The Lockyer and Somerset Independent - 17th April 2024

Pawtastic fun - Woof!

Charity packs its swag in 300km quest…

In its post-election meeting on Wednesday 10 April, Somerset Regional Council unanimously voted for Councillor Helen Brieschke to return as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Brieschke has been a Somerset councillor since 2012, and has been Deputy Mayor for the last four years.

She said it was incredibly humbling to be voted back into council, and to receive the supportfromcolleaguestoreturnasDeputyMayor.

“I’m just so thankful for the support that the community has given me in the first instance of being re-elected,” she said.

A bus champ

John Christensen’s wheels go round and round, and this bus driver just got a round of applause.

On Saturday 6 April, the Kilcoy bus driver and owner of Christensen’s Bus and Coach travelled to the Gold Coast, where at the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s annual conference, he was crowned the 2024 Regional Bus Driver of the Year.

Christo joined in celebration with SEQ Bus Driver of the Year Luluu Berns (Clontarf) and School Bus Driver of the Year Mark Nel (Yeppoon). 13,000 votes were counted to decide the winners.

A homeless trail

By

towns along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail have played host to a pilgrimage by the Brisbane-based charity Emmanuel City Mission.

Celebrating Easter while keeping the focus

on its original meaning, ECM team members, supporters and participants journeyed from Merivale Street in South Brisbane to Cherbourg in the South Burnett region, crossing the finish line of their 300km trek on Good Friday.

ECM director and founder Roby Curtis said the homeless service has been operating for

a

decade in Brisbane, and over this time they had met many Cherbourg residents.

“Through there we’ve established really good relationships with many people, including up to 35 per cent of our daily visitors who are First Nations people,” Mr Curtis said.

Mr Curtis said travelling the rail trail was a highlight of the journey.

“We jumped on at Pine Mountain and from there used the rail trail for a number of days ‘til the Nanango Stock Routes,” he said.

“The first night was at the Fernvale Hotel for dinner. We like to make sure we’re eating at the local establishments, and the Fernvale Hotel was a great host for a group of 35 people.

Maddison Richards, Jessica McGrath and Jacob Hayden Somerset

Owners Jess and Luke with eight-year-old Cocker Spaniel Charlie who enjoyed a bath and clean at DogFest on 13 April. Picture: JESSE HAMILTON

Fernvale Memorial Park welcomed every man and his dog as Somerset hostedits inaugural DogFest event on 13 April, transforming the park into a haven for pet lovers. The innovative and informative doggy event featured dog training workshops, dog-friendly stalls, and best-dressed andbest-trick competitions.

Free fun on happy hols

By Jacob Hayden

There was plenty of family fun to be had in Rosewood last week.

The Rosewood and District Support Centre held a free Family Fun Day on Thursday 11 April with an estimated 500 people turning up to connect.

Event organiser Tia Lancaster said the day gave local children somewhere to burn off their holiday energy, given the parents a chance to have a break.

“The air was filled with excitement as the children jumped on the jumping castles, wooshed down the waterslides, licked yummy ice creams and chomped on delicious sausages,” Ms Lancaster said.

“It is essential to provides these opportunities to community, where everyone can get to-

gether and have fun with their families in community, especially at the moment when some families are doing it really tough.”

Ms Lancaster said she loved hearing the laughter of the children and seeing parents connecting over coffees.

“As an organiser I love to connect with the community and find out what they liked about the event,” she said.

“The Rosewood and District Support Centre are able to run these events due to the generosity of volunteers and sponsors.

“I would like to express immense gratitude to The Rosewood Lions Club for sponsoring this event and the wonderful RADSC volunteers that made the event possible on the day.

“I would like to also thank our amazing community for showing up and making this day such an enjoyable event for all.”

This week’s edition of the Independent is the first to feature our councillor profiles, which will be running across the next five weeks. The council profiles are designed to help Lockyer and Somerset residents gain a deeper knowledge of the background and goals of each councillor voted in during the 2024 local government elections, especially given the four new councillors from each region (see page 11).

This edition also features our monthly ‘My Ride’ feature, where I do a story with a local car enthusiast as they tell me the history of their vintage vehicle, which is 35 years or older.

In sport, we learn the ambitious story of Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger who is seeking community support to play in the Deaf Football Australia Women’s Squad.

- Jesse Hamilton

Fatality

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal traffic crash in Tregony on 14 April.

About 10.24am, a blue Harley Davidson trike was traveling south on the Cunningham Highway when it collided with a caravan being towed by a 4WD travelling in the opposite direction.

The motorbike rider, a 72-year-old Kensington Grove man, died at the scene.

The driver of the 4WD was not physically injured. Anyone with further information or relevant footage is asked to contact police.

AIF appeal

On Anzac Day we should also remember the activities of Chaplains to the AIF.

These Chaplains were not only concerned about the spiritual well being of our soldiers, but also their physical well being. Thus many Chaplains volunteered as stretcher bearers, which was to cost several Chaplains their life. They anlso provided much needed assistance in advanced first aid posts.

Chaplain William Maitland Woods was born in 1864. As well as his priestly duties, he was appointed Chaplain to the Queensland Land Forces in 1893. He later transferred to the Australian Military Forces and from 1915 to 1919 served with the AIF.

In July, 1916 he was appointed Senior Chaplain to General Chauvel’s Anzac Mounted Division. Besides his regular Chaplaincy duties, RevWoods would give informal lectures to the troops about different aspects of the Holy Land.

Grateful for his ministrations and aware of his interest in archeology, the soldiers reported to William a number of their “finds”!

Troops engaged at Shellal in the Second Battle of Gaza discovered an exquisite mosaic from a church floor. After much careful digging the floor was uncovered. The mosaic centred on a red marble cross. The Shellal Mosaic now resides in the AustralianWar Memorial in Canberra. Another Chaplain, Rev David Garland, played an active role in establishing Anzac Day as our national day old remembrance.

Serving in the Middle East, he was to become the first English-speaking priest to celebrate Communion in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre!

Garry Sharp, Regency Downs

Tahlia, Isaac, Samantha and Sharnaya with Rosewood Fire Station Lieutenant Ben Abraham. Pictures: JACOB HAYDEN

and Henry making art in the Memorial Hall.

Deputy Brieschke’s back

By Jacob Hayden

In its post-election meeting on Wednesday 10 April, Somerset Regional Council unanimously voted for Councillor Helen Brieschke to return as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Brieschke has been a Somerset councillor since 2012, and has been Deputy Mayor for the last four years.

She said it was incredibly humbling to be voted back into council, and to receive the support from colleagues to return as Deputy Mayor.

“I’m just so thankful for the support that the community has given me in the first instance of being re-elected,” she said.

“We did hear a lot of dissatisfaction in the community [during the election process], so I am grateful for the support that the community has given me in the first instance of being reelected, but to be re-elected as Deputy Mayor, I have to say that I’m just probably humbled again.”

Cr Brieschke said she thought the new team of councillors were ‘already extremely cohesive’.

“I think we’re actually going to do really well, we’ve got a good spread of councillors across the region, which is one of the things that I normally actually do push for when we’re going through the the election process,” she said.

“I didn’t see the need for this this time around, because there were so many people from all the areas across the region.”

Cr Brieschke said she was disappointed for the Kilcoy community, which does not have a local representative.

“I think we’ve all taken that on board,” Cr Brieschke said.

“I have, in my entire time in council, I have supported things in Kilcoy and been to Kilcoy meetings and functions.

“I think we’ve taken on our responsibility as a whole, and it is the whole of our region.”

The Deputy Mayor said she planned to continue to support community infrastructure in Somerset, and was proud of recent achievements like sporting field lighting, the Lowood and Toogoolawah pools, and the Kilcoy racecourse and showgrounds.

“If we’re planned and prepared for it, when those those granting bodies stand up, we can actually deliver and we did an incredible amount of community infrastructure work last time,” Cr Brieschke said.

“I think if we can continue doing that, it’ll improve the liveability of our community, and especially our volunteers, because most of those places are run by volunteers and making their job easier, it’s a wonderful thing to achieve.”

Cr Brieschke said most people had no idea what it was like to be a councillor, and the most important skill was knowing how to balance priorities.

“When you are actually elected and you get your feet under the table it’s a whole different way of looking at things and balancing things,” she said.

“It’s not just ‘I’m going to get in and do this’,

and we learn that pretty early.

“There are a whole lot of things in the community that people would like to see improved, but you can only do so much in a 12 month period, and that’s where the balancing comes into play.”

“It’s an exciting time for council because, with all those with all those changes in councillors, we are going to see fresh ideas coming through,” she said.

Cr Brieschke said she was always available to talk and can be contacted on 0438 149 954.

In the same meeting, councillors were appointed to committees and community association meetings, and Cr Brieschke said she was looking forward to getting out into the community.

Esk seniors put pen to paper in a campaign to connect

By Jacob Hayden

Last week, Able Australia held its first Lasting Letters session in Esk, connecting seniors through the lost art of letter writing.

Able Australia Active Living Program for Seniors coordinator Rachelle Williams was excited to launch the fifth Lasting Letters in West Moreton on Friday 12 April.

“Esk is our fifth Lasting Letters, we’ve now got three in the Scenic Rim, and one at Rosewood which is the second Thursday of every month from 9:30am,” she said.

“Now we’ve got Esk as well, and once we’ve got this one going then the next plan is to introduce one into the Lockyer Valley.”

In future, a group of able seniors will meet at Esk Library on the second Friday of each month from 10am to write letters to the ‘receivers’, those with transport or health difficulties who cannot attend the library sessions.

“We’re desperately looking for more receivers, because the more receivers we have then it means more seniors in the community are getting a social interaction,” MrsWilliams said.

“If they’re not getting out very much then it’s a wonderful way to be talking to other se-

niors and finding out about what’s going on.

“Hopefully those seniors at home will be able to feel comfortable enough to join the group themselves, and write letters to more receivers.”

The Rosewood group currently had three writers, including the only male in the pro-

gram.

“We’d like more men to come along, that would be wonderful,” Mrs Williams said.

“Letter writing is not just a thing for the ladies, it can be done by anybody.”

Mrs Williams encouraged families and friends to share the program with seniors

who might be interested in joining.

“The more receivers we can have, the better,” she said.

To become a receiver, or to enquire about the program, contact Rachelle on 0427 211 816 or call the office at 5600 0750.

Seniors met at Esk Library on Friday 12 April to write letters to disconnected seniors in the community. Pictures: RACHELLE WILLIAMS The ladies carefully drafted their letters.

Somerset Regional Council re-elected Councillor Helen Brieschke as Deputy Mayor on 10 April.

Charity on the trail

By Maddison Richards,

Somerset towns along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail have played host to a pilgrimage by the Brisbane-based charity Emmanuel City Mission. Celebrating Easter while keeping the focus on its original meaning, ECM team members, supporters and participants journeyed from Merivale Street in South Brisbane to Cherbourg in the South Burnett region, crossing the finish line of their 300km trek on Good Friday.

ECM director and founder Roby Curtis said the homeless service has been operating for a decade in Brisbane, and over this time they had met many Cherbourg residents.

“Through there we’ve established really good relationships with many people, including up to 35 per cent of our daily visitors who are First Nations people,” Mr Curtis said.

Mr Curtis said travelling the rail trail was a highlight of the journey.

“We jumped on at Pine Mountain and from there used the rail trail for a number of days ‘til the Nanango Stock Routes,” he said.

“The first night was at the Fernvale Hotel for dinner. We like to make sure we’re eating at the local establishments, and the Fernvale Hotel was a great host for a group of 35 people.

“Being close to Brisbane, some of the supporters came out for tea and we had a First Nations presenter for some table talk around culture and their story.”

The pilgrimage spent its second night at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds.

“It was a very soggy day and evening and they gave us access to one of the pavilions to put our swags down,” Mr Curtis said.

“The Toogoolawah Showgrounds couldn’t

have been nicer to us.

“We trekked on to Linville and had dinner at the hotel that evening and staying across at the adjacent campground.

“It was a great night at the Linville Hotel. They made us feel very welcome.”

Mr Curtis said the trail was extraordinary.

“What a sensational route with the variances and the different sorts of terrains and tracks,” he said.

cial support for our homeless work from people who we met in towns along the way,” he said.

““We don’t receive government funds.This is one of three major fundraising events, we rely on the kindness of people like Lachlan Furnell.”

Queensland Cricketers Club CEO Lachlan Furnell was among the group that embarked on the pilgrimage.

Bus champ

By Jacob Hayden

John Christensen’s wheels go round and round, and this bus driver just got a round of applause.

On Saturday 6 April, the Kilcoy bus driver and owner of Christensen’s Bus and Coach travelled to the Gold Coast for the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s annual conference.

There, ‘Christo’ was crowned the 2024 Regional Bus Driver of the Year.

Christo joined in celebration with South East Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Luluu Berns from Clontarf and School Bus Driver of the Year Mark Nel from Yeppoon.

The winners were determined by a public vote with more than 13,000 votes counted.

The finalists were selected by an expert judging panel from more than 1800 nominations.

Christo said he felt blown away to be awarded Regional Bus Driver of the Year.

“It makes me feel more appreciated in the community,” he said.

“The award means people will realise that we have great operators and a great service, and we appreciate all their support.”

John has been a dedicated bus driver for more than 50 years alongside his wife Lenore.

“I’ve been a bus driver for 49 years. I used to cut railway sleepers first, and then I drove a forklift for eight months, and then I bought the first bus run,” Christo said.

“We bought the first bus run in ’75, and then we bought another bus run and another bus run, and then another bus run at Woodford.”

Christo provides a regional-urban service between Kilcoy and Caboolture.

“I drive the buses every day, rarely there’s a day I don’t drive, even on Saturdays doing my service run,” he said.

“I’m always trying to do something for the passengers.

About four years ago, Mr Furnell created the initiative Beyond the Boundary, which donates to various community charity organisations.

“If I can do one good deed a day that makes me happy and that makes the passengers happy.”

“Most of us city slickers had a coffee at Brisbane Valley Roasters, and there were so many good coffee stops along the way in the towns.”

Mr Curtis said they met many supportive locals along the route.

“There was overwhelming support from people in conversation and even a bit of finan-

As part of this outreach, the Queensland Cricketers Club provides 320L of milk, 40kg of protein (chicken or beef) and 30L of saucebased mix each week to Emmanuel City Missions, to help the volunteers in the kitchen provide a warm and filling meal to those in need.

John’s commitment to safety and customer service shines through in his daily maintenance checks and willingness to go the extra mile for passengers, helping with groceries or lending a hand.

John Christensen with Translink acting head Peter Milward. Picture: TRANSLINK

Jessica McGrath and Jacob Hayden

The entire team of walkers and supporters of the pilgrimage in the journey to a sacred location in Cherbourg, ‘The Ration Shed’

Queensland Cricketers Club CEO Lachlan Furnell and Emmanuel City Mission director and founder Roby Curtis.

A woof fest at Fernvale

By Jesse Hamilton

Fernvale Memorial Park welcomed every man and his dog as Somerset hosted its inaugural DogFest event on 13 April, transforming the park into a haven for pet lovers.

The innovative and informative doggy event featured dog training workshops, dogfriendly stalls, and best-dressed and best-trick competitions.

Griffith University professor Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, who helped organise the event, said DogFest was designed as a fun place for pet lovers to converge while teaching pet caretaking.

“The event basically aims to achieve two things, have fun, we love our dogs they’re part of our family,” she said.

“And at the same time, we want to promote responsible pet ownership.”

Mrs Rundle-Thiele said DogFest is funded by Koala Strategy Queensland who provide public education on the protection of wildlife.

“It includes teaching people how to avoid and protect wildlife,” she said.

“It’s part of a massive effort across five areas including habitat and restoration to help koalas that are endangered in southeast Queensland.”

Kids queue with crayons at Lowood holiday art house

Mayk studio hosted two free coloured pencil drawing workshops at the Lowood Open Door Gallery on 9 April.

Kids aged from 7 and 14 attended the sessions run by local Fernvale artist Marita Reynolds and her daughter and qualified teacher Lisa Reynolds.

Each session lasted two hours and offered a fun and creative learning experience.

All participating children received an art kit with all the necessary materials to practice the techniques learned during the workshop and create from a selection of subjects and their own imagination.

Every child went home with their creations, art kit, and additional tutorials to continue honing their newfound skills.

Marita and Lisa would like to thank all the children and parents/carers for supporting this event.

A special thank you goes to the Lion’s Club of Lowood for providing the workshop space and to the Somerset Regional Council for their grant funding, which made this valuable community service possible.

