The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18 Issue 10

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

End of an era for Small’s Trading Company

Many Mount Morgan residents have been raised on Country Living or Country Fresh eggs.

While this may seem inconsequential, the amazing fact is that these eggs were produced in Mount Morgan by Kevin and Doreen Small and their family.

For over 60 years the Small family has provided eggs for, not only

Mount Morgan, but many areas throughout Central and Western Queensland, either through delivering themselves or through the auspices of wholesalers.

Unfortunately, after this lengthy involvement in the “egg business” siblings Nadine Goody and Gary Small (the last remaining shareholders in Smalls Trading Company) have sold the family-

owned Smalls Road egg and poultry farm to Peacefield Egg Farms ending an era that first started with a plan to purchase chickens to rid the family’s James Street home of nut grass.

This purchase soon became a money earner for Kevin and Doreen Small and the demand and supply of eggs soon outgrew the

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Techy Pets...Page 15

Pictured: Gary Small and Nadine Goody on the final day of egg production.

James Street residence, resulting in the purchase of 5 acres (approximately 12.5 hectares) at the current location on Small’s Road. The purchase price of this land was 14 pounds, 7 shillings and sixpence and Kevin and Doreen quickly set up free-range sheds and set up a free-range egg farm in October 1959.

Kevin Small and brother Ron originally came to the Mount Morgan area as part of a team working on building the Railway deviation line on the Razorback in 1949. He met Doreen at an old-time dance in Mount Morgan in 1951. They were camped at the bottom of Razorback.

“Dad used to ride his push bike up the Razorback each weekend just to go dancing with Mum,” Nadine said.

After the deviation was built, Kevin started working with Mount Morgan Limited as a machinery operator working on some of the community’s infrastructure such as roads, the High School Oval, the Dee Bowls Club, Newman Oval courts and fields and tennis courts at the Welfare Bowls club.

In 1963, Kevin and Doreen moved from free-range to battery cages. This first section of the cage plant held about 2000 birds.

“A couple of years later we doubled the plant in size and went to 4000 birds,” Gary said.

From 1972, all Queensland Egg Farmers were locked into an egg quota system, which was determined by the government of the day.

“If there was a shortage of eggs, the government would increase the quota, if there were plenty of eggs, the quota was reduced,” Gary said.

In 1976, KD and DA Small became Smalls Trading Company with Kevin and Doreen’s grown children –Robert, Nadine, Gary and Leanne becoming partners in the family business. This was the same year that Gary, who had completed a four-year apprenticeship in fitting and turning and two years as a tradesman, decided to work for the family business.

Nadine had worked in the Mount Morgan Court house, travelled around Australia working in pubs as well as Community Health and running Bouldercombe Hotel for almost eight years. This year was also one of innovation at Smalls Trading Company as they amalgamated two to three existing sheds into the first modern layer shed containing 10500 birds.

“In 1984 we built another big shed, added another quota until by 1988 we had 20000 layers.

“When deregulation of the egg market came in 1995, our quota had increased to 45000 layers due to there being a massive egg shortage,” he said.

After deregulation the market was still struggling so Small’s Trading Company again expanded their operations, moved away from battery cages to conventional cages and expanded their bird numbers to 50000.

Small’s continued to develop, expand and innovate – decommissioning the 10000-capacity shed and built a new one which housed 27000, increasing the capacity to 65000 layers. Any costs for alterations to facilities outlined in the 2008 Model Code of Practice (introduced in 2008) was borne by the farmers.

Continued on Page 4

Left: Suzie Curtis has worked for Smalls Trading Co. for 10-15 years and Rhonda Bailey above, for more than 25 years

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER

The

Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right to alter, omit, reclassify or postpone publication of articles, photographs or advertisements in the Mount Morgan Argus. MMPAD takes all possible care with the publication of news, names and other information sourced by MMPAD representatives. It does not, however, take responsibility

“During this time, we kept abreast of egg sales and marketing and adhered to the Australian Standards for Domestic Fowls Guidelines,” Gary said.

