Beaudesert Bulletin 27 January 2023

boom

By Susie Cunningham

Beaudesert’s op shops are bursting at the seams with bargains after bumper donations over the break. Several op shops even had to put a

temporary halt on donations to give volunteers a chance to sort through the swathes of goods they received.

Op shopper Susan Venz. The perfect time to op shop: story page 4-5

Photo:

By Susie Cunningham

A small orchard in the house yard of an old Queenslander at Cryna tells the story of a man whose life’s work has revolutionised human health and nutrition globally.

The 100-acre former

dairy property south of Beaudesert has been home to Professor Emeritus Richard Drew AM and his wife, Dr Glenys Drew, for 22 years.

In Professor Drew’s tiny orchard, which he can see from his verandah home office, sticky yellow discs hang from

six varieties of citrus trees, plums, pears, peaches and mulberries.

Those discs are a world first trap invented by Professor Drew to attract and catch female fruit flies before they lay eggs in fruit.

He led a team of researchers to develop the non-toxic traps when he was Director of the International Centre for Management of Pest Fruit Flies at Griffith University.

Since going to market in 2016, his invention continues to help farmers win the fruit fly battle in Australia and abroad and has

even enabled children in developing countries to eat fruit for the first time in their lives.

Professor Drew has received a swathe of deserved accolades, but his satisfaction is in making a difference.

When Professor Drew was 23, Australia’s leading fruit fly specialist Dr Alan May, who was mentoring him as a cadet with the Department of Agriculture, died suddenly of leukaemia at the age of 49.

“I really carried on Dr Alan May’s work,” he said.

“And I think one of the reasons I’ve spent my life on non-toxic attractants for fruit flies is I saw we were losing entomologists to cancers. All those chemicals that have been used for the last 50 years that we know are carcinogens, the Australian Government withdrew them around the time we launched our trap.”

When Dr Glenys Drew married Professor Drew in 1969, she married his fruit fly research too.

They met through youth group activities and really connected on a camp at Christ-

mas Creek, not far from where they live now.

To this day, she is the biggest supporter of Professor Drew’s work and the pair, who have three adult children and eight grandchildren, treasure time with their family.

For someone who has spent 55 years managing pest fruit flies, Professor Drew loves fruit flies more than anyone else in the world does.

“We’ve discovered over 800 species across Asia Pacific, in the rainforests, I’ve studied every one of them,” he said.

“They’re amazing, beautiful insects and they play a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem.”

Professor Drew, who will be 80 in March, is so passionate about the impact of fruit fly management on human health and nutrition, he has continued his work pro bono since retiring nearly a decade ago.

“It is so essential to have confidence and a positive attitude to life - detractors have never worried me,” he said.

Professor Richard Drew AM

Beaudesert holds on tight to maternity service

By Susie Cunningham

Beaudesert Hospital is gearing up for an expansion of its valued maternity services in what is being celebrated as a win for local mothers.

It comes in stark contrast to the rural birthing crisis gripping central Queensland.

The Beaudesert Hospital unit, which reopened in 2014 after a hardfought community battle, is considered the envy of rural communities across the state.

Through the expansion of Beaudesert’s Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) in early 2023, up to 80 additional women birthing at Beaudesert will be cared for by a known midwife.

MGP is internationally recognised as a best-practice model for improved health outcomes for mums and babies, providing individual care between one midwife and mum during pregnancy, labour and birth and follow-up home visits.

Under the expansion, all midwives will retain their jobs at Beaudesert

Hospital. Two full-time equivalent positions from the team midwifery group will transition to Midwifery Group Practice, with allocation of women to these midwives for care.

In response to an enquiry from the Beaudesert Bulletin, a spokesperson for Metro South Health said the MGP expansion would not impact women’s access to doctors when birthing at Beaudesert Hospital. They said the hospital was still equipped with 24/7 on-site midwives to cater to women who presented in labour but were not part of MGP.

Rural Doctors Association of Queensland President Dr Matt Masel said the expansion sounded positive as part of a collaborative approach with GPs and rural generalists.

“There’s pressure on pretty much every rural and regional birthing service at the moment so it is important to ensure changes occurring in places like Beaudesert - which is a really functional and import-

ant birthing service - are changes the community needs,” he said.

“I think it can be classified as good news - it shows a maternity service that is evolving and looking to improve services and is focused on providing a collaborative model for women and their families, between midwives and doctors at various

levels.”

Long-time local birthing services advocate Dr Michael Rice said Beaudesert’s birthing and procedural services were a model for the nation.

“I’m grateful to Metro South Health for putting the effort in to re-establish those services and indeed probably being the first in Queensland

and Australia to do that after a significant period of closure,” he said.

“It’s important, considering the trouble Central Queensland is in at the moment, Metro South keeps their eye on the ball and takes proactive steps to make sure birthing and procedural services continue to be available for our community.”

Celebrating the reopening of maternity services in 2014 after a hard-fought community battle. Photo by Dr Michael Rice.

The perfect time to op shop

By Susie Cunningham

Locals looking to save money, dress differently and reduce waste while helping charities are being encouraged to take advantage of Beaudesert’s full-to-the-brim op shops.

Volunteers have been run off their feet sorting through an influx of donations and now they are happy to be busy selling the pre-loved goods to local op shoppers.

Volunteers at Beaudesert Uniting OpShop especially had their work cut out for them after the shop was disappointingly targeted by vandals several times over the school holidays.

In a statement published to Facebook, Scenic Rim Uniting Church Chairman Steve Moriarty thanked volunteers for giving tirelessly of their time and love and going above and beyond to secure the shop and clean up the mess left behind

by the culprits.

The Beaudesert Bulletin caught up with volunteers from the Red Cross, Beaudesert Uniting, Anglican Church and Animal Welfare League op shops and found they were all overwhelmed with donations and had plenty to sell.

Red Cross Beaudesert Team Leader Deborah White said it was a great opportunity to check out the local op shops.

“There’s a big variety, as well as high and mid brand labels we’ve got all sorts of clothes here and there’s bric-a-brac, jewellery, shoes, crockery,” she said.