Creative kids learnt new techniques at a drawing workshop run by mayk studio at Lowood’s Open Door Gallery in the school holidays. Picture: CONTRIBUTED Fernvale artist Marita Reynolds (pictured) and her daughter Lisa Reynolds ran the workshops.

Owner Wilhelmina Stucke with her German Shepards six year olde Jäger and three year old Sakura.

Four-year-old Marvin is a Great Dane that is approximately 32 inches at shoulder height. Pictured with owners Gabrielle Sales and David Duck who offered free doggie makeovers and a photoshoot at Somerset’s inaugural DogFest.

Pictures: JESSE HAMILTON

Brave Companion Dog Rescue volunteers Annabelle and Charli with VV the cuddly English Staffy up for adoption as a Forever Friends Animal Rescue dog.

Lowood school Youthfest

The Lowood State School oval was a hive of activity on Friday 12 April with over 500 people from Somerset and surrounding communities attending the inaugural Lowood Youthfest to enjoy live music, DJ, acrobatic performances, activities, workshops, information stalls, food, and fun.

Local youth service providers and supporters Ipswich Community Youth Service, Vital Hub, Services Australia, PCYC, Police Crime Prevention Unit, Qld Fire Rescue Emergency Services, Anglicare Youth in Charge, Lives Lived Well/Standby, West Moreton Health Disaster Recovery Team and Shatter the Stigma, Drug Arm, Somerset Region Support Service, Interact, Kambu, Tenancy Skills and Drakes were on hand to chat with young people about opportunities to connect and the importance of mental health.

Attendees were treated to a host of fun activities, including gravity defying acrobatics from ZimBoyZ, live music from Angie Whitely, Myles Dunn, Harry Phillips, DJ Harry Rapmund and headline artist and rapper Lisi 4300. Ipswich Community Youth Service CEO Amanda Margerison thanked everyone who attended Lowood Youthfest for making it such a success.

“It was wonderful to see so many young people having a great time and making connections with youth-related services in Somerset region,” she said.

The event was a joint initiative of ICYS and Somerset Regional Council, proudly funded by the Queensland Government Tackling Regional Diversity through Connected Communities grant program. Kasper Rodak and Hayley

Anderson-Harren grabbed some snow cones at Lowood Youthfest. Pictures: JACOB HAYDEN, MEDIA OPERANDI

Sharlotte Tobin from Lowood took on the surfing simulator.

PCYC Acting Sergeant Andrew Treacy with Josephine Brown from Toogoolawah, trying on the fatal vision goggles, designed to replicate vision when intoxicated.

Kilcoy artist Myles Dunn is making a name for himself.

Acrobatic artists ZimBoyZ had everyone moving.

Angie Whitley and her band performed hit after hit at Lowood Youthfest.

ICYS CEO Amanda Margerison and event organiser Ruth O’Dowd.

Clayton Steels from Ipswich learning how to perform CPR with Toogoolawah Ambulance Station Officer in Charge Tanya King.

Headline artist and rapper Lisi 4300 captivated Lowood youth.

Youth week - kids thrive

By Grace Crichton and Jesse Hamilton

Young people were front and centre at Youth Week events from 7-13 April.

LockyerValley Regional Council hosted several events, including aYouth Expo in Laidley’s Ferrari Park on 10 April and a Skateboarding Jam Session on 12 April

There was something for all young people at the expo, as children had the opportunity to engage in virtual reality games, play laser tag, compete in inflatable games, create art with

coloured sand, and have their faces painted.

Sport and Recreation Development Officer

Jesse Godwin said the expo was designed as a fun day out for kids during the school holidays.

“Council saw it as a good opportunity to get back into the space of school holiday events that connect with the youth,” he said.

YMCA led the skateboarding Jam Session at the Gatton Skate Park.

Enthusiastic skaters brought their boards, scooters, and roller skates and showed their skills in games and challenges.

The skateboarding Jam Session brought out keen skaters to show their skills.

Skaters showed off what they can do with a set of wheels at the Gatton Skate Park.

Harrison and Hunter playing a cat and mouse game with the virtual reality headsets.

Friends Wade and Phoenix from Laidley going head to head in the Gladiator Duel arena.

If you love music, Honk!

By Grace Crichton

Get ready for a fun filled night as Lockyer Regional Performing Arts presents ‘Honk!’ The Musical on 2-4 May.

You might not know the name, but you are sure to love the story.

Honk! is based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Ugly Duckling.

In this upbeat, fun-filled musical, Ugly goes on a journey of self-discovery, meets a host of colourful characters, and learns it’s ok to be different.

It is the third Lockyer Regional Performing Arts (LRPA) show directed by Tammy Sarah Linde and Luke O’Hagan, who previously brought to life Little Women: The Broadway Musical (2022), and Anne of Green Gables (2021).

With bright colours and upbeat songs, Ms Linde said Honk! was a great show for families and children.

“It’s quirky, it’s light hearted, and that deep emotional core is a message for everybody out there, that you are good just the way you are, and you just need to learn to love yourself,” Ms Linde said.

“That’s the emotional message of the show but there are certainly plenty of laughs.

“There’s really quirky characters, there’s strong personalities, you might even recognise yourself in a piece of poultry.”

The diverse cast from the Lockyer Valley and southeast Queensland brings a range of experiences, perspectives, and talents to the stage.

“We have all ages, our youngest is five and our oldest is 40,” Ms Linde said.

“That is a beautiful range of ages to fill the complement of roles throughout the show.”

This year, Lockyer Regional Performing Arts are stepping out from their home base in the Laidley Cultural Centre and are bringing the

show to the Gatton Shire Hall.

On Saturday night, you can enjoy a delicious meal before the show at the Gala Dinner. Lockyer District High School’s hospitality students are catering a two course alternate drop menu that is sure to satisfy and delight.

Alternatively, the central location is an ideal spot to make a day of it, visit the town, or grab a meal beforehand.

“There’s something great about an urban theatre, a theatre that’s actually in the middle of an urban space,” Mr O’Hagan said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to go have lunch and go see a show, or go have dinner and go see a show.”

As a community theatre company, LRPA prides itself on providing performance oppor-

tunities for children and young people.

The cast of Honk! are a mixture of new, experienced, and returning performers, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the stage.

“Some of them who started out here have since gone off and done other work in Brisbane and the big smoke and are coming back and doing work here again,” Mr O’Hagan said.

“That’s always great to see.”

For Ms Linde, it’s a chance to share an experience very close to her heart.

“I love this show, I was in it over 20 years ago and I have desperately wanted to bring it to a new generation of young people,” she said.

“It is an absolute delight and honour to be able to share something that is so beloved and near and dear to my heart with these kids.

Lockyer Regional Performing Arts presents

DIRECTED BY TAMMY SARAH LINDE & LUKE O’HAGAN

Music by George Stiles

Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe

Based on The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen

“I think that they’re really loving it as much as I did then.”

The fresh take on a classic tale will surely pull at the audience’s heartstrings too.

There are four shows over three days, opening on Thursday 2 May at 7pm, followed by Friday 3 May at 7pm, a matinee on Saturday 3 May at 1pm, and finally the Gala Dinner will be served at 6pm on Saturday 3 May ahead of the 7pm show.

Bookings for the dinner must close at 5pm on 24 April.

Dietary needs are catered for and children’s meals are available.

Tickets to Honk! are on sale now at lrpa.org. au

Lockyer Regional Performing Arts’ production of Honk! The Musical features the talents of local amateur performers from the Lockyer Valley and beyond.

It’s Laidley’s spooky time

By Jesse Hamilton

Get ready for an eerie and thrilling experience at the Laidley Showgrounds on 27 April, as the chilling Village of the Doomed promises to entertain and send shivers down your spine.

Held during the date when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, Village of the Doomed is a tongue-in-cheek look at horror, celebrating all things creepy and macabre.

Event organiser Idell Wadley said the night will feature a creepy maze, brilliant costumes, and thrilling entertainment.

“Drace the Magician, who offers bubble blowing, razor blade swallowing and knife throwing fun, will be performing an entertaining set,” she said.

“We’ve got belly dancers, local fire twirlers, Move and Groove from Gatton are performing.

“We’re also very excited to let everyone know that Sellma Soul from the Voice will be performing and will be the MC for the adult section.

“There will be a 1930s-themed speakeasy, which will be hidden so people will have to find it.”

Mrs Wadley encouraged everyone to come dressed in their spookiest attire for a one-ofa-kind event.

“There’s absolutely nothing like this anywhere in Queensland, people have Halloween events, but they don’t have anything like this, this is a pure festival that celebrates everything creepy and macabre, and it’s done joyfully, it’s very funny,” she said.

“Every year, we have a competition for the best costume in the under-18s and over-18s age groups, and this year, we are having a competition for the best witches’ cackle.

“It’s worth coming along just to see the costumes alone, the effort that people put into this event is incredible.”

Gates for the event close 7pm sharp, with children under 12 free and catered for until 8:30.

After 8:30 PM, the tone of the entertainment and music changes.

Parents are requested to use discretion as the material may not suit their child.

Prepaid tickets are available by visiting allevents.in, with remaining tickets available at the Laidley Showground gates.

Voice contestant Sellma Soul will showcase their versatile range with an entertaining setlist at the Village of the Doomed on 27 April. Picture: SPIRIT OF THE VALLEY EVENTS

Prop maker Gene Maru with his horror and fantasy creations at last year’s Village of the Doomed. Picture: FILE

Drace the Magician will offer bubble blowing, razor blade swallowing and knife throwing fun. Picture: SPIRIT OF THE VALLEY EVENTS

Sacred music fills the air

By Grace Crichton

Laidley was treated to an evening of sacred music at the Anglican Church on 6 April.

Something to Sing About Choir was joined by professional Brisbane singers, Lucem Vitae, for a rendition of John Stainer’s ‘The Crucifixion’.

Lucem Vitae singers Hainian and Naomi Yu led four workshops with the Laidley choir leading up to the performance to learn the piece.

“We had a really wonderful turn out from the audience and also a great turn out from the choir, who I think sang as well as we have heard them,” Mr Yu said.

“They did a really great job with the new hymns that they’ve been learning.”

Something to Sing About choirmaster Gary Young said it was one of the best joint programs the groups have performed together.

“It was well attended and I think the music was very appropriate, even though it was after

Easter,” he said.

“It had lovely music and it told a very good story.”

Mr and Mrs Yu were joined by several of their friends from Brisbane who they completed their musical training with.

“One of our great joys is in introducing our friends to the community and to [the choir], because they’ve inspired us so much and we always hope that our friends who have gone through music with us are able to experience

some of their joy and enthusiasm as well,” he said.

Lucem Vitae have conducted several workshops with Something to Sing About and hope to join them again later in the year.

It is Something to Sing About’s tenth anniversary and they are planning a retrospective concert for 19 October.

The choir is seeking a piano accompanist and interested parties can contact Mr Young on 0417799679

Marburg artists’ first exhibition under lights in Ipswich

The Marburg and District Art Society (MaDAS) is thrilled to announce its inaugural art exhibition.

‘Connections’ features more than 80 artworks from 20 talented and diverse artists.

The exhibition is open daily and runs from 18 to 28 April at the Ipswich Community Gallery in d’Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich.

In line with the current art market trend of promoting diversity and inclusivity, ‘Connections’ brings together artists from various backgrounds and skill levels, from novices to acclaimed award-winners.

Their dynamic art resonates with the theme of ‘Connections’, creating a powerful bridge between communities, artists, and audiences.

Through their artwork, these talented individuals have crafted pieces that not only showcase their artistic abilities but also foster meaningful connections.

The exhibition features a wide range of styles and mediums, including mixed media, watercolour, oils and acrylics.

MaDAS president Linda Senjov said the art society created a platform where art speaks and connects.

With the group support, MaDAS has developed the concept, planned the logistics, and brought this extraordinary showcase to life.

“Their dedication and passion have made ‘Connections’ a truly remarkable event”, Linda said.

The exhibition aims to connect not only artists and viewers but also different communities.

The local wider Ipswich community and surrounding areas are invited to attend the exhibition, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for art.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary artistic journey.

Join MaDAS at their inaugural art exhibition ‘Connections’ and experience the power of art in fostering connections between communities, artists, and audiences.

This exhibition promises to be a captivating celebration of creativity and inclusivity.

For more information, please visit www. marburgartsociety.org.au.

Let’s come together and celebrate the beauty of art and its ability to connect us all.

CONTRIBUTED

Experienced Councillor charts a resilient path forward

By Jesse Hamilton

With a strong focus on family and a commitment to shaping a brighter future for Lockyer Valley residents, councillor Michael Hagan brings extensive experience as he enters his third term on the Lockyer Valley council team.

Having moved and fallen in love with the region in 2005, Cr Hagan said he decided to settle in the Locker Valley region for the rural lifestyle and to be closer to family.

“My daughter had just got married to a dairy farmer in the Lockyer Valley so that attracted us to have a look around this area,” he said.

“I was a turf farmer for 20 years, in 2018, I decided to concentrate on council full time.

“I’ve always liked living in rural communities, we have lived in rural New South Wales, rural North Territory and rural Queensland

and have always liked the country lifestyle far better.”

Cr Hagan said he ran for his first term in

2016 to forge a better future for his children, grandchildren, and the next generation who call the Lockyer Valley home.

“My kids have all got their own kids, three living in the area, three living outside the area, and 23 grandkids, 12 of whom live in the Lockyer,’ he said.

“Something I’ve always believed in is to try to leave something better than you found it.

“I want to make a difference and make sure the next generation has something to look forward to, there’s a lot of problems in the world, and there’s a lot of problems in the country, so if you can be part of trying to make it better in your local area it goes a long way.”

Cr Hagan had the portfolio of community development and community activation and environment councillor in his first two terms.

He said the ability to work with a diverse

range of community groups and being involved in the disaster recovery committee given the region’s extensive flooding has been a major highlight of his council career.

“The community development portfolio allowed me to be involved in communities, including arts and culture childcare and youth groups, and help build capacity in those groups so they can function and be part of a thriving community,” he said.

“I had the chair of the disaster recovery committee for the last two terms.

“That is a great insight into, instead of just waiting for someone to come and help, giving them the tools, encouragement and education to say, you could go out and be your own disaster manager to start with, find out what you can do to make yourself resilient for next time.”

Lockyer Valley Regional Councillor Michael Hagan will be entering his third term as a Lockyer Valley councillor in 2024.

Picture: JESSE HAMILTON

This combined piece, created by the exhibiting artists of the Marburg And District Art Society, will be up for silent auction at their exhibition in Ipswich. Picture: MADAS

The concert at Laidley’s Anglican Church was well attended. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Something Sing About Choir and Lucem Vitae performed Stainer’s ‘Crucifixon’ on 6 April.

First responders an Anzac legend

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

with MIKE NOWLAN

Every Anzac Day we remember and respect the sacrifices made by past and current service personnel.

We should also remember those who died at their own hands.

Recognition of the unique nature of military service and its impacts need to be considered.

When depression takes control of your mind, you think thoughts and do things that are not of your doing.

Taking your own life is not a conscious deliberate decision; the many varied stress factors in your life can allow depression to take total control of your life.

Another battle is being fought on the home front, by first responders.

Police, fire, ambulance, SES personnel are often exposed to traumatic scenes that are comparable to combat situations.

A former police officer, James Maskey, living with PTSD reported that mental health stigma remains ‘rife’ among first responders, with over 5000 members in Queensland reaching out for help in the last 12 months, according to the Courier Mail.

He was rocked by the news that a colleague, Senior Constable Kym Slade took her own life

last year, and was quoted as saying “Kym’s suicide death underscores the very real and human impact of the first responder occupation.

“Quite often, the demands of being first on the scene for others can mean being last on the scene for self and family.”

Research shows that one in 10 responders developed PTSD, compared to one in 20 of the general population.

More than 300,000 responders are involved

every day throughout Australia, and their mental health is supported by Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit organisation. Remember, it is not what goes wrong in your life that matters. It is what you do about it that counts.

· Beyond Blue Support: 1300224636

· LifeLine: 131114

· Fortem Australia: 1300339594

CHANGE MEETING SCHEDULE

The Lockyer Valley Regional Council advises that the April Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 24 April 2024, commencing at 9am FREE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING

EVENT Get your hands dirty planting native seedlings.

Help reinstate an endangered ecosystem and create koala habitat by coming along to a community tree planting day.

All planting equipment provided.

Please bring your own hat, dress sunsmart/weather appropriate and wear closed-toe shoes. Free sausage sizzle and refreshments provided.

· WHERE: Lions Park, Lower Tenthill

· WHEN: Sunday 21 April

· TIME: 8am to 12pm Register at bit.ly/3TKGoSC

GARDEN COMPETITION OPEN

Laidley Spring Festival Garden Competition entries are now open.