“We have sold 28,000 dozen saleable eggs, week inweek out to most of the regional areas,” he said.

“Over the years there has been an increase in quality assurance that wasn’t there at the start – that’s why we have made sure our product has always been of the highest quality and standard,” Nadine said.

“We have passed all of the quality standards available in the industry,” she said.

“There is currently an egg shortage in the world because of Avian Influenza,” Gary said.

The argument against battery or caged hens is not all, it’s cracked up to be according to Gary and Nadine with free range farming increasing the risk of exotic disease within the industry.

Gary said there had been a lot of controversy in the media as to whether cages would be banned and the industry be forced into free range or cage free as options by 2032, depending on the age of the cages.

“It hasn’t been ratified in parliamentary circles yet, but it’s looking that way,” Gary said.

“That’s a whole new era in egg production and we’re too old to start again and there’s no next generation,” Nadine said.

“Our next generation is not interested in poultry farming – it’s a 24-hour, seven-day a week job. If we were 20 years younger, we would probably give it a go” she said.

As well as poultry and eggs, the Smalls also owned a piggery with 250 sows which they ran for over 25 years but closed it due to pressure from Danish and Canadian Pork imports. This was located near Nine Mile Road where they also kept cattle.

“The sale of this helped to build the layer shed as we put all of our focus in producing eggs – especially as Dad was getting old,” Nadine said.

From a labour-intensive farm where the collecting, washing, sorting, and grading the eggs was all done by hand – the operation was fully automated by 1998. Some innovations included installation of the feed mill so they could mix their own feed for the hens and the pigs as well. Nadine and Gary have had the farm up for sale for three years and were resigned to the fact that they may have to close, but were fortunate for a buyer to come in at the eleventh hour. When in full operation, Smalls Trading Company had 16 plus employees for the egg farm, piggery and abattoirs and over the years would have provided employment for over 200 people.

While there have been good times for the family there were some bad times with the tragic loss of Leanne (1985), Doreen (2000), Robert (2005) and Kevin (2019).

“We went from having plenty of family members

supporting us to just us,” Gary said.

At ages 68 (Gary) and 70 (Nadine), the siblings are finally taking some time to spend with their families.

“There’s always grandchildren to spoil,” Nadine while Gary has plans to spend time fixing up his house.

“My wife has a few jobs lined up. When you spend so much time with a business, jobs around the home tend to slide,” Gary said.

While they both are excited about spending time with family, visiting friends and travelling, there is always a second-guessing with selling the farm.

“I am excited, but also worried that we may not have done the right thing by closing. We were very fortunate that we had a buyer,” Nadine said.

From helping their mother deliver eggs around Mount Morgan after school, pushing a “doll” (chook) around in a pram, spending days over summer including Christmas Day watering the birds to keep them cool Nadine and Gary will spend the next few weeks tidying up around the farm and attached house before beginning the next chapter of their lives. While the community supported Smalls, the Smalls were quick to support the Mount Morgan community through donations to many organizations.

After over 60 years, the Small family have certainly left big shoes to fill in the egg industry.

Above: Tony Gray has worked for Small’s Trading Company for 35 years.

Below: Brendan Jones and Gary Small. Brendan has worked for the company for 14 years.

COUNCIL CONNECTION

WITH DIVISION 5 COUNCILLOR CHERIE RUTHERFORD

Hello Everyone,

Recently I have received several calls requesting information on several projects underway in Mount Morgan. I realised it has been a while since we have shared any updates, so I have compiled some information to bring you up to date on where each project is at.

However, before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Golden Mount Festival Association on a fantastic event. Thank you to all involved in delivering an event that did Mount Morgan and indeed the entire region proud.

I know there is a great deal of anticipation for the Mount Morgan Pipeline and I can assure you Council shares your excitement for this project. The following are the steps we have taken in advance of the tender process to ensure we can hit the ground running as soon as possible:

• The pipes, fittings, and valves have been procured in preparation for the commencement of the project and have been delivered to the Gracemere Storage yard.

