FARMER
Ruralweekly
DECEMBER 2017 EDITION NO.10
RACING ROYALTY Miles trainer Bill Johnson with six-year-old gelding Fabs Cowboy who won Country Premiership Horse for both Queensland and Australia in the 2016 racing season.
2 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Welcome
We’re just about to dive headfirst into Christmas and 2018 and hasn’t Santa delivered the goods with somewhat scattered rain across the Western Downs since the start of October? Things have certainly turned around, not least with so much lovely feed and it’s time to be grateful for this happy ending to a tough year. When chasing yarns for the paper, I’m always amazed by some of our cockies and others in the ag industry or people just living in our towns who are either doing something cutting edge or something to help others or coming up with a brilliant idea to solve a problem. Assistant Professor Mark Trotter, for example, grew up on the land and is dedicating himself to making things a bit easier for those who run stock while Dr Paul Adams spends countless hours working on his vision to deliver equal emergency health services to those who need it most in rural and remote Queensland. But so often, we know of someone doing something great who just brushes it off. The more people that know about what they are doing, the more we can throw our support behind them, so please encourage them to share their story. While we're naturally suspicious of tall poppies, we should support those trying to give back to our community because they are the ones who help keep the show on the road. Here’s cheers to Christmas and the New Year, may it be a happy and prosperous one for us all. —Jacinta Cummins
contact us EDITOR Jacinta Cummins, Phone 07 4672 9900, Email editorial@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING (CHINCHILLA NEWS) Bobbie Gorring, Phone 07 4672 9930, Email bobbie.gorring@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING (DALBY HERALD) Nicole McDougall, Phone 07 4672 5502, Email nicole.mcdougall@dalbyherald.com.au GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw, Phone 07 4672 9921, Email Erika.brayshaw@chinchillanews .com.au All material published in Western Downs Farmer is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission for the publisher. DISCLAIMER: The information contained within Western Downs Farmer is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. The Chinchilla News or Dalby Herald will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.
HARD WORK: Bill Johnson and his daughter Dakota Graham with Fabs Cowboy. PHOTO: Jacinta Cummins
Miles father-daughter duo claim the crowns of country racing JACINTA CUMMINS
MILES horse trainer Bevan Johnson and his daughter Dakota Graham finished off a sensational 2016 racing season with a hat trick any stables would be proud of. For those who are casual racegoers, the racing season runs from August 1 to August 1 which is the birthday of all horses in the Southern hemisphere and ensures horses are racing in the right age categories. Bevan, better known as Bill to friends and family and those who frequent the country tracks dotted across Queensland, was named Country Premiership Trainer while Dakota won Country Premiership Jockey and Country Apprentice for her debut season and their six-year-old gelding Fabs Cowboy was crowned
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
POWERING YOUR BUSINESS ANYTIME. ANY INDUSTRY. ANYWHERE.
INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL - DOMESTIC POWER LINE CONSTRUCTION - COMMUNICATIONS AND DATA SOLAR INSTALLATIONS - CUSTOM BUILT SWITCHBOARDS
A QUALITY ASSURED WELDING AND FABRICATION COMPANY
AIR CONDITIONING - HAZARDOUS AREA & INSTRUMENTATION 6544927aa
4662 6268 • 14 Loudoun Road, Dalby enquiries@bandbfabrication.com.au
home to do trackwork for Des the next morning, but it wasn’t until recently that he and Mel expanded going from 10 horses to 30 in three years. Bill’s love for his horses is clear: he shoes them all himself, old shoes are scattered on the ground and he does trackwork every day, often doubling up on his employees’ rides. A bit shy, he is happy to squat against the stable wall and let Mel tell most of their story. "He always leads by example, he won’t ask anyone to do anything he’s not prepared to do himself and it’s not unusual to see him out with a torch or a headlamp working the horses in the dark if we have to get up and get on the road real early," she said.
6678305aj
Comb Trailers • Farm Machinery Repairs Header Front Upgrades • Truck & Trailer Repairs On Site Service • Stock Crate Repairs Row Cropping Planter Bars
Country Premiership Horse for both Queensland and Australia. It’s Sunday morning and Dakota has stayed at home overnight after racing at Goondiwindi the day before. Mum Mel tells me the photoshoot was a great excuse to have her home and it’s clear both she and Bill can’t wait until she moves back to Miles in January after three months riding on the Sunny Coast. "We work well together, sometimes it’s hard to leave work in the yards, but we all have to sit down together for dinner at night so you make an effort to forget about it," Mel said with a laugh. Bill has been around horses all his life after his father Des established the stables. At one point he was rodeoing then driving
18156 Warrego Highway Dalby www.cecpl.com.au | (07) 4662 3435 | ELB No: 11336
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 3
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
FROM PAGE 2
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY: Bill Johnson is the quiet achiever, happy to focus on his work rather than tell everyone about it. PHOTO: Jacinta Cummins
❝
We put a lot of time and effort into our horses so to get results was pretty exciting
Deacon Seeds Company
"There are a lot of people in the industry who all have an opinion and I guess Dad always just told me to listen respectfully, you don’t need to take it all on board instead you just take away what works for you. "When it comes to being a jockey, I have some people I look up to, but basically I just want to be the best jockey I
Millet planting seeds available now Please Phone 07 4662 3217
can be rather than just trying to copy someone else." The family makes a good team and it’s clear Dakota’s younger brothers adore her, with one of them proudly telling anyone who would listen to him at the Winton races that his "sister is the queen of the desert track". But while it’s clear Bill heads up the show, he said
it’s a team effort. "Mel’s definitely the backbone of the show," he said. One thing’s for sure, if racing truly is the sport of kings, then the Johnson family is its humble royalty: Billy the quiet unassuming monarch and Dakota the rising Queen of the country track.
Ph: 0412 727 342 Email: rodlynch@icloud.com 30.5 x 32 18ply ..............$1850 30.5 x 32 LOGGER .......$3500 24.5x32 16ply ................$1500 24.5x32 LOGGER..........$2600 23.1x34 12ply ................$1500 23.1X30 12PLY ..............$1275 480 70X34 RADIAL ......$1240 420 85x28 RADIAL .........$800 460 85x28 RADIAL ....... $1100 420 85x34 ........................$990 480 70x30 ......................$1300 460 85x30 ........................$890 12.4 28 .............................$380 11.2x28 .............................$340 14.9x24 ............................$440 14.9x24 B/HOE 16.9 x28 (8) ......................$650 16.9x28 B/HOE 18.4 x 28 ..........................$750 18.4x28 B/HOE ...............$860 1800x25 + TUBE ...........$1900
1300x24 GRADER ..........$485 1400x24 (16) GRADER...$550 1400x24 28ply ............ $960 1400x24 RADIAL......... $935 10 16.5 B/CAT ............. $140 12 16.5 B/CAT ............. $180 18.4X34 .................... $745 520 85x42 ................$1760 480 85x38 ................ $1190 380 85x28 ................. $800 480 80x42 ................$1540 580 70x38 ................$1950 480 85x38 ................ $1190 16.9x30 LOGGER .......$2100 18.4x30 LOGGER .......$1295 23.1x26 LOGGER .......$2100 28Lx26 LOGGER ...... $2650 18.4x34 LOGGER .......$1670 29.5x25 28ply ........... $2750 29.5 Rx25 RODEO ..... $3850 26.5R x25 RADIAL ..... $2850 26.5x25 28ply ............$2100
RIB TYRES 600x16, 750x16, 900x16, 1000x16 RING FOR MORE
NEW DEPOT 8 STEEL STREET NARNAGBA Q 4504
900X20 16ply+ TUBE .....$240
13.6x28 (8)
82SR x 20 RAD+TUBE ..$240
12.5 80x18 B/HOE ..........$345
18.4x38 ............................$950
169x38 .............................$700
20.8 x 38 ........................$1050
11.2x38 IRRIGATION ......$425
23.1x26 (16) DIAMOND $1100
16.9 x 34 ..........................$710
23.1x26 (16) TRACTER $1100
16.9 x 30 .......................... $685
15.5x25 (16) .....................$680
14.9x28 ............................$475
175x25 (16) ......................$825
9.5 x 24 ............................$260
20.5x25 (20) .................. $1100
11.2 x 24 ...........................$280
23.5x25 (24) ..................$1450
12.4 x 24 ..........................$340
6537530ad
parents for teaching her to have respect for everyone one in the industry and not lose too much sleep over a loss. "I think if you put in a good ride and don’t win, but you gave the horse every chance and it put in its best, then you’re confident that at the next start you and the horse are really going to get somewhere.