“We’re actually inundated all the time, but it’s always like this after Christmas because people are on holidays and have time to clean out.”

She said there were plenty of reasons to volunteer.

“We’ve had a good turnout of volunteers, but we still desperately need more. Ideally, we’d like

six a day. The more on board, the quicker we get things sorted,” she said.

“For a lot of volunteers, it’s the interaction with the community. It helps build confidence, gain new skills and just to be around good com-

pany and have a good old chat.”

The Bulletin found several franchise op shops in Beaudesert receive so many donations they provide for stores in other areas, and some take excess stock from

their counterparts when required.

While most local op shops are taking donations again, volunteers said it was important for people to only donate quality goods suitable for resale.

Volunteers Judy Day and Denise Hutton from the Beaudesert Uniting Church Op Shop.

Second hand is still in style

By Susie Cunningham

The style Susan Venz exudes as she walks down the street in downtown Beaudesert is largely due to her love of op shopping.

The thoughtful fashion enthusiast loves to wear clothes that are vintage, thrifted and from ethical designers.

Susan has a wardrobe filled with pieces which express her love of colour and movement, and many of those pieces have come from Beaudesert op shops.

“I love op shopping because I can find some amazing buys really cheaply and I love having people say to me, ‘you look amazing’ and then I can say, ‘oh great, thanks, it was $10’,” she said.

“I also like the sustain-

ability side of it so we’re not an endless source of production, and I like that it’s a little bit cyclical.

“I also donate to op shops - I donate and I buy - and I like the idea that garments can have a life outside their life with you.”

She said op shops helped provide creative inspiration for people wanting to have fun with their wardrobe.

“It’s not just one style - you’re not going into a shop where it’s just one particular brand and there’s only their styleand because it’s op shopping and it’s quite cheap, you tend to try things that you might not try normally.

“I’ve found myself trying on things I wouldn’t necessarily go into a particular shop to try but I like it on the rack in the op shop.”

Beaudesert’s local op shops are:

• Beaudesert Red Cross Shop. 98 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, Saturday 9am to midday.

• Beaudesert Uniting Op Shop. 50 Wil-

liam Street, Beaudesert. Open Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm. Also, Tracey’s Pantry Friday 1pm to 3pm.

• Beaudesert Anglican Church Op Shop. 7 Albert Street, Beaudesert. Open Thursday 9am to 2pm and Saturday 9am

to midday.

• Beaudesert Animal Welfare League Queensland Op Shop. Shop 1, 15 William Street. Open Monday to Friday.

• Beaudesert Lifeline Shop. Opening in the first half of 2023.

Susan Venz with Red Cross Beaudesert Team Leader Deborah White.

The last local Driver Reviver

By Susie Cunningham

Rathdowney, south of Beaudesert, is home to the Scenic Rim’s only remaining Driver Reviver site.

Driver Reviver rest stops, run by volunteers, supply free tea, coffee and snacks for travellers and encourage drivers to take a break for road safety.

While other towns like Beaudesert and Boonah lost their Driver Reviver service in recent years, Rathdowney was chosen as the place to start a new one about three years ago.

The nearest Driver Reviver sites are now at Gladfield in the Southern Downs and Amberley.

During school holidays from 9am to 3pm, volunteers at the Rathdowney Visitor Information

Centre have the kettle running hot and biscuits handy for travellers who pop in for a rest.

They also have plenty of local knowledge to share and local goods for visitors to buy.

Rathdowney Area Development and Historical Association President Dave Cockburn said it was good to be able to provide the service.

“Most travellers like to stop and refresh themselves and we’ve got the museum and the information thing there for them, so it’s a good marriage of the two services,” he said.

“The beauty of Rathdowney is a lot of travellers come via Summerland Way over the Mt Lindesay Highway and we’re the first Driver Reviver coming into Queensland.

“It’s a shame to see the other Driver Revivers having closed down with what I understand was very little consultation, because it is a valued service as demonstrated by the people who call inthey really value having somewhere safe to have a break from their long drive.

“Through the program we gained funding and also the Council was involved with the electronic signboard to promote Driver Reviver and also to share community information at the front of the visitor centre. Main Roads also helped us with some parking improvements for travellers and improved signage at both entries to Rathdowney, so I think Driver Reviver helped get that investment.”

Volunteer Maxine

Platell, who has been involved with the Rathdowney Visitor Information Centre on and off since the 1980s, said it was a good incentive.

“It comes down to road safety and people being able to stop and stretch their legs, have a cuppa and a biscuit, break the journey up a bit.”

Volunteer Maxine Platell

CWA supports schools

By Susie Cunningham

Beaudesert CWA is helping local students get off to a good start for the 2023 school year through the donation of backpacks filled with useful items.

The local branch donated 12 backpacks to be given to students at Beaudesert State School via Chaplain Jade Cocks.

CWA members spent hours down at the Beaudesert CWA carefully packing the bags for the students.

The 12 bags, including three bags suitable for prep students, were filled with lunch boxes, water bottles, freezer bricks, handcrafted ‘worry worms’, pencils, glue, pencil cases, books and headphones.

It is the first time the Beaudesert CWA has do-

nated backpacks to the local primary school, and they did it through a generous donation.

“We got a big donation from one of the local businesses, so we decided to spread it between the state school, high school, Tracey’s Pantry and the retirement villages,” said Beaudesert CWA President Bev Fehlberg.

“We decided to do the backpacks because there are so many parents who are struggling to get their families back to school - it costs a fortune. If we can help them out, it might ease a bit of the burden and make a kid feel good that they have a backpack like the other kids.”

Mrs Cocks thanked the local CWA for the donation.

“It’s a huge blessing because some kids some

years will turn up and not have the right schoolbooks, so for them to be able to come to school and have a backpack and

have schoolbooks just like the other kids is really special,” she said.

“I love the way the CWA often are a huge

help to kids at school through chaplaincy and just supporting us to help look after the kids and support them.”

