

The forum, which will be held on Monday, September 24 at the Dalby Leagues Club, is limited to 350 attendees.

Western Downs councillor Donna Ashurst said with drone technology advancing so rapidly, this forum provided the perfect opportunity to see what others were doing and to look at future potential, particularly within the mining and agriculture industries.

“This forum is about exploring ground-breaking technology and embracing new innovations, in order to maximise the potential of drones in the agricultural, energy and data connectivity areas and beyond,” Cr Ashurst said.

“Dalby is becoming the forefront of drone innovation in regional Australia, with recent use including aerial crop surveying, collecting soil samples and capturing high-quality aerial footage.”

The event is free and will run from 9am-5pm with registrations made via www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.

◗ UP THERE: Jim Coyne checking one of the drones at last year’s UAV Drone Challenge, which follows on from the Dalby Drone Forum.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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14

IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

There are so many factors that contribute to sustainability, but we definitely see innovation and adaptability as significant to achieving business success.

– Greg McMahon

BTW, MFE are AOK

The keys to success are in their pocket PROFESSIONAL. Reliable. Accountable.

These are the words that MFE builds its reputation from and it’s a reputation they obviously are renown for when you see their long list of clients – from global companies to general consumers.

This hasn’t stopped the company from reviewing how they can continuously improve their services, streamline their processes and add value in new areas to their clients.

“There are so many factors that contribute to sustainability, but we definitely see innovation and adaptability as significant to achieving business success,” managing director Greg McMahon said.

He said while the core values of the business remain the same, customers must be given the opportunity to be able to invest their dollars locally at a highly competitive price with the added advantage of local reactiveness.

Quality assurance, research and development, specialised fabrication, on-site capabilities and 24 hour/seven day support are just some of the ways MFE is ensuring clients get bang for their buck.

The company has made some huge investments in the Chinchilla region over the last six months and increased their

◗ HIGH REGARD: MFE’s Greg Baillie.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

business capacity to take on larger scale jobs while still providing for smaller tasks as well.

“The ownership and company funds injected in 2018 has been substantial. New workshop and upgrades, additional equipment, refurbished yard space, expanded offices, fleet expansion and training have all benefited,” Greg said.

“The facility expansion has created some great new business opportunities and our staff are really positive about the direction of the company.

“The region has so much to offer investors. There is a rich diversity of industries that are here for the long term. And for our employees, it’s a great place to live.

“We have all our permanent staff living in the region, something that is very important to us. We want our employees to have work/life balance, contribute to the local economy and have the capacity to work with MFE for the long term.”

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

“This report provides a terrific insight into how the Toowoomba region has contributed to long-term economic growth and prosperity of our country.”

Status Report released

Shining a light on future prosperity TOOWOOMBA and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) has released its latest findings in their Development Status Report for the Toowoomba region that identifies $14.42 billion of investment in Development Projects up to August 2018.

TSBE Chief Executive Officer Ali Davenport said the annual report provides a critical insight into the region’s industry climate and helps attract investment into the region to enhance Toowoomba’s robust economy.

“Our 2018 TSBE Development Status Report identifies 157 projects with a record-breaking combined value of $14.42 billion for the Toowoomba region,” Ms Davenport said.

“This represents an eight per cent increase since the previous Development Status Report was published in November 2016.

“This strong growth includes a 56 per cent increase in property and construction projects between 2016 and 2018 thanks to developments such as Interlink SQ, The Avenues of Highfields, the Fernleigh master-planned community and great council projects such as the $10 million Railway Goods Shed development.”

The Development Status Report also provides an insight into the region’s proposed projects with Toowoomba’s health sector set to benefit from increased growth in the years ahead.

◗ FUTURE IN OUR HANDS: Ali Davenport poses with latest report.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

“The health sector is Toowoomba’s largest employer and we’re pleased to see health projects contribute to 25 per cent of proposed projects in our current Development Status Report,” Ms Davenport said.

“This indicates significant future investment in the health sector that will continue to help our region deliver world-class care and provide greater job opportunities to support our community.