• The initial Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed route has been completed and we will continue engaging with the Traditional Owners.

• Design development completed and proposed pipeline route finalised.

• Agreement negotiated and finalised with Education QLD for land lease, and a secure storage yard has been established.

• Applications for statutory approvals in progress.

We have now completed the tender package for the project and are currently in tender assessment and negotiation stage. I look forward to providing an update to the community once this has been finalised.

I have heard there are members of the community concerned that the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline has replaced the Mount Morgan Pipeline. This is certainly not the case. The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is not a Rockhampton Regional Council project, it is being delivered by the Gladstone Area Water Board and has been in various stages of planning for over 15 years.

The Mount Morgan Swimming Pool is very close to the exciting stage of seeing work commencing on site. The design and construct tender was awarded to Taylor Builders Pty Ltd. The contractor has been working with six specialised consultants, ranging from electrical consultants to civil works consultants as well as working with Ergon Energy in preparation

for the works. The pool complex is in the final stages of the design process and Taylor Builders Pty Ltd in expected to commence siteworks in July. All going well you should be swimming in your new pool in early 2024.

Many of you will have noticed the removal of the dwelling at 2 Byrnes Parade. The dwelling and the land were assets of the State Government. In 1994 the Mount Morgan Shire Council leased the property from the State and that lease was due to expire. At the expiration of the lease the dwelling was to be repaired or removed. Council had no reason to re-lease this property from the State and estimated costs to repair the dwelling made this an unviable option. The dwelling was put out to tender for removal and relocation, however no tenders were received. Council will now request the State to convert the property to Dam Reserve.

I am aware there are issues with the power at Newman Oval and this has had a significant impact on Mount Morgan’s Lorikeets Rugby Union team. I have been working with Council Officers on identifying the issues here and a path forward.

I have been advised there is an earth fault in the sub-main feeding the amenities and lighting. (The canteen has its own sub-main, but it is not big enough to supply all assets on the site). The proposed solution is to upgrade the site to current electrical standards by deleting both existing sub-mains and run one larger sub-main to feed both buildings. This will require an upgrade to the consumer mains at the main switchboard on the property pole by Ergon. Council Officers are working with Ergon on a project timeline and Mayor Williams, and I are working on having funds allocated in the coming budget to deliver the project.

Council acknowledges the difficulties this issue has caused the Lorikeets and has waived the annual lease fee for the use of the buildings. Sporting fields are free of charge for all user groups. From Monday 12th June, Council and MM Rugby Union in partnership will deploy a temporary lighting tower for a period of 8 weeks to support the 2023 training activities at Newman Oval (council will contribute 50% towards hire cost).

I know the Club is also keen to have permanent field lighting and Council are always willing to assist with information on funding opportunities and support funding applications.

I will continue to update you on these projects as more information becomes available as well as other projects happening in the Mount. I am in Mount Morgan on a regular basis so if you would ever like to catch up, please give me a call. I also encourage you to call, text or flick me an email if you have any concerns, questions or suggestions I’m more than happy to help wherever I can.

Cherie Rutherford

Rockhampton Regional Council - Ph: 0439 753 056

Email: Cherie.Rutheford@rrc.qld.gov.au

Meyenburg

Bed and Breakfast

Call Lizzy on 0408 262 505

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Meeting your needs with Quality & Compassion

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Phone 4921 2673

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ALAN HOUSMAN BUILDER

Call Geoff: 0411 707 741

Based at Razorback, MOONGAN gnarnold226@gmail.com

Small acreage clean ups, land clearing, fence lines, fire breaks, shed pads & more. Post hole borer & spreader bar

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Mark Humphreys’ Electrical 8 Baldwin Street

Mount Morgan 4714

Electrical Lic. No. 74711

Phone: 0439 727 609

FAX: 4938 2885

Domestic, Rural, Commercial Installation and Repairs, Promptly Servicing Mount Morgan & Wowan Districts

DAWSON’S DO & CHARGE

ABN: 24 757 904 038

Dawson Green - Mount Morgan Local NO JOB TOO SMALL!