Beaudesert State School Chaplain Jade Cocks receives donations from Beaudesert CWA President Bev Fehlberg.

Kieren grabs opportunity

By Susie Cunningham at McAuley.

McAuley College

student Kieren Cahill learned alongside some of the brightest young minds in Australia at the National Computer Science School (NCSS) summer program in Sydney.

She was one of only four Queensland students accepted into the prestigious national program, which had a total of 64 participants.

It was run by the Australian Computing Academy and Grok Academy from 4 - 13 January at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Kieren, 16, was encouraged to apply for the program after her strong participation in the Grok Academy NCSS Challenge when it was offered

Under a full NCSS scholarship covering the summer program and expenses including flights, Kieren stayed in the new college at UNSW for 10 days.

“Every day you’d get up, have breakfast, get marked off, listen to a lecture for an hour, then there’d be a case study based on what was said in the lecture and then a lab doing a coding or cyber security-related task, then a couple more lectures and labs,” she said.

“We did mock interviews with the big tech companies, and they gave us tips, so it was a good networking opportunity, and we had a big dinner with all the industry contacts.”

Kieren thanked McAuley College, particularly

Year 9 and 10 Curriculum Leader, Cathy Hunt for their support in getting her to the summer program.

Principal Deidre Young said it was significant for Kieren, who was in year 10 when she applied, to be accepted into the high-level coding program.

“This is an outstanding achievement for Kieren, recognising her exceptional abilities in Digital Technologies and in particular, coding,” she said.

“This program usually only accepts Year 11 and 12 students; however, the teacher who has been pivotal in making this happen, Cathy Hunt, has been very confident in Kieren’s ability.

“Kieren’s application demonstrated such a high level of achievement that

she was also offered a full scholarship to cover the entire cost of the camp and travel from Grok.

“Thank you also to Matthew Jorgensen for

his wonderful support as part of our Gateway to Industry Schools Partnership and our ongoing association with the Australian Computing Society.”

Kieren Cahill

Here’s Jubilee Park looking a bit like a scene from a fairy tale where the sky beams down kindly and the flowers bloom a bit brighter just for each of us. It’s 6.22am on a standard Thursday in downtown Beaudesert. The town bustles with activity at the cafes and newsagency, butchers and bakers. Trucks and cars rumble past, some people are on their way to work, others are out for their early morning exercise. In reality it’s a bright scene on a normal day, which is pretty lovely when you think about it.

Chamber seeks fresh ideas

By Susie Cunningham

All executive positions are open for nominations ahead of the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce 2023 AGM.

The Chamber will meet for its AGM at 6.30pm 15 February at The Club on William Street.

President David Kassulke, who will not seek re-election after five years in the position, said it was a valuable opportunity for people to get involved.

“People are welcome to attend and see whether the Chamber is something they would participate in. People new to the area, or with a message for the community are welcome to present to our Chamber meetings,” he said.

“Beaudesert is going through rapid expansion and whilst this does provide opportunities it comes with the challenge of how best to manage development and the character of the town for residents and business operators.”

He thanked everyone for their support during his leadership.

“In my time as President, I was greatly assisted and benefited by excellent executive members – Mike Townsend, Noela Lee, Tom Plunkett, Toni Earsmann, Samantha Newsham, Stephen Craven, Hannah Larsen, Lesley Turton and Vanessa Skinner, a talented

team to help with tasks,” he said.

“In recent times the options available to assist youth and community development led to formation of Youth & Community Centre Beaudesert to be incorporated. This is a first step in the process to provide activities for youth that the planned large population increase makes all the more urgent and compelling.

“Launch of the Emergency Services Cadet Group in 2022 has demonstrated what is possible and more progress in this space will benefit all our community.”

He encouraged people to engage with their local Chamber.

“It provides a regular opportunity to meet local business operators and owners, Scenic Rim Regional Council and State regulatory bodies informally and hear about the local issues and what programs exist to help further your business development ideas,” he said.

“You may be surprised what you learn from two hours invested each month having a meal with your fellow businesspeople.”

Nominations for President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are being taken ahead of time or on the night.

To express interest in nominating, email Kassulke@ajbush.com.au

Church’s future hangs in the balance

By Keer Moriarty

The future of St David’s Anglican Church is in the hands of the Rathdowney community, with Fr Ken Spreadborough urging people to attend monthly services to keep the Church open.

The Church was closed for two years during the covid pandemic, with rumours that the closure was permanent and the building and grounds might be sold.

The first service in two years was held on Sunday 8 January, with people coming from Mt Barney and Beaudesert to discuss the future of the Church.

Fr Ken said he understood the importance of the church in the small community.

“We have three options open to us,” he said.

“If there is enough support, services can be held on the first Sunday of each month. I would need at least six local people attending these services,” said Fr Ken.

Alternatively the Church could remain open with services held at Easter and Christmas.

The final option was one Fr Ken said he didn’t want to think aboutselling the Church and grounds.

Prior to the covid clo-

sure there were 10 - 12 people attending regular monthly services, with 27 people attending the first service back.

First built in 1929, it took six years of fundraising by local people and through funds raised by the community, with the land donated by local man W G Downes (known as ‘Farmer’ Downes).

June Richards has been attending St David’s Anglican Church since the 1940s.

“My sister and I used to come with our friends, the McIntyres, when we were children.”

She said the closure of the church for the past two years during covid was understandable but the idea of it being sold was upsetting.

“I hate to think that it would be sold. I would not want that.”

Fr Ken agreed to hold a service in February, however the future of the church will depend on the congregation numbers over the coming months.

St David’s Anglican Church is located at 12 Hardgrave Street, Rathdowney and the next service is on Sunday 5 February at 10.30am, followed by morning tea.

Grahame Drynan, Lindsay Hardgrave, Pam Hardgrave, June Richards, Maxine Platell and Fr Ken Spreadborough in front of St David’s Church.

FROM THE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Have Your Say!

The Best Thing

Our Xmas Eve market was really nice, even though the forecast of showers frightened off some of our stallholders.