6730488aa
"When we’re getting ready for the races, owners will often ask if Bill is going to back the horse and he’ll always say he doesn’t know yet. "‘I won’t know til tomorrow morning when I ride them and they’ll tell me what they need to do,’ he always says to them. "He’s a really unique horseman with a real affinity for the horses, it’s always about them first, it’s a gift I suppose. "He’s been doing this all his life on and off with his dad, but we’ve started to really hit our straps in the last few years." When it comes to talking about Fab’s Cowboy, a gentle smile spreads across Bill’s face. "He’d never done any track work before he came to us as a three-year-old, but the owners and I could see something in him so it was a goal of ours to get the absolute best out of him and it paid off," he said. Dakota admits working with her dad has its challenges, but it’s clear the quiet yet confident 20-year-old looks up to him both on and off the track. "I’m pretty close to dad, I started going down and helping him at the stables and strapping when I was about 13, I wasn’t really into school," she said. "If he hasn’t done something before, he’s happy to admit it and help me find someone who can help me. "I didn’t start riding as a jockey until I’d turned 18. "I was riding the horses all week and it was pretty disappointing on the weekend if someone else rode them and didn’t have a good run, so I thought I would give it a go." It was a punt that paid off with Dakota winning 51 races from 232 starts. She also placed second 44 times and third 30 times. "We put a lot of time and effort into our horses so to get results was pretty exciting, especially winning races and winning cups. "I’ve ridden winners for other trainers and it’s just as much a thrill, but it’s extra special when they are your family’s horses and they are horses you’ve ridden during the week." Dakota appears wise for her age and she credits her
1100 x 20 RADIAL D/COIN + TUBE .............................................$330 1100 x 70 STOCK BANDAS SOME WHEELS .............................$165 New Cruiser Wheels with Reno 750x16 D’LOP Tyre $ .................$249 2 left – 710.70 x 42 G’YEAR ........................................................$2750
SEE ME FOR GALVANISED TRAILERS www.maximtrailer.com.au
4 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Beach to Bush Photography Exhibition Locals wow with exhibit JACINTA CUMMINS LISA Kleidon and Meegan Bradshaw don’t see themselves as creative, but their first photography exhibition at the Wandoan Library tells a different tale. Entitled Beach to Bush, the exhibition is a collection of 20 of their favourite shots from over the years which illustrates the love that people from the area have for both their homes out here and their holidays at the beach. "We’re a long way from the beach, but every holiday we ever had as a family growing up was to Hervey Bay for as long as I can remember," Meegan said. "I think that’s the story for most people out here – they head to the beach for their holiday." For Lisa, her photos are about capturing the uniqueness of the country where she works and raises her family. The best friends had never even been to a photography exhibition before deciding to organise their own after being encouraged by family and friends. "The hairdresser was the one who came up with the idea and told me about how the library was always looking for great collections so we would talk about it over a few beers and this went on for a few months before we actually decided to do it and then it was a fair bit of work to execute it once we’d locked ourselves into it!" Meegan said with a laugh. "Yes, we definitely learnt a few things along the way and have some ideas for what we’d do differently next time," Lisa said. "It was a bit nerve wracking from finding the right photo labs to print our favourite shots and then get the 20 frames and glass transported out from Toowoomba and frame the prints and finally
END RESULT: Lisa Kleidon and Meegan Bradshaw at the opening night of their Beach to Bush Photography Exhibition. PHOTO: Lyle Bailey hang them up in here and then on opening night we were just really hoping people liked our work. "Gav (my husband) and Lyle (Meegan’s partner) volunteered to make the frames for us, but seeing as we had a three week deadline from when we decided to actually do the exhibit to when we opened, I’m glad we didn’t take them up on their offer as
we would probably only have one frame!" Taking photos is Lisa and Meegan’s little bit of "me time". Lisa is a mum-of-two who loves capturing the country and her favourite type of photo is night photography while former vet nurse Meegan prefers to capture the beach because "it’s pretty hard to get a bad shot there!"
WHEAT STRAW WANTED
Must be 300mm long. We windrow, Bale and Stack We use Bale stackers – no trucks in paddock We bring our own fuel We pay per tonne + GSt
Still, Meegan said she’s rapidly improving her skills now she’s back home in the country. Some of their shots were taken together with one often providing the lighting while the other shoots; this was the case for Meegan’s favourite shot in the exhibition which is of an old rusted out car at her parents’ property at Dulacca. "That’s my favourite
because it just took so long to get it right and the colours really jump out at you." Lisa’s favourite shot is the one of a cow and her calf sharing the water trough because it’s a natural shot which couldn’t be staged; she thinks she was just in the right place at the right time. The late, great American landscape photographer Ansell Adams might argue
with that because he believed "You don’t take a photograph, you make it." And these two local ladies are certainly making some beautiful shots of Wandoan and district and any beaches lucky enough to have them visit with camera in hand. Beach to Bush runs at the Wandoan Library until January 24.
H Baling 8x4x3’ Hay Hay Transport H Hay Sales H Manure/Fertilizer Spreading M
Nik Lamberth Ph: 07 4627 7095 / MOB: 0427 689 276 PO Box 1, Condamine Q 4416 E: office@sunupcontractors.com W: www.sunupcontractors.com
6678304aq
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 5
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
App helps producers report suspicious activity from paddock
GETTING THE ANSWERS: Associate Professor Mark Trotter received $45,000 funding from CQU’s Social Innovation program in January to fund his research looking into the emotional cost of stock theft. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Study does the sums on emotional costs of cattle theft JACINTA CUMMINS
AS A young bloke establishing his own cattle stud, Mark Trotter was struck by cattle theft. Even though it was a one off occurrence, the experience stuck with him and is driving his current work with GPS trackers to try and stop the same thing from happening to other producers. Mark is now an Associate Professor at Central Queensland University and received $45,000 funding from CQU’s Social Innovation program in January to fund his research looking into the emotional cost of stock theft. "If you talk to people out in the bush and if you really dig in below the surface, in some circumstances you will actually find that the emotional toll of losing your cattle can be just as stressful as the economic effect," he said. "There is this real concern in the community where producers suspect a neighbour and don’t trust them and I’ve spoken to countless people who’ve lost
a lot of sleep over this." "We got the funding by outlining the amount of mental energy which goes into thinking about this because you can put a dollar figure on theft, but you can’t put a figure on the emotional costs of those fractured relationships between neighbours." The study fits GPS sensors to cattle to try and determine patterns in herd movements and behaviours. The aim is to be able to identify warning signs during times of emergency such as when they are being rounded up and loaded onto a truck in the middle of the night. At this stage, the GPS trackers are on an ear tag or collar, but ideally they would be implanted in the cattle. The challenges are in determining how such behaviour differs from cattle just stirring for no apparent reason, recording and interpreting this data and then relaying the important bits in a timely manner to the producer to alert him or her that there is a problem. When he put the call out for producers to be involved
with the study he was flooded with calls and emails from across the state and indeed the country with people saying the problem affects their mental well being nearly as much as their bottom line. While his own anecdotal experience from growing up
❝
If you talk to people out in the bush and if you really dig in below the surface, in some circumstances you will actually find that the emotional toll of losing your cattle can be just as stressful as the economic effect
Professor Trotter said the Queensland Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) (Which used to be known as the Roma Stock and Rural Crime Squad) had been able to give him a much better idea about what was happening with cattle theft at the much bigger, state wide level. Professor Trotter has limited funding so wants to
get the initial work done to ensure the possibility of more funding to extend it, or at least to have enough data for a commercial player to pursue it further. "We really want to find some solutions to the sorts of things which hurt farming families and the emotional cost of cattle theft can be immense so this is a good starting point."