“Toowoomba has a promising and sustainable development pipeline that includes responsible investment across all three project stages of pending, approved and under way which is consistent with the long-term sustainable growth of our region.”

TSBE first created the Development Status Report back in 2014 to help inform industry of project costs, locations and estimated completion dates for known developments in the

Toowoomba region.

“This report provides a terrific insight into how the Toowoomba region has contributed to long-term economic growth and prosperity of our country,” Ms Davenport said.

“TSBE is committed to supporting our local business community. As a major economic development organisation, we provide information to members on key issues affecting the region and deliver vital services and advocacy to local businesses.

“By releasing this Development Status Report, TSBE aims to encourage further investment and economic confidence in the region, and allow business the opportunity to quote on these projects, so we can continue to grow our economy sustainably.”

The TSBE Development Status Report for the Toowoomba region can be found on www.tsbe.com.au.

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◗ CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: DP Training specialises in aged, disability and home care career preparation and skill layering.

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DP Training: a career in building careers

Stand out from the crowd qualifications and even help them identify skills they already possessed that would look fantastic on a resume.

She said there was constant liaison between DP Training and service providers to ensure courses and training were as relevant and useful as possible.

“One thing we pride ourselves on is we try to work very closely with industry service providers,” she said.

“We understand what they require and that helps us make sure that in our course training we provide what the industry wants.”

She said real-world skills and employment at the end of courses was the aim of the business, so students were given every opportunity and all the assistance they needed to succeed.

And with the community care sector one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing employment sectors, there were plenty of reasons to pursue a career in helping others.

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Training manager Debbie Goodeve of DP Training said there were many options for people working within the disability, aged and home care sectors to improve their knowledge and make their resume the standout one when a company was hiring.

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IN THE NEWS

Thursday, August 30, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

Accolades for Garden City woman

Jerky boss recognised for work

◗ GREAT WORK: Cattle Council president Howard Smith and 2019 NAB Agribusiness National Rising Champion Emily Pullen.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

“Emily is an impressive young member of our industry, and I look forward to seeing what more she achieves over the coming years.”

Customer executive NAB Agribusiness Neil Findlay said the bank was proud to support the program for talented young beef industry leaders, having backed the initiative since its inception

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TOOWOOMBA’S Emily Pullen, CEO of family-owned and much-loved business Jim’s Jerky, has been named the 2019 NAB Agribusiness National Rising Champion at a Cattle Council Gala Dinner in Canberra.

Emily is a trained agronomist and the CEO of her family’s business, based outside Toowoomba.

Having been involved in the beef industry for most of her life, she is passionate about the role beef producers play in telling their own production stories.

Now in its ninth year, the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion Initiative is run by the Cattle Council of Australia and aims to empower and support young, passionate members of the Australian beef industry.

Cattle Council of Australia CEO Margo Andrae congratulated Emily on her achievement, and outlined the importance of encouraging young members of the cattle industry to take on leadership roles.

“Emily has the commitment, motivation and leadership skills that will stand our industry in good stead for years to come,” Ms Andrae said.

“We need to continue encouraging young people to step into leadership roles, and work to equip them with the skills and networks they need to master those roles when they get there.

“Fostering the pipeline of future cattle industry leaders is critical to the future success of the sector, and that’s why I’m delighted we have once again been able to provide all seven of the Rising Champion State and Territory finalists with a platform to build their leadership skills.

22

OPINION

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

A helping hand for local sports DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Federal Member for Maranoa

IS YOUR town’s sporting facilities tired and in need of a boost?

The Federal Government’s Community Sport Infrastructure grants program – worth $29.7 million – is now open until September 14 and I’m keen to see what great projects will be put forward to make sure we get our fair share of this funding.

Projects can range from the smallest upgrade to an expansion vision worth up to $500,000.

This grants program gives the opportunity to improve playing surfaces, expand and upgrade change rooms, improve lighting and upgrade pavilions.

Eligible applications must come from not-for-profit organisations.

The projects will be assessed against three selection criteria, including: community participation, community need and project design and delivery.

Better sports facilities encourage more locals to play and watch sport.