CALL DAWSON ON 0413 825 787

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Most Home Repairs - Doors, Windows, Walls, Gates, Patch & Paint

I will not accept jobs over $3,300.00

ABN 52 081 926 QBSA 19514 Domestic & Commercial Work

Tony Harney Plumbing

Available for all domestic and commercial work.

Septic to Sewer Connections

Blocked drains, leaking taps or any other maintenance issues

Phone Tony 0429 669 499

Servicing Mount Morgan

ABN: 35 347 197 734 M.A.W Mowing & Handyman Services

ABN: 30 706 300 266 Mark Williamson 0403 571 561 Email: mawmowing@live.com

TELEPHONE: 0417 006 591

MOUNT MORGAN OUTDOORS

Firearm Accessories – Militaria- Fishing – Bait

- Archery – Ammo – Gifts – Television Antenna

Sales & Installation - Metal Detectors and Prospecting Gear - Camping Gear!

ABN 86 894 469 085

Eric J Stevenson. DNRME License to Sell Explosives 1300622

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Firearm Sales / PTA’s still from 11 Glen Gordon Street by appointment

Firearm Dealer License No. 50001499 Mount Morgan Guns

CNR YAAMBA RD & MAIN ST

NORTH ROCKHAMPTON

Phone: 4928 3511

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PROUDLY SERVING MOUNT MORGAN FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz

Mobile Dog Clipping

Phone Des: 0447 275 402

Finlayson & McKenzie

Funerals

Sandi Wood (nee Inslay) from Mount Morgan was born and raised within the Mount and is well aware of the needs of the Mount Morgan community.

Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 Po Box 91

Mt Morgan

Tilt Truck Service, Excavator

Slashing, Mowing, Tractor and Poison Spraying

Licenced Poisons Contractor

Sandi is Mount Morgan’s funeral consultant and is available for all funeral advice.

Contact Sandi for more information and competitive prices with burials, cremations or prepaid funerals.

Sandi Wood your local consultant

Phone: 4922 1269

fmckfunerals@live.com.au

New chef set to cook up a storm

Chef Roberto Gabriel is set to cook up a storm at Mount Morgan’s Grand Hotel.

The Philippine’s import came to Australia five years ago, starting his Australian culinary journey in Perth in Western Australia.

Starting his new role with the Grand Hotel just on six weeks ago, Roberto has taken to the new role with gusto.

“I really like the Mount Morgan area,” Roberto, who favours the hills and valleys of the town said.

Roberto has been a chef for 30 years, 25 of which he has been head chef.

Throughout his career Roberto has plied his culinary expertise in Moscow in Russia, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Jamaica.

“I travelled a lot when I was younger gaining experience and learning about the food of different cultures,” he said.

“I came to Australia because I heard it was a great country and the people were great. I only wish

I had done it when I was younger,” he said.

Before he started working in Australia, Roberto had to get certification from William Angliss College of TAFE in Victoria. He also has a Diploma of Hospitality Management.

Roberto did not always want to be a chef. From a young age he had his sights set on becoming an electronics technician.

“I was always fascinated how radios and television worked. I wanted to know why the voices were in the radios and would pull them apart to see how they worked,” he said.

However, as his parents owned a catering business his growing years were spent assisting in the kitchen, slicing, chopping, dicing and growing to love preparing food.

“My parents were well known for cooking in the area where we lived – everyone would get them for events,” he said.

“I tried to be a waiter, but I preferred working in the kitchen.”

Roberto qualified to become a Commercial Cookery Chef in the Philippines, continuing his passion for preparing food.

When he first came to Central Queensland, Roberto cooked at the Waterline restaurant in Yeppoon, but had to move on due to this restaurant closing because of the COVID shutdowns.