QUEENSLAND Police now has a smart phone and tablet app which allows a producer or farm worker to report a suspicious vehicle or suspicious activity from up the paddock rather than wait until they can get an officer at the local police station on the phone or in person. The Policelink app has a section where you can instantly report and upload a photo of a suspicious or unknown vehicle on your property, fuel theft or any other rural crime. This information is sent directly to a centre which assesses it and dispatches it to the local police officer in that area. Detective Sergeant Scott Jackson heads up the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural), (formerly the Roma Stock and Rural Crime Squad) and he said there had been an increase in the reporting of rural crime during 2016/2017. “Increased reporting is good because studies have found that rural communities are generally reluctant to report, so any tools like the Policelink app make it a lot easier for us and for the public because it’s user friendly and quick and it lets someone report sooner rather than later,” Det Sgt Jackson said. “In the case of cattle theft, there’s only two of us out here (Roma) and we service a big area so you might not get us at the station but there’s no point ringing 000 to report stolen cattle as it’s for emergencies only. “This app allows the bloke up the paddock to file a report and someone will get onto it straight away and if it’s urgent, the nearest police officer will be alerted and able to respond.”
- Mark Trotter
on a farm gave him a small perspective into the problem,
Research cow wearing a collar mounted sensor. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
New app can redefine safety for producers and farmers.
6 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Melon growers hope for best present of all: a good harvest Jessica Schremmer IT’S nearly Christmas and the best present for local watermelon growers would be a harvest that delivers on their high expectations for this crop. With the floods, hailstorms, and two record years of drought diminishing their recent crop enormously, growers are cautiously optimistic about this year’s watermelons with harvest set to start around Christmas. Chinchilla watermelon grower Terry O'Leary said vine health was exceptional and yield could be higher for this year's harvest. "Usually we would start harvest in early December, but because it has been so cold in
the last six weeks, where we had on average six degrees lower than usual for night time and day time temperatures it pushed us back about 10 to 12 days," Terry said. "But it also allowed the vine to get very well established. "We had a lot of rain in October so they (the watermelons) have grown just very slowly and strongly." The O'Leary family has run their 3500 acre farm over the last 60 years and hope to continue their legacy. "This was my grandparents' farm so it has been in the family for a long time," Terry said. "Chinchilla growers have got a very good reputation that was built over decades and it is a legacy to keep going, and to make sure if someone eats a Chinchilla melon it is gonna be one of the best ones they have." Back in the day Chinchilla had about 23 growers producing 25 per cent of the nation's melons, but today there are just five growers left and they are lucky if they produce five per cent of the nation's melons.
According to Terry a lot of growers stopped farming watermelons during the drought in the 1990s due to strong price fluctuations. "Back in the early 90s everything was grown on dry land, so unirrigated, and that meant that everybody planted on the same rain we picked watermelons on the same heatwave, so it was very up and down with the price you get. "You always have to consider it on an economy of scale." Terry said their harvest today depends on various environmental factors as well as hailstorms in the area. "Our worst year I think was on a thousand tonnes, best year we have done was nearly three thousand tonnes," he said. The O’Learys’ farm missed out on a damaging storm which hit Chinchilla on November 29. However, issues watermelon growers in Australia face today are the increase of changes to industry standards and compliances such as food
START 2018 ON THE FRONT FOOT Take control of your farm's management with better budgeting, clearer cash flow forecasting and timely tracking in all conditions DALBY TOOWOOMBA CHINCHILLA 4669 9800 carrickaland.com.au
safety standards and Horticulture Innovation Australia introducing new, costly food auditing programs. Terry said it was great to focus on quality produce, but a lot of growers are now facing a minimum of $8000-9000 in compliance cost and testing every year. "So that's a lot of money that you don't get paid for and you have to recoup through your own cost. These compliance costs are a major concern for smaller growers. Terry thinks the industry might find there will be more large and medium size growers, which was unfortunate to see. "Small growers are really the backbone. "If you have 20 small growers, they will produce as much as one very big grower, but if one really big grower has quality problems then that shows in the market a lot more than 20 small growers because of the geographical spread." WATERMELON HARVEST: Chinchilla watermelon grower Terry Terry said he hoped that it O’Leary is hoping for a good watermelon harvest this will be a good year for all Christmas. PHOTO: Jessica Schremmer growers in the region.
Earthmoving and Excavation
• Bobcat - spreader, borer, trencher • Backhoe • Excavators • Roller • Tippers • Truck & Dog • Low Loader • Water Truck • Civil works • CSG field works • General earthworks - site clearing - slab preparation • Trenching • Post hole boring • Materials Supplied
SERVICING MILES aNd SURROUNdING aREaS Quality Work Assured WARREN TRIBE
0427 953 686 | 0429 136 049 | 07 4627 1778 E: admin@tribesplanthire.com.au W: www.tribesplanthire.com.au
6678304ah
Changes to industry standards has effect
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 7
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
Finch Engineering: Grain is our Game Finch Engineering continue to prove they are industry leaders THE Team at Finch Engineering are offering early order incentives across the entire range of products manufactured at Kaimkillenbun. The Next Generation Haulout Bin has proven to be an exceptionally good chaser bin with deliveries of over 200 units in just over 2 years. Known for its clever design and build quality, this is the bin that Australian farmers can depend on. Quality is paramount across the whole range of Finch products including the Mobile Field bins with their superior structural integrity, the mother bin has become an important part of the farming strategy. Available in both wheeled and hydraulic lift chassis
design, Finch Engineering has a size to suit any farmer’s requirements. Not only can we supply new equipment, we also repair and refurbish existing Finch Engineering products including Miitze Augers. We carry a full range of spare parts and our service team can handle most on farm jobs with the new, fully equipped service truck. We are currently building a large range of Chaser Bins, Mother Bins, Grain Augers, Seed and Fertilizer Truck Bins, Cattle Feeders and Hayracks all designed and built to meet the needs of today’s farmer. Don’t miss out in 2018, call Finch Engineering today to take advantage of the savings being offered.
TOP SERVICE: A Finch Engineering Field Service Truck in action.