Sport is fun, a great way to meet new people and there’s nothing like the vibe in town when our team makes the final.

So I’m keen to see as many community groups as possible apply for funding.

Many sporting facilities serve as a hub for broader community activity.

This is really important in our bush communities as the facilities bring people together.

Applications for the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program will close September 14.

For more information, check out www.sportaus.gov.au/ grants_and_funding.

Drought affects whole communities ROBYN HAIG

Manager, Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry Inc

THERE has been a lot of discussion about the effects of drought over large parts of the country in recent weeks.

It’s well overdue to realise the impact prolonged periods of dry has already had and prepare and plan what can be done if no drought breaking rains come in the near future.

One of the effects of drought that is easy to overlook is the impact it has on the local towns, since the first settlers arrived Queensland’s regional towns have grown up to service the agricultural industries and as a result have been heavily dependent on that sector.

So when severe drought drastically reduces farmers’ income it also results in similarly drastic income reductions for those businesses.

Methods of support that completely bypass local communities although undoubtedly well intentioned can compound the effect of the drought on a local economy.

If during the drought we lose local businesses, opportunities for diversified incomes are also lost.

Having a thriving local town where there is the possibility of off farm income for farming families during times of drought can often be a godsend.

This is a time for us to each personally invest in our local community.

We can each do our little bit every day by: 1. Buying local, even better buy from local businesses who also source their goods/services/staff locally. Buy from a local business who buys from a local farmer!

2. Volunteer a bit of your time to help out a local charity (or even help a farmer directly) 3. Continue to grow your business – strong businesses are vital to a healthy community Here in Chinchilla we are proud to be the home of Drought Angels who are working tirelessly to support farmers across the huge portion of Australia currently in drought.

Any person or business wishing to support Drought Angels can visit www.droughtangels.org.au.

‘‘

If during the drought we lose local businesses, opportunities for diversified incomes are also lost.

◗ SPORT FUNDING: Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud encourages not-for-profit groups to apply.

Economy is not working, and it’s time to makes changes

PHOTO: KEVIN FARMER

Drought committee must re-assess plan ANN LEAHY

Member for Warrego

DAN MCGAW

ETU South West Queensland State Organiser

FOR about 30 years, Australians have been told that when the economy is doing well we can afford to cut taxes, mainly for the rich.

But when the economy slows down, we are told we have to cut spending, mainly on the poor or social services.

This is referred to as the “right wing ratchet”.

It means that when times are good, government’s give money to those with the most.

When times are bad, they take money from those with the least.

It’s a very effective political strategy, and most people aren’t cynical enough to understand what’s happening.

When times are good we make permanent cuts to revenue which actually cause budget deficits in the future.

When things slow down and the budget deficit shows up, they blame the budget deficit for why we need to cut spending on health, education and welfare.

Of course the obvious thing to do is increase taxes again, or even better, not cut them in the first place.

Australia is one of the lowest taxed countries in the developed world – we can afford to do anything we want, but we can afford to do everything we want.

The right wing ratchet has trained us to feel poor all the time, because every time things pick up, we impoverish ourselves by cutting taxes.

It’s a great strategy if you wanted to cut taxes.

But it’s a terrible strategy if you wanted to build a country.

Why is it, that in a time of such a budget deficit, the LNP are trying to reduce company tax?

Most of the companies that this tax cut will apply to pay not tax at all anyway!

This tax revenue is the money we need to build our schools, hospitals and roads.

We need to make sure big business pay their fair share of tax.

The fallacy of “trickle down economics” does not, and has not worked.

When big business pay less tax, it doesn’t create jobs, it just delivers increased profits.

Enough is enough.

It’s time to change the rules.

WELCOME to the latest edition of the Surat Basin News, the year has really flown with spring just around the corner.

■ I continue my call for the State Labor Government to re convene the local drought committee for the Western Downs Regional Council area to re-assess the drought conditions across the region.

Western Downs primary producers cannot wait until April 2019 for the drought committee to meet again.