Scarecrow Festival

lice, ambulances and fire trucks festooned in tinsel, lights flashing, sirens blaring, people dressedup and madly waving, passed us.

Mountain Bike Track

Saving our history

Once again we are in the situation of the ‘powers that be’ looking at a historical site and potentially removing and repurposing it.

Keer Moriarty From My Window

with Keer Moriarty, Editor

Still Printing...

Although we only have 200 or so years of European history in Australia, it is my view that the older structures are worth preserving.

In this case, Rathdowney Anglican Church, which you will read about in this edition, is under threat after the church was closed for the past two years.

It is difficult to explain the feeling I had with the news that 100 regional News Corp papers stopped printing in a restructure that sees these papers with online presence only.

After the market, we always take down the signs, and at 4pm we were heading out to take down the sign opposite IGA, when ahead was a mass of flashing lights and sirens – our first thought, a massive accident.

It is sad for communities who will lose their local newspaper. Years ago, the local paper was the backbone of a community. The people who owned the paper and the people who worked there were involved in their communities, they had their finger on the pulse and they knew the people in the towns.

Like Beaudesert Pig and Calf saleyards and the original Veresdale State School building, there are many families in the area who have a close association with these structures. Many of these people may no longer be in the area, but the preservation of the towns’ histories are important.

No doubt this is still true for local journalists - but how many of those jobs will be shed in the move to digital?

It is through our history and our architecture that we learn about who we are and where we have come from. It is what draws people back to the small towns of the Scenic Rim - the points of difference.

Maybe not everything is worth saving - some structures may have outlived their usefulness in our modern society - but I think it is still worth a try to preserve what we have while we can.

It is a presumptuous and disposable society that dictates we should knock down anything that is seen as outdated, rather than repurpose it.

It was just absolute magic, the best thing I’ve seen in Beaudesert for a very long time.

Dear Editor, The news flash on the TV this morning woke thoughts of “Duck Creek Road” and my previous letter regarding a bike and mountain bike track.

Dear Editor, Is the Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival still on? The answer is yes but in what format is still undecided. The Scarecrow trail is definitely on and the dates are 11th to 20th September. Advertisements in papers, web site and face book will be appearing in early June providing all the detail. We hope to have a special guest on the Mountain who may open the festival and then provide an activity for families on Saturday 12th September. The Lantern Parade and other activities are subject to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. We have set a date of 1st August for a decision.

The NSW Government has granted Tenterfield (Northern NSW) $4 million dollars to build the world’s longest mountain bike track.

The talk of Scarecrow Town is who will be the winner this year? We can put smiles back on faces by putting scarecrows out on the trail and entering the competitions. We are sure that Scarecrow Senior Poetry will be on and children can take part in their Colouring In and Poetry competitions.

So what a surprise when the lights changed, a long procession of emergency vehicles – po-

What will the record keeping of townships look like? How can truth be disseminated without this grassroots vehicle of news? Because it is easy to see that a report about the refurbishment of the soccer club’s canteen or ‘what we did in the pandemic’ is real and true, but who will remember this when they are relegated to the archives of the internet? Where are the pictures to cut out and keep on the fridge? Or does none of that matter?

All the worry and tiredness left us, as suddenly it was Christmas. Thank you so much to all those people who have been on the frontline throughout COVID and then have the goodwill to do this. A very big thank you.

We already have Wyaralong Dam, home of Queensland Rowing and recreation!

Entry is free and Entry Forms will be at various locations around the Mountain and on our web site for those off the Mountain who are coming to engage.

Come on, Queensland, come on.

Regards,

Jenny and Mick Young

Letters to the Editor

Regards,

Barry Kenny

So, the message is: put huge coloured circles around the 11-20 September on your calendars, get your planning hats on for making a Scarecrow display or visiting the Mountain. If visiting, consider an overnight stay, enjoy our fabulous sunset and visit some of our attractions.

Beaudesert Bulletin welcomes letters on topics of interest to our readers. Letters should be less than 250 words

The Committee is keen to have a festival in whatever format is possible because it brings the community together and that is what we will need by September So, please plan on producing a scarecrow or visiting and staying on the Mountain and, if we can get the lantern parade and other activities up and running, we will do so.

Regards, Nigel Waistell Scarecrow Coordinator, Tamborine Mountain Chamber of Commerce

Please include the writer’s name (for publication), address and telephone numbers.

We reserve the right to edit all letters for space, style or grammar. Email letters to: news@beaudesertbulletin.com or post to Beaudesert Bulletin, Shop 2, 61-85 Brisbane St, Beaudesert QLD 4285.

The Canungra Times belongs to me, but really it belongs to the community and I’ll keep doing what I can to make sure that continues.

Let’s do our best to keep the Scenic Rim, particularly Beaudesert and surrounding areas, unique.

Preserve our history.

Letters to the Editor

The views and comments expressed in Letters to the Editor are those of the writer and not necessarily those of this newspaper.

The

•

In the words of George Bernard Shaw: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole commu nity and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”

•

•

Sharyn and Merv Cattell

Hilary and Mandy Rains

Julie Ferguson and Ellen Logan

Kerrie Wise

Jan Coombes, Kieren Rice and Courtney Preo

AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

By Keer Moriarty

Lizz Hill will walk over 5,800 kilometres across Australia to educate and raise awareness of climate issues in the Trek2Reconnect and raise funds for Wild Mountains Environmental Education Centre.

But walking across Australia is not the most amazing thing about Lizz.

In 2004, like many young Australians, Lizz had her first solo overseas trip to Thailand.

She had a terrible accident and was badly injured after falling from a train.

“I was lost in Thailand for six weeks, nobody knew where I was,” she said.

“When they did finally get hold of my family from my passport, I had 30 broken bones and a closed skull fracture that left me with a permanently debilitating head injury.”

When she got back to Australia she was told she would never go back to university, never have children and would never be able to work.

“It was really hard to hear that as a 21 year old.”

About eight months after the accident her father saw Lizz struggling mentally and suggested they go back to Thailand together.