8 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Proposed rural aeromedical trial gets wings at seminar JACINTA CUMMINS MORE than 60 people travelled from across Australia and America for the Aviation Innovation tiltrotor seminar in Brisbane on November 21 and 22. The seminar was run by Aeromedical Innovation Australasia and brought together key players in the aviation, aeromedical, medical and logistics industries including the Senior Manager for AW609 Marketing and an AW609 test pilot from Leonardo Company in Philadelphia which manufactures the AW609, the first commercial tiltrotor set for release in 2019. A small delegation travelled to Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba the day before the seminar to inspect the facility and its ability to host the proposed trial as well as meet with the director of Wellcamp Airport, John Wagner, who has thrown his support behind AIA’s proposed tiltrotor trial. The trial would see an AW609 based at Wellcamp airport and able to reach remote areas of Queensland during medical emergencies to provide more efficient and effective accident-to-hospital patient transportation. Because a tiltrotor can land like a helicopter and fly at the speed of an aeroplane, it reduces the number of vehicles involved in transporting a patient. It also reduces the transport time by up to 50 per cent and could reduce the need for refuelling as it has a bigger range than a helicopter. Bill Sunick Jnr is Leonardo Company’s Senior Manager for AW609 Marketing and is responsible for the marketing release of the AW609. Mr Sunick and AW609 test pilot Paul Edwards both gave presentations on the development and testing of this first commercial tiltrotor and its potential to revolutionise the medical transport and search and rescue (SAR) industries. Mr Sunick said he found the
HOPING: Tiltrotor seminar organisers Tony Laws and Dr Paul Adams with a 3D printed model of the mobile AW609 tiltrotor integrated simulator mock cabin they hope to have built to introduce Australia to the benefits for Australian aeromedicine. PHOTO: Jacinta Cummins seminar engaging and appreciated getting to meet with potential end users and AW609 customers in Australia. "The company (Leonardo Company) sees great potential for the aircraft in Australia and beyond, and we look forward to future collaboration and discussions on the role the first
commercial tiltrotor can play in improving outcomes and patient transport in rural communities across Australia," he said. Although Leonardo Company is unable to provide a figure for how much an AW609 will cost at this stage, it said it will be in line with other super-medium helicopters with configuration
of the interior and required mission equipment chosen by the end user determining the final cost. Industry insiders confirm that the capital cost of a tiltrotor is likely to be high some saying in the realm of fifty million dollars, yet most operators choose to lease not buy new aircraft, and AIA in fact is advocating significant
potential cost savings through this technology. Dr Paul Adams is the founder of AIA and organised the seminar along with Tony Laws who is Senior Director of Airmid Training Solutions. Dr Adams said it was amazing to see the right people from the right industries all meeting together under the one roof in
support of using tiltrotors in aeromedicine. "We had quality rather than quantity, such as a consultant who worked on the development of the Osprey (the first military tiltrotor) and before that the NASA XV tiltrotor, in addition to an experienced military tiltrotor pilot – both travelled from America," he said.
LACHJACK
TRANSPORT MAINTENANCE ABN 57 291 016 848
6730488ab
~ ONsite truck ANd trAiler mAiNteNANce ~ ~ BrAke reliNes ~ ~ Wheel BeAriNg re-pAck’s/replAce ~ ~ disc BrAke cAliper mAiNteNANce ~ ~ geNerAl mAiNteNANce/serviciNg ~ ~ serviciNg All AreAs ~
LACHLAN JACKSON • 0427 617 280
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 9
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
A big year for Western Downs region in 2017 MORDERN telecommunications infrastructure is essential as it provides the platform we need to connect us with not only friends and family but also limitless possibilities worldwide. Breaks in our communications hinder emergency services, tourism, education and business growth and that’s why telecommunications is a major focus for me. The Western Downs has been at the forefront of the NBN rollout in my electorate as Dalby was the first town in my electorate to be connected to the fibre-to-the-node technology. This marked an excited millstone in the Coalition Government’s rural communications investment as superfast broadband is now available to the 6000 homes and businesses in Dalby since January. Chinchilla was connected in November, with more than 3800 premises able to order a fixed line service and more than 200 premises in Bell have also been connected to the NBN fixed wireless network since May.
❝
We promised to speed up the rollout, deliver the NBN to households sooner and more affordably and this promise is being upheld.
Better access to communications infrastructure was one of my key election commitments because regional areas in Maranoa will greatly benefit from e-learning, tele-medicine, video conferencing, tourism and business opportunities which a faster internet connection will provide. We promised to speed up the rollout, deliver the NBN to households sooner and more affordably and this promise is being upheld. Efficient connections through our transportation links is also a government commitment as we’re
Maranoa MP David Littleproud checks out the recently completed new bridge over the Jingi Jingi Creek, near Dalby, as part of the $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program to improve safety and efficiency along one of Australia’s key freight routes. delivering a safer and more effective highway network to upgrade the Warrego Highway and the Western Downs Council’s local road network. In August last year, I was truly humbled to be elected your Federal Member for Maranoa and some of my biggest wins for you in the Western Downs in 2017 include:
■ $635 million for the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program between Toowoomba and Miles. ■ More than $4.77 million in Roads to Recovery funding to upgrade the Western Downs Council region’s local network. ■ Capital Grants Program funding to upgrade the Dalby Christian College ($260,000), St Joseph's School
($477,197) and the Chinchilla Christian College ($825,000). ■ A new Wambo Medical Practice will be built in Jandowae thanks to $300,000 in funding. ■ ■ ■ $237,400 for 14 new CCTV cameras in Chinchilla’s CBD to enhance community safety. ■ $39,250, under the
Building Better Regions Fund, for two community projects to showcase and celebrate the Western Downs. ■ $7900 total in Volunteer Grants for Helping Hands Outreach Project For Dalby and the Tara & District Family Support Committee. ■ $7000 Goondir Health Services NAIDOC Week activities in Dalby, Miles, Chinchilla and Tara.
With Christmas comes faith, hope and love. I wish all these things for you and your family during this festive season and into the New Year.
6730022aa
For all of your companion & rural animal needs
YOUR FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MARANOA
Ph: 07 4662 2715 (Dalby) David.littleproud.mp@aph.gov.au | www.davidlittleproud.com.au
Visiting Miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays 204 Gormleys Road, Chinchilla | 23 Marian Street, Miles P. 07 4662 7637 A.H. 0439 736 067 e. admin@chinchillavet.com.au
6613731aj
DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
10 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
CWA set to cook up a storm from Dalby to Condamine
JACINTA CUMMINS WHO doesn’t love popping over to Nan’s for a homecooked meal and some spoiling? Well now you can learn some of the best tips of the trade from the only other ladies who’ll ever come close to your nan’s cooking – the CWA ladies. The Queensland Country Women’s Association is running its Country Kitchens program in Dalby, Condamine and Miles between February
and April to show people how easy it is to cook delicious and healthy food whether it’s for one or to feed the whole family. While scones with jam and cream is what normally comes to mind when someone mentions the CWA, program coordinator Fiona McKenzie said this program is essentially about getting more fruit and vegetables into the daily diets of those living in regional Queensland. "In places where it’s often easier to find fast food outlets than fresh fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging," she said. "But the consequences of eating fast food on the health of Queenslanders living in rural areas are alarming." Queensland has the highest obesity rate in Australia with research showing two out of every three adults is overweight or obese, as are
HEALTHY EATING: Check your serving size! Participants weigh up their options at the Chinchilla Country Kitchens program. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
6727947aa
QCWA pass on tricks of the trade
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 11
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
more than 30 per cent of children. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Country Kitchens aims to modify dietary risks associated with chronic disease by inspiring country Queenslanders to adopt healthier eating practices. The program achieves this by covering cooking at home, keeping a close eye on serving sizes, sitting less and moving more, and cutting down on sugary drinks. Participants 12 years and older are welcome. It also teaches how to read and interpret food labels to find out how much of something you should be incorporating into your diet. "We’ve just finished up one of our workshops today where our oldest participant was 93 and she used to come over from the nursing home with her carer and she just had a ball being back in the kitchen. And last year, we had a 14-year-old girl at the Chinchilla Country Kitchens," Fiona said. "As long as they are old enough to reach the kitchen bench then we think this program is perfect to teach young people good habits from the start. "The message is clear: vegetables should be included in meals daily and great food can be cooked at home quickly, easily and cheaply." The program is delivered by qualified nutritionists with the
local CWA facilitating the program. Fiona says that makes it a bit more fun, more like getting a cooking lesson from Nan rather than getting preached at by a dietician. All ingredients are bought locally and the last session sees participants given a party food recipe to adapt and make healthier. "We have the same recipes for each session at the end, but the results are never quite the same as it’s up to each person how they modify the recipe," Fiona said with a laugh. "It is really fun as they get to go home with a party food that they love but which is just that bit healthier and better than the way it's traditionally made. They taste it and think ‘That’s pretty good, I can make that for the next party I’m having or when I have to take something’. "The program really comes down to being able to cook like your Nan does – deliciously and healthily. "Because lots of our members are Nanas themselves, it’s more like spending an afternoon with Nan in her kitchen than just cooking and diet advice. It’s a lot of fun." Condamine-Arubial CWA will run Country Kitchens in Condamine, Springvale-Kuppun CWA will facilitate the Dalby workshop and the Miles CWA will host the Miles program. For more information go to
www.qcwa.org.au/countrykitchens.