I am advised that the committee will meet soon, and I am fighting for the recommendation from the committee be enacted as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, I encourage primary producers to lodge their Independent Drought declaration forms with the Department of Agriculture.

Had the Western Downs not been prematurely removed from the drought list by the State Government, landholders would not be burdened with this additional paperwork at an already difficult time.

■ Further the LNP has called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to boost funding for mental health initiatives and introduce new programs to subsidise council rates and electricity bills for small businesses and farmers.

Rates and electricity bills are large fixed costs for farmers even when they de-stock or can’t harvest.

If there isn’t any money coming in, these expenses can be crippling year after year.

If we don’t support the local stores, cafes, pubs and hotels we run the risk of losing these small businesses from our regional communities.

■ Congratulations to the following community organisations on their successful grant applications from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and I thank them for their dedication to these clubs and associations: St George Cricket Association, St George Golf Club, Dirranbandi P-10 State Schools Parents and Citizens Association, Mungindi Hospital Auxiliary, Easter in the Country Association, Roma Polocrosse Club, Dalby and District Pony and Hack Club, Goondir Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health Services, Waminda Services, Western Downs Friends of the Library Association, Condamine Cods Rugby Club, Dulacca Sports Club, Hannaford State School Parents and Citizens Association, Myall Park Botanic Garden.

Thursday, August 30, 2018 suratbasin.com.au

The stories behind the riches CAROLYN COLLINS

CEO, GasFields Commission

QUEENSLAND has a long and pioneering history with gas.

A chance discovery in Roma in 1900 has grown into an industry that contributes billions of dollars to the economy, creates thousands of jobs, heats our homes, powers our industrial operations and drives a thriving export industry.

The rapid growth of the petroleum and gas industry has put Queensland on the map as a pioneering state with many ‘firsts’ for Australia.

Queensland was the first state in Australia to discover gas reserves, commercially produce oil, pipe gas directly to a capital city and explore and produce commercial amounts of coal seam gas.

Queensland can even claim a world first with the development of the very first CSG to LNG export industry in 2014.

No one is claiming the evolution of the industry has been all smooth sailing.

Far from it.

There have been many lessons learnt along the way, and some of them have been hard lessons, but the accomplishments are clear and the economic benefits are now well documented.

Many communities are enjoying new cattle grids, wide sealed roads, extended power grids, better telecommunications and irrigation schemes that are boosting productivity.

Some communities in the Surat Basin have even taken the opportunity to integrate oil and gas into their local tourism industry.

The GasFields Commission has started capturing some of those stories and making them available on our YouTube page.

These are unscripted, short interviews with people who live and work in the gas fields talking about their first-hand experience with the industry.

Some of what they have to say is confronting, some of it is positive, but it is all honest.

To learn more about these landholder and business insights, as well as some of Queensland’s many ‘firsts’, follow #Queensland1st on Twitter.

Or better yet, go and see #gascountry for yourself!

Do your homework, made in the shade

THE Chinchilla residential rental market has continued its solid start to 2018.

Over the past six months we have seen rental increases at around 8-10 per cent.

There are currently only 35 vacant properties in Chinchilla at present which equates to a vacancy rate of under two per cent.

As of August 21, Surat Basin Real Estate had only two units available for rent.

Owner occupiers make up the majority of the residential sales market and some investors are starting to look for quality investments with solid cash positive returns.

— Warren Daniells, Director, Surat Basin Real Estate

Western Downs has so much to offer

ANDREW MCCALLUM

PAUL MCVEIGH

Real Estate Manager/Director, Ruralco Property GDL

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor

THE current market presents an opportunity for buyers to be sitting in the shade in 10 years’ time, if they are considering buying in the current climate.

The saying the best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago, the next best time is now, relates very well to our real estate market in my opinion.

Some of the advantages of buying in this market are the changeover costs, the only ones losing in the current markets are state government, with revenue from stamp duty and agents in commission fees.

If you are selling and buying in the same market, it also has its advantages in changeover costs.

The current interest rates also provides a good platform for getting ahead and getting equity into your home.

As a rule it is hard to pinpoint the exact top and low of the market, as it can be three months before it is evident of the changing market and pace.