He then worked for the Rockhampton Sports Club for one and half years following the Waterline closure and then he was pirated by the Rockhampton Leagues Club where he stayed until the offer of a position at the Grand Hotel arose.

The relaxed Australian culture has been a real boost for Roberto.

“Australia is not as formal as other countries I have worked. Australians call each other “mate” or call their bosses by their first names. In other countries they would have to call me Chef or Chef Roberto, but here they call me Roberto, Robbie, Rob or mate,” he said.

Continued on Page 11

Cooking up a Storm...From Page 10

“Australia is a great country and I have been fortunate enough to travel from East to West for work and the Northern Territory and Victoria for travel.”

Chefs and cooks around the world mostly favour cooking with a particular food, whether this was beef, or some other meat cut – for Roberto it’s seafood.

“Australia has so much fresh seafood and product,” he said.

As a “savoury” chef, Roberto is not a fan of making desserts.

“I can make desserts – I can make anything if I have a recipe – I just prefer working with savoury dishes,” he said.

“I don’t like complicating restaurants with lots of desserts.”

Roberto hasn’t made alterations to the Grand menu at this point but would like to add Asian styled dishes to the menu. Roberto would like to introduce Japanese, Korean or Thai cuisine to the menu while maintaining the traditional “pub grub” foods such as parmigiani’s and reef and beef.

Roberto doesn’t plan on leaving for a while, although there are thoughts of going back to the Philippines in five or six years. His son has graduated from university and his daughter will also undertake her tertiary studies in Australia as well.

ROTARY SEEKS SIGN SOLUTION

The Mount Morgan Rotary Club is in negotiations with the Rockhampton Regional Council seeking a solution to get the directional signpost re-erected at the Frank Golding Lookout.

The signpost pointed out the direction to many notable cities of the world and indicated their distance from Mount Morgan. It was erected by the Mount Morgan Rotary club many years ago but recently fell over when it was windy for a few days. A kind neighbor advised the club of the sign leaning over and when it fell placed a witch’s hat on the steel stump left in the concrete. Unfortunately, it disappeared as did a second one.

Club President, Craig Edmonston said that the Rotary Club no longer had the capacity or equipment required to fix the sign and re-erect it, so the club has requested the help of the Council.

“The club is awaiting a response as to what to do next. We are aware that people have noticed the sign has disappeared and advise that it will be re-erected as soon as possible,” Mr Edmonston said.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club has purchased a sign identifying the site as the “Frank Golding Lookout” which will be attached to the roof over the picnic table at the site.

Further to information provided at the Community Information Night in February 2023, Heritage Minerals is pleased to report that it has continued to progress efforts to secure funding and approvals to develop the Mount Morgan project.

Pending final investment decision, Heritage Minerals advises that on or around 20 June 2023 preparatory earth works for a proposed Gordon Lane access road are expected to commence.

The local community may expect to see trucks and earth moving equipment and the movement of transportable office buildings. These preparatory works will enable further earthworks on the Gordon Lane access road to start from 28 June.

Further announcements about upcoming milestones and community information sessions will occur shortly.

This is a significant milestone for the Heritage Minerals Team and the company would like to thank the Mount Morgan Community, Rockhampton Regional Council, the Queensland Government’s Invested in Queensland Program, and the NAIF (Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility) for the continued support that has allowed Heritage minerals to progress to this stage.

For more information, please visit - heritageminerals. com.au or contact Heritage Minerals via our email address- info@heritageminerals.com.au

A LETTER OF THANKS

On Friday, 26 May 2023 I ran out of petrol in Rockhampton. A gentleman pushed my car to safety, then Cathy, a wonderful lady from Gracemere, bought petrol for my car and did not accept money for the fuel.