SERVED WITH A SMILE: The QCWA Country Kitchens team ham it up for the camera. PHOTO: Coulton’s Country Photography
Buffalo Fly Control
For all your Buffalo Fly Control drop into Landmark Chinchilla. We have a range of Fly Tags, Sprays, Drenches & Back Rubbers to choose from
6729585aa
FROM PAGE 10
Landmark CHINCHILLA | Warrego Highway 07 4662 7806
12 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Sorghum lush after rain MICK DOYLE SORGHUM farmers across the Dalby region welcomed last weekend’s rain, as temperatures in the mid-30s is forecast for the end of this week. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recorded 20mm of rain over Dalby on Friday, while farmers in the northwest region reported up to 40mm. The rain has benefited Dalby farmer, David Buckley, especially for his sorghum crops. Mr Buckley said rain is always welcome, especially when warm temperatures are forecast in the coming days. “Across the paddock we had between 25mm and 32mm, which has been nice,” Mr Buckley said. “This allows the sorghum’s secondary roots to dig for the sub-soil moisture ahead of the warm weather forecast.” Mr Buckley said there was still along way to go until the end of the season. He said another 50mm of rain over the next month would be enough for his crops to get through the warm weather. “The sorghum is holding up surprisingly well,” he said. “They (BOM) said it was going to be a wet Summer, so I am hoping last weekend was just the start of things to come.”
THE LARGEST SUPPLIER OF YOUR FASTENING NEEDS IN DALBY & SURROUNDS
Authorized distributor for
Proud member of
• Wide range of stock available • Free delivery within Dalby town boundaries • Bulk discounts available • Technical advice on hand • Locally owned & operated
PHONE: 4669 9111 7 Loudoun Rd, Dalby E: craig@nbfi.com.au
6730488ac
• Servicing the engineering, construction & building industries • Products for all your drilling, cutting and grinding needs
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 13
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
Outback needs help to thrive SHERELE MOODY QUEENSLANDERS love the Outback so much they want the freshly minted State Government to deliver more funding to protect our 108 million-hectare living wonder for generations to come. A new survey, published exclusively by NewsRegional, shows 92 per cent of Queensland residents consider the Outback a significant contributor to the state’s “culture and identity”, while 91 per cent reckon visiting it is a great chance to “get away from the city”. Galaxy Research’s Our Living Outback poll of 1003 people also shows 89 per cent of us want more support for people who live and work in the bush and 80 per cent of people reckon there is a big disparity between government funding for the city and the Outback. Outback Queensland covers almost two-thirds of the state, stretching from the tropical rainforests of Cape York into the Gulf Country’s savanna plains and across the vast
floodplains of the Channel Country. Outback to Oceans project director Pepe Clarke said the region was under threat as feral animals, invasive weeds, and destructive wildfires pushed “native species to the brink of extinction” and “undermined” rural industries. Mr Clarke urged Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to boost funding for national parks, nature refuges, the Indigenous Rangers Program and the Nature Refuge Program. “There is a sense that people in the Outback have an important role to play in managing the environment and its threats,” Mr Clarke said of the survey. “Most people found there was a need for the State Government to provide more support for people who are managing the land. “A lot of people believe the Outback is missing out despite it being a big part of our identity and our economy.” A government spokesman said investment in Outback and other bush areas included
QUEENSLANDERS : Queenslanders love the Outback so much they want the freshly minted State Government to deliver more funding to protect our 108 million-hectare living wonder for generations to come. expanding the ranger program at a cost of $8.1 million over four years and there was a plan to have 17 per cent of the state declared as nature
refuges. “This Queensland Government has rebuilt the ranger workforce across the state, with more than 800
WE SPECIALISE IN THE FOLLOWING:
• Civil construction services • General earthworks • Re-growth control • Blade Ploughing • Fire Breaks • Stick Raking • Dam Construction & Desilting • Heavy Haulage
Safety & Environmental Compliant Communication is the Essence of Production
hectares with the declaration of more nature refuges this year.” – NewsRegional
Brothers Tim & Wayne Collie established the business in 2000. They have built up their business employing local staff, supporting community events and using local businesses. There Head office is in Condamine Qld and now expanding with a new Industrial yard in Roma Qld. From Condamine to Surat to Roma to Wallumbilla, we can meet your earthmoving needs.
CURRENT MACHINERY AVAILABLE
6613731af
12 hours a day, 7 days a week, with fully trained, experienced staff
active and paid rangers now employed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. “Nature refuges now total more than 4.4 million
• Excavators • Dozers • Graders • Scrapers • Rollers • Float Hire • 4-in-1 Skid Steer • Prime Movers • Body Tippers • Water Trucks • Loader with Stickrake
P: (07) 4627 7115 | F: (07) 4627 7018 14 Wambo St, Condamine, QLD 4416 | www.twearthmoving.com.au
14 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
The action is trackside at Taroom Races on December 30 Fun, fillies and fashion will be on display
AFTER a resounding success with more than 1200 visitors through the gates at the Taroom races on New Year’s Eve last year, the Dawson Jockey Club is set for another stellar night of country racing and shenanigans on December 30. Dawson Jockey Club President Graham Rewald said the New Year’s Eve meet was astounding. "It was way above what we’ve ever had before, we normally get about 600 people so we doubled in size and it think it was a combination of it being on New Year’s Eve, but also recognition that we’ve always put on an excellent race meet, the races are Taroom’s big events of the year." Nominations for the races don’t close until the week before, but the club is hoping that Miles trainer Billy Johnson and his daughter, jockey Dakota Graham, will be at the meet with the fourth race being the Des Johnson Memorial dedicated to Billy’s father. "We more or less adopted Des up here, he got on very well with all the trainers here which is why they have the memorial up here; we sort of claimed Des as Taroom trainer, he fitted in very well," Graham said. The New Year’s Eve race meeting was a spectacular one for Billy as four horses he trained won their races and Dakota also rode Blue Jest to victory in the Cup claiming $10,000 in prizemoney. "There’s plenty on offer for everyone this year: there’s $45,000 prize money up for grabs in the five race program, a free merry-go-round and jumping castle for the kids and a DJ for everyone to dance the night away after the last race is run," Graham said.