“I was a scuba dive master prior to my accident and had only wanted to go diving in Thailand.”

They went to the Similan Islands, planning to spend Christ-

mas diving in the ocean.

On 26 December 2004, a tsunami struck off the coast of Sumatra island, Indonesia with subsequent waves rolling over coastlines in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Nearly 230,000 people were killed, making it one of the deadliest disasters in modern history.

Lizz says being on the ocean was the safest place to be at the time.

“We came back to a ruined space and the grief and the death that I experienced during that process ... I came back with a bizarre response. I thought ‘I am supposed to be here and if I am supposed to be here I’d better do something pretty important.’”

This led Lizz to write a book called Stars Linger and gave her a passion for the environment. She now works as Program Director with Wild Mountains Environmental Education Centre.

She first became involved with Wild Mountains as a participant on a weekend training program in 2005. She moved there with her husband Justin in 2010.

From there she worked consistently with the organisation in landcare, sustainable building and education.

Lizz begins her trek from Rathdowney State School on 28 January in a ‘colour walk off’ accompanied by students of the school and members of the community.

Her support crew includes her husband Justin and 10 year old

son, Rowan. Trek2Reconnect passes through rainforest, desert, urban and coastal landscapes and ends at the bottom of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia in July.

Lizz will visit over 30 schools to deliver immersive educational programs about the vital role of earth’s life support systems.

She will also invite students and community artists to be part of the National Art Collaboration for “Visioning a Positive Future” and record interviews with indigenous elders, teachers, farmers, and young people from across the country to be exhibited in November 2023.

Lizz says walking across the country she hopes to capture images that show the cultural and climatic changes.

“I’ve driven and flown across

Australia and I know there are going to be long boring stretches of roads, but to really connect with the landscape I think walking is the best way to do this,” she said.

During Trek2Reconnect funding will also be raised for the Wild Mountains Scholarship Fund for students and teachers across Australia to attend “Shapers of Tomorrow” at Wild Mountains. Lizz’ fundraising goal is $100,000.

“When people say ‘do you think you’re going to make it to the other side of Australia’ I say ‘yep, I’m just going to put one foot in front of the other.”

“I’ve got a lot of determination, because I’ve seen how short life is.”

To donate, visit chuffed.org/ project/trek2reconnect.

Lizz Hill with her son Rowan, ready to walk across Australia.

Advisor on the job

By Susie Cunningham

The State Government has appointed Gary Stevenson as advisor to help the Scenic Rim Regional Council address conflicts of interest, inappropriate conduct matters and meeting procedures.

Council published the following statement on its website about the appointment.

“Council have today (23 December) been advised by the Queensland Government that Mr Gary Stevenson has been appointed as the Governance Advisor for Scenic Rim Regional Council and will commence his appointment on 9 January 2023,” it read.

“Council has regularly sought guidance from the Department to improve proceedings in the Chamber. Council welcomes

the appointment of Mr Stevenson and looks forward to the implementation of reforms that will ensure best practice in local government are achieved.

“Mr Stevenson is a highly experienced executive with a proven track record in leading and developing the full spectrum of large and complex local government organisations with diverse ranges of significant business activities.

“His local government experience spans over 40 years and three states.

“In his last 26 years Mr Stevenson held the role of Chief Executive Officer of a diverse range of local governments including Isaac Regional Council (Qld), City of Perth (WA), Redland City Council, Rockhampton City Council, (both

Qld), and Corangamite Shire Council (Vic).

“He has achieved many successful outcomes particularly in relation to Leadership, Governance, Organisational Reform, Strategic Planning, Disaster and Risk Management, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Urban Planning Development and Activation, Infrastructure and Asset Management, Commercial Undertakings, and Financial Management.

“He has been acknowledged as a leader through major local government reforms at regional, state and national levels and was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2008 for his leadership.

“Council welcomes the appointment of the Governance Advisor and looks forward to working with Mr Stevenson to

ensure that local government best practices are achieved for Scenic Rim Regional Council.”

Mr Stevenson was appointed under section 117 of the Local Government Act, which applies if the Department believes a

local government is not performing its responsibilities properly, is not complying with laws applying to local government or it is otherwise in the public interest for an advisor to be appointed.

Gary Stevenson. Image supplied.

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“The BestLife BootCamp is my 120 day high touch mastermind where I teach all the pieces of creating your best life,” says Jennifer.

“It is a container of personal

growth, spirituality, creativity, and establishing your personal power on this bold and beautiful journey to live in fulfillment every day!”

The course has been designed with the every day woman in mind.

Health & Wellbeing

Together participants will experience:

• Belief shifts

• Emotional change

• Speaking truth

• Transformed thinking

Jennifer says life isn’t about surviving, it is about being able to thrive.

“I know how amazing life really can be, I want to help people to discover and achieve their dreams.”

“My mission is to give participants the tools and inspiration

Life coach Jennifer Ironside. they need to create their best life vision.”

“I am so thrilled to share this incredible transformational journey with you!”

Book in for your FREE Dis-

covery Chat. Enrolment closes soon for a February start.

For bookings and more information contact Jennifer Ironside on 0447 444 482 or like her Facebook page.

Health Wellbeing &

Freedom Health and Fitness Centre is Beaudesert’s largest indoor fitness centre, with options to align with everyone’s goals and interests.

Freedom offers great options for weight and gym training and there is also the new BLISS Yoga and Pilates studio with various styles of Yoga and Pilates Reformer classes now available.

against the spring resistance and controlling the movement back, or holding it in place.

a massage therapist also operates within Freedom Health and Fitness Centre.

Health & Wellbeing

The Reformer, developed by Joseph Pilates, is an extraordinarily flexible piece of exercise equipment.

It can be used in a range of ways to benefit strength, flexibility and balance; the majority involving pushing or pulling the platform

Pilates Reformer training also improves balance, focus, coordination and body alignment.

Freedom’s gym floor has a huge range of equipment including cardio equipment, stair climber, machine weights and free weights.

Members can meet with a personal trainer every three months - this is included in memberships to keep your program on track and help achieve your goals.