On the way home, blinded by the reflection of the following car’s headlights on my mirrors, I missed the entrance to the Bouldercombe Service Station. I drove into the shallow roadside ditch next to the entrance, panicked, stalled the car, and couldn’t reverse it out. A kind gentleman, Raymond, joined by a lovely couple, Ian and Bonnie, pushed my car out. Bonnie topped my car up with fuel and paid for it. They then followed me up the range, nearly to my home before continuing their way to Biloela. I do thank all these wonderful people for the help they gave me. God bless them! However, after experiencing the blinding effects of closely following cars headlights, I was wondering if this could be some connection to unexplained, sometimes fatal, single car accidents? I was lucky – I hope everyone else will be as well.

Wishing all and everyone safe driving and all the best.

Rozalia Bagyi

Get snapping for the Sustainability in Action Photo Competition

It’s time to get your cameras out as today marks World Environment Day and the opening of Council’s Sustainability in Action photo competition.

Water and Environmental Councillor Donna Kirkland said whether you’re fighting food waste, recycling right, using active transport, finding energy efficiencies, being water wise or looking after our local habitat and waterways, this competition is for you.

“The Sustainability in Action photo competition recognises and celebrates how our local households and schools are putting sustainability into action in their everyday lives,” Cr Kirkland said.

“I’m always so impressed by the calibre of entries received in this competition and am excited to open it up to not only schools this year, but also the broader community.

“The addition of the household category will allow us to showcase how simple household habits can make a big difference to our local environment.

“So, get your cameras out and photograph how your household or school is putting sustainability into action as we celebrate World Environment Day.”

Top photo tips

• Feature the people (eg. people tending to the kitchen garden)

• Capture the theme (eg. growing your own food)

• Highlight the action (eg. regularly watering the kitchen garden)

The competition is now open to all Rockhampton Region residents and closes at 5pm on Friday, 4 August 2023.

For more information or to submit your entry, please visit:

https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/ CommunityEvents/Environmental-Sustainability/ Get-involved/Sustainability-in-Action-PhotoCompetition

Have something you need printed? or laminated?

Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.

a little piece of paradise

When people hit retirement age, most people start thinking about travelling or spending time with their families - not Susie Marr (pictured), she took on renovating a house which is now Mount Morgan’s newest accommodation offering.

“Mount Morgan Hillside Cottage” nestles between picturesque hills and valleys and is listed on Air BNB. Susie was on the Sunshine Coast when her caravan sustained a busted axle, and she broke her wrist.

Susie, who had visited Mount Morgan on previous occasions to help her brother who owned property in the town, called upon a friend’s help to drive her from the Sunshine to Mount Morgan.

Susie’s caravan was parked in the town while she waited for her hand to heal.

“I found this lovely spot not long after I arrived. By that time, I had grown to love the town and the people seemed quite nice that I decided to buy this house,” she said.

Susie, whose background is tourism, events, marketing, and accounting had rarely picked up a hammer in her life - what would follow was a journey of discovery, trial and error where Susie not only learnt how to use a hammer, but also learnt how to restore furniture, put decking boards in.

When she brought the house, it hadn’t been lived in for quite some time and the previous owner was only part-way through his renovations - there wasn’t even an indoor kitchen - although there was one outside. The deck was in a sad state and had to be completely replaced.

Originally her brother offered to help her fix the house up - but he became ill and couldn’t help.

“That threw that out the door - and there was no one else I could really afford or was available to help - so there was nothing else for me to do but start learning,” she said.

Most of the furniture inside the house was either given to her or she upcycled it from the transfer station or

“Harrod’s” as she calls it. It was not long before a plan was formed to share her little piece of paradise with paying customers.

“It’s such a nice location and position. When people visit me, they are just delighted with the house and the location.

“It’s just one of those little spots and it would be selfish for me not to share,” she said.

Susie has been overwhelmed by the help given by her neighbours and other Mount Morgan residents. Susie is no stranger to accommodation venues having owned Carnarvon Gorge Lodge at Springsure.

Susie believes that Mount Morgan Hillside Cottage would be the ideal location for couples or international visitors looking for a quiet and peaceful spot.