WINNER: Baylee Nothdurft rides Zaha County to glory in Race 5 at the Taroom races on New Year’s Eve. PHOTO: Ann Alcock With some ladies honestly admitting that they go to the races for the fashion rather than the fillies, there’s also a hotly contested Fashions on the Field competition featuring Lady of the Day sponsored by Spirited Style. The gents and kids aren’t forgotten either with another seven categories sponsored
❝
Taroom really is unique as it’s one of only four anti-clockwise racetracks in Queensland
• General Engineering • Welding • Fabrication • Field Service
DONALDSON ELECTRIC WORKS PtyLtd estab 1952
licence No 248
Ph. 07 4632 48 66 - 10 LAUREL ST, TOOWOOMBA www.donaldsonelectricworks.com.au
"So some of our visitors reckon they’ve got the upper hand because where they come from all the horses race that way," he said with a laugh. The gates open at 11am with a courtesy bus available and the first race starts at 1:30pm on Saturday, December 30.
• Agri Parts • Hydraulics • Irrigation • Pumps
• Custom built Farm Machinery & implements • CNC - Bulk Production
6427566aa
• Electric Motor Rewinding & Repairs • Welder and Generator Repairs • Tru Test & Ruddweigh Weighing Equipment Repairs • Electric Fence Energizer Repairs • Industrial Electrical Equipment Repairs • Industrial Breakdown Maintenance
Queensland; the other three tracks are at Birdsville, Bedourie and Noorama. "It was surveyed by the surveyor who’d just done Moonee Valley at the time, so while we haven’t had some of the modern modifications that Moonee Valley has undergone, we’re pretty much its country twin.
6428029aa
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICAL REPAIR SPECIALISTS
by Dan Murray of Murray Builders, Roma. Graham said five new sponsors coming on board the event this year are testament to its success and what it brings to the community and visitors alike. "Taroom really is unique as it’s one of only four anti-clockwise racetracks in
P: 07 4662 2683 F: 07 4662 3466
E: graysts@bigpond.net.au W: www.graysts.com.au 35 Loudoun Rd, Dalby
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 15
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
New plane takes to the sky MICHAEL DOYLE ONE of the more prominent agriculture aviation companies on the Darling Downs has been boosted by the arrival of a new $1.6 million aircraft. Keyland Services at Dalby have recently acquired the new plane which they believe will be more efficient for both farmers and emergency services when required. Owner Frank Drinan said the aircraft was like none other on the Darling Downs. "The new aircraft is a Thrush 7-10 P, it's come from the United States, and it's a large capable aerial agricultural aircraft which can hold 2700L and has 1300 horsepower,” Mr Drinan said. The new aircraft can hold nearly 50 per cent more spray and water than any of their other planes, which will make their tasks more efficient according to the business owner. "We are doing less trips out to the paddocks which means we are getting the job done faster,” he said.
"(Farmers) gain time for themselves. A lot of the time, farmers are dealing with a problem so the quicker time deals with the issue quicker. "We can get over large areas quickly and we can go over the wet ground. "It is the newest, biggest aircraft in the Darling Downs for agriculture and fire water bombing.” Mr Drinan said while spraying large areas of land, the aircraft would travel at speeds of roughly 300km/h and, for a larger aircraft, it was still capable of flying under power lines. The aircraft will also add a huge benefit to water bombing on fires. Keyland Services is contracted with the Queensland Fire Service to conduct water bombings on fires when required. The new aircraft's storage capability and GPS tracking is what makes it ideal for these tasks, according to Mr Drinan. "We are getting to the fire faster and putting more water on it,” he said "We have the GPS tracking
that they (Queensland Fire Service) can see where the aircraft is in Brisbane and they can see when we do a drop on a fire and they know exactly
where that drop has been.” Mr Drinan said the aircraft was an investment into the local agriculture industry. He said this was the
motivation for purchasing the new plane, as he wanted the Darling Downs industry to thrive.
FLYING HIGH: Frank Drinan stands proudly in front of the Thrush 7-10 P, his company’s latest acquisition
PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY
STEELE RUDD CORNER, NOBBY QLD 4360 Ph: (07) 4696 3350 | Fax: (07) 4696 3370 Email: sales@qma.net.au | QMA.NET.AU
6537562ac
(New and Used)
16 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Take the first step to succession planning
(Back) Eliza nursing Briella, Kylie nursing Rudi, Pieter, (Front) Scott, Grant, Fiona with Sophia (absent Sharon) at “The Deep”. The family has started succession planning process to provide direction for the future. PHOTO: SUPPLIED SITTING at his kitchen table at "The Deep", a cropping and livestock property outside of Moonie, farmer Grant Borchardt admits the whole idea of succession planning made him nervous. "I knew it was something I had to do, it had been niggling in the back of my mind but I didn’t really want to do it," he said. "So I kept leaving it and hoping it would go away." But after an "elbow in the ribs" from wife Fiona and some passing comments from the kids, Grant decided to pick up the phone and ask his accountant, BMO Partner Adrian Rasmussen, to have a look at it. Grant and Fiona have three adult children, Kylie, an agronomist, married to Pieter who works on the farm, Sharon an occupational therapist in Narrabri, and Scott who also works on the farm and is married to Eliza who runs some cattle on the property.
And the brood is growing with three grandchildren under three. Adrian was pleased to hear that Grant was kicking off the process. "There’s never an easy time to start succession planning," Adrian said. "I think the hardest thing for many farmers is that they think once they start, they are going to be forced to hang up their hat before they are ready. "When in reality, succession doesn’t actually have to be linked directly to retirement – it can be a strategy for gradually transitioning business operations and farming assets that can take years to roll out." Megan James, BMO Communications Manager agrees. "We tend to build it up to be a big scary thing, when really it’s a conversation, a living and breathing, changeable strategy for transitioning yourselves to the next stage of life.
Grant said the best thing Megan said to him at the outset was that succession planning is a process not an event. "Once she explained that it’s not immediate, I felt relieved," he said. BMO’s approach is called "Steps Forward". Megan isn’t an accountant, instead her role is to work alongside BMO’s accountants to encourage the family to keep the lines of communication open. "We usually suggest starting by doing a session where we learn about each others’ different communication styles," she said. Grant was not keen when BMO suggested starting the process with a Family Communication Day. "Before we did it I honestly thought it was going to be a complete and utter waste of time," he said. Megan laughs. "The communication day
puts a lot of farmers out of their comfort zone," she said. "They think it’s a load of rubbish. "Until they do it. "Then they get it. "I’ve had the toughest, hardest grazier hug me at the end of a session and say ‘Now I finally understand how to communicate with my son’." Grant agrees. "I knew we were all different, but it really helped me realise why others do and say what they do. "It has opened the door for communication and a lot of positives have already come out of it," he said. Once BMO has a handle on the direction the family wants to take and everyone’s had a chance to share their thoughts, then they look at the entity structures, the taxation implications, the asset protection and the mechanics of the proposed transition. "Sometimes it moves quickly, sometimes we need
to trial operational succession before transitioning an asset, sometimes we can have all the ducks in a row, but have to wait for the seasons to improve or someone to reach a certain age," Megan said. "It’s rarely black and white as every situation is different. "There can, and most likely will, be unexpected complications, which is where communication is the key." For the Borchardt family it’s only early days, and while Grant admits he is still feeling hesitant, he said he has been encouraged by the feedback from his family so far. "I feel like we are all on the same page in terms of what we want to achieve in the long term." Megan said starting a succession conversation can create a morale boost in the business, because the younger generation can see that something is happening and the older generation can get some peace of mind as they start to plan for the
future. But she warned families not to wait for a trigger point to start. "Sadly that trigger point is often something terrible like death, serious illness, or divorce" she said. "As you can imagine, if you’re battling emotions like grief, sadness or anger, it can be the worst time to be trying to make rational decisions about your future." Grant’s advice for other farming families? "Actually start," he said. "Start five years before you think you need to and once it starts, it can be flexible. Megan sums it up in a nutshell "You don’t have to see the whole staircase to take the first step." The Queensland Government currently has grants to help assist with this process through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 17
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
Photo Challenge set to capture the true essence of Wandoan JACINTA CUMMINS THE Wandoan Photo Challenge is on again in 2018 with locals and visitors invited to enter photos which show the district as they see it through the lens of their camera, phone or even iPad. Competition coordinator Helen Golden said there was over $3500 up for grabs across two categories: People and Places, largely sponsored by the Wandoan Windmill Village and the Wandoan Show Society. “This is the second year the competition is being run in partnership with the Wandoan Show Society and we are simplifying it so that everyone thinks ‘Ok, well I’ve got something I can enter’,” Helen said. There were 80 entries in the 2017 competition but with the extra lead time, simplified guidelines and ability to enter as many times as you like, Helen hopes to receive a lot more for the 2018 competition. “We just want people to have a go and use their imagination, it’s open to everyone: grey nomads right down to school kids.