Head to www.laidleyspringfestival. com or Council’s Gatton or Laidley Customer Service Centres for an entry form.

Entries close 2 August 2.

STREET PARADE ENTRIES OPEN

The Laidley Spring Festival Grand Street Parade is back.

If you are a community group, local business or school and want to participate, please email lockyerevents@lvrc. qld.gov.au for an entry form.

The 2024 theme is ‘Spring Magic’, and entrants can be with a float or a walking group. COUNCILLOR

First responders are often exposed to traumatic scenes that are comparable to combat situations. Picture: PIXABAY

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Anzac Day schedule

The Anzac legacy continues with services across the region set for 25 April.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has developed a digital Anzac Day Kitbag and commemorative package to support Australians conducting their own Anzac Day service, whether that be at home or in the community.

To download the Anzac Day Kitbag, visit https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/ anzac-day-kitbag

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial and the international Dawn Services in Türkiye and France will be broadcast live on the ABC on Anzac Day and streamed live on DVA’s Facebook page.

Local services are scheduled are planned at townships across the region, please check with your local RSL Sub Branch, council, or event organiser for more information.

Services in the Lockyer region are reported in the Council advertisement at right. Services in the Somerset and local Ipswich regional services are listed below:

COOMINYA

The march in Coominya steps off from the train station at 9:45am, symbolic as the railway line would have transported the servicemen of the area in its day, followed by service at memorial park then refreshments at Coominya Hall.

ESK

In Esk, there is a dawn service at 5am and an 11am service, both at the cenotaph, with a March along Heap St preceding at 10:40am. Fellowship and barbecue lunch at the Grand Hotel to follow.

FERNVALE

Fernvale’s service is at 8am following a march

from the Uniting Church and ending at the cenotaph in Memorial Park.

KILCOY

Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch has organised a dawn service at 5am at the Memorial Wall followed by a Gunfire Breakfast, then later there is a service at 11:30am.

LINVILLE

Linville’s Anzac Day march will start at 8am from the Linville Hall and proceed to the memorial for an 8:15am service, followed by refreshments in the hall for a donation to the P and C.

LOWOOD

Lowood RSL Sub Branch’s dawn service, at 4:28am in Clock Park, is followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at 5:30am.

MARBURG

Marburg’s march steps off from the Church of Christ Hall at 7:15am followed by a 7:30am service at Marburg Community Park, with plenty of schools, artists and the light horse troop involved, plus a display in the heritage centre.

ROSEWOOD

Rosewood RSL Sub Branch is holding a dawn service at 4:20am in the Rosewood Memorial Hall car park, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at 5:30am inside. The main march starts at Drakes Supermarket before heading to the Memorial Hall for a 9:30am service.

TOOGOOLAWAH

In Toogoolawah, head to the memorial in McConnel Park for the 5am dawn service followed by breakfast at the RSL Hall.

The march will go down Cressbrook St and conclude at the memorial for the 11am service.

April 25, 2024 marks the 109th anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

All current and ex-service men and women, people representing ex-service personnel, schools, and sporting and community groups are invited to participate in Anzac Day Marches. It is preferred that uniforms are worn.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Anzac Day Services across the region and/or register for the RSL’s Light up the Dawn 2024 at 6am.

9am Assemble at cnr Church and Victoria Street

9.15am Service commences

Contact: Laidley RSL at laidleyrsl@bigpond.com or Marie Logan on 0428 198 333

4.20am Gather at the Anzac Memorial Park, Littleton Park

4.25am Dawn Service commences

10am Assemble for March outside the Council office in North Street

10.30am March commences to Boer War Memorial and Littleton Park

Contact: Gatton RSL/Les Nash on 0419 653 897

7.30pm Service commences at the Ma Ma Creek Community Hall

8.30pm Light supper provided

Contact: Narelle Peach on 0499 508 528

7.30am Service commences at Hatton Vale Memorial, cnr Australia II Drive and Thallon Road

Contact: Laidley RSL at laidleyrsl@bigpond.com or Allan Foster on 0412 273 988

12.15pm Assemble for March at Helidon Railyard

12.30pm March commences to Helidon Memorial

1.15pm Refreshments at the Helidon RSL

Contact: Helidon RSL on 4697 6508 after 4pm or Dan Parker on 0438 732 736

AUSLAN INTERPRETER AT MAIN SERVICE at 11am

4.20am Gather at the Anzac Memorial Park, Patrick Street

4.25am Dawn Service commences

10.20am Assemble for March outside the Anglican Church, Ambrose Street

10.40am March commences to Anzac Memorial

Contact: Laidley RSL at laidleyrsl@bigpond.com or Allan Foster on 0412 273 988

10am Service commences at Murphys Creek Grounds

10.45am Light refreshments at Murphys Creek Community Centre

Contact: Bob Mann on 0418 457 411

7.45am Gather at Withcott Memorial, Meadows Road

8am Service commences

9am Light refreshments at the Withcott Hotel

Contact: John Bennett on 0458 410 711

Anzac services will take place across the globe on 25 April. Find your local service here. Picture: FILE

Several towns are hosting marches before mid morning services.

MOTORING

Car insurance gets axed

Owning and maintaining a car can be one of the biggest contributors to the household bill, but according to new research from Compare the Market, 17.4 per cent; of drivers surveyed have ditched comprehensive car insurance in the last 12 months.

According to the research, Aussie drivers aren’t protecting their cars with comprehensive policies due to higher costs, affordability, and not thinking their car is worth it, but experts warn that this might cost them more later on by ditching, rather than switching.

Compare the Market’s economic director David Koch said that people should look for ways to cut their premiums down as opposed to completely giving up on their comprehensive car insurance.

“If people are looking to save a few bucks by giving up their comprehensive car insurance, they are compensating short-term gain for long-term pain,” he said.

“Obviously no one wakes up and thinks about wanting to be in a car crash, but sometimes the improbable does happen. If you were found to be at fault without insurance, you could be hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket in repair or replacement costs.

“If rising costs are the concern, there are a few ways people may be able to reduce their premium, including increasing their excess, paying premiums annually and even re-evaluating how many kilometres they drive on the car and opting for a pay-as-you-drive policy.”

The data also showed that younger generations were opting out of comprehensive insurance at higher rates than older generations.

Almost one in three Gen Zers and one in five Millennials have opted out of comprehensive insurance in the past 12 months.

The prevalence of cutting comprehensive car insurance could also be leaving drivers un-

protected against car break-ins and personal property theft, as the research also found that as many as 52.5% of people do not park their cars in a locked garage at night.

Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager for General Insurance and car insurance expert Adrian Taylor said that people are playing Russian Roulette with their savings,

given that recent Compare the Market research found that as many as one in ten drivers had their car broken into.

“While people are understandably feeling the cost-of-living crunch, opting to forgo comprehensive car insurance as a way to save money is like playing Russian Roulette,” she said.

There

The latest research from Compare the Market has found that 17.4 per cent ditched cover due to rising premiums, not seeing the value in cover or their vehicle not being worth enough.

Picture: ISTOCK

RIDE

Hi Ray and Hey Charger!

By Jesse Hamilton

This 1974 Chrysler Valiant Charger Sportsman is a rare and stunning symbol of 1970s Australia.

Possessed by long-time Gatton local Ray Carsburg, the limited-edition Sportsman is currently undergoing repairs helmed by Ray’s son Gary as a devotion to his dad’s passion for Charger models.

Owner of family-run Gatton mechanic Carsburg’s Automotive, Gary Carsburg said his dad had owned various other models over the years but had always gravitated to the Charger range.

“My Dad’s 89 now, and he was doing his own work on it at home, but it just never got finished,” he said.

“So, I thought I’d bring it in here and get it up and running again for him.

“He’s had Fords, a Chevrolet, and Commodores as well, but he’s always really liked the Chargers.”

Chrysler Australia introduced the Valiant Charger Sportsman in August 1974, with only 399 examples ever produced.

Available solely in vintage red, and featuring striking white exterior striping, the Sportsman boasts a Chrysler Hemi-6 engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.

Mr Carsburg said the rare Valiant model, classed as a coupe, had maintained its 70s distinct look over the years, with his dad having purchased it from a local farmer who brought it into his Gatton workshop.

“Murray Buchmann one of the farmers up the creek used to own it years ago, Murray sold it but always wish he had kept it,” he said.

“I think the style of it set it apart from other models.

“[My dad] has changed a few things over the years, but he’s taken them off again, put a wing on the back, and taken that all off and put it back to its original look again.”

“We were brought up in Chargers, we used to work on them and sit in the back seat, and go on trips with the Charger Regal,” he said.

Gary said the Sportsman hasn’t been on the road since 2017 and plans to have repairs complete by year’s end.

Gary said he and his sisterVikki, who is store manager at Carsburg’s Automotive, grew up with their dad taking them for rides in Charger models, with his dad having a significant influence on his career aspirations.

“My dad inspired me to become a mechanic, I left school at 15 and have been here ever since.

“He was also the Queensland Light Welterweight Boxing champion at one point.”

Ray Carsburg was a member of the Chrysler club in Toowoomba and Mopar car club in Brisbane where he featured the Sportsman. The Sportsman had appeared in numerous shows, including 11 times at RACQ motorfest.

Carsburg’s Automotive owner Gary Carsburg (left) with nephew Chris Carsburg and Noah Maddern have all been working on the Sportsman to get it mechanically sound. Picture: JESSE HAMILTON

Ray Carsburg got a customised number plate for his 60th Birthday. Picture: JESSE HAMILTON

The Sportsman features a Chrysler Hemi-6 engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.

The Sportsman has maintained an original look over the years in its original vintage red and featuring striking white exterior striping.

TECH TALK

Keep up in a digital world

By Grace Crichton

In a rapidly changing digital world, it is more important than ever for small business owners to work smarter not harder.

Between maintaining an online presence, managing IT services, and keeping on top of electronic payments, there’s a lot to handle on top of core businesses operations.

Telstra has a suite of services specifically for businesses of any size to help manage your digital life, so you can focus on growing your business and serving your customers.

Lockyer Valley Communications manager Sarah Burgess said small business owners, especially in regional and rural communities, must assume multiple roles to make their business succeed.

“These small business owners have to wear multiple hats,” she said.

“They’re their own accountants, they have to do their own marketing, they have to run the businesses, and sometimes they’re running it on their own.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported there were 2.5 billion active businesses in Australia at the end of the last financial year.

There are roughly 400,000 new business per year and most of them are small businesses, meaning a staff of fewer than 15 people.

These small businesses, particularly sole traders, small retail operations, and service providers working from home, can lighten their load with these Telstra services.

“What we’re finding is these small businesses have such a big job ahead of them,” Sarah said.

“The statistics of small businesses failing is really high as well.

“They have such a big task ahead of them but there are different ways to make that a lot easier and a lot better.”

MAKE YOUR MARK ONLINE

To reach customers wherever they are, it is important to have and maintain an online presence.

“Only half of businesses have a website,” Sarah said.

“As people are time poor and can’t get out much, an online presence can put your business in front of people when they’re in their own home.”

Telstra’s Business Website Services can take the hassle out of website building, maintenance, digital marketing and social media for you.

Websites are built in collaboration with your business from design all the way to launch.

“Even if you’ve got an existing domain they can then come in and redesign,” Sarah said.

“They also do quarterly coaching calls and performance reports, so you can see how you are tracking.”

Telstra have many different packages to suit your needs.

The packages can cover website services, design, IT support, and your website can be tailored to include an online store, appointment booking, plus they’ll help you with marketing, digital advertising, and you can add social media packages as well.

“Businesses are always changing and products are always changing,” Sarah said.

“It’s not just website creation and changes, we’re also going to help you market this in the best way for you.”

GET SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT

“The other hat owners are also wearing is they’re their own IT support,” Sarah said.

Nothing’s fool proof, unfortunately, and when IT systems need troubleshooting it can be a very stressful experience.

“Telstra have also got an IT service,” Sarah said.

“They’re based in Townsville so they’re all local.

“It’s 24/7 support and it can be everything from storage backup, security, devices and hardware, point of sale systems, EFTPOS troubleshooting, printers, and full internet networks including mesh and wifi.”

Too often, we’ll often find a DIY hack or just

call the smartest person we know to help us troubleshoot the problem.

This can be time consuming, not to mention frustrating, and a dedicated IT support service can make sure your time is better spent.

“It’s exactly when that term ‘time is money’ becomes very prominent,” Sarah said.

“Everything’s getting more expensive, but the more time you waste is also time and money lost from you actually running your business.”

PAYMENTS ARE EASIER THAN EVER

Every business owner also needs to be on top of their finances.

Integral to most retail and service businesses is their EFTPOS facilities.

“Telstra have partnered with a brand called Tyro,” Sarah said.

“They cover a lot of businesses and business needs.

“It does all of your digital receipts, so your accounting is really easy, as well as taking all of your standard payments as well.”

Tyro has EFTPOS solutions to suit a variety of businesses.

Most critically, the ability to take payments on the go.

“We’re all trying to save time, and the easier access it is, the more portable it is, the easier it gets to run your business smoothly,” Sarah said.

Their portability is ideal for businesses who make house calls, are mobile, or have no

fixed address.

“It’s great for tradies taking payment on the job,” Sarah said.

“It saves them having to invoice, then chase up payments, they’ve got it all there ready to go.”

The Tyro Go is great for markets, or as a backup EFTPOS device.

“Most people don’t have a backup EFTPOS,” Sarah said.

“We’ve all been in a situation when EFTPOS has failed, whether that’s the banks have had an outage, but it could also have internet issues, your device could be malfunctioning, anything like that.

“Tyro can be a portable backup solution if the bank goes down.”

GET BACK TO WHAT YOU LOVE

There’s a host of support and solutions to help lighten the load.

Sometimes it is just about knowing where to start.

Whether you’re about to embark on a new business venture, your business is growing, or you’re an established business looking for a boost, Telstra’s business services can help you streamline your efficiency.

“When you’re time efficient, you’re less stressed,” Sarah said.

“There are ways we can help streamline their business, and making things a little bit easier for them, in these areas.”

Instead of spending valuable time fixing a broken website, or getting the printer working again, or losing incoming because the EFTPOS is down, have a specialist take care of this side of the business for you, so you can focus on doing what you love.

Visit Lockyer Valley Communications to find out more.

Small businesses can get specialised help from Telstra’ range of business support services.

Picture: GRACE CRICHTON

Tyro has EFTPOS solutions to suit a variety of businesses. Picture: TYRO

Commemorating “Laurie”

Laurence Norman TOPP, known as “Laurie” to most, “Unc” to his many nieces and nephews, and“Toppy” to a lot of his friends, was born on 16 September 1948. Laurie was the third child for Norman and Biddie Topp, a little brother for Dorothea and Frank. Over the next fifteen years, Laurie gained seven more siblingsDanny, Gemma, Pat, Barbara, Sharyn, Robyn and Chris.

Laurie grew up on the farm at Flagstone Creek where he enjoyed helping out with whatever jobs needed doing. He attended Flagstone Creek State School until Scholarship, before attending St Joesph’s College Toowoomba for high school. Laurie boarded at the Helidon Criterion Hotel during his high school years and caught the McCafferty’s bus to Toowoomba each day.

When he was just 15, Laurie commenced a mechanical apprenticeship at Agricultural Requirements (AR) in Gatton, and that’s where his love of International tractors and machinerystarted.LaurieretiredfromARwhenhewas 62, showing such dedication to one employer for 47 years. Laurie was well known by farmers throughout the LockyerValley, and beyond, for his mechanical expertise and knowledge, and especially for his skill at repairing hay balers.

On arrival at the recent 75 year anniversary of Agricultural Requirements, Laurie was welcomed by well-wishers, previous customers, current and former employees, and managers, confirming what an impact Laurie had on so many people’s lives, and the respect and high regard people had for him.

From 2005 onwards, Laurie actively participated in the Lockyer Antique Motor Association (LAMA), enjoying many outings, firstly in his Landrover and then in his XA Ford Falcon.

Laurie not only solved the mechanical problems of tractors, but also had a keen interest in collecting and restoring them. He enjoyed many tractor treks, across the countryside, with his mates.

Last year, Laurie was presented with a certificate from the International Harvester Club of Australia for 20 years of continuous service. As well as specializing in International machinery, Laurie collected and restored an impressive collection of IH tractors.

Laurie, described aptly by a good friend as an “Extra Ordinary Ordinary Man (an EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY Man) passed away in the early hours of Wednesday 13 March.

Rest easy, Laurie. Your work here is done.