Use of the gym’s saunas and childminding while you work out is also included.

If you need time to relax and stretch those muscles,

Owner/Manager and Personal Trainer, Janie Coutts says she aims to provide a sense of community to Freedom’s members.

“Everyone is welcome here and we do our best to deliver a supportive environment to reach all your health and fitness goals,” she said.

“At Freedom we don’t limit you to one style of training and we don’t believe one style suits all!

“That’s why we offer our members the biggest variety under one roof – however you like to train, we have you covered!”

Freedom Health and Fitness Owner/Manager and Personal Trainer, Janie Coutts. Image supplied.

Health Wellbeing & Bonds formed through 30 years of teaching

Geordie Lavers-McBain started training in martial arts when he was only eight years old.

He began coaching in Beaudesert in 1993.

Thirty years later Black Dragon Kai is the town’s premier martial arts training facility, with many long term students and five world champions, including Geordie’s wife, Jessica.

Geordie, who holds 27 Black Belts in different styles of martial arts and is 8th Dan in Modern Martial Arts, says his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing people he trained as children growing up.

“Running into them, whether they continued training or not, that community bond, is the most important thing I’ve felt,” he said.

One of these students, Daniel White, began learning martial arts with Geordie at age six, and is

now a Senior Instructor at Black Dragon Kai Beaudesert.

Geordie, Daniel and the team of instructors teach a variety of disciplines to all ages, with the oldest student aged 78.

Health Wellbeing

“We start teaching from kids who go to kindy through to teenagers and adults,” said Geordie.

Geordie has been to 22 countries around the world with students to compete in international events.

“We’ve been able to have some pretty good achievements for the people who have been dedicated enough - it is a lot of sacrifice and a lot of hard work.”

While many students take up a particular discipline, self defence classes are the most popular.

Practical self defence is the focus of these classes, with students taught techniques to deal with a variety of situations, in-

“Some people train to look good, we train to make sure we can defend ourselves,” says Geordie.

The self defence classes take the best parts of martial arts and are taught as a single cohesive system.

Once a few techniques have been mastered,

“Once you’ve given someone a little bit of empowerment over situations they’ve felt powerless in, you notice changes occurring and that grows and grows.”

To celebrate the 30

year anniversary of Black Dragon Kai martial arts in Beaudesert, a dinner will be held in September for all previous students at Happy Valley Chinese Restaurant.

Black Dragon Kai is holding an open day on Saturday 28 January from 10am to 12 noon at 49 Hart Street, Beaudesert.

Geordie Lavers-McBain with Daniel White.

cluding weapon attacks.

Geordie often notices a big difference in a student’s level of overall confidence.

For 30 years, Regis has helped senior Australians find their smile in every day.

Our permanent and respite care is shaped around you, helping you to realise your wellbeing goals and lead a meaningful life.

With Regis, you’ll be supported with respect and dignity within our community.

Find out more about Regis Greenbank by calling 1300 998 100 or visit regis.com.au

Regis Greenbank 271 Middle Road, Greenbank QLD 4124

Happy New Year

As another year rolls around, it is a great time to reflect on the past year and look to the year ahead. While the last year continued to provide challenges particularly as restrictions eased, it has reinforced the importance of enjoying good health. I hope the year ahead is a safe and healthy one for everyone.

Australia Day Recipients

By the time you read this column, this year’s Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards will have been announced. I would like to recognise all residents

and community groups who were nominated for an Australia Day Award for their selfless contribution to our community. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

It is also a good time to recognise all our amazing volunteers who give of their time and talents for the benefit of the wider community. Our town and our region would not be the same without the efforts of these amazing people.

Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation

As Stage 1 of the BTCR project is almost

complete, it’s exciting to see the plans becoming a reality. While much of the work for this first stage was underground with critical drainage connections, the new car parking areas will yield a 25% net increase, including parking bays for larger vehicles and caravans, and will provide easy parking and quick access to local shops and businesses.

Creating a pedestrian friendly area is our main

focus and the newly installed roundabout and pedestrian crossings at the Selwyn and Brisbane Street intersection will provide safe crossings for pedestrians as well as improved traffic flows.

The Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation project will transform a previously under-utilised area in our town centre into a vibrant, attractive and inviting community space for our residents to enjoy, and an attraction for visitors to explore.

CONTACT ME

Arts Exhibition

Our first Arts Exhibition for the 2023 Cultural Program ‘Reimagine: Explore the possibilities’ is titled ‘Paper’ and features contemporary handmade paper artworks by two artists, Heather Matthew and Zela Bissett.

The Exhibition will be officially opened at The Centre, on Saturday 4th February 2023 at 10.30am for 11.00am start.

For more information www.liveatthecentre. com.au

If you would like to discuss something, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phoning 5540 5404 or 0409 316571 or email michael.e@scenicrim.qld.gov.au

What’s On Guide What’s On Guide

Fundraising Twilight BBQ - 28 January

A twilight BBQ will be held at 5pm Saturday 28 January at Teaspoons & Aprons cafe, Brisbane Street, to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Research.

The BBQ is held with assistance from Cancer Council Queensland, Beaudesert and the Heritage Car Owners.

Sausage Sizzle, Gourmet Burgers, heritage cars and raffles. Enquiries to Ellen Logan 0408 431 223.

High Tea - 19 February

High Tea for a Cause is at Beaudesert Tennis Club on Sunday 19 February at 11am. Cost: $25 per person. For enquiries and bookings contact

SEND YOUR EVENT DETAILS TO news@beaudesertbulletin.com

Rhonda on 0403 505 662.

International Women’s Day Events

Tuesday 7 March - Canungra Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day Breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard. Cost: $35 members, $40 non-members. For tickets contact Keer Moriarty 0407 671 286.

Zonta International Women’s Day Lunch - Friday 10 March at The Club, Beaudesert. For details check Zonta Club of Beaudesert Area Inc Facebook page.

Orchid Show11 and 12 March

Beaudesert Districts Orchid and Foliage Society is holding

its Autumn Show for Orchids and Foliage Plants at Canungra School of Arts Hall over the weekend of 11 and 12 March 2023.