“It’s not about whether you’re a professional or whether you’re just a point and shoot person, sometimes it’s really is about being in the right place at the right time and with summer here, now is the time to get out and start taking photos. “We’d love to get peoples’ take on how they see our district and we think most things fall into the two categories.” There will be 12 prizes overall with nine judged by Toowoomba photographer Syd Owen and three Peoples’ Choice prizes with $500 apiece for first in each category. The Peoples’ Choice prizes will be chosen from a shortlist of 30 photos and announced at the 2018 Wandoan Show where the photos will be exhibited. Entries close April 4th and anyone can enter photos taken within a 50 kilometre radius of Wandoan after March 31st, 2017. Photos can be digitally edited and enhanced and in black and white as well as colour. For more details go to www.wandoanshow.com.au/photochallenge.
ESSENCE OF COMMUNITY: The Wandoan Show is looking for photos which capture the Wandoan district and its spirit for the Wandoan Photo Challenge. PHOTO: Jess Walz Randall
6605640aa
Providing all your welding, fabrication & steel supplies • Bull bars • Trays • Trailers • Farming Equipment • Trucks
Your locallY familY owned and operated floor covering store 4662 6949 | 33 Condamine Street | team@downsflooring.com.au
MOB: 0428 763 721 4662 7101
Cnr North & Colamba Sts, CHINCHILLA
6730488ae
Call Bern & Matt With their vast knowledge and experience they’ll get the job done
• carpet • vinyl
• vinyl planks • tiles
• floating floor • blinds
• awnings • shutters
18 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Droves of people turn out for Stock Horse Sale Mick Doyle
IT HAS become one of the major events in the Western Downs, as thousands of people attended the Dalby Showgrounds for the 43rd annual Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale. Organisers have claimed you would struggle to find a seat on Saturday evening as the sale took place. In total $1.7 million was spent across the 231 horses, averaging $10,300 per horse. The highest sold for the sale was horse number seven, Oneofakind Dixie Chiccorrect, who was bought by Andy Mulchay for $54,000. President of the Dalby Downs branch of the Stock Horse Society, Jim Ryan, hailed the weekend as a success. "The event went really well, we are very happy how it has turned out," Mr Ryan said. "There was that much going on it wasn’t even funny. "You could not get a seat in the grandstands on Saturday night which is just fantastic. "There was definitely more than 1000 people here on Saturday night." The event has grown to a point where Western Downs Regional Council have declared the sale, a "major event" in the region. $3000 was also handed out to charities in a ceremony on Saturday afternoon, with Helping Hands Dalby, The Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul’s all receiving a grand each. Live entertainment kept the large Saturday night crowd at the showgrounds until late, with live music and a performance from world renowned entertainer, Guy McLean. Mr Ryan said the success of the event was due to the town of Dalby and the support the society receives. "On behalf of the society I want to thank the town of Dalby who always come out and support the sale," he said.
SALE: Oneofakind Dixie Chic sold for $54,000 at the Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale.
A 3rd generation trusted family business. EST: 1935
Ring 24HRS
For accident towing assistance
SMASH REPAIR SPECIALISTS
RECOMMENDED REPAIRER FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES • FREE quotes - same day bookings • Need help with an insurance claim? • Private and all insurance work Let us help! • Great hire car rates for our customers • Windscreen repairs and replacements
FOR EXPERT ADVICE CALL 4638 0011 Mobile: 0437 380 011 | Fax: 4638 0012 email: shop@colwilkiebodyworks.com.au
www.colwilkiebodyworks.com.au
3-5 InSTow STrEET, ToowoombA
6716561aa
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 19
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
Alan Johnstone and Sarah Hermann. PHOTOS: Molly Hancock.
Charleville Cup wrap Clear skies welcomed the start of Charleville’s premier race, as punters made their way to the Central Warrego Race Club for a day of folly. The Charleville Cup, which ran in conjunction with Melbourne Cup frivolities taking place at Flemington, boasted a five race line-up and a competitive fashions on the field competition. With a champagne in hand, guests relaxed and soaked up
the atmosphere, idling over to place bets or hitting the dance floor as the live band played. Georgia Knight was awarded the senior student fashion prize, Terri Ann Eckel won top honours in the classic ladies category and Biz Mayo won best contemporary outfit. Mick Kressibucher won best dressed gentleman and April Smith was crowned the overall lady of the day.
Fred Goodman, Hannah Carrol, Geena Lawn and Brooke Chapman.
Jayden Sullivan and Faith Parker.
Lady of the day winner April Smith with sponsors of the award.
A group of girls enjoying the Charleville race day.
Lizzy Mahon, Holly Kajewski and Darcie Ross.
Biz Mayo and Michelle Cameron.
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA TO LOOK AFTER THE LAND?
We are looking to work with landholders, Landcare groups, Traditional Owner groups, industry groups, community organisations and community members who want to make a difference to the environment and the productivity and profitability of agriculture in southern Queensland. We are interested in hearing small project ideas, big project ideas and everything in between. Your idea might involve your property or your whole community. It might help control pest animals or weeds, or maybe you'll play a part in protecting a habitat, supporting revegetation or encouraging natural regeneration of a threatened ecological community. Maybe you have an idea to help primary producers adapt to changing climate, weather or markets, or perhaps your contribution will be remediating a riparian area or sharing an innovative management practice, like a grazing regime or fire management, with other landholders. We can help work on an idea with you or there are many more ideas to inspire you on our website.
If you have the passion for sustainability and productive agriculture, we have the project experience and know-how to help you turn good ideas into great outcomes. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.CONDAMINEALLIANCE.COM.AU/CONCEPTS OR PHONE 07 4620 0111
20 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Roma Cup a success As always, the Roma Cup impressed in 2017, with fun, fashion, frivolities and some great, competitive racing. 6500 punters turned out for
the day on November, 18 and although storms brewed, it was not enough to dampen race-goers spirits with fun had by all.
Mark O’Brien, Kim Kajewski, Norm Fowles.
The racing form was beyond impressive on the day. PHOTOS: ALEXIA AUSTIN.
D’Artagnan and Blayde Schubert, with Beau Zwoerner and Tyrone Godfrey.
Kyan and Justin Burns.
Race 3 of the Roma races.
Natasha Schultz, Serena Golder, Marijke Hartman and Jordan Flood.
Toby White, Kate Murphy, Georgia Gibson and Tom Zerk
Emily Nixon, Darcey Hall, Takita Weaver.
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 21
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
Menswear contestants of Fashions on the Field.
Monique Robertson, Blake Rohrlach, Taylah Matthews, Peter Green
Tyson Charles and his friends put on a show during the Kooky category of Fashions on the Field.