Contributed by Laurie Topp’s family

Vintage tractors led the funeral procession from St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Helidon, to the Helidon Catholic Cemetery. Many cars (driven by members of LAMA) also took part in the funeral procession as a final sign of respect to fellow member, Laurie Topp.

Some of the 18 tractors (most driven by members of LAMA), ready to trek from Flagstone Creek to Helidon for the funeral of fellow member and good friend, Laurie Topp, on 21 March.

Tractor trekking that country mile.

Pictures: LAURIE TOPP FAMILY As a fine tribute to Laurie, local farmers of Flagstone Creek, Lilydale and Carpendale, formed a “tractor guard of honour” by placing their tractors alongside the roadway as the hearse drove by.

Ag

1. Five subject areas - agriculture, science, food technology, business and digital technology.

career in Australia’s constantly evolving and modern agriculture industry.

The resources make up the second part of the Cultivating the Next Generation research project, compiled and delivered by AgriFutures Australia and CQ University.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the agriculture sector has a great opportunity to redefine itself in students’ minds.

“A career in ag is exciting and diverse, whether you want to work with your hands or in an office, in the country or the city,” said Minister Watt.

“So many young people are interested in sustainability and technology and that’s exactly what ag careers offer.

“I can’t wait to see the footprint they make on the industry.”

The new resources include five recommendations from stage one of the project:

2. 20 video case studies showcasing the diverse range of jobs available.

3. Work placement guides for industry, schools and students.

4. In person and online professional development workshops to educators.

5. Industry excursions across every state and territory involving 19 schools, over 500 students and 35 teachers.

Managing Director AgriFutures Australia, John Harvey said the agriculture industry, including fisheries and forestry, must do more to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce.

“Our future workforce is dependent on the next generation seeing agriculture as an industry of choice, and critical to this is the role educators play in encouraging students towards a career in agriculture and we want to do everything we can to make that happen,” said Mr Harvey.

RAMSOME:- 1 x crawler; PRESIDENT:- 2 x R/T

BELARUS:- 3 x 900; 1 x 920 (4wd); ; 2 x 400;

LOTS MORE --- VARIOUS MODELS SUITABLE FOR RESTORING & PARTS…

TRUCKS: VOLVO F88 prime mover; BEDFORD truck; General Motors truck;

VEHICLES: 2 X CHEVROLET’S (around 1925); FARGO ute; DODGE ute; 2 x VAUXHALL utes; 1 x VAUXHALL sedan; 1982 7100 tray back, alum-8 x 6, 6 cylinder ute; MACHINERY: 2 x buckrakes; old scuffler; baler; 2 x stationary balers; Triumph steel wheel potato digger; 2 row corn scuffler; 1,2 &3 furrow mouldboard ploughs; 2 x 3 disc plough; 2 row corn planter; 2 x 6ft sickle mowers; Smelli horseworks with shafts & engines; 6 x corn crackers (various sizes); 2 x blade buzzsaws;

CQ Uni Ag Kids in the Clare Valley learning about wine production and vineyards.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

The Guide

JEOPARDY! AUSTRALIA

Nine, Saturday, 7.30pm

This US game show institution is getting an Aussie twist. Filmed in England, the Australian version sees UK television stalwart Stephen Fry (pictured) quiz Aussie players. Flipping the traditional question-andanswer format, Jeopardy!presents answers first in the form of short, written clues. Contestants must then respond in the form of a question that correctly identifies the clue description. Contestants on this quiz show need a vast knowledge, fast buzzer skills and a daring to bet on their intellect. Jeopardy!Australiawill test competitors across a range of categories, offering up puzzles, daily doubles and impressive cash prizes.

Thursday, April 18

LEGO MASTERS AUSTRALIA VS REST OF THE WORLD

Nine, Sunday, 7pm

It’s the lively series that puts a smile on your face and brings buckets of colour to your evening. Hosted with aplomb and big-kid shenanigans by comedian Hamish Blake (pictured), this family stalwart’s playful spirit is not easily manufactured –copycat balloon show BlowUpwas unfortunately more than a few bricks short of a load. Tonight, Hamish teases the teams with delectable French bakery treats, but there’s no time to drool – they must replicate one of the goodies within nine hours in an elimination challenge. In scenes reminiscent of IsItCake?, a glamorous mystery guest has the difficult task of spying the edible from the superb artisanal plastic.

PICK OF THE WEEK

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA

10, Monday, 7.30pm

After a season overshadowed by the tragic death of judge Jock Zonfrillo, this 16th instalment of the veteran cooking comp is abundant with new and not-so-new faces. Three passionate judges join Andy Allen: much-loved cook and former MasterChefcontender Poh Ling Yeow, acclaimed French chef and restauranteur Jean-Christophe

Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin (pictured, left, with Allen, Ling Yeow and Novelli). It’s an exciting shake-up spiced with special guests galore, with Jamie Oliver arriving for an impressive two-week stint that’ll be buttered up with an emotional family reunion. Simmer down tonight to meet all the eager new contestants who’ll hopefully cook like no one’s watching as they vie for the $250,000 prize.

TRAVEL MAN

SBS Viceland, Tuesday, 8.30pm

It’s perhaps only the folly of TV stars – or the rich and responsibility-free –who can justify a spontaneous 48-hour jaunt in some of the word’s most interesting cities. British funnyman Joe Lycett has taken the globetrotting reins since season 10 with his irreverent style. Season 12 premieres tonight with a double episode: buckle up for a whirlwind zip across continents that only the magic of TV can supply. JonathanCreekstar Alan Davies (pictured, left, with Lycett) joins Lycett in Northern Italy in a heritage hotel that had a former life as an insurance company, Then, American comedian Desiree Burch braves the cold in Finnish Lapland for some snow-filled fun.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (5, 1) NINE (8, 9)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00

ABC News At Noon. 12.55 Miriam

Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Mdl, R) 1.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 QI. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

The Business. (R) 11.20 Love On The Spectrum. (PG, R)

12.20 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.25 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

Beat The Chasers UK.

The Chase. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 9.50 Outta Town Adventures. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (PGal, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (PG, R) 4.10 Inside Windsor Castle. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Hometown Killer. (2018, Mav, R) Kaitlyn Black.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Costco: Is It Really Worth It? (PG, R) Explores the retailer Costco.

8.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Puglia. Stanley Tucci visits Puglia, a region famous for its fragrant olive oil, vegetables, cheeses and durum wheat.

9.20 Blue Lights. (Return) It is a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rival gangs.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Illegals. (Malsv)

11.55 The Witnesses. (Ma, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) Rose feels the weight of unwanted responsibility.

7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Hosted by Graeme Hall.

8.30 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. (PGa) The semi-finals continue with the contestants vying to impress the judges and the audience.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 The Amazing Race. (PGl, R)

12.30 Fortitude. (MA15+av, R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

NRL news and analysis.

9News Late.

Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av)

A+E After Dark. (Mlm, R)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Friday, April 19

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30

That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Mal, R) 2.25 White Fever. (Ml, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Tammy Huynh saves a discarded succulent.

8.30 Happy Valley. (Final, Malv) Scores are settled for good on Catherine’s final shift. Ryan faces a moral dilemma.

9.40 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

Presented by Tom Gleeson.

10.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.

10.45 White Fever. (Ml, R)

11.10 ABC Late News.

11.25 Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius: Fortune And Tragedy. (Ml, R)

12.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

1.15 Traces. (Mads, R)

2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Programs. 6.40pm Andy’s Global Adventures. 7.00 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MOVIE: The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. (2009, PG) 10.25 Would I Lie To You? 11.30

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.20 Outta Town Adventures. (Final, PG) 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Final, PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.05 Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone. (PGavw, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Ancient Egypt By Train: Luxor. (R) Part 3 of 4.

8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (Ms, R) Part 3 of 3. Embarking on the final part of his journey around Iraq, Michael Palin visits the site of Babylon.

9.25 Secrets Of The Lost Liners: Andrea Doria. (PGa, R) Takes a look at the Italian luxury liner AndreaDoriathat sank in 1956.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 A French Case. (Malv)

11.45 L’Opera. (Mdls, R)

2.25 Employable Me (UK) (Mals, R) 3.35 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30

ANC Philippines

The World Tonight.

SEVEN (7)

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

Johanna Griggs and Colin Fassnidge explore Uluru. Graham Ross visits the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Clarissa Feildel prepares some Malaysian fried chicken.

8.30 To Be Advised.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Three contestants go head to head in a test of brain power and bravery as they compete for the chance to win the grand prize of $1 million. Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 NBC Today. International news including interviews with people from the world of business, politics, media and sports.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 7. Parramatta Eels v Dolphins.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Parramatta Eels versus Dolphins match, with news and analysis.

10.45 MOVIE: The Rhythm Section. (2020, MA15+adlsv, R) A woman seeks revenge for her family. Blake Lively, Jude Law.

12.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.

1.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.30 Ageless: It’s Never Too Late. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Everyday Aussie home cooks team up with acclaimed chefs Diana Chan and Mike Reid.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ma, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch for a chat with actors Michelle Yeoh, Austin Butler and Jack Lowden, and dancer Ashley Banjo. Mimi Webb performs her single RedFlags

10.30 Fire Country. (Mv, R) A massive tree falls on Eve.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 7.50 Complicity. (2018, PG, Japanese) 10.00 Selma. (2014, M) 12.20pm Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 2.20 From Here To Eternity. (1953, PG) 4.30 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.30 T-34. (2018, M, Russian) 9.35 Defiance. (2008, MA15+) 12.05am Bone Tomahawk. (2015, MA15+) 2.35 Late Programs. 6am

6am Morning Programs. Noon Pawn Stars. 1.00 Counting Cars. 2.00 Storage Wars: Barry’s Best Buys.

v Essendon. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.15 Late Programs.

Raymond.

4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 MOVIE: Paper Planes. (2014) 7.30 MOVIE: Mirror

Mirror. (2012, PG) 9.35 MOVIE: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. (2013, MA15+) 11.20 Dating No Filter. 11.50 Medium. 12.45am Below Deck. 2.30 Full House. 3.00 Late Programs.

Saturday, April 20

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

12.30 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 1.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R) 2.55 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 3.45 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time. (R) 4.55 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (R) 5.25 Landline. (R)

6.30 Bluey. (R)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav) Part 3 of 3. A love affair seems to be at the heart of a young woman’s death in a nearby town.

9.00 Miniseries: The Suspect. (Mal, R) Part 3 of 5. Joe embarks on his own investigation, while the police continues theirs.

9.50 A Life In Ten Pictures: Carrie Fisher. (PG, R) Takes a look at Carrie Fisher’s life in 10 pictures, revealing 10 key turning points and new truths.

10.45 Happy Valley. (Final, Malv, R) Scores are settled for good.

11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

At The Apollo. 9.20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.05 MythBusters. 10.55 Portlandia. 11.35 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 12.15am Upstart Crow. 1.20 Would I Lie To You? 1.50 Unprotected Sets. 2.35 Russell Howard Stands Up To The World. 3.20 ABC News Update. 3.25 Close. 5.00 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Men’s Race. Highlights. 4.00 Motor Racing. World Rally-Raid Championship. Round 3. BP Ultimate Rally-Raid. Highlights. 4.30 Roman

5.55 Australian Story. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Women’s Race. Highlights. 3.00 Cycling.

Megastructures. (PGv, R) 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (Premiere, PGaw) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. All Aged Stakes Day, Mornington Cup Day, Charity Race Day and Morphettville Race Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5.

(PGa) Part 3 of 3.

8.25 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley. (PG) Part 1 of 2. Nick Knowles explores Death Valley, travelling from Dumont Dunes to the Salt Creek Trail.

9.20 Miniseries: The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family. (Mas, R) Part 1 of 3.

10.30 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces: Traditions. (PGa, R)

11.20 Between Two Worlds. (Malv)

12.15 While The Men Are Away. (MA15+s, R)

1.15 Miniseries: New Gold Mountain. (Madl, R)

3.15 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 4.25 Bamay.

(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon Gymnastics. FIG Trampoline World Cup Series. H’lights. 1.05 Gymnastics.

The Legend Behind The Gun. 11.20 Juice. 11.50 Late Programs.

6am Roxanne. Continued.

PG, Norwegian) 4.10 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 6.05 Bicentennial Man. (1999, PG) 8.30 Jackie Brown. (1997, MA15+) 11.20 Secretary. (2002, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.

5.30 Creek To Coast. A look at the latest in outdoor activities.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 6. Brisbane Lions v Geelong. From the Gabba, Brisbane. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.00 To Be Advised. 12.45 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 3. Taupo Super400. Day 1. Highlights. From Taupo International Motorsport Park, New Zealand. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Mystic. (R) Issie rides Blaze in the cross-country trials against rivals Dulmoth Park.

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R) Luke Darcy, Jo Stanley and Luke Hines look at locations that highlight living well.

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Escape To The Country. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 House

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R)

1.00 Ageless. (PGa) 1.30 Destination WA. (R) 2.00 LEGO Masters Australia Vs Rest Of The World. (PGl, R) 3.30 Renovate Or Rebuild. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. (Premiere) Hosted by Stephen Fry.

8.30 MOVIE: Penguin Bloom. (2020, PGal, R) Based on a true story. A mother’s world is shattered after a near-fatal accident leaves her paralysed. Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver.

10.20 To Be Advised.

12.30 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Ready Steady Cook. (R) 11.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals, R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PG, R) 2.00 Buy To Build. (Return) 2.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. (PGl) 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.30 Taste Of Australia: BBQ. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Ready Steady Cook. (R) Everyday Aussie home cooks team up with acclaimed chefs Diana Chan and Mike Reid.

7.00 The Dog House. (PGa) A couple are looking for an outgoing pup and a playful spaniel may be the perfect match.

8.00 Ambulance UK. (Mad) It is a busy weekend night shift as

7MATE

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Taste Buds With Dane Swan. (Premiere) 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC Top Fuel C’ship. H’lights. 4.00 Hustle & Tow. 5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy Returns. (2001, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Gunpowder Milkshake. (2021, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm Motor Racing. Formula E C’ship. 2.50 Motor Racing. Formula E C’ship. 4.00 Surfing Australia TV. 4.30 The Bradshaw Bunch. 5.00 Kenan. 5.30 MOVIE: Playing With Fire. (2019, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013, M) 10.30 MOVIE: Ad Astra. (2019, M) 12.50am Kardashians. 1.40 The Bradshaw Bunch. 2.10 Love After Lockup. 3.00 Late Programs.

Sunday, April 21

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World

This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30

Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30

Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (R)

3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.30

Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs

NZ. (Final, R) 4.40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass: Ageing Fabulously. Investigates options for elderly LGBTQI people.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Lucille struggles with her own health.

8.30 Vera. (Ma) Part 3 of 3. Vera investigates when the body of the co-owner of a chip shop is found in his own freezer, uncovering secrets, lies and some unforgivable behaviour as she tries to unwrap the case.

10.05 Happy Valley. (Final, Malv, R) Scores are settled for good.

11.15 The Messenger. (Mal, R)

Another ace appears.

1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.55 Rage Closer. (R)

4.00 The Soundtrack Of Australia. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. 11.00 Surf Life Saving. National Championships. 2.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Flèche Wallonne. Women’s race. Highlights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Flèche Wallonne. Men’s race. Highlights. 5.00 Cycling. National Road Series. Tour of Brisbane. Highlights. 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (PGalw)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Cambridgeshire Crucifixion. (PG) A look at a Roman crucifixion.

8.35 Destination Ancient Rome.

An exploration of ancient Rome, the largest city in the world during antiquity with one million inhabitants.

10.20 Egypt Code Breakers. (R)

A celebration of hieroglyphs being decoded.

11.25 End Of The World: The Mayans. (PGa, R) Traces the collapse of the Maya.

12.25 The Riddle Of The Roman Coneheads. (PGa, R)

1.20 Secrets Of Playboy. (Mads, R)

3.45 Employable Me (UK) (MA15+l, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15

France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Football. AFL. Round 6. Sydney v Gold Coast Suns. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Weekender.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)

It’s fireworks at the first get-together.

8.40 7NEWS Spotlight.

An exclusive, special investigation.

9.40 The Latest: Seven News.

10.10 Tears Of Hope… With David Wenham. (Ma)

Narrated by David Wenham.

11.25 Quantum Leap. (Mav)

Ben must find a hidden formula.

12.25 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 3. Taupo

Super400. Day 2. Highlights.