If businesses have any information that will help Susie promote Mount Morgan as a destination, please contact her on 0417 166 687.

“Mount Morgan has a lot to offer even though many people don’t realise this,” she said.

Above: There’s even an outdoor bathroom and toilet - a loo with a view and the renovated dining room.

DEE RIVER OLDIES

On Wednesday, 14 June the Dee River Oldies Group will be enjoying their bus trip to Archer Park Rail Museum. Here they will look through the Museum and hear about the history of the station. After their morning tea they will travel out and have their lunch at the Westwood Hotel. From Westwood they will travel home via Dululu. Members are looking forward to having a good day out catching up and seeing what the region has to offer. Check out the 'Save the date' on the back page of the Argus to see what is on in June and July. Our Morning Teas have had a good turnout of members and we really appreciate the help and donations. They make a difference to our group.

On Wednesday, 28 June 2023 we will hold a morning tea which will start at 10 am in St Mary's Hall in Gordon Street. Margie Horstman, a financial advisor from Centrelink will be the guest speaker. The cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes on the day. Our 'Christmas in July' Morning Tea is on Wednesday 26 July 2023. Starting at 10 am and will be held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. The cost is $5. We hope to have Musical Bingo on the day as well. There is no cost to become a member. Come along to see what this group has to offer. Members need to be aged 50 years or older. Rug up and keep warm.

Voice to parliament meeting

WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THE SYDNEY HOTSHOTS

Look out ladies, the hunks from Sydney Hotshots are back to sizzle and seduce for one night only with a brand-new killer show. The 2-hour production is a visual feast, choreographed and developed by Australia’s leading professionals. Our hand-picked selection of dreamy guys will have the ladies up from their chairs, screaming for more, night after night! With a totally interactive production, the Secret Fantasies Tour is the perfect night out with the girls! A high energy production, our shows boast the perfect mix of killer dance routines, eye-catching costumes, acrobatics, and jaw dropping athletic male physiques. Our smorgasbord of sexy guys are selected from 100’s of men nationwide and put though an intensive “Hotshots Bootcamp”, all graduating with an A+ in hip thrusting! The fellas come from various backgrounds from Tradies, Cops, Farmers and even Fireman to tour Australia and entertain the ladies! Hosted by seasoned professional Paul Reynolds (original cast member of Manpower Australia and Las Vegas headliner), Reynold’s showmanship and cheeky banter with our audiences makes for an extra entertaining evening. It’s the most fun a girl can have standing up! If you would like to win a double pass, exclusive pre-show meet and greet and photo opportunity with the cast, with the Sydney Hotshots when they visit Mount Morgan, simply email the Grand Hotel on info@grandhotelmtmorgan.com.au stating the date that the Sydney Hotshots last visited Mount Morgan!

LAC Raffle Winner

Above: Locals attended a meeting held in Mount Morgan on Thursday, 8 June to hear information about the Constitution Referendum, and proposal to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice to Parliament referendum being held late 2023. For more info call Delilah MacGillivray 0447 477 359 (NIAA) or go to voice.gov.au

Congratulations to Veronica Barnicote who won the Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) Mother’s Day Raffle. Other lucky winners were Jeff Sharp (Easter Raffle) and Ron Batchelor (May Day raffle). The LAC would like to thank the community for their continued support and all monies raised stays in the community and goes towards education, resources and equipment.

Submitted by The Steering Committee - Carol Glover 49381 995 or Colleen Constable on 0427 161 131.

Technology brings joy to Mount Morgan seniors

for residents,” Aruf explains.

“Studies have shown that these companion pets can enhance the wellbeing of older people. The robotic animals can help to improve people’s moods, communication, interaction with others, and can be a comforting presence.

“Some residents living with dementia who are unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the companion pet.

“Other users will reminiscence about the animals they owned in their younger years, prompting them to share their own pet stories and happy memories.”

According to Carinity Summit Cottages Customer Service Coordinator, Cassandra Donald, residents have been delighted to meet their new furry friend.