Contemporary contestants of Fashions on the Field.
Jackson Stark, Steve McCormack, Haikum Oyat, Lachlan Evans, Mitchell Jones
Hire an Apprentice or Trainee
and build a brighter future through training.
See more info on our website.
1300 650 775
goldenwest@goldenwest.org.au | www.goldenwest.org.au
6730488ah
Hiring an Apprentice or Trainee is easy when you partner with the experts. Call today to talk to a Consultant about your business hiring needs.
22 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
Aussie stars set to perform at Jimbour Station JACINTA CUMMINS FIRST there was Big Day Out, then there was A Day On The Green, there’s Opera At Jimbour every other year and now the Western Downs is hoping to hit the right note with the Day On The Plain at Jimbour Station on May 5. The concert will see Australian music industry’s stalwarts and favourites including Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, Wendy Matthews, and Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wilde perform in the amphitheatre as part of Big Skies, an inaugural festival of events to showcase the Western Downs to newcomers and locals alike over seven days. The Eurogliders, Glenn Shorrock and Richard Clapton will also perform at the concert. Big Skies will see both free and paid events ranging from a tour of Dalby Regional Saleyards to movies under the stars on the Jimbour Station airstrip to hot air balloon rides and the Dalby Picnic Races. Mayor Paul McVeigh said the festival would capitalise on the success of other events across the Western Downs.
"We’ve already established a reputation for delivering fantastic signature events such as Opera at Jimbour, and I believe Big Skies will be an unforgettable series of events that will put our region on the map and really set a new precedent for the Western Downs," he said. Opera at Jimbour attracted more than 7500 people in July. Concertgoers won’t even need to go home after the concert with the option to "glamp" at Jimbour Station all week in between events. For the uninitiated, "glamping" is "glamourous camping". As the name suggests it's camping with all the comforts of home and sometimes even a few more luxuries thrown in along with your tent pegs and camp oven, all without having to pack it up the next morning. If you’re more of a "bring the swag and roll it under the stars" type, there will be normal camping as well as more traditional accommodation options available. For those who love the Western Downs but don’t know much about what it actually produces and how,
the Food and Fibre event on Sunday, May 6 will give them a chance to connect with local growers and discover more
about local industry. Open to all ages, there will be sessions on everything from bee-keeping to poultry
Ever met a Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour?
Glenn Shorrock is one of the acts set to get the crowd on its feet. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
management to the lifecycle of cotton to native bush foods and dog trials. Big Skies runs from April 28 until May 6.
Servicing g the Surat Basin Call in and mention this ad to receive a FREE fishing cap
WE HAVE MOVED Full workshop capacity & Mobile Service
AGRICULTURE
HYDRAULIC & INDUSTRIAL HOSE & FITTINGS
Jeff supports the AOOB Organisation because they are involved in charity and charity begins at home. Try Jeff and his staff’s experience in solving your Accountancy, Taxation and Financial worries Don’t delay, contact and enjoy the experience of good old fashioned service.
Jeff Hannford Pty Ltd For a free insight into what changes you could make to your Business or life phone Jeff on 0429 894 937 or Millmerran 4695 1477 Inglewood 4652 1106 or Texas 4653 1155
SPILL CONTROL
MOVING FROM 8 Malduf St. to
45-47 Cooper St., CHINCHILLA
6695733aa
Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran.
6714485af
What can Jeff and his staff solve?? Anything!!
Malduf St
With a nickname of “Hairy” Contact Jeff Hannaford who is a community minded Chartered Accountant and doubles as a Trouble Shooter.
MINING
Cooper St
OIL & GAS
Taylor St
CHINCHILLA 45 -47 Cooper Street
GRACO PRODUCTS
LUBRICATION
CHINCHILLA
45-47 Cooper Street (07) 4669 1400
Thursday, December 21, 2017 dalbyherald.com.au
K N I L Y A H rongest Link The St
WESTERN DOWNS FARMER 23
rk o w t e n t s e g r la e Th s& of hay supplier rs to a r e p o t r o p s n a tr in the Industr y
Call Now: 0439 819 257
6730488ai
s e l a B l l a m rs o e g r a l f o ly s a e r a Quality supp l l a y r e v li e d t s a f r o f e l b a l avai
24 WESTERN DOWNS FARMER
chinchillanews.com.au Thursday, December 21, 2017
BLACK TOYOTA USED CAR CLASSIFIEDS Warwick
O82241
Oakey
O82271
Dalby
D21022
Chinchilla
C51539
Roma
R35301
2014 Hyundai iMAX
2008 Toyota L/C GXL
2011 Honda Accord Euro
2011 Mazda BT-50 XTR
2012 Mazda 3 Neo
$19,990Driveaway
$47,990Driveaway
$12,490Driveaway
$28,990Driveaway
$12,990Driveaway
Under 104,000kms 4 Speed Automatic 2.4L 4 Cylinders Petrol
Under 182,000 kms 6 Speed Automatic 4.5L 8 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 84,000 kms 5 Speed Automatic 2.4L 4 Cylinders Petrol
Under 85,000kms 6 Speed Manual 3.2L 5 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 73,000 kms 6 Speed Manual 2.0L 4 Cylinders Petrol
W26437
O82280
D21062
C51564
R35309
2014 Holden Ute SS Storm
2016 Toyota Hilux WM
2011 Toyota L/C VX
2010 Mazda 3 Neo
2011 Toyota LC 200 GXL
$31,990Driveaway
$40,880Driveaway
$58,990Driveaway
$11,990Driveaway
$61,990Driveaway
Under 79,000kms 6 Speed Automatic 6.0L 8 Cylinders Petrol
Under 32,000 kms 6 Speed Manual 2.4L 4 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 151,000 kms 6 Speed Automatic 4.5L 8 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 110,000 kms 6 Speed Manual 2.0L 4 Cylinders Petrol
Under 128,000 kms 6 Speed Auto 4.5L 8 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
W26481
O82281
D21131
C51563
R35318
2012 Toyota L/C Sahara
2013 VW Amarok TDI420
2014 Toyota Kluger GX AWD
2017 Toyota LC Workmate
2012 Toyota L/C GXL
$77,000Driveaway
$26,490Driveaway
$28,990Driveaway
$63,990Driveaway
$58,990Driveaway
Under 131,000 kms 6 Speed Automatic 4.5L 8 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 169,000 kms 8 Speed Automatic 2.0L 4 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 101,000 kms 6 Speed Automatic 3.5L 6 Cylinders Petrol All Wheel Drive
Under 35,000 kms 5 Speed Manual 4.5L 8 Cylindrs Turbo Diesel
Under 124,000 kms 5 Speed Manual 4.5L 8 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
W26449
R35256
D21132
C51566
R35315
2013 Honda Jazz Vibe
2012 Ford Ranger XL 3.2
2014 Toyota Kluger GXL 2WD
2013 Toyota LC 200 Sahara
2013 Ford Fiesta Zetec
$9,990Driveaway
$31,990Driveaway
$36,990Driveaway
$78,990Driveaway
$11,990Driveaway
Under 78,000 kms 5 Speed Automatic 1.3L 4 Cylinders Petrol
Under 138,000 kms 6 Speed Manual 3.2L 5 Cylinders Turbo Diesel
Under 70,000 kms 6 Speed Automatic 3.5L 6 Cylinders Petrol
Under 94,000 kms 6 Speed Automatic 4.5L 8 Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Under 89,000 kms 5 Speed Manual 1.6L 4 Cylinders Petrol
BLACK TOYOTA WARWICK | OAKEY | DALBY | CHINCHILLA | ROMA - 1800 MY TOYOTA (1800 698 696) blacktoyota.com.au