1.25 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Kickin’ Back With Gilbert McAdam. 12.30 Boxing Night To Remember V. 1.30

6am Bicentennial Man. (1999, PG) 8.25 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 10.10 T-34. (2018, M, Russian) 12.15pm

Defiance. (2008) 2.45 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 4.20 Roxanne. (1987, PG) 6.20 Topkapi. (1964, PG) 8.30 Angel Heart. (1987, MA15+) 10.40 My Son. (2017, MA15+, French) 12.10am About Last Night. (1986, MA15+) 2.15 Jackie Brown. (1997, MA15+) 5.00 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG)

7MATE (74)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 Dipper’s Destinations. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 ITM Fishing. 1.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 2.00 Fishy Business. (Return) 2.30 Step Outside. 3.00 Fishing Addiction. 4.00 Disasters At Sea. 5.00 Storage Wars: TX. 6.00 Border Security USA. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004, M) 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive TV. 2.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. (R) 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 7. Cronulla Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 LEGO Masters Australia Vs Rest Of The World. (PG)

Hosted by Hamish Blake.

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 The First 48: A Bad Run-In/ Inferno. (Ma) Takes a look at two deaths.

11.10 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)

12.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. (R)

1.00 World’s Greatest Engineering Icons. (PGa, R)

2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Drive TV. (R) 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

6am

R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 Destination Dessert. (R) 2.30 Hungry. (R) 3.00 Taste Of Aust. (R) 3.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 4.30

6.30 The Sunday Project. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me

Out Of Here! (Final, PGals) As the competition for charity draws to a close, the top three celebrities receive a visit from their loved ones, before the King or Queen of the Jungle is crowned. Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.

9.00 FBI. (Mv) After a local club owner is found dead, the team works quickly to find the motive behind the murder. OA is smitten with a new love interest, but is concerned that she’s mixed up with the wrong crowd.

12.00 The Sunday Project.

(R) A look at the day’s news.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

6am Friends. 8.00

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 11.00 The Middle.

(2007) 3.25

(2008) 5.25 MOVIE: The

Diaries. (2007, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Edge Of Tomorrow. (2014, M) 9.45 Aussie Lobster Men. 10.45 MOVIE: Nobody’s Fool. (2018, MA15+) 12.45am Life After Lockup. 3.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive. 4.00 Power Players. 4.30 Late Programs.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Hosted by Paul Barry.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Out Of The Past. (PG)

8.30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. Preparations are underway for the coronation.

9.25 24 Hours In Emergency: About A Boy. (Ma) A teen is struck in the eye with an arrow.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Christian. (Malv)

11.55 My Brilliant Friend. (Masv, R) 3.10 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Taupo Super400. H’lights. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Taupo Super400. H’lights. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Late Programs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 LEGO Masters Australia Vs Rest Of The World. (PG) Hosted by Hamish Blake.

(Mm) A woman has

Tuesday, April 23

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R)

10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 Our Vietnam War. (PGa, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. (Final, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Margolyes Impossibly Australian: Broken Hill. (PGl) Part 3 of 3. 9.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Marta Dusseldorp. Virginia Trioli meets Marta Dusseldorp.

9.30 Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius: Treason And Mortality. (Ma) Part 3 of 3.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Johnson. (Ml, R) 12.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.25 Rage Closer. (R) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PG, R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PGa, R) 11.00 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10

Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone. (PG, R) 3.00

Living Black. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Hackney Wick To Oxford Circus. (PG, R) Presented by Michael Portillo.

8.30 Insight. (R) Kumi Taguchi takes a look at what effect an inheritance has on family relationships.

9.30 Dateline: Japan’s Cheap Homes. (R) Explores Japan’s abandoned houses.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.00 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Ms, R)

11.50 Faking Hitler. (Mln)

12.45 Reyka. (MA15+av, R) 3.45 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

SEVEN (7)

6.00

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGl)

Some new additions, picked out by the farmers’ mums, lead to new connections and shock departures.

9.10 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

10.10 Unbelievable Moments

Caught On Camera. (PGa) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

11.10 The Latest: Seven News.

11.40 Talking Footy.

12.40 Gold Digger. (Mal, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 LEGO Masters Australia Vs Rest Of The World. (PG) Hosted by Hamish Blake.

8.45 Clarkson’s Farm: Cowering. (Malms) The new herd of cows are settling in, but they possess a disrespect for fencing.

9.45 To Be Advised.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 Chicago Med. (MA15+am)

Taylor’s drug dealer reappears.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. A fresh batch of talented and passionate amateur cooks competes to impress the judges.

9.00 NCIS. (Mv) The team is in a race against time to find an officer who disappeared during his wedding proposal. 11.00 The Project. (R) The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

6am

6am All At Sea. Continued. (2010, PG) 6.40 My Brilliant Career. (1979) 8.30 Topkapi. (1964, PG) 10.45 Motherhood. (2018, M) 12.20pm Shirley. (2020, M) 2.20 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 4.10 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 6.10 Good Night, And Good Luck. (2005, PG) 7.50 Iron Sky 2. (2019, M) 9.30 The Conference. (2022, M, German) 11.35 The Fortress. (2017, MA15+, Korean) 2.10am Late Programs.

Peter Rabbit

Raymond. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 The

Wednesday, April 24

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) 6.00

Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. A satirical news program.

9.00 White Fever. (Ml) Jane attends a dinner for Korean adoptees.

9.30 QI. (Ml) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.

10.05 Planet America. (R)

10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Starstruck. (Mls, R) 12.20 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Landline. (R) 3.50 Art Works. (PG, R) 4.20 Anzac Dawn Service From Sydney. 5.30 Anzac Dawn Service From Canberra.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) Torrential rain threatens contestants. 8.35 Swift Street. (Premiere, Malv) A 21-year-old street-smart hustler agrees to help her father pay back a bad debt. 9.35 Putin And The West: The Next Chapter:

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. A fresh batch of amateur cooks competes.

8.45 FBI: International.

Jane Doe. (Mv, R) Documents an investigation into a Jane Doe.

9News Late.

See No Evil: Someone You Trust. (MA15+a)

Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Shows seek next leaders

By Grace Crichton

Show societies are calling for young people to participate in the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador programs.

The leadership programs develop public speaking and networking skills, which are invaluable for young adults beginning their working lives.

The Showgirl program is an excellent opportunity for young women aged 18 to 28 to become more involved in their community, develop leadership skills, and work on their personal development.

The Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards is a leadership program for men and women aged 20 and 30 who are passionate about rural and regional Queensland.

Lowood Show Society president Lynell Jendra said they were looking for more people to take part in their programs.

“We’ve got one Showgirl at the moment but no Rural Ambassadors,” she said.

“We haven’t had a Rural Ambassador for about three years.”

Entrants do not have to live in the vicinity of the township, opening up the possibility for young people further afield to throw their hat in the ring.

“The Rural Ambassador really should have a rural background,” Mrs Jendra said.

2023 Queensland Country Life Showgirl

Runner-Up Olivia Harrison proudly represented the Toogoolawah Show Society and the West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Sub-Chamber at the Ekka last year.

Mrs Harrison said the biggest benefit she gained from participating in the Showgirl Awards was confidence.

“Confidence in things like public speaking and talking to people,” she said.

“Particularly at state level, at the Ekka, you can channel your passions and your interests

and learn to give them a proper voice.”

The workshops taught her the confidence to express herself and her opinions.

“It’s a skill to have an opinion on something and to be able to voice that opinion,” Mrs Harrison said.

“That’s a big thing, especially as a young female, to be able to strengthen that self confidence in your own opinion.”

The skills participants gain from the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador programs are transferable into professional and personal settings, especially learning how to communicate effectively with a wide range of people in different scenarios and articulate yourself well.

“To me, if I was employing someone and

This Saturday 20th April

Saturday 27

they had on their resume that they were a Showgirl or a Rural Ambassador, that’s a big tick because you know that they’re personable,” Mrs Harrison said.

It also opens the door to make connections, whether it’s new friends or professional contacts.

“You come across so many different people from so many walks of life,” Mrs Harrison said.

“Those connections, you don’t know where they’re going to go.

“They could help professionally, or personally, you can make good friends, you can make work connections.”

It’s also given her the opportunity to travel regional Queensland, visiting the shows in

Nominations are open for this year’s

Bell, Dirranbandi, Proston, and she is about to go to Eidsvold for the Showgirl judging.

Mrs Harrison encouraged anyone thinking about participating to give it a go and ‘be themselves’.

“Go into it fully with no expectations,” she said.

“Don’t go in with any preconceived ideas about what it is and just give yourself fully to the experience and it will one hundred percent give back to you.”

Lowood Show Society can be contact at lowoodshowsociety@bigpond.com

Visit qldagshows.com.au for more information on the competitions.

Steers 5-6 mths – Rodney & Loiuse Litfin - $840 & $740

Heifers 8 mths - Grantley Burchmann - $700

Cows & Calves – Peter Jackwitz - $1400

To

The Showgirl Awards offer a chance for young women to learn leadership and professional skills. West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Subchamber Showgirl runner up Lucy Bond, winner Michayla Cowley, and Queensland Country Life Showgirl runner Up Olivia Harrison at the Sub Chamber finals last year.

Picture: FILE

Showgirl and Rural Ambassadors. 2023 West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Subchamber Showgirl Michayla Cowley and Rural Ambassador Stephanie Laycock (Toogoolawah Show Society), with Showgirl entrants Jo-Reece Donald (Esk Show Society), Kelly-Lea Wormington (Lowood Show Society), Emily Gray (Boonah Show Society), Olivia Hambling (Gatton Show Society), Lucy Bond (Rosewood Show Society), and Rural Ambassador entrants Liam Brown (Gatton Show Society) and Letisha Johnson (Boonah Show Society).

RURAL Produce prices at market

Queensland Produce in the Brisbane Market for the week ending Friday, 12 April 2024.

FRUIT:

LEMONS: Eureka $20-$25[$22.50] 1/2CP, Eureka No1 $15-$30[$22.50] 13KgCtn, Eureka No1 $15-$30[$22.50] Best $35 BulkCP, Eureka No1 $30-$45[$37.50] CP, Eureka No2 $5-$20[$12.50] BulkCP.

MANDARINS: Afourer No1 $26-$30[$28] 1/2CP, Afourer No2 $15-$25[$20.50] Best $30 1/2CP, Imperial No1 $20-$45[$31.90] Best $50 TLTray, Imperial No2 $20-$30[$24] 1/2CP, Tangold No1 $20-$25[$22.50] 1/2CP. ORANGES: Navel Naveleana $30-$45[$34.50]

BulkCP.

VEGETABLES:

BEANS: Borlotti $6-$8[$7.50] Best $10 Kg, Flat ContinentalNo1$8-$10[$9]Best$12Kg,Round S’less No1 Hand Picked $5-$14[$8.30] Kg, Round S’less No1 Machine P’kd $2-$8[$4.80] Kg, Round S’less No1 MPHand Packed $3$5[$3.50] Kg, Snake Loose $6-$9[$7.50] Kg.

BEETROOT: $1.40-$2.60[$2.20] Bunch, Large $8-$14[$11] 10KgBag, Medium $12-$16[$15]

Best $20 10KgBag, Small $8-$14[$11] 10KgBag, Baby $2-$3[$2.70] Bunch, Golden $20-$30[$25] Best $36 10KgBag, Golden $3-$4[$3.75] Bunch, Target $3-$4[$3.75] Bunch.

BROCCOLI: No1 $20-$30[$26.20] Best $32 8KgIPk, No2 $12-$20[$17.60] Best $24 8KgIPk, Baby Bunched $16-$24[$21.40] 2.4Kg.

BROCCOLINI: $24-$26[$25] 2.4Kg.

CABBAGES: Ballhead ExLarge $8-$14[$11.60] Best $15 Each, Ballhead Large $6-$10[$8.60] Each, Ballhead Medium $6-$8[$6.90] Each, Ballhead Small $5-$6[$5.50] Best $7 Each, Red $6-$10[$8.50] Each, Red No1 $40-$70[$61] Best $80 Carton, Red No2 $20-$40[$30] Carton, Savoy $4-$5[$4.50] Each, Sugarloaf No1 $40$50[$43.20] Best $60 Carton.

CARROTS: $20-$26[$23.50] Best $30 15KgCtn, $20-$26[$25] Best $30 Bag, $20-$30[$25] Best $40 Carton, Pre-pack $20-$24[$22] Best $30 Bag, Pre-pack $20-$26[$23] Best $30 Carton, Dutch $1.20-$2.20[$1.60] Best $2.40 Bunch, Purple $25-$35[$30] 10KgCtn.

CAULIFLOWERS: No1 $30-$40[$34.40] Carton, No2 $10-$26[$20.40] Best $30 Carton, Caulini $20-$24[$22] Best $26 2KgCtn.

CHINESE CABBAGES: Wombok No1 $30$50[$42.20] 16KgCtn, Wombok No2 $20$36[$25.40] 16KgCtn.

CHINESEVEG.: Bukchoy $1.20-$2.20[$2] Best $2.40 Bunch, Choisum $1.40-$2[$1.80] Best $2.50 Bunch, Kailan $1.60-$2.50[$2.20] Best $3 Bunch, Pakchoy $1.20-$2.20[$1.90] Bunch.

EGGPLANT: Thai Apple $16-$26[$23] 6KgCtn, Thai Apple $25-$35[$30] Best $40 7KgTray, Continental $20-$26[$25] Best $28 6KgCtn, Continental $14-$28[$26] Best $30 7KgCtn, Purple $30-$32[$31] 10KgCtn, Purple $12-

$20[$15] 7KgTray, Purple $12-$24[$19] Best $26 8KgCtn, Purple Extra Glasshouse $26$30[$28.20] 7KgTray, Purple No1 Glasshouse $20-$28[$23.60] 7KgTray.

KALE: Green $18-$26[$22] Best $30 Carton, Green Sleeves $2-$3[$2.50] 250g, Red Sleeves $2-$3[$2.50] Best $3.50 250g.

LETTUCE: Baby Cos Hydroponic $12-$20[$15] Carton, Baby Cos Sweet Gems Pre-pack $16$26[$21] Carton, Cos No1 $24-$30[$25] Best $36 Carton, Cos No2 $8-$16[$12] Carton, Headed No1 $20-$30[$25.40] Carton, Headed No2 $6-$12[$9] Carton, Open Varieties $12$24[$19] Best $26 Carton, Open Varieties Butter $12-$18[$17] Carton, Open Varieties Green Coral $12-$18[$17] Carton, Open Varieties Green Oak $12-$18[$15] Carton, Open Varieties Red Oak $12-$18[$15] Carton.

MUSHROOMS: Buttons $7-$9[$8.50] Kg, Cups $6-$8[$7.25] Kg, Flats $7-$9[$8.50] Kg.

PARSLEY: Continental $1.60-$2.50[$2.25]

Bunch, English ExLarge Bunch $2-$2.80[$2.50]

Best $3 Bunch, English Large Bunch $1.80$2.60[$2.30] Best $3 Bunch, English Medium Bunch $1.20-$2[$1.80] Best $2.20 Bunch.

PARSNIPS: $35-$50[$42.50] Best $55 10KgCtn, $20-$30[$27.50] Best $35 5KgCtn.

SHALLOTS: Eschallots $1.40-$2.40[$1.84] Best $2.60 Bunch.

SILVERBEET: Sleeves $3-$4[$3.75] Best $5 Bunch, No1 Full-cut $2-$4[$2.75] Bunch.

SPRING ONIONS: White $2.60-$3[$2.80]

Bunch.

SQUASH: Gem $25-$30[$27.50] 9LCtn, Gold $20-$45[$34.50] Best $50 18LCtn, Gold No1

Large $20-$32[$26.80] Best $34 9LCtn, Gold No1 Medium $26-$40[$33] 9LCtn, Gold No1 Medium Large $20-$36[$30.60] 9LCtn, Gold No1 Small $30-$40[$36] Best $45 9LCtn, Gold No1 Small Medium $28-$40[$34] Best $45 9LCtn, Gold No2 $14-$26[$20] 9LCtn.

SWEET CORN: No1 $30-$50[$42.70] 18LCtn, No2 $20-$30[$25] 18LCtn, Baby $3.60$3.75[$3.68] 125g, Pre-pack $40-$50[$45] 18LCtn.