“The cat has been a welcome addition to our community. The residents love her. They each have made up their own name for her,” Cassandra said.

Residents living in all 12 of Carinity’s aged care communities across Queensland have access to the companion pets.

Pictured left: Carinity Summit Cottages aged care resident Violet Wass enjoys time with a therapeutic robotic companion pet.

While therapy animals have played a valued role in aged care settings for some time, an increasingly common sight within seniors communities are robotic pets.

Residents living in the Carinity Summit Cottages aged care community in Mount Morgan have access to companion pets, life-like therapeutic toys which have realistic fur and sound and move like real animals.

The electronic dogs and cats respond to hugging and petting and users can even feel the vibration of a cat purring and the ‘heartbeat’ of a dog.

Carinity Summit Cottages Residential Manager, Aruf Yasin, said the technology is “bringing much joy to our residents”.

Research has shown that the devices have physical and psychological benefits for older seniors, including those living with dementia.

“Just like the use of real-life pets for animal-assisted therapy at Carinity aged care sites, the robotic companion cats and dogs offer a comforting presence

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

PAINTER

JUNE 20: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).

JUNE 24: Mount Morgan Lorikeets Rugby Union Home Game. Mount Morgan V Biloela at Newman Oval, Thompson Ave (3.30 pm) . Games start at 2.30 pm.

JUNE 24: Wally Hall Memorial 3-Person Ambrose. Shotgun Start at 9.00am. Nominations to Roger Brewster (0422 824 358).

JUNE 28: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes.

JULY 8: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

JULY 18: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).

JULY 18: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

JULY 26: Dee River Oldies Group - ‘Christmas in July’ Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Come along and enjoy the morning catching up.

JULY 29: Christmas in July Cent Sale held by Mount Morgan Rodeo Association. School of Arts, Morgan Street. Doors open 12 noon for 1 pm start.

AUG 12: Mount Morgan Show. Mount Morgan Showgrounds.

SEPT 2: Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc - Wattle Day Festival from 9.30 am until 2.30 pm. Live entertainment and more.

SEPT 9: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

SEPT 12: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

SEPT 23: Mount Morgan Citizen’s Club Medieval Dance at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. Starts 7 pm $10 Adults. $3 children.

OCT 14: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

Swaffield’s Property Maintenance

ABN: 68 537 641 178 Mobile: 0432 448 530

• Lawn Mowing and hedge trimming

• Yard cleanups and rubbish removal

• Wood chipping and dump runs

• House move out assistance

• Public Liability Insurance

No job too big or too small! Call Jason on 0432 448 530

SATURDAY NIGHT Green Shed from 7 pm. Phone 0412 502 937

EVERY

Firewood for sale: Bagged for camping - wood and kindling. Longer sizes available. Phone: 0468 495 645.

For Sale: Victa Pace 4-stroke mower. VGC $150. 0458 033 183.

For Sale: Registered Box Trailer. Aluminium. Good condition 1800X 1200/6ft x 4 ft $950. Phone 0429 055 165.

Wanted: House to Rent- Mount Morgan area - Low set - 2 bedrooms for senior citizens with impeccable references and house proud. Prefer long term. Rent up to $350 p/w. Current rental is being sold. Please call Maree 0498 313 915.

MILL FIREWOOD FOR SALE

$80 WITH TRAILER

$100 DELIVERED MOUNT MORGAN

PHONE: 0428 277 421

Discover the difference! Meet Angela Douglas: Local area agent

Knowledgeable about the local community Listens to your needs

Proven results over and over Free, no hassle appraisals

Angela Douglas: 0401 953 882

www.discoverrealesate.com.au

MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH

Meets every third Monday at the Green Shed - Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB INC

Meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10.30 am. Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street, Phone - John Tuxworth 0429 055 165

NEXT EDITION

WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE 2023

All inclusions required by:

Tuesday, 20 June 2023 by 4 p.m.

Ph: 4938 2312

Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au