The question to consider, is should you be concentrating on the current market or looking 5-10 years ahead where the market historically has some gains as well as the extra time in the market, and how extra equity in your investment may have advantages for you over that time.

You do the sums, you be the judge.

I WAS really pleased to see recent news reports covering the economic growth in Chinchilla and that Dalby was named in the top 50 real estate hotspots across Australia.

We have a lot to offer here in the Western Downs region, renewable energy being one of them with council receiving Development Applications for additional solar farms in the area.

Farmers are now considering this as an option to drought-proof their future, with little impact on the land.

This year’s Dalby Drone Forum will be on Monday, September 24. We have the former Senior Manager of CASA Jim Coyne as our MC and keynote speaker.

The forum will be exploring the latest innovation in drone technology, especially in the areas of agriculture and mining.

Drones are already being used for data gathering, crop surveying and collecting high quality and aerial footage, but the advances in drone technology mean so much more could be possible in the future.

There will be an exhibitors section where attendees can speak one-on-one with those who are at the forefront of this exciting new technology.

We invite all senior high schoolers across the Western Downs to submit their ideas for the future use of drone technology in business, with two winners selected to receive their Remote Pilot Licence training.

The annual Delicious and Delightful Festival in Dalby was a great success again.

Our seniors had a broad variety of events to attend over the month of August, including movie sessions, activities including trivia, morning teas, aqua classes and technology workshops, finishing the month with an expo in Chinchilla on August 23 that was very well attended.

Not long and we’ll all be enjoying warm spring weather.

New opportunities develop a brighter future ALI DAVENPORT

CEO, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise

The market lowdown

23

OPINION

ON AUGUST 9, TSBE held our Enterprise Evening event at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre.

180 people attended the forum with a large number from outside of the region staying in town overnight and enjoying the Chinchilla hospitality.

It was wonderful to see the area buzzing and motels filled to capacity.

Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh summed it up perfectly when he said that there is a real sense of positivity and vibrancy in the whole region.

One reason behind this positivity are the new opportunities that are opening up in the gas sector.

The Queensland Government’s State Department has secured almost 400 square kilometres of land in the Surat Basin which will be explored for domestic gas, instead of exports.

This will secure the gas supply for Australia in the near future

and create hundreds of extra jobs.

Three companies who were recently awarded the gas tenements were the focus of the Enterprise Evening.

Senex Energy, Armour Energy and Central Petroleum are all experienced resource companies who are now moving to the Surat region to begin their operations.

We heard from Ian Davies (Managing Director and CEO for Senex Energy), Roger Cressey (CEO for Armour Energy) and Mike Herrington (President – Operations and Chief Development Officer for Central Petroleum), who each told their plans on how they are going to build their projects.

Each company has made a commitment to the Queensland Government as well as the local community to utilise the local workforce and suppliers where possible.

This is great news for the entire region and TSBE is working closely with all three gas companies to connect them to local businesses who can help fulfil their local supply commitments.

TSBE’s next event in the region is October 11 in Dalby.

For more information, please contact TSBE or visit www.tsbe.com.au.

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IN THE NEWS

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

Strive for excellence

Business proves they are all CLAAS CLAAS Harvest Centre Dalby was recognised as being among the best-performing farm machinery dealerships in Australia at this year’s Strive Annual Excellence Awards.

The awards honour the best-performing dealerships, teams and individuals across Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre, the largest privately-owned farm machinery distribution network in Australasia.

Dalby placed third in the trans-Tasman Dealership of the Year Award, as well as earning back-to-back wins for its use of the network’s customer relationship management system, iDEAL. The branch was recognised for its excellence across a number of key operating criteria, including workshop, parts, staff engagement, customer engagement, health and safety procedures and its utilisation of IT systems.

Branch manager Rick Spies said he was delighted with the outcome.

“It’s great to be recognised again in the Dealership of the Year awards because we’ve had a pretty ordinary season up here,” Mr Spies said.

“We’ve come third two years in a row, so look out when the drought breaks.”

Mr Spies paid tribute to everyone in his team.