TOMATOES: Cherry Red $1.60-$2.90[$2.40] Best $3 250gLP, Egg Extra $40-$45[$42.50] 10KgCtn, Egg No1 ExLarge $35-$45[$42.50] 10KgCtn,EggNo1Large$30-$45[$40]10KgCtn, Egg No1 Medium $30-$36[$33] 10KgCtn, Egg No1 Medium Large $36-$40[$38] Best $45 10KgCtn,EggNo1Small$24-$30[$26]10KgCtn, Egg No1 Small Medium $26-$36[$30] 10KgCtn, Egg No2 $12-$24[$18] 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet Extra $40-$45[$42.50] 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No1 Cocktail $12-$20[$16.50] 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No1 Large $30-$40[$33] 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No1 Medium $26-$36[$30] Best $40 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No1 Medium Large $30-$40[$36] Best $45 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No1 Small $16-$20[$19] Best $24 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No1 Small Medium $22-$32[$27] Best $36 10KgCtn, Field Gourmet No2 $8-$24[$15] 10KgCtn.

TURNIPS: Baby Purple Top $2.80-$3[$3] Bunch, Purple Top $20-$30[$25] 10KgBag, White $20-$26[$23] Best $30 10KgBag.

ZUCCHINIS: Green Extra $24-$36[$28.20] 10KgCtn, Green No1 ExLarge >250mm $8$16[$11.20] 10KgCtn, Green No1 Large 201250 $12-$20[$14.40] 10KgCtn, Green No1

Medium 140-200 $16-$26[$21.20] Best $28 10KgCtn, Green No1 Medium Large $12$24[$16] 10KgCtn, Green No1 Small <140mm $18-$28[$22.60] 10KgCtn, Green No1 Small Medium $18-$28[$22.80] 10KgCtn, Green No2 $8-$16[$11.20] 10KgCtn, Lebanese No1 $26$36[$29.20] 10KgCtn.

HEAVYVEGETABLES:

ONIONS: Salad Red $2-$3[$2.40] 1KgBag, Salad Red Large 76-90mm $8-$14[$11] 10KgBag, Salad Red Medium 61-75mm $8-$14[$11] 10KgBag, Salad Red Medium 61-75mm $20$26[$25] 10KgCtn, Salad Red Small 45-60mm Jarer $10-$16[$11] 10KgBag, White $32$40[$35] 10KgCtn.

POTATOES: BrushedWhite$22-$34[$29]20KgBag, Brushed White $3.40-$5[$4.20] 5KgBag, Gourmet Dutch Cream Brushed $30-$40[$37] 10KgCtn, Gourmet Dutch Cream Brushed $30-$45[$38] 15KgCtn, Gourmet Dutch Cream Washed $32-$45[$42.50] 10KgCtn, Gourmet King Edward $30-$40[$38] 10KgCtn, Gourmet NicolaWashed $30-$40[$37.50] 10KgCtn.

PUMPKINS: Blue Qld. Blue $1-$1.20[$1.10] Kg, Butternut $22-$28[$25] Best $30 18KgCtn, Butternut No1 60c-90c[75c] Best $1 Kg, Butternut No2 50c-60c[55c] Kg, Grey Jarrahdale No2 50c70c[60c] Kg, Grey Sampson 70c-90c[80c] Best $1 Kg, Jap $14-$20[$17] Bag, Jap Small 40c60c[50c] Kg, Jap No1 40c-90c[79c] Best $1 Kg, Jap No2 30c-50c[40c] Kg,

Average=[]

Queensland Produce in the Brisbane Market. Information supplied by Market Information Services

Latest from the saleyards

DALBY SALEYARDS

Wednesday 10 April

The trend of increased numbers at most selling centres continued on at Dalby with the yarding of 2,815 head 973 more than the previous sale. A fair panel of buyers was present and all were active in a generally dearer market. A very mixed quality line up of light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock went against this trend and struggled to remain firm. A lift in the standard of the under 330kg yearling steers to restockers improved by over 20c/kg. Yearling steers to feed gained 7c to 10c/kg. All classes of heifers lifted in price by 20c to 30c/ kg. Cows sold to a market 8c to 13c/kg better however more high yielding western cows were included in the lineup this week. Light weight yearling steers under 280kg made to a top of 430c with a large selection at 401c/ kg. Yearling steers under 330kg made to 410c to average 389c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 359c with sales to 376c and heavy weights averaged 342c and made to 353c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock made to 338c with a good sample at 304c/kg. Medium and heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 338c to average 310c/kg. Heavy grown steers and bullocks averaged 297c and made to 302c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 209c with the occasional sale to 222c/kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows made to 236c and averaged 232c/ kg. A large selection of good heavy weight cows made to 257c and averaged 250c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 271c/kg.

EUMUNDI SALEYARDS

Tuesday 9 April

244 head were sold at Stariha Auctions Eumundi cattle sale on Tuesday. The market remained firm with cows and steers selling well. Feeder heifers improved with increased competition, while younger heifers met with limited competition.

Warren Jeffrey, Eumundi, sold Droughtmaster cross steers for $1410. Kexron Pty Ltd, Cooroy, sold Angus backgrounder steers for $1260 and $1090. Kevin Richardson, Cooroy, soldDroughtmasterweanersteersfor$960.Esther Ruffo,Widgee, sold Droughtmaster feeder heifers for $830 and steers for $1080. Garrett Holdings, Yandina, sold young Droughtmaster weaner steers for $800. Haranel Pasture, Mt Mee, sold a pen of Droughtmaster cows for $1240. Thad Gaylard, Nambour, sold Brahman steers for $960 and heifers for $890.

MORETON SALEYARDS

Tuesday 9 April

Agents Boyd O’Brien Bartholomew reported a yarding of 418 head of cattle for their weekly Moreton Sale. All export descriptions showed signs of improvement. A better-quality run of feeder steers came to hand and sold to a fully firm market. Quality weaner and backgrounder cattle improved with increased competition from restockers.

Description, Vendor, Breed, c/kg, $/head.

· Weaner Steers, MJ Horrocks, Charbray x, 331.2c/kg, $811/head.

· Yearling Heifers, ID and DS Saunders, Limousin x, 279.2c/kg, $939/head.

· Backgrounder Steers, David Gregor, Santa, 337.2c/kg, $1005/head.

· Feeder Steers, Wayne Scholl, Simmental x, 317.2c/kg, $1463/head.

· Feeder Steers, MR Newton, Santa x, 309.2c/ kg, $1557/head.

· 4 Tooth Heifers, Brisbane Valley Pastoral, Droughtmaster x, 281.2c/kg, $1302/head.

· 4 Tooth Ox, J and AWeatherall, Droughtmaster x, 310.0c/kg, $1836/head.

· 6 Tooth Ox, O’Briens Transport, Santa, 296.2c/kg, $1895c/kg.

· Medium Cows, Brisbane Valley Pastoral, Droughtmaster, 258.2c/kg, $1303/head.

· Pen of Heavy Cows, CJ Kruger, Santa x, 251.2c/kg, $1454/head.

· Heavy Cows, P and A Rachow, Charbray, 260.2c/kg, $2029/head.

· Bulls, WR Robinson, Brangus, 270.2c/kg, $1999/head.

TOOGOOLAWAH SALEYARDS

Friday 5 April

Numbers Decrease with Wet Weather at Toogoolawah

Wide spread rain over a large area of South East Queensland caused numbers to fall at Shepherdson and Boyds fortnightly store sale. Agents reported a yarding of 410 head of cattle, with prices improving across all categories with increased competition. Limited heavy feeder steers were yarded. Micheal Hazell of Roadvale sold Brangus steers 20mths old for $1400/head. AA and HL Titmarsh of Bryden sold Charolais X steers 16mths old

for $1270/head. MJ and VL Franklin of Ropley sold Speckle Park steers 16mths old for $1250/ head. Stanley River Grazing of Commissioners Flat sold Droughtmaster steers 14mths old for $1240/head. G and K Nunn of Mount Kilcoy sold Brangus steers 12mths old for $1130/ head.

DMG Pastoral of Emu Creek sold Charolais X weaner steers 10mths old for $1070/head. Neil Kurz of Yarraman sold Santa X weaner steers 10mths old for $970/head. Peter Buntine of Esk sold Charbray weaner steers 8mths old for $970/head. G and C Beanland sold Charolais X steers 8-10mths old for $830/head. Daniel and Mary Birchley of Eidsvold sold Charbray X steers 12-14mths old for $1010/head. Juandah Aggregation of Kandanga sold Droughtmaster x PTIC heifers for $1400/head and Brangus X PTIC heifers for $1240/head.

M and S Symes of Eidsvold sold Santa heifers 16mths sold for $970/head and Santa heifers 14mths old for $800/head. Neil Kurz of Yarraman sold Brangus X heifers 12mths old for $760/head. G and C Beanland of Kingaroy sold Charolais X weaner heifers 8mths old for $650/ head. Peter Buntine of Esk sold Charolais X weaner heifers 6-8mths old for $650/head. Stanley River Grazing of Commissioners flat sold Charolais weaner heifers 6-8mths old for $640/head.

B and A McLoughlin of Gatton sold aged Charolais X cows and calves for $1460/unit. RAAU P/L of Proston sold Charolais X cows and calves for $1390/unit. Shepherdson and Boyd would like to thank all of their vendors,

buyers and underbidders for their valued support. The next Toogoolawah Store Sale will be a combined Weaner Sale on Friday the 19th of April, starting at 9am.

WARWICK SALEYARDS

Tuesday 9 April

The supply of cattle increased by 413 head to 1,029 at Warwick. The overall yarding was mixed with several pens of well bred lines which sold to dearer trends however the plainer lines still only received limited competition from the buying panel. All the usual export buyers attended along with feeder operators and restockers. Light weight yearling steers to restockers improved in price and sold from 290c to 358c/kg. Yearling steers over 330kg to feed averaged 326c and sold to 346c with those to restockers at 360c to average 345c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed gained 5c and sold to 341c with an average of 329c/kg. High yielding heavy steers to the wholesale meat trade sold to 395c and averaged 356c/kg. Yearling heifers in the 280-330kg range gained 9c selling to 294c and averaging 279c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market made 290c to average 271c with those to restockers at 314c/ kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed made 300c to average 282c/kg. Young bullocks to processors made 315c to average 305c with the heavy bullocks topping at 290c/kg. Light weight plain conditioned cows to processors sold from 140c to 205c/kg. Heavy score 2 cows sold from 214c to 225c with score 3 cows averaging 244c and selling to 253c up by 12c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors made 265c to average 257c/kg.

GI & KJ Nunn of Mt Kilcoy Sold Brangus Steers 12mths old for $1130/head at Shepherdson and Boyds fortnightly store sale.

Picture: SHEPHERDSON AND BOYD

Food code gets NFF tick

The National Farmers’

President David Jochinke said the report backed farmers’ call for the Code to be made mandatory and be bolstered with greater penalties for breaches.

“The status quo clearly hasn’t worked for many producers. Farmers have continued to suffer a massive power imbalance, so we support measures to improve transparency and accountability,” he said.

“Farmers need this stronger protection in negotiations where there is a large number of small producers dealing with a small number of large retailers.

“Clearly the Code has not been working as it was intended for many producers and a mandatory requirement provides more certainty and confidence to stakeholders across the supply chain.”

The NFF has also welcomed the recommendation to increase the penalties for noncompliance to up to $10 million, or even higher in some circumstances.

“This should send a strong message to re-

tailers that the code now has teeth,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Likewise, we support the proposal to better protect farmers from commercial retribution.

“It makes sense to monitor commercial decisions by retailer buying teams following a disagreement, and that will help give producers confidence to speak up.

“The Code consultation has demonstrated there appears to be behaviour at odds with not only the Code, but with what retailers like the public to believe.”

The NFF notes the report has acknowl-

edged requests to be extended into other markets, in particular the greenlife sector which is dominated by one retailer, Bunnings, with a reported market share of upwards of 70 percent of the industry.

“We are encouraged the final report will consider this issue further as many of these growers are reporting also being subject to unfair market practices in the same way suppliers to the supermarkets have been.

“We thank Craig Emerson and the review secretariat and look forward to continuing to provide farmers’ perspectives into the final report.”

An interim report has called for changes to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct providing producers with protection and larger penalties for breaches.

Picture: EMMA HEIDENREICH The report also calls for a closer look into the greenlife sector, which is currently dominated by bunnings, with a 70 percent monopoly.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

WEATHER

Information courtesy of SILO (Scientific Information for Land Owners), with some data sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology. Some totals awaiting confirmation E&OE.

Dam levels

As of 12 April 2024 - DAM, percentage capacity Atkinsons Dam 80.4%, Bill Gunn Dam [Lake Dyer] 100.1%, Lake Clarendon 64.6%, Lake Manchester 100.0%, Maroon Dam 99.9%, Moogerah Dam 99.9%, Somerset Dam 79.0%, Wivenhoe Dam 81.1%

HOUSING ACCORD HAS TARGET SHORTFALL

DESPITE a myriad of National Government housing initiatives, Australia is on track to fall over 110,000 homes short of its National Housing Accord target.

Master Builders Australia has released its 2024 building and construction industry forecasts which, for the first time, cover the full five-year period of the Accord.

From 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2029, Master Builders forecasts 1,087,325 new home starts.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said we’re seeing inflation starting to near its target range and expect a fall in interest rates which will lead to a more favourable investment market.

“The Federal Government has also announced several significant housing measures that focus on increasing supply in social and affordable housing and the rental market,” she said.

“However, constraints on the supply side like workforce shortages, industrial relations changes and a poor planning system counter the full effectiveness of these measures.

“Productivity in the industry has fallen 18 per cent over the last decade. It’s clear that governments need to expedite the rollout of planning reforms to reduce the high costs and time it takes to build.

“Concerningly, the full impact of the Closing Loopholes Bills and union pattern bargaining negotiations underway in several states has not been factored into these forecasts.

“Workforce shortages continue to be the biggest challenge for the industry across all sectors.

“At a National level, the government’s priority should be growing the building and construction workforce.

“We heard only recently from BuildSkills Australia that the industry needs 90,000 workers in the next 90 days.

“Domestically, we cannot fill this gap. We need to think outside of the box with

better apprenticeship incentives, reskilling migrants already in Australia, and a targeted international campaign to bring in skilled migrants.

“Investment and support in the whole built environment is important. While the commercial and civil construction sectors have helped shield the economy from periods of negative economic growth, this is coming to an end.

“We can’t build the homes we need without the appropriate commercial and civil infrastructure to support it. This includes critical infrastructure such as utilities.

“Builders are up to the challenge to reach these targets but the barriers on the road need to be cleared to get the job done.” ●

QUEENSLAND INVESTING IN 8356 HOMES

THE Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative (QHIGI) represents the largest concentrated investment in social and affordable housing in Queensland’s history.

Through an integrated capital investment program, QHIGI aims to deliver 8,365 social and affordable homes for vulnerable Queenslanders.

The QHIGI provides opportunities for a range of individuals, organisations, developers and housing providers to deliver more housing for those who need it. This includes a strategic, crossgovernment response, for planning and economic development opportunities and access to underutilised government-owned land.

The QHIGI is being delivered through 3 funding initiatives:

· Housing Investment Fund (HIF)— supports partnerships to deliver social and affordable housing

· QuickStarts Qld—a capital investment program to accelerate construction, redevelopment and purchase expenditure to deliver new homes sooner

· Help to Home—partnering with property owners, landlords and registered commu-

nity housing providers to deliver housing outcomes to people in need.

This approach to funding enables strategic partnerships between the State and a range of potential participants such as the Australian Government, local governments, registered community housing providers, private developers, institutional investors, and not-for-profit partners, either individually or as a group.

The QHIGI provides flexibility to deliver projects that meet local needs and enables the development of a mix of public housing, community housing, homelessness accommodation and mixeduse developments that leverage site-specific opportunities.

The state’s financial investment can be utilised to deliver more social and affordable homes by enabling registered community housing providers to access finance through the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation or other third party financiers.

The QHIGI also provides opportunities to strengthen Queensland’s construction sector while providing a place to call home for thousands of Queensland households. ●

The Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative (QHIGI) represents the largest concentrated investment in social and affordable housing in Queensland’s history. Picture: QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT

Australia is on track to fall over 110,000 homes short of its National Housing Accord target. Picture: PROPERTY COUNCIL AUSTRALIA

Lookingtostartyournextventureorsickof workingfromhome -thenlooknofurtherasthis istheperfectaffordableshopyouhavebeen lookingfor. Laidley

MAINSTREETSHOPFORLEASEINL

Pete

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

How many Oscars did EverythingEverywhere All at Once win in total?

2 Established in 1839, which suburb is the oldest in Melbourne?

3 Who wrote and directed TheShawshankRedemption?

4 The meaningless repetition of spoken words or phrases is known by what term?

5 What is the national plant of Ireland?

6 Which country was the footwear company Crocs founded in?

7 Painter Frida Kahlo died in Mexico in what year?

8 Who wrote the poems Funeral Blues, TheAgeofAnxiety and AsIWalkedOutOneEvening?

9 Florence Welch (pictured) is the lead vocalist of which indie rock band?

10 What do tulips, daffodils, irises and hyacinths have in common?

•To

•Oversee the maintenance and preparation of racing tracks, ensuring they meet industry standards.