The Show will run from 8am until 3pm on Saturday and 9am until 2pm on Sunday. There will be a great display of orchids and foliage plants as well as plant sales and accessories.

Guest speaker, Laurie Baxter always gains the attention of those who are novices in the growing of orchids with his enlightening talks. Entry is $4 per adult which includes entry on both days.

Campdraft11 and 12 March

Rathdowney Memorial Campdraft will be held at Rath-

downey Memorial Grounds on 11 and 12 March.

For further details contact Tony Ward on 0407 827 312.

Beaudesert Crop Swap - 26 March

Come down and check out Beaudesert’s first Crop Swap for 2023 on Sunday 26 March from 8am to 9am.

No produce? No worries! Compost, timber, wire, pots, cardboard, egg cartons, baked goods, pickles are all welcome.

No money is exchanged, and the process runs off an integrity and honesty system.

Venue to be advised. For more information contact Jodie Clark on 0419 225 488.

Listings are FREE for not for profit groups and advertisers Preference will be given to events within the Beaudesert district, all listings are dependent on space available.

People AND

Pets

by SUSIE CUNNINGHAM

Rev Dr Je Cheol Cook Scenic Rim Uniting Church

Begin your journey with God

Many of you will be setting up goals and plans for your family or/and company.

We will be wondering how to set up our goals.

However as children of God, we know we have help. I would like to show you how to set up your goals wisely.

In regard to this, I think that Psalm 1 is a good starting point. Because it is known to be an introduction to all the Psalms. It also helps believers of God how to begin their journey with God.

Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”

The messages start with the word, “blessed.” We often say to each other, “God bless you.”

For believers it is a very common greeting. How many of us know what the word blessing means?

It comes from the Hebrew word ‘esher (אֶשֶׁר),’ which means ‘happiness or blessedness’. The word ‘esher’ originally comes from the Hebrew Ashar (אָשַׁר), which means ‘go straight (toward God).’

The basic meaning of blessings is to go straight toward God. Sometimes we forget to go straight toward God. It is easy to go astray in this world.

However we are told that we need to go straight toward God no matter where we go and what we do.

There is a Korean proverb. It says, “chut danchu-lyl jal keya handa.”

This means, “the first button should be well connected. Otherwise, other buttons will go astray.”

The similar English proverb is “start off on the right foot.”

The first step is very important to all of us.

You may think you are starting your journey in your company, school, or family. But the first thing to do is to start with our God at all times. Then you will be blessed by God and take the direct path.

May God bless you and your family members at all times.

Millie the 6-year-old Clydesdale and Geoff Youll hit it off the moment they met.

She joined Geoff’s family in November 2022 after he and wife Jenny bought her from people just down the road at Josephville.

Including Millie, they now have three horses as well as Hubey the kelpie and some sheep.

Here’s what Geoff has to say about Millie: “She’s got that nice quiet temperament - most Clydesdales are quiet. We had an old Clydesdale, Jasper, who died a few years ago,” he said.

“She shares the paddock with sheep and new little lambs, and they even lay down under the tree where she’s standing.

“She’s there to greet you like a dog when you come home, or when you’re going to work, she’s there to say goodbye too.”

People and their Pets is about celebrating the animal friends in our lives, whether they’re furry, feathered, reptilian, hoofed or pawed. If you’d like us

about a great People and

Geoff and Millie

By Ailsa Rolley

The final driver of the tram, Joseph (Joe) Messinbird ground the tram wheels to a halt at the railway station in Beaudesert in 1944.

The magic days of tram travel were over.

Joe came to Beaudesert around 1903 and was employed on the tramway originally as a porter and later a guard.

Being promoted to fireman necessitated moving his family south of Beaudesert to Tabooba Tramway station.

Wife Annie became the station-mistress which was an exacting job with any deficit in her calculations having to be made good from her own pocket.

The narrow-gauge tramway transported such produce as cream to the factory, and pigs and calves to the sales.

Country folk and their children benefited from the tramway too, being able to attend special occasions, like country dances, concerts, football and cricket matches.

As the Government had not been willing to fund this tram extension south from Beaudesert, the Tabragalba Divisional Board, forerunner of the Beaudesert Shire Council, determined to do the job themselves by borrowing £50,000 to be repaid to Government over forty years.

In 1939 a mile long parade of Light-horsemen marched through the Beaudesert streets with plumes fluttering from the sides of their Australian slouch hats.

Little country boys arriving by tram to watch the pa-

Then there was the day the circus came to town and a baby elephant lumbered through the streets.

Eventually Joe became a driver and continued in this position until the tramway closed in 1944.

Road transport had become more cost efficient.

A lover of music, Joe was instrumental in forming and conducting the first Beaudesert Brass Band which played at all the important functions.

Created

not needed for

can be erased as each is in a separate text box.

Joe died in 1966 and as a mark of respect to a man who had done so much for the Shire, a minute’s silence was observed at the Council meeting later that month.

After his death his son presented Joe’s cornet and case to the Beaudesert Museum.

Joseph (Joe) Messinbird

GROW YOUR OWN

with Bill O’Sullivan TULLAMORE FARM

Potatoes are a welcome addition to any vegetable garden and they will do well in most parts of the Scenic Rim.

We have been growing them in the Kerry Valley now for about six years.

We start planting them in early March, planting about every three weeks for several months. They are a great vegetable for the home grower because they are quite quick with the harvest coming after about 90 to 100 days.

We always start everything we grow with quality plants and seeds and potatoes are no different. We generally buy good quality seed potatoes that give us the best chance for a good harvest.

We plant them about 20 centimetres apart and with about seven centimetres of soil coverage. We like the soil to be nice and loose with lots of compost as they are hungry feeders. Be careful not to overwater early on as they can rot in the ground. When the shoots emerge and the plant gets to about 20 centimetres tall we will then begin to mound them.

Mounding is simply

adding more soil (we use compost) and burying most of the small plant.