◗ CLAAS ACTION: Landpower CEO Richard Wilson, with Dalby Branch Manager Rick Spies and Parts Interpreter Desmond Cuzner.

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PLACES AND FACES

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

◗ Ben Hughes from Economex, Matthew Knudsen from JJ Richards and Sons, Robyn Haig from CCCI and Amanda Maurice from CCCI.

BUY PHOTOS

www.suratbasin.com.au/photos/buy

◗ LET’S TALK: Ross Musgrove and Councillor Kaye Maguire from Western Downs Regional Council at the TSBE Enterprise Evening in Chinchilla on August 9.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

◗ Jamie Short and Bruce Champman from RIE.

◗ Brad Shepherd, Peter Fenech and Stephen Fenech from Techserve.

◗ Ross Musgrove from Western Downs Regional Council, Gaye Smith from CCCI and Glenn Tilly from Tilly Corp.

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PLACES AND FACES

◗ Tim Bach and Rob Owen from Hastings Deering.

◗ Shannon McDermott from Enzed Surat Basin and Samuel Wright from Ambrosiussen The Business Accountants.

27

◗ Craig Scutchings from Fyfe Pty Ltd and Greg McMahon from MFE.

◗ Jason Mott, Bronte Neville-Mott and Ben Mott from JWM Contracting Pty Ltd.

◗ Trudi Bartlett (Western Downs Regional Council), Mayor Paul Antonio (Toowoomba Regional Council), Mayor Paul McVeigh (Western Downs Regional Council) and Nicole Franklin (Western Downs Regional Council).

◗ DOWN TO BUSINESS: Kim Stirling and Bradley Clarke from J & P Richardson Industries Pty Ltd with Ted Jenkins from Baseline Training at the TSBE event.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

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PLACES AND FACES

View the last edition The latest news online online Read our last issue at www.suratbasin.com.au/ suratbasinnews

Keep in touch with the latest news with just a mouse click. www.suratbasin.com.au

suratbasin.com.au Thursday, August 30, 2018

Surat Basin News Published by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla, Q 4413 Printed by News Corp Australia, Murarrie General manager: Erika Brayshaw

Little idea makes a big difference

Nation responds to our Angels THE Drought Angels have been overwhelmed with support after raising more than $1.6 million in the space of only a month.

Angels Tash Johnston and Jenny Gailey have spent the past week after their return from a whirlwind trip to Sydney coming to grips with how much support they’ve received and how many calls for help keep flooding in.

Mrs Gailey explained in the wake of their media appearances they’ve had some incredible offers to help make their response time and capability much easier and faster.

It’s a crucial step as the Angels change their processes to match their new reality as a rapidly growing charity.

“I personally feel that we have tightened up some processes in some areas and they are doing really well and there are other areas where we still need people to be able to tighten that up,” Mrs Gailey said.

“So as an example, farmer support. We only have limited people to do that, because it’s a very delicate phone call and it takes a particular type of person to be able to make that phone call time after time after time for days on end.”

Mrs Johnston said getting the right people is essential, as calls for help get even more desperate.

“The depth of these phone calls now are a whole new level to what we’ve ever dealt with,” she said.

And Mrs Gailey said often when the Angels can call to offer support, everything for the farmer “comes crumbling down”.

“It’s just the relief, the realisation that people are there to help, and it’s the message of ‘thank you’ that we take to them and they quite often crumble. And you can’t just go ‘OK righto, I’ll leave you with it’ you can’t do that. If you’re going to unpack that box you have to be prepared to deal with what comes out,” she said.

In the meantime the Drought Angels are continually grateful for the support they’ve been shown – from donations to help upgrade their outdated computers, demountables for extra office space, and of course the incredible donations going straight to the farmers.

“We’ve definitely had a lot of great support from some companies thinking outside the box,” Mrs Johnston said.

“I just love how our little town is supporting us.”

◗ HIGH PROFILE SUPPORT: Jenny Gailey and Tash Johnston from Drought Angels caught up with Home & Away actress Lynne McGranger while in Sydney recently.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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