•Coordinate with the operations team to implement track repairs and improvements.

•Analyse performance data to make informed decisions about training and track conditions.

•Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.

•Implement racetrack and club facility maintenance and support capital development.

• Liaising with Stakeholders

• Working closely with Racing Queensland and QRIC

•Provide effective support for venue and event management on race days.

•Build strong internal and external relationships that will continue to drive great outcomes for the club.

•Comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and all club policies and procedures.

Selection Criteria

•Desired but not essential - proven experience in Thoroughbred training and racetrack maintenance.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

•Extensive hands-on racecourse experience (Tractors, Machinery etc.)

• Car License

• Solid experience of asset management

• Experience with preparation of race days.

Laidley Bowls Club

Wednesday Social

K. McGuire, T. Watson, K. Green. 16.

B. Yates, R. Duggan, S. Harrison. 14.

R. Webb, F. Ellicott. 23.

E. Muller, R. Knight. 10.

A. Roffe, C. Kilminster, P. McAndrews. 20.

E. Roffe, S. Reck, B. Pearce. 10.

Final Of Ladies Four’s.

L. Anderson, C. McGill, R. Pagett, P. Grantham. 26.

L. Duggan, M. Zabel, J. Thomas, , C. McGuire. 17. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW WINNERS.

Toogoolawah Bowls Club

On Tuesday 9th April we had a team go to Lowood for their Pub Day and were lucky enough to come away winners on the day. As always a great day with good competition across the park. Thank you, Lowood, for the invite.

On Saturday we had the P&C from the State School fund raiser and what a great day it was. Much needed funds raised for the school with everyone having a great day.

Watch our Facebook page for more photos(Toogoolawah Bowls Club Inc).

On Sunday 14th April at home, we had a game of triples with the winners being Kim Dorman, Butch Stevens and Neville Finlay. Runners up were Hugh Edwards, John Greany

and Phil Gregory. Raffle went to Hugh Edwards

ForYour Calendar

Our next General Meeting of the club will be on Sunday 12th May at 9.00am. Please join us and help in the running of your club. It is a job for many not just the few willing.

Our Annual Gold Cup Tournament will be held on Tuesday 23rd April so please keep that date free. If not playing, helpers will be required to ensure a successful day.

In order to ensure the attendance of players

from other clubs at our venue, it is necessary for our members to attend away clubs. If you are available please advise Keith of your availability.

See you on the green.

BRIDGE

Lockyer Bridge Club

Results for Wednesday 10th April, 2024

The Third Round of The Individual Club Championship was held with a tie for first

place Peter Hooper & Joy Orrin, Pat Ziebarth & Michelle Porter with 60.42&percnt;, congratulations to all four Players.

B Fitzgerald & G Orrin 50&percnt;, another tie with J Kuhle & R McLucas, S Herring & L Gunthorpe 47.92&percnt;, T Fitzgerald & A McLucas 43.75&percnt;, B Manning & R Drouin 40&percnt;.

If you are visiting the Lockyer Valley & looking for a game of Bridge or would just like to observe some games, phone Peter Hooper 0408 782 776, we would love to see you, Wednesday evenings arrival 6.45pm. Lessons for Beginners held on Tuesday morning, arrival 8.45am is also at the same venue, The Catholic Community Hall, Maitland Street, Gatton. Pat Ziebarth is the organizer for Tuesday’s play phone 0490 539 734.

CRICKET

LockyerVeterans Cricket

MATCH REPORT 13.04.2024 – Lockyer v GOLD

COAST GOLD at Queens Cricket Club

Gold Coast Gold elected to bat despite overnight dew still on the outfield.

With some new recruits in the Lockyer team, early inroads saw the home team reduced to 2/10 in the 3rd over. The Gold Coast Gold batsmen then settled in and moved the score along at a steady rate reaching 3/100 after 23 overs. The introduction of the Gary ‘spin twins’ (Hughes & Hutchinson) put the brakes on the run rate, conceding only 29 runs from their combined 16 overs.

The Toogoolawah Bowls Club team won at Lowood’s Pub Day on Tuesday 9 April.

Picture: TOOGOOLAWAH BOWLS CLUB

A late flurry from the Gold Coast Gold batsmen saw the score reach 8/169 after their 45 overs. Leading wicket takers for Lockyer were Gary Hughes (2/17) and Peter Severns (2/22).

The Lockyer innings commenced steadily, but despite the early batsmen batting solidly, the runs came at a slower than required rate. Some late hitting from David Lyons (22 not out form 30 balls) and Bill Jeffrey (17 from 15 balls) saw Lockyer reach 9/130 after their 45 overs, resulting in a 39 run win to Gold Coast Gold.

Lockyer take on Brisbane White at Ropehill Cricket on 27 th April, commencing 10am.

EIGHT BALL

Kilcoy Eight Ball Association

Round 14 of the Summer League was played on Wednesday the 10th April.

Results for round 14-

Team Ballzy 12 defeated Bushrangers 4

Homestead 9 defeated Four Q’s 7

Kill Shots 13 defeated Calm Your Farm 3

Teams playing in round 15 on the 17th April - This is the final round of the main draw before Finals start.

Homestead v’s Wolfpack

F-Troop v’s Four Q’s

Ball Busters v’s Bill’s Team Best of luck to all and Cue Str8

GOLF

Esk Golf Club

Saturday 6/4/24 - Club Competition Single

Stableford

Winner - M Rowe 36pts

R/UP - D Richards 35, D Bitossi 34, R Weier 32, P Cook 31, M Beetz 31, B Thorogood 31, D Lockwood 31, L Latter 30, B Farnham 30, D Allen 29, H Knubel 29, T Adams 29, L Pratt 28, S Wilson 28, C Neilsen 28, G Smith 27, S Lerm 26, C Pettet 25, B Tumney 21, I Macintyre 21, P Hedges 17

NTP

Handicap 0-15 - 1/10 3rd L Latter

H/C 16+ - 5/14 3rd D Lockwood

ALL IN

Sponsor Esk IGA - 4/13 D Richards

Sponsor Brisbane Valley Meats - 8/17 2nd S Wilson(in hole)

Heavy conditions today after the rain, which meant low scoring. Matthew Rowe making a rare appearance taking a good win, with regular Dennis getting R/UP spot. Many thanks to our ground staff Harvey, Steve, Macca, and Bernie for giving us a decent playing surface.

Sunday 7/4/24 - 9 Hole Chooky

Winner - B Glanville 27nett

R/UP - C Wheeler 29, M Beetz 32, S Wilson

32, P Cook 35, M Winchester 37, C Pettet 37, D Back 37, A Johns 37, G Steele 39

Putting Competition - Brian Glanville 15 putts

NTP - No 13 C Wheeler, No 17 2nd M Beetz

Small field for our Chooky, as it looked very much like rain, but it managed to hold off. Brian having a good day. Taking the win and the putting competition. Chris getting a pin shot and some welcome practice before his match play clash with Macca. Mario taking the 2nd pin shot.

Turkey Run 12-4-2024

A pleasant afternoon saw Steve Lerm the Winner and Gordon Ray the Runner-up in the Turkey 9 hole Comp. Jim Lumsden took the pinshot on 8 and Doug Bitossi now has a hatrick of Best Putts.

The Run-down

Winner - Steve Lerm 48/34

Runner-up - Gordon Ray 52/35

Ntp - 8 Jim Lumsden

Best Putts - Doug Bitossi 13

M Beetz 44/36, I MacIntyre 54/36, D Bitossi 47/37, B Glanville 52/38, P Cook 47/39, B Liebke 46/40, J Lumsden 58/40, B Thorogood 56/44

Saturday 13/4/24 - Single Stableford Addition

Sponsored by David & Julie Lee

Winners - P Cook/L Pratt 71pts

R/UP - M Simpson/L Robson 70, S Adams/G Proctor 69, D Lockwood/D Bitossi Snr 68 35 players in attendance

Individual Winners

Mens Trevor Adams 39pts

Ladies Sandra Adams 42pts

NTP ALL IN - 1/10 3rd M Scott, 5/14 3rd T Adams (in hole), 7/16 2nd J Osman

Sponsor Esk IGA - 4/13 M Rowe

Sponsor Brisbane Valley Meats - 8/17 2nd G Wilson (in hole)

Different game today where partners are

selected at random after game to decide winner. Cooky and Lawrence getting picked took the win, with Sandra and Proc taking R/UP spot. Adams family having a good day, with Trev taking the Mens Individual prize and Wife Sandra the Ladies prize. Many thanks to Dave and Julie for sponsoring today’s event with some good prizes.

Sunday 14/4/24 - 9 Hole Chooky

Winner - S Wilson 30nett

R/UP - G Ray 31, D Back 33, P Cook 35, C Pettet 35, M Beetz 36, G Steele 36, V Scott 37, M Winchester 38, B Glanville 39, J Lumsden 41

Putting Competition - Peter Cook 13 putts

NTP - No 4 V Scott, No 8 2nd M Beetz

Usual gang out for our Chooky, with Shaun finally getting a win, and Gordon taking R/UP Spot. Cooky winning the putting comp after a count back.

Laidley Golf Club Saturday 13th April - Men & Ladies Single Stableford

Sponsored by: Campbell’s Fabricating & Engineering

Ladies Winner: Michelle Taylor 36

Runner Up: Cheryl Sternberg 34

Run Down: H Gilbert 33, J. Logan 33, F. Lee 31

Pins: (Pro Pin) Flo Lee (All In #8) Cheryl Sternberg (All In #10) Michelle Taylor

Men’s Winner: Greg Zischke 38 on c/b

Runner Up: Archer Zischke 38

Run Down:T. Dennien 37, K.Tofis 37, L. Belford 36, Andrew Johnstone 36, G. Rodgers 35, L Zischke 35, D. Hauser 35,

Pins: (Pro Pin) Troy Grimshaw (Div.1) Anthony Johnstone (Div.2) Bruno Maugeri (Div.3) Adam Barrow

The Final Round of Men & Ladies Single Matchplay was also played today:

Men’s Div. 1 Scratch: Troy Grimshaw defeated Paul McFie 7/6

Men’s Div.2 Handicap: Ken Godwin defeated Derryn James 1 up

Ladies: Trish Harris defeated Chris Scheiwe 7/6

Congratulations to all the winners!!

Friday Chook Run (12 hole)

Winner: Paul McFie 28

Others: Andrew Parker 25, Glen O’Sullivan 24, Ryan Hurley 24, Peter Wood 22, Steven Brennan 22, R Bachmann 18, R Yeo 15, M Gillespie 14, J McKain 14.

Pro Pin Andrew Parker

Thursday 11th April - Open CompetitionSingle Stableford

Winner: John Ward 45

Runner Up: Dave Cannard 35

Run Down: G. Robinson 34, A. Parker 34, L. Edwards 33, P. McFie 33, Garry Hulett 32, R. King 31, P Wood 31,

Pins: (Pro Pin) Lionel Edwards (Div.1) Troy

Grimshaw (Div.2) Garry Rodgers (All In) Troy

Grimshaw

Wednesday 10th April - Ladies Competition

- Single Stableford

Also 2nd Round Midweek Ladies Single Matchplay

Winner: Cheryl Sternberg 32

Runner Up: Judy Logan 29 on c/b

Run Down: W McIntosh 29, F. Lee 26, H. Gray 25

Pins: (Pro Pin) Cheryl Sternberg (Div.1) Cheryl Sternberg (Div.2) TrishHarris (Div.3) Joan Kane

Results of 2nd Round Single Matchplay

Div.1 J. Paroz defeated J. Sippel 5/3 M. Taylor defeated L. Emery 5/4

Div.2 j. Murray defeated J. Kane 5/4 H. Gilbert won of forfeit by P. Davis (ill)

Final Round on Single Matchplay to be played next Wednesday 17th April

J. Paroz to play M. Taylor & J. Murray to play H. Gilbert

Good Luck Ladies! Lowood Golf Club

Results for Tuesday 9 April 2024 Single Stableford

Men:Winner: M Stafford 44 R/Up: J Ormaechea 39 ocb

BRD: D Hines 39 J Luxford 38 D Olsen 37 C

Petrohilos 36 S Mahoney A Bolton 35

Ladies: Winner: S Luxford 34 R/Up: K Lawrenson 25

NTPs: 2: H Buckley 5: D Olsen 11: B Lowe

14: D Sharp 1/10 Div 1: D Hines Div 2: J Webb

Results for Thursday 11 April 2024 Single Stableford

Winner: P Lawrenson 37 ocb R/Up: G Hair 37

BRD: D Olsen 36 V Bales I Coates Shane Kopelke 35 D Sheraton 34

NTPs: 2: D Olsen 5: A Page 11: Sue Kopelke 14: S Mahoney 2nd shot 3/12 Div 1: Shane Kopelke Div 2: A Skinner

Results for Saturday 13 April 2024 4BBB Stableford

Winner: L Briody & R Menz 47 R/Up: M Wellings & R Peasey 44 ocb

BRD: S Webb & K Glover 44 D Gray & P Muller P Brown & P Lawrenson P Kelly & A Attwater E Jensen & P Jensen K Glover & C Gleeson 42

NTPs: 2: O Abakumov 5: E Jensen 11: Shane Kopelke 14: P Thode 2nd shot 4/13 Div 1: D Gray Div 2: W Lee

Rosewood Golf Club

Results 13.4.24

Single Stableford:

Div 1: 1st: T Tupai 39 OCB, 2nd: S Muggeridge 39, 3rd: N McMillan 37

Div 2: 1st: D Milasas 41, 2nd: G McMullin 39, 3rd: J Piccini 38 OCB

Div 3: 1st: B Gehrke 39, 2nd: K Parker 34, 3rd: R Boughen 33 OCB

Ladies: 1st: S Tupai 37, 2nd: T Aumua 36, 3rd: P Brown 30

Run Down to 36

NTP - No 2: D Milasis, Ladies: S Curran, No 9: (0-18) T Sutton 42 cm, (19+) A Chand in Hole (2nd shot), Ladies: E Nelson 90 cm, No 11: J Comp, Ladies: S Curran, No 15: D Milasis, Ladies: E Nelson 75 cm, Approach (No 1): I Tepa, Ladies: S Tupai 110 cm

Eagles Nest (Within 90 cm) - T Sutton 42 cm, A Chand 80 cm

Single Matchplay Semi Finals: Div 1: J L Smith def T Ross 1 up, R Morgan def S Browning 6/5

Div 2: T Sutton def J Lee 4/2, M Clem def G

Lawrance 3/2

Ladies: S Curran def M Morton 7/5, E Nelson def M Humphreys 2 up

Toogoolawah Golf Club

Wednesday 10th April Ladies played a 9 hole Single Stableford event.

Winner was Judi Marshall 17 points, runner up Manuela Laycock 15 points.

Enid’s NTP no 4 Manuela Laycock.

PM Chook Run also a 9 hole Single Stableford event.

Winner Craig Granzien 24 points, Runner up Eric Cox 23 points.

NTP no 9 Craig Granzien, no 4 Bob Marshall.

Want to see if you like Golf come and join us on a Wednesday for a hit.

Saturday 13th April Men’s and Ladies Foursomes Championships.

The Men’s was sponsored by the Ball and Teske Family for the Memorial Day of Kevin and Tootie Ball.

Kevin and Tootie were long term members of Toogoolawah Golf Club. Tootie a life member.

The Ladies was the inaugural trophy day for Hav’A’Chat Cafe Toogoolawah. Welcome Vivienne.

These were a 27 hole gross and nett event.

Men’s Nett Winner Trevor and Bradley Friedrich 110 nett, Runner up Michael O’Connor and Richie Marschke 111.5

Ladies Nett winners Manuela Laycock and Sam Maclean 117.5, runner up Judie and LeaJayne Marschke 118.5

NTP’S Ball/Teske Family Men’s Craig Granzien, Hav’A’Chat ladies 6/15 Lea-Jayne Marschke.

Exchange Hotel Groovy G.O.A.T. Pizza 3/12 Scott Seymour, IGA Toogoolawah 4/13 Peter Graznien.

For Frank 6/15 Richie Marschke, Grand Hotel Esk 7/16 Men’s Bradley Friedrich, Ladies Judie Marschke.

Men’s Foursomes Champions - Is a play off between Trevor and Bradley Friedrich and Michael O’Connor and Richie Marschke.

Both having 122 gross score for 27 holes.