You need to ensure some of the green leaves are left exposed as the plant needs green leaves for photosynthesis. We typically add a total of about 20 centimetres of compost in two or three goes. Adding these layers of compost (good soil) is necessary because the potato crop forms between where the original potato was planted and the surface.

Potatoes need lots of watering to ensure a good crop. There are a number of ways you can tell when ready to harvest - when they start to flower or when they start to die back are two of the best guides. If you harvest too early it just means you will have smaller potatoes.

Because of the hard work when digging them up and the likelihood of damaging them, we plant a lot of ours in 20 litre food grade containers.

When they are ready to harvest we empty the containers into our compost bins and collect the potatoes. Quick and easy.

INGREDIENTS:

2 chicken breast fillets, halved crossways 1 large leek, trimmed and finely sliced

3 cloves garlic, crushed 100g Danish style feta, crumbled 800g washed white potatoes, cut into 2cm pieces

5 tbsp olive oil 125g cherry tomatoes, halved ¾ bunch kale, trimmed and finely shredded

2 carrots, grated 60g sultanas, coarsely chopped 20g butter

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

METHOD

Leek and Feta Baked Chicken

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Place potatoes onto baking trays and bake for 40 minutes or until crisp and golden. Add halved cherry tomatoes for the last 15 minutes of cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter in a large frying pan. Add the leek and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until very soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Set aside in a warm bowl and stir through the feta.

Reheat the fry pan. Add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until just golden. Place on the other baking tray, spread top side with mustard and top with the leek mixture. Cook in oven for 10-12 minutes or until the leek topping is golden.

While chicken is baking, make the salad. Combine 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of vinegar, sugar and extra mustard in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together and season with salt and pepper. Toss through the kale, carrot and sultanas. Set aside.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: tullamorefarm.com.au

Potatoes will grow in most parts of the Scenic Rim.

If Roses grow in Heaven Lord, Please pick a bunch for us.

them in Brendan’s arms And tell him they’re from us. Tell him that we love and miss him, And when he turns to smile Place a kiss upon his cheek And hold him for a while. Because remembering him is easy, We do it everyday, But there’s an ache within our hearts That will never go away. We will always love you.

Photos by Susie Cunningham

Luka Kello

Aria and Esther Pilon

Cayden Kello

Eli Bowszys and Rowan Hills

Xander Kello

Brooke Moore

Beauy loves its tennis

By Susie Cunningham

Amid the excitement of the Australian Open, Beaudesert’s tennis courts were buzzing with activity at the local association’s 2023 open and sign on day.

Adults and kids alike practiced their skills on the courts while committee volunteers helped people renew memberships or sign up as the Australian Open played on tv in the clubhouse.

Beaudesert and District Tennis Association, which turns 100 in 2027, offers night tennis throughout the week year-round. They have four grass courts and two new hard courts.

For juniors, there is coaching, group and private lessons and Wednesday afternoon fixtures. For adults, there is social doubles, a Wednesday

night singles and doubles competition and cardio tennis for fitness.

Secretary Lauren Griffin said it was good to see strong interest in tennis locally.

“We’ve had some new juniors who’ve never played tennis and some new adults who’ve signed up for our social tennis,” she said.

“I think the Australian Open inspires people, that’s why it’s great to have an open day in January to coincide with watching the tennis on tv. It’s about trying to attract new people to tennis - we advertised in the Beaudesert Bulletin twice leading up to our open day and we’re always trying to get the word out.”

For more information email beaudeserttennisassoc@outlook.com or register online at www. beaudeserttennis.com.au

Jakob Lee, son Kayden and father-in-law Neil Anderson

Lauren Griffin and Sharyn Dent

Hannah Holmes and Maysa Croton

Hayden Griffin

Riley Dent

A cause close to home

By Susie Cunningham

Andrew Taylor became passionate about fighting cancer after watching his dad pass away from a cancer related illness in 2019.

The late Kent Taylor was well known and loved in the Beaudesert community for his involvement with local tennis, cricket and bowls and worked at the old AMH meatworks for 27 years before managing one of the Lahey and Walker service stations for about a decade.

Every year since his father passed away Taylor, 42, has taken on The Longest Day ultimate golfing challenge to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

In the latest annual challenge on 20 December, he walked and played 72 holes at Beaudesert Golf Club with fellow club member and colleague Nathan Lowe. Taylor’s sister Lauren Griffin also walked the full distance alongside them for moral support.

Carrying all their gear, the trio walked four full rounds of Beaudesert

Golf Course in about 14 hours, clocking up about 26 kilometres - nearly 50,000 steps.

They walked from dawn ‘til dusk, from 4.40am until 6.30pm, stopping only to hit the ball, change their socks and have a bite to eat.

They raised a combined $4,592 for the Cancer Council through the generous donations of locals, contributing to a national total of $2.4 million raised through The Longest Day.

Taylor, who has been a Beaudesert Golf Club member for 27 years, said it was a big day on the green.

“You’re swinging a golf club as well, and we’ve got a couple of testing hills up the back, especially after the second time, third time, fourth time,” he said.

“I didn’t actually play my best, but I did nearly have a hole in one.”

He thanked everyone who donated for their generous contributions.

“I just sent out a couple of sentences of what it means to me to the people I know - colleagues, friends and family -

mostly from Beaudesert,” he said.

going to touch

“It’s really rewarding once you’ve finished

- you know you’ve sacrificed something and raised some money to fight cancer, since it’s

most of us at some stage of our lives whether it’s ourselves or people we know.”

Nathan Lowe and Andrew Taylor. Image supplied.

By Susie Cunningham

When local golfers Andrew Taylor and Nathan Lowe walked and played 72 holes in one day, flanked by Taylor’s sister Lauren Griffin, they had Beaudesert’s support behind them.

Through national event The Longest Day, dubbed the ‘ultimate golfing challenge’, they raised a combined $4,592 for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services, largely through donations from generous locals.

A cause close to home: story page 31

Lauren Griffin, Andrew Taylor and Nathan Lowe. Image supplied.