Ladies Foursome Champions – Manuela Laycock and Sam Maclean. Gross score of 152

Congratulations to all.

Thank you to the Ball/Teske Family for sponsoring the Kevin and Tootie Ball Memorial Day. Always a great day. We thank you.

To Vivienne and Staff of Hav’A’Chat Cafe Toogoolawah a big Thank you too and welcome to our great little club.

Coming Events

Saturday 20th April Esk/Toogoolawah Challenge at Esk. Sponsored by LJ Hooker Esk/ Toogoolawah.

Single Stableford Event 11.00am Shotgun Start. Phone Shaun for buggy hire or inquiries 0428 522 528 after 6.00pm.

Monday 22nd April IpswichVets at Toogoolawah. Shotgun start at 8.30am.

Wednesday 24th May Ladies AM Golf 8.00 am hit off 9 hole Single Stableford. PM Chook Run Tee off 3.00pm.

Strong defence was key to the Yowies success this week, with plenty of big hits throughout the game against Palmwoods on Saturday.

Picture: MELINDA HARRISON - DEERLIGHTFUL PHOTOGRAPHY

Local scoreboard update

From page 36, 37

To whoever took the native bee box from the base of the tree onToogoolawah Golf Clubs no 4 Fairway.

This is private land and the bees were not yours to take. They were in their owners box, you must have realised this wasn’t yours.

Would be happy for the return of them. Police will be notified if not.Will be checking with neighbours, maybe they saw you!!!

RIFLES

Gatton Glenore Grove Rifle Club

A warm Saturday afternoon with a mild North Easterly breeze that turned Easterly for the rest of the shoot. Like last week excellent conditions for good scores to be shot on the 500yd target. Two DOT shots (dead center of the target) were achieved one from a one of our newest member Wallis, the other by our oldest member Bowman.

Iron sights out of 105.21

R. Perry 99.5, G. King 98.6 and C. Greenwood 91.4

F.Class out of 126.21

F. Open.

D. Reddan 123.10 and A. Steele 102.2

F STD.

R. Cowburn 119.5, R. Bowman 116.5, S. Kahllon 113.6, A. Chalmers 112.1, D. Wallis 109.4, H. Hartwig 106.1 and B. Betts 91

Next week 600yds

RUGBY LEAGUE

Gatton Hawks

Sunday 14/04/24

Gatton 24 d.Valleys 8

Tye Gray, Nicholas Short, Dominic JonesPincombe, Ben Haviland

Conversions - Shannon Hicks 2

dous with these grubbers and he kept toiling away at Valleys with a minimum of fuss. It was that type of game. A real frustrating game. Leonard Thomas bought into the grind for Gatton as did Shannon Hicks.

Brock Diment was Roosters’ best with Hugh Sedger playing well in a losing side. Given it’s was both sides first hit out. Valleys had new combinations and they will mould as the season continue. The Roosters have a tough road trip to Wattles next Saturday. Whilst Gatton host Brothers in their first home game of the season.

3 Tom Lurmann 2 Brock Diment 1 Leonard Thomas

Reserve Grade -Valleys 18 d. Gatton 10

Michael La’a, Allan Morris

Conversion - Jagan Swan

Under 19 -Valleys 18 d. Gatton 16

Ty Hauser, Patrick Nolan, Jake Taylor

Conversions - Michael Conlon 2

Women - Gatton 16 d.Valleys 12

Lucinda Elton 0’, Bonnie Zappa 0’, Mia Davies 0’

Conversions - Tahlia Sudhaus 2

Home games next Sunday 21-4-2024 v Brothers - all grades. Commencing at 10am, A Grade 2:30pm`

Valleys finally grinded away with Brock Diment scoring (10-4) then a Shannon Hicks penalty right in front on the stroke of half time gave Gatton a 12-4 lead.

The start of the second half continued the tight tussle. Both sides saw players sin binned after the 50th minutes which reduced Gatton to eleven men and Valleys to twelve. Valleys

In the match of the round Gatton and Valleys had their first hit out after washed out games in the first round. Gatton were the underdogs coming into this match but the Hawks had other ideas. The Hawks scored the first points when Tye Gray scored out wide in the 7 th minute (4-0). As are Hawks V Valleys games. Both sides frustrate the other but Gatton seemed better at it and Nick Short grabbed a try for Gatton to get them to a 10-0 lead.

Justeen heeds Denver call

By Jacob Hayden

The DFA team will play on 30 May and June 1 in a double header against the USA team, the World Deaf Football Championships winners of 2023.

Kruger previously played for SWQ Thunder with 80 games under her belt, and is now the keeper for North Brisbane FC in the FQPL 2 competition. Despite being hearing impaired, last year she was nominated Goalkeeper of the Year and made Team of the Season.

Kruger, 36, has played football since she was 10 years old, and only learned she had a hearing impairment at 27.

“My mates, when I was up in Chinchilla, always used to laugh because if you were to speak behind me and I wasn’t looking at you, I wouldn’t hear,” she said.

“When you’re hearing impaired, the mind’s an amazing thing and you are really good at guessing words, therefore I can make up some pretty good conversations in my head.”

Kruger said hearing was extremely important in soccer, and in the past had trouble adapting to a new team because of her disability.

“Last year, starting for a new team, I didn’t recognise anyone’s voice,” she said.

“When you play with a team you can adapt, but when you hear a new voice it could be the opposition, it could be your team.

“You’ve got to have your ears switched on.

“I don’t play with my hearing aids in, so I’m very good at checking over my shoulder and knowing what to do next, hopefully fast enough to make the right call.”

She said she looked forward to playing alongside women with similar skills.

“There are girls that have cochlear implants, so there’s a range of hearing,” Kruger said.

“You’ve really got to adapt with everyone’s style of play.

“If you’re going to give someone the ball they need to be aware and looking all the time.

“It’s quite amazing what you see people do, knowing the runs they’ve got to make, when and where.”

For Kruger, playing against the USA will be the opportunity of a lifetime and could lead to further opportunities like competing in future World Deaf Football Championships. In order to make the opportunity a reality she began fundraising last week, selling socks and raffle tickets with prizes from various Lockyer Valley businesses.

“I need to fundraise for the flight over there, which can be anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000, and I’ve got to get myself to Sydney and back, and cover insurance,” she said.

“We don’t get help, there’s no grants around, so to grow the game, on a deaf level, for us it will be good.”

Socks are being sold at $10 a pair at Eyecare Plus Gatton and BA Accounting and Advisory.

The raffle is currently estimated to be worth $500, with prizes from Queensland National Hotel Laidley, Mitre 10 Laidley, Fine Lines Barber Hair Beauty, Falvey’s Hotel Gatton, Fractured Wood BBQ Australia, Supercheap Auto Gatton, Royal Hotel Gatton, The Hen House Cafe and Catering Plainland and more businesses.

Kruger said she would be selling raffle tickets at local pubs and hotels, and would advertise when and where she would be on local community Facebook groups.

Businesses and donors wanting to lend their support to Kruger’s campaign can contact her on 0405 248 192.

took advantage when Brock DIment scored his second try to get the Roosters within four points (12-8).

The Hawks grinded away and won the wrestle which frustrated their opponents. The overall aspect of the match that both sides made many mistakes. It was a scrappy game. Both teams contributed to the scrappiness but Gatton prevailed the better.

Late in the match, the Hawks caught Valleys with two excellent dummy half grubbers for Dom Pincombe and Ben Haviland to score. The final score was 24-8.

Hawks hooker Tom Luhrmann was tremen-

Kilcoy Yowies

The Yowies came away with a convincing 22-8 win over Palmwoods on Saturday.

Strong defence was key to the Yowies success this week, with plenty of big hits throughout the game. The outside backs then took their chances with some excellent tries.

The Yowies are off to face Beachmere next weekend.

Laidley Lions

CSIVolunteers Cup - Rugby League Ipswich

Saturday 13th April Round 2

Laidley Lions (38)V Karalee Tornadoes (10)

New school soccer venue

By Jesse Hamilton

Brisbane Valley Soccer Club has expanded its training premises to include Toogoolawah State School to make it more convenient and inclusive for players who live in the Toogoolawah area.

One of four under 7s Valley teams currently holds its Wednesday training sessions at the Toogoolawah school.

Brisbane Valley Soccer Club president Boris Jaramenko said the expansion is part of a larger effort to make soccer more accessible for Somerset players who may live a fair distance from Lowood.

“We’ve got kids driving from Gregors Creek nearly at Kilcoy to play,” he said.

“There’s no club in Kilcoy so they would have to go to Woodford or Caboolture, Fernvale way there’s no other club between here and Ipswich and Gatton.”

Jaramenko said the Toogoolawah training sessions materialised after a teacher from the school who had a son playing for Valley opted to coach.

“He coached here last year and had a son in the under 7s and said there’s a demand up there for parents who weren’t prepared to drive but whose kids still wanted to play,” he said.

“Next year, we’re going to aim for two or three teams up there and go up from an under 7s to under 9s and 10s.

“We struggle to have stable pathway clubs in Somerset somewhere for the kids to end up so if they started in the under sevens, they could continue through the age groups.

“Our main goal here has been to get a team in every age group so they can keep playing through.”

Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger is seeking community support to pay her way to play in Deaf Football Australia (DFA) Women’s Squad for the Internationals vs World Champions in Denver, Colorado.

Laidley’s Justeen Kruger is raising funds so that she can compete in Deaf Football Australia’s Women’s Squad for the Internationals vs World Champions in Denver, Colorado. Picture: JACOB HAYDEN

Brisbane Valley Soccer Club will be expanding training sessions for its under 7s side to Toogoolawah State School. Picture: BVSC

Toogoolawah Golf Club’s Foursomes Championships played on Saturday 13 April. Back Row: Michael O’Connor, Peter Granzien, Bradley Friedrich, Trevor Friedrich, Richie Marschke. Front Row: Nate Friedrich, Manuela Laycock, Sam Maclean (Champions), Judie Marschke, Craig Granzien and Mia Friedrich. Mia also won the colouring contest between four of the ladies inside the club house.

Picture: TOOGOOLAWAH GOLF CLUB

Kids get new PCYC skills

By Jacob Hayden

This Youth Week PCYC Queensland is celebrating the growth of its After Dark and Drop In programs, bringing young people off the streets and into the boxing ring and basketball courts.

PCYC Queensland has more than doubled the number of clubs offering the programs since last year, after undergoing a transition that has seen PCYC based police officers focus on delivering youth programs.

At PCYC Fernvale, After Dark sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday night for boxing and basketball, respectively.

PCYC Fernvale Acting Sergeant Andrew Treacy said the sessions had good attendance.

“We’re really pleased with the numbers coming through at the moment, they’re all local kids aged 12 to 17, girls and boys,” Sgt Treacy said.

“We’re getting upwards of 25 or 30 through our boxing program, and similar sizes for basketball.

“It’s been really successful, and I think the key to the success is the mentors and volunteers we have come along to help.

“We have three or four volunteers who have actually boxed in the past, professionally and on an amateur scale.”

After Dark basketball sessions have run successfully for over a year and boxing was introduced last term with much enthusiasm.

Sgt Treacey said boxing was not about teaching young people how to fight..

“They’re getting some core skills on how to stand and how to move, plus some general fitness,” he said.

“It’s hard yakka. It’s a good session and they’re definitely tired by the end of it.”

Sgt Treacy said the After Dark sessions proved popular for the region.

“In a community like this, where kids have

to travel into Ipswich if they want to get into programs, we’ve introduced these programs to give the youth that live in Lowood, Fernvale and elsewhere the opportunity to come and try something new and engage with their community,” he said.

“It’s about diverting them and giving them

other opportunities to learn some new skills.

“Some of the kids who come along to the program have had a negative interaction with police, for lots of different reasons, but at the end of the day the police are there to help them, and this is a fantastic way the police can engage with youth in a positive way.”

Already this financial year, there have been more than 58,000 Drop In and After Dark youth participant engagements across Queensland, which is 76 per cent more than in the same period last year.

Contact PCYC Fernvale on 3915 1798 or visit: pcyc.org.au/clubs/pcyc-fernvale

Force point guard takes his culture across the world

Former Ipswich Force star Jesse Ghee has become one of the first few Torres Strait Islanders to play basketball professionally internationally, and he now hopes to see more players follow in his footsteps.

Ghee started his NBL1 career in Ipswich, spring boarding him onto a career playing all across Australia and now the world.

At 28, the point guard realised his dream to play overseas, signing to the Xirdalan BC team in the Azerbaijan Basketball League, located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia.

Jesse said the experience has been a rollercoaster, but he’s enjoyed every second of the ride.

“It’s easier and more comfortable to stay at home and play in the leagues in Australia, but to take a step out and experience something new is amazing,” he said.

“Being around a different culture, trying new foods and learning a new language has been challenging, but I love a good challenge.

“I’m proud as a Torres Strait Islander to do it for my culture, people and family. It’s something that will always be with me. Part of my legacy and my story. I still have a lot more work to do but I’m enjoying where I’m at and where life is taking me.”

Ghee was named MVP for his standout season at the Goldfield Giants in 2022; after multiple seasons in his home state teams Northside Wizards and the Ipswich Force; and spent two seasons in the US playing college basketball for the Fullerton Hornets in California.

It’s been two decades of shooting hoops to earn his prime position, and Jesse credits his mother and sister for sparking his passion.

“Growing up, I lived on the north side of Brisbane but played in south Brisbane, meaning, my mother, older sister, and I would catch buses or trains to go to my games when I was young,” he said.

“Both my mother and sister played as well, so being around them and their games inspired me to play. I remember at a young age I would watch my sister play her games

at night. I used to be so tired, in my pyjamas, past my bedtime but would want to be there.

“I loved the sound of the ball bouncing on the court, how the game was being competitively played, the squeaking of the shoes on the court, and when that ball went through the net, it felt so natural to be around. I didn’t ever want to leave that environment.”

He’s worked with Patty Mills, helping run the NBA star’s Indigenous Basketball Australia program, and aims to continue helping kids not get overlooked in the same ways he was as a teen.

“Growing up, I never made the top teams, the state teams, the Australian teams. I had to continuously work to not only prove people wrong, that I can do it my way, and get to where I wanted to get to, but to do it for my family.”

There’s been a lot of obstacles in his ca-

reer, from injuries to big losses, but Jesse’s biggest challenge to bounce back from has been his mental health.

“I think not only in basketball but in sports, it’s not talked about enough,” he said.

“I didn’t understand what it really was until I dealt with it personally. I’m so in love with the game that it’s dangerous and sometimes I don’t know how to detach myself from it.

“I had to take two steps back to take 10 steps forward and really understand myself, even if it was painful and uncomfortable.

“I learnt a lot about myself, and with the help and guidance of my coach, I was able to see different ways to approach, attack and overcome these negative thoughts and feelings that affected me on and off the court.”

With his college years in California; to playing in NBL1 teams across small country towns to the big cities, Jesse has had to con-

stantly adapt his game to the culture of his surroundings.

He wants to see more of his own culture represented, with indigenous players not only in the leagues in Australia but in Europe and the NBA.

“My mother always told me to give back to the community. For me to be accomplishing my dream with the support she gave me, and also from my sister, I want to share that and help the next ones up,” Jesse said.

“I’ve done it my way, and I want to show that there are other ways to be successful outside of Australia and America.

“I want to change the mentality and mindset of what I grew up around and inspire kids to be different, that you don’t have to follow but you can be your own leader and do it your way, achieving all your goals and dreams.”

Point guard Jesse Ghee playing professionally for XIRDALAN BC.

The gun baller has made the move overseas.

PCYC Fernvale After Dark basketball launched more than a year ago and provided a space for young people to positively interact with police.

Picture: JACOB HAYDEN

Flying start to the season

By Jesse Hamilton

The Brisbane Valley Soccer Club U16B Eagles side is starting their season flying high, putting in a dominant performance to outmuscle the Beaudesert Rangers 4-2 on 13 April.

The under 16 side were one of 28 Brisbane Valley teams who competed throughout the weekend to open the soccer season.

U16B Eagles coach Max Jaramenko said the side aims to play a heads-up attack-oriented style of play.

“I’m impressed with how well they’ve progressed from the first couple of training sessions,” he said.

“It’s definitely more of an attacking style of play, we love scoring goals.”

The U16B side were premiers in the bottom division of the 15s last year and have progressed to the top division of the under-16s in 2024.

Brisbane Valley Soccer Club have grown from 21 to 28 teams in 2024, with the club experiencing a jump from 190 players two seasons ago to 390

Brisbane Valley Soccer Club U16B Eagles side after their 4-2 win over the Beaudesert Rangers on 13 April. Picture: JESSE HAMILTON